This chapter provides rules for resolving questions about the meaning or applicability of any part of this title. The provisions of this chapter are intended to ensure the consistent interpretation and application of the requirements of this title and the general plan.
(Ord. 1308 § 5, 2000)
(a) 
Authority. The planning director or designee of the director shall have the responsibility and authority to interpret the meaning and applicability of all provisions and requirements of this title.
(b) 
Language.
(1) 
Terminology. When used in this title, the words "shall," "will," "is to," and "are to" are always mandatory. "Should" is not mandatory but is strongly recommended; and "may" is permissive. The present tense includes the past and future tenses; and the future tense includes the present. The singular number includes the plural number, and the plural the singular, unless the natural construction of the word indicates otherwise. The words "include," "includes," and "including" mean "including but not limited to . . .".
(2) 
Definitions. In addition to the definitions in Chapter 21.90 of this title, the following definitions shall apply:
"City council"
means the city of Fountain Valley city council, referred to in this title as the "council."
"Planning commission"
means the city of Fountain Valley planning commission, appointed by the city council in compliance with Government Code Section 65101, referred to throughout this title as the "commission."
"Planning department"
means the "department" within the organizational structure of the city responsible for implementation and enforcement of the general plan, this title and other planning-related duties as assigned by the city council, referred to throughout this title as "department."
(3) 
Number of Days. Whenever a number of days is specified in this title, or in any permit, condition of approval or notice issued or given as provided in this title, the number of days shall be construed as calendar days, unless business days are specified. Time limits will extend to the following business day where the last of the specified number of days falls on a day that the city is not open for business, except as otherwise provided for by the Map Act.
(4) 
State Law Requirements. Where this title references applicable provisions of state law (e.g., the California Government Code, Subdivision Map Act, Public Resources Code, etc.), the reference shall be construed to be to the applicable state law provisions as they may be amended from time to time.
(c) 
Calculations—Rounding. Where provisions of this title require calculations to determine applicable requirements, any fractional/decimal results of the calculations shall be rounded as provided by this subsection.
(1) 
Minimum Lot Area and Number of Lots. The fractional/decimal results of calculations of the number of housing units allowed within a zoning district shall be rounded down to the next lowest whole number.
(2) 
Residential Density. The fractional/decimal results of calculations of the number of housing units allowed within a zoning district shall be rounded down to the next lowest whole number.
(3) 
All Other Calculations. For all calculations required by this title other than those described in subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this subsection, the fractional/decimal results of calculations shall be rounded to the next highest whole number when the fraction/decimal is 0.5 or more, and to the next lowest whole number when the fraction is less than 0.5.
(d) 
Conflicting Requirements. Any conflicts between different requirements of this title, or between this title and other regulations, shall be resolved as follows:
(1) 
Development Code Provisions. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this title, the most restrictive requirement shall control, except in case of any conflict between the zoning district regulations of Chapters 21.04 through 21.14 of this code and the provisions of Chapters 21.16 through 21.30 of this code, the provisions of the latter shall control.
(2) 
Development Agreements or Specific Plans. In the event of any conflict between the requirements of this title and standards adopted as part of any development agreement or specific plan, the requirements of the development agreement or specific plan shall control.
(3) 
Municipal Code Provisions. In the event of any conflict between requirements of this title and other regulations of the city, the most restrictive shall control.
(4) 
Private Agreements. It is not intended that the requirements of this title shall interfere with, repeal, abrogate or annul any easement, covenant or other agreement that existed when the ordinance codified in this title became effective. This title applies to all land uses and development regardless of whether it imposes a greater or lesser restriction on the development or use of structures or land than an applicable private agreement or restriction, without affecting the applicability of any agreement or restriction. The city shall not enforce any private covenant or agreement unless it is a party to the covenant or agreement.
(e) 
Zoning Map Boundaries. If there is uncertainty about the location of any zoning district boundary shown on the official zoning map, the following rules are to be used in resolving the uncertainty.
(1) 
Where the zoning map shows any lot or area within a particular zoning district, the zoning district shall extend to the centerline of any adjacent road, street, parkway or highway.
(2) 
If a district boundary divides a parcel and the boundary line location is not specified by distances printed on the zoning map, the director shall determine the location of the boundary by using the scale appearing on the zoning map. See also Section 21.06.050 (Requirements for sites divided by a zoning boundary) of this title.
(3) 
Where a public street, alley, railroad or other public-right-of-way is officially vacated or abandoned, property that was within the former right-of-way shall be deemed to be included within the zoning district applicable to the property to which the abandoned right-of-way is being attached.
(f) 
Allowable Uses of Land. If a proposed use of land is not specifically listed in Chapters 21.04 through 21.14 of this title, the use shall not be allowed, except as follows:
(1) 
Similar Uses Allowed. The director may determine that a proposed use not listed in Chapters 21.04 through 21.14 of this title may be allowed as a permitted or conditional use, or is not allowed. In making such a determination, the director shall first find that:
(A) 
The characteristics of, and activities associated with, the proposed use are equivalent to those of one or more of the uses listed in the zoning district as allowable, and will not involve a greater level of activity, population density, traffic generation, parking, dust, noise or intensity than the uses listed in the district;
(B) 
The proposed use will meet the purpose/intent of the zoning district that is applied to the site; and
(C) 
The proposed use will be consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the general plan and any applicable specific plan.
A determination by the director that a use is not allowed may be appealed to the commission in compliance with Chapter 21.60 (Appeals) of this title.
(2) 
Applicable Standards and Permit Requirements. When the director determines that a proposed, but unlisted use is equivalent to a listed use, the proposed use will be treated in the same manner as the listed use in determining where the use is allowed, what permits are required and what other standards and requirements of this title apply.
(Ord. 1308 § 5, 2000)
Whenever the director determines that the meaning or applicability of any of the requirements of this title are subject to interpretation generally, or as applied to a specific case, the director may issue an official interpretation or refer the question to the planning commission for determination.
(1) 
Request for Interpretation. The request for an interpretation or determination shall be made to the department, shall include all information required by the department, and the fee established by the city's fee resolution.
(2) 
Findings—Basis for Interpretation. The issuance of an interpretation by the director shall include findings stating the basis for the interpretation. The basis for an interpretation may include technological changes or new industry standards. The issuance of an interpretation shall also include a finding documenting the consistency of the interpretation with the general plan.
(3) 
Record of Interpretations. Official interpretations shall be:
(A) 
Written, and shall quote the provisions of this title being interpreted, and the applicability in the particular or general circumstances that caused the need for interpretations, and the determination; and
(B) 
Distributed to the council, commission, city attorney, city clerk, and department staff.
Any provision of this title that is determined by the director to need refinement or revision will be corrected by amending this title as soon as is practical. Until an amendment can occur, the director will maintain a complete record of all official interpretations as an appendix to this title, and indexed by the number of the chapter or section that is the subject of the interpretation.
(4) 
Referral of Interpretation. The director has the option of forwarding any interpretation or determination of the meaning or applicability of any provision of this title directly to the commission for consideration.
(5) 
Fees. The applicant shall pay applicable fees for commission resolutions on interpretations as established by council resolution.
(6) 
Appeals. Any interpretation of this title by the director may be appealed as provided by Chapter 21.60 (Appeals) of this title.
(Ord. 1308 § 5, 2000)