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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-24 - AGENDA REPORTS - ADOPT RESO 98 35 (2)AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approi Item to be presented PUBLIC HEARING DATE: March 24, 1998 I SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF CITYWIDE DESIGN GUIDELINES GOVERNING RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA RESOLUTION NO. 98-35 DEPARTMENT: Planning and Building Services RECOMMENDED ACTION Re -open the public hearing, receive testimony, and adopt Resolution No. 98-35 approving citywide architectural design guidelines for the City of Santa Clarita. BACKGROUND Presently, the City has no means to address architectural design review. The issue of establishing citywide standards was raised by Council member Boyer two years ago. In response, staff conducted a series of outreach meetings with the community and ultimately compiled the attached.design guidelines. Based on direction from the City Council, staff has prepared design guidelines to govern residential, commercial, and industrial development in the City. Given that Councilmember Boyer was unable to attend the March 10, 1998 meeting, the Council continued the item to the March 24, 1998, meeting. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS No alternative actions are proposed for this item. FISCAL IMPACT There will be no fiscal impact to the City associated with this action. ATTACHMENTS 1. February 3, 1998, Planning Commission staff report. 2. Draft City-wide Design Guidelines. sApbs\advance\adgs4.cdm Adapted: Agenda Item: ®l NOTICE OF CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF SANTA CLARITA CITY COUNCIL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, at its regular meeting held March 10, 1998, continued a public hearing on 6. ADOPTION OF CITYWIDE DESIGN GUIDELINES GOVERNING RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY . RESOLUTION NO. 98-35 - Consideration of Citywide Design Guidelines governing residential, commercial, and industrial development in the City of Santa Clarita toMarch24, 1998, for the item to be heard by the full Council. The continued public hearing will be held at or after 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 23920 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita, California. Dated this 11th day of March, 1998. SHARON L. DAWSON, CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) SHARON L. DAWSON, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that she is the duly appointed and qualified City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita and that on March 11, 1998, she caused the above notice to be posted at the door of the Council Chamber located at 23920 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita, California. SHARON L. DAWSON, CITY CLERK Santa Clarita, California \wrres\-contph.not DATE: TO: FROM: CASE PLANNER: APPLICANT: LOCATION: REQUEST: BACKGROUND CITY OF SANTA CLARITA STAFF REPORT CITY-WIDE DESIGN GUIDELINES February 3, 1998 Cha' rson Hoback and Members of the Planning Commission Je Lambert, AICP, Planning Manager C McNamara, AICP, Assistant Planner II City of Santa Clarita Citywide A request to implement architectural design guidelinesforthe City of Santa Clarita On January 20, 1998, the Planning Commission continued the proposed design guidelines without discussion to the meeting of February 3, 1998. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Please see the attached January 20, 1998, staff report. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning Commission: 1) Receive staff report and provide staff with comments and/or direction on the proposed citywide design guidelines. Attachments: 1. January 20, 1998, Staff Report 2. Draft Design Guidelines JJL:CDM:lep current\adre2.edm Agenda Item: 3 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA STAFF REPORT CITY-WIDE DESIGN GUIDELINES DATE: Janua 20, 1998 TO: Ch erson Hoback and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: Je ey Lambert, AICP, Planning Manager CASE PLANNER: al McNamara, AICP, Assistant Planner II APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita LOCATION: Citywide REQUEST: A request to implement architectural design guidelines for the City of Santa Clarita The City presently has no means to address architectural design review. The issue of establishing citywide design guidelines was raised two years ago by both the City Council and the community. In response, staff held a series of four community workshops in Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, and Valencia to hear the community's views on design guidelines. Upon concluding the public workshops, staff presented the findings and various possible courses of action, ranging from utilizing the current review process to establishing a design review commission; to the. City Council. Of the four potential design review approaches, the Council expressed a desire to have staff formulate design guidelines to be utilized as a supplement to the Unified Development Code (UDC). The guidelines would serve as additional measures of good quality design on future development projects reviewed by both staff and the Planning Commission., PROJECT DESCRIPTION In an effort to achieve consistently high quality architectural design for development in the City, the Department of Planning and Building Services has compiled a list of recommended practices to assist applicants with their developments. These guidelines have been organized into residential, commercial, and industrial sections and will address such topics as: O Placement/Orientation of Structures O Facade and Roof Articulation O Architectural Compatibility O Site Planning O Parking Lot Layout/Design • Landscaping Citywide Design Guidelines January 20, 1998 Page 2 The guidelines have been designed to protect and enhance the character of the City, while guiding new development and remodeling. The document is envisioned to be a tool to implement the City's UDC and, while the guidelines are not standards intended to supersede the requirements of the UDC, they should be considered "recommended practices," which both the Planning Commission and Planning Division consider important to the design of the City. Paramount to staff in compiling the guidelines.were the following design objectives: O To provide pedestrian oriented. design offering the best possible pedestrian environment at street level --to enrich the pedestrian experience; O To promote high quality architecture; O To promote efficient circulation; and O To promote parking lot design with defined landscaping. The design guidelines are intended as a reference to assist the designer in understanding the City's goals and objectives for high quality development. The guidelines complement the mandatory site development regulations contained in the UDC by providing good examples of potential design solutions and by providing design interpretations of the various mandatory regulations. The guidelines are intended to be general and interpreted with some flexibility in their application to specific projects. They will be utilized during the City's review process to encourage the highest level of design quality while at the same time, providing the flexibility necessary to encourage creativity on the part of the project designers. GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION. SURROUNDIN LAND USE ZONING The guidelines are intended to function city-wide in all residential, commercial, and industrial districts. ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS The proposed design guidelines do not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and, as such, no environmental review is required for the proposed guidelines. TERDEPARTMENMTERAGENCY REVIE The guidelines have been distributed to the affected City Departments. Subsequently, the Planning Division has incorporated the comments into the draft guidelines. ANALYSIS In designing the guidelines, staff has attempted to create an easy to read supplement to the UDC, which can be used by developers, home owners, and tenants to assist in the designing of new construction and tenant improvements. The document is organized into separate residential, commercial, and industrial sections for ease of readability. Numerous diagrams and 3 Citywide Design Guidelines January 20, 1998 Page 3 sketches have been incorporated into the sections to clearly identify the intent of the passage. Rather than giving specific requirements for construction, the guidelines offer general recommendations which help allow the applicant to understand the UDC and design high quality projects. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning Commission: 1) Receive staff report and provide staff with comments and/or direction on the proposed citywide design guidelines. Attachments: Draft Design Guidelines JJL:CDM:lep eurmnHadrsl.edm T DESIGN GUIDELINES for the City of Santa Clarita In an effort to achieve consistently high quality architectural design for developments in the City, and in keeping with the direction of the City Council, the Department of Planning and Building Services has compiled a list of recommended practices to assist applicants with their developments. These guidelines have been organized into Residential, Commercial, and Industrial sections and will address such topics as: ❑ Placement/Orientation of Structures ❑ Fagade and Roof Articulation ❑ Architectural Compatibility ❑ Site Planning ❑ Parking and Circulation ❑ Landscaping Goals 1. To protect and enhance the character of the City of Santa Clarita. 2. To guide new development and. remodeling to assure a relatedness between individual buildings, both new and old. 3. To attract quality developments to the City. Consistency with the Unified Development Code This document should be considered a tool to implement the City of Santa Clarita's Unified Development Code (UDC). While the guidelines contained herein are not. standards intended to supercede the requirements of the UDC, they should be considered "recommended practices," which both the Planning Commission and Planning Division consider important to the design of the City. Desien Obiectives 1. To provide pedestrian oriented design offering the best possible pedestrian environment at street level. To enrich the pedestrian experience. 2. To promote high quality urban architecture. 3. To promote efficient circulation. 4. To promote parking lot design with defined landscaping. Puxroose The following design guidelines are intended as a reference to assist the designer in understanding the City's goals and objectives for high quality development. The guidelines complement the mandatory site development regulations contained in the UDC by providing good examples of potential design solutions and by providing design interpretations of the various mandatory regulations. The design guidelines are general and may be interpreted with some flexibility in their application to specific projects. The guidelines will be utilized during the City's review process to encourage the highest level of design quality while at the same time, providing the flexibility necessary to encourage creativity on the part of the project designers. Unless there is a compelling reason, these design guidelines shall be followed. City of Santa Clarita Design Guidelines Table of Contents Residential Desim Guidelines Single -Family Site Planning • Setbacks • Lot Orientation • Lot Widths • Garage Placement • Zero Lot Lines • Walls • Grading Single -Family Architecture • Fagade and Roof Articulation • Structure Design • Attached Dwellings • Scale • Materials • Vents and Downspouts • Equipment Screening • Ancillary Structures Multi -Family Site Planning • Building Articulation • Clustering of Units • Project Entries • Entry Drives • Pedestrian Access from Parking • Open Space • Planted Areas • Refuse Storage/Disposal • Site Grading • Security Multi -Family Architecture • Fagade and Roof Articulation • Scale • Materials • Balconies, Porches, and Patios • Dwelling Unit Access • Exterior Stairs • Carports, Garages, and Accessory Structures Commercial Development Design Guidelines • Site Planning • Landscaping • Walls and Fences • Screening • Architectural Design Guidelines • Roofs • Awnings • Signs Industrial Development Design Guidelines • Site Planning • Parking and Circulation • Loading Facilities • Landscaping • Walls and Fences • Screening • Architectural Design • Roofs • Signs • Lighting Residential Development Design Guidelines. These design guidelines are formatted into two general categories: single- family residential and multi -family residential. Each category is further divided into architectural guidelines and site planning guidelines Sinale Family Site Planning An important goal of the single-family site planning guidelines is to create functional and visual variety along local streets. It is the intent of these guidelines to discourage subdivisions where identical homes march down long, uninterrupted straight streets, with no variation in building placement or the street scene. All single-family subdivision plans will be evaluated using the guidelines contained in this section with emphasis on the following criteria: 1. Proportional mix and placement of lots 2. Preservation of mature trees and natural features 3. Placement of dwelling unit on lot 4. Preservation of views 5. Provision of amenities (subdivision entrance treatment, landscaping, open space, etc.) 6. Treatment of drainage courses 7. Treatment of walls and fences 8. Other unique amenities Varied Setbacks Placement of homes and garages close to or back from the street creates different patterns of visible open space. The structures themselves, when close to the street, also add diversity to the view. Setbacks should, however, allow for sufficient parking area in front of garages. Varying the distance between adjoining homes, or between homes and fences, results in different types of yards and private patio areas. Vaded F=f Setbacks Sloy�rMp of »lbadu to each enhy - - •- - enlo07 va ely andldenhy. Lot Orientation On curves or at corners, lots can often be oriented in a different direction than those at mid -block. In these cases some lots can be non -rectangular and angled on the street. Structures should be oriented so that a majority of primary living spaces receive direct sunlight for the daylight hours. In new projects, structures should be positioned to minimize the impact of shadows on adjacent properties and within the project. Additionally, increased fenestration or architectural relief should be provided, whenever possible. Varied Lot Widths Making some lots wider, and some narrower, than the average can provide different amounts of open area between structures. It also allows placement of different shapes and sizes of homes. On narrow lots, a variation of only 3 or 4 feet can make a perceptible difference. Attached and Detached Housfng Vaded Lot Wfdi is car wrnnrnwnn, Varied Garage Placement and Orientation Garages can be located on the front or rear sides of the house. Garages can be attached, completely detached or detached and connected to the home by breezeways. Garage door setbacks should allow driveway parking that keeps the sidewalk clear of vehicles. When placed at the front of the lot, garages could