San Rafael Municipal Code Ch. 14.15 Canalfront Review Overlay District (-C)

In addition to the general purposes listed in Section 14.01.030, Purposes, and the purposes of the underlying zoning district, the specific purposes of the canalfront review overlay district include the following:

A. Protect the unique physical and social characteristics of the canalfront area;

B. Enhance the canalfront orientation of existing structures;

C. Insure canalfront-oriented design in new development;

D. Improve public views and access to the canalfront;

E. Promote design excellence by encouraging creative development project design and the innovative use of materials and methods and techniques.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

The planning commission, zoning administrator or planning director may approve, conditionally approve or deny applications for an environmental and design review permit in the canalfront review overlay district. The authority for determination on major, minor and administrative environmental and design review permits in the canalfront review overlay district is identified in Section 14.25.020, Authority.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

An application for an environmental and design review permit in the canalfront review overlay district shall be initiated by submitting to the planning department a completed application form, signed by the property owner or authorized agent, accompanied by the required fee and information as required by Section 14.25.030, Application.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

No improvement subject to review in Section 14.25.040, Improvements subject to review, shall hereafter be constructed, located, repaired, altered, expanded or thereafter maintained, except in accordance with a design approved as consistent with the canalfront design review guidelines.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

Development standards shall be those of the underlying zoning district with which the canalfront review overlay district is combined, provided that the following mandatory requirements shall be in addition and shall govern where conflicts arise. The discretionary guidelines are intended to assist the designer in understanding city design policies for development in the canalfront area. The following criteria shall be in addition to the design criteria of Section 14.25.050, Review criteria.

A. Site Design. Design factors which must be considered include the development of the canal as an attractive amenity; orientation of the development to the canalfront; pedestrian and bicycle access and linkages where appropriate; and canal view protection and enhancement. Setbacks along the canal are required to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, to provide public access and/or to provide for levee maintenance.

B. Architecture. Low-scale buildings that protect public views of the water and which do not dominate the canal shall be required. High quality waterfront-oriented design as viewed from the canal as well as the street is encouraged.

C. Colors/Materials. Colors and materials shall be consistent with Section 14.25.050(F)(2), Materials and Colors.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

The application for a canalfront review overlay district design review permit shall be processed consistent with the provisions of Chapter 14.25, Environmental and Design Review Permits.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).