Placerville Municipal Code Ch. 3 Administration

The commission shall:

(A) Supervise the administration of this zoning title.

(B) Adopt rules and procedures necessary or convenient for the filing of use permits, variances, site plans and petitions.

(C) Act upon all applications for use permits, variances and site plans.

(D) Make recommendations to the council upon amendments to zone changes or to changes to the provisions of this chapter.

(E) By resolution, minute order request or on its own initiative, adopt rules implementing the general zoning regulations of this zoning ordinance by:

1. Setting forth additional specific uses allowed by right and by use permit which are in the opinion of the commission similar or accessory to those listed in this zoning ordinance and conform to the purposes of the zone regulations.

2. Setting forth additional specific uses for which parking space is required which are in the opinion of the commission similar or accessory to those listed in this zoning ordinance.

3. Setting forth standards of odor, gas, fumes, dust, smoke, noise, vibrations, glare, heat, electrical interference, radioactivity or waste allowable beyond the confines of property.

(F) Make recommendation to the city council on applications for subdivision maps. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991)

(G) Applications being processed concurrently with an application requiring city council action shall be scheduled for public hearing before the planning commission for its recommendation and the city council for final action. (Ord. 1654, 6-25-2013)

The development services department shall assist in the administration of this title by: (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991; amd. Ord. 1654, 6-25-2013)

(A) Processing and investigating all applications for use permit variances and site plans.

(B) Reviewing applications for building permits and other licenses referred to it to determine their compliance with this title.

(C) All other administrative permits whose purpose and procedures are set forth herein. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991)

Certain uses may be permitted in zones in which they are not otherwise outright permitted by this chapter, where such uses are deemed essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare, and are in harmony with the various elements or objectives of the comprehensive general plan, and are not detrimental to surrounding property. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991)

The following uses may be permitted in any zone upon the granting of a conditional use permit:

Airports or aircraft landing fields (FAA approved).

Churches or other places used exclusively for religious worship.

City, county, state and federal enterprises, including buildings, facilities and uses of departments or institutions thereof which are necessary or advantageous to the general welfare of the community.

Communication equipment buildings.

Educational institutions including elementary and secondary schools and colleges.

Health facilities and community care facilities.

• Institutions of a philanthropic nature (charitable nonprofit organizations).

• Large family daycare homes.

• Libraries and museums.

Mortuaries, cemeteries and expansion of existing cemeteries.

Natural resources development together with the necessary buildings, apparatus or appurtenances incident thereto.

Public parks, playgrounds, golf courses, community buildings and country clubs.

Public utility or public service buildings, structures and uses.

Radio, microwave, television and telephone transmitters and broadcasting stations, including amateur and professional.

Real estate tract offices and accessory signs.

Residential care facilities and residential service facilities for seven (7) or more residents.

Residential care facilities and residential service facilities for six (6) or fewer residents when such a facility is located at a distance of one thousand feet (1,000') or less from an existing community care facility as measured from any point upon the outside walls of the structures housing such facilities.

Tandem parking spaces as specified in subsection 10-4-4 (C)10 of this title. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991; amd. Ord. 1548B, 6-23-1998; Ord. 1729, 1-13-2026)

(A) The Commission may grant a variance to authorize a specific exception to any regulation of this title in accordance with the procedure specified in section 10-3-6 of this chapter.

(B) The Commission may grant variances from the terms of the zoning regulations contained in this title only when, because of special circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of this title deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under identical zoning classification.

(C) Findings of Approval. In granting a variance, the Planning Commission must make all of the following findings:

1. That the strict or literal interpretation and application of this Zoning Ordinance would result in practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships inconsistent with the general purpose and intent of this Zoning Ordinance, or would deprive applicants of privileges granted to others in similar circumstances; and

2. That there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved or the intended development of the property that do not apply generally to other property in the same zone; and

3. That the granting of such variance will not constitute the granting of a special privilege inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the vicinity classified in the same zone; and

4. That the granting of such variance will not be materially detrimental to the public health, safety, or general welfare nor injurious to property or improvements in the zone or neighborhood in which the property is located; and

5. That the granting of such variance will not create any inconsistency with any objective contained in the General Plan.

Any variance granted shall be subject to such conditions as will assure that the adjustment thereby authorized shall not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone in which such property is situated.

