Chapter 1.3
HOW TO USE THE DEVELOPMENT CODE

Sections:

1.3.010    Applicability – Organization.

1.3.010 Applicability – Organization.

The city of Silverton development code governs all uses of land within the incorporated limits of the city of Silverton. The five articles of the code are used together to review land use applications. They are organized as follows:

Article 1. In addition to this brief introduction, Article 1 provides definitions for selected terms, land use classifications and categories, and information on the legal construct of the code. It also explains the city’s authority to enforce the development code.

Article 2. 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 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 use-specific design standards). As required by state law, the zones or land use districts conform to the city of Silverton comprehensive plan. Other land use procedures such as the overlay zones are included within Article 2. These regulations implement planned land uses and development densities, provide compatibility between uses, and establish urban design requirements for specific types of uses.

Article 3. The design standards contained in Article 3 apply throughout the city. They are used to help prepare development plans and review development applications. The community design standards will help to ensure compliance with city standards for access and circulation, landscaping, parking, public facilities, stormwater management, housing densities, and sensitive lands.

Article 4. Article 4 provides application requirements and administrative procedures for obtaining permits and approvals under this code. Four types of permit procedures are covered: Type I (nondiscretionary, ministerial decisions); Type II (discretionary, administrative decisions); Type III (quasi-judicial decisions with public hearing); and Type IV (legislative decisions). Other land use procedures such as appeals, code interpretations, miscellaneous permits, etc., are included within Article 4. This article also identifies the process and requirements for each type of review procedure.

Article 5. Article 5 contains standards and procedures for variances and nonconforming situations (i.e., existing uses or developments 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 require flexibility. Article 5 provides that flexibility, while maintaining the purpose and intent of the code. (Ord. 08-06 § 3, 2008)