Title 17 ZONING
Chapter 17.70 CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS, VARIANCES AND MOBILE HOME CERTIFICATES OF COMPATIBILITY
Article I. General Provisions
17.70.010 Applicability.
17.70.020 Authority.
17.70.030 Application.
17.70.040 Public hearing--Notice.
17.70.045 Decision.
17.70.050 Conditions.
17.70.060 Grant--Notice--Effective date--Appeal.
17.70.070 Expiration for failure to exercise, disuse.
17.70.080 Revocation and modification--Public hearing.
17.70.090 Revocation and modification--Grounds.
17.70.100 Revocation and modification--New applications.
17.70.110 Withdrawal of application.
Article II. Variances
17.70.120 Grounds--Limitation--Written findings.
Article III. Conditional Use Permits
17.70.140 Grounds--Requirement--Written findings.
17.70.150 Substantially similar uses.
Article IV. Minor Deviations and Administrative Variances
17.70.160 Intent.
17.70.170 Scope of authority.
17.70.180 Application.
17.70.190 Decision--Notice--Appeal by interested party.
17.70.200 Appeal by applicant.
17.70.210 Records--Report to planning commission.
Article V. Mobile Home Certificate of Compatibility
17.70.220 Purpose.
17.70.230 General.
17.70.240 Eligibility.
17.70.250 Application.
17.70.260 Public hearing.
17.70.270 Planning commission authority.
17.70.280 Appeals.
17.70.290 Issuance.
17.70.300 Compatibility criteria.
Article VI. Mobile Pushcart Vending
17.70.310 Decision--Grounds.
17.70.320 Exemptions.
17.70.330 Application.
17.70.340 Term.
17.70.350 Development standards.
17.70.360 Permit denial--Appeal procedure.
Article I. General Provisions
17.70.010 Applicability.
The provisions in this article apply equally to applications for
conditional use permits, variances and mobile home certificates of
compatibility. (Ord. 457 § 1 (part), 1981: Ord. 336 § 3.01.000,
1977).
17.70.020 Authority.
A. Except as provided in subsections B and C of this section, the planning
commission is authorized to grant conditional use permits, variances and mobile
home certificates of compatibility pursuant to the provisions of this
chapter.
B. The planning commission shall recommend to the council and the
council shall take final action on any application for a conditional use permit,
variance or adult entertainment waiver for the following:
1. Nonresidential
buildings or groups of buildings on one parcel in any zone with gross square
footage of one hundred fifty thousand square feet or more;
2. Residential
buildings with a height of greater than thirty feet, or with more than two
stories;
3. Nonresidential buildings or structures with a height of greater
than forty feet, or with more than three stories;
4. All uses listed as M-2
zone conditional uses in Section 17.56.020, except retail sales and personal
service establishments and service stations;
5. Surface mining and quarrying
operations;
6. Special uses listed in Section 17.64.010;
7. Waiver of
locational provisions for adult entertainment businesses under Section
17.79.040; and
8. Any application for a conditional use permit or variance,
which is filed and/or is to be heard contemporaneously with another application
for a land use entitlement for which the council is the final decisionmaking
body.
C. The planning director is authorized to grant conditional use
permits for mobile pushcart vending facilities in accordance with the provisions
of Article VI of this chapter. (Ord. 833 § 1, 2000: Ord. 794 § 1,
1998; Ord. 674 §§ 10, 11, 1993; Ord. 581 § 1, 1988: Ord. 457
§ 1 (part), 1981: Ord. 336 § 3.01.010, 1977).
17.70.030 Application.
A. Applications for a variance or conditional use permit shall include
those items specified in Section 17.82.030, except subsection G thereof, and, in
addition:
1. A complete site plan drawn to a scale prescribed by the
planning director showing existing and proposed structures and their intended
use;
2. Applications for a variance shall be accompanied by a written
statement indicating the unusual or special circumstances or conditions
applicable to the property or class of use in the same zone, and stating the
reasons why a variance should be granted;
3. The tenant of the property who
holds a lease thereon may apply for a conditional use permit or variance without
complying with subsection E of Section 17.82.030; provided, that the planning
commission determines that the required change will not detrimentally nor
permanently affect the property or its use at the termination of the lease. The
property owners are to be notified of the application as per Section
17.70.040.
