(A) Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to allow architecture and site plan review of all developments, buildings, structures and other facilities constructed or modified in any zone where architecture and site plan review is required in order to foster a good design character through consideration of aesthetic and functional relationships to surrounding development, and in order to further enhance the city's appearance, and the livability and usefulness of properties.
(B) Form. Applications for an architecture and site plan review permit shall be made to the Planning Commission on a form prescribed by the Planning Commission and shall be accompanied by sufficient information in writing, drawings, or pictures to show the detail of the proposed building(s). Applications for an architecture and site plan review permit shall provide evidence to support the approval findings pursuant to § 153.217(D). A filing fee in such amount as may be fixed by the City Council shall be paid at the time the application is filed.
(C) Public hearing. The Planning Commission shall give notice and hold a public hearing on each application it receives for architecture and site plan review in accordance with the provisions of § 153.215.
(D) Approval findings. The Planning Commission shall make the following findings to approve an architecture and site plan review application:
(1) The proposed project is consistent with the objectives of the general plan, complies with applicable zoning regulations, planned development, master plan or specific plan provisions, improvement standards, and other applicable standards and regulations adopted by the city.
(2) The proposed project will not create conflicts with vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian transportation modes of circulation.
(3) The site layout (orientation and placement of buildings and parking areas), as well as the landscaping, lighting, and other development features, is compatible with and compliments the existing surrounding environment and ultimate character of the area under the general plan.
(4) The proposed architecture, including the character, scale, and quality of the design, relationship with the site and other buildings, building materials, colors, screening of exterior appurtenances, exterior lighting, and similar elements, establishes a clear design concept and is compatible with the character of the buildings on adjoining and nearby properties.
(E) Conditions. The Planning Commission may designate such conditions in connection with the architecture and site plan review as it deems necessary to secure the purpose of this title and may require such guarantees and evidence that such conditions are being or will be complied with.
(F) Appeal. Appeal of the Planning Commission's action on the request for an architecture and site plan review shall be made in accordance with the procedures specified in § 153.219.
(G) Effect. The architecture and site plan review shall not become effective for ten days after being granted and in the event an appeal is filed, shall not become effective until a decision is made by the Council on such appeal.
(1) No building or zoning permit shall be issued in any case where an architecture and site plan review application is required by the provisions of this title unless and until such permit has been granted by the Planning Commission, or City Council and then only in accordance with the terms and conditions of the architecture and site plan review permit granted.
(2) No application for an architecture and site plan review application which has been denied shall be resubmitted for a period of one year from the date the order of denial became final, except on grounds of new evidence or proof of change of conditions found to be valid by the Planning Commission or City Council, whichever issued the order of denial.
(3) Any architecture and site plan review granted shall be null and void 24 months from the date of final approval thereof unless prior to such expiration date, a valid building permit is in effect for the construction of necessary buildings or appurtenances of the review. The Planning Commission may defer expiration of the permit for a period not exceeding one year upon application, in writing, by the owner of the property prior to expiration provided such use is still permitted in the district in which it is proposed to be located.
(Ord. 2022-002, passed 4-26-22)