The exterior appearance of any building located within RA, A, B, C, or I Zoning Districts of the City has an effect upon the desirability of the immediate area and of neighboring areas for business and other purposes. Maintenance of an attractive, compatible and pleasing exterior appearance of such buildings will prevent impairment of the stability of the value of other real property in the area, permit the most appropriate development of such area, and prevent attendant deterioration of conditions affecting the general welfare of the citizens of the City.

(Res. 24-95. Passed 2-13-95.)

   Except for those items listed below, all plans submitted under Sections 1262.04 et seq. relative to site plan review shall be subject to design review requirements of this Section. Those items exempt from these provisions are:

   (a)   Single-family detached dwellings. However, all single-family detached dwellings adding a temporary accessory apartment shall be subject to design review. Furthermore, all one-family dwellings shall be subject to the requirements of Section 1288.03.

   (b)   Items such as gutters, downspouts, door and window replacements, antennas, roof vents, small mechanical equipment, painting to a similar color, and items of ordinary repair and maintenance.

   (c)   Mobile home parks.

(Res. 24-95. Passed 2-13-95.)

   The Planning Commission shall review submitted materials concurrently with site plan review when such is required. All approvals for site plans shall be conditioned upon an affirmative review of the building design.

(Res. 24-95. Passed 2-13-95.)

   The Planning Commission shall receive and promptly review all drawings, data, plans and specifications required under this subsection. This information shall include:

   (a)   An application form, indicating:

      (1)   The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner, property owner, and site designer.

      (2)   The general location of the subject parcel.

      (3)   A project description.

   (b)   A site plan, providing data as required by Section 1262.07.

   (c)   Elevation drawings of all sides of buildings visible to the public, showing general design treatment.

   (d)   Any other material, drawings, and documents which may be helpful to, or requested by, the Planning Commission.

(Res. 24-95. Passed 2-13-95.)

   In the process of reviewing the submitted materials, the Planning Commission shall consider:

   (a)   The relationship of buildings to the site, as follows:

      (1)   The site shall be planned to accomplish a desirable transition, between the building(s), with the streetscape to provide for adequate planting, safe pedestrian movement, and parking areas.

      (2)   Site planning in which setbacks and yards are in excess of zoning restrictions is encouraged, where feasible, to provide an interesting relationship between buildings.

      (3)   Parking areas shall be treated with decorative elements, building wall extensions, plantings, berms, or other innovative means so as to screen parking areas from view from public ways.

      (4)   Without restricting the permissible limits of the applicable zoning district, the height and scale of each building shall be compatible with its site and existing (or anticipated) adjoining buildings.

      (5)   Newly installed utility services, and service revisions necessitated by exterior alterations, shall be underground, where feasible.

   (b)   The relationship of buildings and the site to the adjoining area through attractive landscape transition.

   (c)   Building design.

      (1)   Architectural style is not restricted but shall incorporate elements representative of, or compatible with, the community. Evaluation of the appearance of a project shall be based on the quality of its design and relationship to surroundings.

      (2)   Buildings shall have a scale which is harmonious with permanent neighboring development.

      (3)   Building components, such as windows, doors, eaves, and parapets, shall have good proportions and relationships to one another.

      (4)   Mechanical equipment or other utility hardware on roof, ground, or buildings shall be screened from public view, or they shall be so located as not to be visible from any public ways.

      (5)   Exterior lighting shall be part of the architectural concept. Fixtures, standards, and all exposed accessories shall be harmonious with building design.

      (6)   The design should be compatible with future construction both on and off the site.

   (d)   Maintenance factors.

      (1)   Continued good appearance depends upon the extent and quality of maintenance. The choice of materials and their use, together with the types of finishes and other protective measures, must be conducive to easy maintenance and upkeep.

      (2)   Materials and finishes shall be selected for their durability and wear as well as for their beauty. Proper measures and devices shall be incorporated for protection against the elements, neglect, damage, and abuse.

      (3)   Configurations that tend to catch and accumulate debris, leaves, trash, dirt, and rubbish shall be avoided.

(Res. 24-95. Passed 2-13-95.)

   The Planning Commission shall review the particular circumstances and facts applicable to each submittal in terms of the preceding design criteria and shall make a finding as to whether the proposal meets the following standards:

   (a)   The appearance of the building exterior will not detract from the general harmony of and is compatible with other buildings already existing in the immediate vicinity.

   (b)   The appearance of the building exterior will not be garish or otherwise offensive to the sense of sight.

   (c)   The appearance of the building exterior will tend to minimize or prevent discordant and unsightly surroundings in the immediate neighborhood.

(Res. 24-95. Passed 2-13-95.)