What are the different types of Discretionary Reviews?
The Planning Commission considers three different types of discretionary review requests. The first type are privately initiated Discretionary Reviews and are requested by neighbors or the applicant. The second type are Mandatory Discretionary Reviews and are mandated by the Planning Commission because the project in question involves important policy issues which are still being resolved and are not yet reflected in permanent zoning controls. The Planning Commission requires Mandatory Discretionary Reviews for Residential Demolitions, Dwelling Unit mergers, certain uses in the Ball Park area, and Industrial Protection Zones and Eastern Neighborhoods. Approximately 1/3 of all DR requests are mandatory. These requests usually involve a more complex level of analysis than cases related to project design. The third type is staff-initiated Discretionary Reviews and are initiated by department staff because the project does not meet the Residential Design Guidelines.