have a single story mass at the front of the structure(s) to provide an architectural transition in 2 story massing. When lot size permits, garages can be on the front side of the house and can be entered from the front or side. They can also vary in size. When possible, garages can be located to the rear of the structure and accessed either by a driveway or by alley loading. Garages can be detached and may be connected to the home by breezeways. auMalMewoy 241%Deveway Cas wID P** in too short of Adequate SPOLe far of- d ddi eway emaRhg d hOftlo kStreet ine not ng - pe bestrim d hazard -pedahk n 0WIC 6 Wrced out into food owl oa OEM, of •�� ' Bawl I=me ■tee ae ■u• Garage has sfigle storymdss. UPPerpodian of shuchre Is set boot Zero Lot Line Homes Zero lot line homes (flush to the side lot line) lend themselves well to creation of courts and patios that a traditional center plot may prevent. The two yield different street scenes. Vaded Garage gaaement and Odentallon Walls Zero Lot Line Walls and fences are an integral part of the streetscape. As such, wall should be of plaster or smooth stucco finish or other approved masonry. They should be designed in a style, material, and color which complements the dwelling units to which they are attached. Other materials may include wrought iron, tile insets, or grillwork. Both sides of all perimeter walls or fences should be architecturally treated. See UDC Section 17.15.020.0 for specific standards. Grading Development should relate to the natural surroundings and minimize grading by following the natural contours as much as possible. Graded slopes should be rounded and contoured to blend with the existing terrain. Significant natural vegetation should be retained and incorporated into the project whenever possible. Single -Family Architecture There is no particular architectural. "style" required for residential structures but the focus should be on the development of a high quality residential environment. In general, the architecture should consider compatibility with surrounding character, including harmonious building style, form, size, color, material, and roofline. Individual dwelling units should be distinguishable from one another. Fagade and Roof Articulation The articulation of facades and the massing of structures give them richness and scale. - Long uninterrupted exterior walls should be avoided on all structures. All structure walls should have "relief' to create an interesting blend with landscaping, structures, and the casting of shadows. The integration of varied texture, relief and design accents on building walls can soften the architecture. For sloped roofs, both vertical and horizontal articulation is encouraged. Rooflines should be representative of the design and scale of the units under them. Roof articulation may be achieved by changes in plane of no less than 2 feet 6 inches and/or the use of traditional roof forms such as gables, hips, and dormers. Flat roofs and A -frame type roofs are discouraged unless appropriate to the architectural style. Undesirable Architectural Treatment Vertical Articulation Added Horizontal Articulation Added Varied Structure Design MulfiPloned Roofs and Awnings Add Desirable Articulation Design of structures should be varied in tract developments to create variety and interest. A significant difference in the massing and composition (not just finish materials) of each adjacent house should be accomplished. However, a mix of styles in new development with similar massing can be encouraged. One design should not be repeated more frequently than each sixth house. Attached Dwellings 1. Single-family attached dwellings should be articulated to project an image of customized homes. Three attached unite appear as one large custom home. 2. Walls or other features should be used to lengthen the horizontal elements of elevations and reduce the visual impact of garage doors. 3. Driveways should be grouped with a separating planting strip to provide maximum effective turf areas. 4. Garages could have a single -story appearance at the front of the building to allow a stepped -back architectural transition for two story structures. Garages must be setback from the street sufficiently to allow driveway parking without overhanging the sidewalk. Scale Form and scale should relate to the use of the structure as a single-family residence. Also, the scale of structures should be within a human scale so as not to overwhelm or dominate its surroundings. Materials The choice and mix of materials on the facades of structures and garage doors is important in providing an attractive living environment. Materials should be consistently applied and should be chosen to work harmoniously with adjacent materials. Piecemeal embellishment and frequent changes in materials should be avoided. All structure elements should be architecturally treated. Materials tend to appear substantial and integral when material changes occur at changes in plane. Material or color changes at the outside corners of structures give an impression of thinness and artificiality, which should be avoided. Material changes not accompanied by changes in plane also frequently give material an insubstantial or applied quality. Materials to be avoided include: metal or aluminum siding and roofs; reflective materials and finishes; and unfinished concrete block. �4:N Change In plane wdh change In material Recommended Vents and Downspouts Matedal or color change of ouWde comer Not recommended Change of matedau on same plane Not Recommended Rain gutters, downspouts, vents, and other roof protrusions should be finished to match the adjacent materials and/or colors. Equipment Screening Any equipment, whether on the roof, side of structure, or ground, must be screened. The method of screening must be architecturally compatible in terms of materials, color, shape, and size. The screening design should blend with the building design, which may include a continuous screen. Ancillary Structures The design of ancillary structures (guesthouses, cabanas, barns, storage sheds, etc.) should be architecturally compatible with the main structure through the use of walls, roofs, trellises, fence/wall connections, and/or landscaping. Change In plane wdh change In material Recommended Vents and Downspouts Matedal or color change of ouWde comer Not recommended Change of matedau on same plane Not Recommended Rain gutters, downspouts, vents, and other roof protrusions should be finished to match the adjacent materials and/or colors. Equipment Screening Any equipment, whether on the roof, side of structure, or ground, must be screened. The method of screening must be architecturally compatible in terms of materials, color, shape, and size. The screening design should blend with the building design, which may include a continuous screen. Ancillary Structures The design of ancillary structures (guesthouses, cabanas, barns, storage sheds, etc.) should be architecturally compatible with the main structure through the use of walls, roofs, trellises, fence/wall connections, and/or landscaping. Multi -Family Site Planning Multi -family and cluster housing, because of their higher densities, tend to generate large parking areas and a decrease in private open space. If not properly designed, parking facilities can dominate the site and.open spaces may be relegated to left over areas, not related to the structure or the people who live there. Residential developments surrounded by high walls, parking lots, and rows of carports along public streets are examples of practices to be avoided. Perimeter parking drives are discouraged because parking areas provide a poor image of