Chapter 17.450 — DESIGN REVIEW PROCEDURE

A. The purpose of these provisions is to prescribe the procedure for the review of the design and appearance of new development within the City. A design review permit shall be required for all new development or expansions to existing development as follows:

1. New residential developments of three or more contiguous lots in any district and a total of three or more new residential units;

2. New single-family residences in new residential subdivisions of three or more units; and

3. Proposed buildings or substantial additions or other substantial exterior modifications to existing buildings for which a building permit is required in districts other than single-family or duplex districts;

• B. The following shall be exempt from the requirement for a design review permit:

  1. Rooftop photovoltaic installations shall not require design review unless the Planning Director determines that review is appropriate due to unusual characteristics of the installation or building.

Application for design review shall be made as described at SMC 17.400.030. Applications for design review shall be accompanied by such information including, but not necessarily limited to, architectural drawings showing all the elevations of the proposed building(s) or structure(s), the relationship of the proposed building(s) or structure(s) to surrounding buildings, and the proposed landscaping or other treatment of the ground around such building or structure, including building placement, off-street parking and preliminary grading plans as may be required to allow applicable design review criteria to be applied to the proposal. All drawings shall be prepared by licensed design professionals, as may be required by State law.

A. The Design Review Board may delegate to the Planning Director the authority to approve applications for design review for minor exterior alteration of any building or structure in any district requiring design review, or to approve any other application for design review which has been approved in concept by the Design Review Board.

B. In considering an application for design review, the Design Review Board, or the Planning Director, as the case may be, shall determine whether:

1. The design of the proposal would be compatible with the neighborhood and with the general visual character of Sebastopol;

2. The design provides appropriate transitions and relationships to adjacent properties and the public right-of-way;

3. It would not impair the desirability of investment or occupation in the neighborhood;

4. The design is internally consistent and harmonious;

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5. The design is in conformity with any guidelines and standards adopted pursuant to this chapter.

C. The Design Review Board, or the Planning Director, as the case may be, shall render approval only in conformity with subsection (B)(2) of this section, and such other resolutions and actions of the Design Review Board establishing standards and guidelines.

D. The Design Review Board, or the Planning Director, as the case may be, may designate such condition(s) in connection with the design review application it deems necessary to secure the purposes of this code, and may require such guarantee and evidence that such conditions are being, or will be, complied with.

Refer to Table 17.400-1 for identification of the decision-making authority for approvals and appeals and to Table 17.400-2 for public notice, public comment, and public hearing requirements.

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