Overlay districts are established to protect, maintain, and enhance the unique physical and cultural resources and character of the city.

Property located within an overlay district as defined in this chapter and shown on the official overlay maps of the city is subject both to the underlying regulations which are applicable to the zoning district and to any additional requirements imposed concurrent with the establishment of an overlay district. In any case where the regulations of the overlay district conflict with those provisions of the underlying zone, the overlay district provisions shall prevail.

Proposed overlay districts shall be established by ordinance. The city council, after receiving a recommendation from the planning commission, shall have final decisionmaking authority over the establishment of an overlay district. Approved overlay districts shall become new chapters of SMC Title 18, Zoning.