Most businesses within Hercules need either an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) or Conditional Use Permit. AUPs are issued by the Community Development Director for uses that are generally permitted within a zoning district and usually are of low impact to the community and environment.

Within 30 days of receiving and determining that an application is complete and exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Director shall either approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application. In granting conditional approval, the Director may impose requirements and conditions with respect to location, siting, construction, maintenance, operation, duration, and overall development as deemed reasonable and necessary for the protection of adjacent properties and the public interest.

If the Director denies an AUP application, the applicant may appeal the decision to the Planning Commission, where the application shall become a conditional use permit if approved. The Director may refer any administrative use permit application to the Planning Commission for review as a conditional use permit.

Download the Administrative Use Permit - Commercial application form (PDF)

For more information, contact the Planning Division.

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