A variance shall not be granted for a parcel of property which authorizes a use or activity which is not otherwise expressly authorized by the zone regulations governing the parcel of property or for purposes of granting density greater than that permitted in the zone. The provisions of this section shall not apply to conditional use permits. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991; amd. Ord. 1736, 5-26-2026)

The granting of conditional use permits and variances shall be in accordance with the following procedure:

(A) Application for a conditional use permit or variance shall be filed with the Development Services Department on a form furnished by said department, accompanied by a site plan and fee set by resolution of the city council, no part of which may be refunded. When the applicant is not the owner of the property, the written authorization of the owner shall accompany the application. The application shall not be accepted for filing by said department unless it conforms to the filing requirements established by the Commission. The requirement that the applicant for a conditional use permit or variance be the owner of the property or written authorization be obtained from the owner shall not apply to public utilities or other agencies with powers of eminent domain.

(B) The Development Services Department shall set the hearing date and shall give notice of application and hearing by mailing notices to all property owners within three hundred feet (300') of the exterior boundaries of the subject property, using the ownerships, names and addresses from the last adopted tax roll. The notice shall state the name of the applicant, the location of the property, the use or exception applied for, and the time and place of the hearing. The failure of any property owner to receive the notice shall not invalidate the proceedings. If the hearing is continued by the Commission, and the time and place announced publicly at the time of adjournment of the hearing, no further notice is required.

(C) Within forty (40) days after the application is deemed complete, the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the application at a regular or special meeting of the Commission. Failure of the Commission to make a decision on an application within thirty (30) days after the hearing shall constitute a denial of the application, and the secretary of the Commission shall certify such denial.

(D) The Commission may require such terms and conditions to the granting of a conditional use permit or variance as the Commission may deem necessary. Noncompliance with these terms or conditions shall be a cause of revocation of such permit or variance. Revisions to the terms or conditions of a granted permit or variance shall require a new permit or variance.

(E) All conditional use permits and variances granted by the Commission shall expire and become null and void eighteen (18) months after the date of granting such permit, unless the authorized use is carried on, or a building permit has been obtained for the structure requiring the use permit or variance, prior to the date of expiration.

(F) The conditional use permit and variance shall run with the land, i.e., shall apply to the parcel specified in the conditional use permit or variance, regardless of any change of ownership, but may not be transferred to another parcel.

(G) The conditional use permit and variance shall become effective and be issued eleven (11) days after the Commission granted the permit unless an appeal has been filed, in which case the conditional use permit and variance shall not be issued until the granting of the permit is affirmed on appeal.

(H) No application shall be reconsidered and no new application shall be considered by the Commission for a conditional use permit or variance previously acted upon by the Commission within one year after the date of such action, unless the Commission establishes that there has been a substantial change in the circumstances under consideration since the original proceedings.

(I) A conditional use permit or variance being processed concurrently with an application requiring city council action shall be scheduled for public hearing before the Planning Commission for its recommendation and the city council for final action.

(J) Findings of Approval. The Planning Commission may approve and/or modify a conditional use permit in whole or in part, with or without conditions, provided that all of the following findings of fact are made:

1. The proposed use is one conditionally permitted within the subject zone and complies with the intent of all applicable provisions of this Zoning Ordinance;

2. The proposed use would not impair the integrity and character of the zone in which it is to be located;

3. The subject site is physically suitable for the type of land use being proposed;

4. The proposed use is compatible with the land uses presently on the subject property;

5. The proposed use would be compatible with existing and future land uses within the zone and the general area in which the proposed use is to be located;

6. There would be adequate provisions for water, sanitation, and public utilities and services to ensure that the proposed use would not be detrimental to public health and safety;

7. There would be adequate provisions for public access to serve the subject proposal;

8. The proposed use is consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses, and programs of the City of Placerville General Plan;

9. The proposed use would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare; and

10. The proposed design and elevations preserve and maximize the image, character, and visual quality of the neighborhood.

11. The Planning Commission shall find that the proposed use does not have a disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effect on minority and low-income populations. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991; amd. Ord. 1654, 6-25-2013; Ord. 1736, 5-26-2026)

The decision of the commission on a conditional use permit or variance may be appealed to the council by the applicant or by any person directly and adversely affected by the decision, in accordance with the following procedure:

(A) The appeal shall be filed with the city clerk on a form furnished by said clerk, accompanied by a fee established by the city council by resolution, no part of which may be refunded. Such appeal must be filed within ten (10) days after the date of the decision of the commission. Such decision becomes final if an appeal is not filed within the time herein specified. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991)

(B) Within ten (10) days after the date of filing of the appeal, the city clerk shall transmit the record on appeal to the development services department.

