Chapter 19.10
INTRODUCTION

Sections:

19.10.010    How to use the development code.

19.10.010 How to use the development code.

Welcome to the City of Fairview Development Code. This is a comprehensive land use and development code that governs all of the land within the incorporated limits of the city of Fairview. The five articles of the code are used together to review land use applications. They are organized as follows:

A. Article I. In addition to this brief introduction, Article I provides definitions for selected terms and information on the legal construction of the code. It also explains the city authority to enforce the development code.

B. Article II. Every parcel, lot, and tract of land within the city’s incorporated boundaries is also within a “land use district.” (Land use districts are shown on the city’s official zoning map.) Article II identifies the land uses that are permitted within each district, and the standards that apply to each type of land use (e.g., lot standards, setbacks, and use-specific design standards). As required by state law, the zones or “land use districts” conform to the city of Fairview’s Comprehensive Plan. The districts reserve land for planned land uses, provide compatibility between different uses, and implement planned housing densities. Overlay districts reflect special conditions that add special conditions, criteria or standards to uses within these areas.

C. Article III. The design standards contained in Article III apply throughout the city. They are used in preparing development plans, and reviewing applications, to ensure compliance with city standards for access and circulation, landscaping, parking, public facilities, surface water management, housing densities, and sensitive lands.

D. Article IV. This article provides all of the application requirements and procedures for obtaining permits required by this code. Four types of permit procedures are covered: Type I (nondiscretionary, “ministerial” decision); Type II (limited discretionary, “administrative” decision); Type III (discretionary, “quasi-judicial” decision with public hearing); and Type IV (“legislative” decision by city council).

E. Article V. This article provides standards and procedures for variances and nonconforming situations (i.e., existing uses or development that do not comply with the code). This code cannot provide standards to fit every potential development situation. The city’s varied geography, and complexities of land development, requires flexibility. Article V provides that flexibility, while maintaining the purposes and intent of the code. (Ord. 6-2001 § 1)