HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4b. Review of Objective Design Standards (CODE-0523-2021)
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF A DRAFT ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING
REGULATIONS) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE WITH OBJECTIVE DESIGN
STANDARDS FOR QUALIFYING RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
PROJECT ADDRESS: Citywide BY: Rachel Cohen, Associate Planner
Phone Number: 805-781-7574
Email: rcohen@slocity.org
FILE NUMBER: CODE-0523-2021 FROM: Tyler Corey, Deputy Director
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a draft Resolution recommending the City Council introduce and adopt an
Ordinance amending Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) of the Municipal Code adding
Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.69 for qualifying residential projects.
1.0 COMMISSION'S PURVIEW
The Planning Commission’s role is to review the proposed Zoning Regulations
amendment for consistency with the City’s Housing Element and State Law and make a
recommendation to the City Council regarding the proposed amendment that includes the
addition of Objective Design Standards for qualifying residential projects.
2.0 PROJECT INFORMATION
2.1 Background
In 2017, the Governor signed multiple housing bills, including Senate Bill (SB) 35
Streamlined Approval Process, which added Section 65913.4 to the Government Code
providing for a streamlined, ministerial approval process for multi-unit housing projects of
two or more residential units or mixed-use, subject to certain conditions and consistent
with objective zoning and design review standards. In addition, Government Code
65583.2 requires a city to allow housing developments, in which at least 20 percent of the
units are affordable to lower income households on sites that have been listed in the City’s
Housing Element inventory in two or more consecutive planning periods, to be processed
through a ministerial review. In response, the City adopted Program 6.22 as part of the
City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element. Program 6.22 states that the City will update the
municipal code to expand objective design standards for qualifying residential projects
within one year of the adoption of the Housing Element Update (the Housing Element
was adopted by City Council on November 17, 2020).
Meeting Date: 9/22/2021
Item Number: 4b
Time Estimate: 60 minutes
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2.2 Objective Standards
Objective1 standards are regulations that do not require judgement to determine whether
they have been met. For example, the City has Zoning Regulations that identify specific
building height limits, require that buildings be setback a certain distance from property
lines, and establish the minimum number of parking spaces required for a deve lopment
project. These regulations are all considered “objective standards” because they are
numeric and do not require a subjective opinion to determine whether a development
project follows those standards.
2.3 Objective Design Standards
Currently, design related direction is provided in the City’s Community Design Guidelines
(CDG). While these guidelines will still be applicable to projects that qualify for
discretionary review, most of the guidelines are not objective and cannot be used for
projects subject to a ministerial review process. The ministerial process is where a
development project is reviewed and approved at the staff level , utilizing established
objective code requirements and standards (such as those outlined in the Zoning
Regulations and mentioned in Section 2.2 above). To continue to preserve and enhance
the City’s unique architectural characteristics within the ministerial review process, staff
has developed Objective Design Standards (ODS). The ODS utilize concepts and
direction from the CDG, City policies, and examples from other jurisdictions to provide
minimum design standards to ensure new qualifying residential development is
compatible and complimentary with existing development while also allowing flexibility for
creativity.
2.4 Applicability
Projects that will be reviewed against Objective Design Standards are residential projects
(including mixed use projects) that qualify for streamlined, ministerial processing per
Government Code Section 65913.4 (SB 352), or that are a “use by right” residential
project. A “use by right” residential project is a residential project that includes at least 20
percent of the units as affordable to lower income households (low, very low, and
extremely low) and does not require discretionary review or approval (see Government
Code Section 65583.2 and Housing Element Programs 2.173 and 2.184) and residential
projects that are otherwise deemed subject to ministerial processing per state or local
law.
1 The Housing Accountability Act defines “objective” as “involving no personal or subjective judgment by a public official
and being uniformity verifiable by reference to an external and uniform benchmark or criterion available and knowable
by both the development applicant or proponent and the public official.” (GC Section 65589.5(h)(8).)
2 SB 35 allows streamlining for residential project in cities that have not met their RHNA numbers. Eligible developments
must include a specified level of affordability, be on an infill site, comply with existing residential and mixed-use general
plan or zoning provisions, and comply with other requirements.
3 Housing Element Programs 2.17 allows residential developments that include at least 20 percent of the units as
affordable to lower income households, by right (no discretionary review) on sites identified in Housing Element Table
E-2.
4 Housing Element Program 2.18 allows residential developments by right (no discretionary review) for those
developments that include at least 20 percent of the residential units as affordable to low-income households.
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Residential projects seeking exceptions or modifications to any objective development
standards set forth in the City’s Zoning Regulations or the ODS, excluding modifications
granted as part of density bonus concession, incentive, parking reduction, or waiver of
development standards pursuant to State Density Bonus Law or the City’s density bonus
regulations (Chapter 17.140), are not eligible for the ministerial, streamlined processing,
and will be subject to the City’s discretionary development review process outlined in
Chapter 17.106 of the Municipal Code.
2.5 Previous Advisory Body and Public Review
On June 21, 2021, the ARC received a presentation from staff regarding the development
of Objective Design Standards (ODS). As a part of that presentation, staff requested that
ARC select a subcommittee to assist staff with further development of the draft ODS. On
July 21st and July 27th staff met with the ARC subcommittee to review the draft ODS.
Additionally, staff requested professionals involved with local building design,
architecture, and development comment on the draft ODS. Comments from the ARC
subcommittee and the local professionals were integrated into the draft ODS and
presented to the ARC on August 16, 2021. The ARC reviewed the draft ODS and
recommended the Planning Commission recommend approval of the standards with
specific changes. These recommended changes are discussed in Section 3.0 below.
3.0 PROJECT ANALYSIS
3.1 ARC Recommended Changes and Staff Response
1. ARC Recommendation: ODS 17.69.020.B(3) and 17.69.030.B(4) stated in part,
“At least two (2) materials shall be used on any building exterior, in addition to
any glazing and railings. Any one material must comprise at least 20% of the
building’s exterior...” The ARC recommended that this part of the standard be
modified to include language that would allow for Spanish style architecture (all
stucco) and allow industrial or historic architectural representations (e.g., all
brick, all metal).
Staff Response: The issue brought forward was that this standard would
preclude the ability for a residential project to use all of one kind of material on
the exterior; for example, a Spanish style design. This standard was added to
the ODS to require more variation in the overall exterior design. To add
language regarding a specific type of architecture is not an objective standard.
