Address Assignment

When construction of any new development (including Accessory Dwelling Units and garage conversions) is proposed, an addressing application submission is required to establish new addresses. New addresses are assigned in a manner consistent with the existing addresses and the City policy.

For large developments, applicants should submit an Address Assignment Request at the time of final map submittal. For smaller projects, applicants can submit the request during the building plan review process.

Once addresses are assigned, City staff will prepare an addressing notice and send it to the US Post Office, Solano County Assessor, utility companies, emergency services, and City departments.

Failure to apply for an Address Assignment may delay the issuance of a building permit.

Addresses can be assigned to stand-alone utility meters that service non-structural elements, such as lighting.

Existing address numbers will be changed only if one of the following reasons applies:

• There is an entry change on a corner lot where building permits are issued for a remodel.
• You have documentation that demonstrates difficulty in receiving mail or emergency services.
• To correct a past addressing error.

There are limitations to how addresses can be assigned. These include:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs will be assigned a unit number.
• Multi-tenant industrial/commercial buildings. Multi-tenant buildings will have one street address with suite numbers for tenant spaces, and one address is assigned per tenant space.
• Vacant lots. Addresses are not assigned to empty lots or vacant land until development plans are submitted.
• Work must be proposed. Addresses will only be assigned when new development or alteration work is proposed.
• No alpha letters, fractional numbers, or hyphenation allowed. The City does not allow alpha designations, hyphenations, and fractional numbers as part of the address.

Please note: For life safety reasons, the City does not accommodate individual numbering requests.

Address numbers must be visible and legible from the street and must follow the requirements set forth in the Benicia Municipal Code Title 8 Ch. 8.28.050.

Address requests shall be submitted via the Permit Center and must be authorized by the property owner or their agent. Required information is as follows:

• Parcel number.
• The reason for the request.
• Property owner’s (or their agent’s) completed Electronic/Digital Signature Disclosure with a copy of photo ID.
• If the request is from a tenant, a letter from the property owner or property management authorizing the tenant to act as their agent for the purposes of submitting an addressing request is also required, along with a copy of their photo ID.
• Applicant contact information (phone, email, and mailing address).
• A marked site plan of the property, including neighboring properties. A screenshot from a mapping application is acceptable.

A fee will be assessed per the Master Fee Schedule to process the addressing assignment. Payment is collected when the application is submitted. Multiple addresses submitted in the same request will be charged an hourly rate.

The addressing process for single address requests begins after payment has been received. The table below outlines the process and timelines*.

*Times are approximate. The entire process may take slightly longer or shorter depending on the complexity of the addressing.

If you have any questions, contact the Community Development Department.