A GMQS exemption is provided for change in use of an existing structure from the residential, commercial, or tourist accommodation use categories to another such category. For example, the conversion of a residential dwelling unit into an office is considered to be a change of use for growth management purposes. The conversion of an office into a retail business is not considered a change of use for growth management purposes, though it may be considered a change of use for other purposes (such as special review) in this Land Use Code. For a development to qualify for this exemption, the applicant shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) Legally Created
- The applicant shall demonstrate that the structure in which the change in use is proposed was legally created by producing a valid copy of the building permit for the structure. In the event a valid building permit for a structure cannot be provided, the applicant shall demonstrate that the structure was built prior to the issuance of County building permits.
(b) Employee Mitigation
- The applicant shall agree to mitigate any employees that are generated by the proposed change in use, as specified in Sec. 8-30.
(c) Parking
- The applicant shall accommodate the additional parking needed on-site or in another appropriate location the additional parking needed to serve by the proposed change in use.
(d) Facilities
- The applicant shall agree to provide any improvements to water supply, sewage treatment, drainage control, fire and police protection, roads, transit, trails schools, library, hospital, and parks that are necessitated by the proposed change in use.
(e) Environmental and Visual Impacts
- The development will cause an insubstantial adverse impact on the community’s air, water, and other natural resources and will cause negligible adverse visual impacts on surrounding properties. Any such adverse impacts that are caused by the development shall be mitigated by the applicant.