Development Center

Initial Review Group
This group, consisting of a Planner, the City Engineer, a Plan Review Technician, and the Deputy Fire Marshal, meets with the project owner and his/her staff at their request, prior to the submission of any application, to discuss the process for that particular project. This optional meeting is designed to result in both the owner and the City having an understanding about the nature and scope of the project, the steps required in the process, an approximate time frame in which the project can be completed, and an approximation of the fees which will be charged. The project owner and his/her staff should meet with the Initial Review Group if a project is of significant size (shopping center or subdivision), if it appears to be complicated, or the owner is unsure of the process, regardless of the size of the project. In order to set up a meeting with the Initial Review Group, please call the Planning Division at 408-846-0451.

Land Use Applications
Land use applications are processes such as General Plan Amendments, Zoning Changes, inclusion in the Urban Service Area, Residential Development Ordinance applications, Tentative Map applications, Conditional Use Permits, and Architectural and Site Reviews. One or more of these applications may be necessary on some developments.

If you have questions regarding these processes, please call the Planning Division at 408-846-0451.

Environmental Review
Certain projects, because of their size or potential impact, may require an environmental review. This determination is based upon the rules of the California Environmental Quality Act. To get answers to questions regarding environmental review, please call the Planning Division at 408-846-0451.

Development Review Group
The Development Review Group (DRG) meets every week to discuss all applications received in the past week. The DRG consists of members of each Division within the City organization which has responsibility for any part of the development process. The DRG reviews Architectural and Site Review applications. It will also review preliminary plans in order to help the applicant identify any problem areas prior to a full submission of an application. In many cases, this results in a significant time savings for both the applicant and the City, allowing us to reduce your costs as well as the fees we must charge to recover our costs. In order to have the DRG review your plan, or if you have questions regarding the DRG, please call the Planning Divisionat 408-846-0451.

Sewer Allocations
Due to limited capacity at the City's Wastewater treatment Facility, sewer usage is closely controlled. Additional or new allocations for sewer capacity are granted by the Engineering Division in accordance with policies set by the City Council. In order to determine if you need a sewer allocation, please call the Engineering Division at 408-846-0450.

Utility Connections
Connections to water, sewer and storm drainage systems are handled by the Engineering Division. Engineering also reviews all infrastructure plans associated with new development and inspects the work. For questions regarding utility connections and infrastructure issues, call the Engineering Division at 408-846-0450.

Other utilities which serve the City of Gilroy are listed below:

Verizon
800-483-5000

Pacific Gas and Electric Company
800-743-5000

Charter Communications Cable TV
866-731-5420

Parcel Maps
Parcel maps are required in order to split lots and for subdivisions of less than five lots. To get answers to questions regarding parcel maps, please call the Engineering Division at 408-846-0450.

Building Permits and Inspection
Building permits are generally required for any building or construction involving any plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or structural alterations. Building permits are not required for all fences, but see Planning for height and location limitations and to determine if a permit is required. To get answers to questions regarding building permits and building inspections, please call the Building, Life and Environmental Safety Division at 408-846-0430.
Special Inspection and Testing (pdf)
Special Inspection Agency Recognition List (pdf)

Fire Protection Services/Hazardous Materials Pretreatment
Most projects are reviewed to determine fire protection requirements and any hazardous materials storage or pretreatment issues. For questions regarding these matters, please call the Building, Life and Environmental Safety Division at 408-846-0430.