A. Architectural and site plan review shall be required in connection with matters listed in this section; provisions for the review of other matters by the architectural and site control commission are included in other ordinances of the town:

1.

Applications for building permits for buildings or additions of four hundred square feet or larger or two stories or more;

2.

Applications for building permits for all commercial buildings;

3.

Applications for all building permits for structures on parcels fronting on arterial roads, expressways or freeways as shown on the Portola Valley general plan;

4.

Applications for building permits for antennas with diameters larger than four feet but not exceeding six feet, designed to receive television or microwave signals transmitted from satellite or terrestrial stations;

5.

Applications for building permits for all structures in any area which has been designated as an area of influence in any specific plan adopted pursuant to state law;

6.

Zoning permits for tennis courts and paddle tennis courts;

7.

Applications for conditional use permits except when such permits are for interior alterations only;

8.

Applications for building permits for the restoration or reconstruction of nonconforming buildings as provided for in Section 18.46.030;

9.

Applications for building permits for properties with historic resources as identified in the historic element of the general plan as provided for in Section 18.31.050;

10.

Applications for building permits or zoning permits for recycling and trash enclosures as provided for in Section 18.37.010;

11.

Applications for entryway features as provided for in Section 18.42.016;

12.

Applications for lighting as provided for in Section 18.42.018;

13.

Applications for mail boxes as provided for in Section 18.37.020 F. and Section 18.42.016 B;

14.

Applications for uncovered parking as provided for in Section 18.60.030 D;

15.

Applications for buildings or additions of any size that the town planner determines is appropriate for architectural site plan review in order to accomplish the purposes identified in 18.64.010 B;

16.

Such other matters as shall be referred to the architectural and site control commission by the planning commission.

B.

The purpose of architectural and site plan review and approval is to promote the preservation of the visual character of Portola Valley, the stability of land values and investments, the public safety, and the general welfare by preventing the erection of structures or additions or alterations thereto of unsightly or obnoxious appearance or which are not properly related to their sites, adjacent uses, and circulation in the vicinity, and by preventing the indiscriminate clearing of property, excessive grading and the destruction of trees and shrubbery.

(Ord. 2015-407 § 1, 2015; Ord. 1994-279 § 2 (part), 1994; Ord. 1994-276 § 4 Exh. A (part), 1994; Ord. 1988-242 § 2 Exh. A (part), 1988: Ord. 1987-219 § 3, 1987; Ord. 1986-210 § 2, 1986; Ord. 1981-185 § 1, 1981; Ord. 1967-80 § 1 (6912.1), 1967; Ord. 2001-338 § 8 (part), 2001)

Applications for design review of SB 9 dwelling units shall be exempt from the architectural and site plan review process in this chapter. Such projects shall instead be acted on by the planning and building director pursuant to the town's SB 9 objective standards checklist and Municipal Code standards.

(Ord. 2021-443 §6, 2021)

The architectural and site control commission shall be constituted as provided for in other ordinances of the town.

(Ord. 1967-80 § 1 (6912.2), 1967)

All applications for building permits, zoning permits, and conditional use permits for which architectural and site plan review is required, shall be referred by the official receiving the same to the architectural and site control commission for review and report prior to the issuance of permits therefor by the town.

(Ord. 1967-80 § 1 (6912.3), 1967)

Each application referred to the architectural and site control commission shall be accompanied by the following required information unless waived by the commission, or if required, waived by the planning commission:

A.

Site plan drawn to scale and indicating clearly and with full dimensions the following information, insofar as applicable:

1.

Parcel dimensions;

2.

All existing and proposed buildings and structures: location, size, height and proposed uses;

3.

Yards and open spaces between buildings;

4.

Walls and fences: location, height and materials;

5.

Off-street parking: location, number of spaces and dimensions of parking areas, and internal circulation pattern;

6.

Access: pedestrian, vehicular, equestrian, services, points of ingress and egress, internal circulation;

7.

Signs: location, size and height; type of materials and lighting;

8.

Loading: location, dimensions, number of spaces, and internal circulation;

9.

