A.

The purpose of the architectural design review process is to avoid the unsightly, inharmonious and monotonous appearance of structures and signs by the review of the design, materials, textures, colors and other elements of construction which affect the exterior appearance of structures; to encourage originality in building design and construction in a manner which will enhance the physical appearance and attractiveness of the community; to preserve the investments in properties which exhibit tasteful consideration of the external physical appearance of the site and structures thereon and to encourage and enhance the desirability of private investment within the surrounding area. The architectural design review process is also intended to foster the Swedish architectural theme called for by policies of the city general plan.

B.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to any permitted or conditional use identified in Title 17 of this code other than single-family dwellings or multiple-family dwellings consisting of no more than two (2) units. There shall be no exceptions to the application of this chapter except as granted for historic structures designated by resolution of the city council. Application of the Swedish architectural design review guidelines identified in Section 17.80.020 of this chapter will apply at different levels of intensity depending on the location of the proposed project:

1.

Level 1 intensity shall apply to the downtown triangle bounded by the State Route Freeway 99, 18th Avenue and Sierra Street, with parcels on the north side of Sierra Street within the downtown triangle also included. Level 1 intensity shall also apply to shopping centers, strip malls and parcels adjacent to Sierra Street west of State Route Freeway 99 to Rafer Johnson Drive; on the north side of Sierra Street west from Rafer Johnson Drive to the city limit line; and adjacent to the west side of State Route Freeway 99 north of Sierra Street to the city limit line.

2.

Level 2 intensity shall apply to that portion of the city within the triangle area bounded by Sierra Street, State Route Freeway 99 and Bethel Avenue; between State Route Freeway 99 and Simpson Street north of Sierra Street to the city limit line; and along Draper Street west of State Route Freeway 99.

(Ord. No. 2012-02, § 2(exh. A), 3-7-2012; Ord. No. 2024-07, § 1, 12-18-2024)

The city council is empowered to adopt by resolution Swedish Village Design Standards and Guidelines, which contains specific criteria and guidelines for review of applications for new construction and exterior remodels within the Level 1 and Level 2 areas described in Section 17.80.010 and in accordance with Section 17.80.030. The city council may amend these standards from time to time, by resolution.

(Ord. No. 2012-02, § 2(exh. A), 3-7-2012; Ord. No. 2024-07, § 1, 12-18-2024)

As part of the site plan review process, any project located within a Level 1 or Level 2 area as described in Section 17.80.010, shall be reviewed for compliance with the Swedish Village Design Standards and Guidelines as follows:

Level 1. All new construction and exterior remodeling shall conform to the Swedish Village Design Standards and Guidelines as adopted by the city council.

Level 2.

A.

The project applicant shall make a good faith effort to conform new construction and exterior remodeling to the traditional and historic theme of the Swedish Village Design Standards and Guidelines with emphasis on the use of wood or wood in combination with brick, stone or stucco masonry, in the design of exterior walls.

B.

Taking into consideration the type and size of the project, the project applicant shall make good faith efforts to incorporate as many Level 1 intensity elements as possible, including, without limitation, flower boxes, planers, awnings, mullion windows, use of brick or stone, and emulation of half-timbering, and/or such additional decorative features as window shutters, Dala horses, banners, Swedish and American flags, and other items with a Swedish theme.

(Ord. No. 2012-02, § 2(exh. A), 3-7-2012; Ord. No. 2024-07, § 1, 12-18-2024)

Projects subject to architectural review are required to submit an application to the planning department. Applications should be submitted concurrent with site plan review applications, if applicable.

Included in the project application package submitted to the planning department shall be architectural drawings or sketches, drawn to scale, showing all elevations of the proposed structures as they will appear upon completion of construction. All exterior surfacing materials and colors shall be specified. Scale drawings of all signs shall be submitted showing size, location, material, colors and illumination (if any).

(Ord. No. 2012-02, § 2(exh. A), 3-7-2012; Ord. No. 2024-07, § 1, 12-18-2024)

A.

The planning department shall review all project application drawings subject to review within fifteen (15) days after the project application is deemed complete by the city.

B.

The planning department shall determine whether the project complies with the Swedish Village Design Standards and Guidelines and either approve, approve with conditions ensuring compliance, or deny the architectural review.

C.

For projects requiring subsequent approvals by the planning commission and/or city council, the planning department determination shall be included in the reports to the planning commission or city council.

(Ord. No. 2012-02, § 2(exh. A), 3-7-2012; Ord. No. 2024-07, § 1, 12-18-2024)

A.

Within ten (10) calendar days after the date of decision on an architectural review application by the planning department, the decision may be appealed to the planning commission by the applicant or any other interested party. An appeal shall be filed with the planning department. The appeal shall specifically identify the error or abuse of discretion by the planning department or other reasons for the appeal.

B.

The appeal shall be placed on the agenda of the planning commission's next regular meeting after expiration of the ten-day appeal period. The planning commission shall approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove a project based on the findings set forth in Section 17.72.050 of this title. The decision of the planning commission shall be final unless appealed to the city council pursuant to Section 17.04.090 of this title.

(Ord. No. 2012-02, § 2(exh. A), 3-7-2012; Ord. No. 2024-07, § 1, 12-18-2024)