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Biological Report Procedures


This webpage provides information for permit applicants and biological consultants regarding biological report procedures.

Horned lizard camouflaged on sandy ground.
Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum)

Discretionary projects that have the potential to impact biological resources require a biological survey and report as part of the application submittal to the County Planning Division. This work must be done by a qualified biologist (see links below).

Non-Coastal Zone:

Within the County’s Non-Coastal Zone, this report is called an Initial Study Biological Assessment (ISBA).

Please review the brochure titled “Biological Resources and Development Permitting” and consult with Planning Division staff to determine whether you will need to submit an ISBA with your application.

Coastal Zone:

Properties located in the County’s Coastal Zone have different environmental review requirements than what is required for projects within the inland areas of the County. To determine whether your project is located within the Coastal Zone, please refer to land use maps at https://vcrma.org/divisions/planning/coastal-plan-map-gallery/

Before developing plans for your building project in areas of the Coastal Zone where there may be environmentally sensitive habitat areas (e.g., Santa Monica Mountains, North County landward of the 101 Freeway, other areas outside established communities), a Coastal Initial Study Biological Assessment (CISBA) and a Least Damaging Environmental Alternatives Analysis must be completed before siting the project. Please consult with the Planning Division or your qualified biologist before developing detailed plans of your project.

Approved Biological Consultant Lists

 If you need an ISBA, it must be conducted by a County-approved biologist. Please select a biological consultant from the list below.

If you need a Restoration Plan, it must be conducted by a County-approved Restoration biologist. Please select a biological consultant from the list below

Additional Information

  • For questions regarding the County’s Qualified Biologist Program, please contact Abigail Convery, Qualified Biologist Program Lead at abigail.convery@ventura.org or 805-654-2489.
  • For questions regarding a specific ISBA for a permit application, please contact the permit case planner assigned to the project.

Contact Us

Abigail Convery

Qualified Biologist Program Lead

abigail.convery@ventura.org
(805) 654-2489

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