The purpose of the site plan and architectural design review process (conducted together as "site plan review" or "site plan approval") is to produce a harmonious, pleasing and desirable appearance of sites, structures and signs through the review of the site design and building design including, but not limited to, materials, textures, colors and such other elements of construction which affect the exterior appearance of structures; to encourage originality in site design, 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 plan and structures thereon; and to encourage and enhance the desirability of private investment within the surrounding area.

Site plan and architectural design review provisions of this chapter shall apply to any permitted or conditional use, listed within the R, RM, P, P/QP, C or I zone district inclusive as defined in Chapters 17.44 and 17.48, inclusive of the Lathrop Municipal Code. There shall be no exceptions to such application, except as may be granted for historic structures designated by the city or by previously approved specific plans.

The design review committee shall consist of the community development director or the city manager's designee; the public works director or designee; the police chief or designee, and the fire marshal.

Building design review is required for the following:

Architectural design standards shall consist of the following:

Site design standards shall consist of the following:

The following drawings shall be submitted to the community development director or the city manager's designee, with an application for any site plan review, conditional use permit, planned unit development, tentative subdivision map, tentative parcel map, or administrative approval permit, (hereinafter an "application").

The community development director or the city manager's designee may require additional information of the applicant if necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

The city project planner shall check all drawings submitted for site and architectural design review for compliance with applicable provisions of this code and shall submit the drawings to the design review committee.

The design review committee shall act to approve, deny or require modifications of the drawings submitted for committee review within 30 days of the determination by the community development director or the city manager's designee, that the application meets the requirements of this chapter for completeness.

The authority of the design review committee with respect to site and building design shall extend to reviewing plans and making recommendations to the permitting authority in the form of conditions. The appeal of any such conditions shall be to the permitting authority and shall be heard in connection with the approval, disapproval or other action on the application.

The application fee for a permitted or conditionally permitted use as set by resolution of the city council is sufficient to cover the cost of handling the application and includes the design review committee.