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Site Plan and Design Review
What is Site Plan and Design Review (SPDR)?
Site Plan and Design Review is a planning permit required for the exterior aspects of development such as new structures, additions to existing structures, and site features (e.g., fences/walls, landscaping). SPDR does not include consideration of land use (e.g., residential dwelling, retail business). Unless exempted, new development requires SPDR approval before filing a building permit application.
Is my project exempt from SPDR?
The city code exempts the following development activities from SPDR:
Not located in historic district or at a landmark property or more than 50 years old.
- Accessory Structures CDD-0025
- Exterior Siding CDD-0185
- Exterior Stairs / Railing / Decks CDD-0159
- EV Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Stations CDD-0448
- Damage Repair CDDD-0081
- Garage Conversions / Swimming Pools and Equipment CDD-0038
- Private Personal or Community Garden Self-Certification Checklist CDD-0456
- Mechanical / Rooftop Equipment CDD-0283
- Menu Boards for Drive-Throughs CDD-0414
- Minor Additions to Existing Structures / Patio Covers CDD-0024
- Wireless Panel Antenna / Equipment Change Out CDD-0008
- Roofing CDD-0223
- Window / Door Changes CDD-0187
- Planning Exemption Form - Express CDD-0035
Located in historic distrtict or at landmark property
If a project does not fall within one of the above categories, the Design Director can consider projects that do not substantially alter the exterior appearance of a structure or site. For these requests, use the following form:
This authority does not apply to historic districts or landmark properties.
Please review the SPDR Exemption Step-by-Step Guide for more information about the exemption review process.
For non-exempt projects, how does SPDR work?
SPDR requests require an application (including plans) that is first reviewed by city staff and then acted on at one of three review levels:
SPDR review levels
- Staff – when consistent with all standards and guidelines
- Director – when requiring a deviation from a standard or guideline
- Commission – certain development involving historic landmarks and/or historic districts or development including other permit requests requiring commission review.
Please review the SPDR Permit Application Step-by-Step Guide for more information about the application review process.
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