An exterior lighting plan (on a separate sheet if necessary) which is consistent with the town's lighting regulations and guidelines and which identifies all proposed exterior light fixtures by type, location and intensity of illumination. Further, the method of lighting control shall be specified, e.g. manual switch, tune clock, etc.;

10.

Street dedications and improvements proposed;

11.

Easements for public utility purposes and an indication of whether overhead or underground lines are to be installed;

12.

A planting plan which is consistent with the town's landscaping guidelines and is responsive to the town's desire to encourage those native plants set forth in the town's native plant list; it is anticipated that in some instances existing native vegetation will be adequate and no new planting will be necessary;

13.

Existing grades and proposed finished grades and drainage plan certified by a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor;

14.

Recycling and trash enclosures as required by Section 18.37.010;

15.

And such other data as may be required to permit the commission to make its required findings.

B.

Architectural drawings or sketches indicating building floor plans and all the exterior elevations of the buildings or structures under consideration.

C.

When deemed warranted by the architectural and site control commission, a three-dimensional model of a scale and character deemed appropriate by the architectural and site control commission.

D.

The perimeter of all proposed structures shall be clearly staked and labeled on the site at the time of submittal of an application. Said staking shall be maintained during the period the application is under consideration by the town. In addition, the architectural and site control commission may require that the actual bulk of a structure be demonstrated through appropriate means on the site (i.e., balloons, story poles and ridge string).

(Ord. 1994-279 § 2 (part), 1994; Ord. 1991-266 § 1 (part), 1992; Ord. 1988-242 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), § 3 (Exh. B) (part), 1988; Ord. 1976-166 § 25 (part), 1976; Ord. 1967-80 § 1 (6912.4), 1967)

In preparing applications, applicants should consult the design guidelines adopted by the town. These guidelines include building, site utilization and landscape design concepts the town encourages and a list of trees and plants the town prefers. The design guidelines are consistent with the provisions of Section 18.64.050 and 18.64.060, but are in greater detail. The design guidelines are used by the architectural and site control commission in the review of all applications.

(Ord. 1988-242 § 3 (Exh. B)(part), 1988)

In carrying out the purpose of this title with respect to the external design of structures, the commission shall keep in mind the following principles:

A.

It is not a purpose of this chapter that control of architectural character should be so rigidly enforced that individual initiative is stifled in the design of any particular structure, or substantial additional expense is required; rather, it is the intent of this chapter that any control exercised be the minimum necessary to achieve the overall objectives of this title.

B.

Good architectural character is based upon the suitability of a structure for its purposes; upon the appropriate use of sound materials; and upon the principles of harmony and proportion in the elements of the structure.

C.

Good architectural character is not, in itself, more expensive than poor architectural character, and is not dependent upon the particular style of architecture selected.

D.

The relationship of a structure to its surroundings is of greater importance than the quality of design of the individual structure.

E.

Nonresidential structures shall be compatible with the rural atmosphere of Portola Valley. Small, interesting shapes and groupings are preferred to large, simple, geometric forms of comparable size.

F.

When deemed warranted by the staff or the ASCC, an evaluation shall be made of the compatibility of the proposed project with existing off-site conditions and with potential future off-site conditions to the extent such conditions can reasonably be anticipated. This evaluation should demonstrate compatibility of the proposed height, bulk and mass with conditions in the area, including anticipated future development of adjoining properties, even if such compatibility requires adhering to standards that are more restrictive than the maximums set forth in this title.

(Ord. 1995-285 § 1 Exh. A (part), 1995: Ord. 1986-210 § 3, 1986: Ord. 1979-166 § 25 (part), 1979; Ord. 1967-80 § 1 (6912.7), 1967)

In addition to reviewing the proposed development in relation to specific requirements and conditions of this title, the architectural and site control commission shall consider such of the following as are applicable to the particular case. This may result in the necessity to reduce floor area, impervious surface or height and may require an increase in setbacks from property lines.

A.

Design of the structure so as to minimize disturbance to the natural terrain;

B.

Maximum possible preservation of existing vegetation;

C.

Design and location of the structure in relation to provision of adequate light and air to itself and its neighbors;

D.

