Chapter 20.10
DESIGN REVIEW
Sections:
20.10.000 Purposes.
20.10.010 Types of design review.
20.10.020 Scope.
20.10.030 Approval required.
20.10.040 Optional pre-application.
20.10.045 Augmented architectural design review applications.
20.10.000 Purposes.
In addition to the general purposes of the comprehensive plan and the zoning ordinance, this chapter is included in the community development code for the following purposes:
A. To encourage the realization and conservation of a desirable and aesthetic environment in the city of Edmonds;
B. To encourage and promote development which features amenities and excellence in the form of variations of siting, types of structures and adaptation to and conservation of topography and other natural features;
C. To encourage creative approaches to the use of land and related physical developments;
D. To encourage the enhancement and preservation of land or building of unique or outstanding scenic or historical significance;
E. To minimize incompatible and unsightly surroundings and visual blight which prevent orderly community development and reduce community property values. [Ord. 3636 § 1, 2007].
20.10.010 Types of design review.
A. There are two types of design review: (1) general design review subject to the provisions of Chapter 20.11 ECDC, and (2) district-based design review subject to the provisions of Chapter 20.12 ECDC. District-based design review is applicable when an area or district has adopted design guidelines or design standards that apply specifically within that area or district. General design review applies to areas or properties that do not have specifically adopted design guidelines or standards. Projects may undergo either district-based design review or general design review, but not both.
B. District-based design review applies to the following areas or districts:
1. The downtown Edmonds business districts (BD zones) located within the downtown/waterfront activity center as shown on the city of Edmonds comprehensive plan map.
2. The general commercial (CG and CG2) zones located within the medical/Highway 99 activity center or the Highway 99 corridor as shown on the city of Edmonds comprehensive plan map.
C. General design review applies to all areas of the city not specifically designated for district-based design review under subsection (B) of this section.
D. The exemptions established pursuant to subsection (B) of this section shall apply to all types and phases of design review under this chapter and Chapters 20.11 and 20.12 ECDC. [Ord. 3636 § 1, 2007].
20.10.020 Scope.
A. Design review is intended to apply to all development, except for those developments specifically exempted from review under subsection (B) of this section. “Development” includes any improvement to real property open to exterior view, including but not limited to buildings, structures, fixtures, landscaping, site screening, signs, parking lots, lighting, pedestrian facilities, street furniture, use of open areas (including parks, junk yards, riding academies, kennels and recreational facilities), mobile home and trailer parks, whether all or any are publicly or privately sponsored.
B. Exempt Development. The following types of development are exempt from design review:
1. Parks developed under a master plan approved by the Edmonds city council.
2. Permitted primary and secondary uses in RS – single-family residential districts.
3. Detached single-family homes or duplexes in RM – multiple residential districts.
4. Additions or modifications to structures or sites on the Edmonds register of historic places which require a certificate of appropriateness from the Edmonds historic preservation commission.
5. Fences that do not require a separate development permit.
6. Signs that meet all of the standards contained in Chapter 20.60 ECDC.
7. Underground utilities. [Ord. 3636 § 1, 2007].
20.10.030 Approval required.
A. Development. Unless exempted under ECDC 20.10.020(B), no city permit or approval shall be issued for, and no person shall start, any development, or substantially change any development, until the development has received design review approval.
B. Bond. The city may require that a bond be posted under Chapter 17.10 ECDC to ensure the satisfactory installation of site improvements. [Ord. 3636 § 1, 2007].
20.10.040 Optional pre-application.
The applicant may submit plans required under ECDC 20.02.002 as part of the complete application in preliminary or sketch form, so that the comments and advice of the architectural design board may be incorporated into the final plans submitted for application. [Ord. 3736 § 38, 2009; Ord. 3636 § 1, 2007].
20.10.045 Augmented architectural design review applications.
At the option of the applicant, an augmented ADB application to vest rights under the provisions of ECDC 19.00.025 may be submitted. Such applications may not be submitted in conjunction with the concept review provided for by ECDC 20.10.040. The application shall be processed in all respects as a regular application for review, but vesting rights shall be determined under the provisions of ECDC 19.00.025. The architectural design board shall not be required to, and shall not, consider the application of vesting rights or the interpretation of ECDC 19.00.025 and any appeal with respect thereto shall be taken only as provided in that section. [Ord. 3636 § 1, 2007].