Chapter 21.96 — ZONING CLEARANCE/PLAN CHECK

The purpose of the zoning clearance/plan check process is to ensure that all proposed new and modified uses and structures that do not require any discretionary actions or approvals subject to this title otherwise comply with applicable provisions of this title. The zoning clearance is an administrative review action undertaken by the community development director. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

An administrative zoning clearance is required for the following actions not requiring any discretionary actions or approvals pursuant to this title:

• (1) Issuance of a business license for a new use, change in use, or expansion of an existing use.

• (2) Issuance of building permit for any structure, including signs.

• (3) Issuance of building or similar permits for exterior mechanical equipment, air conditioning and/or filtration units, attic ventilators, roof-mounted fans and gable-end fans, and windmill systems.

• (4) Initial paving, resurfacing and/or restriping of off-street parking lots which alters the number and/or

configuration of parking spaces or corresponding landscape planters for multi-family and non-residential uses.

• (5) Recycling facilities as specified in Chapter 21.50.

• (6) Approval of exterior mechanical equipment plans for residential structures, as described in Section 21.18.050.

• (7) Approval of the co-location of a wireless telecommunication facility, provided such co-location meets the requirements set forth in Section 21.46.030(d).

• (8) Review any residential development that does not require a public hearing for compliance with the zoning code.

• (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

Zoning clearance shall be granted only when the community development director finds the proposed use or development action to be in conformance with all applicable provisions of this title and other adopted policies of the city. The community development director may modify plans in whole or in part, apply conditions of approval, or require guarantees to ensure compliance with applicable provisions of this title. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

The authorized signature of the community development director on a designated form, or a stamp approval on a set of plans, shall signify approval of a zoning clearance. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).