Note Prior ordinance history: Ords. 1410, 1507, 1520, 1586.
In order to preserve and enhance the city's aesthetic values and to ensure the preservation of the public health, safety, and general welfare, the following projects shall be subject to discretionary design review.
A. 
The planning commission is empowered to review and make decisions concerning the following classes of projects:
1. 
All outdoor uses, new improvements and structures, or expansions thereof, proposed within all zoning districts except the PUD district.
2. 
Any matter referred to it by the zoning administrator for decision.
3. 
Appeals of items acted upon by the zoning administrator.
B. 
The zoning administrator shall review and make decisions concerning the following classes of projects:
1. 
All accessory structures which exceed 10 feet in height, measured from average ground level to the highest point on the structure.
2. 
Additions to single-family houses which exceed 10 feet in height, as height is defined in this title.
3. 
Fences, walls, and hedges greater than six feet in height, as height is defined in this title.
4. 
All models of single-family projects.
5. 
All custom single-family homes.
6. 
All outdoor uses, new improvements, and structures in PUD districts in which the conditions of approval specifically have delegated decision making authority over design issues to the preexisting design review board.
7. 
All signs.
8. 
All satellite earth stations and microwave dish antennas, whether located in a residential or nonresidential district.
9. 
Minor building additions in "straight zoned" (non-PUD) districts. (Minor building additions in PUD districts would continue to be treated as minor modifications, subject to staff approval.)
10. 
Exterior improvements or expansions to unreinforced masonry buildings, as defined in Section 18.08.580 of this title.
11. 
Commercial and noncommercial towers, spires, cupolas, chimneys, penthouses, water tanks, fire towers, flagpoles, monuments, scenery lofts, and similar structures.
12. 
Commercial and noncommercial radio and television antennas and transmission towers, personal wireless service facilities, and receive-only antennas greater than 10 feet in height.
13. 
All covered front porches that are located in the front yard setback area in the R-1, RM zoning districts and PUD zoned residential properties referencing the R-1/RM development standards of this code.
14. 
Small electricity generator facilities, and small fuel cell facilities.
15. 
Additions and exterior modifications/alterations listed below to single-family houses in residential zoning districts within the Downtown Specific Plan Area that are considered historic resources as defined by the Downtown Specific Plan:
a. 
Wall and foundation cladding including, but not limited to, material, finish, shape, orientation, and joinery.
b. 
Porches and balconies including, but not limited to, banisters/railings, balusters, posts/supports, and material.
c. 
Windows including, but not limited to, window shape, size, placement, operation, material, trim/surround, mullions/glazing pattern, and recess from the exterior wall.
d. 
Roofs including, but not limited to, roof form, eaves, material, color, and pitch.
e. 
Chimneys including, but not limited to, material, finish, location, size, and shape.
f. 
Front doors.
g. 
Architectural trim and details including, but not limited to, corbels, knee braces, brackets, cornice, dentils, etc.
The zoning administrator may refer any of the above items to the planning commission for review and action.
C. 
Modifications or deviations from an approved plan, if deemed substantial by the zoning administrator, shall be reviewed in accordance with the procedures for the original use or structure classification.
D. 
The zoning administrator may waive review altogether or administratively process an application if a new or modified use or structure shall not be visible from any public street or area held open to the public.
(Ord. 1591 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1600 § 1, 1993; Ord. 1612 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1738 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1743, 1998; Ord. 1876 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1880, 2003; Ord. 2093 § 1, 2014; Ord. 2130 § 2, 2015; Ord. 2216 § 2, 2021)
The planning commission or zoning administrator shall have the following powers and duties:
A. 
In making decisions, approve, approve with modifications or conditions, or deny an application.
B. 
Require such improvements, either on or off site, which are reasonably related to the project and are in the best interests of the public health, safety, or general welfare, or which are necessary in order to mitigate adverse environmental effects disclosed in an environmental assessment, negative declaration, EIR/EIS, etc.
C. 
Conform the project to the goals and policies of the general plan, and relevant specific plan, and/or the purposes and objectives of the zoning district.
D. 
Prepare pamphlets for distribution describing the policies and procedures to be used by architects and builders under this chapter.
