Chapter 17.69
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
Sections:
17.69.010 Intent.
17.69.020 Design review board created.
17.69.030 Membership, qualifications and terms.
17.69.040 Approval required and procedures.
17.69.060 Review criteria.
17.69.070 Implementation.
17.69.010 Intent.
In addition to the general purposes of the comprehensive plan and the zoning ordinance, this chapter is included for the following purposes:
A. To encourage the realization and conservation of a desirable and aesthetic environment that is designed for the human, pedestrian scale and strengthens a sense of community.
B. To encourage and promote development which features amenities and excellence in the form of variations of siting, types of structures, and a compact pattern of development that comprises many smaller buildings reflecting a fabric of varying elements.
C. To encourage creative approaches to the use of land and related physical developments.
D. To minimize incompatible and unsightly surroundings and visual blight which prevent orderly community development and reduce community property values.
E. To supplement land use regulation to encourage a high quality of development, to promote and enhance construction and maintenance practices that will tend to promote visual quality throughout the city.
F. To recognize environmental and aesthetic design as an integral part of the planning process. (Ord. 1260 § 25, 1994).
17.69.020 Design review board created.
There is created a design review board, hereafter referred to as “the board” for the city which shall have the powers, duties and functions as provided in this chapter. (Ord. 1260 § 25, 1994).
17.69.030 Membership, qualifications and terms.
A. Created. The board shall consist of seven members who shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by a majority of the city council.
B. Qualifications. Insofar as practicable, at least three members of the board shall consist of architects, landscape architects, or otherwise qualified by design background, training or experience. A representative of each neighborhood planning area shall be appointed if possible.
C. Terms of Office. The initial appointment of members of the board shall be for the following respective terms: two for two years; three for three years; and two for four years; thereafter, all appointments shall be for a term of four years. A person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. No member of the board shall participate in discussions or vote on any matter involving any client he/she is serving or from any business of which he/she is owner, or corporation officer or employee.
D. Rules. The board shall adopt rules for the transaction of its business. The rules shall provide for a record of proceedings, reports, studies, findings, conclusions and recommendations. The rules shall provide for the election of a chairperson of the board and vice-chairperson for a one-year term each. The rules shall provide that when a member misses three consecutive meetings and is not excused, the position may be declared vacant by a majority vote of the board. The rules shall provide that the meeting of the board shall be open to the public but that no special notice of the meetings need be given nor shall such meetings be public hearings although nothing shall prohibit the board from soliciting explanations and additional input from the applicant or applicant’s representatives and such other sources as the board deems necessary to enable them to complete their review of the application. Meetings shall be set as individual projects come in for which review is required, in consideration of the fact that there will be a relatively low volume of applications.
E. Minutes. The board shall keep minutes of its proceedings and such minutes and a copy of the rules shall be kept on file in the city clerk’s office.
F. Voting. The decisions of the board shall be made by a majority vote of the quorum present at the time of the decision. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business provided at least three shall be required to constitute a quorum. Action may be taken by a majority of those present when these constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting of the board. Any number less than a quorum shall be authorized to convene at the set time and to adjourn, recess or continue a regular or special meeting to a certain time and date.
G. Staff Services. The planning director shall be responsible for the general administration of the board and may request staff services from other city departments. The planning director shall be responsible for all records, including preparation of the board’s minutes. (Ord. 1260 § 25, 1994).
17.69.040 Approval required and procedures.
A. Regulated Improvements. The following actions require review and recommendation by the design review board:
1. Multifamily developments of more than 16 units;
2. Subdivisions;
3. Cluster developments;
4. Commercial development on sites one acre or larger.
B. Development Permits. No land use, building or other required permit shall be issued by the city for any regulated improvement unless it is in compliance with the plans approved by the design review board, as may be further modified by the planning commission or city council, and no significant changes shall be made in or to an architectural feature of any regulated improvement without the prior approval of the board.
C. Minor Exterior Additions and Temporary Structures. The planning director may waive the review of the board for minor exterior alterations or additions provided the addition or alteration is in the same architectural style and will not have detrimental impact on the site and/or surrounding area and provided the alterations or additions are 500 square feet or less.
D. Sequence of Approvals. Regulated improvements shall be reviewed by the design review board before review by the planning commission.
E. Time Limit. The board shall complete its review and make its recommendation within 60 days after a matter is submitted to it.
F. Effect of Recommendation. The recommendation of the design review board shall be given substantial weight by the planning commission and/or city council in their review of the proposed project. (Ord. 1260 § 25, 1994).
17.69.060 Review criteria.
A. Design guidelines shall be promulgated by administrative rule, and shall be consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
B. Guidelines shall be reviewed and approved by the design review board and the planning commission prior to adoption. (Ord. 1260 § 25, 1994).
17.69.070 Implementation.
This chapter shall take effect no later than six months from the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, or as soon as appointments are made and the process established. (Ord. 1260 § 25, 1994).