(C) The city clerk and council shall follow the procedure to be followed by the development services department and commission in subsection (B) of this section for use permits and variances. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991; amd. Ord. 1654, 6-25-2013)

(D) Within forty (40) days after the filing of an appeal with the city clerk, the council shall hold a public hearing on the appeal at a regular or special meeting of the council. The council may affirm or reverse the decision of the commission and may substitute its decision for that of the commission, based on the record of appeal and the evidence received at the hearing on appeal. The decision of the council on such appeal shall be final. Failure of the council to reach a decision on such appeal within sixty (60) days after the filing of the appeal shall affirm the decision of the commission. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991)

(A) The development services department and other law enforcement agencies of the city shall enforce the provisions of this title.

(B) No building permit shall be issued by the development services department for construction, demolition, alteration, addition to, or moving of a structure unless such work would comply with the provisions of this title, or a use permit or a variance was issued by the commission. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991; amd. Ord. 1654, 6-25-2013)

(C) A permit or license issued by a municipal or other public agency for a use or structure in violation of a provision of this title, except as provided by this chapter, shall not constitute authorization for such a violation or establish vested rights. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991)

The construction, alterations, addition to, moving of a structure, or the use of land or structure, in violation of the provisions of this title is unlawful and constitutes a public nuisance. The city attorney, upon order of the council, shall immediately commence action for the abatement, removal, restraining and enjoinment of such violation in the manner prescribed by law. The remedies provided in this title are cumulative and shall not exclude other remedies for a violation of this title as provided by other laws or ordinances. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991)

Any person violating any of the provisions of this title is subject to section 1-4-5 of this code. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991)

(A) When Acceptable: When it is in the public interest, the Development Services Director, or the duly appointed representative, may consider and render decisions on the following minor deviations involving slight modifications to the provisions of this title:

1. The reduction of the lot area or the minimum size of the dwelling unit requirements by not more than ten percent (10%) of that required in the zone for not more than one lot or dwelling unit in a development.

2. The modification of the end stalls of automobile parking space turning radius not less than twenty two feet (22') and reduction in size dimension up to twenty percent (20%) of a loading berth.

3. The modification of the height of a fence, wall and hedge regulations up to twenty percent (20%).

4. The modification of the height requirement of uncovered patios, terraces, swimming pools, stairways, or other landings, encroaching into required yard setbacks.

5. The modification of maximum building coverage not greater than five percent (5%) over the permitted coverage.

6. The modification of minimum dwelling unit area not greater than five percent (5%) of the required area.

7. The modification of rear and side yard setbacks not to exceed ten percent (10%).

8. Front yard modifications may also be granted when the irregular shape of a lot prohibits the required front and rear yards. In such cases, the front and rear yards shall be an average setback.

9. The modification of parcel width and/or parcel frontage by not more than ten percent (10%) of that required in the zone for not more than one lot within a parcel map.

(B) Conditions: In granting a minor deviation, all the conditions set forth in subsection 10-3-5 (B) of this chapter shall be made by the Development Services director, or the designee, and conditions may be imposed. A decision shall be made in writing within twenty (20) days after the filing of the application. One copy shall be mailed to the applicant.

(C) Development Services Director Consideration Discretionary: The Development Services Director, or the duly appointed representative, may consider and determine any matter within the scope of this section or refer such matter to the Commission for its determination.

(D) Application And Fee: Application for a permit shall be filed with the Development Services department on a form furnished by said department, accompanied by a site plan and a fee established by the City Council by resolution, no part of which may be refunded. When the applicant is not the owner of the property, the written authorization of the owner shall accompany the application. The application shall not be accepted for filing by said department unless it conforms to the filing requirements established by the Commission.

(E) Notification Of Adjacent Property Owners: The Development Services Director or an authorized representative shall contact adjacent property owners and shall advise of the applicant's request. A five (5) day period shall be provided for response from adjacent property owners.

(F) Minor Deviations Findings. An application shall not be granted unless all of the following findings can be made:

1. A modification is needed to allow property to be used in a more beneficial manner; and

2. A modification would not be detrimental to public health, safety, or general welfare or to surrounding property owners or the community; and

3. The granting the modification would not grant special privileges to the applicant not enjoyed by surrounding property owners; and

4. There are physical circumstances due to the shape or condition of the property which would result in hardship under existing regulations; and

• 5. The purpose of modification is not based exclusively on the financial advantage of the owner; and
• 6. The alleged difficulties were not created by the owner; and
• 7. The modification would not increase traffic or endanger public safety; and,
• 8. The modification would not have detrimental effects on adjoining properties.

