The purpose of this article is to establish procedures for the discretionary design review of development throughout the City in order to encourage development that is compatible and harmonious with the design and use of surrounding properties and with the City in general.
The provisions of this chapter are established to ensure:
1. 
That development projects comply with all applicable provisions of this Code, other applicable City codes/ordinances, and any design guidelines adopted by the City;
2. 
That the site design and exterior appearance of structures/uses, along with associated facilities (e.g., signs, landscaping, parking areas, etc.) is orderly and harmonious with the design of surrounding properties and neighborhoods, whenever feasible;
3. 
The use of design principles that result in creative, imaginative solutions and establish projects of quality design;
4. 
Maintenance of the public health, safety, general welfare and property throughout the City;
5. 
Implementation of General Plan policies that encourage the creation of a high quality environment that addresses modern needs, while building on Huntington Park's rich history as a balanced community with a wide range of living, working, shopping, cultural, educational and recreational opportunities; and
6. 
Minimization of cumulative and long-term negative impacts due to inappropriate, capricious or shortsighted development design.
(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001, as amended by § 13, Ord. 2019-978, eff. September 5, 2019)
The Council finds and determines that inappropriate exterior design of improvements to real property adversely affect the general welfare of residents of the City because conditions are created in which:
1. 
The maintenance, repair, replacement or improvement of properties located nearby is discouraged resulting in an accompanying deterioration of conditions that affect the health, safety, comfort and general welfare of the inhabitants of the area and the City at large;
2. 
The most appropriate development/use of other nearby properties is impaired;
3. 
Instability of property values in the general area occurs;
4. 
The proper relationship between the taxable value of real property located nearby and the cost of municipal services to these properties is threatened;
5. 
The benefits of occupancy of other property located nearby are threatened; and
6. 
Cumulative and long-term negative impacts of inappropriate, capricious or shortsighted development design is easily overlooked or misunderstood without a concerted design and review process.
(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001, as amended by § 13, Ord. 2019-978, eff. September 5, 2019)
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to:
1. 
New structure(s)/development and related plans which require a Development Permit except as exempted in Section 9-2.1804;
2. 
Additions and exterior modifications to existing structures that require a Development Permit except as exempted in Section 9-2.1804;
3. 
Planned Sign Programs (9-3.1206); and
4. 
Other public or private improvement projects as determined by the Council, Commission or Director.
(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001, as amended by § 1, Ord. 828-NS, eff. September 4, 2008, and § 13, Ord. 2019-978, eff. September 5, 2019)
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the following development/improvements:
1. 
Fences and walls;
2. 
Interior modifications;
3. 
Improvements to parking lots of less than 10 spaces or 5,000 square feet in total area; and
4. 
Revisions to approved Planned Sign Programs.
(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001, as amended by § 1, Ord. 825-NS, eff. June 19, 2008, and § 13, Ord. 2019-978, eff. September 5, 2019)
Design review is initiated when the Department receives a completed application including all applicable site plans, elevations, specifications and other materials needed to accurately describe the proposed project as determined by the Director. A preliminary design review is encouraged and may be requested by applicants prior to the formal submittal of an application. This is an informal review by the Director in order to provide direction/guidance to project proponents prior to preparation of detailed designs/plans for formal application submittal.
Upon receipt of a completed application, the Director shall review all applicable plans, elevations, etc. and prepare a list of recommendations and supporting findings. The list shall be forwarded to the applicant within 30 working days from the submittal date of the completed application. The list of recommendations shall also be forwarded to the appropriate Review Authority for consideration simultaneously with a Development Permit application or Sign Permit application.
Where the recommendations of the Director would substantially alter a proposed development, the applicant may be requested to submit revised plans at the discretion of the Director.
(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001, as amended by § 13, Ord. 2019-978, eff. September 5, 2019)
The Director may refer to design guidelines that have been adopted by the Council in order to provide guidance to applicants seeking to comply with the requirements of this Code. Copies of any adopted design guidelines shall be available to the public at the Department. The design guidelines shall be reviewed and/or modified periodically to incorporate and reflect modern needs of the City, while building on Huntington Park's rich history as a balanced community.
The design guidelines are to be used by property owners, developers, architects, landscape architects and designers in the planning and design of projects in the City. The design guidelines are intended to communicate the desired qualities and characteristics of development and are intended to promote quality design that is sensitive to its neighborhood context, adjacent structures and the General Plan's Urban Design Goals. The design guidelines are used by staff, the Director, Commission, and Council as adopted criteria for the review of development proposals subject to the requirements of this chapter.
(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001, as amended by § 13, Ord. 2019-978, eff. September 5, 2019)
The Director shall determine that a project adequately meets adopted City standards and design guidelines, based upon the following findings:
1. 
The proposed development is consistent with all applicable provisions of this Code and other applicable City codes, ordinances and General Plan goals;
2. 
The general design considerations, including the character, scale and quality of design are consistent with the purpose/intent of this article and any adopted design guidelines;
3. 
The architectural design of structures and their materials and colors are visually compatible with surrounding development. Design elements (e.g., screening of equipment, exterior lighting, signs, awnings, etc.) have been incorporated into the project to further ensure its compatibility with the character and uses of adjacent development, and/or between the different types of uses in a mixed use development;
4. 
The location and configuration of structures are compatible with their sites and with surrounding sites and structures and do not unnecessarily block views from other structures or dominate their surroundings;
5. 
The general landscape design, including the location, type, size, color, texture and coverage of plant materials, provisions for irrigation, maintenance and protection of landscape elements have been considered to ensure visual relief, to complement structures and to provide an attractive environment;
6. 
The design and layout of the proposed project will not interfere with the use and enjoyment of neighboring development (existing and future), will not result in vehicular or pedestrian hazards and will lead to a reduction in opportunities for crime;
7. 
The interior and exterior building design and/or site layout, including on-site parking, has been designed and integrated to ensure the intended use will best serve the potential users or patrons of the site; and
8. 
Special requirements or standards have been adequately incorporated, when applicable, into the site or building design (e.g., transportation demand management improvements, mitigation measures, utilities, American Disabilities Act regulations, density bonus requirements, open space, historic preservation, etc.).
(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001, as amended by § 13, Ord. 2019-978, eff. September 5, 2019)
All applications shall be subject to the applicable provisions of this Code, including the procedures outlined in the following Articles:
1.
Article 22 of this chapter
Applications and Fees
2.
Article 23 of this chapter
Hearings and Appeals
(§ 1, Ord. 666-NS, eff. September 15, 2001, as amended by § 13, Ord. 2019-978, eff. September 5, 2019)