No application for a final development plan shall be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission unless first approved by the Architectural Board of Review. In reviewing final development plans, the Architectural Board of Reviews shall review the development plan to determine if such application complies with the review criteria set forth below. The applicant is encouraged to meet with the Architectural Board of Review at the preliminary development plan stage of a project to discuss criteria and standards pertaining to this Planning and Zoning Code. However, no action shall be taken at such a meeting and no opinions, suggestions, or recommendations discussed shall be relied on by the applicant to indicate subsequent approval or disapproval of the development plan.
(a) In their review of an application, the Architectural Board of Review shall consider the following:
(1) The overall exterior appearance of any proposed building or structure;
(2) The height, build and scale of any proposed building or structure with respect to building or structures in the immediate area;
(3) The exterior materials, colors and textures of any proposed building or structure with respect to their compatibility with other buildings and structures within the immediate area;
(4) The arrangement and location of any proposed buildings, structures or uses on the site, as well as their relationship to other buildings and structures within the immediate area;
(5) The character, appearance and scale of any proposed landscaping or plantings for decorative or screening purposes; and
(6) All other factors that affect the appearance of the site and the area.
(b) The Architectural Board of Review shall endeavor to insure that the exterior appearance of all buildings, structures or uses will:
(1) Enhance the attractiveness and desirability of the area in keeping with its purpose and intent;
(2) Encourage the orderly and harmonious development of the area in keeping with its character;
(3) Improve residential amenities; and
(4) Enhance and protect the public and private investment and the value of all land and improvements within the area.
(c) The Architectural Board of Review shall not attempt to prescribe the style of architecture as long as the architectural style and design under consideration meet the standards set forth in Section 1111.14
(a) and (b).
(d) The Architectural Board of Review shall take one of the following actions:
(1) The Architectural Board of Review shall approve the final development plan if the proposed plan is determined to be appropriate and in conformance with the review criteria outlined in this Section;
(2) The Architectural Board of Review may approve the final development plan subject to reasonable requirements not included on the plan as submitted, to ensure that the development conforms to the intent and purposes of this Section. In such case, the Architectural Board of Review shall postpone the plan for the next scheduled Architectural Board of Review meeting so as to ensure that all reasonable requirements have been met; or
(3) The Architectural Board of Review shall deny the application if the plan is not found to comply with the specifications of this Planning and Zoning Code. The Architectural Board of Review shall indicate in its minutes the reasons for its action. (Ord. 2006-35. Passed 5-25-06.)