Chapter 23.32 — ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW

Alhambra Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Alhambra

§ 23.32.010 PURPOSE.

This chapter establishes procedure to verify that each new or expanded use, activity, or structure complies with all of the applicable requirements of this title and conditions of any previously granted discretionary approval. (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

§ 23.32.020 APPLICABILITY.

Administrative review is required for buildings or structures erected, constructed, altered, repaired or moved, the use of vacant land, changes in the character of the use of land or building, or for substantial expansions in the use of land or building, which are allowed as a matter of right by this title.

(A) Exceptions. Administrative review is not required for the continuation of previously approved or permitted uses and structures or uses and structures that are not subject to any building or zoning regulations.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4831, passed 8-26-24; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

§ 23.32.030 REVIEW AUTHORITY.

The Community Development Director shall act as the review authority for administrative review applications based on consideration of the requirements of this chapter. The Director may refer any application for an administrative review for a project that may generate substantial public interest or involve significant land use policy decisions to the Planning Commission for decision.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4831, passed 8-26-24; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

§ 23.32.040 APPLICATION.

Applications and fees for an administrative review shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 23.31.020. The Director may request that the administrative review application be accompanied by a written narrative, plans, and other related materials necessary to show that the proposed development, alteration, or use of the site complies with all provisions of this title and the requirements and conditions of any applicable existing design review, use permit, or other discretionary land use approval.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4831, passed 8-26-24; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

§ 23.32.050 PUBLIC NOTICE AND HEARING.

The Director may require any application for an administrative review for a project that may generate substantial public interest or involve significant land use policy decisions to provide public notice pursuant to § 23.31.050. A hearing on an administrative review shall occur only when a hearing is requested by the applicant or other person(s) in writing and received by the Community Development Director within ten days of the mailed notice. In the event a public hearing is requested, the administrative review shall be scheduled for a hearing before the Director or before the Planning Commission pursuant to Chapter 23.31. The Director shall have the discretion to determine whether a hearing will be held before the Director or the Planning Commission.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4831, passed 8-26-24; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

§ 23.32.060 DETERMINATION.

(A) Within 30 days after an administrative review application is accepted as complete for processing, the Director shall consider the application and approve, disapprove or conditionally approve the administrative review in accordance with this chapter. If the Director determines that the proposed use or building is allowed as a matter of right by this title, conform to the policies of the General Plan and conforms to all the applicable development and use standards, the Director shall issue an administrative review. An approved administrative review may include attachments of other written or graphic information, including but not limited to, statements, numeric data, site plans, floor plans, and building elevations and sections, as a record of the proposal's conformity with the applicable regulations of this title. Prior to issuing any building permit, subdivision approval, or lot line adjustment, the Director shall review the application to determine whether the use, building, or change in lot configuration complies with all provisions of this title or any applicable existing design review, use permit, or other discretionary land use approval and that all conditions of such permits and approvals have been satisfied.

(1) Where a land use project requires an administrative review application and a design review application, the Design Review Board shall make a determination on the design review application prior to any determination on the administrative review application for the project.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4831, passed 8-26-24; Ord. 4844, passed 4-28-25; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

§ 23.32.070 APPEALS; EXPIRATION, EXTENSIONS, AND REVISIONS; REVOCATION.

(A) Appeals. Administrative review decisions may be appealed as provided for in § 23.31.120. If public notice is required for an administrative review application pursuant to § 23.32.050, then a decision on an administrative review may only be appealed if a hearing was requested by the applicant or other person(s) in writing within ten days of the posting and mailing of the required public notice.

(B) Expiration, extensions, and revisions. Administrative review approvals may only be expired, extended, or modified as provided for in Chapter 23.31.

(C) Revocation. Administrative review approval may be revoked pursuant to § 23.31.110, if any of the conditions or terms of the approval are violated or if any law or ordinance is violated.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4831, passed 8-26-24; Ord. 4844, passed 4-28-25; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)