17.28.010 Generally

This chapter contains both standards and guidelines. Standards are minimum requirements, which must be met and are preceded by “shall”. In contrast, guidelines are preceded by “should”.

17.28.020 Legislative findings

The City Commission makes the following findings:

1. The size, location, orientation, and outward appearance of buildings and many other types of structures affect the public realm.
2. Buildings should fit into the context in which they occur.
3. The guidelines in this chapter are intended to provide meaningful guidance to applicants, design professionals, and public officials charged with administering this chapter without dictating a certain architectural style.
4. This chapter is not intended to limit or infringe upon reasonable accommodations to afford a handicapped person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a building.

17.28.030 Purpose

This chapter is established to promote the public health, safety, and welfare and is intended to accomplish the following purposes:

1. promote development that is compatible with nearby properties, neighborhood character, and natural features
2. promote street activity
3. reinforce public spaces
4. promote public safety
5. visually enhance development

This chapter is not intended to dictate a certain architectural style, or to restrict creativity, variety, or innovation, but is intended to insure quality of the built environment.

17.28.040 Purpose of diagrams and sketches

Diagrams and sketches are used in this chapter to illustrate various provisions and are not intended to limit creativity or alternative design approaches.

17.28.050 Standards and guidelines for specified projects and buildings

The following shall comply with the standards and guidelines as listed in Exhibit 28-1 ( 40k PDF), as applicable:

1. commercial buildings in commercial, mixed-use (M-1 and M-2), Public Lands and Institutional (PLI), and all residential zoning districts, including new construction, additions that exceed 500 square feet, and exterior renovations; (Ord 2950, 2007)
2. institutional buildings, including new construction, additions that exceed 500 square feet, and exterior renovations;
3. casinos, including new or relocated casinos, or an expansion or exterior renovation of an existing casino;
4. industrial uses and warehouses in an M-2 Mixed-Use Transitional zoning district;
5. telecommunication towers;
6. new planned unit development (PUD) projects (non-subdivisions);
7. buildings in existing planned unit development (PUD) projects;
8. multi-family residential buildings containing 8 or more dwelling units, including new construction and exterior renovations; (Ord. 2950, 2007)
9. multi-family residential buildings when additional dwelling units are added resulting in 8 or more units; and
10. any single development project with 2 or more buildings containing a total of 8 or more dwelling units, including exterior renovations to such buildings. (Note: this is not intended to apply to single family development on single lots).
11. Any development project forwarded by the City Commission as a condition of approval for zoning, subdivision, or annexation.