It is the purpose of this chapter to establish review and permit approval procedures for unusual or unique types of land uses, which, due to their nature, require special consideration of their impact on the neighborhood, and land uses in the vicinity. The uses approved under the provisions of this chapter may be located in zone districts listing the use as a "conditional use" under such conditions as the hearing examiner may approve.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
The following are the uses that require a conditional use permit (CUP):
A. 
All uses listed in the zoning districts as "conditional uses" require a conditional use permit in order to locate and operate or expand in an appropriate zoning district within the city.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
A. 
Application for conditional use permits shall be filed with the city on forms prescribed by the community development director.
B. 
A filing fee in the amount set by the fee schedule adopted by the city council shall accompany all applications.
C. 
The hearing examiner will conduct public hearings on conditional uses and may deny, approve, or approve with conditions.
D. 
Conditional use applicants must adhere to all applicable public notification requirements.
E. 
The hearing examiner's decisions on a conditional use permit may be appealed to Snohomish County superior court by a party with standing in accordance with the procedures of Chapter 36.70C RCW, or other court of competent jurisdiction as provided by law.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1347-21 § 13; Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
When considering an application for a conditional use permit, the hearing examiner shall consider the applicable standards, criteria and policies established by this title as they pertain to the proposed use and may impose specific conditions precedent to establishing the use.
A. 
Before any conditional use permit may be granted, the applicant shall show that:
1. 
The proposed conditional use will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity of the proposed conditional use or in the zoning district in which the subject property is situated;
2. 
The proposed conditional use shall meet or exceed the performance standards that are required in the zoning district that it will occupy;
3. 
The proposed conditional use shall be compatible generally with the surrounding land uses in terms of traffic and pedestrian circulation, building and site design as approved by the community development director;
4. 
The proposed conditional use shall be consistent with the goals and policies of the comprehensive land use policy plan;
5. 
All measures have been taken to mitigate the possible adverse impacts which the proposed use may have in the zoning district in which the subject property is located.
B. 
Conditions imposed by the hearing examiner under this section may include:
1. 
Increased requirements, standards, criteria or policies otherwise established by this title;
2. 
Stipulation of the exact location of the use in order to minimize public safety hazards, property damage, erosion, landslides or traffic;
3. 
The installation of structural features or equipment essential to minimize public safety hazards, property damage, erosion, landslides or traffic;
4. 
Conditions deemed necessary to mitigate nuisance-generating features such as noise, odors, smoke, dust, fumes, air pollution, wastes, vibration, traffic, and physical hazards; provided the hearing examiner may not, in connection with action on a conditional use permit, reduce the requirements specified by this title pertaining to any such use;
5. 
Provisions to ensure that the conditional use shall maintain compatibility with the purpose of this title and with other existing and potential uses within the general area where the conditional use is proposed;
6. 
Requirement to post construction and maintenance bonds (or equivalent financial security) sufficient to secure to the city an amount equal to 150% of the estimated cost of construction and/or installation plus 15% of the estimated cost of maintenance of required improvements.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1347-21 § 14; Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
A. 
A conditional use permit shall automatically expire one year after a notice of decision approving the permit is issued unless a development authorization or building permit conforming to plans for which the CUP was granted is obtained within that period of time.
B. 
A conditional use permit shall automatically expire unless substantial construction of the proposed development is completed within two years from the date a notice of decision approving the permit is issued.
C. 
The hearing examiner may authorize longer periods for a conditional use permit if appropriate for the project.
D. 
The hearing examiner may grant a single renewal of the conditional use permit if the party seeking the renewal can demonstrate extraordinary circumstances or conditions not known or foreseeable at the time the original application for a conditional use permit was granted. No public hearing is required for a renewal or minor modification of a conditional use permit.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
A conditional use permit runs with the land; compliance with the conditions of any such permit is the responsibility of the current owner of the property, whether that is the applicant or a successor. No permit for which a bond is required shall be considered valid at any time during which the required bond is not posted.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
A. 
The hearing examiner may revoke or modify a conditional use permit. Such revocation or modification shall be made on any one or more of the following grounds:
1. 
That the approval was obtained by deception, fraud, or other intentional and misleading representations;
2. 
That the use for which such approval was granted has been abandoned;
3. 
That the use for which such approval was granted has at any time ceased for a period of one year or more;
4. 
That the permit granted is being exercised contrary to the terms or conditions of such approval or in violation of any statute, resolution, code, law or regulation; or
5. 
That the use for which the approval was granted was so exercised as to be detrimental to the public health or safety.
B. 
Any aggrieved party may petition the hearing examiner in writing to initiate revocation or modification proceedings.
C. 
Before a conditional use permit may be revoked or significantly modified, a public hearing shall be held. Procedures concerning notice and reporting for petition to revoke or significantly modify a conditional use permit shall be the same as required by this chapter for the initial consideration of a conditional use permit application.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
A performance bond or other adequate and appropriate security may be required for any elements of the proposed project which the hearing examiner determines are crucial to the protection of the public welfare. Such bond shall be in an amount equal to 125% of the cost of the installation or construction of the applicable improvements.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
An application for a conditional use permit, which has been denied, may not be resubmitted within six months from the date of denial.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)