12: ADMINISTRATION
The purpose and intent of the Administration section is to establish procedures for the discretionary review of development in the City in order to ensure that new development and changes to existing developments comply with City development requirements and policies. This chapter establishes the procedures for review of applications before the approval authorities for each type of project and the process for appeals of any requirement, decision or determination made by any Approval Body.
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, Development Review is required for all zoning map and text amendments, new construction, modifications to building exteriors or site improvements, and changes in land use, including, but not limited to, the following:
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 24-2261, § 1 (part), 2024)
Table 19.12.030 shows the approval authority, Noticing Radius, Expiration Date and Extension Dates for different types of Permits.
Subject to the provisions of this chapter and general purpose and intent of this title, the authority of the Director of Community Development is as follows:
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
Subject to the provisions of this chapter and general purpose and intent of this title, the authority of the Planning Commission is as follows:
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
Subject to the provisions of this chapter and general purpose and intent of this title, the authority of the City Council is as follows:
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
Unless otherwise specified in this title, all applications for permits, permit modifications, amendments and other matters pertaining to this Chapter shall be filed with the Director of Community Development with the following:
(Ord. 17-2165, § 4, 2017; Ord. 17-2162, § 2, 2017; Ord. 16-2149, § 4, 2016; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 24-2261, § 1 (part), 2024)
Upon receipt of an application for a permit, the Director of Community Development shall:
(Ord. 20-2200, § 6, 2020; Ord. 17-2162, § 3, 2017; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 17-2165, § 5, 2017; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 22-2246, § III (part), 2022; Ord. 22-2238, §§ 3.5-3.6, 2022; Ord. 21-2235, §§ 3.5-3.6, 2021; Ord. 17-2165, § 6, 2017; Ord. 17-2162, § 4, 2017; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 23-2254, Att. A (part), 2023; Ord. 25-2277, Exh. A (part), 2025)
(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 20-2200, § 7, 2020; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 20-2200, § 8, 2020; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 22-2246, § III (part), 2022; Ord. 22-2238, § 3.7, 2022; Ord. 21-2235, § 3.7, 2021; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 20-2200, § 9, 2020; Ord. 17-2165, § 7, 2017; Ord. 16-2149, § 5, 2016; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
| Type of Permit or Decision A, B | Administrative ReviewA,B | Arts and Culture Commission | Planning Commission | City Council | Public Hearing/ Public Meeting/ Comment Period C | Noticing Radius D | Posted Site Notice | Expiration Date E | Chapter/ Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Plan Amendment | |||||||||
| Major F | - | - | R | F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65350-65362 | Yes | - | CA. Govt. Code 65350-65362 |
| Minor G | - | - | R | F | PH | Yes | - | ||
| Zoning Map Amendments | |||||||||
| Major F | - | - | R | F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65853-65857 | Yes | - | 19.152.020 |
| Minor G | - | - | R | F | PH | Yes | - | ||
| Zoning Text Amendments | - | - | R | F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65853-65857 | - | - | 19.152.030 |
| Specific Plans | - | - | R | F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65350-65362 | - | - | 20.04.030 |
| Development Agreements | - | - | R | F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65867 | Yes | - | 19.144.110 |
| Development Permits | |||||||||
| Major F, H | - | - | F/R | A1/F | PM | 19.12.110/300' | Yes | 2 years | 19.156.040 |
| Minor G | F | - | A1 | A2 | PM | Yes | 2 years | ||
| Conditional Use Permits | |||||||||
| Major F, H, I | F | - | A1/F/R | A1/ A2/F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65905 | Yes | 2 years | 19.156.040 |
| Minor G, I | F | - | A1/F/R | A1/ A2/F | PH | Yes | 2 years | ||
| Temporary | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | None/ 19.160.030 |
| Density BonusP | Section 19.56.060 B | ||||||||
| Adult-Oriented Commercial Activity (CUP) | - | R | F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65905/300' | Yes | 2 years | 19.128.030 & 19.128.040 | |
| Architectural and Site Approval | |||||||||
