Marina Municipal Code Ch. 17.56 Site and Architectural Design Review

Sections: Site and architectural design review. Application and fees. Design review process. Board action. Review authority action. Generally.

The planning commission shall review applications for which the commission is the specified review authority, as shown in Table 17.56.035. (Ord. 2025-09 § 2, 2025; Ord. 2024-02 § 3, 2024; Ord. 2020-07 § 2, 2020; Ord. 2001-07 § 1, 2001; Ord. 97-12 § 1, 1997; Zoning Ordinance dated 7/94, 1994)

A. Applications for site and architectural design review shall be accompanied by drawings showing front, side and rear elevations of the proposed building, structure signs, fences, developments, or improvements or additions thereto. The applicant shall also submit plans or drawings showing in reasonable detail, proposed building or structural locations, topography, existing vegetation, proposed parking layout and location, proposed landscaping plans and proposed color schemes. B. Such applications shall be accompanied by a fee to be established by resolution of the city council from time to time hereafter enacted, no part of which shall be returnable to the applicant. (Ord. 2025-09 § 2, 2025; Ord. 2020-07 § 2, 2020; Zoning Ordinance dated 7/94, 1994. Formerly 17.56.030)

Table 17.56.035 establishes thresholds for design review. Minor projects are reviewed by the community development director. Major projects are reviewed by the planning commission. Table 17.56.035 Review Authority for Site Plan and Design Review Review Level Community Development Director Planning Commission City Council RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES Residential New Construction New multifamily units (attached or detached) ≤1,000 sq. ft. Decision Appeal Appeal New multifamily units (attached or detached) >1,000 sq. ft. Recommend Decision Appeal Accessory structures Decision Appeal Appeal Accessory structures >16 feet in height Recommend Decision Appeal Residential Additions Residential additions Decision Appeal Appeal Other Residential Construction or Improvements Façade or exterior improvements in multifamily residential zones Decision Appeal Appeal New or modified landscaping Decision Appeal Appeal NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES New Construction, Additions and Modifications Accessory structures Decision Appeal Appeal New construction, additions or modifications ≤1,000 sq. ft. Decision Appeal Appeal New construction, additions or modifications >1,000 sq. ft. Recommend Decision Appeal Other Nonresidential Construction Façade or exterior improvements ≤1,000 sq. ft. Decision Appeal Appeal

Table 17.56.035 Review Authority for Site Plan and Design Review Review Level Community Development Director Planning Commission City Council Façade or exterior improvements >1,000 sq. ft. Recommend Decision Appeal Airport Design Review Modifications Façade or exterior improvements <10,000 sq. ft. Decision Appeal Appeal Façade or exterior improvements >10,000 sq. ft. Recommend Decision Appeal (Ord. 2025-09 § 2, 2025)

The review authority shall consider all necessary plans, drawings and statements in an endeavor to encourage buildings, structures, or other improvements to be designed and constructed, and so located, that they will not be unsightly, undesirable or obnoxious in appearance to the extent that they will hinder the orderly and harmonious development of the city, impair the desirability of residence or investment or occupation in the city, limit the opportunity to obtain the optimum use and value of the land and improvements, impair the desirability of living conditions on or adjacent to the subject site, conform with the standards included in the local coastal land use plan and/or otherwise adversely affect the general welfare of the community. (Ord. 2025-09 § 2, 2025; Ord. 2020-07 § 2, 2020; Zoning Ordinance dated 7/94, 1994)

The community development director shall serve as the review authority for minor projects, as shown in Table 17.56.035, and shall refer major projects to the planning commission with a recommendation for approval or denial. The planning commission shall serve as the review authority for major projects, as shown in Table 17.56.035. The community development director shall have the authority to refer the project for planning commission review if doing so is in the public interest or having broad effect on the community. All improvements which have received site and architectural design approval shall be constructed substantially in accordance with the approved plans, and no change shall be made subsequently without the review and approval of the appropriate review authority. When public hearings are required for solely design review approvals, not including subdivision maps or other development applications, no more than five hearings shall be required. (Ord. 2025-09 § 2, 2025; Ord. 2020-07 § 2, 2020; Zoning Ordinance dated 7/94, 1994)

All qualified housing development projects as defined in Section 17.04.440.1 and under state law shall be ministerially reviewed and approved. (Ord. 2025-09 § 2, 2025; Ord. 2024-02 § 3, 2024. Formerly 17.56.070) 17.58.010 17.58.020 17.58.030 17.58.040 17.58.060 17.58.070