Chapter 21.112 — CERTIFICATE OF COMPATIBILITY

(a) The certificate of compatibility provides a means to review new commercial and industrial structures as well as the expansion of existing commercial and industrial structures, for design and site compatibility with adjacent structures within the subject site area.

(b) For the purpose of this chapter, “compatible” shall mean consistent and harmonious in terms of scale, massing, use of landscaping, and quality of workmanship and materials. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 623 § 7, 2008; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

(a) When Required. A certificate of compatibility is required in the following circumstances:

(1) Construction of a new commercial or industrial building where the gross floor area exceeds five thousand square feet.

(2) An expansion of an existing commercial or industrial building where the expansion exceeds fifty percent of the structure’s existing gross floor area.

(b) Processing. Applications shall be processed in accordance with the standard permit processing provisions of this article. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 623 § 8, 2008; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

The planning commission recommendation to the city council on all certificate of compatibility applications shall be in the form of an adopted resolution for approval, approval with modifications, or denial of the application. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 656 § 4 (part), 2012).

To grant a certificate of compatibility, the city council shall consider the recommendation by the planning commission and shall make all of the following findings by adoption of a formal resolution:

1. The proposed structure or addition is designed so that it complies with the development standards of the zoning code in which it is to be located and the city's general plan;

2. The proposed structure or addition complies with the most recent edition of the California Building Code as adopted and amended by the city; applicable public works development standards, policies and requirements; standards, and any other applicable regulations, policies or standards;

3. The proposed structure or addition, as conditioned, is not economically or aesthetically detrimental to existing or previously approved uses or structures within the surrounding area; and

4. The proposed structure or addition is aesthetically compatible with the existing uses and structures within the surrounding area, and complies with any applicable design guidelines, policies and/or standards established for the purposes of the certificate of compatibility, including application review and approval. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 656 § 4 (part), 2012; Ord. 623 § 9, 2008; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.112.040 Conditions .

The city council may impose conditions upon a proposed development where the council determines that such conditions are necessary to further the objectives of this title and/or the general plan, and are in harmony with the intent, purpose, and spirit of this chapter, and/or where such additional requirements are deemed essential to maintain the character and aesthetic quality of the surrounding area, to avoid adverse impacts on surrounding properties, to provide for privacy protection, and/or to protect the safety and general welfare of the community. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 656 § 4 (part), 2012; Ord. 623 § 10, 2008; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

The final action on the certificate of compatibility by the city council shall constitute approval of the permit. Such permit shall become valid after the designated ten-day appeal period has expired. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 656 § 4 (part), 2012; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

Unless otherwise specified in project conditions of approval, the certificate of compatibility shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of final action on the permit. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).