E. 
Determine such application requirements as may be required to carry out its duties.
F. 
Initiate and recommend to the city council amendments to the zoning ordinance in order to further the purposes of design review.
(Ord. 1591 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1612 § 2, 1993)
A. 
The planning commission or zoning administrator shall review site plans, landscape plans, building architecture and such other plans and reports (grading plans, EIR/negative declarations, etc.) as may be required to preserve and enhance the city's aesthetic values and ensure the preservation of the public health, safety and general welfare. The planning commission and zoning administrator review of project plans shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. 
Preservation of the natural beauty of the city and the project site's relationship to it;
2. 
Appropriate relationship of the proposed building to its site, including transition with streetscape, public views of the buildings, and scale of buildings within its site and adjoining buildings;
3. 
Appropriate relationship of the proposed building and its site to adjoining areas, including compatibility of architectural styles, harmony in adjoining buildings, attractive landscape transitions, and consistency with neighborhood character;
4. 
Preservation of views enjoyed by residents, workers within the city, and passersby through the community;
5. 
Landscaping designed to enhance architectural features, strengthen vistas, provide shade, and conform to established streetscape;
6. 
Relationship of exterior lighting to its surroundings and to the building and adjoining landscape;
7. 
Architectural style, as a function of its quality of design and relationship to its surroundings; the relationship of building components to one another/the building's colors and materials; and the design attention given to mechanical equipment or other utility hardware on roof, ground or buildings;
8. 
Integration of signs as part of the architectural concept; and
9. 
Architectural concept of miscellaneous structures, street furniture, public art in relationship to the site and landscape.
(Ord. 1591 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1612 § 2, 1993)
A. 
An applicant for a project requiring planning commission design review shall submit to the zoning administrator a site plan, exterior elevations, landscape plans, and such plans, reports and other data as may be required by the planning commission in evaluating the proposed project. The zoning administrator shall refer all applications to the planning commission. The planning commission shall consider and render a decision within the time frames established by law for decision making on projects.
B. 
An applicant for a project requiring design review by the zoning administrator shall submit a site plan and/or architectural drawings or sketches showing building elevations and/or details of the structure, or other such plans, reports, or data as may be required by the zoning administrator to evaluate each project.
1. 
For those classes of projects described in Sections 18.20.010(B)(7), (B)(8), and (B)(9) of this chapter, the zoning administrator shall approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the application in accordance with the purposes of this chapter. No notice shall be given prior to the zoning administrator's action on these classes of projects.
2. 
For those classes of projects described in Sections 18.20.010(B)(1) through (B)(6), (B)(12), (B)(13), and (B)(15) of this chapter, the zoning administrator shall send notice of the applications to the surrounding property owners. The zoning administrator shall determine the area within which property owners are to be notified by mail. If within seven days of mailing such notice, the zoning administrator receives a request for a hearing, the zoning administrator shall schedule an administrative hearing within seven days. Either administratively, if no hearing is requested, or after conducting the administrative hearing, the zoning administrator shall approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the application in accordance with the purposes of this chapter.
3. 
For that class of project described in Section 18.20.010(B)(14) of this chapter, the zoning administrator shall send notice of the application to surrounding property owners within 1,000 feet of the project site. If within seven days of mailing such notice, the zoning administrator receives a request for a hearing, the zoning administrator shall schedule an administrative hearing within the time frame established by law for decision making on projects. Either administratively, if no hearing is requested, or after the administrative hearings, the zoning administrator shall approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the application in accordance with the purposes of this chapter.
4. 
Projects.
a. 
Minor Projects. For those classes of projects described in Section 18.20.010(B)(10) of this chapter determined by the zoning administrator to be minor in nature, the zoning administrator shall approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the application in accordance with the purposes of this chapter. No notice shall be given prior to the zoning administrator's action on these classes of projects.
b. 
Substantial Projects. For those classes of projects described in Section 18.20.010(B)(10) of this chapter determined by the zoning administrator to be substantial in nature, the zoning administrator shall send a notice of the application to the surrounding property owners. The zoning administrator shall determine the area within which property owners are to be notified by mail. If within seven days of mailing such notice the zoning administrator receives a request for a hearing, the zoning administrator shall schedule a public hearing at the next available city council meeting. The city council after conducting the hearing shall approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the application in accordance with the purposes of this chapter.
