The purpose of this Chapter is to:
(a) Implement the General Plan by providing specific regulations:
(1) To preserve and enhance the quality of life in Santa Cruz County through the guidance of development activity,
(2) To protect open space for its aesthetic, recreational and environmental values, to foster high quality residential areas as pleasant and socially constructive areas in which to live, and
(3) To enhance the quality of residential, commercial, and industrial development to achieve an aesthetic and functional community (General Plan Goal: Community Design, Chapter 8).
(b) Recognize the interdependence of land values and aesthetics, and to provide a method by which the County may implement this interdependence to the benefit of the citizens and residents of the County.
(c) Preserve and enhance the beauty and environmental amenities of the County by:
(1) Preserving and enhancing the visually-pleasing qualities of the land and built environment, and the enjoyment thereof,
(2) Maintaining and improving the qualities of, and relationships between, individual buildings, structures and physical development in such a manner as to best contribute to the amenities and attractiveness of the County,
(3) Protecting and insuring the adequacy and usefulness of public and private developments as they relate to each other and the surrounding neighborhood.
(d) Promote and protect the safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity and general welfare of the citizens of the County by:
(1) Stimulating creative design for individual buildings and structures, and other physical improvements,
(2) Encouraging innovative use of materials, construction methods and techniques for buildings, site improvements and other structures,
(3) Preserving and creating compatibility of land use and building design within neighborhoods and commercial areas,
(4) Integrating the functions, appearance and locations of buildings and site improvements to best achieve a balance between private prerogatives and preferences and the public interest and welfare.
(5) Integrate design guidelines including number, location, and proximity of recycling storage areas and containers to achieve local and State goals.
(e) Establish a site plan, architectural and landscape design review function and to confer this function upon the Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, and Planning Department staff. By enactment of this Chapter these reviewing bodies shall be responsible for advising and assisting both applicants and the County in applying design standards and guidelines, and in reviewing proposals for future developments.