Development Process

Planning Process Overview

Dear Prospective Developer or Business Owner: on behalf of the City Council and City Staff, we would like to thank you for your interest in locating your business and/or developing in the City of Lake Elsinore, California. The process of permitting and development can be daunting, and we see our role as helping applicants through the City's process.

The following guide is meant to establish the manner in which the City of Lake Elsinore processes both discretionary and ministerial actions. View the Planning Process Workflow (PDF) for more information.

Application Process

Applying for any planning application is a simple two-step process:

Step One

Step one is to complete the appropriate application form and download it to your local computer

Please note: You will be required to attach the completed application during step two.

The City of Lake Elsinore uses a single application for all entitlements subject to discretionary review. The Planning Application Form (PDF) includes all submittal requirements and a summary of the required information to be included.

Step Two

Once you have completed and saved your application from the previous step, visit the Application Assistant page to complete your online application process. You will be required to attach your completed application during the next step.