Public Involvement

As a member of the public, you’re encouraged to be involved in the planning and development process. There are a number of ways. 

Review Zoning Applications

Zoning Applications, also referred to as Zoning Projects, refer to the more complex proposed developments that allow for public input during the permitting process. Examples include projects such as large, new commercial buildings; major residential additions; or a new research building in West Berkeley.

Proposals

Land Use Planning staff reviews proposals for consistency with the zoning regulations, and for effects on the community and the environment. The documents received and/or created during this decision-making process comprise the land use record for a proposed project, copies of which are available for public review at the Permit Service Center or electronic ones at Permits Online.

Applications in appeal period

Permits Online records indicate if projects are in or have been marked for appeal. Appeals go to the Zoning Adjustment Board or the City Council. Find out how to appeal a zoning project. 

After your research and review, you have several choices for your next steps. Choose the appropriate ones depending on where you are in the public involvement process. 

SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS AND DOCUMENTS TO ZONING ADJUSTMENTS BOARD 

To submit correspondence to the Board, follow the instructions and pay attention to deadlines. 

Correspondence received by 5:00 pm eight days before this public hearing will be included with the agenda materials provided to the Board. Note that if you submit a hard copy document of more than 10 pages, in color, or with photos, you must provide 15 copies. Correspondence received after this deadline will be conveyed to the Board in the following manner: 

• Correspondence received by 5:00 pm two days before this public hearing will be conveyed to the Board in a Supplemental Communications and Reports, which is released around noon one day before the public hearing. 
• Correspondence received by noon the day of this public hearing will be provided to the Board at the hearing.  
• Correspondence received after noon the day of this public hearing will be saved in the project administrative record. 

Written comments, or a request for a Notice of Decision should be directed to the ZAB Secretary at:  

Land Use Planning Division (Attn: ZAB Secretary) 
1947 Center Street, 2nd Floor 
Berkeley, CA 94704  
Email: zab@cityofberkeley.info 

Communications to Berkeley boards, commissions or committees are public record and will become part of the City’s electronic records, which are accessible through the City’s website. Please note: e-mail addresses, names, addresses, and other contact information are not required, but if included in any communication to a City board, commission or committee, will become part of the public record.  

If you do not want your e-mail address or any other contact information, either omit that information altogether or you may deliver communications via U.S. Postal Service or in person to the secretary of the relevant board, commission or committee. 

All charts, graphs, photos, or references used to provide testimony to the Board become part of the official record and will be retained by the Land Use Planning Division. 

Attend scheduled public hearings

Notices for scheduled public hearings from the Zoning Adjustments Board and Planning Commission are mailed 14 days prior to the hearing date. Public may comment verbally or in writing.  

Attend Zoning Adjustments Board meetings

At Zoning Adjustments Board meetings (ZAB), the Board holds a public hearing decides on zoning applications (Use Permits and Variances). You may comment on public hearing items verbally or in writing. (Read the section “Submit Written Comments and Documents to the Zoning Adjustments Board.”) You may also review past ZAB agendas, minutes, and staff reports. 

The nine-member Zoning Adjustments Board is responsible for approving or denying permits related to the use and development of land within the City of Berkeley.  

In addition, the Zoning Ordinance empowers the Board to place conditions on permits, review existing permits to determine whether a use has expanded or changed, to revoke or impose additional conditions on previously granted permits due to violations, and to determine compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 

Anyone who wants more detailed information on regulations may consult with Planning Department staff, the Zoning Ordinance, the Commissioners’ Manual adopted by City Council, and applicable sections of the Berkeley Municipal Code. 

Land Use Planning Division (Attn: ZAB Secretary) 
1947 Center Street, 2nd Floor  
Berkeley, CA 94704  
Email:  zab@cityofberkeley.info 

Appeal a decision 

Any decision by the Zoning Adjustments Board may be appealed to the City Council by any aggrieved person(s) after the Land Use Planning Division issues written notice of the Board’s decision.  

In most cases, written notice of the Board’s decision is issued within approximately two weeks following the Board’s action. The Division mails a Notice of Decision (NOD) to the party identified as the applicant and to anyone who has requested notice (a written request must be submitted to the Board Secretary).  

You may also appeal an Administrative User Permit decision or Design Review decision to the Zoning Adjustments Board. 

Mediate with neighbors 

Whenever possible, you’re encouraged to work together with neighbors to resolve outstanding concerns. SEEDS Community Resolution Center provides mediation services on behalf of the city, and in many cases can help achieve compromise regarding proposed projects.

SEEDS, a volunteer, non-profit agency, is available at no charge to help resolve differences between neighbors and applicants regarding proposed projects. 

Following a mediation session, the mediators provide a written report to the Zoning Adjustments Board summarizing the outcome. After successful mediation, the Board may incorporate recommendations from the mediation session as Conditions of Approval. For further information about this service, contact Victor Herbert of SEEDS at (510) 526-4571.