The principles and guidelines for design review are set forth in
the City
of Chula Vista Design Manual (pdf). Copies of the Manual are also
available from the Planning division counter, or by calling (619)-691-5101.
The Design Manual must be used in conjunction with city's development
standards. These include building and fire codes, site and facility
accessibility requirements for the disabled, zoning and planned
community district regulations, grading and subdivision regulations,
and a separate Landscape
Manual (pdf) , among others. There are also specific and precise plans,
redevelopment plans, and project specific design guidelines that
may supplement or supersede the otherwise applicable guidelines,
standards and regulations. The planning division may be contacted
regarding which if any of these other plans, standards and guidelines
may apply to a particular property.
Pre-Application Meeting: It is recommended that the applicant request
a preliminary meeting with Planning staff prior to submittal of the formal
application. This will allow staff to review the request and provide input to
the applicant on potential environmental concerns, zoning requirements, and
specific site planning, landscaping, and building design criteria. The early
review and input by staff should save the applicant processing time and
expensive plan revisions later in the process.
Application: The applicant must complete a Development
Processing Application Form,Type A (pdf). The completed form must
be filed with the Planning Division and must be accompanied by the
required fee, maps and attachments. Refer to the Design
Review Application Checklist (pdf) for complete submittal requirements.
Initial Review: Processing times vary depending upon the
completeness of the information submitted, additional studies and/or
information needed to address staff questions, environmental review
status and the complexity of the project. Generally, however, 3-4
weeks after the design review package has been filed, the applicant
will be notified of staff comments on the plans. If deemed necessary,
staff will arrange for a project review meeting with the applicant
and representatives from other city departments to discuss the comments
in detail. Following this evaluation, if required, final plans and
exhibits will be prepared by the applicant for action by the Zoning Administrator (ZA)
or the Design Review Committee (DRC).
Decision Making: Depending on the type of project, its impacts
or how controversial it is, the ZA may be able
to make the decision. In other cases, the project must be heard
by the DRC.
Zoning Administrator Decision
Generally, unless otherwise determined by the ZA, the following types of applications will be reviewed by the
ZA and will not require a public hearing:
- Signs;
- Residential projects of four (4) units or less;
- Commercial, industrial, or institutional additions which constitutes
less than a 50 percent increase in floor area or 20,000 sq. ft.,
whichever is less;
- New commercial, industrial, or institutional projects with a
total floor area of 20,000 sq. ft. or less, when such projects
are located within a planned community with its own design guidelines
and design review process.
In the event no objections or protests are received, the ZA will
approve, conditionally approve or deny the request after an application
has been deemed complete and Environmental
Review is complete.
In the event objections or protests are received, the ZA shall
set the matter for public hearing. At the Zoning Administrator's
discretion, the matter may be referred to the Design Review Committee
or a more informal Zoning Administrator Hearing may be held.
Design Review Committee Decision
After initial project review, including environmental clearance,
the project will be scheduled for public hearing. The applicant
will be notified of the date of public hearing. DRC meetings are
held the second and fourth Monday of each month beginning at 4:30
p.m. The meetings are noticed and open to the general public.
The project planner reviews the final plans and prepares a staff
report and recommendation to the DRC. The project planner will discuss
the contents of the draft staff report with the applicant prior
to it being finalized and issued. A copy of the agenda
and the staff report to the DRC will be mailed to the applicant
at least three days prior to the meeting. The project architect/designer
and the applicant or a designated representative should, in all
cases, attend the meeting. It is likely the project will be continued
to a subsequent meeting if there is on one representing the project
in attendance.
After conducting a public hearing, during which time the applicant
and other interested parties may speak, the DRC may approve, conditionally
approve or deny the request.
Appeals of Decisions
The applicant, or any interested party, may appeal most decisions
of the ZA or DRC within 10 days after the decision is rendered.
Appeals from the ZA are directed to the DRC, and appeals from the
DRC are directed to the Planning Commission. A decision of the Planning
Commission may be further appealed to the City Council.
Appeals will be scheduled for the earliest available hearing date,
which will normally be within 3-4 weeks from the date the appeal
is filed. Contact planning staff regarding procedures for filing
an appeal.
