New non-exempt nonresidential construction and expansions are subject to development plan review, with review level determined by project size. New structures of 3,000 square feet or less and certain smaller additions generally receive minor review, while new structures over 5,000 square feet and larger additions require major review by the Planning Commission.

A minor development plan review can be elevated to Planning Commission review if the Planning Director chooses to refer it or if the applicant, representative, or any member of the public submits a written request for a public hearing.

Major development plan reviews require public notice and a Planning Commission hearing; minor reviews generally require mailed notice to adjacent properties and may also require a hearing if one is requested.

Development plan review approval requires findings that the project complies with the General Plan and zoning rules, is compatible with adjacent development, has adequate sewer or septic, water, power, and other utilities, and will not harm public health, safety, welfare, or neighboring properties.

The reviewing authority may impose reasonable conditions on development plan approval to ensure the required findings can be made.

A use requiring a conditional use permit must undergo individual review by the Planning Commission, including public notice and a public hearing. Approval requires findings concerning zoning compliance, compatibility with surrounding properties, compliance with applicable standards, and physical suitability of the site.

Conditional use permit approval may include operational conditions, including required actions by specified deadlines, and the permit may be modified or revoked after a public hearing for noncompliance, violations, nuisance impacts, or changed surrounding conditions.

If a conditional use permit application is denied, a substantially similar new application cannot be considered for one year after the denial.

A zoning clearance is required before initiating a land use that does not require construction, changing a use, obtaining a new or modified business license, or undertaking other activities identified by the zoning code. The Director must verify compliance with applicable use and development standards before issuing the clearance.

The County may modify, revoke, or terminate an approved permit or approval through the same procedure and by the same body that originally approved it. For modifications or revocations, owners and current occupants must generally receive at least 30 days' notice before the public hearing.

The updated zoning code consolidates administrative functions and adds tables identifying permitted uses and development standards, making zoning requirements easier for development applicants to find.

The measure revises and simplifies permitted and conditional uses and removes seldom- or never-used permit types, potentially reducing unnecessary approval steps for affected uses.

The measure provides permit-streamlining procedures, including project triage to reduce backlogs, consistent processing procedures, regular status reports on review schedules, and pre-application meetings for large or complex projects.