21.80.020 Discretionary permits and actions.
   (a)   Administrative Permits and Actions. The community development director has primary administrative authority over certain activities which require the determination of compliance with applicable zoning provisions. In the case of a temporary use permit, a permit review board will take action on the administrative permit request. No public hearing is required for administrative permits and actions unless the decision is appealed in accordance with provisions of Chapter 21.88.
      (1)   Zoning code interpretation (exclusive of use interpretations). An administrative interpretation of certain provisions (exclusive of use provisions) of the zoning ordinance in an effort to resolve ambiguity in the regulations and to ensure their consistent application (Chapter 21.94).
      (2)   Zoning clearance/plan check. An administrative plan check process of nonexempt uses and structures that do not otherwise require review to determine conformance with applicable provisions of this title (Chapter 21.96).
      (3)   Home occupation permit. An administrative permit authorizing limited non-residential activities on residential properties in compliance with specific criteria and performance standards (Chapter 21.98).
      (4)   Temporary use permit. An administrative permit authorizing specific limited-term uses in conformance with specified conditions and performance criteria set forth in Chapter 21.100.
      (5)   Administrative adjustment. An administrative permit granting limited exceptions to certain development standards of this title where strict compliance would result in a unique hardship (Chapter 21.102).
      (6)   Temporary sign permit. An administrative permit authorizing a variety of temporary signs for limited-term promotional advertising in conformance with specific provisions and conditions of this title (Chapter 21.104). Temporary signs may also be approved in conjunction with a temporary use permit (Chapter 21.100).
      (7)   Site plan review. An administrative review process providing for review of projects for compliance with the provisions of this title and compliance with any site plan or architectural design guidelines adopted by the city (Chapter 21.114).
      (8)   Large family day care home permit (LDC). An administrative permit authorizing a properly licensed applicant to operate a large family day care home, which provides care for nine to fourteen children, from a single-family zoned residence and in compliance with specific criteria and performance standards in Chapter 21.103 of this Title.
   (b)   Quasi-judicial Permits and Actions. Except when combined with legislative actions, the planning commission is the designated approving authority for quasi-judicial permits and actions. A public hearing is required for the following quasi-judicial actions:
      (1)   Zoning code use interpretation. An action establishing a use determination in an effort to resolve ambiguity in the use regulations and to ensure their consistent application (Chapter 21.106).
      (2)   Variance. An action granting exception to the development standards of this title in cases where strict compliance would result in a unique hardship. This permit applies to all requests for exception to the development standards of this title that do not qualify as a minor variance (Chapter 21.108).
      (3)   Conditional use permit. A permit authorizing the operation of a specific use of land or a building in a particular location consistent with the provisions of this title (Chapter 21.110).
      (4)   Certificate of compatibility. An action authorizing the design compatibility of new single-family homes with surrounding neighborhoods beyond consistency with applicable zoning provisions of this title (Chapter 21.112).
      (5)   Abatement/extension of nonconforming uses/structures. An action requiring the abatement or authorizing the extension of nonconforming uses or structures pursuant to provisions of Article IX, Chapter 21.130 (Chapter 21.114).
   (c)   Legislative Actions. The designated approving authority for all legislative actions by the city is the city council. A public hearing is required for all following legislative actions:
      (1)   Planned unit development. An action adopting a special area plan addressing the use and/or development of land that may not conform to the underlying zoning map or district regulations, but which complies with the goals and policies of the general plan for a particular area (Chapter 21.116).
      (2)   Specific plan. A regulatory document prepared pursuant to the Government Code Section 65450 et seq. for the systematic implementation of the general plan for a particular area (Chapter 21.118).
      (3)   Zoning ordinance text/map amendment. An action authorizing either a text amendment to this title or a map amendment changing the zoning designation of particular property consistent with the general plan (Chapter 21.120).
      (4)   General plan text/map amendment. An action authorizing either a text amendment to the general plan or a map amendment changing the general plan land use designation of particular property(s) (Chapter 21.122).
      (5)   Development agreement. An agreement between the city and a party with legal or equitable interest in the real property relating to the development of property (Chapter 21.124).
   (d)   Subdivisions and Other Building Regulations. In addition to the permits listed in this title, regulations governing the subdivision of land are established in Title 20 of the Municipal Code. Provisions for construction and building are established in Title 17 of the Municipal Code.
(Ord. 651, § 10, 2012; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008; Ord. 705, § 8, 2018).