17.56.040 Review Process.
A. An application for design review of commercial development subject to the provisions of this ordinance shall be submitted to the planning department and shall be subject to the procedures listed in subsections B through D below.
B. Applications shall be submitted to the planning department for initial review for completeness as stated in MMC 17.72.040. The application shall include:
1. Two copies of the following information:
a. Detailed plans for the proposed commercial development showing topography, site layout, massing (i.e., isometric), parking, and site circulation.
b. Building elevations that include building colors and materials (texture and relief), building height, vertical and horizontal articulation, voids to solids (window to wall) relationships, window treatment, and other elements as appropriate.
c. General landscape plan indicating the percentage of site landscaping, and the number, species, and placement of all proposed plant material; a complete landscaping and irrigation plan is required prior to or at the time of building permit submittal.
2. A narrative describing how the proposal meets or exceeds the guidelines and standards of this chapter.
3. Other information deemed necessary by the planning director to allow review of the applicant’s proposal. The director may also waive the submittal of certain information based upon the character and complexity (or simplicity) of the proposal.
C. An application for design review shall be reviewed by the planning director as set forth in MMC 17.72.100.
D. A guideline or standard contained in this ordinance may be waived as a part of the design review process. If a waiver is requested, the applicant must explain in their application how the proposed design meets or exceeds the guidelines and standards of this chapter. A request for a waiver shall be reviewed by the planning director and notification shall be provided as set forth in MMC 17.72.110. The director shall base a decision to approve, approve with conditions, or deny a waiver request based on the following criteria:
1. There is a demonstrable difficulty in meeting the specific requirement(s) of this chapter due to a unique or unusual aspect of the site, an existing structure, or the proposed use(s) of the site;
2. There is demonstrable evidence that the alternative design shall accomplish the purpose of this chapter in a manner that is equal to or superior to a project designed consistent with the guidelines standards contained herein; and,
3. The waiver requested is the minimum necessary to alleviate the difficulty of meeting the requirements of this chapter.
4. Notification of the director’s decision shall be provided as set forth in MMC 17.72.150. A copy of the director’s letter shall be provided to the building official.
5. An appeal of a decision by the planning director may be made subject to the provisions of MMC 17.72.170. (Ord. 4920 §4, 2010).