Chapter 1.1
How to Use the Development Code

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

Chapter 1 - Chapter 1 provides definitions and information on the legal construct of the code. It also explains the city authority to enforce the code.

Chapter 2 - Every parcel of land within the city’s incorporated boundaries is including in a zoning district. Zoning districts are shown on the city’s official zoning map. Chapter 2 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 specific design standards for certain uses). As required by state law, the zoning districts conform to the land use designations in the Halsey Comprehensive Plan. The zoning districts provide land for residential, commercial, industrial and other non-residential land uses, provide compatibility between different uses, and plan for development of residential land at various housing densities.

Chapter 3 - The design standards contained in Chapter 3 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, and surface water management.

Chapter 4 - Chapter 4 provides all of the application requirements and procedures for obtaining permits required by the code. Four types of permit procedures are covered:

• Type I (non-discretionary, administrative staff decision);

• Type II (discretionary, administrative or Planning Commission decision);

• Type III (discretionary, Planning Commission decision with public hearing); and

• Type IV (legislative decision by City Council).

Chapter 5 - Chapter 5 provides standards and procedures for variances and non-conforming situations. This includes existing uses or development that do not comply with the code. The code cannot provide standards to fit every potential development situation. The complexities of land development require flexibility. Chapter 5 enables the City to allow non-conforming uses to continue and to grant variances to the standards within the code, while maintaining the purposes and intent of the code.