The standard would have to describe exactly what “Spanish style” or “industrial
or historic architectural representations” and include detailed definitions that
are not subject to interpretation or judgement. These terms are often defined
differently depending on the person/entity describing the architecture. The
removal of this requirement does not eliminate required variation on a building
façade as the standards include other requirements for projections, setbacks,
etc. under the Massing and Articulation section. Considering the ARC’s
concerns of the limitations contained in this standard, and that there are other
standards that would provide sufficient articulation and variation, staff is
recommending the two (2) material requirement in 17.69.020.B(3) and
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17.69.030.B(4) be removed as follows (edits are indicated by underline and
strikeouts):
At least two (2) materials shall be used on any building exterior, in addition to
any glazing and railings. Any one material must comprise at least 20% of the
building’s exterior. Veneers shall turn corners and not expose edges so that
finish materials appear “thin”, as in the example of “brick” veneer applied to a
single building face so that it is obviously only 3 -inch thick when viewed from
the side.
In addition, staff is recommending that 17.69.020.D(4) be ame nded as follows
to be consistent with the direction from ARC:
Mixed-use buildings three or more stories shall provide a first story elevation
that is distinctive from the upper stories by providing a through material change,
change in color, or use of different architectural details such as reveals, course
lines, decorative cornice, columns, etc. between the ground floor and upper
floors along at least seventy-five (75) percent of the first-floor building façade(s)
with frontage upon a street.
2. ARC Recommendation: The ARC recommended that ODS 17.69.020.B(3) and
17.69.030.B(4) be modified to specify that veneers on the exterior of the
building terminate at an inside corner or that the veneer end must be finished.
Staff Response: Staff has revised 17.69.020.B(3) and 17.69.030.B(4) to state
the following (edits are indicated by underline and strikeouts):
Veneers shall turn corners and terminate into the inside corner of the building
or be finished and not expose edges so that finish materials do not appear “thin”
or artificial as in the example of “brick” veneer applied to a single building face
so that it is obviously only ½ -inch thick when viewed from the side.
3. ARC Recommendation: ARC recommended that ODS 17.69.020.C(2) and
17.69.030.C(2) be modified to require a minimum eave of twelve (12) inches.
Staff Response: Staff has revised ODS 17.69.020.C(2) and 17.69.030.C(2) to
state the following (edits are indicated by underline and strikeouts):
Overhanging eaves shall extend two (2) feet twelve (12) inches or more past
the supporting walls. This does not apply to gable faces.
4. ARC Recommendation: ARC recommended that ODS 17.69.040.H(1) include
flexibility and that a project could use paint as an option to screen m echanical
equipment.
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Staff Response: Staff has revised both ODS 17.69.040.H(1) and
17.69.040.H(2) to be consistent with one another and the direction as provided
by the ARC (edits are indicated by underline and strikeouts):
All mechanical and electrical equipment shall be located internally within the
proposed buildings. If equipment cannot be located internally due to code
requirements, it shall be screened using a combination of at least two of the
following: with paint color, landscaping, fencing or walls, fencing, or
landscaping or a combination these methods consistent with other City
standards.
Any required backflow preventer and double -check assembly shall be located
inside the building within twenty (20) feet of the f ront property line. Where this
is not possible, due to code requirements, the backflow preventer and double -
check assembly shall be located in the street yard and screened using a
combination of at least two of the following: paint color, landscaping, fencing or
walls consistent with other City standards and a low wall or fence.
5. ARC Recommendation: ARC provided direction that residential developments
located within residential zones should be able to utilize metal as an exterior
accent material and cover no more than 15% of the exterior.
Staff Response: Staff has revised ODS 17.69.020.B(1) to allow for metal as an
accent material in residential zones (edits are indicated by underline and
strikeouts):
Buildings shall use high-quality exterior wall materials chosen from the list
below.
a. Smooth or sand finished stucco
b. Cut stone
c. Rusticated block (cast stone)
d. Precast concrete
e. Brick veneer
f. Ceramic or porcelain tiles
g. Fiber Cement board planks, panels, siding, board and bat, etc. (e.g.,
Hardi plank, Hardi panel)
h. Corrugated metal (only within Commercial Zones (C-C, C-T, C-S, C-R,
M), or as an accent material, covering no more than 15% on the exterior,
within all other zones))
i. Metal paneling (only within Commercial Zones (C-C, C-T, C-S, C-R, M),
or as an accent material, covering no more than 15% on the exterior,
within all other zones))
j. Corten steel paneling (only within Commercial Zones (C-C, C-T, C-S, C-
R, M), or as an accent material, covering no more than 15% on the
exterior, within all other zones)
k. Wood plastic composite siding (e.g., Resysta products)
l. Wood siding
m. Burnished block (only within Commercial Zones (C-C, C-T, C-S, C-R, M)
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6. ARC Recommendation: ARC provided direction that ODS should include a
requirement regarding privacy (windows not looking into other windows).
Staff Response: Staff has added ODS 17.69.020.B(11) and 17.69.030.B(14)
that states:
Where windows are proposed within ten (10) feet of another building, the
windows shall be offset horizontally at least 12 inches (edge to edge) or use
clearstory windows, glass block or non-operable opaque windows so as not to
have a direct line-of sight into adjacent units.
7. ARC Recommendation: ARC provided direction that ODS should include
required common open space, with enhanced amenities) for residential
development located within the Downtown.
Staff Response: The ODS includes requirements for open space within all
zones except the Downtown Commercial (C-D) zone. Staff did not include open
space as a requirement for Downtown for several reasons:
1. Anticipate maximum build out of the site (zero setback requirements)
2. Amenities (creek, mission plaza, restaurants, businesses, etc.) are in
very close proximity to any development located within the Downtown.
3. Adds additional costs for an affordable housing project that is not
required of other projects in the Downtown
8. ARC Recommendation: The ARC recommended that the ODS include
illustrations. In particular, illustrations that show examples of reveals, cornices,
and other architectural details; how a building looks utilizing the various roof
design standards; and how to utilize different materials on a given building.
Staff Response: Staff will be developing a separate document to accompany
the ODS amendment to the Zoning Regulations that will include illustrations
and other helpful information on how to apply the standards. The intent is for
this document to be easy to understand and use but will not be part of the
Municipal Code.
9. ARC Recommendation: The ARC provided direction that the ODS should
include a requirement for visual access to public spaces (sidewalks, roads,
parks, etc.) and common and private outdoor spaces to provide visibility and
community safety (eyes on the street).
Staff Response: Staff has added ODS 17.69.020.B(12) that states:
All residential units that front, face, or overlook a public, common or private
outdoor space shall be designed with at least one window that provides
overlook on the outdoor space.
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3.2 Focus of Review and Discussion Items
As noted in Section 2.4 above, the Objective Design Standards will only apply to those
projects that meet certain qualifications. Items for the Planning Commission to consider
and discuss regarding the draft ODS include:
Clarity of the proposed standards
Implementation of the proposed standards
Is anything missing
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project is exempt per CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the “Common Sense”
exemption because the proposed action consists only of the adoption of new standards
for objective review of qualifying projects and will have no physical effects on the
environment and has no possibility of a significant effect on the environment. The
Objective Design Standards are consistent with development standards of the Zoning
Regulations and projects which qualify for the Objective Design Standards will be required
to comply with all relevant City standards, codes, and regulations.
