The intent of design review is to promote the general welfare
of the community by achieving the following purposes:
A.
To
protect the community from the adverse effects of poor design and
to encourage good professional design practices;
B.
To
enhance the beauty, livability and prosperity of the community;
C.
To
encourage high quality development;
D.
To
discourage poor exterior design, appearance and inferior quality which
are likely to have a depreciative effect on the local environment
and surrounding area;
E.
To
encourage originality, creativity and diversity in design and to avoid
monotony;
F.
To
ensure the compatibility of multiple-dwelling projects with adjoining
single-family neighborhoods;
G.
To
ensure single-family design which is compatible with the character
inherent within the surrounding neighborhood;
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004)
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the following:
A.
New buildings and structures, exterior remodeling and exterior changes
of or to existing buildings and structures for which a building permit
is required.
B.
Any exterior change to an existing building or structure visible
from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to a property
in an adopted historic district overlay zone, if that building or
structure has been identified as a contributing building or structure
in an adopted historic resources survey. This shall include the street-facing
façade, and any portions of the side and rear façades
visible from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to
a property. For the purposes of this section, an alley is not considered
a public street. For the purposes of this section, any portion of
a building which is not visible due to landscaping, walls, fences
or any other natural or man-made obstruction which is not a part of
a contributing building or structure shall be considered to be visible
from the public street or sidewalk.
C.
For the ROS, R1R, and R1 zones, any fence or wall of more than three
feet of exposed height visible from the public street or sidewalk
immediately adjacent to the property.
D.
Sign programs.
E.
Creative signs.
F.
Murals.
G.
Exemptions. Notwithstanding the above provisions and
subsection (G)(5), the director of community development may exempt
the following buildings, physical improvements and site developments
from design review by a review authority:
1.
Interior design and interior modifications to buildings or structures,
whether or not floor area is added;
2.
Buildings and structures, including wireless telecommunications facilities, in the CPD and SR zones (plans and proposals in the CPD zone shall be reviewed by the director of community development, in accordance with and according to the process in Chapter 30.12; plans and proposals in the SR zone shall be reviewed by the planning commission, in accordance with and according to the process in Chapter 30.15);
3.
In zones other than ROS, R1R and R1:
a.
Remodeling projects, provided that such remodeling does not involve a change in the architectural style of the building or structure and is otherwise in keeping with the intent, purpose and standards of this chapter. Such remodeling may include, but shall not be limited to, window and door frees and openings, automatic teller machines, handrails, stairways, fences and walls which may be permitted under Chapter 30.21, decks with a maximum overall height of eight feet, or decks which are terraced to follow the natural terrain, not visible from other properties or are otherwise unobtrusive on the hillside and do not adversely impact neighboring properties, patio covers, trellises, gazebos, mechanical equipment screening (both rooftop and ground mounted), satellite dish antennas and screening (both rooftop and ground mounted), trash and recycling enclosures and permanently affixed playground equipment. Major or substantial exterior changes which are proposed in accord with the city's earthquake ordinance shall be reviewed by the review authority for compliance with the provisions of this code. The director of community development shall determine if a seismic upgrade change is of such minor nature as to not require review authority review. Notwithstanding the above, any remodeling in the "HD" historic district overlay zone which is visible from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent the subject property is not exempt from design review, unless the director of community development determines that the proposed remodeling is consistent with the general intent of the citywide Historic District Design Guidelines, and any supplements to those guidelines, or any guidelines for non-residential buildings as may be adopted by the city council for the historic district overlay zone,
b.
For all multiple residential, commercial or industrial buildings
and structures except for buildings which have been found to be contributing
structures in an adopted historic district overlay zone, remodeling
projects including additions which propose less than 500 square feet
of additional floor area, and a mezzanine addition or a basement or
attic conversion when the additional floor area is fully within the
existing building, provided that such remodeling does not involve
a change in the architectural style of the building or structure,
c.
All building additions and alterations to any existing "one
residential dwelling," where there is only one residential dwelling
on a lot, and the addition or alteration is located towards the rear
50 percent of the existing building, does not propose a change to
a façade directly facing a street, does not result in an increase
in height and/or additional stories, does not exceed the height of
the existing roofline(s), and is architecturally compatible with the
existing dwelling through the use of colors and materials, roof style
and general architectural style and treatment, except for such alterations
and additions to buildings which have been found to be contributing
structures in an adopted historic district overlay zone. For the purposes
of this subsection, the rear 50 percent of the existing building shall
be defined as the average distance from the building wall corner closest
to the street-front property line and the building wall corner closest
to an interior property line, measured along a straight line,
d.
