Chapter 14.03
DEFINITIONS
Sections:
14.03.010 Administrative decision.
14.03.020 Administrative interpretation.
14.03.030 Complete application.
14.03.040 Consolidated discretionary permits.
14.03.050 Development regulations.
14.03.060 Development standards.
14.03.070 Ex parte communications.
14.03.080 Hearing body.
14.03.090 Legislative matters.
14.03.100 Quasi-judicial matters.
14.03.110 Review fee.
14.03.120 Technical Review Committee.
14.03.010 Administrative decision.
An “administrative decision” is a final decision by a responsible City official for which no public review or notification is required. (Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)
14.03.020 Administrative interpretation.
“Administrative interpretation” means a written interpretation by a responsible City official in response to a written request for such interpretation. This term is not meant to describe interpretation of code provisions made by responsible City officials in order to administer said codes on a day-to-day basis. (Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)
14.03.030 Complete application.
“Complete application” means a written application for a project permit which meets the procedural submission requirements of the City and is sufficient for continued processing even though additional information may be required or project modifications may subsequently occur. To be complete, an application must include all required information, elements, attachments and supplemental studies or reports as set forth in the applicable section of the Ferndale Municipal Code and as described on the approved application form, including any environmental checklist required by Chapter 16.04 FMC; all in sufficient detail for the reviewing authority to determine whether or not the application conforms with applicable regulations and standards. An application including such information which does not conform or is inconsistent with such regulations and standards shall nonetheless be deemed complete. (Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)
14.03.040 Consolidated discretionary permits.
Any project application involving either a conditional use permit or a shoreline substantial development permit when combined with an application for a variance from a zoning standard shall be referred to as a “consolidated discretionary permit” application. All such applications shall be reviewed by the Hearings Examiner and shall be subject to a single public hearing. (Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)
14.03.050 Development regulations.
“Development regulations” refer to the entire body of City policies and regulations related to land use and development, including, but not limited to, FMC Titles 15 through 18, portions of FMC Titles 8, 10, 12, and 13, and the shoreline master program. (Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)
14.03.060 Development standards.
“Development standards” means the City of Ferndale development standards as adopted by Chapter 15.36 FMC. (Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)
14.03.070 Ex parte communications.
An “ex parte communication” is communication between a decision-maker and the proponent or opponent of a particular proposal which takes place outside of the formal hearing process on a quasi-judicial matter. No member of a decision-making body is allowed to engage in ex parte communication when quasi-judicial matters are pending. (Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)
14.03.080 Hearing body.
“Hearing body” means the designated individual, board, or council given responsibility and authority for the conduct of a public hearing held to receive testimony and information to be used in the determination of a permit application. Depending on the type of permit application, the hearing body may be the City Council, Planning Commission or Hearings Examiner. (Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)
14.03.090 Legislative matters.
“Legislative matters” include adoption, amendment, or revision of comprehensive, community, or neighborhood plans, or other land use planning documents and regulations, which are of area-wide significance. (Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)
14.03.100 Quasi-judicial matters.
“Quasi-judicial matters” are those actions of the legislative body, Planning Commission, Hearings Examiner, etc., which determine the legal rights, duties, or privileges of specific parties in a hearing or other contested case proceeding. (Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)
14.03.110 Review fee.
“Review fee” means any and all fees required by City ordinance and resolution to be submitted in conjunction with a permit application as well as any other deposits or fees required by the City to initiate engineering or other studies necessary in the review of the application. (Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)
14.03.120 Technical Review Committee.
“Technical Review Committee” means a committee composed of City staff for the purpose of reviewing permit applications. The Technical Review Committee consists of the City Public Works Director and City Planning and Building Director and other City staff as appropriate. The Committee may also solicit review and comment from other agencies, including Whatcom County Fire District No. 7, the Ferndale School District, Whatcom County and other local and state agencies, depending upon the nature of the application under review. (Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)