5.0 OTHER DEPARTMENT COMMENTS
Staff comments have been incorporated into the draft Objective Design Standards. In
addition, all eligible residential projects must comply with all objective City policies,
thresholds of significance, development standards, and design standards as established
in, but not limited to, the General Plan, Zoning Regulations, City Standard Specifications
and Engineering Standards, Active Transportation Plan, Transportation Impact Study
Guidelines, Climate Action Plan, and the Municipal Code.
6.0 ALTERNATIVES
6.1 Continue the project. An action continuing the project should include direction to
the staff on pertinent issues.
7.0 ATTACHMENTS
A – Draft Resolution (includes Draft Ordinance)
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RESOLUTION NO. PC-XXXX-21
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL INTRODUCE
AND ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING
REGULATIONS) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE ADDING OBJECTIVE
DESIGN STANDARDS CHAPTER 17.69 FOR QUALIFYING
RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS WITH AN EXEMPTION FROM
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA) AS REPRESENTED IN THE
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT AND ATTACHMENTS
DATED SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 (CITYWIDE; CODE-0523-2021)
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the 6 th Cycle Housing Element on
November 17, 2020, that includes Program 6.22 that states, “Update the City’s
municipal code to expand objective design standards within one year of the
adoption of the Housing Element Update;” and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo wishes to update the City’s
Municipal Code and introduce Objective Design Standards for Qualifying
Residential Projects (Chapter 17.69) of Title 17 consistent with the 6 th Cycle
Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission of the City of San Luis
Obispo conducted a web ba sed public hearing on June 21, 2021 for the purpose of
receiving a staff presentation regarding Objective Design Standards for qualifying
residential projects and selecting a subcommittee to assist staff with further development
of the draft ODS; and
WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission of the City of San Luis
Obispo conducted a web based public hearing on August 16, 2021 for the purpose of
reviewing an amendment to Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) of the Municipal Code
regarding Objective Design Standards for qualifying residential projects, and
recommended approving the standards with specific changes; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo
conducted a web based public hearing on September 22, 2021, for the purpose of
considering an amendment to Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) of the Municipal Code
regarding Objective Design Standards for qualifying residential projects; and
WHEREAS, notice of said public hearing were made at the time and in the
manner required by law; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has duly considered all evidence,
including the testimony of the applicant, interested parties, and the evaluation and
recommendations by staff, presented at said hearing.
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Planning Commission Resolution No. PC-XXXX-21
CODE-0523-2021
Page 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED , by the Planning Commission of the
City of San Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings. The Planning Commission does hereby recommend the
City Council introduce and adopt the proposed Objective Design Standards for qualifying
residential projects based on the following findings:
1. The proposed amendments to Title 17 of the Municipal Code are consistent with
the 6th Cycle Housing Element Program 6.22 which states “Update the City’s
municipal code to expand objective design standards within one year of the
adoption of the Housing Element Update.”
2. The addition of Chapter 17.69 to Title 17 of the Municipal Code will not alter the
character of the City or cause health safety or welfare concerns because the
amendment is consistent with the General Plan and directly implements City goals
and policies.
SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The proposed amendment to the Municipal
Code Title 17 has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained
in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the state CEQA Guidelines, and the
environmental regulations of the City. Specifically, the proposed amendment has been
determined exempt per CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the “Common Sense”
exemption because the proposed action consists only of the adoption of new standards
for objective review of qualifying projects and will have no physical effects on the
environment and has no possibility of a significant effect on the environment. The
Objective Design Standards are consistent with development standards of the Zoning
Regulations and projects which qualify for the Objective Design Standards will be required
to comply with all relevant City standards, codes, and regulations.
SECTION 3 . Recommendation. The Planning Commission does hereby
recommend the City Council introduce and adopt an ordinance amending Title 17 (Zoning
Regulations) of the Municipal Code with Objective Design Standards for qualifying
residential projects as set forth in Attachment 1.
Upon motion of ______________________, seconded by
__________________ and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 22nd day of September 2021.
_____________________________
Tyler Corey, Secretary
Planning Commission
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O _____
ATTACHMENT 1: DRAFT ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE NO. ______ (2021 SERIES)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING
REGULATIONS) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE WITH OBJECTIVE DESIGN
STANDARDS FOR QUALIFYING RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS WITH AN
EXEMPTION FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA)
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the 6th Cycle Housing Element on
November 17, 2020, that includes Program 6.22 that states, “Update the City’s
municipal code to expand ob jective design standards within one year of the
adoption of the Housing Element Update;” and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo wishes to update the City’s
Municipal Code and introduce Objective Design Standards for Qualifying
Residential Projects (Chap ter 17.69) of Title 17 consistent with the 6 th Cycle
Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission of the City of San Luis
Obispo conducted a web based public hearing on June 21, 2021 for the purpose of
receiving a staff presentation regarding Objective Design Standards for qualifying
residential projects and selecting a subcommittee to assist staff with further development
of the draft ODS; and
WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission of the City of San Luis
Obispo conducted a web based public hearing on August 16, 2021 for the purpose of
reviewing an amendment to Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) of the Municipal Code
regarding Objective Design Standards for qualifying residential projects, and
recommended approving the standards with specific changes; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of San Luis Obispo
conducted a web based public hearing on September 22, 2021, for the purpose of
considering an amendment to Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) of the Municipal Code
regarding Objective Design Standards for qualifying residential projects; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a
web based public hearing on November 2, 2021, for the purpose of considering an
amendment to Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) of the Municipal Code regarding Objective
Design Standards for qualifying residential projects; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the proposed amendment is
consistent with the General Plan, Zoning Regulations, and other applicable City
goals and policies as amended; and
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Ordinance No. _____ (2021 Series) ATTACHMENT 1
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WHEREAS, notices of said public hearings were made at the time and in
the manner required by law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all evidence, including
the testimony of the applicant, interested parties, and the evaluation and
recommendations by staff, presented at said hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of San
Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The City Council find that the foregoing
recitals and administrative report presented with this ordinance are true and correct and
are incorporated in the ordinance by this reference and adopted as the findings of the City
Council.
SECTION 2. Findings. Based upon all evidence, the City Council makes the
following findings:
1. The proposed amendments to Title 17 of the Municipal Code are consistent with
the 6th Cycle Housing Element Program 6.22 which states “Update the City’s
municipal code to expand objective design standards within one year of the
adoption of the Housing Element Update.”
2. The addition of Chapter 17.69 to Title 17 of the Municipal Code will not alter the
character of the City or cause health safety or welfare concerns because the
amendment is consistent with the General Plan and directly implements City goals
and policies.