A new detached residential garage, or additions or alterations
to a detached residential garage, provided that the garage is compatible
with any existing dwelling(s) on the same lot through the use of colors
and materials, roof style and general architectural style and treatment
and, in an adopted historic district overlay zone, such new detached
garages or additions or alterations to detached residential garages
that can or will be seen from the public street or sidewalk immediately
adjacent the subject property that are compatible with the Historic
District Design Guidelines,
f.
Accessory buildings that do not exceed 500 square feet that
are compatible with any existing dwelling(s) on the same lot through
use of colors and materials, roof style and general architectural
style and treatment or, in an adopted historic overlay zone, accessory
buildings that do not exceed 500 square feet that can or will be seen
from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to the subject
property that are compatible with the Historic District Design Guidelines,
g.
In the MS, medical service, zone any additions and alterations
to any existing hospital building or related hospital building, and
temporary mobile medical trailers;
4.
In the ROS, R1R, and R1 zones:
a.
All new fences and walls constructed of permitted materials
which are compatible with buildings and structures on the property,
decks with a maximum overall height of eight feet, or decks which
are terraced to follow the natural terrain, not visible from other
properties or are otherwise unobtrusive on the hillside and do not
adversely impact neighboring properties, patio covers, trellises,
gazebos, and all mechanical equipment screening (both rooftop and
ground mounted), satellite dish antennas and screening (both rooftop
and ground mounted) or other similar structures that do not include
floor area,
b.
All building additions or alterations to any existing building
that are located towards the rear 50 percent of the existing building,
does not propose a change to a façade directly facing a street,
does not result in an increase in height and/or additional stories,
does not exceed the height of the existing roofline(s), and is architecturally
compatible with the existing dwelling through the use of colors and
materials, roof style and general architecture style and treatment,
except for such alterations and additions to buildings which have
been found to be contributing structures in an adopted historic district
overlay zone. For the purposes of this subsection, the rear 50 percent
of the building shall be defined as the average distance from the
building wall corner closest to the street-front property line and
the building wall corner closest to an interior property line, measured
along a straight line.
c.
Accessory buildings that do not exceed 500 square feet that
are compatible with any existing dwelling(s) on the same lot through
use of colors and materials, roof style and general architectural
style and treatment or, in an adopted historic district overlay zone,
accessory buildings that do not exceed 500 square feet that can or
will be seen from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent
the subject property that are compatible with the Historic District
Design Guidelines, and
d.
A new detached residential garage, or additions or alterations
to a detached residential garage, provided that the garage is compatible
with any existing dwelling(s) on the same lot through use of colors
and materials, roof style and general architectural style and treatment
and, in an adopted historic district overlay zone, such new detached
garages or additions or alterations to detached residential garages
that can or will be seen from the public street or sidewalk immediately
adjacent the subject property that are compatible with the Historic
District Design Guidelines;
5.
Notwithstanding the above exemptions, any new building or structure, or alteration or addition to an existing building or structure determined by staff as being incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood character or with existing buildings or structures on the lot shall not be exempt from design review by a review authority. In making their determination of incompatibility, staff shall consider evidence such as neighborhood predominance of street front setback, roof styles, use of eaves and overhangs, variation in plane (both horizontal and vertical), building location on the site, massing, scale, use of colors and materials and other architectural treatments which, if otherwise ignored, could be injurious to surrounding properties. The review authorities and staff shall be guided by the intent and purpose of Section 30.47.040 and shall ensure that any proposed project will not conflict with the orderly and harmonious development of the neighborhood in which it is proposed. Neither the review authorities nor the staff shall discourage originality in site planning, architecture, landscaping or graphic expression, or mandate any one particular decorative style of development;
6.
