(A) Purpose. This section establishes site plan review procedures and provides regulations pertaining to the enforcement of site design standards consistent with the requirements of this chapter. These procedures are established to promote high quality development and enhance the built and natural environment within the city as new development and redevelopment activities occur.
(B) Applicability. Site plan approval is required for the following development:
(1) Construct a structure;
(2) Relocate a structure from one property to another in the city;
(3) Expand or change the use of a building or parcel of land or modify a building, accessory structure or site or land feature in any manner that results in a different intensity of use, including the requirement for additional parking;
(4) Grade or take any action to prepare a site for development, except in conformance with the requirements for a grading permit, an approved neighborhood development plan or an approved conditional use permit; and
(5) Remove earth, soils, gravel, or other natural material from or place the same on a site, except in conformance with the requirements for a building or grading permit or an approved neighborhood development plan or an approved conditional use permit.
(C) Exemptions. The following are exempt from the site plan review process:
(1) Agricultural structures in the UR Urban Reserve District provided they comply with all other code provisions; and
(2) Accessory structures in residential zones under 200 square feet and 18 feet in height or the height of the principal structure, whichever is less, provided they comply with all other code provisions;
(D) Review authority. Except in cases of administrative site plan review per division (G) below, the Planning Commission and City Council shall have the review and approval authority to approve a site plan.
(E) Conditions. The City Council may impose conditions that affect the intent of this chapter to the approval of a site plan review.
(F) Modification to approved site plan. A modification to plans previously approved through the site plan review process that do not qualify for an administrative site plan review under division (G) below must follow the City Council approved site plan review procedure.
(G) Administrative site plan review. Sites plans shall be reviewed by the City Manager in lieu of City Council approval if they meet the following criteria, except as otherwise expressly provided in this chapter:
(1) Residential properties with one dwelling unit per parcel that comply with the approved plan; and
(2) Modifications or expansions of parking lots or driveways;
(3) Sites, buildings and uses that are permitted in the zoning district and do not require variances from this chapter or any other city code, except for the following:
(a) Nonresidential uses in or adjacent to a residential district;
(b) Uses with drive-through service;
(c) Uses in the Public Institution District (PI);
(d) Religious institutions, either free-standing or within a multi-tenant building;
(e) Projects that received a conditional use permit or are in a special zoning overlay; and
(f) Public and private elementary and secondary schools, including charter schools.
(4) Procedure.
(a) Administrative site plan review may be combined with the established building permit process when applicable. The City Manager may impose conditions on the approval to implement the intent of this chapter.
(b) Administrative approval, including all applicable conditions and requirements, may be made either in writing separately or attached to the submitted plans. The applicant must fulfill all applicable conditions of the approval prior to the issuance of any permits.
(H) Term of approval.
(1) If application has not been made for final site plan review for all or part of the property within the development plan 365 days following the date of its approval, the development plan approval will lapse unless the applicant requests an extension of that approval. An extension may be valid for one year and may be approved by the City Council.
(2) If no construction has occurred on the property included within the development plan within 365 days following the date of final site plan approval, approval for the development plan will lapse unless an extension has been approved by the City Council. An extension may be valid for one year and may be approved by the City Council.
(I) Conformance to the approved site plan. All developments must remain in continual conformance with the approved site plan review until or unless amended in compliance with this chapter.
(Ord. 2024-1304, passed 7-29-24)