Chapter 21.82 — APPROVING AUTHORITY

21.82.010 Purpose . ¶

This chapter identifies the designated planning agency for the review of the land use development permits and actions required by this title. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.82.020 Designated approving authority . ¶

(a) General Provisions. The approving authority, as designated in Table 21.82.020, shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny applications in accordance with the requirements of this title. Table 21.82.020 identifies both recommending (R) and final (F) authorities for each application. When a proposed project requires more than one permit with more than one approving authority, all project permits shall be processed concurrently, and final action shall be taken by the highest level designated approving authority for all such requested permits.

(b) Findings Required. In acting on an application, the approving authority shall make the applicable findings required for a particular permit or approval and as may be required by other laws and regulations.

Table 21.82.020

Approving Authority

Approving Authority
Type of Permit or Action		Designated Approving Authority
	Community Development Director	Permit Review Board	City Manager	Planning Commission	City Council 1

Type of Permit or Action		Designated Approving Authority
	Community Development Director	Permit Review Board	City Manager	Planning Commission	City Council 1
Zoning code interpretation (excludes use interpretation)	F			A	A
Zoning clearance/plan check	F			A	A
Home occupation permit	F			A	A
Temporary use permit		F	A		A
Administrative adjustment	F			A	A
Temporary sign permit	F			A	A
Site plan review	F			A	A
Zoning code use interpretation	R			F	A
Variance	R			F	A
Conditional use permit	R			F	A
Certificate of compatibility				R	F

Abatement/extension of nonconforming use/structure	R	F	A
Planned unit development		R	F
Specific plan		R	F
Zoning code amendment		R	F
General plan amendment		R	F
Development agreement	F	A	A
Large family day care home (LDC)	F	A	A
Affordable housing implementation plan2	R/F	A/R/F	F/A

R = Recommending authority

F = Final action authority (unless appealed)

A = Appeal authority

Notes:

Decisions of the city council cannot be appealed.
Refer to Section 21.128.030 for review authority.

(Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 651, § 11, 2012; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.82.030 Concurrent processing of permits . ¶

When a proposed project requires more than one permit application with more than one approving authority, all project permits shall be processed concurrently as interrelated permits for a project and shall not be bifurcated. The highest designated approving authority for all such requested permits shall take final action on multiple permits. For example, the planning commission takes final action on a conditional use permit. However, when processed in conjunction with a development agreement, the conditional use permit shall be reviewed and acted upon by the city council in conjunction with the other application request(s). The planning commission provides recommendations to the city council on both entitlement requests. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).