§ 19.38.060. Final design review findings and criteria.

A.

Findings for Approval. The Zoning Administrator or Design Review Board may only approve a final design review application if it finds that the application is consistent with the purposes of this Chapter and is consistent with:

1.

The applicable standards and requirements of this Zoning Ordinance;

2.

The design policies of the General Plan and specific plans adopted by City Council;

3.

Any applicable design guidelines adopted by the City Council;

4.

The design review criteria set forth in the following subsection;

5.

Any planning or zoning approvals by the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator;

6.

Any other relevant policies or regulations of the City.

B.

Design Review Criteria. When conducting design review, the Zoning Administrator and the Design Review Board shall be guided by whether the project satisfies all applicable criteria, the policies of the General Plan's Community Design Element, and by any other policies or guidelines that may be adopted by the City Council for this purpose. Criteria listed below are specific criteria that, if applicable, all projects must satisfy for approval.

1.

The aesthetic design, including its exterior design and landscaping, is appropriate to the function of the project and will provide an attractive and comfortable environment for occupants, visitors, and the general community.

2.

Project details, colors, materials, and landscaping, are fully integrated with one another and used in a manner that is visually consistent with the proposed architectural design.

3.

The project has been designed with consideration of neighboring development.

4.

The project contributes to the creation of an attractive and visually interesting built environment that includes well-articulated structures that present varied building facades, rooflines, and building heights and encourages increased pedestrian activity and transit use.

5.

Street frontages are attractive and interesting for pedestrians, address the street and provide for greater safety by allowing for surveillance of the street by people inside buildings and elsewhere.

6.

The proposed design is compatible with the historical or visual character of any area recognized by the City as having such character.

7.

The aesthetic design preserves significant public views and vistas from public streets and open spaces and enhances them by providing areas for pedestrian activity.

8.

The proposed landscaping plan is suitable for the type of project and will improve the appearance of the community by enhancing the building, minimizing hardscape and softening walls; and the landscape plan incorporates plant materials that are drought-tolerant, will minimize water usage, and are compatible with El Cerrito's climate.

9.

The project has been designed to be energy efficient including, but not limited to, landscape design and green or eco-friendly design and materials.

10.

The project design protects and integrates natural features including creeks, open space, significant vegetation, and geologic features. Projects along the Ohlone Greenway shall enhance the usability and aesthetic appeal of the Greenway by integrating it into the fabric of the City through building designs that include entries, yards, patios, and windows that open onto and face the Ohlone Greenway.

C.

Final Design Review Conditions. In granting final design review approval for a project that meets all of the applicable standards and requirements of this Zoning Ordinance, the Zoning Administrator or Design Review Board may impose final aesthetic architectural design conditions reasonably related to the application and deemed necessary to achieve the purposes of this Chapter. Therefore, such conditions may not overlap with, or impose more restrictive requirements than those provided for under Planning Commission land use authority pursuant to State law, the Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, and any other adopted plans, policies, permits or regulations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this section shall not limit the powers of the Zoning Administrator or Design Review Board established by any other law.

(Ord. 2008-2 Div. II (part), 2008.)