Land Use Permit

A Land Use Permit is required to allow those conditionally permitted uses within a zoning district, or uses that may require special treatment, or may be of unusual concern to adjacent property owners. The intent of this review is to ensure that new uses will be compatible with the surrounding uses and the general public interest. Considerations include building placement and size, traffic generation, parking, noise, odors, compatibility with adjoining properties, and other potential impacts.

Is my project subject to a Land Use Permit?

A Land Use Permit is required if your proposed use:

1. Is listed under “Uses Requiring a Permit” in  your zoning district.
2. Replaces an existing use that received a Land Use Permit approval; however your proposal intensifies the use (enlarging the area, longer hours of operation, etc.).
3. Replaces an existing non-conforming use after 120 days of the use ceasing operation.

A Land Use Permit is not required if your proposed use is:

1. Is listed under “Uses Permitted” and the site (parcel) has adequate parking for your proposed use and all existing uses.
2. Replaces an existing use that received a Land Use Permit approval and there is no change to the intensity of the use.
3. Replaces an existing non-conforming use within 120 days of the use ceasing operation.

A Land Use Permit application must be submitted to the Planning & Building Department for review. Projects minor in scope can be acted upon at a staff level by the Zoning Administrator, while larger and more complex projects are acted upon by the Planning Commission. The hearing body, in considering your permit, has wide latitude in the imposition of conditions which may be necessary to make the use acceptable, or to correct existing deficiencies. A Land Use Permit will only be approved if it meets the required findings.

A Temporary Land Use Permit application is required for the temporary sale of perishable materials from vehicles or temporary sales facilities in any zoning district. For example, Christmas Tree lots require a Temporary Land Use Permit annually.

Check the Project Checklist to determine if your project is subject to other triggers for review.