CHAPTER 12.20
SITE PLAN PERMITS
SECTION:
12.20.020 Authority Of Planning Director
12.20.050 Renewal And Transferability
12.20.010 INTENT:
The intent of a site plan permit is to protect the integrity and character of the residential, commercial, and industrial areas of the city and to provide the city with the opportunity to review detailed plans and establish alternative site development standards without going through the public hearing process. See definition of "site plan permit" in section 12.08.020 of this title. (Ord. 2000-03, 8-7-2000)
12.20.020 AUTHORITY OF PLANNING DIRECTOR:
The planning director shall have the authority to render interpretations as deemed necessary in order to clarify the applications and carry out the provisions of this title. Such interpretations shall be in conformity with the intent and purpose of this title. The planning director shall reserve the right to defer any decision on the application for a site plan permit to the planning commission which, in his/her judgment, would better serve the public’s interest or if the application raises substantial land use issues or general plan considerations.
A. Compliance With Purpose And Intent: Site plan permits shall be issued by the planning director upon a determination that a proposed new or expanded use of a site or a new and expanded structure, which does not require a conditional use permit, complies with the purposes and intent of the provisions of this title and the Gonzales general plan.
B. Completion Of Review: No building permit, certificate of occupancy or business license shall be issued until site plan review has been completed by the planning director.
C. Authority Of Director: In granting a site plan permit, the planning director shall have the authority to approve, approve conditionally, or deny applications for site plan permits. The planning director shall reserve the right to defer any decision on an application for a site plan permit to the planning commission upon a finding that the public’s interests are better served through the formal hearing procedure. The deciding body shall take action in accordance with the requirements for a conditional use permit, chapter 12.28 of this title. (Ord. 2000-03, 8-7-2000)
12.20.030 FINDINGS:
Prior to issuance of a site plan permit, the planning director shall determine that the application complies with the following to the extent that they are relevant to the particular use:
A. Uses: The use or activity is an allowed use within the zoning district of the proposed project site.
B. Site Plan: The site plan is consistent with provisions set forth in this title, the Gonzales general plan, and other plans and policies adopted by the Gonzales city council.
C. Building Architecture:
1. Building architecture promotes variety through the use of scale, bulk, and building height, and features such as facades, projections, offsets, roofs, and overhangs, are an integral part of the design;
2. Building architecture makes generous use of a variety of building materials, color and texture;
3. Building architecture follows a design theme which unifies a group of related buildings while allowing for distinctive features which make similar uses recognizable from each other; and
4. Building architecture is consistent with plans and policies adopted by the Gonzales city council.
D. Site Design:
1. Site plan elements, e.g., buildings, circulation and open spaces, are arranged on the site so that activities are integrated and harmonious with the neighborhood and surrounding area and are arranged to produce an attractive, efficient and cohesive development of sustained desirability;
2. Site plan elements, e.g., buildings, circulation and open space areas, consider existing natural topography, natural watercourses and exposure to wind;
3. The site’s design and building arrangement provides for the greatest opportunity for solar access;
4. Site plan elements, e.g., buildings, circulation and open space areas, are designed to maximize the opportunity for privacy by the residents of the project and adjacent residential development;
5. The design and arrangement of buildings and open space areas contribute to the overall aesthetic quality of the project and surrounding area;
6. Driveway and parking systems provide smooth, safe, and convenient movement of vehicles, both on and off the site;
7. Driveway and parking systems contribute to the overall aesthetic quality of the site;
8. Adequate and conveniently located parking is provided and designed in a manner that discourages on street parking;
9. Transit turnouts, shelters, landscape features, bicycle racks, shopping cart storage areas, newspaper racks, recycling facilities, and trash areas are conveniently located and designed so as not to interfere with the flow of traffic and safety of vehicles and pedestrians;
10. There is adequate space for loading and unloading of persons, materials and goods;
11. The pedestrian circulation system is designed to assure that pedestrians can move safely and easily both on the site and between properties and activities within the neighborhood;
12. The pedestrian circulation system incorporates design features to enhance convenience and safety across parking lots and driveways;
13. Outdoor lighting is provided which promotes pedestrian and vehicle safety and crime prevention and is confined to the site;
14. Recreational areas are accessible to the residential units they are intended to serve;
15. Signs compliment the architectural theme of buildings, are an integral part of a site design, and are consistent with provisions set forth in chapter 12.116 of this title;
16. The site design contributes to speedy access to all buildings for fire suppression, emergency medical and police protection; and
17. The site design incorporates provisions for barrier free access for the handicapped. (Ord. 2000-03, 8-7-2000)
12.20.040 EFFECTIVE DATE:
A site plan permit shall become effective upon the date of execution by the planning director and upon acknowledgment that all conditions have been received and accepted by the applicant unless appealed to the planning commission. (Ord. 2000-03, 8-7-2000)
12.20.050 RENEWAL AND TRANSFERABILITY:
A. Renewal: A site plan permit shall not be renewed more than once.
B. Transferability: A site plan permit shall not be affected by changes in ownership.
C. Discontinuance: A site plan permit shall lapse if the exercise of rights granted by it is discontinued for six (6) consecutive months. (Ord. 2000-03, 8-7-2000)