A. 
Purpose. To ensure that each new, changed, or expanded use of a structure complies with this Chapter.
B. 
Applicability. A Zoning Permit is required before any of the following can occur:
1. 
The issuance of a Building Permit or Grading Permit;
2. 
A new or change in use of a property, including the establishment of a new business;
3. 
Modifying, replacing, or constructing an accessory structure;
4. 
Replacing or constructing a fence or wall within a residential front or street side setback; or
5. 
A Section 6409(a) modification as specified by Chapter 18.110 (Wireless Telecommunications).
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
The Zoning Administrator has the authority to approve, conditionally approve, or deny an application for a Zoning Permit.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
Application. The applicant shall submit a complete application for a Zoning Permit to the Zoning Administrator in the form approved by the Planning Division.
B. 
Notice and Public Hearing.
1. 
No notice or public hearing is required for a Zoning Permit, unless appealed to the Planning Commission in compliance with Subsection E of this Section.
2. 
Public hearings for applications with multiple discretionary permits or entitlements for a single project shall be conducted in compliance with Section 18.175.030 (Projects with Multiple Discretionary Permit Applications).
C. 
Decision. Within five working days following the submittal of a complete application, the Zoning Administrator shall approve or deny the Zoning Permit application. The Zoning Administrator shall mail notice of the decision to the applicant and any other party requesting notice within 10 calendar days of the decision.
D. 
Effective Date. A Zoning Permit is effective upon issuance. If the decision is appealed, the decision is not final until the appeal process under Chapter 18.185 (Appeals and Calls for Review) is exhausted.
E. 
Appeal. Any interested person may appeal the Zoning Administrator's decision in compliance with Chapter 18.185 (Appeals and Calls for Review).
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
The Zoning Administrator shall issue a Zoning Permit if they find the following to be true:
A. 
The proposed structure, use, or fence complies with this Chapter; and
B. 
No further environmental review is required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
Lapse of Approval. A Zoning Permit lapses 12 months after its date of approval, or at an alternative time specified as a condition of approval, unless one of the following has occurred:
1. 
A Construction Permit (e.g., Demolition, Building, Grading, Site) has been issued, construction activities has commenced, and applicable preconstruction tasks have started; or
2. 
A Certificate of Occupancy has been issued; or
3. 
The use is established; or
4. 
The Zoning Permit is renewed by the review authority which originally approved it. No new notice or public hearing is required for a renewal if the findings required for approval remain valid.
5. 
A Zoning Permit automatically lapses if there is a discontinuance of the exercise of the entitlement granted by the permit for six consecutive months or more.
B. 
Changes to Plans, Use or Condition of Approval. If the plans, project description or condition of approval are changed in a manner that affects compliance with this Chapter or there is a request for a change in the Zoning Permit or a condition of approval, a new application for modification of the condition is required.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A Zoning Permit exercised in violation of this Chapter or a condition of approval may be revoked, as provided in Section 18.190.140 (Revocation or Modification of Discretionary Permits).
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
If an application for a Zoning Permit is denied, no new application for the same, or substantially the same, Zoning Permit shall be filed within 12 months of the date of denial of the initial application, unless the denial is made without prejudice.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)