Chapter 18.110 — GENERAL PROVISIONS

This article establishes the overall structure for the application, processing, review, and action on discretionary permit applications and identifies and describes those discretionary permits and other approvals required by this Zoning Code in Table 6-1 (Review Authority). (Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)

• A. Administrative Actions and Permits. Except when combined with legislative actions or other nonadministrative actions specified in this article, the Director, also defined in this Zoning Code as the designee of the Director, is the designated Review Authority for the following quasi-judicial permits

and actions, which are generally limited to interpretation of policy or relatively minor adjustments of Zoning Code standards. Additionally, the Director has primary administrative authority for certain activities which require the determination of compliance with applicable Zoning Code provisions. The Director, at the Director's sole discretion, may elevate the level of review to the next higher Review Authority.

1. Administrative Permits. A permit authorizing the operation of a specific use of land or a structure in a particular location in compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Code and the procedures specified in Chapter 18.114 (Administrative Permits).

2. Zoning Code Interpretations. An administrative interpretation of certain provisions of this Zoning Code in an effort to resolve ambiguity in the regulations and to ensure their consistent application in compliance with Chapter 18.04 (Interpretation of the Zoning Code Provisions).

3. Minor Deviations. An administrative action granting an exception to specified development standards of this Zoning Code in cases where strict compliance would result in a unique hardship in compliance with Chapter 18.126 (Variances and Minor Deviations).

4. Reasonable Accommodations. An administrative permit authorizing limited modifications to residential properties to accommodate a person with specified disabilities and physical limitations in compliance with specific criteria and performance standards and the procedures specified in Chapter 18.120 (Reasonable Accommodations).

5. Sign-Related Permits.

   • a. Sign Permits. An administrative permit authorizing a variety of signs, including individual signs for promotional advertising in compliance with specific provisions and conditions of this Zoning Code and Chapter 18.44 (Sign Regulations). Temporary signs may also be approved in conjunction with a Temporary Use Permit granted in compliance with Chapter 18.124 (Temporary Use Permits).

   • b. Comprehensive Sign Programs. A process through which permissible on-site signs are reviewed to provide for a coordinated, complementary program of signs within a single development project consisting of multiple tenant spaces, or a district.

6. Site Plan and Design Review. An administrative review process providing for review of projects for compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Code and with any site plan or architectural design guidelines adopted by the County and as provided in Chapter 18.122 (Site Plan and Design Review). The Director's and Commission's review roles are specified in Chapter 18.122 (Site Plan and Design Review) and Table 6-3.

ew. An administrative review process providing for review of projects for compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Code and with any site plan or architectural design guidelines adopted by the County and as provided in Chapter 18.122 (Site Plan and Design Review). The Director's and Commission's review roles are specified in Chapter 18.122 (Site Plan and Design Review) and Table 6-3.

7. Temporary Use Permits. An administrative permit authorizing specific limited-term uses in compliance with conditions and performance criteria specified in Chapter 18.124 (Temporary Use Permits).

8. Zoning Clearances. An administrative "plan check" type process of uses and structures that do not otherwise require review to determine compliance with applicable provisions of this Zoning Code as provided in Chapter 18.128 (Zoning Clearances).

• B. Quasi-Judicial Actions and Permits. Except when combined with legislative actions, the Commission is the designated Review Authority for the following quasi-judicial permits and actions. Additionally, the Director may refer applications to the Commission. A public hearing is required for the following quasi-judicial actions in compliance with Chapter 18.146 (Public Notices and Hearings).

  1. Conditional Use Permits. A permit authorizing a specific use of land or a structure in a particular location in compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Code and the procedures specified in Chapter 18.116 (Conditional Use Permits).

  2. Planned Development Permits. A permit authorizing the development of land that may not conform with all of the applicable zone-driven standards or related regulations, but which

complies with the goals and policies of the General Plan and any applicable specific plan for a particular area in compliance with Chapter 18.118 (Planned Development Permits). A Variance may also allow for exceptions to development standards, but only when strict Statemandated findings can be made.

3. Variances. An action granting exception to the development standards of this Zoning Code in cases where strict compliance would result in a unique hardship in compliance with Chapter 18.126 (Variances and Minor Deviations). A Planned Development Permit may also allow for exceptions to development standards, but only when provisions for enhanced amenities can be demonstrated and the project site is a minimum of five acres of land area or at least one acre in areas with residential or mixed-use land use designations.

• C. Legislative Actions. The designated Review Authority for all legislative actions is the Board. A public hearing is required for the following legislative actions in compliance with Chapter 18.146 (Public Notices and Hearings).

  1. Density Bonus for Affordable Housing. An action authorizing a residential density bonus in compliance with Chapter 18.66 (Density Bonuses for Affordable Housing).

2. Development Agreements and Amendments. An agreement between the County and a party with legal or equitable interest in the real property relating to the development of the property in compliance with Chapter 18.148 (Development Agreements).

   3. Specific Plans. An action authorizing the review and adoption of a specific plan in compliance with State law and the provisions specified in Chapter 18.150 (Specific Plans).

   4. Zoning Code Text/Zoning Map Amendments. An action authorizing either a text amendment to this Zoning Code or a Zoning Map amendment changing the zoning designation of particular property in compliance with Chapter 18.142 (Amendments).

   5. General Plan Text/Map Amendments. An action authorizing either a text amendment to the General Plan or a map amendment changing the General Plan land use designation of particular property in compliance with Chapter 18.142 (Amendments).

• D. Subdivision Maps and Other Approvals.

  1. Subdivision of Land. Regulations governing the subdivision of land are established in Title 17 (Subdivisions).

  2. Buildings and Construction. Provisions for construction and building are established in County Code Title 16 (Building and Construction).

• (Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)

All development within the unincorporated areas of the County shall be consistent with the General Plan. This Zoning Code is one of the primary tools for implementing the goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan. Zoning permit applications filed, in compliance with the requirements of this Code, shall be found consistent with the General Plan and any applicable Community Specific Plan or Urban Communities Plan, which are also considered part of the General Plan. General Plan consistency shall be accomplished as specified in Section 18.02.050 (Relationship to General Plan and Community Plans), Table 1-1 (Zones Implementing the General Plan), and this section. (Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)

A land use on property that complies with the permit requirement or exemption provisions of this Zoning Code shall also comply with the permit requirements of other County Code provisions and any permit requirements of other agencies before construction or use of the property is commenced. All necessary permits shall be obtained before starting work or establishing a new use. Nothing in this Zoning Code shall eliminate the need to obtain any permits required by:

• A. Any other County Code provisions, including building, grading, or other construction permits, or subdivision approval if required by Title 17 (Subdivisions); or

• B. Any applicable County, regional, State, or Federal regulations. (Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)