a project and often function as barriers between the project : and the surrounding community. The guidelines that follow are intended to help mitigate the effects of these situations and to provide a pleasant residential environment within the context of higher density development. Building Articulation Long, unbroken facades and box -like forms should be avoided. Building facades should be broken up to give the appearance of a collection of smaller structures. To the extent possible, each of the units should be individually recognizable. This can be accomplished with the use of balconies, setbacks, and projections, which help articulate individual dwelling units or collections of units and by the pattern and rhythm of windows and doors. Clustering of Units Clustering of multi -family units should be a consistent site planning element. Structures composed of a series of simple yet varied planes assure compatibility and variety in overall building form. The following design techniques should be considered and.implemented whenever possible: ArNeulated facade gales oppearonee of a aofteellon of smaUershuchres 1. Varying front setbacks within same structure. 2. Staggered and jogged unit planes. 3: Use of reverse building plans to add variety. 4. Maximum of two (2) adjacent units with identical wall and rooflines. 5. Variety of orientations to avoid the monotony of garage door corridors. See UDC Section 17.17.080 for specific requirements. Project Entries Project entry areas provide the resident and visitor with an overview to the project. They should provide an open window with landscaping, recreational facilities, and project directories. Special attention should be given to hardscape and landscape treatment to enhance the overall project image. Entry Drives The principal_ vehicular access into a multi -family through an entry drive rather than a parking drive. treatment at entry drives is encouraged; however, permitted within public street right-of-ways. Pedestrian Access from Parking housing project should be Colored, textured paving stamped concrete is not Landscape strips and/or islands should, wherever possible, align with major building entrances to provide pedestrian access to the building entrance from a parking court or drive. Landscaping strips that align with entrances should be proportional to the size of the center. and should include a pathway as well as a vertical landscape or architectural element, for example, a trellis or a tree. ennonces when possible using textured paying and trelikes. Open Space Residents of housing projects should have safe and efficient access to useable open space, whether public or private, for recreation and social activities. The design and orientation of these areas should take advantage of available sunlight and should be sheltered from the noise and traffic of adjacent streets or other incompatible uses. Open space should focus on areas that are usable to the residents and not merely remainder parcels with marginal utility. g �Fx :yH�x``�& CMWREW3 PLIYAREA 0 IZr/�,1 rvjJb V R RrcrEAnonr k ✓s3, x. AREA k „u„ � '`� axe, u. Orient project entry toward ENW DRM Open parking and earpors should open space/recreatlon aea be cimtered Into parking tours. Planted Areas All areas not covered by structures, drives, parking, or hardscape should be appropriately landscaped. Landscaping is used to frame, soften, and embellish the quality of environment, to buffer units from noise or undesirable views, to breakup large expanses of parking, and to separate frontage roads within a project from public streets. To accomplish these design objectives, landscape elements need vertical dimension. Trees and tall shrubs are needed in addition to grass and groundcover. Trees can also be used to provide shading and climatic cooling of nearby units. Refuse StoragelDisposal Trash bins must be fully enclosed in accordance with City of Santa Clarita standards. Said enclosures should be softened with landscaping- on their most visible sides whenever possible. Recommended locations include inside parking courts or at the end of parking bays. Locations should be conveniently accessible for trash collection and maintenance and should not block access drives during loading operations. Site Grading Site grading should recognize existing drainage patterns and landforms while providing appropriate transition of architectural elements to -grade. Site grading should also provide for an uninterrupted flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic through the development. The plan should direct and provide adequate flow of surface run-off to catch basins - while gracefully contouring the land to blend with existing conditions at the boundaries of the site. Street drainage should be collected in curb gutters. The use of center- swale drainage devices is strongly discouraged. Parking lots may drain to a single concrete swale at the edge of the aisle. The City's-Ridgeline Preservation and Hillside Development Ordinance and guidelines, adopted March 24, 1992, shall be adhered to at all times. Security Multi -family projects should be designed to provide the maximum amount of security for residents and visitors. Parking areas should be well lit and located so as to be visible from residential units. Landscaping should be planted and maintained to provide views into open space areas. Multi -Family Architecture There is no particular architectural "style' proposed for multi -family residential structures. The primary focus should be on constructing a high quality residential environment. The criteria presented here strives for this "quality" through descriptions and examples of appropriate building materials and architectural expression. In general, the design of multi- family developments should consider compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. Often, such projects are developed .adjacent to single-family neighborhoods and measures should be taken to ensure that the height and bulk of higher density projects do not impact these lower density residential areas. Many of the same architectural principles and techniques discussed under the single-family category of these guidelines are also applicable to multi- family projects and these should be reviewed by the designer in conjunction with the following: Fagade and Roof Articulation Separations, changes in plane and height, and the inclusion of elements such as balconies, porches, arcades, dormers, and cross gables mitigate the barracks -like quality of flat walls and roofs of excessive length. Secondary hipped or. gabled roofs covering the entire mass of a building are preferable to mansard roofs or segments of pitched roof applied at the structure's edge. Extremely long structures, if they are appropriately articulated, may be acceptable; however, structures (including garages and carports) exceeding 150 feet in length are generally discouraged. . %iQ:...: is )7Yi!*P' .kY�>:O,..tFFy4r.+%.h:.: F ,`�":••+�''.p' .Khii9J n' .:4C.'?'+ny � ��y...,:t�nH' ::2lyiY12:$,.4.4tw`t>!.Q�:t 2W11,L 161,10 IN. 9 4.1 MIN. Architectural projections for two stortes Inge e UnarUcutaled buildings are undesireable. Staggered units permitted Structures containing three (3) or more attached dwellings in a row should incorporate at least one of the following: 1. For each dwelling unit, at least one architectural projection not less than two feet from the wall plane and not less than four feet wide should be provided. Such projections should extend the full height of single story structures, at least 1/2 of the height of a two-story building, and 2/3 the height of a three story building. 