§ 18.124.020 — Applicability

A. Variances. The Planning Commission may approve a Variance that allows for any adjustment from any of the development standards required by this Zoning Code only after first making the findings specified in Section 18.124.050 (Findings and Decision), below. B. Minor Modifications. 1. The Director shall have the authority to grant only the following Minor Modifications in compliance with this Chapter, and only after first making the findings specified in Section 18.124.050 (Findings and Decision), below: a. Minor Modifications of the vehicle parking space and loading space requirements; b. Minor Modifications of yard regulations; c. Minor Modifications of fence, wall, and hedge regulations; d. Minor Modifications of other requirements of this Zoning Code not specifically required to be referred to the Planning Commission. 2. A Minor Modification shall in no event be deemed to be greater than 25 percent of the dimensions of an area, space, height, or other requirement provided for in this Zoning Code, and where the proposed alteration or variation exceeds 25 percent of any requirement, the modification shall be deemed to be a “Variance” and processed in compliance with this Chapter 3. In the performance of his/her duties, the Director may informally seek the advisory services of the City’s joint Project Clearance Committee, any advisory board or commission, or any department head in City government, including the City Manager, the City Attorney, and other elected or appointed officials. 4. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, no minor modification shall be issued for any property in the Downtown zoning district. Any requested deviations from Code requirements must follow the procedure requirements from Deviation from Standards set forth in Chapter 18.26 (Downtown Form-Based Code).