Planning & Zoning Permits

An Internal ADU is a self-contained living unit created within an existing, owner‑occupied single‑family home (you HAVE to live on the same property). The Zoning Administrator reviews and approves ADU applications administratively. You must meet size, owner‑occupancy, parking, safety, and design requirements set out in City code. ADUs are intended for long‑term occupancy (30+ days), and short-term rentals are not permitted.

Application: ADU Online Application

A specific Affidavit needs to be signed and notarized for this application: (ADU) Agreement Form

Checklist: (ADU) Accessory Dwelling Units Temporary Owner Waiver

If you own an ADU but no longer live there, a Temporary Owner of Absence Waiver needs to be granted by the City or the ADU will be terminated. There are 6 exceptions to the owner-occupied requirement. These requirements are: a job re-location, military assignment, medical or other care of others, sabbatical leave, educational pursuits, or personal illness. If you think you meet one or more of those requirements, you can apply for this application. Additionally, ADUs cannot be used for short‑term rentals (under 30 days), and if occupancy requirements are violated or owner occupancy ends, the ADU must be removed or decommissioned.

Application:Temporary Owner of Absence Online Application

A specific Affidavit needs to be signed and notarized for this application: (ADU) Temporary Owner Waiver Agreement Form

Checklist:(ADU) Accessory Dwelling Units Temporary Owner Waiver (1)

A variance is a special request to deviate from certain zoning rules due to unique conditions on your property. The Board of Adjustment reviews these requests and can grant exceptions if strict enforcement would cause unreasonable hardship. You must show that your situation is different from others and that the variance won't negatively impact the surrounding area. This process includes a public hearing before the Board.

Application: Variance Online Application

Checklist: (BOA V) Board Of Adjustments Variance

A nonconformity hearing addresses situations where a building, structure, or use does not meet current zoning standards but was legally established under previous rules. The Board of Adjustment determines whether the nonconforming status can continue, be altered, or must be brought into compliance. These hearings are often needed when a nonconforming structure is damaged, modified, or replaced. This process ensures fair application of zoning laws while respecting historic legal rights.

Application: Nonconformity Online Application 

Checklist: (BOA N) Board Of Adjustments Nonconformity

If you disagree with a final land use decision made by the Zoning Administrator (such as the denial of a permit or interpretation of code) you may appeal that decision to the Board of Adjustment. This process allows residents or property owners to have an impartial review of administrative decisions. The Board will determine whether the original decision followed the law and city ordinances. Appeals must be submitted within a specified time frame and include detailed reasons.

Application:Appeal Online Application

Checklist: (BOA A) Board Of Adjustments Appeal

You may apply for a permit to have up to a combined total of 10 chickens and/or rabbits(no more than six may be rabbits) on property in Agricultural‑Low (A-L) or the Residential‑Low (R‑L) zone for personal, non‑commercial use. Roosters are not allowed, and any that hatch must be removed within five months. The application must include a site plan showing coop or cage location, dimensions, and setbacks. Permits are non‑transferable and expire after 12 months of non‑use.

Application: Chicken & Rabbit Online Application

Checklist: (CRO) Chicken & Rabbit Keeping

A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a formal request to allow a use that’s not automatically permitted within a zoning district but may be acceptable under certain conditions. The Planning Commission reviews your proposal through an application, public hearing, and staff report. They determine whether the use meets specific criteria and may impose conditions to protect the surrounding area.

Application: Conditional Use Online Application

Checklist: (CUP) Conditional Use Permit

Conditional Use Permit Amendment is a formal request to modify an existing approved conditional use, such as adjusting conditions or scope. The same application, review, and public hearing process applies as for the original permit. The Planning Commission evaluates whether the proposed changes still meet approval standards and may add or adjust conditions.

Application: Conditional Use Permit Amendment Online Application

Checklist: (CUP A) Conditional Use Permit

This is NOT a zoning text amendment. A General Plan Text Amendment is a request to revise the City's long-term policy document that guides land use, growth, and development. The City Council reviews the proposed amendment following a public hearing, where it may modify or adopt the changes at its legislative discretion.