SECTION 3. Environmental Determination. The proposed amendment to the
Municipal Code Title 17 has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria
contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the state CEQA
Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. Specifically, the propose d
amendment has been determined exempt per CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the
“Common Sense” exemption because the proposed action consists only of the adoption
of new standards for objective review of qualifying projects and will have no physical
effects on the environment and has no possibility of a significant effect on the
environment. The Objective Design Standards are consistent with development
standards of the Zoning Regulations and projects which qualify for the Objective Design
Standards will be required to comply with all relevant City standards, codes, and
regulations.
SECTION 4. Action. Chapter 17.69 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, is
hereby amended to read as follows:
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Ordinance No. _____ (2021 Series) ATTACHMENT 1
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17.69 Objective Design Standards for Qualifying Residential Projects
Sections:
17.69.010 – Purpose and Application
17.69.020 – Building and Site Design Standards
17.69.030 – Downtown Building Design Standards
17.69.040 – Additional Design Requirements
17.69.010 - Purpose and Application
A. Purpose. This Chapter is intended to provide objective standards for the design of
residential and mixed-use projects (herein referred to as “residential projects”) that are
eligible for ministerial, streamlined approval to ensure compatibility with existing and
planned development on the site and adjacent and nearby properties while also
supporting the development of housing consistent with the City’s General Plan.
B. Applicability. The provisions of this chapter apply to all residential projects, in all
zones, that qualify for streamlined, ministerial processing per Government Code
Section 65913.4, or that are a “use by right” residential project. In addition, eligible
residential projects must comply with all objective City policies, thresholds of
significance, development standards, and design standards as established in, but not
limited to, the General Plan, Zoning Regulations, City Standard Specifications and
Engineering Standards, Active Transportation Plan, Transportation Impact Study
Guidelines, Climate Action Plan, and the Municipal Code.
A “use by right” residential project is a residential project that includes at least 20
percent of the units as affordable to lower income households (low, very low, and
extremely low) and does not require discretionary review or approval (ministerial
review only) and residential projects that are otherwise deemed subject to ministerial
processing per state or local law.
Residential projects seeking exceptions, waivers, or modifications to any development
standards set forth in the City’s Zoning Regulations or the design standards set forth
in this chapter, excluding modifications granted as part of density bonus concession,
incentive, parking reduction, or waiver of development standards pursuant to State
Density Bonus Law or the City’s density bonus regulations (Chapter 17.140), shall not
be eligible for ministerial and/or streamlined processing contemplated by this chapter,
and will be subject to the City’s discretionary development review process outlined in
Chapter 17.106 of the Municipal Code.
Where these standards conflict with other state law or local code requirements
(including but not limited to California Building Code and the City’s Standard
Specifications and Engineering Standards) the more restrictive provision shall prevail.
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Ordinance No. _____ (2021 Series) ATTACHMENT 1
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17.69.020 - Building and Site Design
A. Applicability. This section shall apply to eligible residential projects (described in
Section 17.69.010 above) in all zones, except for the Downtown Commercial (C-D)
zone. Building and site design standards for eligible residential projects in the C-D
zone are provided in Section 17.69.030 (Downtown Building Design) below. In
addition to this section, mixed-use projects shall also comply with Section
17.70.130.D and F through H (Mixed-Use Development).
B. Building Details. Residential projects shall comply with the following building detail
standards:
1. Buildings shall use high-quality exterior wall materials chosen from the list
below.
a. Smooth or sand finished stucco
b. Cut stone
c. Rusticated block (cast stone)
d. Precast concrete
e. Brick veneer
f. Ceramic or porcelain tiles
g. Fiber Cement board planks, panels, siding, board and bat, etc. (e.g.,
Hardi plank, Hardi panel)
h. Corrugated metal (within Commercial Zones (C-C, C-T, C-S, C-R, M),
or as an accent material, covering no more than 15% on the exterior,
within all other zones))
i. Metal paneling (only within Commercial Zones (C-C, C-T, C-S, C-R, M),
or as an accent material, covering no more than 15% on the exterior,
within all other zones)
j. Corten steel paneling (only within Commercial Zones (C-C, C-T, C-S, C-
R, M), or as an accent material, covering no more than 15% on the
exterior, within all other zones)
k. Wood plastic composite siding (e.g., Resysta products)
l. Wood siding
m. Burnished block (only within Commercial Zones (C-C, C-T, C-S, C-R, M)
2. Buildings shall use the same colors, materials, and detailing throughout all
elevations. Street facing and the most visible elevations may use more
architectural details, but colors and materials shall be the same on all
elevations.
3. Veneers shall turn corners and terminate into the inside corner of the building
or be finished and not expose edges so that finish materials appear “thin” or
artificial, as in the example of “brick” veneer applied to a single building face so
that it is obviously only ½ -inch thick when viewed from the side.
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Ordinance No. _____ (2021 Series) ATTACHMENT 1
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4. Exterior window shutters shall match the size and shape of adjacent window
openings.
5. Affordable units and market rate units in the same development shall be
constructed of the same materials and deta ils such that the units are not
distinguishable from one another.
6. Trim surrounds shall be provided at all exterior window and door openings. In -
lieu of exterior window trim, windows can be recessed from wall plane by a
minimum of two (2) inches.
7. Structures (including garages and carports) shall not exceed one hundred fifty
(150) feet in length.
8. Detached garages and carports shall be designed to include a minimum of two
(2) of the following from the main building(s): materials, detailing, roof materials,
and colors.
9. Stairs and stair wells that provide primary access to units on upper floors shall
be covered and fully integrated into the principal and secondary building
façades.
10. Service access to the building for loading and maintenance functions shall not
exceed twenty (20) percent of the project frontage on any facing street.
11. Where windows are proposed within ten (10) feet of another building, the
windows shall be offset horizontally at least 12 inches (edge to edge) or use
clearstory windows, glass block or non-operable opaque windows so as not to
have a direct line-of sight into adjacent units.
12. All residential units that front, face, or overlook a public, common or private
outdoor space shall be designed with at least one window that provides
overlook on the outdoor space.
C. Roof Designs. Residential projects shall comply with the following roof design
standards:
1. Roof lines shall be varied to break up the mass of the building. A building with
four (4) or more attached residential units or a residential building with a roofline
longer than fifty (50) feet shall incorporate changes in roof heights of at least
one (1) vertical elevation change of at least two (2) feet.
2. Overhanging eaves shall extend twelve (12) inches or more past the supporting
walls. This requirement does not apply to gable faces.
3. Steeply pitched (45 degrees or more) mansard roofs are prohibited.
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4. Roof-mounted equipment shall not be visible from the public right of way and
integrated within the architecture of the building.
