Site plan approvals are required only for certain improvements in the public use and hospital districts (see EMC § 18.30.030 and § 18.32.030). Their purpose is to allow decision-makers to quasi-judicially review significant development proposals on publicly owned lands, even though the use may be permitted outright (no conditional use permit required).
(Ord. 1960 § 3, 1998)
No site plan approval shall be granted unless the council finds that the development proposal, as modified by the conditions of approval if any, complies with the following criteria:
A. 
The proposed use must be compatible with surrounding land uses;
B. 
The proposed use must benefit the public;
C. 
The location must be adequate for the proposed use;
D. 
The traffic generated by the proposed use must not unduly burden the traffic circulation system in the vicinity;
E. 
Buffering or landscaping must adequately protect surrounding land uses; and
F. 
The proposed use must comply with all development regulations.
(Ord. 1960 § 3, 1998)
EMC Title 15 establishes the procedure for site plan approvals (Type V permits).
(Ord. 1960 § 3, 1998)