Notwithstanding the above exemptions, any new walls, fences,
decks, patio covers, trellises, gazebos, mechanical equipment, satellite
dish antennas and screen or other similar structures, any addition
or alteration in the "HD" historic district overlay zone, regardless
of size, which is visible from the public street or sidewalk immediately
adjacent the subject property, are not exempt from design review,
unless the director of community development determines that the proposed
project, addition or alteration is in accordance with the citywide
Historic District Design Guidelines, and any supplements to those
guidelines and any guidelines for nonresidential buildings as may
be adopted by the city council for the historic district overlay zone.
The director of community development may determine that routine maintenance
and repair in accordance with the Historic District Design Guidelines,
any applicable adopted supplements to those guidelines, or any adopted
guidelines for nonresidential buildings, is exempted from design review;
7.
Properties that are listed in the Glendale Register of Historic
Resources or the Historic Preservation Element;
8.
Solar energy equipment, as defined in this title;
9.
Community gardens;
10.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are exempt from design review but must comply with the compatibility standard set forth in Section 30.34.080;
11.
Any building that has been destroyed or damaged by natural disaster,
accident or fire, consistent with Section 30.60.040(A)(1) and (A)(2).
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5450 § 4, 2005; Ord. 5503 § 1, 2006; Ord. 5535 § 11, 2006; Ord. 5537 § 25, 2006; Ord. 5571 § 10, 2007; Ord. 5645 § 36, 2009; Ord. 5687 § 2, 2010; Ord. 5692 § 29, 2010; Ord. 5712 § 16, 2010; Ord. 5728 § 5, 2011; Ord. 5747 § 90, 2011; Ord. 5752 § 12, 2011; Ord. 5803 § 108, 2013; Ord. 5807 § 26, 2013; Ord. 5836 § 19, 2014; Ord. 5907 § 10, 2018; Ord. 5955 § 5, 2020; Ord. 6027, 5/14/2024)
A.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term "review authority" shall
mean the design review board, the city council, the director of community
development, the historic preservation commission, or the arts and
culture commission, as applicable.
B.
For buildings and structures in the DSP zone over 10,000 square feet,
or any addition over 10,000 square feet to an existing building, the
city council shall be the review authority instead of the design review
board.
C.
For building and structures in the DSP zone, outside of a redevelopment
project area, 10,000 square feet or less, or any addition 10,000 square
feet or less to an existing building, the director of community development
shall be the review authority.
D.
For creative signs in the DSP zone outside a redevelopment project
area, the city council shall be the review authority instead of the
design review board, when the creative sign is proposed in conjunction
with a new building greater than 10,000 square feet or an addition
greater than 10,000 square feet to an existing building. In all other
cases in the DSP zone the review authority shall be the director of
community development.
E.
For buildings, structures, and creative signs in a Historic District
Overlay Zone, plans and proposals shall be reviewed by the historic
preservation commission.
F.
Except for properties located in the SR zone or PPD overlay zone,
the director of community development shall be the review authority
for:
1.
Additions and remodels of single-family dwellings, including
decks with a maximum overall height greater than eight feet, and an
increase in the number of stories where the addition is located at
the rear 50 percent of the building and is architecturally compatible
with the existing dwelling through the use of colors and materials,
roof style and general architectural style and treatment; provided
that a proposed addition or remodel of a single-family dwelling that
does not meet the limitations of Section 30.60.040(B)(2) shall be
considered new construction; and
2.
New multi-family buildings of six or fewer units and additions
of six or fewer units to existing multi-family buildings; and
3.
Nonresidential or mixed-use projects of 10,000 square feet or
less or any addition of 10,000 square feet or less to an existing
nonresidential or mixed-use building.
4.
The design review board may review final design review projects
listed in this subsection when, in the opinion of the director of
community development, a new building or structure, or alteration
or addition to an existing building or structure is determined by
staff to be incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood character
or with existing buildings or structures on the lot. In making their
determination of incompatibility, staff shall consider evidence such
as neighborhood predominance of street front setback, roof styles,
use of eaves and overhangs, variation in plane (both horizontal and
vertical), building location on the site, massing, scale, use of colors
and materials and other architectural treatments which, if otherwise
ignored, could be injurious to surrounding properties.
G.
For sign programs, the director of community development shall be
the review authority.
H.
For murals, the arts and culture commission shall be the review authority.
I.
In all other cases, plans and proposals shall be reviewed by the
design review board.
J.
