Use Permit Guidelines

These guidelines provide information to help you prepare a complete application submittal to ensure timely processing of your application. Prior to submitting the application, it is recommended you contact Planning staff in the Permit Center to discuss any applicable regulation or policy related to your proposal.

Submittal Checklist:

  1. Completed Use Permit Supplemental Application.
  2. Electronic plan set in PDF minimally including Site Plans showing all lot lines, existing buildings both on the property and on adjacent lots, the existing and proposed building floor plans, parking spaces, and location of the proposed use. Additional detail may be requested during the review.
  3. Narrative description of the on and off-site operations associated with the proposed use. Additional detail may be requested during the review.
  4. All applicable fees paid.

Standard Application Process:

  1. Submittal - Please submit your application and supplemental materials to the Permit Portal on the City's website. The total processing time varies depending on the number of applications currently being processed in the Permit Center and the complexity, completeness, and quality of the application materials.
  2. Application Review - Upon application submittal, the City will assign your application to a project planner, who will distribute your application to responsible City departments and pertinent outside agencies for review and comments. You will be notified within thirty (30) days of the submittal whether your application is deemed Complete or Incomplete.
    • Incomplete Applications - If your application is deemed Incomplete, you will be provided with a list of revisions and corrections necessary to provide a complete submittal. The City will wait for your resubmittal before proceeding to next steps in the process.
    • Complete Applications – If your application is deemed Complete, the project planner will coordinate with you on next steps to schedule a public hearing.
  3. Preparing for the Public Hearing - Once an application is deemed Complete, the project planner will coordinate with you to schedule a public hearing date and proceed with required public noticing. The City will mail public notices to property owners within a minimum 300-foot radius of the project site and prepare a legal ad in the newspaper. The applicant is typically asked to post a copy of the public notice at the project site and sign an affidavit of posting. The public notice period is twenty (20) days leading up to the scheduled hearing. During this time, the City will prepare conditions of approval that may apply to your proposal.
  4. Public Hearing/Decision - Applications are reviewed by either the Zoning Administrator or Planning Board. A draft of the Use Permit and any conditions of approval will be made available one week before the hearing. Hearings before the Zoning Administrator are scheduled on first and third Mondays at 4:00 p.m., and are conducted remotely via Zoom Webinar. If a proposal generates opposition or controversy, the Zoning Administrator may refer the proposal to the Planning Board. Once a decision is made at the hearing, a ten (10) day appeal period must pass before the decision becomes final.

Appeals:

Any person may appeal the decision of the Zoning Administrator or Planning Board. Appeals must be submitted to the Planning, Building, and Transportation Department within ten (10) calendar days of the Zoning Administrator or Planning Board decision. Once the appeal period passes, the decision of the application becomes final. Contact the Permit Center for information on submitting an appeal.

 

Updated April 2026

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