(A) Purpose. The concept plan review is an optional process that may provide an applicant with a general, non-binding direction from the Zoning Board of Appeals prior to submittal of a development application. Although it is the intent of this process to be as helpful as possible to an applicant in designing a proposed project, applicants should not rely on the direction as an indication of any future decision-making by the Zoning Board of Appeals on any subsequent requests for development permits. The city explicitly disclaims any direction or the outcome of any future decision-making.
(B) Applicability. A concept plan review may be requested for any type of development that requires a recommendation or final action by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
(C) Review criteria. The concept plan shall be evaluated using the criteria required for the type of development. The ability of the Zoning Board of Appeals to apply the criteria may be limited based on the amount of information provided with the application.
(D) Decision-maker. The individual members of the Zoning Board of Appeals may provide any and all comments, questions, critiques and direction they deem appropriate to assist the applicant with preparing a subsequent application for a development permit. These comments are strictly advisory and should not be taken as an indication of how the individual members or Zoning Board of Appeals as a whole may vote on any subsequent application for a development permit. The Zoning Board of Appeals shall not take a formal vote on any portion of the concept plan.
(E) Application and review procedures. Application requirements and processing procedures are those described in Table 154.918.1 and § 154.919 with the following modifications:
(1) Staff review, report and recommendations. The Zoning Administrator shall not be required to review the plan, circulate the plan to other agencies, produce a report, or make recommendations but may do any or all of these at said Administrator's discretion.
(2) Notice. Notice is not required unless requested by the applicant. Requested notice shall be the same as that required for the development permits necessary to allow the proposed type of development.
(3) Appeal. Because there is no decision, there is no appeal of any direction given by the Zoning Board of Appeals; however, in its discretion, City Council may elect to provide direction of its own on any concept plan.
(Ord. O-05-04, passed 4-11-05)