Calaveras County Municipal Code § 17.29.010 Purpose

This chapter establishes the design review procedure to ensure that new development (see Section 17.43.040) supports the goals and objectives of the general plan and other adopted plans and guidelines. The specific purposes of the design review process are to:

A. Promote excellence in site planning and design and the harmonious appearance of buildings and sites; and

B. Ensure that new and altered uses and development will be compatible with the existing and potential development of the surrounding area; and

C. Supplement other county regulations and standards to ensure control of aspects of design that are not otherwise addressed.

Design review is required for projects within the design review (DR) overlay zone.

A. Planning Commission. The planning commission shall have design review authority for all projects that would require planning commission approval regardless of the requirement for design review.

B. Director.

1. The director shall have design review authority for all projects that do not meet the criteria listed in subsection A for a decision by the Planning Commission.

2. The director may refer items directly to the planning commission when in the director's opinion the public interest would be better served by having the planning commission conduct Design Review.

A. Application. Applications for design review shall be filed with the planning department on the prescribed application forms in accordance with the procedures in Section 17.27.020, Application Forms and Fees.

B. Concurrent Processing. When a development project requires a use permit, variance, or any other discretionary approval, the design review application shall be submitted as a part of the application for the underlying permit, use permit, or variance.

C. Public Notice. All applications for design review require public notice pursuant to Section 17.27.070, Public Notice.

D. Public Hearing.

1. Design Review by the Planning Commission. All projects for which the planning commission is the review authority, shall require a public hearing before the planning commission pursuant to Section 17.27.080, Conduct of Public Hearings.

2. Design Review by the director. No public hearing is required for design review where the director is the review authority.

A. Design Review Considerations. Design Review shall be based on consideration of any applicable adopted design standards or guidelines and the requirements of this chapter as they apply to the design of the site plan, structures, landscaping, and other physical features of a proposed project, including, but not limited to:

1. Building proportions, massing, and architectural details; and

2. Site design, orientation, location, and architectural design of buildings relative to existing structures on or adjacent to the property, topography, and other physical features of the natural and built environment; and

3. Size, location, design, development, and arrangement of on-site parking and other paved areas; and

4. Exterior materials as they relate to each other, to the overall appearance of the project, and to surrounding development; and

5. Height, materials, design, fences, walls, and screen plantings; and

6. Location and type of landscaping including selection and size of plant materials, and design of hardscape; and

7. Size, location, design, color, lighting, and materials of all signs.

A. Appeals. Design Review decisions are subject to the appeal provisions of Section 17.27.140, Appeals.

B. Expiration, Extensions and Revisions. Design review is subject to the effective dates, expiration, and extension provisions of Section 17.27.110, Effective Dates; Expiration and Extension.

C. Revocation. Design review approval may be revoked pursuant to Section 17.27.130, Revocation of Permits, if any of the conditions or terms of the approval are violated or if any law or ordinance is violated.