In California, the Department of Fish & Game monitors the effect of the disturbed land. For that reason To obtain a permit, the applicant must develop a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), designed to offset any harmful effects the proposed activity might have on the species. The HCP process allows development to proceed while promoting listed species conservation. The "No Surprises Policy" provides assurances to landowners participating in HCP efforts.

Habitat Conservation Plans
To obtain a permit, you must develop a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) http://www.fws.gov/pacific/sacramento/es/hcp.htm , designed to offset any harmful effects the proposed activity might have on the species. The HCP process allows development to proceed while promoting listed species conservation.

Incidental Take Permits:
Private landowners, corporations, state or local governments, or other non-Federal landowners who wish to conduct activities on their land that might incidentally harm (or "take") a species listed as endangered or threatened http://www.fws.gov/pacific/sacramento/es/threatened_v_endangered.htm
must first obtain an incidental take permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.