Chapter 17.40 — ADMINISTRATIVE ZONING PERMIT

The intent and purpose of the administrative zoning permit is to establish a review process for development or uses that may have some limited impacts on surrounding properties and ensure that the proposed use or development applies with all applicable regulations. (Ord. 5018 § 7, 2015)

The following property improvements and land uses may be approved by an administrative zoning permit:

• A. Deviations from single-family or multi-family dwelling review procedures in compliance with section 17.140.170 and 17.240.220, respectively. In approving such deviations, the director shall consider the architectural guidelines in Chapter 17.180 .

• B. Outdoor dining areas in compliance with section 17.225.090 .

• C. Fences, hedges, and walls that are higher than would otherwise be allowed, in instances where there is a legitimate need for a higher fence. In approving such fences, the director shall consider safety and sight distance requirements, in addition to aesthetics and input from affected adjoining property owners. Affected adjoining property owners shall be notified in writing at least ten days prior to the approval of any fence, hedge, or wall exceeding the height restrictions of the underlying zone.

• D. Roadside stands, in compliance with section 17.225.110 .

• E. Kiosks, booths, and stands incompliance with section 17.130.250 .

• F. A temporary shade structure, in compliance with section 17.225.160 .

• G. Additional household pet or animal, in compliance with Chapter 17.205 .

• H. Façade modifications for existing structures within the Downtown Master Plan Area.

I. Housing developments eligible for ministerial review, in compliance with section 17.225.270 . (Ord. 5072 § 7, 2018; Ord. 5142, 5/28/2024; Ord. 5148, 1/28/2025; Ord. 5173, 2/10/2026)

An application for an administrative zoning permit may be filed with the secretary of the planning commission by the property owner of the property for which the permit is requested, or the property owner's agent. (Ord. 4950 § 3, 2010)

Administrative zoning permits and amendments thereto may be approved, conditionally approved, or denied by the director of community development. The director may, at his or her discretion, refer administrative zoning permits and amendments thereto to the planning commission, which may approve, conditionally approve, or deny such permits. Pursuant to Section 17.130.210 , in no case shall a wall, fence or hedge be approved that would create a sight distance hazard. (Ord. 4950 § 3, 2010)

The applicant for an administrative zoning permit shall be notified in writing of the decision of the director to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the permit. In the event that the director refers the permit application to the planning commission, the applicant shall be notified in writing and the notice shall include the date and time of the planning commission meeting. (Ord. 4950 § 3, 2010)

The action of the director or the planning commission in approving, conditionally approving, or denying an administrative zoning permit may be appealed pursuant to the requirements listed in Chapter 17.30 of this title. Planning commission decisions shall include findings to support the issuance or denial of this permit consistent with Section 17.40.020 . (Ord. 4984 § 14, 2013)