A. The mayor or designee shall provide the initial screening of monument proposals to determine if the proposed monument complies with the provisions of this chapter including without limitation, to evaluate the suitability of the proposed monument site, if any, so that a report and recommendation may be prepared for the city council in advance of its decision on the proposal. If the mayor’s decision is to conduct further review of the proposal based upon considerations consistent with this chapter, the proposal shall be referred to the appropriate department, so the report and recommendations to the council can address the considerations and criteria of this chapter.

B. The lead department shall prepare a report for consideration by the city council and such board or commission designated by the city council, if any, and shall coordinate with the mayor and with other affected departments. The lead department shall submit an advisory recommendation to the mayor for the mayor’s review regarding the monument based upon the factors set forth in this chapter and the review criteria set forth below. After the mayor’s review, and amendments and modifications (if any) the mayor shall then forward the recommendation to the city council.

C. The city council shall have final approval of a city project to design and construct a monument, or to accept a donated monument.

D. The mayor shall, on at least a quarterly basis, submit a report to the city council informing the city council of any and all monument donations and application proposals received by the city, and the mayor’s recommendations regarding each proposal.

E. All required environmental review shall be approved by the city’s planning department before the city commits to installing a monument. The monument shall be consistent with adopted city master plans unless those plans are amended as a part of the review process.

F. While a formal building permit is not required, the building official shall review the structure and site plan to ensure conformance with the building code adopted by Washington State.

G. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the city council may decide, in its sole discretion, to reject a proposal for a monument and/or may determine the appropriate site for any and all city monuments.

H. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Auburn City Code, the process set forth in this chapter shall be the only city process for reviewing the siting or location of monuments. (Ord. 6480 § 1, 2013.)