Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 20 — ZONING›Chapter 20.84 — PERMIT PROCEDURES
Cudahy Municipal Code § 20.84.210 Findings and decision for development review permits
Cudahy Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-05 · Cudahy
Cite as: Cudahy Municipal Code § 20.84.210 · Text as of 2026-10-05
20.84.170 Intent and purpose.¶
The development review process is established to improve the general standards and orderly development of the city through review of the design, layout, and other features of proposed developments and their environs prior to submission of plans to the building division for plan check. Development review permits are approved at two levels: (A) major development review approved by the planning commission; and (B) minor development review approved ministerially by the director of community development. (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.84.180 Applicability.¶
A. Development Review Required. A development review permit must be obtained prior to the issuance of any permit for the construction of any building or structure. Major and minor development review is required as specified in Table 20.84-2:
Table 20.84-2. Review Authority for Development Review (DR) Permit and Zoning Clearance
| Role of Review Authority | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoning Clearance* | Director (Minor DR) | Planning Commission (Major DR) | City Council |
| Role of Review Authority | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoning Clearance* | Director (Minor DR) | Planning Commission (Major DR) | City Council | |
| RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENTS | ||||
| Single-family residential construction, including: a. New construction and expansions over 50 percent of existing floor area b. Expansions under 50 percent, façade improvements, and accessory structures visible from the public street c. All second story additions | Decision | Appeal | ||
| Accessory Dwelling Units | Decision | Appeal | ||
| Accessory Dwelling Units (Design Variance) | Decision | Appeal | Appeal | |
| Single-family residential construction, including: a. Expansions less than 50 percent of existing floor area, façade improvements, and accessory structures not visible from the public street b. Conversions of existing living area in existing structures to an accessory dwelling unit | Decision | Appeal | ||
| Multifamily residential a. Expansion, including accessory structures and second stories up to a maximum of 50 percent of the existing gross floor area, but no additional dwelling units b. Second stories, proposing up to a maximum of 4 dwelling units c. Fences or walls on projects with up to 2 dwelling units, proposing a fence within the front yard setback over 42 inches in height d. Façade improvements | Decision | Appeal | ||
| Multifamily residential a. New construction, including second stories, proposing 5 or more dwelling units b. Expansion, including accessory structures and second stories, over 50 percent of the existing gross floor area c. Fences or walls with 3 or more dwelling units, proposing a fence within the front yard setback over 42 inches in height | Decision | Appeal | ||
| NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENTS | ||||
| a. Expansion, including accessory structures, not visible from the public right-of-way, up to a maximum of 50 percent of the existing gross floor area b. Façade improvements visible from the public street | Decision | Appeal | ||
| a. New construction b. Expansion, including accessory structures, visible from the public right-of-way, over 50 percent of the existing gross floor area | Decision | Appeal | ||
| a. Expansions not visible from the public right-of-way involving less than 50 percent of the existing gross floor area b. Façade improvements not visible from the public street | Decision | Appeal | ||
| FENCES AND WALLS | FENCES AND WALLS | FENCES AND WALLS | FENCES AND WALLS | FENCES AND WALLS |
| Fences and walls, except as specified below | Decision | Appeal | ||
| SIGNS AND MASTER SIGN PROGRAMS | SIGNS AND MASTER SIGN PROGRAMS | SIGNS AND MASTER SIGN PROGRAMS | SIGNS AND MASTER SIGN PROGRAMS | SIGNS AND MASTER SIGN PROGRAMS |
| Sign permits and master sign programs – staff level in compliance with CMC 20.72.040(C)(1) | Decision | Appeal | ||
| Master sign programs – planning commission in compliance with CMC 20.72.040(C)(2) | Decision | Appeal | ||
| OTHER TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENTS | ||||
| Nonconforming structure additions/ |
Decision | Appeal | ||
| Parking lot and/ |
Decision | Appeal | ||
| Solar collection systems located on the roof of an existing structure | Decision | Appeal | ||
| Home occupation permits | Decision | Appeal |
*See Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 3 for description of zoning clearance.
B. Discretionary Permits. Applications for major development review are considered discretionary projects subject to the requirements of CEQA. (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.84.190 Special noticing requirements.¶
A. Minor Development Review Permits. No public noticing for minor development review permits is required, except in those cases where the minor development review permit is referred to the planning commission per CMC 20.84.020(B).
B. Major Development Review Permits. Public noticing for major development review permits shall follow noticing procedures in CMC 20.84.100. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.84.200 Proceedings.¶
The processing requirements found in Part 1 of this chapter relating to application submittal, review, noticing, and public hearings shall apply to conditional use permits and variances, with exceptions as noted in this chapter. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.84.210 Findings and decision for development review permits.¶
The director of community development or planning commission shall consider applications for minor and major development review permits respectively and shall, with or without conditions, approve any case which is in general accord with the following principles and standards based on findings and conclusions drawn from information and evidence presented at a public hearing, if required. A minor or major development review permit shall be granted when the director of community development or planning commission determines that the proposed development or activity complies with the following findings:
A. Consistency. The project is consistent with the general plan, any applicable specific plan, all applicable provisions of this zoning code, all other city ordinances and regulations, and any plan of another governmental agency made applicable by statute or ordinance.
B. Proportionality. The height, bulk, and other design features of structures are in proportion to the building site, and external features are balanced and unified so as to present a harmonious appearance.
C. Design. The project design contributes to the physical character of the community, relates harmoniously to existing and anticipated development in the vicinity, and is not monotonously repetitive in and of itself or in conjunction with neighboring uses, and does not contribute to excessive variety among neighboring uses.
D. Site Layout. The site layout and the orientation and location of structures and their relationship to one another and to open spaces, parking areas, pedestrian walks, signs, illumination, and landscaping achieve safe, efficient, and harmonious development.
E. Site Development. The grading and site development show due regard for the qualities of the natural terrain and landscape and do not call for the indiscriminate destruction of trees, shrubs, and other natural features.
F. Signs. The design, lighting, and placement of signs are appropriately related to the structure and grounds and are in harmony with the general development of the site.
G. Equipment and Service Areas. Mechanical equipment, machinery, trash, and other exterior service areas are screened or treated in a manner that is in harmony with the design of the structures and grounds.
H. Compatibility. The project shows proper consideration for adjacent residentially zoned or occupied property and does not adversely affect the character of such property. (Ord. 744 § 6 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.84.220 Other requirements.¶
A. Compliance. After approval of a development review permit and before a building permit is granted or a certificate of occupancy is issued, city staff shall inspect the site for compliance with the approved development plan and with any conditions of approval. Any deficiencies that are not corrected to the satisfaction of the director of community development shall be submitted to the planning commission for determination of compliance upon submittal of a written request to the director by the applicant and the payment of a fee as established by resolution of the city council.
B. Exemption of Existing Improvements. Approval of a development review permit shall not require the alteration or improvement of any existing improvements, unless:
Such improvements were to be altered in connection with the project as proposed by the applicant;
Such improvements are directly affected by the proposed project; or
The value of the proposed new or replacement construction, alterations, remodeling, or other improvements exceeds 50 percent of the value of the existing improvements. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
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