Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Ch. 2.19 Architectural Review Committee

There is established the Arroyo Grande architectural review committee, (the "committee"), consisting of five members, who shall be qualified electors of the city and shall serve without compensation.

(Ord. 547 § 3(C), 2003)

Members of the committee shall be appointed to serve for a term as specified by resolution of the city council.

(Ord. 547 § 3(C), 2003)

Appointments for the committee and the filling of vacancies shall be made in the manner provided by resolution of the council. Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms only. All members of the committee shall serve at the pleasure of the council.

(Ord. 547 § 3(C), 2003)

Qualifications of members of the committee shall be established by resolution of the city council.

(Ord. 547 § 3(C), 2003)

Absence from three consecutive regular committee meetings or twenty-five (25) percent of the regular meetings during any one-year period, without the formal consent of the council, shall constitute the resignation of such absent member and the position declared vacant.

(Ord. 547 § 3(C), 2003)

The city council shall adopt bylaws, which shall establish rules, regulations, and procedures to conduct meetings. The bylaws shall include provisions for selection of a chairperson and vice-chairperson.

(Ord. 547 § 3(C), 2003)

(Ord. No. 2025-005, § 3, 4-22-2025)

Regular meetings of the architectural review committee shall be held the first and third Mondays of each month at the city council chambers located at 215 E. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, during a time established in its bylaws; additional meetings may be scheduled as needed.

(Ord. 547 § 3(C), 2003)

(Ord. No. 2025-001, § 3, 1-28-2025)

A. The function of the committee shall be to make recommendations to the council, commission and/or community development director (the "director") regarding the administration of the provisions of Title 16, whenever applicable, in a manner that will:

1. Be consistent with the requirements of the general plan and of Title 16;

2. Develop and maintain a pleasant and harmonious environment;

3. Promote and enhance real property values;

4. Conserve the city's natural beauty;

5. Preserve and enhance its distinctive visual character;

6. Ensure the orderly and harmonious development of the city; and

7. Preserve historic structures and neighborhoods.

B. The committee shall prepare, review and recommend appropriate architectural standards and guidelines, subject to commission and council approval. Standards and guidelines are to be set forth in pictorial and/or narrative form and may illustrate undesirable as well as desirable examples of design. The committee shall periodically review these standards and guidelines and may make recommendation for appropriate amendments.

C. The committee shall make itself available to advise and assist the council, commission and director in the application of its architectural standards and guidelines to projects during schematic and development stages.

D. The committee shall review and make recommendations to the council, commission and/or director regarding applications for architectural review and planned sign program review, pursuant to the development code, unless the committee or the director certifies that the nature of the work is minor or incidental and need not be reviewed by the committee. When, in the opinion of the director, applications for projects other than architectural or sign review may create an architectural impact contrary to the objective of Title 16, the committee may review the application prior to the planning commission and/or city council hearings.

E. The committee shall have the authority to review and approve plans pursuant to conditions of project approval imposed by the planning commission or city council.

(Ord. 547 § 3(C), 2003)

In reviewing projects, the architectural review committee shall be guided by the following purposes and intent:

A. To ensure consistency with the general plan and compliance with the provisions of Title 16;

B. To recognize the interdependence of the land values and aesthetics and to provide a method by which the city may implement this interdependence to its benefit and to the benefit of its individual citizens;

C. To preserve and enhance the beauty and environmental amenities of the city; and

D. To promote and protect the safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity, and general welfare of the citizens of the city.

(Ord. 547 § 3(C), 2003)