5. Roof decks shall be prohibited in residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) and the
Office (O) zone unless setback 15 feet or more from side and rear property
lines and utilize solid walls or barriers at deck edges. All projects that include
roof top uses shall comply with Section 17.70.150 (Rooftop Uses).
6. The termination of a parapet shall not be visible from the public right of way or
adjacent property. The parapet shall wrap around the entire roof, return at least
eight (8) feet around corners, or die into an adjacent, taller wall.
7. Cornices and parapets shall
a. Be utilized to conceal flat roofs and screen any roof -mounted
mechanical equipment from the public right-of-way and adjacent
properties.
b. Match the building’s primary façade exterior colors and materials.
D. Massing and Articulation. Residential projects shall comply with the following
massing and articulation standards:
1. Blank walls (facades without doors or windows) shall be fifty (50) feet or less in
length. Blank walls of any length shall include the use of at least one of the
following treatments:
a. Utilize at least two (2) different materials.
b. Utilize at least two (2) different paint colors.
c. Incorporate offsets. Offsets shall vary in depth and/or direction of at least
twelve (12) inches, or be a repeated pattern of offsets, recesses, or
projections of similar depth along the length of the wall.
d. Install landscaping that covers twenty-five (25) percent of the wall within
ten (10) years.
2. Buildings shall have massing breaks (offsets, recesses, or projections) at least
every fifty (50) feet along street frontage through the use of varying setbacks,
building entries and recesses, or structural bays. Offsets, recesses, or
projections shall vary in depth and/or direction of at least twelve (12) inches
and a minimum width of four (4) feet.
3. Buildings three or more stories shall distinguish the first story from the upper
stories by using a minimum of two (2) architectural details (e.g., arches,
awnings, transom windows, columns, cornices, lintels, moldings, trellises) for
every fifty (50) feet of the first story front elevation.
4. Mixed-use buildings three or more stories shall provide a first story elevation
that is distinctive from the upper stories through a material change, change in
color, or use of different architectural details such as reveals, course lines,
decorative cornice, columns, etc.
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5. The first floor of a mixed-use project within fifty (50) feet of the street frontage
shall be taller than the floors above, with a minimum plate height of ten (10)
feet.
6. Buildings three or more stories shall step-back the building mass a minimum of
five (5) feet for fifty (50) percent of the building facade above the second story.
7. Every residential building shall incorporate two (2) or more of the following
building massing and articulation techniques:
a. Vary building height by at least two (2) feet over twenty (20) percent of
the main building (as viewed in plan view).
b. Vary the geometry or massing of the roof through changes in type,
height, pitch, or orientation.
c. Use offsets, recesses, (e.g., courtyards, entryways, alcoves, deep door
and window recesses) and projections (e.g., stairs, towers, balconies,
cantilevers, dormers, bay windows, awnings) to create a sense of depth.
d. Provide a minimum two (2) foot roof eave on the front elevation. This
requirement does not apply to gable faces.
E. Common and Private Spaces. Residential projects shall comply with the following
common and private space standards:
1. Residential projects within the R-2, R-3, and R-4 zones shall have a minimum
of sixty-five (65) square feet of private outdoor space per each unit or provide
a minimum of one hundred (100) square feet per unit to common space .
Common space is recreation space provided inside or outside a residential
building for the use of all the residents for recreation or social purposes and is
readily accessible by all the residents. To qualify as private open space, the
space must be private and directly accessible from the unit it serves and must
have a minimum dimension in every direction of six (6) feet. To qualify as
common space, individual spaces must have a minimum dimension in every
direction of ten (10) feet.
2. Residential projects within the O, C-N, C-T C-R, C-C, C-S, and M zones shall
provide a minimum of fifty (50) square feet per unit to common space. Common
space is recreation space provided inside or outside a residential building for
the use of all the residents for recreation or social purposes and is readily
accessible by all the residents. To qualify as common space, individual spaces
must have a minimum dimension in every direction of ten (10) feet.
F. Landscaping. Residential projects shall comply with the following landscape
standards:
1. The landscape design plan shall be consistent with Section 17.70.220 (Water-
efficient landscape standards), Section 12.38.090 (Landscaping standards),
and include the following information:
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a. Location, sizes, and species of all proposed groundcovers, shrubs, and
trees with corresponding symbols for each plant material showing their
specific locations on plans.
b. The location and description (e.g., colors, materials, etc.) of all
hardscapes such as decks, patios, walkways or paths, artificial t urf or
other pervious or non-pervious materials.
2. All required front and street-facing side setbacks, except for areas used for exit,
entry, or common outdoor space shall be landscaped. All projects shall
landscape at least fifteen (15) percent of the project site.
3. Landscaping areas shall consist of a combination of living trees, groundcover,
shrubbery, turf, and related natural features such as rock, stone, or bark chips
to adequately cover all designated landscaping areas.
4. Landscaping shall be top-dressed with three (3) inches of mulch. Mulch shall
be maintained within planted areas and shall not migrate onto hard surfaces,
such as sidewalks, patios, and parking lots.
5. Any trees removed from the residential project site shall be replaced on site
with a 1:1 replanting. Required street trees may be counted as part of the
replacement plantings.
6. Native tree species with a trunk ten (10) inches or larger in diameter or a non -
native tree species (excluding blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus))
twenty (20) inches or larger in diameter or designated heritage trees (of any
size) shall be retained and cannot be removed unless they are an imminent
hazard to life or property or are dead, dying, diseased or damaged beyond
reclamation (see Section 12.24.030 for definitions of heritage tree, native tree,
and non-native tree). Diameter shall be measured as follows:
a. If the tree is growing on flat ground, the diameter is measured 4.5 feet
from the ground.
b. If the tree is growing on a slope, the diameter is measured 4.5 feet above
the point halfway between the upper and lower side of the slope. (Figure
1)
c. If the tree is leaning, the diameter is measured 4.5 feet above the high
point of the trunk and perpendicular to the axis of the trunk. (Figure 2)
d. If branches of trees fork below 4.5 feet above the ground or are multi-
stemmed (branching at the ground) then each branch/stem diameter is
measured individually at 4.5 feet above the ground and summed
together for the total diameter. (Figure 3 & 4).
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Ordinance No. _____ (2021 Series) ATTACHMENT 1
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17.69.030 – Downtown Building Design
A. Applicability. This section shall apply to eligible residential projects (described in
Section 17.69.010 above) within the Downtown Commercial (C-D) zone. In addition
to this section, mixed-use projects shall also comply with Section 17.70.130.D and
F through H (Mixed-Use Development).
B. Building Details. Residential projects shall comply with the following building detail
standards:
1. Buildings located within the Downtown (C-D zone) shall use high-quality
exterior materials chosen from the list below.
a. Smooth or sand finished stucco
b. Cut stone
c. Rusticated block (cast stone)
d. Precast concrete
e. Face-brick
f. Ceramic or porcelain tiles
4.5 ft. 4.5 ft.
