Pre-application meetings

Meet with us early if you’re planning a larger or complex project. You’ll get free, personalized guidance on how to meet BCDC requirements.  

Timeline: Varies depending on your overall project timeline. Pre-application meetings help ensure faster processing time after an application is submitted.

Cost: $0

What is a pre-application meeting?

Building a project along San Francisco Bay can be complex. Meeting with us well before you apply for a permit can save you time and effort later on. Our goal is to identify issues that your project may need to address to receive a BCDC permit, and help you prepare a complete application to avoid delays in processing.

Pre-application meetings can help you:

  • Understand how BCDC policies affect your project
  • Identify and resolve potential issues before you apply
  • Track key milestones in the permitting process

Who needs a pre-application meeting?

We highly recommend scheduling a pre-application meeting if your project:

  • Is larger or more complex
  • Could significantly impact the Bay and its shoreline
  • Involves or impacts public access
  • Requires large amounts of Bay fill
  • Could affect an environmentally sensitive habitat

We want to hear from you

Pre-application meetings are not limited to the projects listed above. If you are working on a smaller project and would like to discuss with it us before you apply, contact us. 

Habitat restoration projects being permitted through the Bay Restoration Regulatory Integration Team (BRRIT) should follow the BRRIT’s pre-application process.

If your project involves dredging, contact the Dredged Material Management Office (DMMO) for your sediment suitability determination.

What we expect from you

Our goal is to work together to help you submit a complete and successful application. Your commitment to the process helps us support your project efficiently and effectively. To make the most of the meetings, we ask that you:

  • Be prepared: Bring relevant documents and site plans to help guide the discussion
  • Stay engaged: Be open to discussing challenges and collaborating on solutions
  • Follow up: Complete any tasks or gather information discussed during the meeting
  • Communicate openly: Let us know if your project changes or if you encounter new challenges
  • Check in regularly: Keep us updated when you reach milestones, like receiving approvals from other agencies