Vacaville Municipal Code Ch. 14.01.020 Applicability

Land, buildings, or structures may only be developed, used, erected, constructed, altered, or maintained in accordance with the provisions of this title. Land may only be subdivided, merged, and/or lot lines adjusted, in accordance with the provisions of this title. Uses that require a permit or other approval under the provisions of this title shall only be initiated with approval of required permits and/or approval has been granted by the appropriate city decision maker and all applicable conditions associated with the permit or approval have been completed or complied with to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development.

A. This title shall not be applicable to any public use, construction, or action that is specifically excluded from city jurisdiction by federal or state law or by the Municipal Code.

B. In conjunction with the approval of a capital improvements project, the City Council may approve a reduction in standards related to the capital improvements project for an adjoining property if the City Council finds that the reduced standard is necessary for the public health, safety, or welfare.

C. Any approvals granted prior to the effective date shall be valid for the original period of approval and the original conditions of approval shall apply for the original time period. Thereafter, with the expiration of any such approval, the provisions of the Land Use and Development Code shall apply, unless granted an extension. When the provisions of a development agreement differ from those of this title, the provisions of the development agreement shall supersede the provisions of this title.

D. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the City Council may, in conjunction with the approval of a capital improvement project or other public project related to the construction, replacement, repair, or rehabilitation of city-owned water or sewer facilities, approve modifications, reductions, or exemptions from development standards, zoning requirements, or land use regulations when the Council finds that:

1. The exemption is necessary to ensure timely delivery of essential public utility services;

2. The exemption will not create a condition materially injurious to the public health, safety, or welfare; and

3. The exemption is consistent with the intent and purpose of the General Plan.

E. The City Manager, or designee, may approve minor exemptions, as determined in the City Manager or designee's discretion, from development standards, zoning requirements, or land use regulations for the construction, replacement, repair, or rehabilitation of public water and sewer infrastructure when:

1. The exemption is limited in scope and necessary to avoid delay or unreasonable expense in the provision of utility service;

2. The exemption does not result in a permanent or significant inconsistency with surrounding land uses; and

3. The exemption is reported in writing to the City Council within 30 days of approval.

(Ord. 2016, 3/24/2026)