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
- Window / Door Changes CDD-0187
- Planning Exemption Form - Express CDD-0035
- Accessory Structures CDD-0025
- Exterior Siding CDD-0185
- Exterior Stairs/Railing/Decks CDD-0159
- EV Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Stations CDD-0448
- Damage Repair CDD-0081
- Garage Conversions CDD-0038
- Garden 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
- Miscellaneous Projects CDD-0039
- Over the Counter Antenna Change Out CDD-0008
- Planning Exemption Form - Express CDD-0035
- Roofing CDD-0223
- Window and Door Changes CDD-0187
- Swimming Pools CDD-0054
- Site Utilities CDD-0108
Located in historic distrtict or at landmark property
- Exterior Siding Repairs for Historic Properties CDD-0032
- HVAC / Electrical / Solar Equipment for Historic Properties CDD-0031
- Re-Roofs / Vents / Gutters / Downspouts for Historic Properties CDD-0030
- Window / Door Replacements for Historic Properties CDD-0033
- Miscellaneous Projects for Historic Properties CDD-0039A
- Interior Projects for Historic Properties CDD-0039B
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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