A. 
An architectural review committee for the city of Cathedral City is created which shall consist of five members selected by the city council, serving without compensation, appointed in the manner and for the terms prescribed in Section 2.06.010 of this municipal code. Consistent with Section 2.06.010(A), two of the initial committee members shall be appointed to serve a two-year term and three of the initial committee members shall be appointed to serve a three-year term so that thereafter the terms are staggered.
B. 
It is the preference of the city council that the membership of the architectural review committee include one local licensed architect and one local licensed landscape architect. The city council may waive the residency requirement for the licensed architect and licensed landscape architect positions if the city council determines that such waiver is necessary and in the best interests of the city. The city council may also consider various factors in appointing any member of the architectural review committee, including, without limitation, licenses, certificates or degrees, other education, training or work experience in the fields of architecture, landscape design, other design, civil engineering, construction, surveying, or similar fields determined to be relevant by the city council.
(Ord. 793 § 4, 2017; Ord. 844 § 1, 2020)
Designation of a chairperson for the architectural review committee shall be governed by Section 2.06.020 of this municipal code. The city manager may appoint an executive secretary and other staff and provide such compensation for their services as may be authorized by the city council. The architectural review committee shall be authorized to establish and fix the membership of standing and temporary subcommittees as it may find expedient for the performance of its duties.
(Ord. 793 § 4, 2017)
Meetings of the architectural review committee shall be held as necessary to fulfill its duties at such time and place as shall be fixed by the committee. A majority of the appointed members of the committee shall be considered a quorum for the transaction of business. The committee may establish such rules and regulations as it deems necessary for the conduct of its business. In matters relating to holding and conducting regular and special meetings, the committee shall be bound by the provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act of the state, as it may be amended, applicable to advisory committees.
(Ord. 793 § 4, 2017)
The architectural review committee shall review projects for compliance with the applicable provisions of the Development Code. The architectural review committee will ensure the following:
A. 
That all projects will create an image with a high degree of quality that improves the built environment and incorporates quality amenities with regard to architecture, landscaping, the streetscape, site plan review and analysis, lighting (aesthetics and safety), master sign programs, walls and fences, bus shelters, and individual signs (as forwarded by staff).
B. 
That effective design guidelines are created and to assist in the formulation of policy and code amendments related to architectural design and landscaping.
C. 
That its recommendations are forwarded to the planning commission regarding the architectural design and landscaping for all development projects.
The architectural review subcommittee is authorized to take final action on architectural design and landscaping for administrative design reviews consistent with Section 9.78.050 of this code.
(Ord. 793 § 4, 2017; Ord. 852 § 5, 2021)