How to Write a Compliance Statement and Statement of Intent
A Compliance Statement and Statement of Intent is an important part of many land use and development applications. This document explains the purpose of the project, demonstrates compliance with applicable City Code requirements, and provides information necessary for staff, reviewing agencies, and decision-makers to evaluate the proposal.
In most cases, the Compliance Statement and Statement of Intent may be combined into a single document. A well-prepared narrative can help streamline the review process and clearly demonstrate how the proposal meets applicable standards and supports community goals.
The Compliance Statement and Statement of Intent should:
- Describe the proposed project and intended use.
- Explain how the project complies with applicable City Code requirements.
- Demonstrate consistency with the purpose and intent of the requested application.
- Address applicable standards of review.
- Identify potential impacts to neighboring properties and the surrounding community.
- Explain how the proposal supports the City's vision and goals.
The Compliance Statement and Statement of Intent should include the following:
1. Project Purpose, Scope, and Intent
Provide a clear description of:
- The purpose of the project.
- The proposed development, use, or activity.
- The scope of work being requested.
- The overall intent and anticipated outcomes of the proposal.
2. Code Compliance Analysis
Include a detailed explanation of how the proposed use or development complies with the standards of review and applicable City Code requirements.
Applicants should:
- Cite the specific City Code sections applicable to the project.
- Explain how the proposal complies with each applicable requirement.
- Address all standards of review associated with the application type.
- Connect project features directly to the applicable code provisions.
3. Potential Impacts
Provide information regarding any aspect of the proposed use or structure that may affect adjacent properties or the surrounding community, including:
- Noxious uses or activities.
- Noise generation.
- Vibration.
- Traffic and circulation impacts.
- Hours of operation.
- Outdoor storage, lighting, or site operations.
- Any other potential impacts on neighboring properties.
Where applicable, explain how impacts will be avoided, minimized, or mitigated.
4. Review the Comprehensive Plan
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the City's Comprehensive Plan before preparing a Compliance Statement and Statement of Intent.
The Comprehensive Plan establishes the community's long-term vision, goals, and policies for future growth and development. Referencing applicable Comprehensive Plan goals and policies can strengthen an application by demonstrating how the proposal supports the City's vision and desired outcomes.
- How is the proposed use appropriate to the location, site configuration, and surrounding neighborhood?
- How is the use compatible with existing and future uses permitted within the applicable zoning district?
- How does the proposal comply with the purpose and intent of the zoning district and the requested application?
- Is the proposed use supported by adequate public facilities and services, including water, sewer, roads, schools, parks, public transit, fire protection, and police protection?
- How will site design, building placement, landscaping, lighting, parking, and circulation contribute to compatibility with surrounding properties?
- How will the proposal affect the health, safety, and welfare of the community?
- Will the project generate noise, vibration, odors, glare, traffic, or other impacts, and how will those impacts be minimized?
- How does the proposal contribute to a safe and functional transportation network for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users?
- How close is the proposed use to existing or planned pedestrian and bicycle pathways, and how does the project support connectivity?
- How does the proposal support the goals, policies, and vision of the Comprehensive Plan?
- Combine the Compliance Statement and Statement of Intent into a single narrative document.
- Be clear, concise, and specific.
- Cite applicable City Code sections.
- Address all required standards of review.
- Explain how the design and operation of the project support compliance.
- Reference relevant Comprehensive Plan goals and policies.
- Discuss potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures.
- Use headings and organized sections to make the document easy to review.