Division 1. General Procedures

Chapter 17.01
TITLE, PURPOSE, COMPONENTS, AND AUTHORITY

Sections:

17.01.010    Title.

17.01.020    Purpose.

17.01.030    Consistency with the General Plan.

17.01.040    Applicability of Zoning Regulations.

17.01.050    Administration of Use Classifications.

17.01.060    Application Where Violations Exists.

17.01.070    Severability.

17.01.080    Repeal of Conflicting Development Codes.

17.01.090    Private Agreements.

17.01.100    Condition of Approval.

17.01.010 Title.

Title 17 of the City Municipal Code shall be known and cited as “Title 17,” the “Zoning Code,” the “zoning ordinance,” or “this title.” When the term “this code” or the “Development Code” is used, the term shall include both Title 16 and this title, which together shall comprise the Unified Development Code. Whenever reference is made to any portion of the code set out in Title 16 and/or this title, or of any other law or ordinance, the reference applies to all amendments and additions hereafter made to this code. (Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13)

17.01.020 Purpose.

The purpose of this code is to define the duties and powers of the discretionary and administrative bodies responsible for implementation of this code and to implement the General Plan, implement the Municipal Code, and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare. Nothing in this code shall supersede any other section or requirement of the Municipal Code. (Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13)

17.01.030 Consistency with the General Plan.

Any permit or approval issued pursuant to this code must be consistent with the General Plan. In the event of inconsistency of this title with the goals, policies, and objectives of the adopted General Plan and its elements, the General Plan goals, policies, and objectives shall govern. (Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13)

17.01.040 Applicability of Zoning Regulations.

A.    Applicability. This code shall apply to all property within the City of Santa Clarita, including all uses, structures and land owned by any private person, firm, corporation or organization, or the County or other local, State, or Federal agencies. Governmental and quasi-government agencies may be exempt from portions of this code per the State Government Code.

B.    Compliance with Regulations. No land shall be used, and no structure shall be constructed, occupied, enlarged, altered, or moved unless it is in accordance with the provisions of this code. No permit or entitlement may be issued or renewed for any use, construction, improvement, or other purpose unless specifically provided for, or permitted by, this code. No person shall use, or permit to be used, any structure, or land, nor shall any person erect, structurally alter, or enlarge any structure, or advertise on any structure, except in accordance with the provisions of this code.

C.    Provisions Interpreted as Minimum Requirements. In interpreting and applying the provisions of this code, the provisions shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare. (Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13)

17.01.050 Administration of Use Classifications.

A.    Primary Use. In determining compliance with the provisions of this code as it applies to the uses listed in the various zones, each primary use shall be considered a separate use, provided:

1.    The accessory uses and structures shall be deemed an integral part of each primary use; and

2.    That more than one (1) primary use may be placed on a single lot where not in conflict with other provisions of this code.

B.    Accessory Use. The Director shall determine whether a use or structure may be considered accessory pursuant to the definitions contained in this code, in compliance with Chapter 17.04 (Interpretations). (Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13)

17.01.060 Application Where Violation Exists.

With the exception of uses in conformance with Chapter 17.05 (Legal Nonconforming Uses, Lots and Structures), no application for any permit required pursuant to this code shall be accepted for processing where an unauthorized land use and/or structure is operating in violation of this code.

The Director may determine that the use in question is consistent with the objectives, goals and policies of the General Plan, or that the continuation of the use is essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare, and that this provision shall not apply. (Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13)

17.01.070 Severability.

If any portion of this code is held invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this code. (Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13)

17.01.080 Repeal of Conflicting Development Codes.

Whenever the provisions of this code are more restrictive upon construction or use of buildings or structures or upon the use of lands or premises than required by other previously adopted development codes, the provisions, regulations, and rules of this development code shall govern. (Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13)

17.01.090 Private Agreements.

The provisions of this code are not intended to abrogate any easements, covenants, conditions and restrictions, or other existing agreements which are more restrictive than the provisions of this code. (Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13)

17.01.100 Condition of Approval.

As a condition of the approval of an application, the applicant shall agree to reimburse the City for any court and attorney’s fees which the City may be required by a court to pay because of any claim or action brought against the City because of such approval pursuant to Government Code Section 66499.37. Although the applicant is the real party in interest in such an action, the City may, at its sole discretion, participate at its own expense in the defense of the action, but such participation shall not relieve the applicant of its obligations under this condition. (Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13)