The review and approval of plans and proposals by the review authority
is intended to ensure that buildings and structures are designed and
located in a manner that will satisfy the purpose and intent of design
review and the standards herein set forth.
1.
Review of plans and conditions of approval. The
review authority may impose conditions related to site planning, design,
general layout, and appearance. For any project where the property
has an average current slope exceeding 50 percent, or where the project
grading will exceed 1,500 cubic yards, the review authority may impose
conditions to address impacts related to construction and grading,
including, but not limited to, haul routes, protection of indigenous
trees and requirements and conditions of approval of any city department
that are reasonably related to the public health, safety or welfare.
The review authority shall approve, approve with conditions or deny
the design of the project. The review authority shall not have the
authority to require full working drawings. In the event of denial,
the review authority shall specify those areas in which the project
fails to comply with the provisions of this title.
Notwithstanding any provision of Title 30, the review authority
shall have the authority to impose conditions in order to ensure compatibility
with surrounding development in terms of size, scale, bulk/mass, roofline
orientation, setbacks, and site layout. Regarding privacy, access
to natural light, and placement of windows, the review authority shall
consider alternative arrangement of windows or building massing or
site layout to avoid conflicting relationships to adjacent buildings,
structures, improvements and uses; for these reasons alone, however,
the review authority shall not reduce the size or scale of a project
or shall not prohibit construction with a reasonable number or size
of windows in a new or remodeled building, or an addition thereto.
The review authority is not required to review plans that are not
in reasonable conformance with the provisions of this title unless
applications for appropriate discretionary permits are pending. The
director of community development is authorized to withhold plans
from the review authority when such plans are in violation of the
provisions of this title and the required redesign would have a substantial
effect on the appearance of the project, or are otherwise not in substantial
conformance with relevant adopted design guidelines.
Notwithstanding the above, the review authority shall have authority to impose conditions for sign programs in the DSP zone or for vehicle sales, leasing and rental agencies in the CA zoning district, as applicable, according to Section 30.33.220 in order to ensure compatibility with surrounding development, size, scale, bulk/mass, setbacks and site layout. The review authority is not required to review plans that are not in reasonable conformance with provisions of this title. The review authority shall approve, approve with conditions or deny sign programs as applicable.
2.
Changes to projects/plans. Upon request of the
applicant, the review authority shall have the authority to modify
its previous actions. The review authority, as applicable, may delegate
authority to the director of community development for review and
approval of minor changes, and to approve resubmitted plans with modifications
or changes provided such modifications or changes are in substantial
conformance with plans and conditions approved by the review authority,
in keeping with the architectural style of the building or structure,
and consistent with the objectives of this code, any applicable design
guidelines, and conditions of approval.
When changes to projects approved by the review authority occur at project sites during the course of construction, the director of community development has the authority for review and approval of minor design changes that are in substantial conformance with plans and conditions approved by the review authority, in keeping with the architectural style of the building or structure, and consistent with the objectives of this code, any applicable design guidelines, and conditions of approval. Other design changes shall be presented to the review authority for their consideration. The review authority may then approve or deny any changes. The poster-size sign on the property in question that is normally required for design review cases by Section 30.61.010 shall not be a requirement for public notice purposes in these cases.
Projects that do not conform to designs approved by a review
authority and/or the planning division of the community development
department shall be deemed to be in violation of this code.
The director of community development shall have the authority to modify approved landscape plans when modifications are consistent with California-friendly plantings or California-friendly landscaping as defined in Section 13.36.040 of this code.
3.
