Part IV — ADMINISTRATION

Article 6 — Conditional Use Permits

Walnut Creek Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · Walnut Creek

10-2.4.601 Purpose.

Each zoning district within the City permits particular uses which are suitable to the district. Certain other uses may or may not be compatible with the environs of the district depending upon the circumstances of the individual case. The conditional use permit allows such other uses to be reviewed and either permitted, if conditions of approval make the use suitable to the district and site, or prohibited, thereby assuring that the area will assume or retain the characteristics intended by zoning. A conditional use permit may only be granted for those uses designated as "a use permitted on approval of a Conditional Use Permit" in the "Land Use Regulations" section which governs the applicable zoning district.

10-2.4.602 Application.

An application for a conditional use permit may be filed with the Planning Commission as provided in Article 2 above. In addition, a preliminary site plan of the development and architectural renderings together with any other data required by the Community Development Director shall be submitted to the Planning Division together with the application.

10-2.4.603 Comments by Design Review Commission.

The preliminary site plan and the architectural renderings, together with any other data required by the Community Development Director shall be submitted to the Design Review Commission for preliminary review of the site plan and building design. Within twenty-five (25) days after such submittal, the Design Review Commission shall advise the Planning Commission in writing of any comments it desires to make and any changes to the site plan or building design which it deems appropriate as a result of its preliminary review.

10-2.4.604 Notice and Public Hearing.

Upon receipt of the Design Review Commission comments, if any, a public hearing on the application shall be scheduled before the Planning Commission as provided in Article 3 above. Notice of the public hearing shall be given as provided in Article 3 above.

10-2.4.605 Findings.

No conditional use permit may be granted unless the following findings are made:

A. That the use, including any conditions imposed, is consistent with the general plan, any applicable specific plan and this chapter;

B. That the proposed use, including any conditions imposed, will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare; and

C. Any findings required by the land use regulations for the zoning district within which the property subject to the use is located.

10-2.4.606 Decision.

Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission may approve, conditionally approve or deny the application as provided in Article 4 above. The Planning Commission may approve the application subject to conditions which it believes, in its sole discretion, will make the proposed use consistent with the general plan or any applicable specific plan, or which will make the proposed use compatible with other uses in the vicinity, or which will otherwise promote the public health, safety and welfare. The Planning Commission may approve or conditionally approve the application subject to an expiration date of the permit. Unless otherwise provided, the approval or conditional approval of a conditional use permit application shall extinguish any other previously granted conditional use permit which applies to the subject property.

10-2.4.607 Appeal.

The decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed in accordance with Article 5 above.

10-2.4.608 Modification or Revocation.

The Planning Commission shall have continuing jurisdiction over conditional use permits even if approved by the City Council on appeal. A permittee may request a modification under Section 10-2.4.411. The City may modify or revoke the use permit in accordance with Section 10-2.4.412. (§17, Ord. 2134, eff. 11/20/14)