General. In carrying out the authority and duties assigned by this chapter, the Design
Review
Committee shall observe the following limitations:
1. Review by the Planning Official shall be restricted to a prompt,
reasonable and professional
review of the proposal and plans, leaving full responsibility for design and development to the
applicant. Required changes to plans must be made by the applicant, not by staff.
2. Individual initiative and innovation are to be encouraged.
3. Only the applicant's failure to comply with design review
criteria described in Section
20.265.040 VMC shall justify disapproval of a proposal with regard to design matters.
4. Due account shall be taken of cost considerations, but these
shall not be overriding.
5. The Planning Official shall take account of state and local
legislation on shorelines and
environmental protection; of access for the handicapped; and of all local regulations concerning
construction, utilities, streets, and related matters.