4. A Preliminary Grading Plan. When the grading plan is revised
after the variance or conditional use permit and preliminary grading plan have
been considered and approved at a public hearing, the revised plan shall be
filed with the director and shall be subject to the same hearing process and
findings requirements as the original application, except that the subsequent
hearings and decisions shall be limited to the revised grading plan and the
effects of the revisions on the originally approved project.
B. Applications
for a mobile home certificate of compatibility shall include those items
specified in Section 17.82.030, except subsections D and G, and, in
addition:
1. A complete site plan drawn to a scale prescribed by the
planning director showing all existing and proposed structures and their
intended use;
2. A plan showing building elevations, materials to be used
and color scheme.
3. A Preliminary Grading Plan. When the grading plan is
revised after the mobile home certificate of compatibility and preliminary
grading plan have been considered and approved at a public hearing, the revised
plan shall be filed with the director and shall be subject to the same hearing
process and findings requirements as the original application, except that the
subsequent hearings and decisions shall be limited to the revised grading plan
and the effects of the revisions on the originally approved project. (Ord. 633
§§ 5, 6, 1990; Ord. 457 § 1 (part), 1981: Ord. 426 § 1,
1980: Ord. 336 § 3.01.020, 1977).
17.70.040 Public hearing--Notice.
A public hearing shall be held by the planning commission after the filing
of the application. Not less than ten days prior to hearing, the commission
shall give notice thereof by mail to all property owners shown on the list of
property owners furnished by the applicant. The notice shall include the name
and address of the applicant, owner, agent, if any, zoning classification of the
property, the proposed use, and date, hour and place of hearing. (Ord. 457
§ 1 (part), 1977: Ord. 336 § 3.01.030, 1977).
17.70.045 Decision.
A. At the close of the hearing, the planning commission shall take action
to grant, grant with conditions, or deny the application for a conditional use
permit, variance, or mobile home certificate of compatibility, except for those
applications described in Section 17.70.020B.
B. For those applications
described in Section 17.70.020B, the planning commission, at the close of the
hearing, shall render its decision in the form of a written report and
recommendation to the council. The report shall be transmitted to the council by
memorandum.
C. Upon receipt of a recommendation to grant or grant with
conditions from the planning commission under subsection B of this section, the
council shall hold a public hearing on the application. If the planning
commission has recommended denial of the application, no hearing and no further
action shall be taken by the council unless an appeal is timely filed under
Chapter 17.86 of this code. The hearing shall be noticed in the manner described
in Section 17.70.040. At the close of the hearing, the council shall take action
to grant, grant with conditions or deny the application. (Ord. 833 § 2,
2000: Ord. 581 § 2, 1988).
17.70.050 Conditions.
The decisionmaking body may condition the granting of a variance,
conditional use permit, or mobile home certificate of compatibility as it deems
necessary to effect the purpose of this code. Such conditions may include but
are not limited to:
A. Dedications of rights-of-way;
B. Improvements of
vehicle access to the subject property to city standards;
C. Regulation of
the placement of the use or building on the subject property;
D. Regulation
of the height and the number of stories of a building;
E. Regulation of the
nature, hours of operation, or extent of use;
F. Regulation of landscaping
for the protection of adjoining and nearby property;
G. Noise attenuation
measures;
H. Expiration date. (Ord. 833 § 3, 2000: Ord. 581 § 3,
1988; Ord. 457 § 1 (part), 1981: Ord. 336 § 3.01.040, 1977).
17.70.060 Grant--Notice--Effective date--Appeal.
Upon the grant of the variance, conditional use permit, or mobile home
certificate of compatibility, the decisionmaking body shall prepare and deliver
to the applicant within five days a written statement thereof stating the fact
of the grant and any conditions attached thereto. A copy shall also be delivered
to the building inspector and other concerned city officials. The decision on an
application for a variance, conditional use permit, or mobile home certificate
of compatibility shall not become final, nor shall a permit or license of any
kind be issued, until the time in which an appeal may be filed has elapsed. The
finaling of an appeal shall stay the issuance of a variance, a conditional use
permit, or mobile home certificate of compatibility until the appeal is finally
determined. (Ord. 833 § 4, 2000: Ord. 581 § 4, 1988: Ord. 457 § 1
(part), 1981: Ord. 336 § 3.01.060, 1977).
