Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.804.010 Purpose

This article establishes procedures for conducting a zoning compliance review to verify that each new or expanded use or structure complies with all of the applicable requirements of Article XV.

Zoning compliance review is required for buildings or structures erected, constructed, altered, repaired or moved, the use of vacant land, changes in the character of the use of land or building, or for substantial expansions in the use of land or building that are allowed as a matter of right by Article XV. Before the City may issue any business license, building permit, subdivision approval, lot line adjustment, or any other license, approval, or permit, the Zoning Administrator must review the application to determine whether the use, building, or change in lot configuration complies with all provisions of Article XV, any applicable specific plan and any prior design review, Use Permit or Variance approval, and that all conditions of such permits and approvals have been satisfied.

A. Application. An application for zoning compliance review must be filed and processed in accordance with the provisions of Article 15.04.803 (Common Procedures).

B. Determination. The Zoning Administrator must review the application to determine whether the proposed use or construction is allowed by right, requires any type of discretionary planning permit, is allowed pursuant to any previously approved permit, or is prohibited. If the Zoning Administrator determines that the proposal conforms to the requirements of Article XV and any applicable specific plan, a Zoning Certificate will be issued. If the Zoning Administrator determines that the proposal does not conform to the requirements of Article XV or any applicable specific plan, a Zoning Certificate will not be issued, and the applicant will be advised as to how the proposal can be brought into compliance.

The Zoning Administrator's determination may be appealed to the Planning Commission in accordance with Section 15.04.803.140 (Appeals).