Chapter 17.57 — MINOR AMENDMENT

The intent and purpose of the minor amendment review process is to accommodate minor changes exceeding a level of refinement but less than that which would benefit from public review or a full administrative review process to provide reasonable flexibility in responding to changing markets and regulations.

(Ord. 4984 § 19, 2013)

A minor amendment means an administrative process to accommodate minor physical changes to an existing project, provided that proposed changes do not raise significant new issues or create significant effects, and, cumulatively, the changes would not result in a substantial alteration and are offset by substantial, alternative benefits. These changes must be consistent with the intent and character of the approved project entitlement plan. (Ord. 4984 § 19, 2013)

• A. An increase in floor area up to 10 percent of the entitled building area or 10,000 square feet, whichever is less, may be approved.

• B. A reduction in the minimum required parking up to 10 percent may be approved, provided that an equivalent amount of parking is available along the project's frontage of a public street, and if the reduction is offset by a substantial alternative benefit in project quality.

• C. A reduction in required landscape area up to 10 percent may be approved, provided remaining landscape areas are substantially enhanced and water use reduction measures implemented, if the reduction is offset by a substantial, alternative benefit in project quality.

• D. No increase nor decrease in housing density may be approved.

• E. Other changes may be approved if minor in scope as determined by the director.

• F. The director of community development shall prepare guidelines and measuring criteria to provide the framework within which to establish applicability, eligibility and decision-making guidance in administering the minor amendment process. The director shall forward the guidelines and measuring criteria to the Planning Commission as information and input upon initial preparation. Any changes thereafter shall be presented and reviewed pursuant to Section 17.10.030 .

• (Ord. 5018 § 11, 2015)

An application for a minor amendment may be filed with the secretary of the planning commission by the property owner for which the development entitlement is applicable, or the property owner's agent.

(Ord. 4984 § 19, 2013)

Minor Amendments may be approved, conditionally approved, or denied by the director of community development. The director may, at his or her discretion, decide that the minor amendment warrants a formal amendment of the governing entitlement. (Ord. 4984 § 19, 2013)

The applicant for a minor amendment 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 decides that a formal amendment of the governing entitlement is warranted, the applicant shall also be notified in writing.

(Ord. 4984 § 19, 2013)

The action of the director in approving, conditionally approving, or denying a minor amendment may be appealed pursuant to the requirements listed in Chapter 17.30 of this title. (Ord. 4984 § 19, 2013)