MISCELLANEOUS PLAN PERMITS

 

 

A Miscellaneous Plan Permit (MPP) is the review of a minor project or modification to an approved project by the Planning staff without a public hearing.

 

The Miscellaneous Plan Permit process was created to simplify the review of minor projects. The Miscellaneous Plan Permit can have fewer application requirements and is usually completed in less time than a Use Permit, Design Permit, or Special Development Permit application.

 

Although Miscellaneous Plan Permit projects are minor, it is necessary to review them because:

  • a minor change may adversely affect neighbors on surrounding properties

  • a minor change may have a long-term visual impact on surrounding properties

  • cumulative minor changes can have a major long-term impact

  • a minor project can infringe upon the rights of others

  • a "temporary" event can sometimes extend to a longer period of time than originally planned

  • a minor project may inadvertently violate a City ordinance or policy

  • even a minor project has the potential to create safety, traffic, and health hazards

Advantages Of The MPP Process

  1. Faster: because there is no public hearing, the review process takes less time.

  2. Lower fees: the application fees for a Miscellaneous Plan Permit application are lower than those for major projects, or minor projects requiring a public hearing.

  3. Simplified process: less information is required for this application than for other types of review.

  4. No public hearing is required.

 Examples Of MPP’s Include:

  • Fences less than 7 feet in height

  • Parking lot and landscape plan modifications

  • Temporary events

  • Waiver of screening requirement for outdoor & roof mounted mechanical equipment

  • Signs not governed by Master Sign Programs

Review Process

  1. Talk to a planner to obtain information and an application.

  2. Submit completed application.

  3. Planning staff review.

  4. Director of Community Development makes a decision, usually within 10 working days of submittal.

  5. Applicant is notified of the decision.

  6. 15 day appeal period (Planning Commission).

Timing

Some applications can be processed over the counter by Planning staff, while others may require a ten working day review.

 

Decision Factors

City staff reviews your application to see that the proposed use will benefit the City and not harm the properties that surround the project site. Planning staff considers the following criteria when reviewing a proposal: The proposed use must:

  • Attain the objectives and purposes of the General Plan of the City of Sunnyvale, or

  • Ensure that the general appearance of the proposed structures, or uses to be made of the property to which the applicant refers, will not impair either the orderly development of, or the existing uses being made of, the adjacent properties.

Appeals

If someone is concerned about the decision made on a Miscellaneous Plan Permit, the decision may be appealed to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. Appeals must be made within 15 calendar days of the decision, and can be made by submitting the following to the Planning Division staff at the One-Stop Permit Center at City Hall:

  • Letter of explanation addressed to the Planning Commission

  • Appeal fee

  • Mailing list fee

Additional Permits

If your Miscellaneous Plan Permit application is approved, you may need a building permit issued by the Building Safety Division.

 

Application Checklist

Submit the following to the Planning Division at the One-Stop Permit Center:

  • Completed MPP application (PDF) signed by the legal property owner

  • Site plan: 2 copies, fully dimensioned, showing:

  • existing and/or proposed structures

  • adjacent streets

  • property lines

  • parking and driveways

  • landscaped areas

  • scale indicator

  • north arrow

  • Floor Plans: 2 copies, dimensioned and to scale

  • Elevations: 2 copies, fully dimensioned, with colors and materials indicated

  • A brief written description of the project

  • Fees (non-refundable)

Questions?

Call or visit the One-Stop Permit Center at City Hall. Planners are available to assist you between the hours of 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 

This information is intended to be a general description of MPPs. For specific information, consult Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 19.82.

 

 

 

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