17.98.058 Administrative review of alternative designs.
An applicant may request review by the director of an application or portions thereof which do not strictly conform to the specific requirements of Chapter 17.99 GHMC, Design Manual, for certain underlying project permit applications.
A. Only the following underlying project permit applications are eligible for administrative review of an alternative design:
1. Single-family (detached only) and duplex dwelling building permit applications for remodel or new construction on lots of record, and their accessory structures;
2. Tenant-specific alterations.
B. The director shall have the authority to approve, or approve with conditions, alternative design solutions to specific requirements only if all of the following criteria are met:
1. The alternative design represents an equivalent or superior design solution to what would otherwise be achieved by rigidly applying specific requirements; and
2. The alternative design meets the intent of the general requirements of Chapter 17.99 GHMC, Design Manual.
C. The director shall not approve any deviation from dimensional or numeric standards stated within the text of any general requirements, or from minimum setback standards, maximum height standards or zone transition building size standards stated in specific requirements of Chapter 17.99 GHMC. Approval to deviate from these standards must be obtained through the variance process defined in Chapter 17.66 GHMC.
D. The director shall render a decision on an alternative design as set forth in GHMC 17.98.070 and 19.02.007.
E. Notice of the director’s decision shall be sent to property owners within 300 feet of the subject property in addition to those parties required to be noticed by GHMC 19.02.007. (Ord. 1245 § 28, 2012; Ord. 1197 § 77, 2010; Ord. 1093 § 8, 2007).