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the intent of site development review was to preserve open space and privacy and the `/ codes and regulations provided the tools and techniques to accomplish this. Siegel also commented that the ordinances allowed for some discretion; each lot was different and certain decisions depended on the site. The process was also discussed. In particular those attending addressed the issue of how long it took an applicant to complete the process. Staff noted that it greatly depended on what stage they started the project. Obviously those farther along with plans and those who were more familiar with the regulations went more quickly. The average time was four months. Cheng commented that many applicants did not understand that if one met the ordinances they still might not get an approved project. It also depended on input from neighbors. Council and Commissioners discussed the use of the word 'maximums' in the Town's Codes. Some believed this was amount allowed and thus should be given to the applicants if they wanted it. It should not be left to the Town to decide if it was appropriate or not. Others believed that this meant that lower amounts of development for example could be approved as more appropriate for a particular lot. The issue of neighbor input and the level at which it should or should not impact a project was discussed. The City Attorney did note that decisions concerning a project were determined by the land not the owner. 3. SITE DEVELOPMENT/DESIGN REVIEW A. Site Development review - grading, siting, driveways, landscaping, outdoor lighting, etc. B. Design review - height, mass, color, materials, architectural features (windows, eaves, skylights, etc.) C. Reliance on Codes and Design Guidelines D. Visibility of Structures On the subject of Site Development/ Design Review two areas were addressed. Site Development Review included such issues as grading and drainage, building siting and ridgeline preservation, driveways, pathways, landscaping and outdoor lighting. These issues were covered in the Town's Code. Council also reviewed the Site Development Policy adopted in 1989. Design Review was more subjective and included colors and materials, height, windows, eaves, skylights, architectural features, second story setbacks and style of residence. These issues were addressed in the Design Guidelines Booklet. Several suggestions were made and agreed upon toward making the process less confusing for applicants. These suggestions included: 1) including a statement at the front of an applicant's project worksheet which advised them that ordinance numbers were 'maximums' and could be changed by the Planning Commission. To this end the wording'maximums' and'minimums' needed to be modified. This terminology seemed to be causing quite a bit of confusion. This new wording would be prepared by staff and returned to Council for approval.; 2) identify why changes to January 29, 1997 Adjourned City Council Meeting