2. A change in wall plane of at least three feet in depth and 12 feet in length should be provided for each two units. Scale Because multi -family projects are usually taller than one story, their bulk can impose on surrounding uses. The scale of such projects should be considered within the context of their surroundings. Structures with greater height may require additional setbacks so as not to dominate the character of the neighborhood. Materials Materials selected for multi -family projects should .be very durable and require low maintenance. Piecemeal embellishment and frequent changes in materials should be avoided. Balconies, Porches, and Patios The incorporation of balconies, porches, and patios within multi -family. structures is encouraged for both practical and aesthetic value. These elements should be integrated to break up large wall masses, offset floor setbacks, and add human scale to structures. Low tool planes - 1 n • n • n . - Balconies and patios Ir— Low privacy walk Clustered. access Articulate wag planes Dwelling Unit Access The use of long, monotonous access balconies and corridors that provide access to five or more units should be avoided. Instead, access points to units should be clustered in groups of four or less. To the extent possible, the entrances to individual units should be plainly visible from nearby parking areas. The use of distinctive architectural elements and materials to denote prominent entrances in encouraged. Exterior Stairs Simple, clean, bold projections of stairways are encouraged to complement the architectural massing and form of the multi -family structure. Stairways should be of smooth stucco, plaster, or wood, with accent trim of complementary colors. Thin -looking, open metal, prefabricated stairs are discouraged. Carports, Garages and Accessory Structures Carports, detached garages, and accessory structures should be designed as an integral part of the architecture of projects. They should be similar in materials, color, and detail to the principal structures of a development. Handicap Accessibility All residences should be designed with the needs of the physically challenged in mind. Notwithstanding ADA requirements, design should attempt to address issues such as doorway width, the use of lever type handles on doors, positioning of light switches and electrical outlets, and access not requiring a step down. Commercial Development Design Guidelines The provisions of this section shall apply to all commercial development within the City. Additionally, any addition, remodeling, relocation, or construction requiring a building permit within any commercial land use district shall adhere to these guidelines where applicable. General Desim Principles Desirable Elements of Project Design The qualities and design elements for commercial structures that are most desirable include: 1. Richness of surface and texture 2. Significant wall articulation (insets, canopies, wing walls, trellises) 3. Multi -planed, pitched roofs 4.. Roof overhangs, arcades 5. Regular or traditional window rhythm 6. Articulated mass and bulk 7. Significant landscape and hardscape elements 8. Prominent access driveways 9. Landscaped and screened (from street) parking areas, wherever provided 10. Comprehensive sign programs 11. Pedestrian pathways through planting areas Undesirable Elements of Project Design The elements to avoid or minimize include: 1. Large blank, unarticulated stucco wall surfaces 2. Unpainted concrete precision block walls 3. Highly reflective surfaces 4. Metal siding on the main fagade 5. Plastic siding 6. Square 'boxlike" structures 7. Mix of unrelated styles (i.e. rustic wood shingles and polished chrome) 8. Large, out of scale signs 9. Visible outdoor storage, loading, and equipment areas 10. Disjointed parking areas and confusing circulation patterns Site Planning Placement of structures should consider the existing built context of the commercial area, the location of incompatible land uses, the location of major traffic generators as well as an analysis of a site's characteristics and particular influences. A. Structures should be sited in a manner that will complement the adjacent structures. Sites should be developed in a coordinated manner to provide order and diversity and avoid a jumbled, confused development. B. Whenever possible, new structures should be clustered. This creates plazas or pedestrian malls and prevents long 'barracks -like' rows of structures. When clustering is impractical, a visual link between separate structures should be established. This link can be accomplished through the .use. of an arcade system, trellis, pedestrian pathways, or other open structure. I H II C[ I I IIRIIII I?IIIIIM ♦w[CN:. M c I CLUSTER BUILDINGS ON THE SITE TO CREATE PEDESTRIAN AREAS DO NOT SEPARATE BUILDINGS WITH PARKING LOTS C. Locate structures and on-site circulation systems to minimize pedestrian/vehicle conflicts where possible. Link structures to the public sidewalk where possible with textured paving, landscaping, and trellises. D. Recognize the importance of spaces between structures as "outdoor rooms' on the site. Outdoor spaces should have clear, recognizable shapes that reflect careful planning and are not simply 'left over" areas between structures. Such spaces should provide pedestrian amenities such as shade, benches, fountains, landscaping, public art, etc. E. Freestanding, singular commercial structures should be oriented with their major entry toward the street where access is provided (when applicable), as well as having their major fapde parallel to the street. F. Loading facilities should not be located at the front of structures where it is difficult to adequately screen them from view. Such facilities are more appropriate at the rear of the site where special screening may not be required. G. Open space areas should be clustered into larger, predominant landscape areas rather than equally distributed into areas of low impact (such as building peripheries, the rear of structure, or areas of little impact to the public view). Wherever possible, the creation of plazas should be considered. LoadMp areas should be loeaw al rear of stAKA" CIO&* plazas In PROIPNEEM I I MRI. pe 7C1. H. Parking access points, whether located on front, side, or rear streets, should be located as far as possible from street intersections so that adequate stacking room is provided. The number of access points should be limited to the minimum amount necessary to provide adequate circulation. I. Design parking areas so that pedestrians walk parallel to moving cars. Minimize the need for pedestrians to cross parking aisles and landscape areas. Design parking areas and pathways in compliance with ADA requirements. J. Parking areas and pedestrian walkways should be visible from structures to the greatest degree possible. PARKING AISLE ARRANGEMENT Discouraged Preteaed K The parking area should be designed in a manner that links the structures to the street sidewalk system as an extension of the pedestrian environment. This can be accomplished by using design features such as walkways with enhanced paving, trellis structures, or a special landscaping treatment. L. Parking areas, which accommodate a significant number of vehicles, should be divided into a series of connected smaller lots. Landscaping and offsetting portions of the lot are effective in reducing the visual impact of large parking areas. M. The first parking stall, which is perpendicular to a driveway or first aisle juncture, should be at least 40 feet back from the curb. With larger centers, significantly more setback area may be required. N. Utilize a 36 -inch high opaque wall or landscaping to screen any parking at