A Development Permit is a review of the site plan, landscape plan and architectural design that ensures compliance with the zoning and design sections of the Development Code.

A Development Permit is required before a building permit can be issued for any new construction or most renovation of buildings, with some limited exceptions.

The exceptions include buildings or additions with an area less than 480 square feet, manufactured homes located in the Manufactured Home zoning district, retaining walls under four feet in height, swimming pools, decks, fences, flagpoles or paving that does not change the non-permeable coverage of a site by more than five percent.

Otherwise, a Development Permit is required before a building permit can be issued that significantly changes the size, height, floor area, building materials, or architectural character of any existing building.

Development Permits are approved by the Development Permits and Appeals Board, without review by the City Council, except under appeal. A Development Permit is valid for three years and construction must begin within that time period, or the permit becomes invalid.

With only very limited exceptions outlined in Chapter 18, land must be subdivided prior to granting a Development Permit. When the land proposed for development is not already subdivided, the applicant for a Development Permit can apply for a Development Permit and Subdivision Plat concurrently.