HR Green Rate Fee Survey Report - Manual (Page 12)

Site Plan Review
Survey Results
11
Projects that are Subject to Site Plan Review:
The questionnaire also explored what types of cases require a SDP. In fact, five land use changes
were listed with the question of which warrant the submission of a SDP. In addition, respondents were
also asked to cite additional land use activities that would require submission of a SDP. A summary of
the findings are highlighted in the table below.
Land Use Change Percentage of Respondents requiring a SDP
Change in Zone (residential only) 50% (118)
Change in Zone (non-residential) 59% (130)
Change in Zone (PUD or Mixed-Use
Development)
69% (154)
Revision to an approved Site Plan 80% (178)
Conditional/Special Use Permit 78% (173)
Other
2
32% (72)
While Exhibit B includes a complete list of
“other” land use changes requiring a SDP, the list below is
meant to highlight some of those referenced in the exhibit.
 Subdivision survey, plat of survey, plan of improvements;
 Annexation;
 Any new construction;
 Issuance of a building permit;
 Development projects of a certain minimum size (e.g., square footage of the building or acreage of the site being
proposed for development);
 “Alternative Compliance” – this option is available to a developer proposing a mixed use project in an area specified
in the Future Land Use Map as mixed use. This alternative allows the developer to construct a mixed-use
development, increase building height, and create a walkable environment without a zoning change;
 Traffic analysis, fire access, refuse access, and building code compliance;
 Construction of a new building or renovate an existing structure if the cost associated with the associated investment
exceeds 50% of the site’s current value.
Projects subject to Administrative Review:
From time to time local government agencies, generally department directors, are granted the authority
to approve certain types of projects through an administrative approval process. The purpose of this
procedure is to help expedite the review and permitting of projects while providing appropriate oversight
regarding the application of local development codes and standards. While several respondents cited
administrative approval that related to other questions, this query focused on the simple question of
whether administrative approvals are permissible. Eighty-one (81%) percent of respondents have
some form of administrative approval relative to site development plans. Conversely, 19% of the
remaining communities do not.
In addition, respondents were given an opportunity to cite specific situations where administrative
approvals are authorized. Of the 158 responses received, several parties cited minor projects focusing
on residential developments with a relatively small number of dwelling units, securing a building permit,
no substantial changes to an approved site plan, when planning and zoning commission and/or city
council action is not necessary, etc. For a complete listing of the responses please see Exhibit C.
2
See Exhibit B for a summary of the responses.