(1) Purpose. A number of specific departure opportunities to the design standards contained in this chapter are provided. Departure opportunities are signaled by the capitalized word DEPARTURE or the symbol ⇒. The purpose is to provide applicants with the option of proposing alternative design treatments, when they can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director that it is equal to or better than the standard, provided such departures meet the “purpose” of the particular standard, and any additional departure criteria established for the particular departure opportunity.

(2) Requests for departures are voluntary. This provision allows the flexibility for applicants to propose alternative designs on a voluntary basis.

(3) Applicability. Departure opportunities are available only where noted for specific standards.

(4) Procedures. Applications for a departure shall be subject to the review and approval procedures for a Type 2 land use decision process as provided in Chapter 14.30 CMC unless associated with a higher land use decision process (e.g. conditional use permit).

(5) Approval Criteria. Project applicants shall successfully demonstrate to the Director how the proposed departure meets the purpose(s) of the standard, and other applicable departure criteria that applies to the specific standard.

(6) Documentation. The Director shall document the reasons for approving all departures within the project application records for the purpose of providing consistency in decision-making by the City. (Ord. 08-21 § 3 (Exh. B))