Chapter 18.58 — DC DESIGN CONTROL DISTRICT

The purpose of the DC district is to set standards intended to achieve desired results in housing, commercial and industrial development and for uses within the coastal zone. (Ord. 84-1 §30-1)

An application for a design permit pursuant to this chapter shall be accompanied by drawings showing front, side and rear elevations of the proposed building structure, sign, fence or improvement and addition thereto, and by a statement indicating the proposed color scheme for such plans or drawings showing, in reasonable detail, proposed building or structure location, topography, existing vegetation, proposed parking layout and location, and proposed landscaping area.

(Ord. 84-1 §30-2)

All proposed uses in the DC design control overlay district shall require a design permit. An application shall be made on a form prescribed by the City and shall be accompanied by a fee as established by the City Council. The application shall be accompanied by maps, drawings or sketches showing existing and proposed site plans, elevations of proposed buildings or structures, types of materials to be used, proposed landscaping and treatment of grounds, locations, appearance, wording and lighting of any signs proposed, and any other drawings as may be requested by the design review committee. (Ord. 84-1 §30-3)

A design committee shall be established to review and make decisions upon all design permit applications. The design committee members shall be appointed by the City Council for two year terms and shall serve at the pleasure of the City Council. The design committee shall consist of a minimum of five members.

All appointees shall serve for a two year term and may be removed at the discretion of the City Council. Three of the committee members shall be appointed for terms ending in even-numbered years, and two of the members shall be appointed for terms ending in odd-numbered years. The term of three of the members initially appointed when the ordinance codified in this chapter takes effect shall terminate October 30, 1986; and the term of the remaining two members initially appointed shall terminate October 30, 1985. A member's seat shall be deemed vacated upon two consecutive absences from regular meetings without being excused by the chairperson.

The design committee shall meet on the second Thursday of each month and may adopt such rules as needed for the conduct of its meetings, including the selection of the member who shall serve as chairperson.

The Planning Director or his/her representative shall serve as an ex-officio member. (Ord. 84-1 §30-4; Ord. 88-7 §1; Ord. 98-01 §1)

• A. This chapter shall apply to all developments proposed within the coastal zone, consistent with the coastal zone regulations except that requirements for design permit applications as set forth in this chapter shall be waived in the coastal zone, if all the materials required by this chapter are provided in the coastal development permit application.

• B. Design Committee Review Findings. The design committee shall review proposed coastal zone developments according to standards and guidelines established in the local coastal program. The committee shall make conditions, if necessary, and issue a design permit only if it is found that the development is sited, designed and landscaped in a manner that is consistent with Local Coastal Land Use Plan policies including those governing required view corridors, dune preservation/restoration areas and height restrictions.

• (Ord. 84-1 §30-5)

Any applicant aggrieved by a decision of the design committee may appeal to the City Council. The applicant may appeal to the City Council in writing within 10 days after a final decision by the design committee. The City Council, at its next regular City Council meeting, shall consider the appeal. If the Council wishes to continue consideration of the appeal hearing, it may do so at its discretion. The City Council shall consider design permit appeals for coastal zone developments at the time it considers the coastal development permit application. Appeal decisions by the City Council to approve, deny or modify a design permit approved by the design committee shall be final, unless the City Council requests additional review by the design committee. (Ord. 84-1 §30-6)

• A. For that area of the City, generally bounded by Contra Costa Street, California Avenue, East Avenue, Merle Street, Tioga Avenue and Highway 1, and further known as the East Dunes, the Design Committee shall have the authority to make final decisions on all applications for use permits, variances, special uses, design permits and any other quasi-judicial land use determination.

• B. Legislative and quasi-legislative acts such as rezonings and general plan amendments shall remain the exclusive authority of the City Council, although the Design Committee shall advise

the Council on such applications within the East Dunes Area.

• C. Decisions of the Design Committee on all permits authorized by this title shall be subject to public hearing in accordance with procedures established within State planning law.

• D. Decisions of the Design Committee shall be final unless appealed to the City Council pursuant to Section 18.58.060 . Any member of the City Council may also appeal decisions of the Design Committee within 10 days following the Design Committee decision.

• (Ord. 94-09 §1; Ord. 02-07)