17.70.070 Expiration for failure to exercise, disuse.
A. Unless a different time period is prescribed by the decisionmaking
body, a conditional use permit, variance or mobile home certificate of
compatibility shall expire two years after the effective date of the approval,
unless the rights conferred thereby have commenced to be exercised within that
period.
B. Where the rights conferred by a conditional use permit or a
variance are not exercised for a continuous period of six months or more, such
permit or variance shall become null and void. (Ord. 833 § 5, 2000; Ord.
581 § 5, 1988; Ord. 457 § 1 (part), 1981: Ord. 336 § 3.01.060,
1977).
17.70.080 Revocation and modification--Public hearing.
The original decisionmaking body shall hold a public hearing for the
purpose of either modifying or revoking any variance, conditional use permit, or
mobile home certificate of compatibility which has been granted pursuant to the
provisions of this chapter or any ordinance superseded by this code. Public
hearings shall be held and notice given in accordance with the provisions of
this article for the grant of conditional use permits, variances or mobile home
certificates of compatibility. (Ord. 833 § 6, 2000: Ord. 581 § 6,
1988: Ord. 457 § 1 (part), 1981: Ord. 336 § 3.01.070(a),
1977).
17.70.090 Revocation and modification--Grounds.
After the public hearing as provided above, the decisionmaking body may
revoke or modify a conditional use permit, variance or mobile home certificate
of compatibility for any one or more of the following reasons:
A. That such
approval was obtained by fraud;
B. That any person making use of or relying
upon the conditional use permit, variance or mobile home certificate of
compatibility is violating or has violated any condition of such conditional use
permit, variance or mobile home certificate of compatibility, or that the use
for which the conditional use permit, variance or mobile home certificate of
compatibility was granted is being or has been exercised contrary to the terms
and conditions of such approval, or that the use for which the approval was
granted is so exercised as to be detrimental to the public health, safety, or
general welfare and constitutes a public nuisance. (Ord. 833 § 7, 2000:
Ord. 581 § 7, 1988; Ord. 457 § 1 (part), 1981: Ord. 336 §
3.01.070(b), 1977).
17.70.100 Revocation and modification--New applications.
An application for a variance, conditional use permit or mobile home
certificate of compatibility shall not be accepted for a period of one year
following the denial or revocation of substantially the same conditional use
permit, variance or mobile home certificate of compatibility for the same
premises. (Ord. 457 § 1 (part), 1981: Ord. 336 § 3.01.080,
1977).
17.70.110 Withdrawal of application.
The planning commission may permit the withdrawal of an application for a
conditional use permit, variance or mobile home certificate of compatibility.
(Ord. 457 § 1 (part), 1981: Ord. 336 § 3.01.090, 1977).
Article II. Variances
17.70.120 Grounds--Limitation--Written findings.
A. A variance may be granted when it is determined by the decisionmaking
body that;
1. The applicant has shown that because of special circumstances
applicable to the subject property, including size, shape, topography, location,
or surroundings, the strict application of the requirements of this title is
found to deprive the subject property of privileges enjoyed by other properties
in the vicinity and under identical zone classifications; and
2. The
decisionmaking body has found that the grant of the variance would not
constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations upon
other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property is
situated.
B. The decisionmaking body shall not grant a variance which
authorizes a use or activity which is not otherwise expressly authorized by the
zoning regulation governing the parcel of property for which the variance is
requested.
C. Whether or not the decisionmaking body grants the variance,
the decisionmaking body shall set forth in writing the findings of fact upon
which it based its decision. (Ord. 581 § 8, 1988: Ord. 336 § 3.02.000,
1977).
Article III. Conditional Use Permits
17.70.140 Grounds--Requirement--Written findings.
A. Conditional use permits may be issued for any of the uses or purposes
for which such permits are required or permitted by the terms of this title.
Because of their unusual characteristics, conditional uses require special
consideration so that they may be located and developed properly with respect to
the objectives of this title and with respect to their effect on surrounding
property.
