Site plan approvals are required only for certain improvements in the public use and hospital districts (see EMC 18.30.030 and 18.32.030). Their purpose is to allow decision-makers to quasi-judicially review significant development proposals on publicly owned lands, even though the use may be permitted outright (no conditional use permit required). (Ord. 1960 § 3, 1998).

No site plan approval shall be granted unless the council finds that the development proposal, as modified by the conditions of approval if any, complies with the following criteria:

A. The proposed use must be compatible with surrounding land uses;

B. The proposed use must benefit the public;

C. The location must be adequate for the proposed use;

D. The traffic generated by the proposed use must not unduly burden the traffic circulation system in the vicinity;

E. Buffering or landscaping must adequately protect surrounding land uses; and

F. The proposed use must comply with all development regulations. (Ord. 1960 § 3, 1998).

EMC Title 15 establishes the procedure for site plan approvals (Type V permits). (Ord. 1960 § 3, 1998).