Chapter 2.47
STAFF REVIEW COMMITTEE

Sections:

2.47.010    Created.

2.47.020    Term.

2.47.030    Powers and duties.

2.47.040    Meetings to be public – Notice – Procedure.

2.47.050    Report of findings.

2.47.060    Appeals.

2.47.070    Referral to Hearing Examiner.

2.47.010 Created.

There is created a Staff Review Committee, consisting of three members appointed by the City Manager, from the following disciplines: Planning, Fire Code, and Building Codes, with said committee members being hearing examiners for certain planning and zoning matters as described in SMC 2.47.030. [Ord. 2152 § 5, 2006; Ord. 1941 § 1, 1997.]

2.47.020 Term.

The members of the Committee shall serve at the discretion of the City Manager. [Ord. 2152 § 5, 2006; Ord. 1941 § 1, 1997.]

2.47.030 Powers and duties.

The Staff Review Committee is empowered to hear and decide the following:

A. Applications for home occupations and conditional use permits pursuant to Chapter 17.64 SMC.

B. Minor variances to development standards on existing residential lots for single-family detached, single-family attached, duplex or triplex uses as stipulated in Chapter 17.72 SMC. The City Manager may develop administrative standards defining “minor variances,” and shall cause such standards to be disseminated and published to applicants for variances and to any other person or persons deemed appropriate, and posted at the City Planning and Community Development Department. Adopted standards may be changed from time to time by the City Manager upon 30 days’ advance written notice posted at the City Planning and Community Development Department and in any other manner deemed appropriate to advise the community.

C. Such other quasi-judicial and administrative decisions as may be delegated by ordinance or by the City Manager.

D. The decisions of the Staff Review Committee shall be given the effect of an administrative decision. [Ord. 2152 § 5, 2006; Ord. 1941 § 1, 1997.]

2.47.040 Meetings to be public – Notice – Procedure.

A. Any meetings conducted by the committee shall be public meetings and shall be governed by existing ordinances regarding time requirements for publication of notices.

B. The property owners of all adjacent properties including those separated from the subject site by a public street or right-of-way shall be notified of the application, together with a written description of the City’s recommendation regarding the subject application. The notice shall state that, unless written objection to the application is delivered to the City Attorney within seven calendar days from the date such notice was mailed, the requested application, with City recommendation, will be administratively approved.

C. If timely written objection from any person receiving notice of the application is received by the City, the City may either:

1. Set an administrative hearing before the committee upon at least 10 days’ prior notice to the applicant and those receiving prior notice of the application, to receive testimony and evidence regarding the application, and to render an administrative decision; or

2. The City Manager may, in lieu of proceeding with any further administrative hearing process, refer such application to the Hearing Examiner for hearing and determination pursuant to Chapter 2.46 SMC. Such referral shall include the application, the City’s recommendation, any written objections received and any other record regarding the application. [Ord. 2152 § 5, 2006; Ord. 1941 § 1, 1997. Formerly 2.47.050]

2.47.050 Report of findings.

A. In deciding any of the matters referred to in SMC 2.47.030, the committee shall issue a written report giving the reasons for its decision, which report shall be given to the applicant.

B. The committee shall report on the action taken on all items before it to the City Manager. [Ord. 2152 § 5, 2006; Ord. 1941 § 1, 1997. Formerly 2.47.040]

2.47.060 Appeals.

All actions of the committee shall be final and conclusive unless, within 14 calendar days after mailing or personal delivery of the written decision of the committee to the applicant and adjacent property owners, the original applicant or a party of record makes written application to the City Attorney for appeal of the action. Such written application of appeal shall be delivered to the office of the City Attorney for the City of Sunnyside. Appeals shall be heard by the Hearing Examiner pursuant to Chapter 2.46 SMC. [Ord. 2152 § 5, 2006; Ord. 1941 § 1, 1997.]

2.47.070 Referral to Hearing Examiner.

Notwithstanding the above provisions, and in lieu of issuance of any process or decision upon any application or issue coming before the committee, the City Manager may direct that any matter pending before the committee, or subject to determination by the committee, be referred for hearing and decision by the Hearing Examiner pursuant to Chapter 2.46 SMC. Such referral may be made by the City Manager for any reason deemed prudent or advisable. [Ord. 2152 § 5, 2006.]