The intent and purpose of substantial conformance review is to allow for the refinement of development projects, but does not result in any meaningful alteration of the project based upon the whole record.

The director of community development shall prepare guidelines and measuring criteria to provide the framework within which to establish applicability, eligibility and decision-making guidance in administering the substantial conformance review process. The director shall forward the guidelines and measuring criteria to the Planning Commission as information and input upon initial preparation. Any changes thereafter shall be presented and reviewed pursuant to Section 17.10.030.

An application for a substantial conformance review may be filed with the secretary of the planning commission by the property owner for which the development entitlement is applicable, or the property owner's agent.

Substantial conformance reviews may be approved or denied by the director of community development. The director may, at his or her discretion, decide that a substantial conformance review warrants a minor amendment or formal amendment of the governing entitlement.

The applicant for a substantial conformance review shall be notified in writing of the decision of the director to approve or deny the substantial conformance review. In the event that the director decides that a minor amendment or formal amendment of the governing entitlement is warranted, the applicant shall also be notified in writing.

The action of the director in approving or denying a substantial conformance review may be appealed pursuant to the requirements listed in Chapter 17.30 of this title.