How to apply for an abbreviated regionwide permit

The BCDC abbreviated regionwide permit is available only for certain routine construction, reconstruction, replacement, and maintenance projects.  

Timeline: Typically 1 to 3 months. The BCDC permit is issued within 7 working days of the time we receive a full and complete application.

Cost: $200

  1. Confirm your project qualifies for an abbreviated regionwide permit
    Start by confirming there is an abbreviated regionwide permit that covers your project. Abbreviated regionwide permits are available for:

    • Minor repairs and maintenance (i.e., less than approximately 50% of an existing structure) to utilities, boat docks, pilings, and the removal of structures in the Bay, certain waterways, managed wetlands, and shoreline band
    • Minor repairs and removal of one- and two-family residences in the shoreline band
    • Temporary installations in the Bay, certain waterway, managed wetland, and shoreline band
  2. Confirm your project is not disqualified from receiving an abbreviated regionwide permit
    Your project likely won’t qualify for a regionwide permit if it:

    • could adversely affect the Bay
    • is located within an environmentally sensitive area, like a tidal marsh or eelgrass bed
    • would block important views of the Bay
    • could limit public access to the Bay
    • is located within or adjacent to Suisun Marsh
  3. Prepare your application
    Make sure your application is complete before it is submitted. Your application can be processed far more quickly and efficiently if it is complete and includes all required attachments.

    Detailed instructions are available to help you fill out the BCDC permit application form.
  4. Submit your application and pay application fee
    Send the application to info@bcdc.ca.gov with the subject line “Permit Application: PROJECT NAME.”

    The application fee must be paid by check payable to “San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission.” Send the check to our offices via USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
  5. Work with your BCDC contact
    A staff member will be assigned to review your application. They will inform you within 30 days if any necessary information is missing.

    If your BCDC contact informs you that the application is missing any required information or exhibits, you must submit these materials before we can begin our review process.

    Each time you resubmit missing or incomplete application materials, the staff person requires up to 30 days to review them, so it is in your interest to make sure your materials are thorough and accurate.

    Once your BCDC contact determines that the application is complete, your regionwide permit will be issued within 7 working days.

For detailed and official instructions about this process, see Chapter 17 of BCDC’s administrative regulations.