Fowler Municipal Code Ch. 9.55 Ministerial Plan Review

The purpose of this Chapter is to define the procedures for review and approval of permitted uses and associated site development. This Chapter establishes a ministerial review process to facilitate permitted uses considered minor in nature and those uses required to be approved through a ministerial permit process while allowing the City to ensure conformance with all applicable local standards, ordinances, and other applicable plans and policies.

A Ministerial Plan Review is required prior to establishment of any permitted use as indicated with an "M" on the allowed use tables contained in Chapter 9.120 (Residential Zones) through Chapter 9.145 (Overlay Zones).

A. Application Filing and Processing. Applications for a Ministerial Plan Review shall be filed and processed in accordance with the applicable procedures contained in Chapter 9.30 (Common Application Processing Procedures).

B. Application Fees. Application fees shall be collected in accordance with Section 9.30.020 (Applications and Fees).

C. Additional Applications and Fees May Be Required. When a conditional use is proposed in association with the physical development of a property as permitted by this Chapter, a separate application for a Minor Conditional Use Permit or Major Conditional Use Permit, as appropriate, shall be filed for review and approval. When multiple applications are required for the same project, the applications shall be processed in accordance with Section 9.30.080, Subsection (C) (Multiple Entitlements).

Applications for a Ministerial Plan Review shall be reviewed and approved by the Director. As the approving authority, the Director is authorized to approve, alter, or deny an application for a Ministerial Plan Review.

No public hearing is required prior to action on an application for a Ministerial Plan Review.

In approving an application for a Ministerial Plan Review, the approving authority may impose reasonable and appropriate standards to achieve the purposes of this Title, ensure consistency with the goals and policies of the adopted General Plan, and justify making the necessary findings.

Prior to approving an application for a Ministerial Plan Review, the approving authority shall make the following findings:

A. The proposed project is consistent with the adopted General Plan and any applicable Specific Plan.

B. The proposed project meets all applicable standards for development and provisions of this Title.

Written Notice of Decision shall be provided within three (3) business days of the date of decision to the applicant and interested parties having requested such notices in writing. The Notice of Decision shall include:

A. The application request as acted upon by the approving authority.

B. The action taken by the approving authority.

C. Findings as listed for the permit.

Ministerial Plan Reviews shall become effective on the date of approval.

Ministerial Plan Reviews are not subject to appeal.

Ministerial Plan Reviews shall expire two (2) years from the date of approval, unless the permit has been exercised in accordance with Section 9.30.100, Subsection (B) (Permit Time Limits, Expiration, and Extensions).

Ministerial Plan Reviews may be extended in accordance with Section 9.30.100, Subsection (C) (Permit Extensions).

An applicant may request an amendment to an approved Ministerial Plan Review after the final written decision is issued and the permit becomes effective. Amendments shall be processed in accordance with Section 9.30.110 (Amendments to Previously Approved Permits).