15.02.020 Exemptions and special circumstances.
A. The project permit procedural requirements of this chapter, including the procedures for notice of completeness, notice of application, and notice of decision, shall not apply to Review Process I or V decisions or to building and other construction permits. Specifically exempted from these procedural requirements and the requirements of RCW 36.70B.060 through 36.70B.090, and RCW 36.70B.110 through 36.70B.130 are:
1. The adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan, subarea plan, or development regulation or any other legislative action adopting, accepting, or authorizing a plan, regulation, or public project;
2. Lot line or boundary adjustments, street vacations and building and other construction permits, or similar administrative approvals, categorically exempt from environmental review under Chapter 43.21C RCW or for which environmental review has been completed in connection with other project permits;
3. City council quasi-judicial decisions on land use permits;
4. The approval of final subdivisions; and
5. Conceptual site plan review and other preapplication processes that occur prior to submittal of a complete application for a land use permit.
B. Building and Other Construction Permits. Building and construction permits are not governed by this chapter, except in the unusual situation where they are not categorically exempt or prior environmental review has not been completed on the project, or where an applicant has opted for the individual option under Section 15.02.050 to consolidate review of land use permits and all other city permits.
C. Special Circumstances. The city has determined that the following permits present special circumstances that warrant a different review process than that provided in RCW 36.70B.060 et seq.:
1. Review Process V. Adoption of a “planned development” overlay zone or a rezone or other zoning revision that is not of area-wide significance or general applicability, or other quasi-judicial permit decisions, which provide for a public hearing or meeting before the planning commission and an open public hearing before the city council.
D. Legislative Decisions. Legislative decisions are not subject to the permit process procedures of this title. In order to promote a public understanding of governmental actions relating to land use and the environment, certain legislative decisions are included in and governed by Section 15.02.095. Specifically, public notice requirements for certain legislative decisions made by the city council that relate to land use and the environment are also set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 3774-20 § 3 (Exh. 2), 2020.)