(A) This chapter establishes uniform procedures for the preparation, filing, and processing of all land use permits and approvals provided for in this title, unless superseded by a specific requirement of the zoning code or state law.
(B) Forms and fees.
(1) Applicant. The owner of property or the owner’s authorized agent. If the application is made by someone other than the owner or the owner’s agent, proof of the right to use and possess the property as applied for, satisfactory to the Director, shall accompany the application.
(2) Application forms. The Director shall prepare, and issue application forms and lists that specify the information that will be required from applicants for projects subject to the provisions of this title.
(3) Supporting materials. The Director may require the submission of supporting materials as part of the application, including but not limited to: statements, photographs, plans, drawings, renderings, models, staking and flagging, material samples and other items necessary to describe existing conditions and the proposed project and to determine the level of environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
(4) Availability of materials. All submitted material becomes the property of the County, may be distributed to the public, and shall be made available for public inspection. At any time, upon reasonable request, and during normal business hours, any person may examine application materials in support of or in opposition at the Planning Division offices. Unless prohibited by law or superseded by specific permit confidentiality requirements, copies of such materials shall be made available at a reasonable cost.
(5) Reimbursement and indemnification. The application shall include an enforceable provision in which the applicant agrees to reimburse the County for the cost of processing the application and to defend the County in any legal actions arising from the County’s processing and/or approval or denial.
(C) Multiple applications.
(1) Concurrent filing. An applicant for a development project that requires the filing of more than one application (e.g., conditional use permit, tentative map, etc.), shall file all related applications concurrently, together with all application fees required by the County. Under certain circumstances, the concurrent filing requirements may be waived by the Director.
(2) Concurrent processing. Multiple applications for the same project may be processed concurrently, each application shall be reviewed and approved or denied by the Review Authority designated by the zoning code. In the case of concurrent applications which require review and approval by a lower authority and a higher authority (e.g., Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors), any approvals by the lower authority shall be contingent upon approval by the higher authority.
(D) Application fees.
(1) Fee schedule. The Board of Supervisors shall approve by resolution a fee schedule that establishes flat fees or deposits for permits, procedures for processing flat fees or deposits, informational materials, penalties, copying, and other such items.
(2) Fee payment. No application shall be deemed complete, and processing shall not commence on any application until all required fees or deposits have been paid.
(3) Fee waiver. No fee shall be required when the applicant is the County, or if it is waived under any other provision of the County Code.
(4) Refund of fees. Application fees are non-refundable unless otherwise provided for in the County Code or by policy of the County.
(E) Review of applications.
(1) Initial completeness review. The Director shall determine whether an application is complete within 30 days of the date the application is accepted and the required fee received, whichever is later, except for legislative acts (zoning amendments, specific plans, etc.) or where this time limit is superseded by state law.
(2) Incomplete application. If an application is deemed incomplete, the Director shall provide written notification to the applicant listing the application(s), forms, information, and any additional fees that are necessary to complete the application.
(3) Appeal of determination. Determinations of incompleteness are subject to the provisions of appeals in § 25.01.008.
(F) Expiration of applications.
(1) Expiration of application. Based on noncommunication, the Director may determine that an application has been abandoned. The applicant shall be informed that the County plans to deem the application expired and shall be given an opportunity to provide any missing materials within a reasonable time. Final notice of an expired application shall be mailed to the applicant if no response is received, or if missing materials are not provided.
(2) Notice of expired application. When an application is deemed expired, the Director shall make a record of that date and also notify the applicant.
(3) Application fees refunded. Any funds paid or deposited and not used at the time the application is deemed expired shall be refunded to the applicant.
(Ord. 1043, § 3 (part), 2022)