the street periphery. A combination of walls, berms, and landscape material is highly recommended. Where practical, lowering the grade of the parking lot from existing street elevations may aid in obscuring views of automobiles while promoting views 'of architectural elements of the structures beyond. Landscaping A. Landscaping for commercial uses should be used to define specific areas by helping to focus on entrances to buildings and parking lots, defining the edges of various land uses, providing transition between neighboring properties (buffering), and providing screening for loading and equipment areas. B. Landscaping should be in scale with adjacent structures and be of appropriate size at maturity to accomplish its intended purpose. C. Landscaping around the entire base of the structures is recommended to soften the edge between the parking lot and the structure. This should be accented at entrances to provide focus. D. Trees should be located throughout the parking lot and not simply at the ends of parking aisles. Parking lot trees should be located in planters that are bounded on at least three sides by parking area paving. E. Landscaping should be protected from vehicular and pedestrian encroachment by raised planting surfaces, depressed walks, or the use of curbs. F. Vines and climbing plants integrated upon buildings, trellises, and perimeter garden walls are strongly encouraged. A few plants to consider for this purpose are bougainvillea, grape ivy, and wisteria vines. Walls and Fences A. If not required for a specific screening or security purpose, walls should not be utilized within commercial areas. The intent is to keep the walls as low as possible while performing their screening and security functions. B. Where walls are used at property frontages, or screen walls are used to conceal storage and equipment areas, they should be designed to blend with the site's architecture. Both sides of all perimeter walls or fences should be architecturally treated. Landscaping should be used in combination with such walls whenever possible. C. When security fencing is required, it should be a combination of solid walls with pillars and decorative view ports, or short solid wall segments and wrought iron grillwork. D. Long expanses of fence or wall surfaces should be offset and architecturally designed to prevent. monotony. Landscape pockets should be provided. Elevation of Staggered Wall 70- Elevation of Plonters/Wall Elevation or Wall with Breaks Screening A. Screening for outdoor storage should be a minimum of six (6) feet in height. The height should be determined by the height of the items being screened. Exterior storage should be confined to portions of the site least visible to public view. B. Where screening is required, a combination of elements should be used including solid masonry walls, berms, and landscaping. C. Any outdoor equipment, whether on a roof, side of a structure, or on the ground, shall be appropriately screened from view. The method of screening shall be architecturally integrated with the adjacent structure in terms of materials, color, shape, and size. Where individual equipment is provided, a continuous screen is desirable. Architectural Design Guidelines A. Heights of structures should relate to adjacent open spaces to allow maximum sun and ventilation, protection from prevailing winds, enhancement of public views of surrounding mountains and minimization of view obstruction. B. Height and scale of new development should be compatible with that of surrounding development. New development height should "transition" from the height of adjacent development to the maximum height of the proposed structure. C. Large buildings, which give the appearance of 'box -like' structures, are generally unattractive and detract from the overall scale of most buildings. There are several ways to reduce the appearance of large scale, bulky structures: ❑ Vary the planes of the exterior walls in depth and/or direction. Wall planes should not run in one..continuous direction for more than 50 feet without an offset. ❑ Vary the height of the buildings so:that it appears to be divided into distinct massing elements. ❑ Articulate the different parts of a building's fagade by use of color, arrangement of fagade elements, or change in materials. ❑ Use landscaping and architectural detailing at the ground level to lessen the impact of an otherwise bulky building. ❑ Avoid blank walls at the ground floor levels. Utilize windows, trellises, wall articulation, arcades, changes in materials, or other features. 13 Architecturally treat all structure elevations. AWNINGS Of THE SAME FORM AND VARMGROOFMANIMSETSACKS LOCA DON ARE MPEATM. WIN THE AND AWCULATEDfRONffACADES MGNAGE ON FUEAWMNG S VALANCE ADD A PEDESTRIAN SCALE Undesirable Architectural Treatment Vertical Articulation Added Horizontal Articulation Added Mulll Planed Roofs and Awnings Add Desirable Articula.lon D. Scale, for purposes here, is the relationship between the size of the new structure and the size of adjoining permanent structures. It is also how the proposed building's size_ relates to the size of a human being (human scale). Large scale building elements will appear imposing if they are situated in a visual environment, which is predominantly smaller in scale. O Building scale can be reduced through the proper use of window patterns, structural bays, roof overhangs, siding, awnings, moldings, fixtures, and other details. C3 The scale of buildings should be carefully related to adjacent pedestrian areas (i.e. plazas, courtyards) and other structures. O Large dominating structures should be broken up by: (1) creating horizontal emphasis through the use of trim; (2) adding awnings, eaves, windows, or other architectural ornamentation; (3) use of combinations of complementary colors; and (4) landscape materials. E. The use of standardized "corporate" architectural styles associated with chain -type restaurants is strongly discouraged. F. The incorporation of "sustainability" should be considered wherever possible. Structures should be designed keeping in mind sustainable practices such as alternative building materials, lighting, water - conserving plumbing, maximization of natural lighting, and maximization of air circulation. Roofs A. Any equipment, whether on the roof, side of structure, or ground, must be screened. The method of screening must be architecturally compatible in terms of materials, color, shape, and size. The screening design should blend with the building design, which may include a continuous screen. B. The following roof materials should not be used: 1. Corrugated metal (standing rib metal roofs are permitted). 2. Highly reflective surfaces (copper roofs may be considered). 