| Q: What are the responsibilities of the Planning Division verses the Building and Safety Division? |
| Q: What is a parcel number (APN)? |
| Q: What is the zoning of my property? |
| Q: How can I rezone my property? |
| Q: What zoning-related information do I need to include on my building permit application? |
| Q: What are setbacks? |
| Q: What are my building setbacks? |
| Q: Where are my property lines? |
| Q: What if my neighbor and I don't agree on the location of property lines? |
| Q: Is my lot buildable? |
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| Q: What are the responsibilities of the Planning Division verses the Building and Safety Division? |
| A: The Planning Division is responsible for regulating the type, scale and the design of land use that may be established at a given location. The municipal code, together with the official zoning map, establishes zones to regulate land use for compatibility with surrounding uses. Development standards are included for density, height, yards and open space, parking requirements, landscaping, and irrigation, etc. The Building and Safety Division is responsible for structural and life safety concerns in the construction, demolition or alteration of buildings including, but not limited to, matters such as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, energy conservation, and access for the disabled. |
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| Q: What is a parcel number (APN)? |
| A: Your Assessor Parcel Number (APN) is a 12-digit number that is found on your tax bill or tax receipt. Each parcel of land has its own unique number that identifies the property's location within the county. If you have a physical address, the city can obtain your parcel number. |
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| Q: What is the zoning of my property? |
| A: You may obtain zoning information for specific parcels by calling the Planning Division. The staff member will need a parcel number or site address to give you the information over the phone. You may also submit a zoning information request on-line. |
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| Q: How can I rezone my property? |
| A: Contact the Planning Division and provide your parcel number or address. City staff member will verify your current zoning and your General Plan designation. Both of these designations play a role in possible development and rezoning of your property. The Planning Division will inform you of your rezoning options. |
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| Q: What zoning-related information do I need to include on my building permit application? |
| A: A building permit application should include a plot plan drawn to scale. Information on the plot plan should include the shape and dimensions of the lot, location of any oak trees on the property or adjoining properties, any existing structures and its use, size and location of the proposed structure and its use, the required setbacks, and location of any existing roads, any dedicated rights-of-way, or easements, and the drainage flows of the property. |
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| Q: What are setbacks? |
| A: A building setback is the required distance that a building must be located from the property lines or other structures on the parcel. |
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| Q: What are my building setbacks? |
| A: Building setbacks vary by the property's zoning designation or by the plat map. You should call the Planning Division to verify your zoning and your required setback anytime construction is proposed. |
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| Q: Where are my property lines? |
| A: City records may reflect the dimensions of your lot, but not the precise location of the lot lines. It may be necessary to hire a surveyor to survey your lot to determine the exact location of your property lines. There are several registered land surveyors listed in the phone directory yellow pages under "surveyors-land". |
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| Q: What if my neighbor and I don't agree on the location of property lines? |
| A: Unfortunately, people often want to know where their property lines are because of a conflict with a neighbor. Perhaps they want to put up a fence, or some of the neighbor's belongings are encroaching on their lot. These types of issues are civil matters that is, they are disputes between two parties. If you feel you cannot approach your neighbor to openly discuss and resolve the issues, you may need to seek legal advice. If you can not afford an attorney, the city of Citrus Heights has a mediation center that provides dispute resolution services. Refer to our mediation brochure for more information. |
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| Q: Is my lot buildable? |
| A: In order to develop a parcel, the property must comply with many development and zoning regulations. These regulations include things, among other things, accessibility and property dimensions. Other issues that may limit development include flood plain, oak trees, and other environmental issues. The Planning Division can verify this for you when you provide a property parcel number. |
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