17.16.020 Application procedure.
The Planning Director shall review all site plan review applications. However, if the Director determines that an application is unusually complicated or contentious due to site constraints or due to the complexity of the project, the Director may request the Planning Commission to review the application.
The City shall process a site plan review application in accordance with the following procedures:
A. Pre-Application Conference.
1. An applicant for a site plan review permit shall meet with the City staff at a required pre-application conference to assist in the permit processing.
2. An applicant may submit an application for a site plan review permit at any time after completion of a required pre-application conference. The applicant shall submit a complete application as specified in Submittal Requirements of this chapter, listed below.
B. Application Review.
1. Administrative Review.
a. Upon receipt of a complete application, the Director may determine, based on the complexity of the proposal, that it is appropriate for City staff to review the application administratively and make a recommendation to the Director. The final decision on an application is made by the Director based on the following:
1. The recommendation of the City staff,
2. Consideration of any public comments received; and
3. The decision criteria in this chapter.
a. Administrative site plan review will require an additional noticing requirement. The Notice of Application shall be published in the local newspaper of record.
2. Quasi-Judicial Review.
a. A site plan review application requiring Planning Commission review and decision shall be reviewed by City staff prior to the final decision by the Planning Commission in accordance with the following procedure:
b. The Director shall forward a completed application to City staff.
c. City staff shall consider the application and make recommendation to the Director.
d. The Director shall review the staff recommendation and determine the major issues and specific aspects of the project, which the Planning Commission should review.
e. The Planning Commission shall review the application in relationship to staff recommendations. The Planning Commission shall consider the application at a public meeting.
f. The Planning Commission will make the final decision based on the following:
1. The recommendation of City staff;
2. Consideration of any public comments received;
3. The decision criteria in this chapter.