(a) Discretionary Review. For cases involving discretionary approval by a public body (i.e. Major Subdivisions, Planned Developments and Conditional Uses), the procedures as required within respective chapters of this Zoning Code shall be followed.
(b) Administrative Review. For cases not involving discretionary approval by a public body, the Zoning Administrator or designee shall have the authority to administer the regulations of this chapter, as well as to make interpretations in applying the standards of this chapter.
(c) Landscape Plan Review.
(1) Landscape Plan Review is provided as an alternate review process to achieve compliance with the provisions of this chapter. This process is available to all development projects that would normally be subject to subsection (b) above.
(2) The Planning Commission shall serve as the approving authority for Landscape Plan Review. A majority vote is required to approve.
(3) The Zoning Administrator may, at any time, consult the Planning Commission in making a determination on a plan's compliance with the standards of this chapter, and thus has the ability to require Landscape Plan Review for any development project to which this chapter is applicable per Section 1148.02.
(4) An applicant/developer also has the right to request in writing a Landscape Plan Review by the Planning Commission, either to accommodate an alternative landscape site design which does not strictly adhere to the standards of this chapter, or to appeal the Zoning Administrator's application or interpretation of the standards of this chapter.
(5) In conducting Landscape Plan Review in accordance with the criteria outlined in subsection (6) below, the Planning Commission shall have the ability to waive or modify any numerical regulations of this chapter.
(6) Decision Criteria. The Planning Commission shall utilize the following criteria in making a determination on whether to approve or deny a Landscape Plan:
A. The proposed plan embodies the overall spirit and intent of this chapter and adheres to the general purposes as stated;
B. The proposed plan demonstrates careful planning of buildings, uses, and all other development components in a way that is as harmonious as possible with existing natural features and resources; and
C. The proposed plan would result in a more attractive visual appearance and result in a greater prevalence of trees and vegetation than the present conditions.
(Ord. 3558. Passed 5-5-20.)