16.59.040 Basis for Design Standards.
A. The development standards and guidelines contained in this ordinance are in part derived from national and local Visual Preference Surveys and shall be used by the applicant in preparing a master plan, plat or site plan and by the city in reviewing the same. In the exercise of its powers of review, the city may approve, deny, conditionally approve, or request modifications to a master plan, plat or site plan that is deemed to be inconsistent with the standards and guidelines or the purposes of this ordinance.
B. This ordinance contains both development standards, which are normative and set forth specific requirements, and development guidelines, which define a framework and are only indicative. However, both standards and guidelines shall be interpreted with flexibility. The city shall view such standards and guidelines as tools, since exceptional situations, requiring unique interpretations, can be expected. When applying such standards and guidelines, the city shall carefully weigh the specific circumstances surrounding each application, and strive for development solutions that best promote the spirit, intent, and purposes of this ordinance.
C. The development standards and guidelines contained in this ordinance shall be used as the city’s minimum requirements for evaluating village centers. However, such standards and guidelines are not intended to restrict creativity, and an applicant may request a modification or exception from any development standard or guideline. Modifications to the design guidelines and standards contained in this ordinance shall be approved by the city in accordance with LMC 16.59.030(9).
D. The development standards and guidelines contained in this ordinance are both written and illustrated. Every effort has been taken to assure that illustration and text are complementary. However, in the event of inconsistencies between the two, the text shall be interpreted in conjunction with the overall intent and character established by all of the illustrations contained herein. (Ord. 1024 §47, 1995).