Solano County Zoning Code § 28.103 Design Review - Suisun Valley

• A. Purpose . The purpose of design review is to promote a quality rural character in new development for Suisun Valley and to unify the design and construction of individual neighborhood agricultural tourist centers into the existing agriculturally-focused context.

• B. Applicability . Design review is required for any new construction in the A-SV-20, A-T-C and A-T-C-NC Districts.

• C. Design Review Process . Based upon the type of permitting required for the project, design review permits will be issued according the following provisions:

  • a. Discretionary Permits. When a project requires a discretionary permit, including any use permit, sign permit or variance, Design Review will be approved by the hearing authority as a part of the discretionary permit. The hearing authority shall consider recommendations from staff in its decision. The adopted Design Guidelines and any other established standards shall provide the basis for final approvals.

  • b. Non-discretionary permits. When a project requires a non-discretionary permit, such as an administrative permit or building permit, the Director of Resource Management shall take action administratively on the design review in conjunction with the action being taken on the non-discretionary permit. The Director shall consider recommendations from staff along with the adopted Design Guidelines and any other established standards shall provide the basis for final approvals.

• D. Design Guidelines . The Suisun Valley design Guidelines (Chapter 4 of the Suisun Valley Strategic Plan) shall serve as the guidelines for the design review of all new construction in the A-SV-20, A-T-C and A-T-C-NC Districts.

• E. Action by the Hearing Authority . If a proposed design is not approved, the applicant shall be provided with a written description of any development proposal design features in a form that constitutes recommended modifications to the project in order to clearly provide the applicant an understanding of the desired changes that would obtain an approval from the Director or hearing authority.

• F. Findings . A proposed design shall be approved if the following findings can be made:

  1. the project conforms to the Suisun Valley Design Guidelines,

  2. the project will maintain and enhance the Valley’s agricultural character.

  3. the project will maintain, enhance, or restore natural features.

  4. the project will preserve the indigenous landscape and rural character.

  5. the project will enhance quality of life and economic vitality.

(Revised 8/15)

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Chapter 28

Zoning Regulations

6. the project will enhance the community brand and destination marketing the Valley.

7. the project will ensure the highest quality new construction.

8. the project will minimize site disturbance.

9. the project will preserve views of natural and cultural features.

10. the project will ensure compatibility of new projects with natural and rural landscapes.

• G. Occupancy . No structure which has received Design Review approval shall be occupied or used in any manner or receive a certificate of occupancy until the Resource Management Department has inspected and determined that the structure(s) and site development comply with the Development Review approval.

• H. Submittal Requirements . All applications for Design Review shall be submitted by the owner or the owner’s agent to the Resource Management Department on forms approved by the Director of Resource Management and the Director shall establish written application instructions describing the type and size of drawings and other materials required for submittal.

• I. Fees . Fees for design review shall be established by the Board of supervisors pursuant to Section 11-110.4 of the County Code.