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D. Modification of Development Standards and Design Guidelines. An applicant may propose and the <br /> planning director, using the review process described in Title 15, Local Project Review Procedures, may <br /> allow an applicant to deviate from certain development standards of this chapter, as provided herein, <br /> and from the multiple-family design guidelines, provided the proposal satisfies the evaluation criteria of <br /> this subsection.This process differs from the variance procedure in that rather than approval being <br /> based upon unusual circumstances or a physical hardship such as steep slopes, it is based upon the <br /> quality of the proposed design. This alternative process is intended to promote well-designed housing <br /> which does not strictly comply with the development standards of this chapter and/or the multiple- <br /> family design guidelines, but which meets the criteria contained herein. In evaluating such a proposal, <br /> the planning director, using the criteria in subsection D.3 of this section, shall determine if the <br /> alternative design provides equivalent or superior results to that which would be required by <br /> compliance with the development standards of this chapter and the design guidelines. <br /> 1. What Can Be Modified.The following standards can be modified using this process: <br /> a. Multiple-family design guidelines; <br /> b. Permitted number of dwelling units may be increased by not more than ten percent; <br /> c. Building setbacks and separation between buildings; <br /> d. Building height; <br /> e. Open space and on-site recreation standards of this chapter; <br /> f. Landscaping requirements; <br /> g. Parking location; <br /> gh. Pedestrian access requirements as provided by Section 15.080.C. <br /> 2. What Cannot Be Modified. Except for the standards identified in subsection D.1 of this section, no <br /> other standards, including the following, can be modified using this process: <br /> a. Number of off-street parking spaces; <br /> b. Uses permitted by the zone in which the property is located; <br /> c. Regulations for nonconforming uses; <br /> d. Standards of Sections 19.33D.360 through 19.33D.590 of the zoning code (Environmentally Sensitive <br /> Areas) and Chapter 19.37 of the zoning code (Critical Areas); <br /> e. Shoreline regulations, where applicable; <br /> f. Standards adopted as part of"H" historic or"D" design overlay zones. <br /> 3. Evaluation Criteria for Modification.Any proposal to modify development standards or design <br /> guidelines shall not undermine the intent of the standards of this chapter or the intent of the multiple- <br /> family design guidelines.The planning director shall not approve a request for modification unless the <br /> proposal provides architectural and urban design elements equivalent or superior to what would likely <br /> result from compliance with the multiple-family design guidelines and the development standards of the <br /> zoning code which are proposed to be modified.The planning director shall consider the following <br /> criteria in evaluating proposals using this process: <br /> a. The unique characteristics of the subject property and/or its surroundings and how they will be <br /> protected or enhanced by modifying the development standards or design guidelines. <br /> b. The positive characteristics of the proposed development and whether such characteristics could be <br /> provided by compliance with the development standards and/or design guidelines proposed to be <br /> modified. <br /> Parking Amendments 14 8/29/18 <br />