Application: General Plan Text Amendment

Checklist: (GPTA) General Plan Text Amendment

This is NOT a zoning map amendment. A General Plan Map Amendment is a request to revise the City's long-term Map that guides land use, growth, and development. The City Council reviews the proposed amendment following a public hearing, where it may modify or adopt the changes at its legislative discretion.

Application: General Plan Map Amendment

Checklist: (GPMA) General Plan Map Amendment

A Permitted Use Permit for Single Family Outside of a Subdivision is an administrative tool used to confirm that a proposed house, building, or development qualifies as “permitted” under the existing zoning regulations. The Zoning Administrator reviews your application and issues a decision based on completeness and compliance of over department reivews. This permit confirms that your proposed use or structure meets all applicable zoning regulations and ensures proper review. No public hearing is required.

Application: Outside of a Subdivision Single Family Building Online Application 

Checklist: (PUP SFD) Permitted Use Permit Single Family Development

This permit is for fencing, walls, or screening structures that are permitted by zoning but exceed standard height limits or require special review. The Zoning Administrator reviews the request to ensure the proposed structure complies with location, height, and design requirements.

For example, fences over six feet in certain areas (or up to eight or ten feet in specific circumstances) must be reviewed and approved. This ensures safety, aesthetic compatibility, and proper buffering between zones.

Application: Fencing, Retaining Walls, and Screening Online Application

Checklist: (PUP FWS) Permitted Use Permit Fencing Walls Screening

SIMPLE: 

A Simple Boundary Line Adjustment is a process that allows adjoining property owners to adjust a shared property boundary without creating a new lot or changing the overall subdivision pattern. This process is used for minor boundary corrections or adjustments where the resulting properties continue to comply with applicable zoning and subdivision requirements. The approved documents must be recorded with the County Recorder to establish the updated boundary.

Application: Simple Online Application

Checklist: (BLA S) Boundary Line Adjustment Simple

FULL: 

A Full Boundary Line Adjustment is a boundary line modification process used when adjoining property owners propose changes to existing property lines that require a recorded survey or plat. Unlike a simple adjustment, this process provides a detailed legal record of the revised boundaries and may be required when the adjustment involves multiple properties, significant changes to property configuration, access, easements, or other recorded property information.

Application: Full Online Application

Checklist: (BLA F) Boundary Line Adjustment Full

A Site Plan Amendment is an application to revise portions of an already approved site plan( such as layout, architecture, parking, landscaping, or use changes). This process ensures modifications maintain consistency with the city's development standards and community character. Amendments keep existing approvals valid while allowing adjustments to suit changing project needs.

Application: Site Plan Amendment Online Application

Checklist: (SP A) Site Plan Amendment

A Conceptual Site Plan is an early-stage representation of how a property could be developed, used to evaluate major elements like layout, density, access, and community integration. It is submitted to the Planning Commission for review and may be accepted, accepted with conditions, or rejected. This plan does not authorize construction, but provides a roadmap for project feasibility. For PDOs, conceptual approval is tied to zoning decisions and must precede final planning.

Application: Site Plan Conceptual Online Application

Checklist: (SP C) Site Plan Conceptual

A Final Site Plan is a detailed plan that closely corresponds to what will be built on-site, including specifics like building dimensions, utilities, circulation, landscaping, and amenities. It can only be submitted after conceptual site plan approval and must be accepted by the Planning Commission. Once approved, it authorizes issuance of building permits and construction per the plan. It ensures development aligns precisely with the city's guidelines and the vision outlined in the conceptual plan.

Application: Site Plan Final Online Application

Checklist: (SP F) Site Plan Final

A minor subdivision is any residential or commercial subdivision that creates three lots or fewer. Minor subdivisions follow an expedited review process under the final plat procedures outlined in CZC 15.04. These applications are reviewed and approved administratively by the Community Development Director. Applicants must still meet all applicable city code and subdivision standards.

Application: Subdivision Minor Online Application

Checklist: (SUB 7 MIN) Minor Subdivision

Step one of three for Commercial/Multifamily Subdivisions. All Commercial/Multifamily subdivisions require a three-step review process, including concept plat, preliminary plat, and final plat review. Concept plats are reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission (with a public hearing). Preliminary plats are reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission (with a public hearing). Final plats are reviewed and approved by the City Council.

