Updates to the Land Development Code
4th Update to the Land Development Code
At February 9, 2006 the California
Coastal Commission certified the
Fourth Update to the Land Development Code. Three Ordinances
are included: O-2006-50 (PDF: 237K), O-2006-50-a (PDF:
10K), and
O-2006-51 (PDF: 10K). The Fourth Update
to the Land Development Code was initially adopted by the
City
Council
November 22, 2004 (CMR
04-228) and was later amended by the Council on
November 28, 2005 in accordance with Coastal Commission’s suggested
modifications. The Fourth Update includes 7 policy issues, 17 consistency
corrections, and 18 minor format and reference corrections that address
changing development practices and improve implementation of City policy,
with a specific focus in the areas of housing, environment, and permit
process.
The reasonable accommodations amendments bring the City into compliance
with Federal and State Housing Acts to afford persons with disabilities
the equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. The resulting housing
will be beneficial to meet the needs of the City’s growing population.
Several of the Fourth Update amendments will benefit the environment
such as the residential open space zone category amendments which implement
the protection of community open space and the emergency restoration
amendments which regulate the timing for restoration plans.
Other approved amendments will improve the efficiency of permit processing.
The Board of Zoning Appeals has been disbanded with its powers and duties
transferred to the Planning Commission, processing of private encroachments
in the public right-of-way has been standardized and simplified (Information
Bulletin 576), site reconnaissance and testing processes have been streamlined
(Information Bulletin 560), and public linear trails and maintenance
access projects have been exempted from some permit requirements at a
cost savings to the public.
5th Update to the Land Development Code
The 5th Update to the Land Development Code was presented to the City
Council on February 7, 2006, and adopted on February 21, 2006 (Report
06-011). The project included 49 issues total subdivided into 6 categories
including measurement, permit process, use, CEQA implementation, parking,
and minor corrections. The 5th Update was a part of implementing the
Mayor’s
goals to simplify and clarify the development process and remove non-value
added steps:
- Updated outdoor lighting regulations to bring the LDC into compliance
with State energy efficient standards and improve the regulations
by clarifying the light source shielding requirement and providing
alternatives
for security lighting.
- Revised the application and expiration requirements for construction
permits to account for complexity of development projects.
- Created a process to allow applicants to rescind a development
permit that has been utilized (i.e. replace an existing use regulated
by a
Conditional Use Permit).
- Amended agricultural zoning standards to retain traditional agricultural
uses and limit nonagricultural uses in accordance with the
San Pasqual Valley Vision Plan.
- Included parking amendments to facilitate project design on narrow
lots.
Revised the self storage parking requirement to reflect the
actual parking need for that type of use.
Three ordinances are associated:
- O-2006-86 (19466)
became effective March 2006 outside of the coastal
overlay zone. The ordinance that includes deviations for the Sustainable
Buildings Expedite
Program is not effective in the coastal overlay zone.
O-2006-86 will be submitted to the Coastal Commission for certification
along with
other housing amendments such as density bonus and affordable infill
housing projects.
- O-2006-87 (19467)
became effective on August 10, 2006, upon certification of the Local
Coastal Program Amendment by the Coastal Commission.
- O-2006-88 (19468)
became effective March 2006, 30 days following Council approval.
6th Update to the Land Development Code
The 6th Update to the Land Development Code (LDC) is part of the code monitoring program directed by the Mayor and City Council as part of the adoption of the LDC in January 2000. The 6th Update includes 51 issues (PDF: 457K), divided into various categories including measurement (PDF: 2Mb), permit process (PDF: 4Mb), landscape (PDF: 2Mb), parking (PDF: 597K), signs (PDF: 2Mb), state law requirements (PDF: 5Mb), and minor corrections (PDF: 2Mb). Several Diagrams (PDF: 1Mb) related to the measurement issue category are also proposed for amendment. A conversion table (PDF: 1Mb) is available for Sign Amendment Issue #32.
The 6th Update is scheduled for Planning Commission on June 5, 2008. Planning Commission Report PC-08-050 (PDF: 1Mb) Report attachments are provided in the links above. Additional opportunities for public participation will follow to finalize the code amendment process via City Council and California Coastal Commission public hearings.
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