Solano County Zoning Code § 28.91 Architectural Standards

The purpose of architectural approval is to promote the orderly and harmonious development of the County, the stability of land values and investments, and the general welfare; and to help prevent the impairment or depreciation of land values and development by the erection of structures or additions or alterations thereto of unsightly, undesirable, or obnoxious appearance. A building permit shall not be issued until architectural approval has been obtained.

The provisions of this Section shall apply to all zoning districts.

In carrying out the purposes of this Section, the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission shall keep in mind the following standards:

• A. It is not a purpose of this Section that control of architectural character should be so rigidly enforced that individual initiative is stifled in the design of any particular building or substantial additional expense incurred; rather, it is the intent of this Section that any control exercised be the minimum necessary to achieve the overall objectives of this Section.

• B. Good architectural character is based upon the suitability of a building for its purposes, upon the appropriate use of sound materials, and upon the principles of harmony and proportion in the elements of the building.

(Revised 12/17)

1032.5

Chapter 28

Zoning Regulations

• C. Good architectural character is not in itself more expensive than poor architectural character, and is not dependent upon the particular style of architecture selected.

• D. Where buildings are grouped in close proximity, harmony between individual buildings in any group is of equal importance to the architectural character of any individual building. Similarity of materials, of colors, of landscaping, or character of construction, will help to minimize disharmony between buildings in proximity.

• E. The aesthetic quality of building design, as evidenced by the use and relationship of materials, color and texture, application of the principles of scale, proportion and harmony, and suitability of structure to its site, shall be comparable to that exhibited in the surrounding area.

• F. New dwellings shall maintain design continuity, conform to or be aesthetically compatible in areas where a particular design style or theme has been established.

• A. In carrying out the purposes of this Section, the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission shall pay particular attention to on-site signs and general advertising structures, and shall have authority to limit and control the location, number, size, design, lighting, and use of colors and such on-site signs and general advertising structures in order to promote the orderly and harmonious development of the commercial and industrial districts of the County.

• B. When determining the compatibility of locating a dwelling amidst or adjacent to existing residential structures, additional consideration shall be given to the minimum development standards for dwellings found in Section 28.72.10(A)(1), existing architecture, and use of exterior materials used on structures in the immediate neighborhood.