An Administrative Approval provides for an administrative review and assessment of the proposed development project to ensure compliance with the explicit standards contained in this Article 9, consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan.
(Added by Ord. No. 2486CCS §§ 1, 2, adopted June 23, 2015; Amended by Ord. No. 2742CCS § 2, adopted April 11, 2023)
A. 
Except as provided in subsection B, an Administrative Approval shall be required prior to issuance of any Building Permit for the development of any of the following:
1. 
Housing Projects. For housing projects, all new construction and new additions to existing buildings as follows:
a. 
100% affordable housing projects, as defined in Section 9.52.020.0050;
b. 
Moderate Income Housing Overlay project, as defined in Section 9.19.020;
c. 
Housing Project, as defined in Section 9.52.020.1125, including projects that have been granted modifications and waivers pursuant to Chapter 9.43, Modifications and Waivers, subject to the following:
i. 
The project is not located on a parcel or parcels that exceed 43,560 square feet within a Bergamot District and complies with Section 9.12.030(O);
ii. 
The project does not contain a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast inn, or other transient lodging, except a portion of the project may be designated for use as a residential hotel, as defined in Section 50519 of the Health and Safety Code; or
iii. 
For projects with application filed on or after October 15, 2029, located on a parcel or parcels that do not exceed 43,560 square feet in size.
d. 
Housing Project, as defined in Section 9.52.020.1125, within a Bergamot District and that satisfies the following requirements:
i. 
Located on a parcel or parcels that exceeds 43,560 square feet (one acre) in size;
ii. 
Complies with Section 9.12.030(O), Special Project Commitments for Housing Projects on Large Sites in Bergamot Districts, including projects that have been granted Modifications and Waivers pursuant to Chapter 9.43, Modifications and Waivers; and
iii. 
The project does not contain a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast inn, or other transient lodging, except a portion of the project may be designated for use as a residential hotel, as defined in Section 50519 of the Health and Safety Code.
e. 
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(c), any housing project as defined by 65589.5(h)(2) providing at least 20% of the on-site units as affordable units located on a nonvacant site that was identified in the 5th Cycle (2013-2021) Housing Element suitable sites inventory;
f. 
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(h) and (i):
i. 
Housing projects proposed on a City-owned site, as identified in the 6th Cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element, where at least 20% of the project's units are made affordable and available to lower income households and used to satisfy the City's shortfall of lower income units identified in the 6th Cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element; or
ii. 
Projects with at least 50% residential proposed on City-owned sites, where 20% of the project's units are made affordable to lower-income households that are sold or leased and used to satisfy the City's shortfall of lower income units as identified in the 6th Cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element; or
g. 
Adaptive Reuse Project, as defined in Section 9.31.035(B)(1).
2. 
Non-Housing Projects. For non-housing projects of more than 1,000 square feet, all new construction and new additions to existing buildings that do not exceed the following:
a. 
Tier 1 maximum limits;
b. 
In Multi-Unit Residential Districts or Ocean Park Neighborhood Districts, 10,000 square feet;
c. 
In Neighborhood Commercial and Oceanfront Districts, 7,500 square feet;
d. 
In Nonresidential Districts not specified in subsection (A)(2)(c) above, 15,000 square feet; or
e. 
In the Pico Neighborhood Area as outlined in Figure 9.40.020.A, notwithstanding subsection (A)(2)(b) through (d) above, and until the adoption of a Pico Neighborhood Plan, 7,500 square feet.
3. 
Multiple-unit dwelling projects located on community assembly surface parking lots pursuant to Section 9.31.196.
B. 
No Administrative Approval and only a building permit shall be required for:
1. 
Any new single-unit dwellings or additions thereto in any zoning district; or
2. 
Non-housing projects consisting of new construction and new additions to existing buildings located in Residential and Nonresidential Districts no greater than 1,000 square feet.
(Added by Ord. No. 2486CCS §§ 1, 2, adopted June 23, 2015; amended by Ord. No. 2567CCS § 11, adopted December 12, 2017; Ord. No. 2742CCS § 2, adopted April 11, 2023; Ord. No. 2792CCS, 10/8/2024; Ord. No. 2814CCS, 5/27/2025)
Application for an Administrative Approval shall be filed in a manner consistent with the requirements contained in Section 9.37.020, Application Forms and Fees.
(Added by Ord. No. 2742CCS § 2, adopted April 11, 2023)
Prior History: Added by Ord. No. 2742CCS § 2, adopted April 11, 2023; repealed by Ord. No. 2814CCS, 5/27/2025.
A. 
For projects eligible for an Administrative Approval under Section 9.39.020(A)(1)(c), an applicant shall conduct a community meeting to receive community input on the proposal. The community meeting shall be conducted prior to submitting an application, with noticing and reporting as required in guidelines adopted by the Director.
B. 
For projects eligible for an Administrative Approval under Section 9.39.020(A)(1)(a) through (d), within 14 calendar days after a decision is made, a copy of the written decision and project plans shall be posted on the City's website.
(Added by Ord. No. 2742CCS § 2, adopted April 11, 2023)
A. 
Following receipt of a decision from the Architectural Review Board, or compliance with the conditions set forth in Section 9.55.120(F)(2), the Director shall issue a determination on the Administrative Approval in accordance with this Chapter.
B. 
The Director shall issue an Administrative Approval if the proposed development conforms precisely to applicable development standards, except to the extent modifications or waivers have been granted pursuant to Chapter 9.43, Modifications and Waivers.
C. 
The Director shall deny the Administrative Approval only if:
1. 
The development is not in compliance with applicable development standards, except to the extent modifications or waivers have been granted pursuant to Chapter 9.43, Modifications and Waivers.
2. 
The housing development would have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety pursuant to Government Code Section 65589.5.
D. 
The Director shall prepare a written decision which shall contain the findings of fact upon which such decision is based. A copy of the decision shall be sent to the applicant within 14 calendar days after the decision is made.
(Added by Ord. No. 2486CCS §§ 1, 2, adopted June 23, 2015; Amended by Ord. No. 2742CCS § 2, adopted April 11, 2023; Ord. No. 2814CCS, 5/27/2025)
The term of permit, exercise of rights, extension, and revocation for Administrative Approvals shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 9.37, Common Procedures.
(Added by Ord. No. 2486CCS §§ 1, 2, adopted June 23, 2015; Amended by Ord. No. 2742CCS § 2, adopted April 11, 2023)