The purpose of this chapter is to establish procedures for the review of the design aspects of certain proposed development that does not require discretionary actions, such as approval of a conditional use permit or variance. These procedures are not intended to restrict imagination, innovation or variety in design, but rather to focus on design issues and solutions that will have the greatest effect on aesthetics and to encourage imaginative solutions and high-quality urban design. The specific purposes of this chapter are to achieve the following:

   .010   Recognize the interdependence of land values and aesthetics, and encourage the orderly and harmonious appearance of development within the community;

   .020   Ensure that new uses and structures enhance their sites, and are compatible with the highest standards of improvement in the surrounding neighborhoods;

   .030   Better protect the increasing values, standards, and importance of land and development in the community;

   .040   Retain and strengthen the visual quality of the community;

   .050   Assist project developers in understanding the public's concerns for the aesthetics of development, and

   .060   Ensure that development complies with all applicable City standards and guidelines, and does not adversely affect community health, safety, aesthetics or natural resources. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6609 § 30; May 13, 2025.)

   .010   Required reviews. A final plan review pursuant to this chapter is required under the following circumstances:

      .0101   The provisions of the underlying zone, specific plan, or overlay zone specifically require such review; or

      .0102 The Planning Commission or City Council has, by resolution, adopted design guidelines specifically requiring such review.

   .020   Exemptions. The following are exempt from the final plan review and approval process, unless they are specifically included by the provisions of the underlying zone, specific plan, overlay zone, or resolution described in subsection .010 above:

      .0201   Interior building alterations, modifications or improvements that do not result in an increase to the gross square footage of the building, and that do not increase the parking requirements.

      .0202   Minor building additions or improvements to, or at the rear of, a building or development complex that are not visible to public rights-of-way; do not exceed ten percent (10%) of the gross square footage of the existing buildings, or one thousand (1,000) square feet, whichever is less; and that do not increase the parking requirements.

      .0203   Landscape improvements or modifications that are not in connection with building modifications that require final plan review and approval. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6609 § 31; May 13, 2025.)

   The approval authority for a final plan review is the Planning and Building Director or the Planning Commission, as specified by the adopted guidelines for the applicable zone or specific plan. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6609 § 32; May 13, 2025.)

   .010   Application. A final plan application shall include the elements listed below, unless the Planning and Building Director specifies in writing that a particular element is not required, or that an additional element is required, in order to undertake an adequate review and make any necessary findings.

      .0101   Site plans;

      .0102   Floor plans;

      .0103   Elevations;

      .0104   Roof- and ground-mounted equipment plans, including vents and ducts;

      .0105   Sign plans;

      .0106   Landscape plans;

      .0107   Fence and wall plans;

      .0108   Parking, pedestrian and vehicle circulation plans, including access to adjoining public rights-of-way;

      .0109   Exterior lighting plans;

      .0110   Line-of-sight drawings; and

      .0111   Such other plans and information as may be required by the Planning and Building Director and/or the Planning Commission.

   .020   Review process. A final plan application shall be reviewed as follows:

      .0201   The staff of the Planning Division and other City Departments, as required by the Planning and Building Director, shall review the final plan application. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6601 § 32; January 14, 2025: Ord. 6609 § 33; May 13, 2025.)

   .010   The review authority may approve, or approve with conditions, the final plan application, based upon the following findings. The decision shall be made in writing or, where appropriate, the development plans shall be stamped "approved."

   .020   All projects subject to the provisions of this Chapter, unless otherwise specified in this section, must make a finding of fact, by resolution, that the evidence presented shows that all the following conditions exist:

      .0201   The design and layout of the proposed development are consistent with the General Plan, any applicable specific plan, the development standards of the applicable zoning district, and any special area guidelines or policies;

      .0202   The design and layout of the proposed development will not create traffic or pedestrian hazards;

      .0203   The design of the proposed development is consistent with applicable objective design standards and will provide a desirable environment for its occupants, visiting public, its neighbors, and be appropriately maintained; and

      .0204   The proposed development will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or materially injurious to the properties or improvements in the vicinity.

   .030   Projects subject to Chapter 18.12 (Mixed-Use Zone). Before Planning and Building Director approval, or Planning Commission and/or City Council on appeal, may approve a final plan review for a project in the MU-C, MU-LM, MU-MID, MU-MED, MU-H, MU-UC, or MU-I zones, it must make a finding of fact, by resolution, that the evidence presented shows that all the following conditions exist:

      .0301   The design and layout of the proposed development are consistent with the General Plan, the development standards of the applicable zoning district, and any special area guidelines or policies;

      .0302   The proposed development will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or materially injurious to the properties or improvements in the vicinity;

      .0303   The proposed development provides for a walkable urban environment through a connected, attractive, safe, and engaging streetscape;

      .0304   The proposed development integrates residential and non-residential uses within the same building or project area to create an active street life, enhance business vitality, and reduce automobile dependence; and

      .0305   The design and operation of the proposed non-residential uses will ensure that residential uses are not exposed to offensive noise, continual vibrations, noxious odors, or other detrimental effects. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004: Ord. 6609 § 34; May 13, 2025.)

   In granting final plan approval, the review authority may impose any reasonable conditions of approval to ensure that the project will comply with the findings required by Section 18.70.050 above. However, final plan review, in the absence of any other authority, shall not be used to modify the uses, or the density or intensity of uses, otherwise authorized by right in the applicable zone. (Ord. 5920 1 (part); June 8, 2004.)