Chapter 17.655 — Zoning Clearances

Zoning clearance is an administrative procedure used by the City to verify that a proposed land use, improvement, or structure complies with the list of activities allowed in the applicable zone and the development standards applicable to the use, improvement, or structure. (Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)

Where Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards) or another provision of this Development Code requires a zoning clearance as a prerequisite to establishing a land use, improvement, or structure, a zoning clearance shall be required in conjunction with landscape and irrigation approval [see Chapter 17.325 (Water Efficient Landscape and Irrigation)] at the time of the Director's review of any of the following:

• A. Initiation of a land use. A zoning clearance shall be obtained before the initiation or commencement of any use of land not requiring the construction of a structure or improvement.

• B. Change of use.

  1. Whenever a use is proposed to be changed from a use for which a zoning clearance has been issued, whether or not the new use involves a new lessee, operator, or owner, a new zoning clearance shall be obtained.

  2. A zoning clearance shall also be required even if the lessee, operator, or owner of the previous use did not file for or receive a zoning clearance.

• C. Business license. A zoning clearance shall be obtained before the City issues a new or modified business license.

• D. Building permit, grading permit, or other construction permit. A zoning clearance shall be obtained before the City issues a new or modified building permit, grading permit, or other construction-related permit required for the alteration, construction, modification, moving, or reconstruction of any structure.

• E. New impervious surfaces in the front yard. A zoning clearance shall be obtained before installing asphalt, concrete, or other paving flatwork on the ground that would affect the standards specified in Section 17.215.035 (Paving within Residential Front Yard Area).

• (Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)

• A. Director's responsibility. The Director shall issue the zoning clearance after first determining that the request complies with all Development Code provisions applicable to the proposed use or structure.

• B. Form of approval.

  1. An approval may be in the form of a stamp, signature, or other official notation on approved plans, a letter to the applicant, or other certification, at the discretion of the Director.

  2. The approval shall reference this chapter.

• (Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)

The procedures and requirements in Chapter 17.660 (Implementation, Time Limits, and Extensions), and those related to appeals and revocation in Article 7 (Administration) shall apply following the Director's action on a zoning clearance. (Ord. 24-13, 10/1/2024)