A. Applicability And Authority To Prepare: Whenever the planning director determines that an ambiguity in a zoning regulation exists that requires a formal decision to serve as precedent, or a formal request for an interpretation is made by an applicant, property owner, or interested party to the planning director, an official zoning interpretation shall be prepared as described herein.
B. Official Zoning Interpretation Defined; Threshold For Preparation Of Official Zoning Interpretation: An "official zoning interpretation" is a recorded decision on the meaning and/or application of the development standards, allowed use regulations, or other standards contained within this title.
C. Content Of Official Zoning Interpretation: Official zoning interpretations shall be prepared by the planning director, in writing, and shall cite the provisions being interpreted, together with any explanation of the meaning or applicability of the provision(s) in the particular or general circumstances that caused the need for the interpretation.
D. Procedure For Interpretations: Official zoning interpretations shall be prepared as follows:
1. Action By The Planning Director: The planning director shall prepare an official zoning interpretation within ten (10) days from the date of request. A copy of the official zoning interpretation shall be provided to the city manager, city attorney, city council, and to the applicant, property owner, or interested party requesting the interpretation.
2. Referral To The Planning Commission: The planning director may, in his or her sole discretion, refer a request for an official zoning interpretation to the planning commission for review and interpretation.
E. Keeping Of Official Zoning Interpretations: The planning director shall maintain a complete record of all official interpretations available for public review, indexed by the chapter number of this title that is the subject of the interpretation.
F. Codification Of Official Zoning Interpretations: To the extent practical, official zoning interpretations shall be incorporated into this title by amendment as soon as is practical. (Ord. 2013-05, 2-6-2014)