17.98.037 Optional design review preapplication meeting.
A. Purpose. Applicants for projects that will require design review may request a preapplication review by the design review board (DRB) at a DRB meeting. The purpose of the preapplication review is to allow the DRB to provide early input on potential development or redevelopment of a site during the early stages of design. This will allow the design review board to identify specific areas of concern and design opportunities related to the site for the applicant. The DRB’s comments may help the applicant develop a design that conforms to design manual standards in a manner more sensitive to specific site conditions and to neighborhood concerns.
B. Optional Preapplication Meeting with Staff. It is highly recommended that the applicant request and attend a preapplication meeting with the community development department staff prior to requesting a preapplication meeting with the design review board. This will allow the staff to identify for the applicant obvious site design deficiencies that do not fall under the purview of the design review board (e.g., street access; fire fighting access; utility availability; critical area protection; noncompliant use, density, height, setbacks, etc.).
C. Benefits of Preapplication Meeting with DRB.
1. Provides opportunity to dialogue with the design review board to determine specific areas of interest and, if notice is provided to the public, an opportunity to dialogue with individuals in the surrounding neighborhood.
2. Expands the level of input prior to application submittal.
3. Provides early feedback on draft proposals.
4. May help identify noncompliant design concepts before expending money on detailed plans and drawings.
5. May help applicant determine whether to pursue the project or not.
D. DRB preapplication review is limited to one meeting. Applicants may request one preapplication meeting with the DRB, which will be at no charge. The meeting shall be held within 28 days of receipt of the request.
E. Information Needed for Preapplication Meeting with DRB. To enable the DRB to provide a meaningful response, requests for design review preapplication meetings should include the following:
1. The location of the site (a map showing the site in context with surrounding sites and development is encouraged).
2. A sketch or drawing of the site showing its approximate configuration and dimensions.
3. A sketch or drawing of the site showing natural site conditions including topographic information and existing vegetation. Photographs are encouraged.
4. Conceptual drawings or sketches of proposed development.
F. Notice. Notice of a preapplication meeting with the DRB is not required; however, at the request of the applicant, notice will be mailed to the owner of all properties within 300 feet of the subject site.
G. Nonbinding Nature of Preapplication Meeting. Neither DRB nor staff comments at the preapplication meeting with the DRB are binding on the applicant. Nor will they bind the city in any manner or prevent the city from fully applying or enforcing all applicable codes, ordinances and regulations. (Ord. 1245 § 27, 2012; Ord. 1093 § 11, 2007; Ord. 1006 § 1, 2005).