Special Use Approval
Certain uses are permitted as ‘of right’ within the City of Berkley. Other uses are considered Special Land Uses, and require a public hearing before the Planning Commission. Final consideration by the City Council is also required and the entire application process takes at least 6 weeks. The Special Land Use application fee is $1000 and both the application and fee must be submitted to the city 30 days before a Planning Commission meeting.
Property owners are encouraged to have a thorough discussion with the City Planner before a public hearing is scheduled. The purpose of the public hearing is to provide interested parties the opportunity to voice concerns about the proposed project. The applicant will also have an opportunity to discuss the details of the proposal and the reasons why the special use is requested.
The Planning Commission's goal is to ensure that the neighborhood will not be adversely affected by the proposed use. The standards considered in an application are outlined in the city’s zoning ordinance. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council. The Council will make a final determination regarding the special use requested.