A. To provide a process where the Planning Director and, upon appeal, the Planning Commission are required to review proposed projects and make findings that the proposed project conforms with the intent and provisions of the district and associated improvement standards and to guide the Building Official in the issuance of building permits. More specifically, the requirement for site plan review is provided to ensure that structures, parking areas, loading areas, access, walkways, refuse containers, landscaping, public water, sewer, and drainage, on-site drainage as necessary, and street improvements are properly related to their sites and to surrounding sites and structures; to ensure that public street capacities are not exceeded or require improvements to traffic conditions as appropriate; to prevent excessive grading of the land and creation of drainage hazards; to prevent the indiscriminate clearing of property and the destruction of trees and shrubs of ornamental value; to avoid unsightly, inharmonious, monotonous and hazardous site development, including signs; and to encourage originality in site design and development in a manner which will enhance the physical appearance and attractiveness of the community. The site plan review process is also intended to provide for expeditious review of environmental assessments required by official policy of the City and the State.
B. Site plan review provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the following uses:
1. Any use within the RCO, UR, RA, R, RM, PO, CN, CC, CS, CH, CD, CO, IL, IH, and IP Districts, and excepting single-family residential use which is to be constructed on a site with complete street improvements. Single-family residential units may require a conditional use permit is some districts.
2. Some uses subject to administrative review/approval as defined in Chapter 18 of this Title.
3. Any use subject to an environmental assessment under applicable provisions of City policy as adopted by resolution pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended.
C. Minor change in property use or change in occupancy:
1. Minor changes in property use or occupancy that do no warrant full site plan review as determined by the Planning Director will be required to make reasonable minor improvements or upgrade existing improvements as per Section 11-20-5 of this Chapter.
2. Minor changes in property use or occupancy that are obviously in a neglected state of repair or maintenance as determined by the Planning Director will be required to be processed as a site plan review and be required to totally upgrade the property as per Section 11-20-5 of this Chapter.
D. Site plan review shall not be required for any use approved as a conditional use under Chapter 19 of this Title. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)