The Plan Commission may establish an Architectural Review Committee for the purpose of providing detailed reviews and recommendations to the Plan Commission concerning any proposed building elevation that may from time to time be submitted.
(A) Purpose and intent. The purpose of the Architectural Review Committee is to provide written recommendations pertaining to technical aspects of building elevations for the purpose of providing for the orderly and harmonious appearance of structures throughout the town. For the purposes of administering and enforcing this chapter, the Architectural Review Committee is not to be confused with an Architectural Review Board which is typically concerned with protecting and preserving historic areas, sites and buildings in a community.
(B) Establishment. The Architectural Review Committee is hereby established under both the Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Control Ordinance to serve the differing needs of these two documents. The Committee shall be made up of the same members under both ordinances in order to facilitate coordination of the decision making by the Plan Commission with respect to the design and construction aspects of these two documents.
(C) Composition. Committee membership shall be at the request of the Administrative Officer. The Administrative Officer may request the assistance of members of public and semi-public local and state departments, agencies and organizations. The Architectural Review Committee shall be chaired by the Administrative Officer, or his or her designee, and shall consist of at least one licensed architect residing or working in the town. Remaining members shall be residents of the town interested in civic matters.
(D) Roles and responsibilities. The Architectural Review Committee shall limit its attention and recommendations to the architectural design standards of this chapter. Projects shall be reviewed for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and compatibility with the McCordsville Comprehensive Plan, as amended from time to time. Members of the Architectural Review Committee shall:
(1) Review the Town of McCordsville Architectural Design Standards contained herein and adopted planned unit development ordinances, and any additional architectural design requirements imposed as part of an overlay district, such as the Highway Corridor Overlay district.
(2) Review applications for their compatibility with all applicable standards, regulations, and commitments.
(3) Offer opinions as to what physical alterations or enhancements could be made to projects presented in order to improve the aesthetic quality of the project and the town's overall physical environment.
(4) Make recommendations regarding architectural issues raised on appeal to the appropriate governing body (e.g. Board of Zoning Appeals) in connection with the issuance or denial of entitlements or other project approvals or denials.
(5) Zoning commitments, if applicable.
(E) Committee meetings. The Architectural Review Committee is strictly a committee and does not have the authority to take any official action; however, the Committee shall advertise for and hold public meetings. The Committee shall meet as prescribed by the Calendar of Meetings and Filing Deadlines, and all meetings of the committee shall be open to the public. The Committee shall then submit its review comments and recommendations to the Advisory Plan Commission and/or Board of Zoning Appeals.
(F) Authority. The Architectural Review Committee shall have the authority to request that a docket be continued by the Advisory Plan Commission or Board of Zoning Appeals until the Committee has reviewed revised plans submitted by a petitioner(s).
(Ord. 121410, passed 1-11-2011)