Chapter 2.60
DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION

Sections:

2.60.010    Purpose.

2.60.020    Composition.

2.60.030    Duties and responsibilities.

2.60.040    City council review.

2.60.010 Purpose.

The purpose of the design review commission shall be to enhance the visual character of the built environment, protect the architectural heritage of Sonoma, and promote excellence in town design and architecture through its review of projects in accordance with the provisions of SMC 2.60.030 and any other laws and ordinances that may be applicable thereto. (Amended during June 2011 supplement; Ord. 96-2 § 1, 1996).

2.60.020 Composition.

The design review commission shall consist of five members, appointed in accordance with SMC 2.40.100. At least four members shall be qualified electors of the city. The city council may choose to appoint qualified applicants who also have a professional expertise in one or more of the following areas: architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, historic preservation, arboriculture, or a related field; however, no more than two seats on the commission may be held at any one time by persons having such expertise. (Amended during June 2011 supplement; Ord. 2001-3 § 1, 2001; Ord. 96-2 § 1, 1996).

2.60.030 Duties and responsibilities.

The design review commission shall have the following responsibilities:

A. The design review commission shall have the authority to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the following types of project applications:

1. Signs in accordance with the provisions of SMC Title 18;

2. Applications for the demolition of residential or commercial structures within the boundaries of the historic overlay zone;

3. Repainting of the exterior of commercial buildings, except when the existing paint scheme is retained;

4. Architectural and related features of commercial development requiring new construction, additions, or exterior modifications to existing structures for which only a building permit is required;

5. Architectural and related features of new construction or exterior modification of structures within the historic overlay zone for which a building permit is required, except single-family residences not part of a development of five or more units, or additions to single-family residences comprising less than a 50 percent increase in total floor area.

B. The design review commission shall have the authority to approve, conditionally approve, or deny architectural and related features of any project approved by the planning commission to the extent provided by applicable conditions of approval.

C. The design review commission may be asked to advise the city council on matters requested by the city council.

D. For purposes of this section, the term “architectural and related features” shall include, as may be applicable, the architectural style of the structure(s) and the relationship of visible component parts (e.g., trim, doors, windows, roof lines, porches, etc.) to overall appearance, exterior colors and construction materials, landscaping, paving materials, exterior lighting, fence design and materials (including, where applicable, trash enclosures), and for those projects subject only to building permit approval, the physical relationship of the proposed structure or modification to existing structures on the site or its immediate surroundings. The design review commission shall not have the authority to modify site plans or building elevations approved by the planning commission as part of the project review process, unless so authorized by conditions of approval. (Amended during June 2011 supplement; Ord. 96-2 § 1, 1996).

2.60.040 City council review.

The city council shall review the duties, responsibilities and effectiveness of the design review commission on an annual basis commencing one year from the effective date of this section. (Amended during June 2011 supplement; Ord. 96-2 § 1, 1996).