GVAC Design Review

The Conservancy created a Conservancy Design Review Committee (CRC) in 2011 to perform its design review in accordance with the Guidelines set out in Section 5.9 of the Middle Green Valley Specific Plan.

The CRC’s role is to review all proposed projects within the Plan area for conformance with the stated objectives and illustrated standards contained in the Specific Plan. The following is the CRC procedure:

PRELIMINARY ASSISTANCE

1. Understanding the Specific Plan

(No fee is required for an initial GVAC discussion)

An introductory, informal meeting with the CRC is recommended in order to identify a project’s proposed location within the Specific Plan area, discuss early or initial project concepts and their conformance with the MGV Specific Plan, and to address any questions about the plan or the process.

If requested, the CRC will provide an informal “first look” at an applicant's ideas, sketches or plan, and identify or provide guidance for any areas of concern.

2. Schematic Plan Development Review

($250 GVAC Review fee)

In this meeting the CRC will review an Applicant’s preliminary concepts, identify areas that may or may not be in conformance with the Specific Plan, and make suggestions for preparation of the Preliminary Design Review application.

FORMAL DESIGN REVIEW

Application Fees

  • New Residence: $3,000.00

  • Addition or Remodel of Existing Residence: $2,000.00

  • Secondary Structure: $1,000.00

  • Landscape Only: $250.00

1. Preliminary Design Review Application and Design Review

The Applicant will:

Submit a Preliminary Design Application Form (insert document link), fee payment, and preliminary drawings (at appropriate scale) including:

  • Site plan – including setbacks, grading, hardscape, fences, landscape areas and any other notable site features

  • Roof Plan – including materials, overhangs and related slopes

  • Floor Plan – illustrating interior room plan/layout

  • Exterior Elevations – identifying all sides, building heights, windows and doors with proposed glazing patterns, exterior finishes and sample colors and outline specifications. May also indicate proposed exterior lighting fixture type(s) at this time

Provide an electronic file of the Preliminary Design Review Documents.

Provide two copies of the Preliminary Design drawings and information in 24 in. x 36 in. size.

Schedule a meeting with the CRC for a design review consultation. If elements of the proposed project are not in conformance with the Specific Plan, CRC may make suggestions or discuss alternatives to bring the project into conformance before final plans are drawn.

2. Final Design Review Application and Final Design Review

The Applicant will:

Submit a completed Final Design Application Form (insert document link), and Final Design drawings and information. These drawings shall include developed plans and information as outlined for the Preliminary Design Review. At this stage, the plans must be substantially complete as typically required by Solano County for Building Permits (90% or more).

Provide an electronic file copy of the Final Design documents.

Provide 2 print sets of drawings (with added notations, or a separate letter noting any revisions made or incorporated after the Preliminary Design Review).

Provide specification information about exterior finishes, materials, and colors, as shown on the drawings. Show proposed exterior lighting fixture type(s).

3. Approval Letter

Within 7 business days after the CRC approves the Final Design submittal, GVAC will issue a letter to the Senior Planner at the Solano County Department of Resource Management, indicating the Project Final Design submittal has been reviewed for conformance with the Specific Plan and approved by GVAC.

At this point, Application for Building Permits may proceed.

4. During the Course of Construction

From time to time, GVAC may visit the site to observe progress of the work to assure compliance with the Approved Final Design.

It will be important to advise GVAC CRC of significant revisions prior to undertaking the work as GVAC may report observed, unapproved changes to the County. This could result in further review or a work stoppage.

Applicants are required to notify the CRC when the project is nearing completion and a certificate of occupancy. The CRC will inspect the project and inform the County that the project is in conformance with the approved plans or if there are deviations from approved plans.

FINAL NOTE

The MGV Specific Plan is comprehensive and detailed as it is a Solano County planning “ordinance.” It is a significant planning achievement by the County, multiple landowners, and the surrounding community. Those who are fortunate to have a project within the Specific Plan Area will find that GVAC's Design Review Committee is committed to working with future residents to create a community of which we all can be proud.