Chapter 17.80 — DESIGN REVIEW

The purpose of design review is to ensure that the City’s General Plan design policies are achieved. These provisions shall ensure the following:

• A. The establishment of design review procedures for all applicable projects in the City, including residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments;

• B. That proposed development projects comply with all applicable City development standards and design guidelines;

• C. A focus on community design principles which result in creative, imaginative solutions and establish quality design for the City;

• D. The orderly and harmonious appearance of structures along with associated facilities, such as signs, landscaping, parking areas, etc;

• E. Maintenance of the public health, safety and general welfare and property throughout the City; and

• F. Effective implementation of the General Plan policies which encourage the preservation and enhancement of the particular character and unique assets of the City, and its harmonious development.

(Prior code § 159.38.010; Ord. 782 6-20-23)

The following list of structures shall be subject to design review by the Planning Commission:

• A. New structure(s)/development and related site plans subject to a review authority other than the Director, pursuant to Table 17.64.01;

• B. Remodeled structure(s)/development and related site plans, which require a Development Permit;

• C. A project involving an intensification of land use (e.g., conversion of a shoe store to a restaurant, or a residential structure to an office use, etc.); and

• D. New or modified signs with review authority other than the Director. (Prior code § 159.38.020; Ord. 782 6-20-23)

The Director, acting in the capacity for design review, shall receive and evaluate all projects subject to design review prior to final action by any subsequent review authority (Planning Commission, etc.), if any. The Planning Department shall forward the appropriate materials to the Planning Commission and submit a report to the review authority, if required. (Prior code § 159.38.030; Ord. 782 6-20-23)

The Director or Planning Commission shall determine whether the project adequately meets adopted City development standards and design guidelines, based upon the following findings:

• A. The design of the proposed project would provide a desirable environment for its occupants and visiting public as well as its neighbors through good aesthetic use of materials, textures, and colors that will remain appealing and will retain a reasonably adequate level of maintenance.

• B. The design and layout of the proposed project will not unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of neighboring existing or future development, and will not result in vehicular and/or pedestrian hazards; and

• C. The architectural design of the proposed project is compatible with the character of the surrounding neighborhood and will maintain the harmonious, orderly and attractive development contemplated by this Zoning Ordinance and the General Plan.

• (Prior code § 159.38.040; Ord. 782 6-20-23)