B. The grant of a conditional use permit shall be based on a
finding by the decisionmaking body that the establishment, maintenance or
operation of the use, building or structure applied for will not, under the
circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental to the health, safety, or
general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such
proposed use or be detrimental or injurious to property and improvements in the
neighborhood, or to the general welfare of the city.
C. Whether or not
it approves the conditional use permit, the decisionmaking body shall set forth
in writing the findings of fact upon which it based its decision. (Ord. 581
§ 9, 1988: Ord. 336 § 3.03.000, 1977).
17.70.150 Substantially similar uses.
From time to time persons in possession of property desire to use property
for purposes which are not specifically provided for in this chapter. In order
to carry out the intent of this chapter to promote the general welfare of the
community, a conditional use permit may be granted for uses which are not
provided for in the zoning classification, subject to the following:
A. A
finding that the use is substantially similar in character to a use or uses
within the zoning classification applicable to the property;
B. A
finding that the use would be appropriate in the zoning classification
applicable to the property as a conditional use;
C. A finding that the
proposed use, with the appropriate conditions, will not be detrimental to the
health, safety and general welfare of persons residing or working in the
neighborhood of such proposed use, or be detrimental or injurious to property
and improvements in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the city.
(Ord. 581 § 10, 1988: Ord. 336 § 3.03.010, 1977).
Article IV. Minor Deviations and Administrative Variances
17.70.160 Intent.
Certain situations occur in which the precise requirements of this title
may be varied to accommodate the needs of a particular lot or parcel without
substantially affecting adjoining properties or injuring the public health,
safety or welfare. It is the intent of this article to provide a mechanism for
the administrative approval of minor deviations from the provisions of this
title. (Ord. 399 (part): Ord. 336 § 3.04.000, 1977).
17.70.170 Scope of authority.
In accordance with the provisions of this article, the planning director
may administratively grant a variance from the requirements of this title as
follows:
A. He may decrease the required lot depth, lot width or lot area
for a lot in a particular zone by not more than ten percent; provided, that the
lot cannot reasonably be combined with other property to create a lot of
sufficient size. This section shall not be used solely for the purpose of
permitting a subdivider to increase the number of lots in a
subdivision.
B. He may decrease any front setback, interior or street side
setback or rear yard setback by not more than ten percent.
C. He may
increase the permitted height of any building or structure (including any fence,
hedge or wall) by not more than ten percent.
D. He may increase the
permitted lot coverage by not more than ten percent. (Ord. 399 (part): Ord. 336
§ 3.04.010, 1977).
17.70.180 Application.
An application for a variance of the type permitted by Section 17.70.170
shall be made in writing to the planning director. The application shall contain
the information required by the planning director. (Ord. 399 (part): Ord. 336
§ 3.04.020, 1977).
17.70.190 Decision--Notice--Appeal by interested party.
A. The planning director may grant, conditionally grant, or deny the
application. He shall make findings in support of his decision.
B. The
planning director may act on the application without notice to adjoining owners
of property affected by the variance and without a hearing. If he grants or
conditionally grants the variance, he shall give notice of his action to those
persons who would have received notice of a hearing before the planning
commission had the application been for a variance under Article II. Such notice
shall specify that any interested person (other than the applicant) may appeal
the action of the planning director in the manner provided by Chapter 17.86.
(Ord. 399 (part): Ord. 336 § 3.04.030, 1977).
17.70.200 Appeal by applicant.
A. The action of the planning director on the application shall be binding
on the applicant and he shall have no appeal therefrom.
B. Nothing in this
section shall prevent an applicant whose application has been denied, or who
objects to the condition(s) of approval, from initiating an application for a
variance under the provisions of Article II. (Ord. 399 (part): Ord. 336 §
3.04.040, 1977).
17.70.210 Records--Report to planning commission.
A. The planning director shall maintain a record of his actions, including
the findings made, on all applications submitted under this article.
B. The
planning director shall periodically advise the planning commission, in writing,
of his actions on all applications submitted. (Ord. 399 (part): Ord 336 §
3.04.050, 1977).
