§ 17.30.5. Basic design review standards.

A.

Standards. To approve a project or to approve it with conditions, the decision-maker shall make findings of fact to support each of the following standards:

1.

Siting and Neighborhood Context. The proposed development is designed and located on the site so that it is visually harmonious with, but not necessarily identical to, other structures in the neighborhood. The proposed development is designed to blend into the existing landscape and natural context, protect undeveloped ridgelines and hillsides, maintain the dominance of wooded and open ridges and hillsides, and preserve significant or unique scenic vistas.

2.

Design. The design elements are visually harmonious, in scale with the size of the structure, and balance environmental considerations. If the proposed development is an addition or remodel of an existing structure, the existing construction and proposed construction are visually harmonious. Facades and exterior walls shall be designed to reduce the blocky or massive features of building surfaces and provide articulation.

3.

Privacy, Views, Light and Air. The proposed development does not impair the existing views, block access to light and air or infringe on the privacy of neighbors in a substantial fashion. In considering this factor, decisionmakers shall balance the importance of minimizing impacts on neighboring properties and the applicant's ability to develop the property. The term "view" shall be defined in Section 17.22.4.

4.

Landscaping. Primary landscaping elements complement and are appropriate for the structure, the site, and the neighborhood.

B.

Conditions. The decision-maker may impose conditions of approval including changes to development standards in Chapter 17.4, subject to making findings for the applicable variance or exception, if applicable, or may deny the application.

C.

Guidelines. The City Council may adopt general design guidelines for reference.

D.

Inapplicability to Certain Facilities. The above basic design review standards shall not apply to a Senior Housing Facility (as that term is defined in Section 17.2.3) proposed in a Senior Housing Overlay District (SH-Overlay) or to multifamily dwellings proposed in the High Density Overlay District (-HD Overlay). Design review of such proposals shall instead be governed by the standards contained in Section 17.30.11.

(Ord. 07-07 §§ 8—10; Ord. 02-03 § 26 (part): Ord. 99-5 § 2 Exh. A (part))

(Ord. No. 10-03, § 2(exh. A), 4-20-10; Ord. No. 10-11, § 5, 12-21-10; Ord. No. 13-03, § 2(Att. A), 12-17-13)