Building permit plan check and conformance with design
review. Except as provided herein or authorized by the director
of community development, no building permit plan check application
shall be accepted for a project which requires design review unless
said plans are in conformance with plans approved and any conditions
imposed by the review authority. Plans are in conformance with plans
approved and any conditions imposed by the review authority if they
comply in all material respects with all plans submitted and approved
as part of the design review including, but not limited to, the site
plan and all elevations as to all matters regulated by this chapter,
including, without limitation, site layout and planning (which shall
include location of primary and accessory structures), design, architectural
style and treatments, appearance, size, scale, bulk/mass, roofline
orientation, and setbacks.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5503 § 2, 2006; Ord. 5535 § 12, 2006; Ord. 5571 § 11, 2007; Ord. 5605 § 3, 2008; Ord. 5648 § 8, 2009; Ord. 5677 § 2, 2009; Ord. 5687 § 3, 2010; Ord. 5728 § 6, 2011; Ord. 5747 § 91, 2011; Ord. 5752 § 13, 2011; Ord. 5765 § 26, 2012; Ord. 5803 § 109, 2013; Ord. 5818 § 28, 2013; Ord. 5837 § 8, 2014; Ord. 5847 § 11, 2015; Ord. 5849 § 3, 2015; Ord. 5955 § 6, 2020; Ord. 6027, 5/14/2024)
In consideration of applications for design review, the review authority shall be guided by the intent and purpose of Section 30.47.010 and the standards set forth in this section. The design review board shall adopt written guidelines consistent with such intent, purposes, and standards, as it may deem necessary to properly exercise its powers and duties. Such guidelines shall be approved by the city council and shall be kept on file in the office of the director of community development, and a copy thereof shall be furnished to any person upon request. Within the DSP zone, all design review shall be subject to the guidelines and standards established by the downtown specific plan.
For the purposes of this section, the term "review authority"
shall mean the design review board, the city council, the director
of community development, the historic preservation commission, or
the arts and culture commission, as applicable.
A.
The review authority shall ensure that all projects are consistent
with adopted community plans.
B.
The following standards and criteria may be utilized by the review
authority which may require changes in materials, color, general design
and layout, projections in the vertical or horizontal plane or such
other design changes as may be necessary.
1.
In addition to the height and minimum setback requirements set
forth for the zone in which the property is located, changes in material,
height, projections in the vertical or horizontal plane or similar
facade changes should be encouraged on visible exterior building walls.
Primary attention shall be given to those sides visible from the public
right-of-way.
2.
The appropriateness of a new or remodeled building to the zoning
and area within which it is located, surrounding architectural design,
scale and streetscape appearance should be considered provided they
are in keeping with the intent and purpose of this chapter. Integrated
and harmonious design themes are encouraged, including the use of
consistent materials, colors, textures and signs on exposed building
walls. New development or remodeling should be designed in such a
way as to upgrade the appearance and quality of the area and be harmonious
with existing improvements.
3.
Conflicting relationships to adjacent buildings, structures,
improvements and uses should be avoided as appropriate to the zone
and area. For buildings in the R1, R1R or ROS zones, new development
or remodeling that includes more than one story in height shall continue
to allow reasonable access to natural light for buildings in the R1,
R1R and ROS zones, and shall not unreasonably impact the privacy of
buildings and outdoor spaces in the R1, R1R and ROS zones. Privacy
shall be judged by the view from the living room, den, study, family
room, great room, library, dining room or balconies (greater than
25 square feet) of the new development into the buildings and backyard
outdoor space of existing buildings. For new development and remodeling
in the R1, R1R and ROS zones, consideration shall be given to the
placement of windows in the new development vis-a-vis the placement
of windows in adjacent residential buildings.
4.
Boundary and other walls should generally be of decorative masonry
and/or wrought iron which is complementary in color, texture and material
to the development as a whole, although it is recognized that these
materials may not be appropriate in all situations (i.e., wood fencing
in residential zones and chain link fencing in industrial zones).
5.
Landscaping shall be integrated into the architectural scheme so as to accent and enhance the appearance of the development. Existing trees (including those regulated in Chapter 12.44 of this code pertaining to preservation and protection of indigenous trees) over six inches in diameter on the site and any tree within the parkway (as regulated in Chapter 12.40 of this code) as well as trees on adjacent property within 20 feet of the common property line shall be considered for preservation in the site planning.
6.
Subject to any applicable height limits, rooftop equipment shall
be incorporated into the design of the project in such a manner that
it is completely enclosed on all sides or concealed from view by screening,
roofing or parapets at least six inches higher than the height of
the uppermost part of such equipment.
7.
Any dish antenna that is ground-mounted but attached to a building or structure, and any roof-mounted dish antenna, shall be designed in accord with the criteria in Section 30.34.050.