Article V. Mobile Home Certificate of Compatibility
17.70.220 Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to set forth the conditions and
architectural requirements under which mobile homes may be placed in
single-family residential districts. It is the intent of the city council to
establish these requirements and procedures to assure that mobile homes will be
compatible with surrounding homes so as to protect the quality of existing
neighborhoods, safeguard property values and protect the health, safety and
general welfare of the community. (Ord. 457 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 336
§ 3.05.000, 1977).
17.70.230 General.
Mobile homes are permitted in every district in which single-family
dwellings are permitted uses provided that a certificate of compatibility is
obtained for the mobile home. (Ord. 457 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 336 §
3.05.010, 1977).
17.70.240 Eligibility.
A mobile home shall be eligible to apply for a certificate of
compatibility if it complies with all of the following criteria:
A. It is to
be occupied only for residential purposes;
B. It conforms to all
requirements for single- family structures applicable to the district in which
the mobile home will be located including, but not limited to height
requirements, setback requirements, and lot area and coverage
requirements;
C. It is certified under the National Mobile Home Construction
and Safety Standards Act of 1974 and has been constructed after June 15, 1976;
and
D. It is to be attached to a permanent foundation system approved by the
building inspector of the city. (Ord. 457 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 336 §
3.05.020, 1977).
17.70.250 Application.
Application for a mobile home certificate of compatibility will be on the
forms developed and the procedures adopted pursuant to Chapter 17.70 of this
title. Additional information may be required when deemed necessary for
evaluation of the proposal. (Ord. 457 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 336 §
3.05.030, 1977).
17.70.260 Public hearing.
Public hearings shall be conducted pursuant to the procedures set forth in
Section 17.70.040 of this title. (Ord. 457 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 336
§ 3.05.040, 1977).
17.70.270 Planning commission authority.
The planning commission shall have the authority to hear and decide all
applications for mobile home certificates of compatibility. (Ord. 457 § 2
(part), 1981: Ord. 336 § 3.05.050, 1977).
17.70.280 Appeals.
Appeals from a decision of the planning commission may be made to the city
council pursuant to the procedures specified in Section 17.86.050 of this title.
(Ord. 457 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 336 § 3.05.060, 1977).
17.70.290 Issuance.
The planning commission shall issue a mobile home certificate of
compatibility upon a finding that the eligible mobile home meets the criteria
set forth in Section 17.70.300 of this article. One or more of the compatibility
criteria may
be waived when the overall effect of the proposed mobile
home remains compatible with the area. The planning commission may not impose
more stringent conditions or criteria. (Ord. 457 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 336
§ 3.05.070, 1977).
17.70.300 Compatibility criteria.
A mobile home shall be compatible if:
A. It is covered with an
exterior material customarily used in new residential structures in the city.
This also includes garages, as well as the main structure.
B. The exterior
covering material extends towards the ground to a point customary on new
residential structures in the city. Alternative skirting material, including the
texturing and coloring of solid masonry perimeter foundations customary to new
residential structures will be considered compatible.
C. Roofing material
and the roof overhang, and the roof pitch shall be similar to the material,
overhang and pitch design customarily used on new residential structures in the
city.
D. The mobile home development shall meet all requirements for a
garage facility, setbacks and other development standards applicable to the zone
in which it is to be located.
E. The facade which fronts on the street is
designed with sufficient detail to make it visually compatible with conventional
residential structures in the city. (Ord. 457 § 2 (part), 1981: Ord. 336
§ 3.05.080, 1977).
Article VI. Mobile Pushcart Vending
17.70.310 Decision--Grounds.
A. Upon receipt of an application for a conditional use permit for a
mobile pushcart vending facility, the planning director may grant, grant with
conditions, or deny the application. The decision will be in writing, setting
forth the findings of fact supporting the decision, and shall be served on the
applicant within five days. The decision is subject to a ten-day appeal period
and shall not become final until such time as this period expires.
B. The
planning director may act on the application without prior notice to adjoining
owners of property affected by the conditional use permit and without a hearing.
If the planning director grants or conditionally grants the conditional use
permit, he/she shall give notice of the action to those persons who would have
received notice of a hearing before the planning commission had the application
been for a conditional use permit under Article III. Such notice shall specify
that any interested person may appeal the action of the planning director in the
manner provided by Chapter 17.86.
