The Conditional Use Permit is an administrative method of providing relief from the strict terms of a comprehensive zoning ordinance. In order to give the use regulations the flexibility necessary to achieve the objectives of this title, and to account for the widely varying needs of some uses, in each district certain conditional uses are permitted subject to the granting of a use permit. The State Zoning Law does not establish criteria for issuing or denying a conditional use permit; it is up to local ordinance. In each zoning district, certain land uses are permitted as a matter of right while others are permitted subject to the granting of a use permit. A Conditional Use Permit is granted or denied by the Planning Commission following a public hearing.
The Town of Woodside requires Conditional Use Permits for service stations, livestock, churches, hay/feed sales, public buildings, parks, schools and other uses referred to in Section 153.026 (Permitted, Conditional and Accessory Uses in Zoning Districts.) of the Woodside Municipal Code. Because of their unusual characteristics, conditional uses require special consideration so that they may be located with respect to the objectives of this chapter and the General Plan and with respect to their effects on surrounding properties.