| Major J | F | - | A1 | A2 | PM | 19.12.110/ Adjacent | Yes | 2 years | 19.168.030 |
| Minor K | F | - | A1 | A2 | PM | Yes | 2 years | ||
| Amendment | |||||||||
| Major F, H | - | - | F | A1 | Varies L | Depends on permit being amendedL | Yes | 2 years | 19.44, 19.144, 19.156, 19.164 |
| Minor G | F | - | A1 | A2 | Varies L | Yes | 2 years | ||
| Minor Modification | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 2 years | 19.164 |
| Hillside Exception/ Height Exception/ Heart of the City Exception I | - | - | F | A1 | PH | 19.12.110/300' | Yes | 2 years | 19.40.080, 19.24.050, 19.136.090 |
| Variance | F | - | A1 | A2 | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65905 | Yes | 2 years | 19.156.050 |
| Status of non-conforming Use | - | - | F | A1 | PH | 19.12.110/300' | Yes | - | 19.140.110 |
| Wireless Antennas I | F | - | F/ A1 | A2 | Varies I | Depends on application type | Yes | 2 years | 19.136.090 |
| Signs | |||||||||
| Permits | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | 19.104 |
| Neon, Reader board & Freeway Oriented Signs I | F | - | F/A1 | A1/A2 | PM | 19.12.110/300' | No | 1 year | 19.104 |
| Programs | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | 19.104 |
| Exceptions I | - | - | F | A1 | PM | 19.12.110/ Adjacent | Yes | 1 year | 19.104.290 |
| Parking Exceptions I | F | - | F /A1 | A1 /A2 | Varies M | 19.12.110/ Adjacent/ 300' N | Yes | 1 year | 19.124.060 |
| Fence Exceptions | F | - | A1 | A1 L | PM | 19.12.110/ Adjacent | Yes | 1 year | 19.48.070 |
| Front Yard Interpretation | F | - | - | A1 | PM | 19.12.110/ Adjacent | Yes | 1 year | 19.08 |
| R-1 Ordinance Permits | |||||||||
| Residential Design Review I | F | - | F /A1 | A1L /A2 | Varies I | 19.12.110/ Adjacent | Yes | 1 year | 19.28.140 |
| Minor Residential | F | - | A1 | A2 | CP | No | 1 year | ||
| Exceptions I | - | - | F | A1 | PM | Yes | 1 year | ||
| Miscellaneous Ministerial Permit | F | - | - | - | None | Adjacent | Yes | 1 year | 19.28.150 and 19.40.090 |
| Protected Trees | |||||||||
| Tree Removal | F | - | A1 | A2 | CP | Adjacent, unless exempt | Yes, unless exempt | 1 year | 14.18.110 |
| Heritage Tree Designation & Removal | - | - | F | A1 | PM | 19.12.110/ 300' | Yes | - | 14.18 |
| Tree Management Plan | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | - | 14.18 |
| Retroactive Tree Removal | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | - | 14.18 |
| Reasonable Accommodation | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | 19.52.050 |
| Extensions P | |||||||||
| Parking, Fence & Sign Exceptions & Front Yard Interpretations | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | |
| Neon, Reader board & Freeway Oriented Signs | F | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | ||
| Two Story Permits, Minor Residential Permits and Exceptions | F | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | ||
| Tree Removals | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | - | No | 1 year | |
| All other projects | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | 19.12.110/ None | No | 2 years | |
| Miscellaneous Ministerial Permit | Not Allowed | ||||||||
| Public Art Architectural and Site Approval Permits | |||||||||
| Public Art | - | F | - | A1 | PM | None | None | None | 2.80 and 19.148 |
| Art in lieu payment | - | R | - | F | PM | None | None | None | 2.80 and 19.148 |
| KEY: | |||||||||
| R—Review and recommendation body | F—Final decision-making body unless appealed | ||||||||
| A1—Appeal Body on first appeal. Only one appeal allowed for housing developments eligible for by-right approval. | A2—Appeal body on second appeal. Only one appeal allowed for housing developments eligible for by-right approval. | ||||||||
| PH—Public Hearing | PM—Public Meeting | ||||||||
| CP—Comment Period | |||||||||
Notes:
(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 22-2246, § III (part), 2022; Ord. 22-2238, §§ 3.3-3.4, 2022; Ord. 21-2235, §§ 3.3-3.4, 2021; Ord. 19-2187, § 3 (part), 2019, Ord. 18-2177, § 3 (part), 2018; Ord. 18-2175, § 1 (part), 2018; Ord. 17-2165, § 3, 2017; Ord. 17-2162, § 1, 2017; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 23-2254, Att. A (part), 2023; Ord. 24-2260, Att. A, (§ 3) 2024; Ord. 24-2261, § 1 (part), 2024; Ord. 25-2277, Exh. A (part), 2025)
12: ADMINISTRATION
The purpose and intent of the Administration section is to establish procedures for the discretionary review of development in the City in order to ensure that new development and changes to existing developments comply with City development requirements and policies. This chapter establishes the procedures for review of applications before the approval authorities for each type of project and the process for appeals of any requirement, decision or determination made by any Approval Body.
