Special Reviews

City & County Reviews

Special Reviews for the City and the County are required in situations where the proposed use may or may not be appropriate in a particular district. For example, the location, the nature of the proposed use, the character of the surrounding development, traffic capacities of adjacent streets, and potential environmental effects indicate when the development should be individually reviewed.

Requirements

A special review assures that the proposed uses are compatible with their locations and the surrounding land uses. Typical uses that require special reviews include:

  • Churches in residential zones
  • Retirement centers in residential zones
  • Telecommunications facilities, e.g., cell towers
  • Car Wash facility
  • Day care centers in residential zones
  • Liquor licenses and outdoor patios 
  • Businesses with a drive through service

Recommendations

The City or County Zoning Commission may recommend measures to lessen the impact of the use on the surrounding property by requiring screening, special lighting, restrictions in business hours and landscaping, for example. The Zoning Commission recommendation is sent to the governing body that makes the final decision.

APPLY ONLINE:

To apply for the Special Review you will do this through Citizen Access. 

  1. Select “New User” to register your email address (if you do not already have a login).
  2. Log back in and select “Create Personal Account” from the green buttons on the left.
  3. Then select “Apply for Project”.
  4. When filling out the application, the permit (project) type will be “PZX-XXXXX” (SPECIAL REVIEW-CITY (OR COUNTY) COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL)
  5. HINT: For the address, ONLY add the street number (ex 123) and the street name (ex Main) but DO NOT add the suffix (ex St, Rd or Ave), then hit SEARCH in the left corner, before you hit next.
  6. Once you hit FINISH, then you will go to the “home” page and select “Pay Fees” from the green buttons.
  7. You will need to upload the following attachments;
    • Application completed & signed by property owner   (City SR Application forms)  (County SR Application forms)
    • Site Plan
    • Answer the following questions:
      • A.    What reasons prevent you from using this property in conformance with the Zoning Regulation requirements?
      • B.    Why is there a need for the intended use of the property at this location?
    • Prepare a written statement addressed to the Chairperson of the Zoning Commission. State what is intended to be done with the property, including new construction or change in the use of the property, and why the special review is being sought.
  1. Dimensioned site plan; one full size, and one reduced.  1”= 40’ Scale.  If applicable, site plan must include;
      1. North arrow.
      2. The locations and dimensions of all vehicular points of ingress and egress, drives, alleys, and off-street parking spaces.
      3. Illustrate lot size showing lot line dimensions.
      4. The locations and dimensions of all existing and proposed buildings, structures, and improvements including those to be removed.  Please label all information.
      5. Show setbacks from all property lines for existing and proposed buildings.
      6. Show the centerline of major and minor arterial streets.
      7. Illustrate the square footage of existing and proposed buildings and structures.
      8. Names and locations of adjacent streets, alleys, properties, etc.
      9. Illustrate the height of any proposed structures.
      10. Other pertinent features.

Photographs may be submitted and are often helpful. They should be of a size adequate to show the nature of the property.

The radius map showing all property which lies within 150 feet (or more) of the exterior boundaries of the subject property (Provided by Staff)

    • Along with the above map showing all property which lies within 150 feet (or more) of the exterior boundaries of the subject property; 
    • Obtain a certified list of names and addresses of the owners of all property shown within the radius on the map as provided by the Planning & Community Services Department.
    • The certified list and map.
    • This list of names and mailing addresses placed on gummed mailing labels typed or neatly printed.

The Checklist  will help to make sure you have everything you need.  City SR Checklist  County SR Checklist

We will start reviewing your request once payment has been received. Please call us at (406) 657-8247 if you have any issues with this portal.  Once this is complete you can contact the Planning Office to set up your pre-application submittal review. We can do the review over the phone or in a virtual format.