Schmitz & Associates recently secured approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for exploratory testing and percolation testing associated with a proposed single-family residence in Topanga, located within the Los Angeles County Santa Monica Mountains North Area.
The permit retroactively authorized limited exploratory work conducted onsite to support a future residential development. The work included drilling eleven geotechnical test borings and excavating four trenches in order to prepare both a geologic investigation report and an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) feasibility report, which are required technical studies for hillside residential development in Los Angeles County.
Navigating the LA County Conditional Use Permit Process
Although the testing activities were limited in scope and primarily located within previously disturbed areas, Los Angeles County regulations require a discretionary Conditional Use Permit process for exploratory geotechnical testing in certain hillside and environmentally sensitive jurisdictions.
The application proceeded to a public hearing before the Los Angeles County Hearing Officer on February 17, 2026, where the request was approved.
“The hearing officer stated that based on the strength of the presentation, she had no questions,” said Neelima Gadicherla, Project Team Manager.
CEQA Exemption and Departmental Approvals
The project qualified as Categorically Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Class 4 – Minor Alterations to Land.
In addition to the CUP approval, the project secured all required departmental clearances, including approvals from:
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Los Angeles County Fire Department
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Environmental Health Division
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Public Works Department
These approvals allowed the exploratory work to proceed in compliance with local planning and environmental regulations.
Preparing the Property for a Future Residential Development Application
With the Conditional Use Permit now approved, the property owners are positioned to move forward with submitting a single-family residence development application supported by the required geotechnical and wastewater feasibility reports.
By coordinating closely with Los Angeles County Regional Planning, preparing a detailed hearing presentation, and maintaining communication with reviewing agencies, Schmitz & Associates guided the project efficiently through the entitlement process.
Land Use Consulting for Hillside and Coastal Development in Southern California
Property owners, developers, and real estate professionals working in hillside communities such as Topanga and the Santa Monica Mountains often face complex permitting requirements involving discretionary approvals, environmental review, and multi-agency coordination.
For projects in these jurisdictions, experienced land use consultants can play an important role in navigating approvals, managing risk, and keeping development timelines on track.
For more than 25 years, Schmitz & Associates has helped property owners, developers, and real estate professionals navigate the entitlement and permit approval process across Southern California.
Have a project that requires permits or planning approvals?
Contact our team to discuss your development goals and navigate the entitlement process with confidence.