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1. What is the Planning and Zoning Commission?

The Planning and Zoning Commission is a new commission that has combined the roles of the Plan Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. It will serve as a recommending body regarding petitions for general amendments to the zoning ordinance, zoning map amendments, zoning text amendments, special use permits, planned unit developments, subdivisions, site plan review, and now variations as well. This new body will streamline the review process, making it easier for applicants. 

2. How long does the Planning and Zoning Commission review process take?

The goal for the Planning Division is to completely process Planning and Zoning Commission applications in 8 to 12 weeks. A single review letter incorporating all of staff’s comments is forwarded to the applicant approximately 4 weeks after the original submittal. If revisions are requested, the applicant should respond to staff’s comments and submit revised plans within 10 days in order to remain within the 8 to 12 week time frame. If additional revisions are required, the applicant submittal and staff review process will continue until the documents are deemed sufficient for Planning and Zoning Commission consideration. Once the application documents are in order, the request is forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration.

3. What is the likelihood that my Planning and Zoning Commission application will be approved?

City staff cannot predict how the Planning and Zoning Commission will vote on a particular request. The Zoning Ordinance establishes specific standards for requests such as variations or special uses which the Planning and Zoning Commission uses to evaluate individual requests. The applicant should apply the relevant standards to their request and make a judgment whether or not they believe sufficient evidence can be provided to demonstrate compliance with each standard. The Planning and Zoning Commission will also consider staff’s recommendation and any testimony submitted at a public hearing. Staff’s recommendation will include an evaluation of any applicable standards and may include recommended conditions of approval to ensure that each standard is satisfied. However, staff’s recommendation is not a guarantee of the approval.

4. Do the changes I want to make to my commercial building require site plan review?

Site plan approval is required for multiple-family and nonresidential development under the following intended situations:

• Any new principal structure (or complete redevelopment of any site) or the use of land for nonresidential purposes
• Where an existing principal structure erected prior to the date of adoption of the Zoning Ordinance is proposed to be expanded, for which the sum total of gross floor area expansion(s) since the date of this title are equal to or greater than 25% of the total gross floor area of said structure
• Any new or modified building and/or site improvements for a zoning lot which has previously received site plan approval under the Zoning Ordinance, re-approval of the plan is required for components of the plan which depart from the approved site plan
• A site plan shall not be required exclusively as a change of use except where such change of use results in increased off-street parking requirements which cannot currently be met on the site
• A site plan shall be required along with any application for a special use permit or a special use permit amendment for any nonresidential or multifamily development

5. What is the purpose of site plan review?

Site plan review and approval is required to ensure that the use and development of land as authorized under the Zoning Ordinance is undertaken in an orderly and proper manner that furthers the public health, safety and welfare and makes adequate provision for assuring the availability of appropriate public and private services and amenities and for minimizing the adverse effects of such development. Site plan review is also intended to avoid and prevent deterioration of the function, character, and appearance of the City and provide a favorable environment for residents and business, and to preserve and protect property values within the City.