Chapter 17.59 — DEVELOPMENT PLANS

The purpose of a Development Plan is to provide Discretionary Review which, because of the size and scale of the proposed development, requires comprehensive analysis at a public hearing. (Ord. 20-03 § 6)

No permit shall be issued for structural development, including grading, for any project subject to the provisions of this chapter until a Development Plan has been approved as provided below.

• A. Exemptions. The following do not require a Development Plan:

  1. One single-unit dwelling and accessory structures on a single lot in the “RS” Zone Districts.

  2. Residential projects that do not exceed four units in the “RP,” “RM,” and “RH” Zone Districts.

  3. Structures in “C” Zone Districts that do not exceed 5,000 square feet for the entire site.

  4. Development, other than greenhouses and related structures (e.g., packing sheds) of 20,000 square feet or more, within the “AG” Zone District.

  5. Any structural development where another approval requirement is specified under this Title or where the development is exempt pursuant to Chapter 17.53 , Exemptions.

  6. Projects that qualify for ministerial review pursuant to Chapter 17.44 , Multiple-Unit and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards.

  7. Mixed-Use Development that includes no more than 5,000 square feet of non-residential square footage and no more than 4 dwelling units.

  8. Development associated with a Community Clinic Providing Reproductive Health Services processed pursuant to Section 17.41.300 .

• B. Review Authority.

  1. Where no height or lot coverage modification is being requested as part of a development proposal, the Review Authority is the Zoning Administrator for the following:

     • a. New structures and outdoor areas designated for sales or storage that do not exceed 10,000 square feet for the entire site.

     • b. Applications for as-built development without an effectuated Development Plan that is considered nonconforming only due to the absence of a Development Plan.

  2. All Development Plans outside the jurisdiction of the Zoning Administrator are within the jurisdiction of the Planning Commission.

• (Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. 23-05 § 4; Ord. 23-17 § 4; Ord. No. 24-05, 12/3/2024; Ord. 25-10, 12/2/2025)

In addition to the findings required pursuant to Section 17.52.070 , Common Procedures—Findings for Approval, and any other findings required by this Title, the Review Authority must make the following findings:

• A. The project as proposed is consistent with the General Plan.

• B. The site for the project is adequate in size, shape, location, and physical characteristics to accommodate the intensity, except as it relates to the minimum allowed dwelling unit density for the site, of development proposed.

• C. Any significant environmental impacts are mitigated to the maximum extent feasible.

• D. The project will not conflict with any easements required for public access through, or public use of a portion of the property.

• (Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. No. 24-05, 12/3/2024)

As part of a Development Plan, an applicant may request that the Review Authority consider approving an adjustment to one or more of the following development standards: maximum residential density, height, lot coverage, buildings separation, setbacks, parking, landscaping, or screening requirements specified in the applicable Zone District.

• A. Additional Finding. To approve any requested adjustment to one of the standards listed in this section, the Review Authority must make the following finding for each requested adjustment:

  1. The adjustment is justified and consistent with the intent of applicable General Plan policies.

• B. Resolution Required. Any deviation from a height or lot coverage standard must be reviewed and approved by Resolution by the Planning Commission.

• (Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. 23-17 § 4)

An approved Development Plan expires five years after its effective date unless, prior to the expiration, substantial physical construction has been completed on the development or a Time Extension has been requested. (Ord. 20-03 § 6)