Planning Commission Staff Report
Report Prepared by: Jonnie Lan, AICP, Acting Planning Manager, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Use Permits: Planning Commission Training on the Consideration of and Approval Process for Conditional Use Permits and Minor Use Permits
ACTION
The Planning Commission will not take action on this item. It is for training purposes only.
SUMMARY
The Planning Commission will receive information and training related to Use Permits.
RECOMMENDATION
Planning Staff recommends that the Planning Commission review the attached information pertaining to Use Permits as considered under the City of Merced Municipal Code Title 20.
Body
DISCUSSION
In the City of Merced Use Permits are generally considered through the Conditional Use Permit process or the Minor Use Permit process. According to Section 20.68.020(A) (Attachment A) of the Merced Municipal Code (MMC):
"A conditional use permit [(CUP)] or minor use permit [(MUP)] is required for uses that are generally appropriate within a zoning district but potentially unsuitable in a particular location or in large numbers. A conditional use or minor use permit is a discretionary action that enables the city to ensure that a proposed use is consistent with all general plan goals and policies and will not create negative impacts to adjacent properties or the general public."
In the City of Merced, there are a couple of differences between MUPs and CUPs. The first is that MUPs do not require a public hearing or public noticing of the consideration. The second is that the Director of Development Services can approve MUPs or refer them to the Planning Commission for consideration. They are not automatically heard by the Planning Commission. CUPs require a public hearing and public notification for those property owners within 300 feet of the site. Because of this requirement, CUPs are automatically considered by the Planning Commission.
The list of uses that require permit c...
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