Landscaping, screening, and fencing to preserve privacy and mitigate adverse effects on neighboring properties;

E.

Location of entrances and exits and layout of internal circulation in relation to traffic safety and ease and convenience of movement;

F.

Arrangement and intensity of night lighting in relation to public safety and effect on adjoining properties;

G.

Planting and site design as related to problems of drainage and soil erosion;

H.

Materials and colors shall be compatible with the rural setting of the town and the surrounding landscape and structures;

I.

Grading so as to minimize the apparent disturbance to the natural terrain;

J.

With respect to mobile homes certified under the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, building design may be reviewed only in regard to roof material and color, roof overhang and siding material and color.

(Ord. 1995-285 § 1 Exh. A (part), 1995: Ord. 1986-210 § 4, 1986: Ord. 1981-185 § 2, 1981; Ord. 1979-166 § 25 (part), 1979; Ord. 1967-80 § 1 (6912.8), 1967)

Because the establishment or enlargement of activities and facilities will result in other changes, including an increase in vehicular and other traffic, noise, and activities associated with traffic, the following dedications and improvements are deemed to be necessary and the architectural and site control commission may recommend that they be made and installed so as to prevent congestion and the other hazards that are related to the intensified use of the land:

A.

All streets, both thoroughfares and locals, which are on the front, side or rear property lines of the subject property shall be dedicated to the full width required by the town on the side of the street or highway center line bordering the property. The improvements and dedications may include the following, and appurtenant easements: berms, stabilized shoulder, pedestrian paths, trails, street paving, street trees or other planting, street signs, street lights, and all required utilities, and shall conform to the standards established by the town.

(Ord. 1967-80 § 1 (6912.5), 1967)

The architectural and site control commission may request reports and recommendations from the fire chief, town engineer, building inspector, health officer or any other officer of the town regarding matters in their fields of competence or under their jurisdiction and which would be affected by the proposed use or structure.

(Ord. 1967-80 § 1 (6912.6), 1967)

The secretary of the planning commission shall notify owners of properties which adjoin the property described in an application and any homeowners associations whose membership area encompasses the property. Notification shall be sent by mail at least six days prior to the meeting at which the application is to be considered. Alternatively, such notification can be by telephone at least four days prior to the meeting. Failure to comply with these notification requirements shall not nullify the action of the architectural and site control commission.

(Ord. 1988-242 § 3 Exh. B (part), 1988)

The architectural and site control commission shall meet and act on such applications within fifteen days of the time such applications are submitted to the responsible official unless a longer time is agreed to by the applicant. The aforesaid commission shall determine from the reports and data submitted, whether the use and structures will meet the requirements and objectives of this title and shall, upon making a positive finding, recommend approval to the responsible official or body. If from the information submitted, the commission finds that the requirements of this title and the objectives set forth in this title would not be secured, they shall disapprove or recommend approval subject to specified conditions, changes or additions, to the official or body authorized to act on the particular class of permit.

(Ord. 1967-80 § 1 (6912.9), 1967)

Building permits approved by the architectural and site control commission shall become effective sixteen days after approval unless the council elects to review the approval pursuant to Section 18.78.120, or unless the approval is appealed pursuant to Section 18.64.110.

(Ord. 1989-245 § 3 Exh. C (part), 1989)

Architectural and site control commission approvals of building permits shall expire if the permit has not been issued within two years from the date the approval became effective. Applications for extensions beyond this period will not be accepted.

(Ord. 1995-285 § 1 Exh. A (part), 1995)

When the architectural and site control commission has submitted its written recommendations to the planning commission relative to a conditional use permit, further action shall be in accordance with Chapters 18.72 and 18.76.

(Ord. 1967-80 § 1 (6912.11), 1967)

If the applicant, or any other aggrieved party is dissatisfied with the decision of the architectural and site control commission, appeal may be taken to the board of adjustment as provided by Chapter 18.66, provided, however, that such appeal must be filed within fifteen days of the architectural and site control commission decision.

(Ord. 1989-245 § 3 Exh. C (part), 1989: Ord. 1967-80 § 1 (6912.12), 1967)