20.04.015 Structures and improvements subject to design review—Exemptions—Staff review of applications for certain minor changes or improvements.
A. Structures and improvements subject to design review. Except as exempted in Parts (B) and (C) of this Section, all new buildings, new structures and other exterior physical improvements, including any relocation or exterior addition, the extension or exterior change of a structure, landscaping changes, or any change to a previously approved project proposal, shall be subject to design review, whether or not a building permit is required, and whether the property is privately- or publicly-owned. Physical changes and improvements subject to design review under the foregoing shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Location and design of any and all structures in any and all zones;
2. Construction or installation of fences, retaining walls, walkways, sidewalks, patios, decks, fountains, ponds, swimming pools, garbage or trash enclosures, and sport courts;
3. When a visually significant portion of a parcel is affected; landscaping projects, grading and filling of land, and the addition of trees which can be expected to exceed a height of 12 feet at maturity;
4. Parking and loading areas, carports, garages and driveways;
5. Exterior lighting, signs, skylights, satellite dishes, antennas and solar panels;
6. Exterior textures and colors for new construction, or for exterior repainting or refinishing if colors or materials are inconsistent with the provisions of Section 20.04.140;
7. The replacement or placement of utility distribution poles and facilities.
B. Exemptions. The following physical changes or improvements shall be exempt from the provisions of this Chapter:
1. Changes in color(s) and/or roof or siding material(s) of an existing structure, when such changes are consistent with the provisions of section 20.04.140;
2. Landscape changes and/or additions to existing landscaping when such changes/additions are not part of a larger project subject to approval by the Planning Commission, including but not limited to the addition of trees which typically will not exceed a height of 12 feet at maturity, removal of trees, and changes to landscaping not visible to the public under normal circumstances;
3. Minor changes to previously approved plans, which the Director of Planning and Building determines do not alter the intent of the approved design;
4. Any other work determined by the Director of Planning and Building to be minor or incidental in nature and consistent with the intent and objectives of this Chapter.
5. Solar energy systems as defined in Belvedere Municipal Code Chapter 16.32.
C. Staff review of applications for certain minor physical changes or improvements. The following physical changes or improvements may be processed as a Design Review Exception as provided in Section 20.04.020(B): Additions, extensions or exterior changes to, or reconstruction of existing single-family dwellings and related accessory structures that involve more than 0 but less than 250 square feet of new floor area, or those projects that involve the addition of an upper-level addition of up to 100 square feet. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Director of Planning and Building determines that the proposed improvements may be inconsistent with the goals and purposes of this Chapter, the Director of Planning and Building will refer the application to the Planning Commission for action. (Ord. 2016-5 § 3, 2016; Ord. 2015-4 § 3, 2015; Ord. 2013-2 § 24, 2013; Ord. 2013-2 § 24, 2013; Ord. 2005-11 § 2, 2005; Ord. 2004-5 § 2, 2004; Ord. 90-5 § 2, 1990; Ord. 80-1 § 47, 1980; Ord. 181 NS § 1, 1972; prior code § 25-11.)