This title shall apply to all property within the corporate limits of the city that seek to alter its condition or use by development, subdivision or other change that requires a permit under this code, or any other ordinance or law, except such property expressly exempted therefrom by the provisions of this title or other lawful exemption. Unless another department has primary responsibility for processing a permit, the zoning administrator, or his or her designee, shall administer these provisions and may adopt such rules as will assist in administering these provisions. The process may be varied or altered by the zoning administrator or the planning commission as allowed within this title. (2009 Code)