The following procedures are established to govern the processing of applications for Building Permits subject to the regulations of this chapter.
(a) Contents of Application. In addition to meeting application requirements established in the Building Code and Zoning Code for Building Permit applications, applications governed by the provisions of this chapter shall include the following elements.
(1) Color photographs showing the subject property in the context of adjoining properties within two hundred fifty (250) lineal feet on either side of the subject property.
(2) Architectural drawings including elevation drawings and site plans for the construction or exterior alterations proposed, indicating design materials, colors, illumination, sign placement, and landscaping.
(3) In the case of a proposed demolition, a plan showing the proposed re-use of the property, including both interim and long-term reuse plans, if appropriate.
(4) Information indicating project elements that contribute to an environmentally sustainable development.
(5) A Tree Preservation Plan, if required, pursuant to this chapter.
(6) Other materials listed in guides that may be prepared by the staff of the City Planning Commission and provided to applicants.
(b) Determination of Applicability and Transmittal to City Planning Director. Upon receipt of an application for a Building Permit, the Director of Building and Housing shall use the standards of Section 341.02 to determine whether the proposed action is governed by the provisions of this chapter. If it is determined that the action is governed by these provisions, the Director of Building and Housing shall promptly transmit the application to the Director of the City Planning Commission.
(c) Transmittal to Local Design Review Advisory Committee. Upon receipt of a complete application, the City Planning Director shall promptly transmit the application for review and recommendation by the Local Design Review Advisory Committee, as established in Section 341.06. Other required City reviews may be conducted concurrently, as appropriate. In the case of an application for an action that the City Planning Director deems to have no significant impact on the design or appearance of the property, the Director may approve the application administratively without referral to the Local Design Review Advisory Committee.
(d) Standards for Review. An application received pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be reviewed in accordance with the design guidelines of Section 341.07 and any supplemental guidelines adopted by the City Planning Commission for a particular district. A Tree Preservation Plan received pursuant to this chapter shall be reviewed by the Commissioner of Park Maintenance and Properties in accordance with Section 341.051.
(e) Local Design Review Committee Meeting and Action.
(1) Meeting. The City Planning Director shall inform the applicant of the time and location of the Local Design Review Advisory Committee meeting at which the application will be considered. That consideration shall take place at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee occurring at least five (5) days after acceptance of a complete application by the City Planning Director.
(2) Action. The Local Design Review Advisory Committee shall recommend either approval, approval with modifications or conditions, or disapproval of the application. The Committee may choose to postpone action in order to permit the applicant to prepare revisions if the applicant agrees to such postponement. If the applicant does not agree to a postponement, the Committee shall take action on the application at the meeting. The Committee shall provide a written record of its recommendation to the City Planning Commission.
(f) City Planning Commission Meeting and Action. After action by the Local Design Review Advisory Committee, or a failure to act at a meeting in accordance with the requirements of this section, the City Planning Director shall inform the applicant of the time and location of the City Planning Commission meeting at which the application will be considered. The City Planning Commission shall either approve or disapprove the application or approve the application with modifications or conditions. The Commission may choose to postpone action in order to permit the applicant to prepare revisions if the applicant agrees to such postponement. The Commission shall take action no later than forty-five (45) days after acceptance of a complete application by the City Planning Director unless the applicant has agreed to one (1) or more postponements, including agreed postponements in the Local Design Review Committee process.
(g) Administrative Approval. Pursuant to the “Rules of the City Planning Commission” regarding administrative approvals, the City Planning Director is authorized to act on behalf of the Commission in approving applications recommended for approval by the Local Design Review Advisory Committee and for applications that meet the standard stated in division (c) of this section. Use of the administrative approval procedure is not authorized in the case of applications for demolition or moving of buildings, other than for buildings that are deemed to be minor accessory structures. Generally, applications for development of new commercial or institutional buildings and for residential developments involving six (6) or more units shall not be approved without referral to the Local Design Review Advisory Committee and the City Planning Commission.
(h) Exemptions. No referral to the City Planning Commission or a Local Design Review Advisory Committee shall be required for projects approved under the City’s Storefront Renovation Program. Such projects may be approved by the action of the City Planning Director subsequent to approval under the Storefront Renovation Program.
(Ord. No. 1121-18. Passed 12-3-18, eff. 12-5-18)