The Design Review Overlay Zone (DRO) is an overlay district which is intended to be combined with any other district in which it is determined desirable to protect the overall appearance of the district by regulating the design of new structures and changes in the appearance of existing structures. The purpose of this district is to ensure that proposed buildings, structures, signs, and landscaping and modifications to buildings, structures, signs, and landscaping within these areas are in harmony with the surrounding areas. The intent of the zone is to enhance tourism and to stabilize and increase property values. This district may be applied to areas containing public or private buildings and lands exhibiting unique architectural themes and/or scenic beauty.

1. Development standards for the DRO. Development standards for the DRO shall be as follows:
   1. Uses: Permitted, conditional and prohibited uses shall be as set forth in the principal zone.
   2. Minimum parcel or lot size: As established by the principal zone.
   3. Density: As established by the principal zone.
   4. Setbacks, building height, parking and other applicable development standards: As established by the principal zone.
2. Special development standards for the DRO. Development in the DRO district shall conform to architectural theme and development guidelines established by the board of supervisors pursuant to Subsection (G) of section 17.66.010 of this chapter. In reviewing and approving the application for design review, the planning director shall find that the application complies with the architectural theme and development guidelines established by the board of supervisors. In the instance that a special development standard established by this section conflicts with a development standard of the principal zone, the special development standard established by this section shall apply.
3. DRO plan review-required. Except as provided in this section, no commercial, industrial or multi-family residential use shall be established, no development shall occur, no exterior advertising display installed and no building or grading permit shall be issued for any commercial, industrial or multi-family residential use or development in the DRO district until an application for design review plan has been submitted to and approved by the planning director in accordance with the procedures established in this section.
4. DRO plan-application contents. An application for design review shall include the following:
   1. A completed commercial, industrial and multifamily dwelling building permit application form. Complete construction drawings are not necessary for the design review process.
   2. A plot plan drawn to the scale specified by the planning director which contains the information specified in section 17.08.150 of this title.
   3. Elevations of all sides of the proposed building or structures showing:
      1. Dimensions of the buildings or structures.
      2. Proposed architectural treatment, building materials and colors.
      3. Roof design and materials.
      4. Size and spacing of windows, doors, and other openings.
      5. Signs.
      6. Exterior lighting.
      7. Exterior mechanical equipment and above ground utilities. An exemption from the requirement for providing elevations of all sides of the proposed building or structure may be allowed where it can be shown to the satisfaction of the planning director that certain sides of the building/structure are not visible from public property or public rights-of-way. In this instance the elevations of the sides not visible are not required.
   4. Preliminary grading plan indicating grading necessary for the proposed structures, access roads and parking areas. The plan shall indicate the location, height and grade of all cut and fill banks necessary for the proposed project.
   5. A narrative description of the proposed development and how it was designed in accordance with the applicable architectural theme and design guidelines may be submitted to assist in the design review process.
5. DRO plan-application processing procedures. A pre-application meeting with the planning department to discuss a proposed project and the applicable design review standards is strongly encouraged. Upon receipt and acceptance of a design review plan application as complete, the planning department shall, within five (5) days, refer such application to the design review committee appointed by the board of supervisors having jurisdiction over the area in which the development is proposed. The design review committee shall formulate a recommendation to approve, conditionally approve or deny the design review plan within fourteen (14) days of the receipt of a completed application from the planning department. In the instance that no design review committee has been appointed or the appointed design review committee fails to formulate a recommendation by majority vote, the planning director shall consider the design review plan. The planning director shall consider the design review plan application along with the recommendation and act to approve, conditionally approve or deny the application. Action on the design review plan shall occur within five (5) days of receipt of the recommendation from the design review committee. The planning director's action shall be based on the findings listed in subsection 17.66.010(B) of this section. The planning director shall provide specific written findings if a design review plan is denied.
6. DRO plan application-review exemption.
   1. The planning director may approve an exemption from review by the design review committee where it can be determined that the proposed development is of a small scale (generally less than 5000 sq. ft.) or is a minor alteration or expansion of an existing development that clearly complies with all of the special development standards established pursuant to this section by the board of supervisors for the affected area. For the purpose of this subsection a minor alteration or expansion is defined as an alteration that will not significantly modify the exterior appearance of the structures and/or site. The applicant shall be required to submit the information required by subsection 17.66.010(D) of this section in order to justify the exemption.
   2. An emergency shelter that is proposed to be located within a DRO zone shall be except from the DRO application review. Such shelters shall be developed in accordance with the emergency shelter standards contained in section 17.336.130.
7. Establishment of architectural theme and development guidelines for DRO districts. The board of supervisors shall establish an architectural theme and development guidelines for each DRO district established pursuant to this section. The standards shall provide guidelines for development in accordance with the special development standards established by subsection 17.66.010(B) of this section. The standards may be adopted separately or as part of a specific plan for an area and shall be adopted by resolution or ordinance.