Site Plan Review

Site Plan Review consists of the examination of preliminary development plans of a project for consistency with the City of Bakersfield's ordinances, policies and standards where the property's zoning allows the specific land use entitlement. This review is completed by a Site Plan Review Committee consisting of representatives from the Development Services Department (Planning and Building Divisions), Fire Department, and Public Works Department (Engineering, Traffic Engineering, and Solid Waste Divisions). Under the oversight of the Planning Division, each representative will ensure that their department's specific ordinance standards or development policies will be satisfied when the project is constructed. Once this review is completed, final building plans may be submitted to the Building Division for final plan check.

Site Plan Review can follow two different processing tracks based on the size and scope of the project. Small projects such as those on parcels of five acres or less or urban infill proposals are reviewed by the Site Plan Review Committee administratively (no public hearing) with a decision in approximately 15 working days. These decisions are signed by the Planning Director or Assistant Planning Director, and posted at the Planning Department and on the City's website for public review.

Large projects such as apartment complexes or retail shopping centers will be reviewed at a public hearing approximately 40 days from submittal of an application. This hearing allows comments regarding the project's consistency with required ordinances and policies, and any environmental concerns in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Development Services Director acts as the Hearings Officer for this meeting.

HEARINGS OFFICER:

Jim Eggert, Planning Director

ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL:

Jim Eggert, Planning Director

LEGAL AUTHORITY:

Municipal Code Chapter 17.08.060-070.

MEETINGS:

If a public hearing is necessary, meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month at 4:00 p.m. in the Development Service Conference Room (1st Floor) located at 1715 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA.

CONTACT:

Planning Department, 1715 Chester Avenue, (661) 326-3733; devpln@bakersfieldcity.us