3. Illuminated roofing. Awnings A. The use of awnings along a row of contiguous structures should be restricted to: awnings of the same form and location. Color of the awnings should be consistent and a minimum eight (8) foot vertical clearance should be maintained. B. Signs on awnings should be painted on and be limited to the awning's flap (valance) or to the end panels of angled, curved, or box awnings. C. Plexiglas, metal, and glossy vinyl illuminated awnings are strongly discouraged. Canvas, treated canvas, matte finish vinyl, and fabric awnings are encouraged. D. Internally lit awnings should not be used. Signs A. Every structure and commercial complex should be designed with a precise concept for adequate signing. Provisions for sign placement, sign scale in relationship with the building, and sign readability should be considered in developing the signing concept. All signing should be highly compatible with the building and site design relative to color, material, and placement. B. Monument -type signs are the preferred alternative for business identification whenever possible. Where several tenants occupy the same site, individual wall mounted signs are appropriate in combination with a monument sign identifying .the development and address. C. Each development site should be appropriately signed to give directions to loading and receiving areas, visitor parking, and other special areas. DO THIS DONT DO THIS •M+•NN��ui .r Incondflord sign pafferns credo Employ a consistent sign poNern roof area are prohlbitecL Industrial Development Design Guidelines The provisions of this section shall apply to all industrial development within the City. Additionally, any addition, remodeling, relocation, or construction requiring a building permit within any industrial, industrial commercial, or business park land use .district shall adhere to these guidelines where applicable. Site Plannins Principals A. The main elements of sound industrial site design include the following: ❑ Controlled site access ❑ Service areas located at the sides and rear of buildings ❑ Convenient access, visitor parking and on-site circulation ❑ Screening of outdoor storage, work areas, and equipment ❑ Emphasis on the main building entry and landscaping ❑ Landscaped open space B. A variety of building and parking setbacks should be provided in order to avoid long monotonous building facades and to create diversity. C. Structures should be located on "turf islands,' where the office portion of the building does not directly abut paved parking area. A minimum five (5) to seven (7) foot landscape strip should be provided between parking areas and the office portion of a structure. �^ NONaNDUSRIALUSE SQ /" BuIldIng set beck from property one LOADING an landscaped Island TRUCK STAGING D. Building setbacks should be provided proportionally to the scale of the structure and in consideration of existing development adjacent to it. Larger structures require more setback area for a balance of scale and so as not to impose on neighboring uses. E. Structure placement, which creates opportunities for plazas, courts, or gardens, is encouraged. F. Where industrial uses are adjacent to non -industrial uses, appropriate buffering techniques, such as setbacks, screening, and landscaping need to be provided to mitigate any negative effects of industrial operations. G. Proposed development should be designed to preserve existing stands of trees wherever possible. Parking and Circulation A. The parking lot and cars should not be the dominant visual elements of the site. Large expansive paved areas located between the street and the building are to be avoided in favor of smaller multiple lots separated by landscaping and buildings. B. Site access and internal circulation should be designed in a straightforward manner, which emphasizes safety and efficiency. The circulation system should be designed to reduce conflicts between vehicular and pedestrian traffic, combine circulation and access areas where possible, provide adequate maneuvering and stacking areas, and consider emergency vehicle access. Circulation routes and parking areas should be separated. C. Entrances and exits to and from parking and loading facilities should be clearly marked with appropriate directional signage where multiple access points are provided. D. Vehicles should not be required to enter the street in order to move from one area to another on the same site. E. Parking lots adjacent to and visible from public streets must be adequately screened from view through the use of rolling earth berms, low screen walls, changes in elevation, landscaping, or combinations thereof, whenever possible. a t cav *W to toner pwkig7 F. The industrial site should be a self-contained development capable of accommodating its own parking needs. The use of public streets for parking and staging of trucks is not permitted. Loading Facilities A. To alleviate the unsightly appearance of loading facilities for industrial uses, these areas should not be located at the front of buildings where it is difficult to adequately screen them from view. STREET PARKING LOADING FAC MES W REAR) B. When it is not possible to locate loading facilities at the rear of the building; loading docks and doors should not dominate the frontage and must be screened from the street. C. Backing from the public street onto the site for loading into front end docks causes unsafe truck maneuvering and should not be utilized except at the ends of industrial cul-de-sacs where each circumstance will be studied individually at the time of design review. r �.e.d+•re.awy.s re..nrear� Landscaping r"Oft � 9 r.. A. For industrial uses, landscaping should be used to define areas by helping to focus on entrances to buildings, parking lots, and loading areas as well as defining the edges of various land uses, providing transition between neighboring properties (buffering); and providing screening for outdoor storage, loading, and equipment areas. LANDSCAPE SEMACK B. Landscaping should be in scale with adjacent buildings and be of appropriate size at maturity to accomplish its intended goals. C. Use of vines on walls is appropriate in industrial areas because such walls often tend to be large and blank. D. Landscaping around the entire base of buildings is recommended to soften the edge between the parking lot and the structure. This should be accented at entrances to provide focus. E. Trees should.be located throughout the parking lot and not simply at the ends of parking aisles. In order to be considered within the parking lots, trees should be located in planters that are bounded on at least three sides by parking area paving. F. Landscaping should be protected from vehicular and pedestrian encroachment by raised planting surfaces, depressed walks, or the use of curbs. Walls and Fences A. Walls will serve a major function in the industrial landscape and will be used to screen automobiles, loading and storage areas, and utility structures.. However, if not required for a specific screening or security purpose, they should not be utilized. The intent is to keep the walls as low as possible while performing their screening and security functions. B. Where walls are used at property frontages, or screen walls are used to conceal storage and equipment areas, they should be designed to blend with the site's architecture. Both sides of all perimeter walls should be architecturally treated. Landscaping should be used in combination with such walls whenever possible. C. Where security fencing is required, it should be a combination of solid pillars or short solid wall segments and wrought iron grillwork. D. Long expanses of fence or wall surfaces should be offset and architecturally designed to prevent monotony. Landscape pockets should be provided. a0vaeon o/som wal wen PACWWS "!��".�u� Ilfillllilllllllli_I_Illlllllilll�!