In evaluating any proposed ground-mounted dish antenna that is attached to a building or structure, any roof-mounted dish antenna, or any ground-mounted dish antenna not qualifying for exemption under the criteria of Section 30.47.020 of this chapter, the review authority shall determine whether the color would be unobtrusive, whether the dish antenna can be installed in a location and in a manner which would minimize visual intrusion while maintaining practical operation, and whether the dish can be screened so that it is suitably concealed from view, in order to promote aesthetic objectives, including, but not limited to, compatibility of neighborhood properties, the preservation of views and vistas, and the overall harmonious development of property. The criteria set forth herein shall apply only insofar as such criteria do not prevent the reception of satellite delivered signals or do not impose costs on the users of such antennas that are excessive in light of the purchase and installation costs and intended use of the dish antenna.
8.
Any wireless telecommunications facility shall be designed in accord with the criteria specified in Chapter 30.48 of this title. The standards outlined elsewhere in this Section 30.47.040 notwithstanding, all wireless telecommunications facilities shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 30.48 of this title.
9.
In addition to paragraphs 1 through 8 of this subsection, within
designated "HD" historic district overlay zones, design review standards
shall be as adopted by the city council in the citywide historic district
design guidelines, as may be supplemented by the city council for
each district, or any guidelines for non-residential buildings for
each district as adopted by the city council at the time of designation
of that district. In the event of a conflict between paragraphs 1
through 8 of this subsection and the citywide historic district design
guidelines, and as may be supplemented by the city council for each
district at the time of designation of that district, or any guidelines
for non-residential buildings for each district, as adopted by the
city council at the time of designation of that district, the citywide
historic district design guidelines and applicable supplements thereto,
and any guidelines for non-residential buildings as may be adopted
by the city council for that district, shall take precedence, with
the final determination of whether there is a conflict to be made
by the director of community development.
C.
The review authority shall ensure the compatible design of all multi-unit
projects that abut a single-family zone. To accomplish this goal,
the review authority shall have the authority to impose more restrictive
development standards than the provisions of the zone in which the
project is located. The review authority shall review each multi-unit
project in terms of its impact on the single-family residential neighborhood,
including, but not limited to, such design elements as window location,
balconies, location of recreational facilities, entryways, and garage
location. Although street setbacks are not required in the IMU, IMU-R
and SFMU zones, the review authority may add conditions to ensure
pedestrian activity at the street edge including the location of building
entrances and surface parking lots and the use of setback areas as
plazas, open space, or other active uses. In the IMU, IMU-R and SFMU
zones, facades on the corner cutoff areas at intersections should
incorporate significant architectural design features (e.g., a tower).
The review authority may require transitional height increases in
order to promote a visual transition between the single-family neighborhood
and multiple-family zone and to ensure that adequate landscape buffering
is provided and permanently maintained. The review authority shall
also consider the multiple dwelling building facades, roof designs,
and use of materials and colors to ensure compatibility with the architectural
design elements generally found in the neighboring single-family zone.
D.
The review authority shall ensure single-family design that is compatible
with the character inherent within the surrounding neighborhood. Primary
emphasis on what constitutes a neighborhood should generally be given
to the existing development pattern within 300 feet of the subject
property. Special attention should also be placed on ensuring a positive
design relationship with the adjacent developments and developments
on the block on which the proposed project is located. The director
of community development shall have the discretion to consider an
alternate area to be the neighborhood of primary emphasis. To accomplish
compatibility, the review authority shall review each single-family
residential project in terms of its specific impact on the surrounding
single-family neighborhood, including, but not limited to, such design
elements as massing, scale, height, setback, landscaping, impacts
from average current slopes exceeding 50% and grading of more than
1,500 cubic yards and window location. The review authority shall
consider the setbacks of buildings and structures on adjacent properties
and ensure that a project's proposed height and setback promote a
visual transition between the project and neighboring buildings. The
review authority shall also consider garage location and design to
promote compatibility with neighborhood patterns. The review authority
shall also consider the single-family building facades, roof designs,
and use of material and colors to ensure compatibility with the architectural
design elements generally found in the surrounding single-family zone.
E.
Decisions related to development in the ROS and R1R zones shall consider the hillside development review policy contained in Section 30.11.040(A).
F.
The review authority shall ensure that sign programs are consistent
with the following standards:
1.
Signs shall be compatible with the project architecture and
the surroundings including significant landscape features.
2.
Signs shall not unduly compete with or obstruct other business
signs, obstruct traffic signals, detract from the architectural features
of the neighborhood, or create visual clutter.
3.
The sign program shall exhibit a harmonious design, mounting
and illumination theme for the entire lot or site.