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, Development Review is required for all zoning map and text amendments, new construction, modifications to building exteriors or site improvements, and changes in land use, including, but not limited to, the following:
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 24-2261, § 1 (part), 2024)
Table 19.12.030 shows the approval authority, Noticing Radius, Expiration Date and Extension Dates for different types of Permits.
Subject to the provisions of this chapter and general purpose and intent of this title, the authority of the Director of Community Development is as follows:
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
Subject to the provisions of this chapter and general purpose and intent of this title, the authority of the Planning Commission is as follows:
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
Subject to the provisions of this chapter and general purpose and intent of this title, the authority of the City Council is as follows:
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
Unless otherwise specified in this title, all applications for permits, permit modifications, amendments and other matters pertaining to this Chapter shall be filed with the Director of Community Development with the following:
(Ord. 17-2165, § 4, 2017; Ord. 17-2162, § 2, 2017; Ord. 16-2149, § 4, 2016; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 24-2261, § 1 (part), 2024)
Upon receipt of an application for a permit, the Director of Community Development shall:
(Ord. 20-2200, § 6, 2020; Ord. 17-2162, § 3, 2017; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 17-2165, § 5, 2017; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 22-2246, § III (part), 2022; Ord. 22-2238, §§ 3.5-3.6, 2022; Ord. 21-2235, §§ 3.5-3.6, 2021; Ord. 17-2165, § 6, 2017; Ord. 17-2162, § 4, 2017; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 23-2254, Att. A (part), 2023; Ord. 25-2277, Exh. A (part), 2025)
(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 20-2200, § 7, 2020; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 20-2200, § 8, 2020; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 22-2246, § III (part), 2022; Ord. 22-2238, § 3.7, 2022; Ord. 21-2235, § 3.7, 2021; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
(Ord. 20-2200, § 9, 2020; Ord. 17-2165, § 7, 2017; Ord. 16-2149, § 5, 2016; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011)
| Type of Permit or Decision A, B | Administrative ReviewA,B | Arts and Culture Commission | Planning Commission | City Council | Public Hearing/ Public Meeting/ Comment Period C | Noticing Radius D | Posted Site Notice | Expiration Date E | Chapter/ Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Plan Amendment | |||||||||
| Major F | - | - | R | F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65350-65362 | Yes | - | CA. Govt. Code 65350-65362 |
| Minor G | - | - | R | F | PH | Yes | - | ||
| Zoning Map Amendments | |||||||||
| Major F | - | - | R | F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65853-65857 | Yes | - | 19.152.020 |
| Minor G | - | - | R | F | PH | Yes | - | ||
| Zoning Text Amendments | - | - | R | F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65853-65857 | - | - | 19.152.030 |
| Specific Plans | - | - | R | F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65350-65362 | - | - | 20.04.030 |
| Development Agreements | - | - | R | F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65867 | Yes | - | 19.144.110 |
| Development Permits | |||||||||
| Major F, H | - | - | F/R | A1/F | PM | 19.12.110/300' | Yes | 2 years | 19.156.040 |
| Minor G | F | - | A1 | A2 | PM | Yes | 2 years | ||
| Conditional Use Permits | |||||||||
| Major F, H, I | F | - | A1/F/R | A1/ A2/F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65905 | Yes | 2 years | 19.156.040 |
| Minor G, I | F | - | A1/F/R | A1/ A2/F | PH | Yes | 2 years | ||
| Temporary | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | None/ 19.160.030 |
| Density BonusP | Section 19.56.060 B | ||||||||
| Adult-Oriented Commercial Activity (CUP) | - | R | F | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65905/300' | Yes | 2 years | 19.128.030 & 19.128.040 | |
