Montebello Municipal Code Ch. 2.80 Design Review Board

There is created a design review board (hereinafter referred to as the "board") in and for the city. The design review board shall consist of five members appointed by a majority of the city council. Each member of the board shall be a person who resides and/or conducts business in the city at the time of appointment and during the term of office. At least one member of the board shall be a licensed architect. At least one member of the board shall be a member of the city's chamber of commerce. All other members of the board shall be persons who, as a result of their training, experience and/or attainments, are qualified to analyze and interpret design and architectural planning information, including, but not limited to, landscape architects, urban planners, engineers, builders and developers. For the purposes of this section, "conducts business" shall mean operating a licensed business in the city.

(Ord. 2269 § 1, 2004: Ord. 2247 § 1 (part), 2002)

Each member of the board shall serve for terms not to exceed four years each, provided that the city council may stagger the terms of the members so as to provide continuity in the membership of the board. Each member shall serve until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. Nothing in this section shall preclude a member from serving on the board after first leaving the board at the expiration of the person's term.

(Ord. 2247 § 1 (part), 2002)

The board shall have the power and it shall be its duty to review, approve, disapprove and attach conditions to design plans or design review applications, including but not limited to exterior color plans for structures in the commercial and manufacturing zone as specified in Sections 17.22.105 and 17.32.135 of the zoning code, in accordance with the intent, purpose and standards for design review established by the city's zoning code and design guidelines. The authority of the board shall be limited to color, appearance, design and general layout. The board shall have the authority to require plans, elevations, color renderings and a materials board for the purpose of its review. In the event of denial, the board shall specify the areas in which the project fails to comply with the standards set forth in the zoning code and/or the design guidelines. The applicant shall have the opportunity to submit changes to the project's design plans which comply with the specified reasons for denial for reconsideration by the board, or request appeal of the board's decision to the city council within fourteen days of the board's action or by the next city council meeting, whichever date is earlier. The board may delegate authority to the city planner for review and approval of minor changes, and to approve resubmitted plans with modifications or changes provided such modifications or changes are in substantial conformance with reviewed plans and are consistent with the determination and objectives of the board.

(Ord. 2247 § 1 (part), 2002)

A. The board shall hold at least one regular meeting once every two weeks at city hall, or at another location designated by resolution of the board, at the time specified by resolution by the board. Special meetings may be called at any time by the chair or by any three members of the board not less than twenty-four hours before the time specified for the proposed special meeting.

B. Three members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The city planner, or his or her designee, shall be responsible for keeping a record of the voting and decision minutes of the meetings of the board.

(Ord. 2247 § 1 (part), 2002)

A. The board shall select one of its members to act as chairperson and one of its members to act as vice-chairperson. The terms of office of both the chairperson and the vice-chairperson shall be for a period of one year. The chairperson shall preside over the meetings; if the chairperson is absent, the vice-chairperson shall preside over the meetings.

B. The board or the city council may adopt rules for transaction of business but, unless so adopted, the procedures set forth in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall prevail. There shall be an accurate record of all proceedings, decisions, findings, recommendations and resolutions of the board. Such records shall be public and at all times available for public review in city hall.

C. The board shall be supported by staff from the planning division and/or other staff designated by the city council.

D. Members of the design review board shall be compensated as determined by the city council by resolution.

(Ord. 2247 § 1 (part), 2002)

The city council shall by resolution prescribe fees for all reviews and appeals to the city council relating to the design review board.

(Ord. 2247 § 1 (part), 2002)