4.
The sign program shall be consistent with any applicable plans
or guidelines.
G.
The review authority shall ensure that murals are consistent with
the following standards:
H.
The review authority shall ensure that creative signs are consistent
with the following design criteria:
1.
Design quality. The sign shall:
a.
Constitute a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and
shall have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;
b.
Be of unique design, and exhibit a high degree of creativity,
thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness, and spirit; and
c.
Provide strong graphic and artistic character through the imaginative
use of graphics, color, texture, quality materials, scale, and proportion;
d.
Include inventive representation of the use, name, or logo of
the structure or business.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5446 § 13, 2005; Ord. 5535 § 13, 2006; Ord. 5571 § 12, 2007; Ord. 5605 § 4, 2008; Ord. 5692 § 30, 2010; Ord. 5728 § 7, 2011; Ord. 5747 § 92, 2011; Ord. 5752 § 14, 2011; Ord. 5761, § 9, 2011; Ord. 5765 § 27, 2012; Ord. 5789 § 4, 2012; Ord. 5803 § 110, 2013; Ord. 5818 § 29, 2013; Ord. 5955 § 7, 2020; Ord. 6023, 2/13/2024)
The building colors, building materials and landscaping approved
by the review authority shall be maintained substantially as shown
in the approved plans for a period of five years after the building
permit is finaled in the ROS, R1R and R1 zones. In all other zones,
building colors and materials approved by the review authority shall
be maintained substantially as shown in the approved plans for a period
of two years after the building permit is finaled. In all other zones,
landscaping approved by the review authority shall be permanently
maintained in substantial conformance with approved plans. Any changes
to the approved building colors, building materials and landscaping
within timeframes noted above may be approved by the director of community
development or may be referred by the director of community development
to the individual or board which approved the original plans. Murals
shall be maintained as shown in the approved plans for a period of
five years commencing on the date of the design review approval. Thereafter
the mural shall be removed or a reapplication shall be made to renew
the design review.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5571 § 13, 2007; Ord. 5605 § 5, 2008; Ord. 5747 § 93, 2011; Ord. 5803 § 111, 2013; Ord. 5955 § 8, 2020)
For authorization for initiation, application filing and filing fees, see Chapters 30.40 and 30.41 of this title.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004)
A.
Process for Completed Applications. The community development department shall refer deemed completed design review applications and accompanying materials to the applicable design review authority in addition to any staff comments and staff recommendation thereon, except for murals. The library, arts and culture department shall refer deemed completed design review applications and accompanying materials for murals to the arts and culture commission in addition to any staff comments. A complete application for final review must be submitted in accordance with the provisions of Section 30.40.020 prior to any approvals.
B.
Preliminary Design Review for Projects Outside the DSP Zone. Applications for preliminary or conceptual design review for projects
outside of the DSP zone may be submitted to and considered by the
design review authority for discussion and direction regarding the
potential design. A completed preliminary design review does not constitute
a final action or project approval.
C.
Final Design Review for Projects Outside the DSP Zone and for Projects
Within that DSP Zone Whose Design Review Authority is not City Council. Review of final project design shall not in any way be limited by preliminary or conceptual design review direction or recommendations. Design review of final designs shall be guided by the intent and purpose of Section 30.47.010 and the standards set forth in Section 30.47.040.
D.
Projects Within the DSP Zone Whose Design Review Authority is City
Council—Stage I Preliminary Design. Projects in the DSP
zone that require city council design review shall commence with a
Stage I preliminary design. Stage I Preliminary design review consists
of design review authority discussion and direction on project site
planning, massing and scale. Stage I design review direction does
not constitute project approval. Projects that are authorized to proceed
with preparation of a Stage II final design submission must first
complete applicable California Environmental Quality Act review in
addition to completing the final design for design review authority
consideration.
E.
Projects Within the DSP Zone Whose Design Review Authority is City
Council—Stage II Final Design. Stage II final design review submissions shall respond to design review authority’s direction on the Stage I Preliminary Design. Prior the city council’s review of a Stage II final design review, projects shall be submitted to the design review board for comments and recommendations. Design review board’s comments and recommendations shall be forwarded to the city council for consideration of the Stage II final design. Prior to Stage II final design review, project applicants must first complete California Environmental Quality Act review and obtain any zoning entitlements, except for zoning entitlements that are being considered by the city council in conjunction with the Stage II final design review. A completed Stage II design review application per Section 30.40.020(G), along with the comments and recommendation from the design review board, must be presented to the review authority in order to be considered for approval.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5605 § 6, 2008; Ord. 5747 § 94, 2011; Ord. 5752 § 15, 2011; Ord. 5955 § 9, 2020)
A.
