§ 5.75

This chapter is intended to provide a procedure for changing either the text of the Zoning Ordinance or the zoning designation applicable to particular property by amending the official zoning map displaying the land area to which the text applies.

The Board of Supervisors shall be the approval authority for zoning amendments. The Planning Commission shall make a formal written recommendation regarding a zoning amendment proposal prior to the Board hearing in compliance with California Government Code § 65855.

A zoning amendment application may be initiated by the County or by a private party.

The proposed zoning amendment must be consistent with state law, the general purposes of the Zoning Ordinance and the General Plan, and the land use designations in the General Plan.

To the extent allowed by law, the Planning Director, or his or her designee, shall have discretionary authority to exempt (entirely or in part) pending applications from newly enacted provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. For the purposes of this section, "pending" applications shall be limited to land use applications that have been deemed complete and building permit applications that substantially meet submittal requirements but have not yet been finally approved when the newly enacted provisions take effect, and approved uses that are currently subject to specified time limitations for development.

Refer to Chapter 5.20 for procedures common to all land use processes, including amending the Zoning Ordinance. Such procedures include, among others, application, modifications, environmental assessment, public hearing and notification, appeals, and notice of approval or denial.