§ 17.62.030. Residential construction proposals—Objectives to be addressed.

To maintain neighborhood compatibility, residential construction proposals shall address the following objectives:

A.

Natural Amenities. Improvements to residential property shall respect and preserve to the greatest extent possible, existing topography, landscaping and natural features.

B.

Neighborhood Character. Proposals shall be compatible with the existing neighborhood character in terms of the following:

1.

Scale of development of surrounding residences;

2.

Architectural style and material.

C.

Scale. While many elements can contribute to the scale of a residential structure, designs should minimize the appearance of overbuilt property to both public and private view. The square footage of the residence and the total amount of lot coverage should reflect the rural character of the city, and the respective neighborhood.

D.

Style. Proposals shall address the following design elements to ensure a compatible scale of development:

1.

Facade treatments shall be designed to avoid stark, unbroken exterior walls and, in general, shall be compatible with facade treatments in the neighborhood.

2.

The height of structures shall reflect the rural character of the city as well as maintain consistency with neighboring properties.

3.

Open spaces between proposed structures and subject property lines shall reduce the appearance of an overbuilt lot.

4.

Roof design shall incorporate pitches so that they are a compatible feature of the neighborhood.

5.

The apparent bulk or mass of the structure shall be consistent with surrounding properties in the neighborhood.

6.

Any appurtenances incorporated into the design plan (including, but not limited to: greenhouses, turrets, towers, chimneys, penthouses, solariums, porticos/loggias, atriums, garden walls and fences) shall be constructed so that they are compatible with the neighborhood.

E.

Privacy. Proposals shall preserve the open space and rural character of the surrounding neighborhood. Designs shall respect the existing privacy of surrounding properties by maintaining an adequate amount of separation between the proposed structure(s) and adjacent property lines. In addition, the design of balconies, decks and windows should also respect the existing privacy of surrounding properties.

F.

Landscaping. Designs shall incorporate existing and additional landscaping to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. Landscaping shall not be used to create hedges in front yard areas nor diminish the open, spacious character of a neighborhood.

G.

Views. Designs should respect a neighbor's existing view(s) as required by the view protection ordinance (Chapter 17.54 of this code).

(Prior code § 1816 (a))