Chapter 12.76 — TITLE, PURPOSE, ETC.

This article shall be known as the "San Bruno Zoning Ordinance." (Prior code § 27-2.1; Ord. 1410 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1898 § 3, 2021)

It is the policy of the city that the development of land and the design and arrangement of structures be subject to the control of the city pursuant to the General Plan. (Prior code § 27-2.2; Ord. 1410 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1898 § 3, 2021)

This article is adopted to protect and promote the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare, and to achieve the following additional purposes:

• A. To provide a precise guide to the physical development of the city in order to achieve the land uses and open spaces described in the General Plan;

• B. To promote development that is most appropriate and beneficial to the city;

• C. To promote an efficient, safe system of traffic circulation;

• D. To provide for adequate off-street parking facilities;

• E. To provide for appropriate population densities;

• F. To provide for the appropriate location of public facilities;

• G. To provide for appropriate locations and standards for commercial uses in accord with the General Plan in order to strengthen the economic base of the city;

• H. To promote development that enhances its sites and the quality of its neighborhood;

• I. To ensure that new development will not overburden existing utility systems and public facilities and services; and that provisions are made to supplement said systems, facilities and services if necessary to accommodate new development;

• J. To discourage development in hazardous areas or under hazardous conditions in order to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare.

(Prior code § 27-2.3; Ord. 1410 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1898 § 3, 2021)

Approval of all applications pursuant to this article shall be based on a finding that said approval is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan adopted by the city council. In those instances where general or specific plan policies are more restrictive than the zoning regulations, said applicable policies shall have precedence in regulating the application.

Applications for rezoning, architectural review or use permit shall be denied if found to be inconsistent with the General Plan or applicable specific plan.

Prior to taking action on any application the approving authority, i.e., community development director, planning commission, or city council, shall review the environmental status of the project for which application is being made. Unless the project is categorically exempt, the approving authority shall certify that the negative declaration or environmental impact report is complete and adequate. (Prior code § 27-2.4; Ord. 1410 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1898 § 3, 2021; Ord. 1947, 4/9/2024)

The regulations established by this article shall apply to all property within the incorporated limits of the city. Such regulations shall be interpreted as the minimum standards reasonably necessary to promote the public health, comfort and general welfare. (Prior code § 27-2.5; Ord. 1410 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1898 § 3, 2021)

The city council shall by resolution establish a schedule of fees for the processing of the various applications required by this article. No application shall be processed for completeness unless the required fee has been paid.

(Prior code § 27-2.6; Ord. 1410 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1728 § 11, 2007; Ord. 1898 § 3, 2021)

Except as specifically provided herein, this article shall not be interpreted to repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way affect any existing provisions of any law, ordinance or regulation, or any permits previously issued relating to the construction, erection, moving, alteration or enlargement of any building or improvement.

(Prior code § 27-2.7; Ord. 1410 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1898 § 3, 2021)

The community development director shall have the authority to interpret the San Bruno Zoning Ordinance, including, but not limited to, determining whether an unlisted use is similar in nature to listed use. The director shall establish a process by which an interpretation may be requested, with a fee as established by city council. Interpretations shall be made in writing, and may be appealed to the planning commission pursuant to this chapter. The following criteria shall be considered in interpretations:

• A. Effect upon public health, safety and general welfare of the neighborhood involved and the city at large;

• B. Effect upon the orderly development of the area in question and the city at large; and

• C. Consistency with the General Plan, applicable specific plan, other regulations within the San Bruno zoning ordinance, and applicable state or case law.

(Prior code § 27-2.8; Ord. 1410 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1898 § 3, 2021; Ord. 1947, 4/9/2024)

No action of the city, or any approving authority thereof shall be deemed invalid by reason of failure to comply with or conform to the procedural requirements of this article. (Prior code § 27-2.9; Ord. 1410 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1898 § 3, 2021)

Any application made pursuant to this article shall be approved or disapproved, and extensions granted and completeness of application determined, within the time periods specified by state law. (Prior code § 27-2.11; Ord. 1410 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1898 § 3, 2021)