C. The grant or conditional grant of a
conditional use permit for a mobile pushcart vending facility shall be based on
a finding by the director that the establishment, maintenance or operation of
the use and facility will not, under the circumstances of the particular case,
be detrimental to the health, safety or general welfare of persons residing or
working in the neighborhood of such proposed use, or be detrimental or injurious
to property and improvements in the neighborhood, or to the general welfare of
the city. (Ord. 674 § 12 (part), 1993).
17.70.320 Exemptions.
The following mobile pushcart vending uses are exempt from the regulations
and requirements of this chapter:
A. Mobile pushcart vending facilities not
visible from the public right-of-way and located on or adjacent to interior
walkways within an open, as opposed to an enclosed, shopping center comprised of
two or more buildings;
B. Mobile pushcart vending facilities located within
enclosed retail buildings, shopping centers and malls;
C. Mobile pushcart
vending facilities operating in conjunction with special event uses as governed
by Chapters 17.63 and 17.64 of this title. (Ord. 674 § 12 (part),
1993).
17.70.330 Application.
The planning director shall prescribe the forms and documents to be filed
for a mobile pushcart vending permit. The forms and documents shall be filed
with the planning director and accompanied by the following:
A. A
description of the site which may include a map drawn to scale showing lot lines
and dimensions, ingress and egress points, improved areas, grading plans,
parking and traffic control locations. In addition, a description and location
of the mobile pushcart vending facility, its signs and equipment, such as
tables, chairs, etc., may also be required;
B. A fee as specified in the
current city council fee resolution;
C. Written authorization of the subject
property owner or his/her designated representative agreeing to the placement
and operation of the mobile pushcart vending facility;
D. A written letter
describing the mobile pushcart vending facility's nature of business and hours
of operation;
E. Such additional information as the planning director deems
as necessary. (Ord. 674 § 12 (part), 1993).
17.70.340 Term.
A conditional use permit for a mobile pushcart vending facility shall be
valid for one year. (Ord. 674 § 12 (part), 1993).
17.70.350 Development standards.
A mobile pushcart vending facility shall comply with the following
development standards:
A. The use is to be on improved private
property;
B. The use shall not be within two hundred feet of another mobile
pushcart vending facility;
C. The use shall not be within fifteen feet of
any fire hydrant;
D. The use shall not occupy more than ten percent of the
subject property's existing parking area, or more than four hundred square feet,
whichever is less. Such area shall be identified on the mobile pushcart vending
facility application materials;
E. The use shall be sited with consideration
given to the triangular visibility area of an intersection so as not to obstruct
the visibility of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists to assure the public's
health and safety;
F. The use shall include trash receptacle(s). Such
receptacles shall be maintained so as to not create an offending odor or visual
nuisance;
G. The area on which the mobile pushcart vending facility is
located shall be kept free of debris;
H. The use shall not reflect
undesirable light and glare from the designated premises;
I. The use shall
not use, play or employ any sound, outcry, amplifier, loudspeaker, radio or any
other instrument or device for the production of sound in connection with the
promotion of a mobile pushcart vending facility;
J. The permittee shall
maintain a written agreement giving the permittee and his/her agents the right
to use permanent sanitary facilities located no more than three hundred feet
from the approved location;
K. The pushcart shall not be used to sell any
merchandise to any person who is in a motor vehicle within a travel lane at the
time of a sale. Merchandise may be sold to a person in a motor vehicle within a
designated parking area;
L. The pushcart shall not be greater than ten feet
in height;
M. Signage shall not exceed a total of thirty square feet. The
signage shall be limited to the signs which may be single- or double-sided. The
signage shall not exceed ten feet in height and be located on the pushcart
site;
N. Sale of product shall be from the approved mobile pushcart vending
facility and not from additional accessory stands, tables, chairs or other
devices other than those permitted as indicated on the application;
O. The
use shall be located on a generally level portion of a site and an adequate
breaking system be provided for, as necessary. (Ord. 674 § 12 (part),
1993).
17.70.360 Permit denial--Appeal procedure.
An appeal of a decision shall be made in accordance with the procedures
specified in Chapter 17.86 of this title. (Ord. 674 § 12 (part),
1993).
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