Application: Subdivision Conceptual Online Application

Checklist: (SUB 1 C) Conceptual Subdivision

Step two of three for Commercial/Multifamily Subdivisions. Commercial Subdivisions require a three-step review process including concept plan, preliminary plat, and final plat review. Concept plans are reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission (with a public hearing). Preliminary plats are reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission (with a public hearing). Final plats are reviewed and approved by the City Council.

Application: Subdivision Preliminary Online Application

Checklist:(SUB 2 PRE COM) Preliminary Commercial Subdivision

Step three of three for Commercial/Multifamily Subdivisions. All Commercial/Multifamily subdivisions require a three-step review process including concept plat, preliminary plat, and final plat review. Concept plats are reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission (with a public hearing). Preliminary plats are reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission (with a public hearing). Final plats are reviewed and approved by the City Council.

Application: Subdivision Final Online Application

Checklist: (SUB 3 FIN COM) Final Commercial Subdivision

Step one of two for Single Family, Duplex, or Town Home Subdivision. Non-commercial/ multi-family Subdivisions require a two-step review process, including preliminary plat and final plat review. A non-commercial subdivision includes any single family, duplex, or townhome residential subdivision, or any combination. The completeness review is a preliminary step conducted by the Community Development Director to determine if the preliminary plat application is complete and eligible for substantive review. If the application is not complete, the Community Development Director shall notify the applicant that the application is incomplete and provide information regarding deficiencies. No action will be taken for incomplete applications. The applicant has 90 days from the date of City notice of application deficiencies to correct the deficiencies or the application will be considered withdrawn. Incomplete applications are not entitled to vested rights. Once an application is deemed complete, the Community Development Director will notify the applicant that the application is complete, and the application will be processed and reviewed for compliance with City ordinances and standards.

The Planning Commission shall hold a public meeting to review proposed preliminary plats for non-commercial subdivisions. During the review, the Commission will ensure the plat complies with City code and State law. If in compliance, the Commission may approve the preliminary plat. If not, the Commission may deny the plat, with reasonings. The Commission may also impose reasonable conditions or requirements to be met before final approval

Application: Subdivision Preliminary Online Application

Checklist: (SUB 4 PRE SDT) Preliminary Single Family Subdivision

Step two of two for Single Family, Duplex, or Town Home Subdivision. A non-commercial subdivision includes any single family, duplex, or townhome residential subdivision, or any combination. The completeness review is a preliminary step conducted by the Community Development Director to determine if the preliminary plat application is complete and eligible for substantive review. If the application is not complete, the Community Development Director shall notify the applicant that the application is incomplete and provide information regarding deficiencies. No action will be taken for incomplete applications. The applicant has 90 days from the date of City notice of application deficiencies to correct the deficiencies or the application will be considered withdrawn. Incomplete applications are not entitled to vested rights. Once an application is deemed complete, the Community Development Director will notify the applicant that the application is complete, and the application will be processed and reviewed for compliance with City ordinances and standards.

Final plats have no legal effect unless signed by the Mayor, attested by the City Recorder, and recorded. Only the City Recorder may record final subdivision plats; developers are not authorized to do so. Once all required bonds (CMC 15.04.090), fees, approvals, signatures, and conditions are satisfied, the City Recorder may submit the final plat to the Davis County Recorder for recordation.

Application: Subdivision Final Online Application

Checklist: (SUB 5 FIN SDT) Final Single Family Subdivision

A Plat Amendment allows property owners to modify a recorded subdivision(  adjusting lot lines, vacating rights-of-way, or correcting errors) without fully re-subdividing the land. Commercial or street-related amendments require review and final action by the City Council, typically with a public hearing. Once approved, the amended plat must be signed, acknowledged, and officially recorded to replace the original.

