§ 4-409. Administrative exceptions.

(a) Purpose and applicability.

(1) This Code recognizes that the design standards cannot address every anticipated architectural design element of a development. Accordingly, an administrative exception to the design standards of the district may be requested during the design review process.

(2) This administrative exception allows the Director of Planning to approve exceptions to the design standards within each of the districts.

(b) Authority.

(1) The Director of Planning may approve an administrative exception in cases where the proposed architectural design of a structure meets the intent of the design review provisions but fails to meet 1 or more specific design standards.

(2) The Director of Planning may not approve any administrative or other exception for any of the use, bulk, or yard standards of the zoning district.

(c) Standard for exceptions.

In order to approve an administrative exception, the Director of Planning must find that:

(1) the administrative exception is generally compatible with the intent of the design standards and the area of the development; and

(2) the design integrity and details of the building are acceptable within the context of a specific site and need not be achieved through a strict response to the details of the design standards contained in this Code.