(G) Appeals From Determinations: If the applicant or adjacent property owner is dissatisfied with the decision, the decision may be appealed to the Commission within ten (10) days after the decision is rendered. Such appeal shall be in writing and shall be filed with the secretary of the Commission. Upon the receipt of such appeal, the secretary of the Commission will establish the date, time and place to hear such appeal. The Commission, upon receipt of the Development Services Director's action, may require said minor deviation to be presented at a public hearing before the Commission. No permits shall be issued until the Planning Commission concurs with the staff's action. The decision of the Planning Commission is appealable to the City Council within ten (10) days of the Commission's decision. (Ord. 1474, 1-8-1991; amd. Ord. 1654, 6-25-2013; Ord. 1736, 5-26-2026)

(A) Purpose: It is the policy of the city to provide reasonable accommodation for disabled persons seeking fair access to housing in the application of its zoning laws. The purpose of this section is to provide a process for making a request for reasonable accommodation. (Ord. 1548B, 6-23-1998)

(B) Request Application:

1. Any person who requires reasonable accommodation, because of a disability, in the application of a zoning law which may be acting as a barrier to fair housing opportunities may do so on a form to be provided by the development services director. (Ord. 1548B, 6-23-1998; amd. Ord. 1654, 6-25-2013)

2. If the project for which the request is being made also requires some other planning permit or approval, then the applicant shall file the request together with the application for such permit or approval.

(C) Request Information: The applicant shall provide the following information:

• 1. Applicant's name, address and telephone number;
• 2. Address of the property for which the request is being made;
• 3. The current actual use of the property;

4. The zoning code provision, regulation or policy from which accommodation is being requested;

5. The factual basis for the need for the accommodation including a description of the person's disability and a physical description of the property.

(D) Notice Of Request For Accommodation: Written notice that a request for reasonable accommodation shall be given as follows:

1. In the event that there is no approval sought other than the request for reasonable accommodation, the notice shall be mailed to the owners of record of all properties which are immediately adjacent to the property which is the subject of the request.

2. In the event that the request is being made in conjunction with some other process, the notice shall be transmitted along with the notice of the other proceeding.

(E) Grounds For Accommodation: In making a determination regarding the reasonableness of a requested accommodation the following factors shall be considered:

• 1. Special needs created by the disability;
• 2. Potential benefit that can be accomplished by the requested modification;
• 3. Potential impact on surrounding uses;
• 4. Physical attributes of the property and structures;
• 5. Alternative accommodations which may provide an equivalent level of benefit;

6. In the case of a determination involving a single-family dwelling, whether the household would be considered a single housekeeping unit if it were not using special services that are required because of the disabilities of the residents.

(F) Notice Of Proposed Decision:

1. Notice of the proposed decision shall be made in the same manner as set forth in subsection (D) of this section.

2. Within ten (10) days of the date the notice is mailed, any person may make a request for director's hearing upon a proposed decision.

3. If no request for hearing is received the proposed decision shall become a final director's decision.

(G) Director's Hearing: The director shall conduct a hearing on the request for reasonable accommodation at which all reasonable evidence and credible testimony shall be considered.

(H) Notice Of Director's Decision:

1. Within thirty (30) days after the hearing, the director shall issue a decision granting the request, including any reasonable conditions, or denying the request.

2. The notice of decision shall contain the director's factual findings, conclusions and reasons for the decision.

3. The notice of decision shall be made in the same manner as set forth in subsection (D) of this section.

(I) Appeal To Planning Commission:

1. Within thirty (30) days after the notice of director's decision, any person may appeal in writing to the planning commission.

2. All appeals shall contain a statement of the grounds for the appeal. (Ord. 1548B, 6-23-1998)

This Section is established pursuant to Section 65358 of the California Government Code, to allow for the amendment of the City of Placerville General Plan.

(A) Providing Proof of Vested Interest. Applications to amend the General Plan text or maps may be initiated by any person who is able to demonstrate a legal vested interest in the proposed application. The authorized agent of any person with a legal vested interest may also initiate an application. The Development Services Director may request proof of ownership or authorization to apply, prior to the acceptance of any application.

(B) General Plan Amendments for Properties Under Multiple Ownership. In the case of a proposed amendment to the General Plan land use policy map, if the property for which the amendment is proposed is in more than one ownership, all owners or their authorized agents shall be required to sign the application.

(C) City Council Initiated General Plan Amendment. The Development Services Director and/or City Council may initiate an application to amend the General Plan.

(D) Planning Commission Hearing. A public hearing before the Planning Commission shall be noticed and conducted. At the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall review the application and proposal and receive evidence as to how or why the proposed General Plan amendment is consistent with the objectives of this Title 10, the balance of the General Plan, and development policies of the City.

