(A) This article provides the flexibility in application of land use and development regulations necessary to achieve the purposes of this chapter by establishing procedures for approval, conditional approval, or disapproval of design reviews, use permit, administrative use permit and variance applications.
(B) The purpose of design review is to promote the orderly and harmonious development of the city, the stability of land values and investments, and the general welfare and to encourage and promote the highest quality of design and site planning to delight the user and others who come in contact with uses and structures in the city.
(C) Design review plans are required for all new development and additions to existing structures, unless the Zoning Administrator finds that the addition is non-controversial, minor, and does not involve a substantial alteration to the existing structure. Design review is not required for the construction or alteration of a single-family residence unless within a planned development regulating the architectural style of the dwelling.
(D) Use permits are required for use classifi-cations typically having unusual site development features or operating characteristics requiring special consideration so that they may be designed, located, and operated compatibly with uses on adjoining properties and in the surrounding area.
(E) Administrative use permits may be granted by the Zoning Administrator for minor projects if it can be determined that such projects comply with the provisions of this chapter.
(F) Variances are intended to resolve practical difficulties or physical hardships that may result from the size, shape, or dimensions of a site or the location of existing structures thereon; from geo-graphic, topographic, or other physical conditions on the site or in the immediate vicinity; or from street locations or traffic conditions in the immediate vicinity of the site.
(G) Authorization to grant variances does not extend to use regulations because the flexibility necessary to avoid results inconsistent with the land use objectives of this chapter is provided by the use permit/administrative use permit process for specified uses and by the authority of the Zoning Administrator to determine whether a specific use belongs within one or more of the use classifications listed in this chapter.
(Ord. 897-C-S, passed 10-25-94)