WHAT IS A SITE PLAN REVIEW (SPR)?
The Fresno County Zoning Ordinance requires a Site Plan Review (SPR) for certain uses of land or types of businesses which are allowed as a matter of right in a particular Zone District. The purpose of the site plan is to enable the Director to make a finding that the proposed development is in conformity with the intent and provisions of this Division and to guide the Development Services Division in the issuance of permits.
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A SPR
Prior to submitting a SPR Application, the applicant should consult with the Zoning section at the Front Counter to ensure the proposed development is applicable for a SPR application.
The application package for a SPR includes the following:
- Application Form;
- Filling Fees;
- Project description/Operational Statement;
- A current ownership deed with an accurate legal description of a subject parcel;
- An Employee and Vehicle Statement Form, indicating the number of current and future employees/vehicles for the proposed development
- Four copies of a detailed Site Plan (drawn to scale, showing all existing and proposed structures), min. size of 18"x24";
Four copies of Floor Plans and Elevation drawings, min. size of 18"x24";
- PDF copies of plans submitted and Operational Statement;
THE SITE PLAN REVIEW PROCESS
After the application for the SPR is determined to be complete and accepted, the application is routed to County Departments and various other agencies for review. Following the comment period, staff reviews all comments submitted and determines if the Findings required to grant an SPR can be made. These Findings are as follows:
- All the provisions of this Division are complied with.
- The following are so arranged that traffic congestion is avoided and pedestrian and vehicular safety and welfare are protected, and there will be no adverse effect on the surrounding property; (1) Facilities and improvements (2) Vehicular ingress, egress, and internal circulation (3) Setbacks (4) Height of buildings (5) Location of service (6) Walls (7) Landscaping (8) Compatibility with surrounding development when required as a condition of a use permit or zoning
- Proposed lighting is so arranged as to reflect the light away from adjoining properties.
- Proposed signs will not by size, location, color or lighting, interfere with traffic or limit visibility.
APPEAL PROCESS
After a decision is made on the SPR Application, there is a 15-day appeal period during which the applicant or any other affected party may appeal the determination of the decision to the Planning Commission. The Appeal form and Filing Fee must be submitted to the Development Services Division within the 15-day appeal period.
PROCESSING TIME
The processing time for SPR Applications varies depending on the complexity of the project. Generally, a SPR Application will require a minimum of 60 days to process. This time period is extended if additional information is required of the applicant during the review process. The applicant will be notified within 30 days of the application receipt date if additional information or special studies are needed in order to continue processing the application. The processing time will be substantially greater if any street improvements and or Land Use Applications are required.
Contact Information
Site Plan Review Unit (559) 600-4022
Office hours (available by phone): Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.