4.5 ft.
4.5 ft.
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g. Fiber Cement board planks, panels, siding, board and bat, etc. (e.g.,
Hardi plank, Hardi panel)
h. Wood plastic composite siding (e.g., Resysta products)
i. Wood siding
j. Metal paneling
k. Corten steel paneling
2. The following exterior finish materials and architectural elements are
prohibited:
a. Mirrored glass and heavily tinted glass
b. Windows with false divisions (i.e., a window where the glass continues
uninterrupted behind a surface mounted mullion, interior mounted
mullions (enclosed in glass), etc.)
c. Vinyl and aluminum siding
d. Rough “Spanish lace” stucco finish
e. Plywood siding (T 1-11)
f. Corrugated sheet metal
g. Corrugated fiberglass
h. Split face concrete block
i. Exposed concrete block without integral color
j. Exposed, untreated precision block walls
k. False fronts
l. Loading bays facing a street
m. Exposed roof drains and downspouts
3. New buildings shall use the same colors, materials, and detailing throughout
all elevations. Street facing and the most visible elevations may use more
detailed elevations, but colors and materials shall be the same on all elevations.
4. Veneers shall turn corners and terminate into the inside corner of the building
or be finished and not expose edges so that finish materials do not appear “thin”
or artificial, as in the example of “brick” veneer applied to a single building face
so that it is obviously only ½ -inch thick when viewed from the side.
5. Trim surrounds shall be provided at all exterior window and door openings. In -
lieu of exterior window trim, windows can be recessed from wall plane by a
minimum of two (2) inches.
6. Barrel-shaped awnings shall be used over arched windows or doorways and
square or rectangular awnings shall be used on square or rectangular windows
and doorways.
7. Awnings shall not be internally illuminated, shall be at least four (4) feet wide,
and awnings on a single building face shall use the same awning design and
color on each building floor.
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8. Permanent, fixed security grates or grilles in front of windows are prohibited.
Any necessary security grilles shall be placed inside, behind the window display
area.
9. Storefronts shall be framed by support piers and lintels.
10. Storefronts shall be primarily made of eighty (80) percent or more of clear glass.
11. Doorways shall be recessed.
12. Storefront windows shall use clear glass and sit above a base, commonly called
a “bulkhead,” of eighteen (18) to thirty-six (36) inches in height. Bulkheads shall
be designed as prominent and visible elements of the building facade and shall
include the use of one or more of the following materials: ornamental glazed
tile in deep rich hues, either plain or with patterns; dark or light marble panels;
or pre-cast concrete.
13. Service access to the building for loading and maintenance functions shall not
exceed twenty (20) percent of the project frontage on any facing street.
14. Where windows are proposed within ten (10) feet of another building, the
windows shall be offset horizontally at least 12 inches (edge to edge) or use
clearstory windows, glass block or non-operable opaque windows so as not to
have a direct line-of sight into adjacent units.
C. Roof Designs. Residential projects shall comply with the following roof design
standards:
1. Roof lines shall be varied to break up the mass of the building. A building with
a roofline longer than fifty (50) feet shall incorporate changes in roof heights of
at least one (1) vertical elevation change of at least two (2) feet.
2. Overhanging eaves shall extend twelve (12) inches or more past the supporting
walls. This does not apply to gable faces.
3. Steeply pitched (45 degrees or more) mansard roofs are prohibited.
4. Roof-mounted equipment shall not be visible from the public right of way and
integrated within the architecture of the building.
5. The termination of a parapet shall not be visible from the public right of way or
adjacent property. The parapet shall wrap around the entire roof, return at least
eight (8) feet around corners, or die into an adjacent, taller wall.
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Ordinance No. _____ (2021 Series) ATTACHMENT 1
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6. Cornices and parapets shall:
a. Be utilized to conceal flat roofs and screen any roof -mounted
mechanical equipment from the public right-of-way and adjacent
properties.
b. Match the building’s primary façade exterior colors and materials.
7. Rooflines shall be vertically articulated at least every fifty (50) feet along the
street frontage, using two of the following architectural elements: parapets,
varying cornices, reveals, clerestory windows, or varying roof height and/or
form.
D. Massing and Articulation. Residential projects shall comply with the following
massing and articulation standards:
1. Buildings shall be designed to reduce apparent mass by dividing façades into
a series of smaller components. Components shall be distinguished from one
another through two (2) or more of the following:
a. Variations in the geometry or massing of the roof or variations in roof
height of two (2) feet or more.
b. Changes in wall plane of one (1) foot or more.
c. Changes in texture, material, or surface colors.
d. Provide a minimum two (2) foot eave on the front elevation. This
requirement does not apply to gable faces.
2. Buildings shall have massing breaks (offsets, recesses, or projections) at least
every fifty (50) feet along street frontage through the use of varying setbacks,
building entries and recesses, or structural bays. Offsets, recesses, or
projections shall vary in depth and/or direction of at least twelve (12) inches
and a minimum width of four (4) feet.
3. The first floor of a mixed-use project within fifty (50) feet of the street frontage
shall be taller than the floors above, with a minimum plate height of ten (10)
feet.
4. Buildings shall include horizontal lines that match established horizontal lines
of adjacent buildings.
5. Buildings in the downtown shall provide 80% of the building facade located at
the back of the sidewalk unless space between the building and sidewalk is a
part of a pedestrian feature such as plazas, courtyards, or outdoor eating areas.
17.69.040 – Additional Design Details
A. Applicability. This section shall apply to eligible residential projects in all zones,
including the Downtown Commercial (C-D) zone.
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B. Parking Areas. Residential projects shall comply with the following parking
standards:
1. Parking areas shall be designed consistent with Chapter 12.38 (Parking and
Driveway standards).
2. When parking lots are proposed along street frontages, they shall be screened
by a wall, fence, hedge or raised planter. The chosen screening material shall
be a minimum height of three (3) feet and consistent with Section 17.70.070
(Fence, Walls, and Hedges). A fence or wall shall include a minimum three-
foot-wide landscaped area between the wall or fence and the street or sidewalk.
The hedge and planter shall have a planting area width of three (3) feet.
Screening provided near a driveway shall have a maximum height of 2.5 feet
and screening at roadway intersections shall comply with Section 17.70.210
(Vision Clearance Triangle at Intersections).
