Planning Division

City Hall is open from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and closed for a week during the winter holidays. Applications received when City Hall is closed will be stamped as received when City Hall reopens. Appointments with Building and Planning Division staff are recommended. 


ADU Ordinance Update: The City’s updated ADU ordinance is in effect. It is being codified for the Municipal Code. Until that is complete, please use this link for the ADU ordinance: Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance May 2022 (PDF)


Planning Inquiries and Permits: Call (650) 726-8270 for an appointment or to leave a message for a Planner. Submit all planning permit applications and attachments at planning@halfmoonbay.gov. Please do not send permit applications to individual planners. They will be returned to you for submittal to the planning email above.


NOTE: The City of Half Moon Bay is developing a new online permit application portal that will be available this year.

Public Hearings:  Planning Commission are conducted via hybrid, in-person with remote access. Community Development Director Hearings and Architectural Advisory meetings are in-person only. Sign up to receive agendas here.


Master Fee Schedule (PDF)



Among the many responsibilities of the Planning Division staff are: 

  • Processing entitlement applications 
  • Local administration of the California Subdivision Map Act, California Environmental Quality Act, and the California Coastal Act
  • Conserving and enhancing the City’s environmental resources and scenic beauty
  • Preserving Half Moon Bay's historic resources and small town heritage
  • Managing the community’s growth, incorporating community values and standards
  • Enforcing the policies and regulations related to land use and development
  • Administering the General Plan, and the Local Coastal Program, its Land Use Plan, Specific Plans, Zoning Code, and its Subdivision and Sign Ordinances, and provisions of Measure ‘D’ - the voter-adopted residential growth control ordinance
  • Maintaining studies and reports on such topics as demographics, environmental review, and development entitlement activities