A.
The purpose of design review is to exercise aesthetic judgment over development projects within the city in order to maintain the desirable character of the community. The community character is defined by having charm in the design of buildings, keeping buildings small in scale, honoring the beauty and ecology of the city's natural setting, and recognizing that the arts are an integral part of the community.
B.
This broad purpose is furthered by the following specific purposes of design review:
1.
To implement the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan;
2.
To foster development that is designed, arranged and constructed in a manner that provides a safe, efficient and aesthetically pleasing community asset;
3.
To encourage originality and creativity in site design, architecture and landscape design;
4.
To ensure that the arrangement of all functions, uses and improvements of a development reflect the natural capabilities and limitations of its site and adjacent property;
5.
To encourage development where the various structures, use areas and site elements are integrated in a manner that is visually harmonious;
6.
To ensure that development maintains and strengthens the city's sense of place which is defined by its location adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, Ecola Creek, and the surrounding mountains; and
7.
To encourage landscape design which complements the natural landscape, improves the general appearance of the community, and enhances specific elements of the built environment.
(Ord. 24-05, 6/5/2024)