20.25.030 Procedure.
A. Design review applications shall follow the procedures in Chapter 21.10 BMC and the following:
1. Design Review Board. For projects that are subject to review by the design review board, the following procedures shall apply:
a. Early Design Guidance Meeting. When a project requires review by the design review board, the board’s review shall be conducted in an early design guidance meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss which design guidelines are applicable; how the design standards, guidelines and regulations apply to the proposed project; explore alternative design concepts; and provide guidance on information that should be provided with the design review application. The following procedures shall apply:
i. The applicant shall apply for an early design guidance meeting with the board. The applicant shall provide conceptual level information regarding the proposed project, including any potential concept alternatives.
ii. Public comment relevant to the application of the design criteria shall be considered, but the board may restrict the time allotted for comment in order to complete its meeting agenda.
iii. The board shall forward guidance and/or a recommendation to the applicant and director by motion. The board may recommend conditions of approval if it determines that the project design is sufficiently compliant with the applicable design guidelines and the recommendations provided are clear enough for the director to make a qualified decision. The director shall give substantial weight to the guidance and recommendation of the board.
b. Design Response Meeting. A design response meeting is required unless the director waives the meeting based on compliance with the design review standards and guidelines. Otherwise, the following design response procedures shall apply:
i. The applicant shall apply for a design response meeting with the board. The applicant shall provide an analysis of the project’s consistency with the design criteria. Staff shall provide a report responding to the applicant’s analysis.
ii. Public comment relevant to the application of the design criteria shall be considered, but the board may restrict the time allotted for comment in order to complete its meeting agenda.
iii. The board shall review the plans for consistency with the applicable design guidelines, standards and regulations and forward a recommendation to the director by motion. The board may recommend conditions of approval. If the board does not recommend approval, the board shall specify which criteria were not satisfied and the elements of the project that were not in compliance. The director shall give substantial weight to the recommendation of the board.
B. Historic Preservation Subcommittee.
1. Projects subject to review by the historic preservation subcommittee shall be conducted in the same manner as outlined in subsection (A)(1) of this section, with the subcommittee members sitting as participatory members of the design review board in these instances.
C. No building permits shall be issued until design approval has been obtained. Building and other construction permits shall be consistent with the design review approval. Minor adjustments may be made after review and approval by the director. Adjustments shall be limited to minor changes in the dimensions or siting of improvements or to design details that do not change the scope or character of the proposal. [Ord. 2023-01-001 § 1 (Att. 1); Ord. 2015-01-001 § 5 (Exh. B)].