| Architectural and Site Approval | |||||||||
| Major J | F | - | A1 | A2 | PM | 19.12.110/ Adjacent | Yes | 2 years | 19.168.030 |
| Minor K | F | - | A1 | A2 | PM | Yes | 2 years | ||
| Amendment | |||||||||
| Major F, H | - | - | F | A1 | Varies L | Depends on permit being amendedL | Yes | 2 years | 19.44, 19.144, 19.156, 19.164 |
| Minor G | F | - | A1 | A2 | Varies L | Yes | 2 years | ||
| Minor Modification | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 2 years | 19.164 |
| Hillside Exception/ Height Exception/ Heart of the City Exception I | - | - | F | A1 | PH | 19.12.110/300' | Yes | 2 years | 19.40.080, 19.24.050, 19.136.090 |
| Variance | F | - | A1 | A2 | PH | CA. Govt. Code 65905 | Yes | 2 years | 19.156.050 |
| Status of non-conforming Use | - | - | F | A1 | PH | 19.12.110/300' | Yes | - | 19.140.110 |
| Wireless Antennas I | F | - | F/ A1 | A2 | Varies I | Depends on application type | Yes | 2 years | 19.136.090 |
| Signs | |||||||||
| Permits | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | 19.104 |
| Neon, Reader board & Freeway Oriented Signs I | F | - | F/A1 | A1/A2 | PM | 19.12.110/300' | No | 1 year | 19.104 |
| Programs | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | 19.104 |
| Exceptions I | - | - | F | A1 | PM | 19.12.110/ Adjacent | Yes | 1 year | 19.104.290 |
| Parking Exceptions I | F | - | F /A1 | A1 /A2 | Varies M | 19.12.110/ Adjacent/ 300' N | Yes | 1 year | 19.124.060 |
| Fence Exceptions | F | - | A1 | A1 L | PM | 19.12.110/ Adjacent | Yes | 1 year | 19.48.070 |
| Front Yard Interpretation | F | - | - | A1 | PM | 19.12.110/ Adjacent | Yes | 1 year | 19.08 |
| R-1 Ordinance Permits | |||||||||
| Residential Design Review I | F | - | F /A1 | A1L /A2 | Varies I | 19.12.110/ Adjacent | Yes | 1 year | 19.28.140 |
| Minor Residential | F | - | A1 | A2 | CP | No | 1 year | ||
| Exceptions I | - | - | F | A1 | PM | Yes | 1 year | ||
| Miscellaneous Ministerial Permit | F | - | - | - | None | Adjacent | Yes | 1 year | 19.28.150 and 19.40.090 |
| Protected Trees | |||||||||
| Tree Removal | F | - | A1 | A2 | CP | Adjacent, unless exempt | Yes, unless exempt | 1 year | 14.18.110 |
| Heritage Tree Designation & Removal | - | - | F | A1 | PM | 19.12.110/ 300' | Yes | - | 14.18 |
| Tree Management Plan | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | - | 14.18 |
| Retroactive Tree Removal | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | - | 14.18 |
| Reasonable Accommodation | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | 19.52.050 |
| Extensions P | |||||||||
| Parking, Fence & Sign Exceptions & Front Yard Interpretations | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | |
| Neon, Reader board & Freeway Oriented Signs | F | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | ||
| Two Story Permits, Minor Residential Permits and Exceptions | F | A1 | A2 | - | None | No | 1 year | ||
| Tree Removals | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | - | No | 1 year | |
| All other projects | F | - | A1 | A2 | - | 19.12.110/ None | No | 2 years | |
| Miscellaneous Ministerial Permit | Not Allowed | ||||||||
| Public Art Architectural and Site Approval Permits | |||||||||
| Public Art | - | F | - | A1 | PM | None | None | None | 2.80 and 19.148 |
| Art in lieu payment | - | R | - | F | PM | None | None | None | 2.80 and 19.148 |
| KEY: | |||||||||
| R—Review and recommendation body | F—Final decision-making body unless appealed | ||||||||
| A1—Appeal Body on first appeal. Only one appeal allowed for housing developments eligible for by-right approval. | A2—Appeal body on second appeal. Only one appeal allowed for housing developments eligible for by-right approval. | ||||||||
| PH—Public Hearing | PM—Public Meeting | ||||||||
| CP—Comment Period | |||||||||
Notes:
(Ord. 23-2247, § 1 (part), 2023; Ord. 22-2246, § III (part), 2022; Ord. 22-2238, §§ 3.3-3.4, 2022; Ord. 21-2235, §§ 3.3-3.4, 2021; Ord. 19-2187, § 3 (part), 2019, Ord. 18-2177, § 3 (part), 2018; Ord. 18-2175, § 1 (part), 2018; Ord. 17-2165, § 3, 2017; Ord. 17-2162, § 1, 2017; Ord. 14-2125, § 4 (part), 2014; Ord. 2085, § 2 (part), 2011; Ord. 23-2254, Att. A (part), 2023; Ord. 24-2260, Att. A, (§ 3) 2024; Ord. 24-2261, § 1 (part), 2024; Ord. 25-2277, Exh. A (part), 2025)