Walnut Creek Municipal Code Art. 7 Special Use Permits

There are certain land uses which, because of their unique character, cannot be classified into any of the various use classifications as set forth in this chapter, but which uses are integral parts of the community or provide a necessary service to the community. The special use permit allows such uses to be reviewed and adequately controlled or prohibited to assure that appropriate locations can be found for such uses and that no portion of the City will be adversely affected by such uses. The Planning Commission is empowered to grant special use permits in all land use districts for certain uses and pursuant to procedures set forth herein for the processing of conditional use permits.

In addition to the findings required for the granting of conditional use permits, no special use permit shall be granted except upon the finding that the use provides a necessary service to the community.

In approving a special use permit, the Commission shall have the authority to impose such conditions as it deems necessary to protect the best interests of the surrounding area or neighborhood, in line with the standards set forth in Part IV, Article 6. and with the General Plan.

Special uses shall include the following and other uses similar thereto:

A. Public utility or public service uses whether publicly or privately owned, or public buildings, except corporation yards and storage of automotive equipment, and except transmission or distribution lines.

B. The excavation of natural minerals or building and construction materials.

C. Any other use, which because of its unique character, does not fit into any of the use classifications as set forth in this chapter.

Special use permits shall be processed in the manner required of conditional use permits as set forth in Part IV, Article 6. of this article.