18.155.070 Required findings.
When conducting development review, the zoning administrator shall evaluate applications to ensure that they satisfy the following criteria, conform to the policies of the general plan and any applicable specific or PAD plan, the regulations and standards in this code, and are consistent with any other policies or guidelines the city council may adopt for this purpose. To obtain development review approval, projects must satisfy these criteria to the extent they apply:
A. The overall design of the project, including its scale, massing, site plan, exterior design, and landscaping, will enhance the appearance and features of the project site and surrounding natural and built environment.
B. The project site plan is appropriate to the function of the project and will provide a suitable environment for occupants, visitors, and the general community.
C. Project details, colors, materials, and landscaping are internally consistent, fully integrated with one another, and used in a manner that is visually consistent with the proposed architectural design.
D. The project is compatible with neighboring development by avoiding big differences in building scale and character between developments on adjoining lots in the same zoning district and providing a harmonious transition in scale and character between different districts.
E. The project contributes to the creation of a visually interesting built environment that includes a variety of building styles and designs with well-articulated structures that present varied building facades, rooflines, and building heights within a unifying context that promotes increased pedestrian activity and compatibility among neighboring land uses within the same or different districts.
F. The streetscapes, including trees, lighting, and pedestrian furniture, are consistent with the character of commercial districts and adjacent residential neighborhoods.
G. Street frontages are attractive and interesting for pedestrians and provide for greater safety by allowing for surveillance of the street by people inside buildings and elsewhere.
H. The proposed landscaping plan is suitable for the type of project and site conditions and will improve the appearance of the community by enhancing the building and site design; and the landscape plan incorporates plant materials that are drought tolerant, will minimize water usage, and are compatible with Maricopa’s microclimate. [Res. 23-19; Ord. 23-17 § 2; Ord. 14-12 § 1; Res. 14-36 § 505.07.]