Chapter 20.470 — SITE CLEARANCE

This chapter establishes procedures to implement Section 20.010.004(B) (“Compliance with Regulations”) and verify that each new or expanded use or structure complies with the applicable requirements of this Ordinance.

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022)

Site Clearance approval 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, which are allowed as a matter of right by this chapter. Site Clearance is typically performed in conjunction with business license or permit review.

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022)

• A. General. Before the City may issue any business license, building permit, subdivision approval, or lot line adjustment, the Chief Planner shall review the application to:

  1. Determine whether the use, building, or change in lot configuration complies with all provisions of this Ordinance or any design review, Use Permit or Variance approval issued pursuant to the Ordinance requirements;

  2. Review application for, and issue a certificate of alteration authorizing alteration, demolition or construction affecting, historic resources; and

  3. Determine that all conditions of such permits and approvals have been satisfied.

• B. Application. Applications and fees for site clearance review shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 20.450.002 (“Application Forms and Fees”). The Chief Planner may request that the Site Clearance Review application be accompanied by a written narrative, plans and other related materials necessary to show that the proposed development, alteration, or use of the property complies with all provisions of this Ordinance and the requirements and conditions of any applicable Use Permit or Variance approval.

• C. Determination. The Chief Planner shall review the application to determine whether the Ordinance allows the proposed uses or structures by right. If the Chief Planner determines that the proposed use or building is allowed as a matter of right by this Ordinance, and conforms to all the applicable development and use standards, the Chief Planner shall issue a Site Clearance. An approved Site Clearance may include attachments of other written or graphic information, including, but not limited to, statements, numeric data, site plans, floor plans and building elevations and sections, as a record of the proposal’s conformity with the applicable regulations of this chapter.

• D. Exceptions. No Site Clearance shall be required for the continuation of previously approved or permitted uses and structures, or uses and structures that are not subject to any

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City of South San Francisco, CA

ZONING

§ 20.470.003

§ 20.470.004

building or zoning regulations. (Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)

A decision of the Chief Planner on site clearance may be appealed to the Planning Commission and a decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council as provided in Chapter 20.570 (“Appeals and Calls for Review”).

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022)

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City of South San Francisco, CA