Title 17E Environmental Standards
Chapter 17E.060 Shoreline Regulations
Article VIII. Design Standards and Guidelines Specific to Shoreline Districts
To help ensure that development compliments the unique and fragile character of the shoreline through careful consideration and implementation of site development and building design concepts.
Requirements are mandatory in that they contain language that is not discretionary, such as “shall,” “must,” and “will.” Requirements must be satisfied by any plan prior to building permit approval. An applicant may seek a deviation from certain requirements through the design departure process, chapter 17G.030 SMC. Requirements are listed with an (R) after the standard.
Presumptions are guidelines that are meant to be applied, but with some flexibility. Presumptions indicate that the City is open to design features that are equal to, or better than, that stated—so long as the purpose is satisfied. A submitted plan is incomplete and will be rejected if it does not demonstrate that the presumptive elements have been in some way incorporated or overcome. Presumptions are listed with a (P) after the standard.
A presumption that may be unsuitable for a given project may be waived if an applicant can demonstrate to the director that there is a good reason why the presumption is inappropriate. The director may approve an alternative that achieves the intent of the presumption. At the discretion of the applicant, or in rare cases, the director may refer the permit to the design review board. A referral from the director would be in those cases where the complexity of the project and/or the cumulative impacts of deviations result in the project no longer meeting the overall intent of the design standards and the comprehensive plan.
Note: Increases in the cost of development will not be an acceptable reason to waive a guideline or determine that a guideline is inappropriate.
Design guidelines listed as considerations are features and concepts that an applicant should consider in preparing a plan. Their omission is not grounds for rejecting a plan, but their inclusion or recognition is encouraged and may assist in overcoming certain presumptions and in gaining acceptance for a plan. Considerations are listed with a (C) after the standard.
Date Passed: Monday, June 21, 2010
Effective Date: Monday, July 26, 2010
ORD C34605 Section 17