Pre-Application Meetings

Pre-Application Meetings are required for certain projects in Benicia prior to submittal of permit applications to Planning, Building, or Engineering. Department Staff may also request a Pre-Application meeting for other projects. These consultations are designed to help applicants better understand the City’s permitting process and receive initial feedback based on a review of preliminary and/or conceptual design proposals. 

Getting Started 

Applicants must apply for a pre-application meeting via the Benicia Permit Center, including the required information and fee. In some cases, the pre-application fee may be applied as a credit to subsequent Planning permit fees.  A pre-application meeting will not be scheduled until the required information and fee are received.

Any questions prior to filing for a pre-application meeting should be directed to the Planning Division.

What to Expect

Applicants are encouraged to engage their technical team (e.g., architects, engineers, project managers) in preparing for and attending the pre-application meeting.  For cannabis businesses, applicants must provide contact information and bring a security consultant to the meeting. 

Comments received at the pre-application meeting will be issued in writing via the Permit Center.  These comments are informational only, based upon the material provided, and are not binding. Pre-application meetings are not public meetings and/or hearings; the City takes no formal action at these meetings.

When Is a Pre-Application Meeting Required?

  • Any change of occupancy for commercial use as such term is defined by the California Building Code;

  • New non-residential buildings or major alterations;

  • New construction or conversion of multi-family residential, live-work or mixed-use development;

  • Any new cannabis business;

  • Any new business establishment with full alcoholic beverage service;

  • Any grading permit or master grading permit as determined by the Community Development Director;

  • Any request for right-of-way vacation or abandonment;

  • Any proposal that would include an application for a Use Permit, Subdivision, Parcel Map, Rezoning or General Plan Amendment; and/or

  • Design review of “major” projects in a historic district.

For Cannabis Businesses