Orinda, CA · Contra Costa County
Design Review Application (Residential)
Orinda homeowners use this application to request residential design review for projects that require city approval before a building permit is issued.
What this form is
The application requests property and applicant details, project information, and signatures from the property owner and applicant, if different. Orinda requires design review for specified residential projects, including certain new homes and additions; the form also describes when special design review applies. Applicants must submit the listed plans and supporting materials that apply to their project.
Who needs it
Property owners or their representatives proposing residential work that meets Orinda’s design review criteria need to submit this application.
How to submit it
Applications are accepted only electronically; submit the complete application online at https://www.cityoforinda.org/527/Application-Submittal. The form lists application fees and possible additional review fees.
About notarization
This application is signed and dated without a notary; listed supporting materials are attachments, and no sworn or notarized step is stated.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the residential design review application PDF.
- 2
Complete The Application
Enter the property, owner, applicant, and project information, then sign and date the application.
- 3
Gather Supporting Materials
Prepare the plan set and other applicable materials listed on the form, such as a title report or soils report.
- 4
Submit Online
Submit the complete application electronically through the online submittal page listed on the form.
Frequently asked questions
- What projects require residential design review in Orinda?
- The form lists qualifying projects such as certain new single-family homes and additions. Special design review also applies to some projects on small or narrow lots, severely sloped sites, or overlay-district lots.
- What materials must I submit with the application?
- The form lists a plan set, colors and materials information, a recent preliminary title report, and a statement of findings. Other items, such as arborist or soils reports, apply when specified.
- How do I submit the residential design review application?
- Applications are accepted only electronically. Submit the complete application online at the submittal page listed on the form: cityoforinda.org/527/Application-Submittal.
- Do I need a notary for the residential design review application?
- No. The application has signature and date lines for the property owner and applicant, if different; it does not state a notary or sworn step is required.
Need something notarized?
This Design Review Application (Residential) doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another Orinda form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.