Yakima City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 15
17 MODIFICATIONS TO EXISTING OR APPROVED USES OR DEVELOPMENT
§ 15.17.010 Purpose.
This chapter establishes provisions for the review of proposed modifications to existing or approved uses.
(Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986; Ord. 3019 § 57, 1987; Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008; Ord. 2016-029 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2016; Ord. 2018-047 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2018)
§ 15.17.020 Modification to permitted development and uses regulated.
Minor changes to existing or approved Class (1), (2) or (3) uses or development may qualify for abbreviated review under the provisions in this chapter, if they meet the criteria listed below. Overlay districts shall not increase the level of review for the provisions of this chapter. Modifications not meeting the criteria below must apply directly for review as a Class (1), (2) or (3) use or development.
A.
The modification will not increase residential density that would require an additional level of review;
B.
The modification will not increase the amount of parking by more than ten percent or twenty spaces (whichever is least), except that the amount of parking for controlled atmosphere and cold storage warehouses may be increased by up to twenty spaces. This limit shall be calculated cumulatively for all previous modifications since the last normal review;
C.
Any expansion of use area or structure will not exceed fifty percent of the gross floor area. The expansion of an existing single-family home may exceed the fifty percent limit when all applicable setback and lot coverage standards are met. This limit shall be calculated cumulatively for all previous modifications since the last normal review;
D.
The modification will not increase the height of any structure;
E.
This limit shall be calculated cumulatively for all previous modifications since the last normal review;
F.
The modification will not add a drive-thru facility; and
G.
The modification does not include hazardous materials.
(Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986; Ord. 3019 § 58, 1987; Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008; Ord. 2010-16 § 14, 2010; Ord. 2016-029 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2016; Ord. 2018-047 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2018; Ord. 2019-044 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2019; Ord. 2020-001 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
§ 15.17.030 Exemptions.
Modifications to existing single-family homes and duplexes when Class (1) or (2) uses shall be exempt from the review processes of this chapter when in conformance with the standards of Table 5-1[1]. For other exemptions from the review processes, see YMC § 15.01.040(A).
(Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986; Ord. 3019 § 57, 1987; Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008; Ord. 2016-029 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2016; Ord. 2018-047 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2018; Ord. 2025-017 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 5-1 Design Requirements and Standards is included as at attachment to this title.
§ 15.17.040 Review of modifications.
A.
Submittals. Applications for modification shall follow the submittal requirements for Type (1) review. In addition, for a previously approved use or development, the applicant shall submit both the site plan previously approved by the reviewing official and a new site plan showing the location, size, and type of modification proposed by the applicant.
B.
Review. Applications for modifications may be administratively and summarily reviewed using the Type (1) review process, in addition to the following criteria:
1.
Any proposed change in the site design or arrangement:
a.
Will not change or modify any special condition previously imposed under Class (1), (2) or (3) review;
b.
Will not adversely reduce the amount of existing landscaping or the amount or location of required sitescreening; and
c.
In the determination of the planning division, it will not create or materially increase any adverse impacts or undesirable effects of the project.
2.
All proposed new structures, site improvements, or structural alterations to existing structures or site improvements comply with the development standards of YMC Chapters 15.05 through 15.08, except as approved under the adjustment or variance provisions.
C.
Decision and Notification of Decision. The planning division shall issue a written decision on the modification application using the Type (1) decision process. In addition, any proposed modification that does not meet all the requirements of this section shall be denied. The division shall mail its decision to the applicant. Uses or developments denied under this chapter may submit applications for review under the normal review provisions for the use.
(Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008; Ord. 2016-029 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2016; Ord. 2018-047 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2018)
§ 15.17.050 Appeals.
Decisions by the planning division regarding approval or denial of administrative modifications may be appealed as prescribed by the applicable review.
(Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986. Formerly 15.17.060; Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008; Ord. 2016-029 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2016; Ord. 2018-047 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2018)
