17.59.030 Review Process.
A. An application for any activity 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 E 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 the following information:
1. The applicant shall submit two copies of the following information:
a. A site plan (for new construction or for structural modifications).
b. Building and construction drawings.
c. Building elevations of all visible sides.
2. The site plan shall include the following information:
a. Existing conditions on the site including topography, streetscape, curbcuts, and building condition.
b. Details of proposed construction or modification to the existing structure.
c. Exterior building elevations for the proposed structure, and also for the adjacent structures.
3. A narrative describing the architectural features that will be constructed and how they fit into the context of the Downtown Historic District.
4. Photographs of the subject site and adjacent property.
5. Other information deemed necessary by the planning director, or his/her designee, to allow review of the applicant’s proposal. The planning director, or his/her designee, may also waive the submittal of certain information based upon the character and complexity (or simplicity) of the proposal.
C. Review Process.
1. Applications shall be submitted to the planning department for initial review for completeness as stated in MMC 17.72.040. The planning director shall review the application and determine whether the proposed activity is in compliance with the requirements of this ordinance.
2. The planning director may review applications for minor alterations subject to the review criteria stated in MMC 17.59.040. The Historic Landmarks Committee shall review applications for major alterations and new construction, subject to the review criteria stated in MMC 17.59.040. It shall be the planning director’s decision as to whether an alteration is minor or major.
3. Notification shall be provided for the review of applications for major alterations and new construction, subject to the provisions of MMC 17.72.110.
a. The Historic Landmarks Committee shall meet within 30 days of the date the application was deemed complete by the planning department. The applicant shall be notified of the time and place of the review and is encouraged to be present, although their presence shall not be necessary for action on the plans. A failure by the planning director or Historic Landmarks Committee, as applicable, to review within 30 days shall be considered an approval of the application.
b. If the planning director or Historic Landmarks Committee, as applicable, finds the proposed activity to be in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance, they shall approve the application.
c. If the planning director or Historic Landmarks Committee, as applicable, finds the proposed activity in noncompliance with the provisions of this ordinance, they may deny the application, or approve it with conditions as may be necessary to bring the activity into compliance with this chapter.
D. Waiver Process. A guideline or standard contained in this ordinance may be waived as part of the design review process when it can be demonstrated that the proposed design satisfies or exceeds the downtown design goals and objectives of this ordinance. If a waiver is requested, the applicant must explain in their application how the proposed design satisfies or exceeds these goals and objectives. A request for a waiver to the standards of this ordinance shall be reviewed by the McMinnville Historic Landmarks Committee, as described in subsection (C)(2) of this section.
E. Appeal. An appeal of a decision by the planning director or Historic Landmarks Committee, including an appeal of conditions placed on the permit by the committee, may be made to the planning commission as outlined in MMC 17.72.170. (Ord. 5034 §2, 2017; Ord. 4920 §4, 2010; Ord. 4797 §1, 2003).