Consistent with the Clearlake General Plan, the Design Review Committee is hereby established for the purpose of review of new development, signs and related community appearance changes to enhance the design characteristics in all neighborhoods within the City of Clearlake. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

Projects which are subject to design review shall require submittal of a complete application, in accordance with information requirements checklists maintained by the Director. Application review and process shall be subject to payment of fees in accordance with the City’s fee schedule to defray the City’s cost to process applications. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The City Council shall, by resolution, establish and maintain procedures for implementing design review in accordance with the Zoning Code. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

Certain qualifying housing projects shall be processed in a manner in accordance with Government Code Sections 65903, 65913, 65943 and 65950. This provision shall remain in effect for the terms prescribed by the Government Code and as described in Section 18-19.340. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The City Council shall appoint a Design Review Committee consisting of two (2) Planning Commissioners. A third member shall consist of the Community Development Director. Terms of office and duties are provided in the design review procedures in accordance with Section 18-33.030. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

All projects subject to design review shall be designed consistent with the Design Review Manual. Decisions regarding projects that are subject to design review must include findings of consistency that the project is consistent with the Design Review Manual. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The City Council shall, by resolution, establish and maintain a Design Review Manual consisting of a planning document for guidance to the City decision makers, property owners, merchants, real estate interests, architects, designers and building contractors in designing new development and signs related to community appearance changes in the City of Clearlake to carry out the purpose of design review. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

Decisions pertaining to projects that are subject to design review may include conditions to assure that they are designed consistent with the Design Review Manual. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

Use permits which involve appearance impacts on the City may also be subject to design review approval. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))