7.16.120 Alternative Design - CLEANOrdinance 25-06
7.16.120 Alternative Design, Avon Municipal Code
7.16.120 Alternative Design.
Alternative Design is an application that allows development to meet the intent of the design-related
provisions of this Chapter through an alternative design not considered by code. It is not a general waiver
or weakening of regulations; rather, this application permits a site-specific design plan that is equal to or
better than the strict application of a design standard specified in this Development Code. This procedure is
not intended as a substitute for a variance, or administrative modification, or a vehicle for relief from
standards in this Chapter. Alternative design applications shall apply only to the specific site for which it is
requested and does not establish a precedent for assured approval of other requests.
(a) Applicability. A request for an alternative design shall be made concurrently with a site-specific
application for a procedure identified in this Chapter. The alternative design procedure shall be
available only for the following sections of this Development Code:
(1) Section 7.20.100, Employee Housing Mitigation;
(2) Section 7.20.085, Mixed-use and Commercial Encroachments
(3) Section 7.28.020, Parking and Loading;
(4) Section 7.28.040, Mobility and Connectivity;
(5) Section 7.28.050, Landscaping;
(6) Section 7.28.060, Screening;
(7) Section 7.28.070, Retaining Walls;
(8) Section 7.28.080, Fences;
(9) Section 7.28.090, Design Standards; and
(10) Section 7.32.040, Trail Design.
(b) Review Procedures. Applications for alternative design shall be processed concurrently with the
underlying development application for which an alternative design is desired and shall follow the
procedures for such underlying development application. Applications for alternative design may be
initiated by the owner of property for which alternative equivalent compliance is desired.
(c) Review Authority. The review authority shall be the review authority as set forth for the underlying
development application. The PZC shall review all alternative design applications that have a
concurrent minor development plan application.
(d) Review Criteria. The review authority shall use the following review criteria as the basis for a decision
on an application for alternative design:
(1) The proposed alternative achieves the intent of the subject design or development standard to
the same or better degree than the subject standard;
(2) The proposed alternative achieves the goals and policies of the Avon Comprehensive Plan to
the same or better degree than the subject standard;
(3) The proposed alternative results in benefits to the community that are equivalent to or better
than compliance with the subject standard;
Ordinance 25-06
7.16.120 Alternative Design, Avon Municipal Code
(4) The proposed alternative imposes no greater impacts on adjacent properties than would occur
through compliance with the specific requirements of this Title;
(5) The proposed alternative is technologically unique or necessary for improving the sustainability
of the project without compromising the compatibility of the project with the neighborhood.
(6) That the Alternative Design is not being utilized to strictly circumvent zoning requirements or
standards.
(e) Conditions. The reviewing authority may recommend or impose conditions on an approval for
alternative equivalent compliance provided that such conditions are related to ensuring the
performance of the alternative equivalent compliance to meet or exceed the subject standard. Such
conditions may include performance guarantees, required timeframes or the ability to revoke an
approval for alternative equivalent compliance.
(f) Effect of Approval. Alternative equivalent compliance shall apply only to the specific site for which it
is requested and shall not establish a precedent for approval of other requests