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Regardless of the type of development contemplated, the first step for the developer or property owner is to contact the Planning and Development Services Department. In almost every case, it is helpful at this time for the person to have a drawing of the lot including a rough or concept drawing refle~tin~ the proposed project. The Planning & Development Services Department will review such factors as legal use of the property and assure that any new development meets all applicable codes. Discussing these matters with the city at an early stage can help avoid personal comali~,ents that are not feasible under city codes and avoid time and money expended on plans that can not meet city code requirements. Building and Fire Code requirements as well as any other possible standards, such as security, public works or transportation, can be discussed at this time. If strict adherence to the Zoning Code will present a unique hardship, there are several zoning relief measures that permit flexibility in administering the Zoning Code. These potential zoning actions include: Conditional Use Permit A Conditional Use Permit is required for certain activities and uses which are permitted by the Zoning Code, only if they can be found to be con~atible with surrounding uses. These situations are considered individually by the Planning Co~nission on a case-by-case basis. It is up to the applicant for such a permit to show that the use bging proposed is acceptable in the location proposed and is of general benefit to the city, compatible with all surrounding uses and consistent with the city's General Plan. Zone Chan~e A Zone Chanqe officially alters the zone designation on a particu- lar piece of property. The new zone designation also changes the uses permitted and the standards for development. All zone changes must be compatible with the city's adopted General Plan. Zone changes do not normally occur on a single piece of property, but are usually for larger areas to better define land usage in a neighborhood or along a commercial district. ~griance A Variance is required when properties are proposed with development standards below the minimum standards of the zone. A variance is allowed only when extraordinary or exceptional circumstances are applicable to the property involved or the use proposed. Minor Exception A Minor Exception per,its uses on properties which are proposed with minor develop~aent standards variances from the standards of the zone. If any of these special zoning actions is required, it should occur at the out- se't of the development process. This will eliminate the potential for unnecessary expense should the proposal be denied. Property should never be unconditionally - 4 -