16.74 Zoning Clearances

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a process for reviewing requests for zoning clearances. A zoning clearance is a written authorization used by the department to verify that a requested structure or land use activity complies with this development code or any valid land use entitlement approval, required by the director, commission, or council. A zoning clearance may be accomplished by any of the following methods, as appropriate:

• A. Sign-offs. Department sign-off for the following:

1. Building permits:

2. Business licenses, in compliance with Section 16.74.020 (Standards for Business License Clearances). below;

3. Certificates of compliance:

4. Final maps;

5. Grading permits;

6. Home occupation/cottage industry permits, in compliance with Chapter 16.60 (Home Occupation Permits);

7. Lot line adjustments;

8. Parcel maps;

9. Parcel merger/unmergers; and

10. Licenses or permits, as required by state or federal agencies.

• B. Zoning Clearance Letter. In the event no instrument as described above is required, a separate zoning

• clearance letter may be issued by the department.

• (Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)

The director is authorized to review business license clearance applications forwarded to the department from the finance department for compliance with this development code. Business license clearance applications that do not comply with this development code shall not be approved.

• A. New Licenses. Approval of new business license clearance applications, reviewed by the department, shall

• satisfy the following criteria:

1. The proposed use is allowed in the zoning district in which the use is to be located; and

2. The proposed site and any structure or land uses existing on the site shall not be in violation of any applicable provision of this development code, except for nonconforming uses and structures in compliance with Chapter 16.32 (Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels).

B. Reuse of Existing Structures. Approval of a business license clearance application that proposes the establishment of a different business in an existing structure shall be subject to the provision of subsection A., above and, in addition, shall be subject to the following:

1. The proposed business site shall provide the number of off-street parking spaces, driveway, and parking lot improvements in compliance with Chapter 16.34 (Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards); and

2. All on-site signs shall be in compliance with Chapter 16.38 (Sign Standards) and Section 16.38.090 (Nonconforming Signs).

• C. New Uses. Approval of a business license clearance application for the first occupancy of a new structure shall

• require full compliance with this development code.

(Ord. 430-10 § 11, 2010; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)