A. General Plan and zoning consistency. Evaluation of project compliance with General Plan goals and policies and identification of consistency with Zoning Ordinance allowed use and development standards. Any proposal shall include public benefits and/or amenities not otherwise required (e.g., open space, scenic views, undergrounding of utilities). Projects may not vary from the density, lot coverage, or height limit of the underlying base zone(s). Any request to allow uses not otherwise permitted in the underlying base zone(s) shall include an application for a conditional use permit.

B. Design quality. Evaluation of project text description and illustrations to ensure that project plans meet the City’s expectations for quality design.

C. Compatibility with surroundings. Evaluation of project compatibility in terms of use, structures, and other site features with surrounding uses and structures. Buffering is required (beyond the minimum setback standards of the base zoning district) between single-family-residential use and non-residential/multi-family residential uses.

D. Resource preservation. Evaluation of the preservation of natural, cultural and historic resources of the site.

E. Sustainable development features. Evaluation of project features in terms of energy efficiency and compliance with the City’s sustainability principles and best practices (social, economic and environmental).

F. Site hazards. Evaluation of site hazards to ensure mitigation or minimization of impacts to a less than significant level.

G. Public benefits and amenities. Evaluation of proposed public benefits and/or amenities not otherwise required of the project (e.g., open space, scenic views, undergrounding of utilities, etc.)

H. Environmental compliance. Evaluation of project conformance to federal and State laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act. (Ord. 2011-2 § 4, 2011.)