The primary color of buildings shall be limited to an earthen hue background color, which is integral or applied consistently to the material. Such colors include off-whites, lightgrays, beiges, tans, browns or other similarly subdued tones, shades or colors as determined by the director. Examples such colors are provided below:

Special architectural features (defined as ornaments, trims, fascias, inlays, tile, ironwork, awnings and other architectural features as determined by the director) may use brighter colors as an accent. Colors shall complement the body color of the building, as well as highlight decorative details. Examples of such colors are provided below:

Neon colored paint shall not be allowed on any structure. Examples of neon colors are provided below:

Other elements on the building and property should be compatible and/or architecturally integrated with the color and design scheme of the primary building, (e.g., as roofs, fences and walls, signs, trash enclosures) and any other accessory structures or features.

The director may approve colors other than those authorized by this section that reflect an organization's established marketing image or brand for retail commercial, industrial, or institutional developments.

Permits are not required to re-paint the exteriors of any existing buildings. If an existing building is rerepainted and does not conform with the standards of this chapter, it is a violation of the code and may be penalized consistent with the enforcement provisions herein.

With respect to administrative projects (that is, projects that do not require planning commission or city council review) other than re-painting of existing structures in the commercial and manufacturing zones, the exterior color plans shall be reviewed by the planning division for compliance with the color standards herein.

Any property owner or designated agent of the owner of an existing structure in the commercial and manufacturing zones objecting to a decision by the planning division may appeal the matter to the planning commission. No fee shall be assessed upon the applicant for purpose of the appeal. As part of the appeal, the applicant may provide a written explanation describing why the proposed color plan is required or that no other alternative color scheme can be employed. The planning commission shall review appeals and approve, approve with conditions, or deny the proposed color plans of the existing structure in the commercial zone. The decision of the planning commission shall be final.

With respect to discretionary projects (or projects requiring planning commission or city council review) involving existing structures in the commercial and manufacturing zones, the exterior color plans shall be reviewed by the planning commission for compliance with the color standards herein. Any property owner or designated agent of the owner of an existing structure in the commercial zone objecting to a determination or disapproval of the exterior color plan by the planning commission may appeal the matter to the city council and pay the requisite fee for the appeal. As part of the appeal, the applicant may provide a written explanation describing why the proposed color plan is required or that no other alternative color scheme can be employed. The city council shall review appeals and approve, approve with conditions, or deny the proposed color plans of the existing structure in the commercial zone. The decision of the city council shall be final.

Applicants requesting building and safety division or planning division approval shall be subject to exterior building color review as part of the approval process.

Exterior building colors shall be reviewed in conjunction with a request for any of the following: zone clearance review, minor site plan review, major site plan review, building permit, sign permit, conditional use permit, variance, tentative parcel or tract map, and other type of department entitlement review as required by the Bell Municipal Code, or as a result of any determination of nonconforming status.

Exterior building elevation plans and color samples indicating proposed color schemes shall be provided as required by the director.

Approval authority for colors on the exterior of buildings shall be by the director or planning commission. Exterior color plans may be approved by the director provided the proposed plan is consistent with the intent and provision of this chapter.