Prior to obtaining any county permit for commercial, industrial or manufacturing purposes in CG-1 (Chapter 17.88), CG-2 (Chapter 17.92), CR (Chapter 17.96), M-1 (Chapter 17.100) or M-2 (Chapter 17.104) zones, an applicant shall have a "Commercial- Industrial-Manufacturing Plan", hereinafter referred to as "PLAN", approved by the planning commission and the board of supervisors. An application on a form approved by the county, together with a proposed PLAN, shall be filed with the planning department. Prior to approval of a PLAN the planning commission shall conduct public hearings as described in Chapter 17.132 of this title.

The purpose of the CG-1, CG-2, CR, M-1 and M-2 zones is to allow flexible commercial development while mitigating the impact of those facilities upon its neighbors and the neighborhood upon the facility. Approval of a PLAN for these zones shall not be construed to assure that applications for similar or identical developments will be approved. Each proposal must be considered separately and the decision to approve or reject a PLAN will be based in part, on the impact of the proposed development on all prior approved proposals as well as the effect on the county as a whole. The CG-1, CG-2, CR, M-1 and M-2 zones are intended to provide for desirable development in keeping with the objectives of the general plan by: encouraging development of mixed uses, where such uses are designed and located to minimize conflict with adjacent uses; encouraging innovative development which can provide for unique opportunities for a working environment; and encouraging a more efficient use of land in a manner which is consistent with the preservation of the natural environment.