For
preliminary review, including Stage I design review for projects in
the DSP zone, the review authority shall provide comments to the applicant
related to the design of the project. Such comments may relate to
site plan, massing and design features of the project or to recommendations
for design changes.
B.
Following
the city council’s Stage I preliminary design review of projects
in the DSP zone, projects shall be submitted to the design review
board for comment and recommendation to the city council, which design
review board comments the city council may consider in its review
of the Stage II final design.
C.
Where
the director of community development is the review authority, the
community development director may approve the final design for a
project with or without conditions, or deny the project. If this action
is appealed to the design review board, the design review board may
approve the project with or without conditions or deny the project.
An appeal of a decision by the director of community development shall
not be returned for redesign by the design review board.
D.
For
all other final design review projects, including Stage II final design
review or projects in the DSP zone, the review authority may, on the
initial project review, make a decision that a project be returned
for redesign; or may approve the project with conditions; or may approve
the project without conditions. If the decision of the review authority
on the initial project review is that a project shall be returned
for redesign, the applicant shall file a new application and present
plans showing revisions to the project design and additional information
as necessary to address the comments of the review authority within
180 days of the review authority’s decision. The applicant may
also file a new application within 180 days of the review authority’s
decision and request that the original project design be considered
by the review authority at the second project review. For the second
project review, the review authority may make a decision that the
project be returned for redesign; or may approve the project with
conditions; or may approve the project without conditions; or may
deny the project. If the decision of the review authority on the second
project review is that a project shall be returned for redesign, the
applicant shall file a new application and present plans showing revisions
to the project design and additional information as necessary to address
the comments of the review authority within 180 days of the review
authority’s decision. For any third project review, the review
authority may approve the project with conditions; or may approve
the project without conditions; or may deny the project. All review
authority decisions shall be in writing and shall include a written
statement that justifies the decision based on criteria in this title
and applicable design guidelines. A copy of the decision shall be
mailed to the applicant and to those persons speaking at the public
meeting or those persons who provided written communications and who
submitted their correct mailing address. For the purposes of this
section the term “review authority” shall mean the design
review board, the city council, the director of community development,
the historic preservation commission, or the arts and culture commission,
as applicable. If the applicant does not file a new application within
the required 180 day period, the case shall be considered terminated
and no further action, including appeals, shall occur.
(Ord. 5536 § 25, 2006; Ord. 5605 § 7, 2008; Ord. 5687 § 4, 2010; Ord. 5747 § 95, 2011; Ord. 5752 § 16, 2011; Ord. 5818 § 30, 2013; Ord. 5955 § 10, 2020)
All meetings of the design review board, arts and culture commission,
and city council shall be open to the public.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5955 § 11, 2020)
All appeals shall be de novo, in that an independent reexamination
of the matter shall be made.
A.
Appeal to the City Council. After approval, approval with conditions, or denial of a final design review application, the applicant or any aggrieved party, including any city official may appeal the decision of the review authority to the city council in the manner provided in chapter 2.88 of this code.
B.
Appeal to the Design Review Board from a Decision by the Director
of Community Development. After approval, approval with conditions
or denial of a final design review application by the director of
community development, the applicant or any aggrieved party may appeal
the decision of the director of community development to the design
review board in the manner provided in this title.
C.
Should
the applicant elect to change a project design after a determination
by the review authority but prior to the date set for an appeal before
the city council, said changed project shall be referred forthwith
to the review authority which originally heard the matter for consideration
anew and the appeal will be vacated.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5536 § 26, 2006; Ord. 5605 § 9, 2008; Ord. 5818 § 31, 2013; Ord. 5836 § 20, 2014)
For duration of the review authority’s approval, see Chapter 30.41 Permit Implementation.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5571 § 14, 2007; Ord. 5605 § 10, 2008)
For public hearing and notice, see Chapter 30.61.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004)