(E) Planning Commission Action. The Planning Commission shall act to recommend to the City Council approval, approval with modifications, or denial of the proposed application. A majority vote of the entire Planning Commission is required to recommend approval or approval with modifications. The Planning Commission's action shall include its recommendation and shall be transmitted to the City Clerk for scheduling the matter for public hearing before the City Council.

(F) City Council Public Hearing. Upon receipt of a Planning Commission resolution, the Development Services Director shall set the matter for hearing before the City Council. At the hearing, the City Council shall review the Commission's recommendation and may receive evidence as to how or why the proposed General Plan amendment is consistent with the objectives of this Zoning Ordinance, the balance of the General Plan, and development policies of the City.

(G) City Council Action. The City Council shall act to approve or deny the application. A majority vote of the entire Council is required to amend the General Plan. The City Council's action to amend the General Plan shall be by formal resolution.

(H) Referral of General Amendment to the Planning Commission. If the City Council proposes any substantial modification to the application not previously considered by the Planning Commission, the City Council shall refer the matter back to the Commission for consideration. No public hearing shall be required. Failure of the Planning Commission to act within forty (40) days of receiving the City Council's request shall provide the City Council with authority to act without the Planning Commission's recommendation.

(I) Required Findings. Prior to approving a General Plan Amendment, the City Council shall make the following findings:

1. That the proposed amendment is in the public interest, and that there will be a community benefit resulting from the amendment;

2. That the proposed amendment is consistent with the other goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan;

3. That the proposed amendment will not conflict with provisions of the zoning ordinance or subdivision regulations; and

4. In the event that the proposed amendment is a change to the land use policy map, that the amendment will not adversely affect surrounding properties. (Ord. 1736, 5-26-2026)

In recognition of that fact that physical, economic, and other conditions in the City may change over time, provisions are hereby made to allow for amendments to the zoning map and Zoning Ordinance text in accordance with the procedures outlined in this Section. All such changes of zone or zoning ordinance text amendments shall be adopted in the manner in which other City ordinances are adopted.

(A) Providing Proof of Vested Interest. Any person who is able to demonstrate a legal vested interest in the proposed application may initiate applications for a change of zone or zoning ordinance text amendment. The authorized agent of any person with a legal vested interest may also initiate an application. The Development Services Director may request proof of ownership or authorization to apply prior to the acceptance of any application.

(B) Zone Changes for Properties Under Multiple Ownership. In the case of a change of zone application, if the property for which the change of zone is proposed is in more than one ownership, all owners or their authorized agents shall be required to sign the application.

(C) City Council Initiated Zone Change. The City Council may initiate an application to change the boundaries of any zone district or to amend the text of the zoning ordinance.

(D) Planning Commission Public Hearing. A public hearing before the Planning Commission shall be noticed and conducted.

(E) Recommendation of Zone Change by Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall recommend to the City Council approval, approval with modifications, or denial of the proposed application. The Commission's recommendation shall be transmitted to the Development Services Director for scheduling the matter for consideration by the City Council.

(F) Denial of Zone Change by Planning Commission. Upon receipt of a Planning Commission recommendation for denial of a change of zone, the Development Services Director shall place the Commission's recommendation on the City Council agenda as a receive-and-file item. The Commission's decision shall be considered final and no further action by the Council will be required unless an appeal is filed, or the Council chooses to set the matter for hearing.

(G) City Council Public Hearing. Upon receipt of a Planning Commission resolution recommendation for approval of a change of zone or zoning ordinance amendment, or denial of a zoning ordinance text amendment, the Development Services Director shall set the matter for hearing before the City Council. At the hearing, the City Council shall review the Commission's recommendation and receive evidence as to how or why the proposed change of zone or zoning ordinance text amendment is consistent with the objectives of this Zoning Ordinance, the City of Placerville General Plan, and development policies of the City. The City Council shall act to approve or deny the application by resolution.

(H) Referral of Matter Back to the Planning Commission. If the Council proposes any substantial modification to the application not previously considered by the Planning Commission, the Council shall refer the matter back to the Commission for consideration. No public hearing shall be required. Failure of the Commission to act within forty (40) days of receiving the Council's request shall provide the Council with authority to act without the Commission's recommendation.

(I) Approval of Zone Change by City Council. The City Council shall be required to make the following findings of fact before approving a change of zone or zoning ordinance text amendment:

1. That the proposed change of zone or zoning ordinance text amendment is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan; and

2. That the proposed change of zone or zoning ordinance text amendment will not adversely affect surrounding properties; and

3. That the proposed change of zone or zoning ordinance text amendment promotes public health, safety, and general welfare and serves the goals and purposes of this Zoning Ordinance. (Ord. 1736, 5-26-2026)