Application:Subdivision Amendment Online Application 

Checklist: (SUB 6 A) Subdivision Amendment

A Zoning Text Amendment is a formal request to change the written zoning regulations in the City's zoning ordinance (Title 12), such as permitted uses, development standards, or procedures. This is a legislative decision by the City Council and the change must promote public welfare, comply with state law, and align with the City’s General Plan. Zoning text changes affect how zoning laws are applied citywide or to a particular zone, not just to a specific property.

Application:Municipal Zoning Text Amendment

Checklist: (ZTA) Zoning Text Amendment

A Zoning Map Amendment, often referred to as a "rezone", is a request to change the zoning designation of a specific property (for example, from residential to commercial or from agricultural to industrial).

Application: Municipal Zoning Map Amendment

Checklist: (ZMA) Zoning Map Amendment

A Planned Development Overlay (PDO) allows for a customized overlay on property that modifies zoning standards( such as setbacks, heights, densities, or uses)to create innovative and flexible developments tailored to unique site conditions. This application requires participation in a Development Review Committee (DRC) meeting and direct coordination with the zoning department before submitting. The PDO must be carefully planned and may include a development agreement that outlines approved variances and terms. Approval is a legislative decision by the City Council supported by a public hearing and recommendation from the Planning Commission.

A Hard Surface Waiver allows deviations from the standard limits on hard surfacing in conjunction with a landscaping waiver. The Planning Commission may grant this waiver if the request preserves the code’s goals and doesn’t harm neighboring properties. A minimum 15-foot landscaped buffer must be preserved along interior and rear lot lines. Applicants must submit a written justification with their development application explaining why the waiver is necessary and how the intent of the zoning code will still be met.

Application: Hard Surface or Landscaping Waiver Online Application

Checklist: (W HSL) Waiver Hard Surface Landscape

This is not a variance request. A Special Exception permits specific, incidental uses or adjustments( such as temporary buildings or relocating nonconforming structures) that are allowed only under this exception, not outright. The Planning Commission reviews and decides on the application following a public meeting.

City Zoning Code Link: 12.21.120 Special Exception

Appliaction: Temporary Building, Relocating Nonconforming Structure (Special Exception)Online Application

Checklist: (W SE) Waiver Special Exception

A Landscaping Waiver allows reduced compliance with standard landscaping requirements (such as when full planting is impractical) but only if alternative measures maintain the development's appearance and buffering. It must be approved by the Planning Commission through a finding that the waiver preserves the code’s intent and won’t negatively affect neighbors. Submissions must explain why the waiver is needed and how the project will still meet visual and environmental goals.

Application: Landscape Waiver Online Application

Checklist:

Landscaping Checklist New Water Wise

Shorelands Commerce Park Landscaping Checklist

Parrish Lane Gateway District Landscaping Checklist

A Parking Modification Waiver allows deviations from standard off‑street parking requirements( such as reduced number of spaces or alternative configurations) when strict adherence is impractical. The Planning Commission may grant a waiver if the proposed change still meets the intent of the code and maintains public safety. It enables flexibility in site design while ensuring adequate access, circulation, and traffic flow. A waiver must be supported by technical justification and input from city staff.

Application: Parking Modification Waiver Online Application

Checklist: Parking Plan Checklist Multifamily Com Ind

A Temporary Use Permit allows property owners or event organizers to conduct certain temporary uses that are not otherwise permitted as permanent uses within a zoning district. Eligible activities include uses such as auctions, Christmas tree sales, farmers markets, fireworks stands, temporary construction offices, model homes, certain temporary retail sales, and qualifying food truck operations. Applications are submitted to the Zoning Administrator, who reviews the proposal for completeness and may seek comments from the Fire Marshal, Police Department, County Health Department, City Engineer, or other applicable departments before issuing a decision.

The Zoning Administrator may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application based on whether the proposed temporary use complies with the development standards of Chapter 12.56 and will not create adverse impacts on neighboring properties or the community. The temporary use must protect public health, safety, and welfare, maintain safe vehicle and pedestrian circulation, comply with applicable City regulations, and satisfy any operational or site-specific conditions necessary to minimize impacts during the approved period.

Application: Temporary Use Permit Online Application

Checklist: (TUP) Temporary Use Permit

Temporary Uses Requiring Permits