General Overview

The Architectural Review process was established to make sure that new development, remodels, or exterior changes to buildings are designed in a way that fits the community’s adopted standards; maintain the public health, safety and welfare; keep the property and improvement values throughout the City; and to encourage the physical development of the City as intended by the General Plan.

The Director of Community Development, or designee, is the authority making the decision for Architectural Review applications in accordance with the Zoning Code Chapter18.120.

Review Criteria

Projects will be reviewed for consistency with zoning standards prior to submittal for building permits. Projects may be reviewed administratively without a public hearing, EXCEPT when the following criteria applies:

1. New or expanded single-family homes resulting in:
   
   • Five or more bedrooms; or
   • Five or more bathrooms; or
   • Two or more bedrooms with direct exterior access; or
   • A new second story or the expansion of an existing second story.
2. Residential parcel or subdivision maps and any associated development plans.
3. New multi-family developments of any size.
4. New freestanding non-residential development greater than 5,000 square feet in size.
5. Modifications or additions to existing non-residential development, where the modification or addition is greater than 20,000 square feet in size.
6. Demolition or alterations to properties on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory (HRI).
7. Demolition of an existing structure, other than a non-habitable accessory structure.
8. Any other project not listed above that the Director determines should be considered at a public hearing.

Projects meeting the above criteria shall be reviewed through the Development Review Hearing process.

Applying for an Architectural Review

Appeals

All Development Review Hearing decisions are final, unless appealed in writing to the Planning Commission or City Council, as applicable, within seven calendar days by 5 p.m. Fees must be paid for the appeal to be valid.

Submit your Planning Appeal Form (PDF) and fees through the Permitting Online Portal.

Development Review Hearing Dates and Agendas

The meetings are held on scheduled Wednesday afternoons at 4 p.m. in the City Council Chambers and are subject to public notice requirements. To view current and past meeting agendas and material, please check out the Development Review Hearing Meetings Online or the 2025 Development Review Hearing Schedule of Meetings (PDF).

Want to Be Notified?