3. Parking lots shall be planted with shade trees. A minimum of one twenty-four
(24) inch box specimen tree, shall be required for every ten (10) parking
spaces, or portion thereof, planted in structural soil, and shall be located
uniformly throughout the parking area , excluding parking areas covered by
solar panels. Tree species shall include any of the following:
a. Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
b. Ginkgo biloba (‘Fairmont’ Ginkgo)
c. Platanus racemosa (California Sycamore)
d. Platanus x acerifolia (London Plane)
e. Platanus occidentalis (American Sycamore)
f. Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak)
g. Tilia cordata (Littleleaf Linden)
h. Ulmus parvifolia (‘Drake’ Chinese Elm)
i. Ulmus americana (American Elm)
j. Zelkova serrata (Zelkova ‘Green Vase’)
C. Bicycle Parking Areas. Residential projects shall comply with the following bicycle
parking standards:
1. Long term bicycle parking spaces shall be enclosed, lockable, and located
within the residential building on the first floor unless the building includes
elevator access to the upper floors.
2. Long term bicycle parking spaces shall provide a minimum of one (1) outlet
and an additional outlet per ten (10) bicycle parking spaces for charging
electric bicycles.
3. Long term bicycle parking racks shall be designed to allow the user to lock
the bicycle to the rack and keep at least one bicycle wheel on the ground or
provide a means for the user to roll the bicycle onto a rack and lift it up to a
second level (example: the Two-Tier Double Docker Bike Rack by Ground
Control Systems).
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D. Pedestrian Access. Residential projects shall comply with the following pedestrian
access standards:
1. A system of pedestrian walkways shall connect all buildings on a site to each
other, to onsite automobile and bicycle parking areas, and to any onsite open
space areas or pedestrian amenities.
2. An onsite walkway shall connect the principal building entry or entries to a
public sidewalk on each street frontage.
E. Lighting. Residential projects shall comply with the following lighting standards:
1. Project exterior and parking lot lighting shall comply with Section 17.70.100
(Lighting and Night Sky Preservation).
F. Fencing. Residential projects shall comply with the following fencing standards:
1. Any proposed fencing shall be consistent with Section 17.70.070 (Fence,
Walls, and Hedges).
2. Chain link fencing is not allowed.
G. Trash Enclosure Design. Residential projects shall comply with the following trash
enclosure design standards:
1. Trash enclosures shall accommodate for three (3) waste streams: trash,
recycling, and organics and shall be designed consistent with Section
17.70.200.
2. Trash enclosures shall be designed to include accent materials and colors that
match the main residential building(s).
3. Designs of trash enclosures shall comply with the City’s engineering standards.
H. Miscellaneous. Residential projects shall comply with the following miscellaneous
standards:
1. All mechanical and electrical equipment shall be located internally within the
proposed buildings. If equipment cannot be located internally due to code
requirements, it shall be screened using a combination of at least two of the
following: paint color, landscaping, fencing, or walls consistent with other City
standards.
2. Any required backflow preventer and double -check assembly shall be located
inside the building within twenty (20) feet of the front property line. Where this
is not possible, due to code requirements, the backflow preventer and double -
check assembly shall be located in the street yard and screened using a
combination of at least two of the following: paint color, landscaping, fencing or
walls consistent with other City standards.
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3. Fire Department equipment required to be accessible by an exterior door shall
be integrated into the exterior building design by using the same materials and
colors.
SECTION 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase
of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of
any court of any competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have
passed this Ordinance, and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause, or
phrase not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion of
the Ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 6. A summary of this ordinance, together with the names of Council
members voting for and against, shall be published at least five (5) days prior to its final
passage, in The Tribune, a newspaper published and circulated in this City. This
ordinance shall go into effect at the expiration of thirty (30) days after its final passage.
INTRODUCED on the _____ day of _________ 2021, AND FINALLY ADOPTED
by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo on the _____ day of _____________ 2021,
on the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
__________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________
J. Christine Dietrick, City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
__________________________
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk
Page 239 of 239
Staff Presentation 9/22/2021
1
REVIEW OF A DRAFT ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 17
(ZONING REGULATIONS) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE WITH
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR QUALIFYING
RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
September 22, 2021
Recommendation
Adopt a draft Resolution recommending the City Council introduce
and adopt an Ordinance amending Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) of
the Municipal Code adding Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.69
for qualifying residential projects.
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Staff Presentation 9/22/2021
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Planning Commission Purview
The Planning Commission’s role is to review the proposed
Zoning Regulations amendment for consistency with the City’s
Housing Element and State Law and make a recommendation
to the City Council regarding the proposed amendment that
includes the addition of Objective Design Standards for
qualifying residential projects.
3
Housing Element & State Legislation
Housing Element Update adopted in November 2020.
Housing Element Program 6.22 puts forth that the City will update the municipal
code to expand objective design standards within one year of the adoption ofthe
Housing Element Update.
This program was included because recent California legislation has been
adopted that requires a streamlined, ministerial process or by-right ministerial
review for specific, eligible, residential developments.
Per State legislation these eligible projects have to be reviewed ministerially
against objective standards rather than through the City’s discretionary entitlement
process.
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Staff Presentation 9/22/2021
3
Eligible Projects
Projects that will be reviewed against objective design standards include:
Projects that qualify under Government Code
Section 65913.4 (SB 35).
“Use By Right” residential projects:
Transitional and supportive housing (AB 2126).
Housing developments in which at least 20% of
the units are affordable to lower income
households (HE Programs 2.17 and 2.18)
Residential projects that are otherwise deemed
subject to ministerial processing per state or local
law.
5
Objective Standards
Objective standards are a type of regulation that do not
require judgement to determine that they have been
met.
Examples: specific building heights limits, building
setbacks from property lines, and a minimum number
of parking spaces required for a development project.
These are considered “objective standards” because
they are numeric and do not require a subjective
opinion to determine whether a development project
follows those standards.
The City has established objective policies, thresholds
of significance, development standards, and some
design standards.
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Staff Presentation 9/22/2021
4
Objective Design Standards
Currently, design related direction is provided in the
City’s CDG and many of the guidelines are not
objective.
The ODS utilize concepts and direction from the CDG,
City policies, and examples from other jurisdictions to
provide minimum design standards to ensure new
development is compatible and complementary with
existing development while also allowing flexibility for
creativity.
7
Example Objective Design Standard
ODS:Buildings shall use the same colors, materials, and detailing
throughout all elevations. Street facing and the most visible
elevations may use more architectural details, but colors and
materials shall be the same on all elevations.
CDG:Designs should demonstrate a consistent use of colors,
materials, and detailing throughout all elevations of the building.
Elevations which do not directly face a street should not be
ignored or receive only minimal architectural treatment. Each
building should look like the same building from all sides.
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Staff Presentation 9/22/2021
5
Draft Objective Design Standards
Building and Site Design
Building Details
Roof Designs
Massing & Articulation
Common & Private Spaces
Landscaping
Downtown Building Design
Building Details
Roof Designs
Massing & Articulation
Other Design Requirements
Parking Area
Bicycle Parking Areas
Pedestrian Access
Lighting
Fencing
Trash
Miscellaneous
9
Previous Review
June 21, 2021: ARC received a presentation from staff and selected a subcommittee
to assist staff with further development of the draft ODS.
