(1) 
A Type I process involves an application that is subject to clear, objective, and nondiscretionary standards or standards that require the exercise of professional judgment about technical issues and that is exempt from SEPA review. The city may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application after the date the application is accepted as complete. The decision of the city is final unless an administrative appeal process is provided for in this or any other title within this code. This type of review includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) 
Interpretation of codes and ordinances;
(b) 
Single-family and other minor building permits;
(c) 
Fence permits;
(d) 
Boundary line adjustments;
(e) 
Encroachment permits to work within a right-of-way;
(f) 
Minor amendments or modifications to approved developments or permits which may affect the precise dimensions or location of buildings, accessory structures and driveways, but do not affect the overall project character, increase the number of lots, dwelling units or density, or decrease the quality or amount of open space; and
(g) 
Multifamily, commercial, industrial, and/or office building permits that have been subject to a public review process or for which environmental review has been completed in connection with other project permits.
(2) 
Permit Review. See Chapter 14.08 EMC for information regarding the review process.
(Ord. 573 § 1, 2001; Ord. 579 § 1, 2001; Ord. 701 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 856 § 1, 2023)
(1) 
A Type II process involves an application that is subject to objective and subjective standards that require the exercise of limited discretion about nontechnical issues and about which there may be limited public interest. The proposed development may or may not be subject to SEPA review. This type of review includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) 
Short subdivisions (short plats);
(b) 
Binding site plans;
(c) 
Home occupations;
(d) 
Multifamily, commercial, industrial, and/or office building permits that have not been subject to a public review process or for which environmental review has not been completed in connection with other project permits;
(e) 
Short-term rental permits;
(f) 
Shoreline substantial development permits; and
(g) 
Planned unit lot subdivision (requires full administrative approval for nine lots or less – short subdivisions).
(2) 
Permit Review. See Chapter 14.08 EMC for information regarding the review process.
(Ord. 573 § 1, 2001; Ord. 579 § 1, 2001; Ord. 701 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 856 § 1, 2023; Ord. 908 § 3, 2025)
(1) 
A Type III process will be used when the development or use proposed under the application requires a public hearing before a hearing body. It is subject to standards that require the exercise of substantial discretion and about which there may be a broad public interest. This type of review includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) 
Conditional use permits (requires hearing examiner approval);
(b) 
Major subdivisions (requires hearing examiner approval);
(c) 
Planned unit lot subdivision (requires hearing examiner approval for 10 lots or more – major subdivision);
(d) 
Variances (requires hearing examiner approval);
(e) 
Shoreline conditional use permits and variances (requires hearing examiner approval);
(f) 
Administrative appeals, including those relating to Chapter 43.21C RCW; and
(g) 
Other similar development permit applications.
(2) 
Permit Review. See Chapter 14.08 EMC for information regarding the review process.
(Ord. 573 § 1, 2001; Ord. 579 § 1, 2001; Ord. 701 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 856 § 1, 2023; Ord. 908 § 4, 2025)
(1) 
A Type IV process involves the creation, implementation, or amendment of policy or law by ordinance. In contrast to the other procedure types, the subject of a Type IV process applies to a relatively large geographic area containing many property owners, and an application subject to a Type IV process can be filed by the city as well as by a private citizen. This type of review includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) 
Comprehensive plans and amendments;
(b) 
Subarea plans;
(c) 
Zoning (text amendments, map amendments, or areawide rezones);
(d) 
Development code review, amendments and updates.
(2) 
Project Permit Review. See Chapter 14.08 EMC for information on the review process.
(Ord. 573 § 1, 2001; Ord. 579 § 1, 2001; Ord. 701 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 856 § 1, 2023)