A. Application Filing. An application for a Site Plan and Design Review shall be filed and processed in compliance with Chapter 10.82 (Permit Application Filing and Processing). The application shall include the information and materials specified in the Department handout for Site Plan and Design Review applications, together with the required fee in compliance with the Planning Fee Schedule. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence in support of the findings required by Section 10.94.050 (Findings and Decision), below.
B. Review with Other Land Use Applications. If the project for which the request for Site Plan and Design Review is being made also requires some other discretionary approval (e.g., Conditional Use Permit, etc.), the applicant shall file the information required by Subsection A. (Application Filing), above, together for concurrent review with the application for discretionary approval. Only the formal application and associated fee for the other discretionary approval shall be required in order to comply with the Site Plan and Design Review filing requirements. If any other discretionary approval is requested, the entire application package (if a Conditional Use Permit is requested, the package would include the Conditional Use Permit and the Site Plan and Design Review applications) goes to the review authority responsible for action on the discretionary approval. In the example cited, the Commission would be the review authority for the entire package of applications.
C. Application Review. Each application for a Site Plan and Design Review shall be reviewed to ensure that the application is consistent with the purpose of this Chapter; applicable development standards and regulations of this Zoning Code; and any adopted design guidelines and policies that may apply.
1. A Site Plan and Design Review is initiated when the Department receives a complete application package including the required information and materials specified in the Department handout and any additional information required by the applicable review authority in order to conduct a thorough review of the proposed project.
2. Upon receipt of a complete application the applicable review authority shall review the location, design, site plan configuration and the effect of the proposed development on adjacent properties, streets, and alleys by comparing the project plans to established development standards, regulations, and applicable design guidelines/policies.
3. Within 30 days after the Site Plan and Design Review application has been deemed complete in compliance with Section 10.82.070 (Initial Application Review), the review authority shall either approve or deny the Site Plan and Design Review application and, if approved, may impose conditions deemed reasonable and necessary to protect the public health, safety and general welfare and ensure compliance with this Chapter and all applicable City regulations and policies.
4. The following criteria shall be considered during the review of a Site Plan and Design Review application:
a. Compliance with this Chapter, this Zoning Code, Municipal Code Title 8 (Building Regulations), and all other applicable City regulations and policies;
b. Efficiency of site layout and design;
c. Compatibility with neighboring properties, streets, alleys, and developments;
d. Efficiency and safety of public pedestrian and vehicular access and parking;
e. The arrangement and relationship of proposed structures and signs to one another and to other developments in the vicinity and whether the relationship is harmonious and based on good standards of design;
f. The compatibility in scale and aesthetic treatment of proposed structures with public areas;
g. The adequacy of proposed driveways, landscaping, parking spaces, potential on-site and off-site parking, circulation, and traffic impacts, and other potential impacts upon the environment;
h. Appropriate open space and use of water efficient landscaping;
i. Consistency with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan; and
j. Consistency with any adopted design guidelines/policies.
D. On-Site Inspection. An application for a Site Plan and Design Review may require that the Director perform an on-site inspection of the subject parcel before confirming that the request complies with all of the applicable criteria and provisions identified in this Chapter.
E. Public Hearing and Appeal Provisions.
1. Neither a notice nor a public hearing shall be required for the Director’s or Commission’s decision on a Site Plan and Design Review application, except for second story residential construction identified in Subparagraph 2., below.
2. The Director’s and Commission’s decision on a Site Plan and Design Review application for second story residential construction shall require notice of a public meeting, with mailings to all property owners located within 300 feet of the exterior boundary of the subject property. The applicant is responsible for all costs related to the mailed notice.
3. Companion applications shall receive notice in compliance with their respective requirements.
4. The review authority’s decision may be appealed, in compliance with Chapter 10.114 (Appeals). (Ord. 935 § 3 (part), 2015)