July 21
st &July27th : Staff met and worked with the ARC subcommittee on the draft
ODS.
July 2021: Professionals involved with local building design, architecture, and
development provided comments on the draft ODS.
August 16, 2021: The ARC reviewed the draft ODS and recommended the Planning
Commission recommend approval of the standards with specific changes.
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Staff Presentation 9/22/2021
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ARC Recommendation #1
ARC Recommendation: Revise ODS 17.69.020.B(3) and 17.69.030.B(4) to include language
that would allow for Spanish style architecture (all stucco) and allow industrial or historic
architectural representations (e.g., all brick, all metal).
Staff Response: Modified the language of the ODS per ARC direction.
At least two (2) materials shall be used on any building exterior, in addition to any glazing and
railings. Any one material must comprise at least 20% of the building’s exterior. Veneers shall
turn corners and not expose edges so that finish materials appear “thin”, as in the example of
“brick” veneer applied to a single building face so that it is obviously only 1/2-inch thick when
viewed from the side.
17.69.020.D(4): Mixed-use buildings three or more stories shall provide a first story elevation that
is distinctive from the upper stories by providing a through material change, change in color, or
use of different architectural details such as reveals, course lines, decorative cornice, columns,
etc. between the ground floor and upper floors along at least seventy-five (75) percent of the first-
floor building façade(s) with frontage upon a street.
11
ARC Recommendation #2
ARC Recommendation: Modify ODS 17.69.020.B(3)
and 17.69.030.B(4) to specify that veneers on the
exterior of the building terminate at an inside corner or
that the veneer end must be finished.
Staff Response: Modified the language of the ODS per
ARC direction.
Veneers shall turn corners and terminate into the inside
corner of the building or be finished and not expose
edges so that finish materials do not appear “thin” or
artificial as in the example of “brick” veneer applied to a
single building face so that it is obviously only 1/2-inch
thick when viewed from the side.
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Staff Presentation 9/22/2021
7
ARC Recommendation #3
ARC Recommendation: Modify ODS 17.69.020.C(2) and 17.69.030.C(2) to require a minimum
eave of twelve (12) inches.
Staff Response: Modified the language of the ODS per ARC direction.
Overhanging eaves shall extend two (2) feet twelve (12) inches or more past the supporting
walls. This does not apply to gable faces.
13
ARC Recommendation #4
ARC Recommendation: Include flexibility in ODS 17.69.040.H(1) and allow a project to use
paint as an option to screen mechanical equipment.
Staff Response: Revised both ODS 17.69.040.H(1) and 17.69.040.H(2) to be consistent with
one another and the direction as provided by the ARC.
All mechanical and electrical equipment shall be located internally within the proposed buildings.
If equipment cannot be located internally due to code requirements, it shall be screened using a
combination of at least two of the following: with paint color, landscaping, fencing or walls,
fencing, or landscaping or a combination these methods consistent with other City standards.
Any required backflow preventer and double-check assembly shall be located inside the building
within twenty (20) feet of the front property line. Where this is not possible, due to code
requirements, the backflow preventer and doublecheck assembly shall be located in the street
yard and screened using a combination of at least two of the following: paint color, landscaping,
fencing or walls consistent with other City standards and a low wall or fence.
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Staff Presentation 9/22/2021
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ARC Recommendation #5
ARC Recommendation: Provided direction that residential developments located within
residential zones should be able to utilize metal as an exterior accent material and cover no more
than 15% of the exterior.
Staff Response: Revised ODS 17.69.020.B(1)(h-j) to allow for metal as an accent material in
residential zones.
h. Corrugated metal (only within Commercial Zones (C-C, C-T, C-S, C-R, M), or as an accent
material, covering no more than 15% on the exterior, within all other zones)
i. Metal paneling (only within Commercial Zones (C-C, C-T, C-S, C-R, M), or as an accent
material, covering no more than 15% on the exterior, within all other zones)
j. Corten steel paneling (only within Commercial Zones (C-C, C-T, C-S, CR, M), or as an accent
material, covering no more than 15% on the exterior, within all other zones)
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ARC Recommendation #6
ARC Recommendation: Provided direction that ODS
should include a requirement regarding privacy (windows
not looking into other windows).
Staff Response: Staff has added ODS 17.69.020.B(11) and
17.69.030.B(14).
Where windows are proposed within ten (10) feet of another
building, the windows shall be offset horizontally at least 12
inches (edge to edge) or use clearstory windows, glass
block or non-operable opaque windows so as not to have a
direct line-of sight into adjacent units.
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Staff Presentation 9/22/2021
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ARC Recommendation #7
ARC Recommendation: Provided direction that ODS should include required common
open space, with enhanced amenities, for residential development located within the
Downtown.
Staff Response: The ODS includes requirements for open space within all zones except
the Downtown Commercial (C-D) zone.
Staff did not include open space as a requirement for Downtown for several reasons:
1.Anticipate maximum build out of the site (zero setback requirements)
2.Amenities (creek, mission plaza, restaurants, businesses, etc.) are in very close
proximity to any development located within the Downtown.
3.Adds additional costs for an affordable housing project that is not required of other
projects in the Downtown.
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ARC Recommendation #8
ARC Recommendation: Provided direction that ODS should include illustrations.
Staff Response: Staff will be developing a separate document to accompany the
ODS amendment to the Zoning Regulations that will include illustrations and other
helpful information on how to apply these standards.
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Staff Presentation 9/22/2021
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ARC Recommendation #9
ARC Recommendation: Provided direction that the ODS
should include a requirement for visual access to public
spaces (sidewalks, roads, parks, etc.) and common and
private outdoor spaces to provide visibility and community
safety (eyes on the street).
Staff Response: Added ODS 17.69.020.B(12).
All residential units that front, face, or overlook a public,
common or private outdoor space shall be designed with at
least one window that provides overlook on the outdoor
space.
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Planning Commission Discussion
Items for the PC to consider:
Clarity of the proposed standards
Implementation of the proposed standards
Is anything missing?
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Staff Presentation 9/22/2021
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Environmental Review
The project is exempt per CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the “Common Sense”
exemption because:
The proposed action consists only of the adoption of new standards for objective review
of qualifying projects.
Will have no physical effects on the environment and has no possibility of a significant
effect on the environment.
The Objective Design Standards are consistent with development standardsofthe
Zoning Regulations.
Projects which qualify for the Objective Design Standards will be requiredtocomply
with all relevant City standards, codes, and regulations.
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Recommendation
Adopt a draft Resolution recommending the City Council introduce
and adopt an Ordinance amending Title 17 (Zoning Regulations) of
the Municipal Code adding Objective Design Standards Chapter 17.69
for qualifying residential projects.
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