Welcome to the Warrenton Development Code. This is a comprehensive
land use and development code that governs all of the land within
the incorporated limits of Warrenton and Warrenton's urban growth
boundary (UGB). The five divisions of the Code are used together to
review land use applications and other applications for development
within the Warrenton City limits and UGB. They are organized as follows:
A. Division
1. In addition to this brief introduction, Division 1 provides definitions
for selected terms and information on the legal construct of the Code.
It also explains the City authority to enforce the Development Code.
B. Division
2. Every parcel, lot, and tract of land within the City's incorporated
boundaries is also within a "land use district." (Land use districts
are shown on the City's official zoning map.) Division 2 identifies
the land uses that are permitted within each district, and the standards
that apply to each type of land use (e.g., lot standards, setbacks,
and use-specific design standards). As required by state law, the
zones or "land use districts" conform to the Warrenton Comprehensive
Plan. The districts reserve land for planned land uses, provide compatibility
between different uses, and implement planned housing densities.
C. Division
3. The design standards contained in Division 3 apply throughout the
City. They are used in preparing development plans, and reviewing
applications, to ensure compliance with City standards for access
and circulation, landscaping, parking, public facilities, surface
water management, housing densities, and sensitive lands.
D. Division
4. Division 4 provides all of the application requirements and procedures
for obtaining permits required by this Code. Four types of permit
procedures are covered: Type I (non-discretionary, "ministerial" decision);
Type II (discretionary, "administrative" decision); Type III (discretionary,
quasi-judicial decision with public hearing); and Type IV ("legislative"
decision by City Council).
E. Division
5. Division 5 provides standards and procedures for variances and
nonconforming situations (i.e., existing uses or development that
do not comply with the Code). This Code cannot provide standards to
fit every potential development situation. The City's varied geography,
and complexities of land development, requires flexibility. Division
5 provides that flexibility, while maintaining the purposes and intent
of the Code.