USE PERMITS

 

 

The land in Sunnyvale is divided into three basic types of zoning districts: residential, commercial and industrial. The Sunnyvale Municipal Code specifies which uses are allowed in each zoning district. There are some uses that require a property owner to obtain a Use Permit from the City before that use can occur on the property. The Use Permit allows a use that is not allowed by right on the property.

 

The Use Permit process allows the City to review the proposed use and determine whether the site is appropriate for that type of activity and place conditions on the use that would enhance the project and reduce any effects on surrounding properties. It also allows the public an opportunity to voice their opinion about the proposed use.

 

Use Permit applications require a public hearing by the Administrative Hearing Officer, Planning Commission or the City Council.

 

EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS REQUIRING USE PERMITS

  • Residential uses in a commercial zone

  • New retail or office buildings

  • Industrial projects greater than 35% FAR in most zones

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

  • Be desirable and not materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property, improvements or uses within the immediate vicinity and the zoning district.

TYPE OF HEARING

If your project does not require environmental review, the application can be heard at an Administrative public hearing. If the project requires environmental review, the Use Permit application will always be heard at a Planning Commission public hearing. This environmental determination is made at the Project Review Committee Meeting.

 

PROJECT REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Project Review Committee (PRC) meeting is made up of staff representatives from the City Divisions of Planning, Building, Engineering, Traffic, Fire Prevention, Street Trees and Crime Prevention. PRC review is for information only and is not a recommendation of approval or denial of the project.

 

Review Process

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

  2. Submit completed application.

  3. Planning staff review.

  4. Project Review Committee reviews project with applicant.

  5. Application completeness and level of environmental review is determined

  6. Notice of public hearing is advertised and posted.

  7. Staff makes a recommendation

  8. The public hearing takes place.

  9. 15 day appeal period.

Timing

Use Permits usually take 6 to 8 weeks to review if the application is complete and there is no appeal.

 

Appeals

If someone is concerned about the decision made on a Use Permit, the decision may be appealed to a higher hearing body. 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 Use Permit application is approved, you may need a building permit issued by the Building Safety Division

 

application checklist

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

  • Site plan: 10 copies, fully dimensioned, showing the features listed above under MPP

  • Floor Plans: 10 copies, dimensioned and to scale

  • Elevations: 10 copies, fully dimensioned, with colors and materials indicated

  • Reductions: 2 copies of the above plans in 8.5 x 11 size

  • A brief written description of the project

  • Justifications

  • Project Data Sheet showing existing and proposed data (residential or commercial/industrial)

  • Legal Description of the property

  • 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 handout is intended to be a general description of Use Permits. For specific information, consult Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 19.88.

 

 

 

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