17.30.040 Review process.
The developer contacts the community development department for information concerning the city requirements and discusses with staff members the proposed plan of development.
A. Application. Application for a site plan shall be made by the property owner or certified agent thereof to the community development department. Only applications deemed complete by the community development director or designee will be processed. Complete applications include appropriate application forms reflecting the standards of the city, site plans/drawings, texts, and signatures as required on the form available in the community development department and on the city’s website. All documentation shall meet city requirements. A letter or email confirming the completeness of the application may be requested by the applicant. All applications shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee as established from time to time by resolution of the city council.
1. Site plan applications are processed by the community development department and include a development review meeting for all industrial/manufacturing, commercial/office complex developments.
2. After the application is determined to be complete and a development review is completed, the community development director shall:
a. Give notice of the public meetings; and
b. Prepare a staff report for evaluating the application.
B. Public Meetings. The site plan will then be reviewed by the planning commission with a recommendation to city council. In a separate public meeting the city council shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application pursuant to the standards set forth in this title.
1. Any conditions of approval shall be limited to conditions needed to conform the site plan to approval standards.
2. A site plan shall conform to applicable standards set forth in this title and other applicable provisions of the city standards. Conditions may be imposed as necessary to achieve compliance with applicable requirements.
C. Approval Standards. The following standards shall apply to the approval of a site plan:
1. The entire site shall be developed at one time unless a phased development plan is approved. A phased development plan shall show:
a. The planned development of the entire site; and
b. The timing and sequencing of improvements to be completed with each phase, particularly amenities, open space, and public improvements.
2. A site plan shall conform to applicable standards set forth in this title and other applicable provisions of city standards and specifications. Conditions may be imposed as necessary to achieve compliance with applicable requirements.
3. In order to assure development shown on an approved site plan will be constructed to completion in an acceptable manner, the applicant shall enter into a developer’s agreement and shall conform to the requirements set forth in Chapter 17.130 WPCC.
D. Appeal of Decision. Any person adversely affected by a final decision of the city council regarding approval or denial of a site plan may appeal that decision to the appeal authority as provided in WPCC 17.20.040.
E. Effect of Approval. Every site for which a site plan has been approved shall conform to such plan.
1. A building permit shall not be issued for any building or structure, external alterations thereto, or any sign until the provisions of this section have been met. Structures or improvements shall be constructed as shown on an approved site plan or as required by law.
2. Approval of a site plan application shall not be deemed an approval of any other procedure or permit required by this title or this code.
F. Amendment. Except as may be provided elsewhere in this title, no element of an approved site plan shall be changed or modified without first obtaining approval of an amended site plan as follows:
1. Alteration or expansion of an approved site plan may be permitted by the community development director upon making the following findings:
a. The proposed amendment does not relate to a matter specifically required as a condition of approval;
b. Any proposed change of use is consistent with uses permitted on the site;
c. Existing uses were permitted when the site plan was approved, or have received a conditional use permit;
d. The proposed use and site will conform to applicable requirements of city standards and specifications;
e. The architecture of the proposed alteration or expansion, and landscaping, site design, and parking layout are compatible with facilities existing on the site; and
f. The site can accommodate the proposed change without any impact on surrounding property or infrastructure.
2. If the community development director cannot make the findings required in the foregoing subsection, an amended site plan shall be approved before any alteration or expansion occurs.
G. Expiration. An approved site plan shall expire and have no further force or effect if the building, activity, construction, or occupancy authorized by the approval is not commenced within one year or is not substantially completed within two years. [Ord. 08-17-2021B § 2 (Exh. A)].