The zoning administrator shall consider and render a decision within the time frames established by law for decision making on projects.
C. 
For those projects which are judged by the zoning administrator to involve complex design issues or which may be of a sensitive or controversial nature, the zoning administrator shall refer the plans to a licensed design professional for review and comment. The zoning administrator shall maintain a list of qualified design consultants who agree not to do any professional work in Pleasanton. Upon making a determination that such review is required, the zoning administrator shall refer the plans to one of the design consultants within one week of receiving a completed application. The design professional shall comment on the design of the proposal, attend staff meetings, and attend public hearings as deemed necessary by the zoning administrator. The cost of the consultant services shall be borne by the applicant.
D. 
The zoning administrator may use the voluntary services of licensed design professionals on minor design review applications where necessary to resolve design issues. Design professionals who provide only voluntary services are not restricted from doing other professional work in Pleasanton.
E. 
If determined to be necessary by the zoning administrator or planning commission, an applicant for a new house within the Downtown Specific Plan Area or a two-story addition to an existing house within the Downtown Specific Plan Area shall install story poles depicting the height and mass of the proposed house or addition subject to the satisfaction of the zoning administrator or planning commission. Unless otherwise directed by the zoning administrator or planning commission, the story poles shall be installed by the applicant prior to public noticing and shall remain in place until the project has been acted upon.
(Ord. 1591 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1612 § 2, 1994; Ord. 1743, 1998; Ord. 1880, 2003; Ord. 2019 §1, 2011; Ord. 2088 § 2, 2014; Ord. 2216 § 2, 2021)
A. 
Within five days of the date of the planning commission's decision approving or conditionally approving a project, the secretary shall transmit written notice of the decision to the city council and the applicant. Unless a timely appeal is filed as provided in Section 18.20.060 of this chapter, or unless the city council elects to review the decision of the commission, the decision shall be effective on the later of the following:
1. 
The day following the first meeting of the council after the council has received notice of the decision; or
2. 
The day after the expiration of the appeal period.
B. 
Within five days of the date of the zoning administrator's decision approving or conditionally approving drawings, the secretary shall transmit written notice of the decision to the planning commission, city council, and the applicant. Unless a timely appeal is filed as provided in Section 18.20.060 of this chapter, or unless the planning commission and/or the city council elects to review the decision of the zoning administrator, the decision shall be effective on the later of the following:
1. 
The day following the first meeting of the council after the council has received notice of the decision; or
2. 
The day after the expiration of the appeal period.
C. 
Unless a timely appeal is filed as provided in Section 18.20.060 of this chapter, the decision of the zoning administrator shall be effective at the expiration of the appeal period.
(Ord. 1591 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1612 § 2, 1994)
A. 
Any appeal pursuant to this action shall follow the procedures outlined in Section 18.144.020 of this title.
B. 
Any aggrieved party and/or any member of the city council may appeal any decision of the planning commission to the city council.
C. 
Any aggrieved party may appeal an action of the zoning administrator to the planning commission, except for zoning administrator actions on improvements or expansions to unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings, which shall be taken directly to the city council on appeal. Any appeal to the planning commission may be further appealed to the city council. Any member of the planning commission and/or city council may appeal an action of the zoning administrator to the planning commission or the city council, respectively, except for zoning administrator actions on improvements or expansions to unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings, which shall be taken directly to the city council on appeal. Appeals to the planning commission or council shall be governed by this title as if the appeal of the zoning administrator's action were a new application before the commission or council.
(Ord. 1591 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1612 § 2, 1993)
Design approval shall lapse and shall be void one year following the effective date of approval, unless prior to the expiration of one year a building permit is issued and construction is commenced and diligently pursued toward completion, or the applicant or the applicant's successor has filed a request for approval of extension with the zoning administrator pursuant to the provisions of Section 18.12.030 of this title.
(Ord. 1591 § 2, 1993; Ord. 1612 § 2, 1993)