�.1��s.:'W! �. J1 T, 201IW IMM IUUIU� ` Bevofion o(Sfaggemd Wca-- 50' L Screening A. Screening for outdoor storage should be a minimum of eight (8) feet and a maximum of 12 feet high. The height should be determined by the height of the material being screened. Chain link fencing with appropriate slatting is an acceptable screening material for areas of any lot not visible from the street. Exterior storage should be confined to portions of the site least visible to public view. B. Where screening is required, a combination of elements should be used including solid masonry walls, berms, and landscaping. Chainlink fencing with wood or metal slatting is an acceptable screening material only for areas of a lot not visible from a public street. C. Any equipment, whether on the roof, side of building, or ground, shall be screened. The method of screening shall be architecturally integrated in terms of materials, color, shape, and size. The screening design shall blend with the building design. Where individual equipment is provided, a continuous screen is desirable. D. The need to screen rooftop equipmentshould be taken into consideration during the initial design phase of the structure. Architectural Design A. As a category of structure types, industrial structures often present unattractive and monotonous facades. There are, however, varieties of design techniques that can be utilized to help overcome this situation and to direct development into a cohesive design statement. 1. Employ variety in structure forms to create visual character. 2. Avoid long, "unarticulated" facades: Facades with varied front setbacks are strongly encouraged. Wall planes should not run in one continuous direction for more than 50 feet without an offset. 3. Avoid blank front and sidewall elevations on street frontages. 4. Entries to industrial structures should portray a quality office appearance while being architecturally tied into the overall mass and building composition. 5. All structure elevations should be architecturally treated. Enhr MOchan a,d kxMWCUM aw« ea,m WV4= gl=k'KL eoW bwsdr6 bOr a waft ana.tiry hdwidi o 6. Windows and doors are key elements of any structure's form and should relate to the scale of the elevation on which they appear. Windows and doors can establish character by their rhythm and variety. Recessed openings help to provide depth and contrast on elevation planes. 7. Sensitive alteration of . colors and materials can produce diversity and enhance architectural forms. 8. The staggering of planes along an exterior wall elevation creates pockets of light and shadow, providing relief from monotonous, uninterrupted expanses of wall. B. Design elements which are undesirable and should be avoided include: 1. Highly reflective surfaces at the ground story. 2. Large blank, unarticulated wall surfaces. 7. Unarticulated building facades. 8. Materials with high maintenance such as stained wood, shingles, or metal siding. C. Choose wall materials that will withstand abuse by vandals or accidental damage from machinery. D. All metal buildings should be architecturally designed providing variety and visual interest to the streetscape. E. Berming in conjunction with landscaping can be used at the building edge to reduce structure mass and height along facades. F. Rolling shutter doors located on the inside of the building are the preferred method for providing large loading doors while keeping a clean, uncluttered appearance from the exterior. Roofs A. The roofline at the top of the structure should not run in a continuous plane for more than 50 feet without offsetting or jogging the roof plane. B. Nearly vertical roofs (A -frames) and piecemeal mansard roofs (used on a portion of the building perimeter only) should not be utilized. Mansard roofs should wrap around the entire perimeter of the structure. C. Any equipment, whether on the roof, side of structure, or ground, must be screened. The method of screening must be architecturally compatible in terms of materials, color, shape, and size. The screening design should blend with the building design, which may include a continuous screen. D. The following roof materials should not be used: 1. Corrugated metal (standing rib metal roofs are permitted). 2. Highly reflective surfaces. 3. Illuminated roofing. E. The roof design should be considered as a component of the overall architectural design theme. Signs A. Every structure should be designed with a precise concept for adequate signing. Provisions for sign placement, sign scale in relationship with the building, and the readability of the sign should be considered in developing the overall signing concept. All signs should be highly compatible with the structure and site design, relative to color, materials, and placement. B. Monument -type signs are the preferred alternative for business identification. Where several tenants occupy the same site, individual wall mounted signs are appropriate in combination with a monument sign identifying the development and address. C. The use of individually cut letter wall signs is strongly encouraged. D. The industrial site should be appropriately signed to give directions to loading and receiving, visitor parking, and other special areas. Lighting A. Lighting should be used to provide illumination for the security and. safety of on-site areas such as parking, loading, shipping, receiving, pathways, and working areas. B. The design of light fixtures and their structural support shall be architecturally compatible with the main buildings on-site. Illuminators should be integrated within the architectural design for the buildings. C. As a security.device, lighting should be adequate but not overly bright. All building entrances should be well lighted. D. All lighting should be shielded to confine light spread within the site boundaries. E. One foot-candle evenly distributed across a parking lot is the required minimum. At entrances and loading areas, up to two (2) footcandles may be appropriate. RESOLUTION NO. 98-35 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA TO ESTABLISH CITYWIDE DESIGN GUIDELINES GOVERNING RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita ( the "City") desires to establish design guidelines for residential, commercial and industrial development within the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council discussed the need for the institution of design guidelines previously; and WHEREAS, the City wishes to supplement the adopted General Plan and Unified Development Code with the design guidelines; and WHEREAS, the item does not constitute a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and WHEREAS, four community workshops were held at four different venues dispersed throughout the City to receive input from the community; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission discussed the proposed design guidelines at their January 20, 1998 and February 3, 1998 meetings; and WHEREAS, during the Planning Commission meeting the Commission reviewed the information and allowed public testimony on the issue; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, by minute action, recommended to transmit the design guidelines to the City Council for their review; and WHEREAS, a duly noticed public hearing was scheduled for March 10, 1998 at the Santa Clarita Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California at 6:30 p.m.; and WHEREAS, the item was continued to the March 24, 1998 meeting to allow for all the Council members to act on the issue after reviewing a staff presentation and receiving public testimony. NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA does resolve, determine, and order as follows: SECTION 1. The City Council approves design guidelines for residential, commercial and industrial uses throughout the City, of which a complete copy is on file in the City's Planning Division of Planning and Building Services Department. SECTION 2. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and certify this record to be a full, true, and correct copy of the action taken. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of 119 -- MAYOR 19_. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) § CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the day of 1998 by.the following vote of Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: FLF:Iep counci1\res9835.flf