Universal Planning Review Service

Universal Planning Review services are provided in two levels: Basic Service and Full Service.

Basic Service 
As of Feb. 17, 2026, Basic Service applies to all eligible projects.

• Centralized project review: A planner will facilitate the routing and coordination of project review within the department.
• Zoning review: Project plans are reviewed for compliance with the Zoning Code and any applicable Redevelopment Plan, Specific Plan,
• Entitlement review: Projects are provided with a formal recommendation on the appropriate Planning review pathways for projects requiring more than administrative clearance.
• Post-approval clearances: After a project is approved, the a project will be eligible to seek all relevant City Planning clearances from the same team administering the upfront universal review service.

Full Service 
Full Service is an optional, pre-filing service for certain projects that are also eligible for Basic Service.

• Additional to Basic Service: Certain projects eligible and administered through Basic Service may also take advantage of Full Service.
• Entitlement application screening: The planner will help identify requirements for a complete application and pre-screen applications in order to move them more swiftly through the Planning review process.
• CEQA screening: The planner will recommend the appropriate California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearance pathway and identify any required supporting studies for the project.
• Case intake options: Projects that qualify for Full Service may file any required entitlement application with the planner already reviewing the case, instead of being required to file at the main public counters.

Basic Service applies if the project meets the following three criteria: (1) project type, (2) location, and (3) application type.

Application Type
Basic Service applies to projects requiring at least one action under the authority of the Zoning Administrator or an Adjustment. This applicability criterion will be determined by City Planning staff during an initial screening of individual submissions. 

Contact City Planning to learn more. Or submit a request through the Online Application System (OAS) for pilot eligibility screening, Basic Service, or Full Service to determine if Universal Planning Review applies to your project.

Full Service is available to any project eligible for Basic Service, unless any of the following apply:

• The main City Planning application for the project is already filed
• The project requires an initial decision by the City Planning Commission (CPC)
• The project will be processed through the Expedited Processing Section (EPS) or Major Projects (e.g. requires an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Sign District, Development Agreement, or project-level Specific Plan).
• The project requires an action under the Subdivision Map Act, such as a Tentative Tract Map or a Preliminary Parcel Map.

Applicability Screening Only
In order to initiate a request for Universal Planning Review service applicability screening, please submit the Universal Planning Review service request form (CP-4109). Project plans are required only if the project is referred by other City Planning staff on the Applicability Screening (see page 2).

Basic Service and Full Service
To request Basic Service or Full Service, please submit the following materials and information through City Planning’s Online Application System (OAS). No appointment is required.

Required:

1. Universal Planning Review service request form (CP-4109)
2. Project plans (Refer to Plot Plan, Floor Plan and Elevation Instructions)

If applicable:

3. Building records, including Certificates of Occupancy, Building Permits, Covenants or Affidavits (for projects involving a change of use, modifications to existing structures, or on a site with existing structures)
4. Bureau of Engineering Preliminary Land Use Report - PLUR (if the project involves new construction or additions). To obtain a PLUR, visit the BOE Online Portal.
5. Any referral forms, hold letters or correction letters/sheets provided by other City Planning units
6. Redevelopment Project Area Administrative Review & Referral Form (CP-3621)
7. Redevelopment Project Area Design for Development - Signs Administrative Review and Referral Form (CP-3630) for projects involves signage and are located in the following Redevelopment Project Areas: Adelante Eastside, Broadway Manchester, Council District 9, Crenshaw, Mid City Corridors, Vermont Manchester, Watts Corridors, Western – Slauson, and Westlake

Optional:

8. UPR Zoning Assessment form for non-residential projects (CP-4110)

Universal Planning Review Service Request Form
UPR Zoning Assessment
UPR Contact List
Service Navigator
Online Application System
Information Sheet - Universal Planning Review Services