Snohomish City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 14
65 Site Development Plans
Prior legislation: Ords. 2111 and 2296.
14.65.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish a permit process for the development or significant redevelopment of nonresidential land uses and multi-unit residential land uses where a division of property is not proposed under this title. A site development plan is separate from and does not replace other required permits. However, a site development plan may be combined with and reviewed concurrently with other land use permits. An approved site development plan shall be issued and its associated appeal period concluded prior to issuance of a building, mechanical, plumbing, site civil, or other administrative permits for a proposed development. (Ord. 2467, 2023)
14.65.020 Applicability.
A site development plan shall be required for the following development proposals:
A. All new nonresidential development and redevelopment that involves a new building that requires a building permit; alters the exterior configuration of the water, sewer, or stormwater system of the site; converts open space or vacant land; or converts parking areas that are required to meet minimum parking standards pursuant to this title to other uses.
B. All new residential development for four or more dwelling units, where a division of land pursuant to the regulations of Chapter 14.215 SMC is not proposed. (Ord. 2338, 2017; Ord. 2467, 2023. Formerly 14.65.010)
14.65.030 Approval criteria.
A. The criteria for approval of a site development plan shall be as follows:
1. Adequate streets, sidewalks, transit stops, open spaces, parks, schools, water, sewer, and stormwater facilities shall be available to the proposed development.
2. The design and appearance of the structure shall be compatible with applicable design standards and guidelines.
3. The development shall be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
4. The development shall mitigate any significant adverse environmental impacts.
5. Concurrency requirements (SMC 14.20.090) shall be complied with.
6. The development shall be consistent with the health, safety, and general welfare.
B. In approving a site development plan, to protect the health, safety and general welfare, the City may:
1. Require a site plan showing exact location and dimensions of existing and proposed structures or equipment.
2. Require dedication to the public of land for street rights-of-way or other public purposes, to the extent necessary to implement the City’s Transportation Plan or mitigate environmental impacts, provided the dedication does not constitute an unconstitutional taking of private property.
3. Require improvements designed to mitigate the proposal’s environmental impacts.
4. Otherwise impose conditions as may be consistent with the purpose of this title or the purpose of the land use designation. (Ord. 2338, 2017; Ord. 2467, 2023. Formerly 14.65.020)
14.65.040 Modifications.
A. Minor. Minor changes in an approved site development plan may be authorized by the Planning Director in cases where the proposed modifications do not impact the ability of the project to meet the requirements of this title or other applicable codes and restrictions or conditions of approval. Changes in land use may be considered minor if the new land use does not require additional site changes, such as an increase in parking or a substantial change in the approved utility layout, as determined by the Public Works Director. All such requests for minor changes to an approved site development plan shall be made in writing and supported by documentation as required by the Planning Department.
B. Major. A modification to a site development plan shall be considered major if it involves more than a 10 percent increase in building area from the approved site development plan, increases residential density or intensity of land use, has a greater impact on the environment or facilities than the approved plan, or changes the boundaries of the approved plan. Major modifications shall require a new application for site development plan pursuant to SMC 14.20.160(B). (Ord. 2467, 2023)