Ordinance No. 97, an ordinance establishing a design review process and enumerating certain design review standards, is repealed.

The adoption of the repealing ordinance codified in this chapter does not affect prosecutions or actions instituted under the repealed ordinance for violations committed prior to the effective date of the repealing ordinance codified in this chapter nor, if applicable, the validity of any bond nor cash deposit previously posted, filed, or deposited pursuant to the repealed ordinance prior to the effective date of the repealing ordinance codified in this chapter.

(Ord. 163 § 1, 2005)

This chapter requires the city council to adopt by resolution a set of specific design review guidelines enumerating the elements of design review considerations, presentation requirements, and the application process.

(Ord. 163 § 2, 2005)

This chapter establishes for Amador City a design review process which applies to building construction and exterior remodeling work as defined in Section 17.72.060, paragraph 3. While the chapter mandates that such projects pass through a design review committee and subsequently be approved by a vote of the city council prior to issuance of a building permit, the emphasis of the chapter is on the informational, advisory and facilitatory.

A.

Informational. Much of this chapter and related resolution is devoted to identifying and specifying characteristics of the city's historic building stock which the city wishes to protect and promote. The intent is to insure that applicants are aware, early in the design process, of these important historic patterns, and to provide specific guidelines for responding to them.

B.

Advisory. Design review guidelines recommend certain forms, materials, colors, etc. When reviewing a proposed project, the design review committee may make suggestions for changes in order to make the design more consistent with the intent of this chapter. Any such suggestions, together with a committee recommendation for "approval as is," "approval subject to specified modifications" or "disapproval," are passed on to the city council. In those cases in which design review recommends modifications or disapproval, applicants may nonetheless opt to move directly to city council for a final determination, or may prefer to make changes before proceeding.

C.

Facilitatory. Design review guidelines include a step-by-step explanation of "the design review process" and an application form with checklist. Applicants are encouraged, after acquainting themselves with the guidelines to contact the city with any questions. The city council, city clerk and the design review committee are all interested in seeing that each applicant's project is completed to his or her satisfaction while preserving and extending the valuable and unique visual heritage of Amador City.

(Ord. 163 § 3, 2005)

The residents and property owners of Amador City are concerned about preserving and enhancing both the man-made and the natural environments of our community. The community is proud of its heritage, and the economy is dependent on the tourism industry. Recognizing the importance of the community's exterior appearance, the city wishes to establish and implement various design guidelines while preserving flexibility for property owners to build and remodel according to their individual needs.

The object of this chapter is:

A.

To preserve the character of existing historic structures;

B.

To encourage the use of forms and materials which are consistent or compatible with our pattern of historic structures, while allowing both contemporary and traditional building forms;

C.

To codify what kinds of projects are subject to design review;

D.

To identify, explain and codify those elements that will be considered (hereinafter "considerations") in the review of projects which come before the design review committee;

E.

To facilitate the design review process by clearly defining the procedures and requirements for submitting a project.

(Ord. 163 § 4, 2005)

A design review committee is established to review all plans submitted under this chapter. The committee shall be composed of five members, one of whom shall be a member of the city council. The remaining four, at least two of whom shall be residents of Amador City, shall be from the general public. Committee members shall be appointed by the city council and serve for a period of two years.

Design review recommendations are submitted to the city council for final approval or disapproval. Any recommendation for disapproval submitted to the council will be accompanied by a written explanation from the committee of the reason(s) for such recommendation.

(Ord. 163 § 5, 2005)

Design review is inevitably partly a matter of judgment. To assure that decisions are made with consistency, and to assist the applicant in developing a successful submittal, considerations identified herein are generally accompanied by "recommended" or "not recommended" examples and guidelines.

Each review is made on a site-specific basis. The degree which buildings are visible from the business district, will influence the degree to which adherence to these guidelines are applied. Concern for the appearance of structures by neighbors, adjacent property owners, and the public will all be considered.

The provisions of this chapter apply to all new construction and exterior alteration work within the city of Amador City that significantly affects the exterior appearance of a property.

No required permit for construction or exterior alteration of any property within the city of Amador City shall be issued until the plans for said construction or alteration have been reviewed by the design review committee of the city of Amador City and approved by the city council of the city of Amador City.

No presently existing building situated within the city limits of Amador City shall be torn down, demolished, partially demolished or otherwise destroyed except upon review of the design review committee and final action by the city council.

Any building or remodeling project within Amador City which involves a sign or signage shall conform to the requirements of current city rules/regulations regarding signage as found in either Amador City municipal code book or file of resolutions.

Any project within Amador City which involves significant vegetation changes shall conform to the requirements of current city rules/regulations regarding trees/vegetation as found in either Amador City municipal code book or file of resolutions.

Any project within Amador City which involves the removal or alteration of rock walls shall conform to the requirements of current city rules/regulations regarding rock walls as found in either Amador City municipal code book or file of resolutions.

(Ord. 163 § 6, 2005)

The design review presentation requirements, a checklist and an application form shall be combined into a single page and made part of the guidelines. Additional copies of the form may be obtained from the city clerk's office.

(Ord. 163 § 7, 2005)

The applicant may appeal an adverse recommendation to the full city council.

(Ord. 163 § 8, 2005)

During or after construction, design elements that significantly deviate from the approved plans must be reviewed and approved by the design review committee.

The design review committee shall promptly review complaints regarding such design issues. If significant deviation is found, then the committee shall report to the full city council and a stop work order may be issued.

(Ord. 163 § 9, 2005)