HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix F-Project Design GuidelinesAPPENDIX F
Design Standards and Guidelines for the
Avila Ranch Development Plan
Avila Ranch Development Project
Final EIR
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Appendix B:
Design Standards and Guidelines for the
Avila Ranch Development Plan
Figure B-1: Entry Treatment Complimentary to Project Character.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-2
November 18, 2015
Figure B-2: Typical Residential Neighborhood Fronting Collector
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-3
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
OVERVIEW
The following Avila Ranch Development Plan Design Standards
and Guidelines found within this Appendix are intended to be
specific to the Avila Ranch project, and are to work in conjunction
with the adopted goals, policies, standards, and guidelines found
in the Airport Area Specific Plan (AASP), the City of San Luis
Obispo Community Design Guidelines (CDG), the City Zoning
Ordinance (Chapter 17 of the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal
Code), and other related documents. They are intended to create
a customized design character reflective of the overall vision
for Avila Ranch while at the same time avoiding unnecessary
replication of existing City development code documents. Owners,
builders, architects, and designers should refer to this Appendix, in
addition to the AASP, CDG, and City Zoning Ordinance (Chapter
17), as a guide when considering the design or construction of
property within Avila Ranch. Where specific design standards and
guidelines are set forth within this Appendix and the AASP, they
shall be used; where there are design requirements and regulations
in the CDG and Zoning Ordinance that are not in this document or
the AASP, the CDG and Zoning Ordinance provisions shall apply.
As outlined within Chapter 5 of the AASP, Standards define
actions or requirements that must be fulfilled by new development.
Alternatively, Guidelines refer to methods or approaches that
may be used to achieve a stated goal but are often open ended
to allow for interpretation depending upon specific conditions
and/or discretion as to how they are satisfied. Collectively, the
standards and guidelines incorporated herein are meant to guide
implementation of the vision intended for the project.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-4
November 18, 2015
A. INTRODUCTION
The Avila Ranch development is envisioned as a series of
integrated and walkable neighborhoods woven together and
organized by the Tank Farm Creek riparian corridor. (Figure B-3)
Tree covered sidewalks, inviting front porches, and unobstructed
views of surrounding open spaces provide the underlying
framework for creating neighborhoods that people call home.
Figure B-3: Avila Ranch Open Space Concept Along Tank Farm Creek
(looking northeast)
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-5
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
Figure B-4: Avila Ranch Site Plan - Land Use Designations
R-1 Low-Density Residential C-N Neighborhood Commercial
R-2 Medium-Density Residential Parks
R-3 Medium-High-Density Residential C/OS Conservation/Open Space
R-4 High-Density Residential ALOS Reservation Area
LEGEND
AVILA RANCH DEVELOPMENT PLAN P-2September 25, 2015
#1011023Site Plan 0 100 200 400
SCALE: 1:200 (18”x24” sheet)
Reservation Area
100’ x 1,200’EARTHWOOD LN.VENTURE DRIVES. HIGUERA ST.55
d
b
65 d
b
BUCKLEY RD.JESPERSEN DR.VACHELL LN.HORIZON LN.Single Event
Noise Contour
Ldn/CNEL
Noise Contour
PARK
OS
OS
OS
OS
PARK
PARK
PARK
PARK
P
P
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-6
November 18, 2015
AVILA RANCH DEVELOPMENT PLAN P-2September 25, 2015
#1011023Site Plan 0 100 200 400
SCALE: 1:200 (18”x24” sheet)
Reservation Area
100’ x 1,200’EARTHWOOD LN.VENTURE DRIVES. HIGUERA ST.55
d
b
65 d
b
BUCKLEY RD.JESPERSEN DR.VACHELL LN.HORIZON LN.Single Event
Noise Contour
Ldn/CNEL
Noise Contour
PARK
OS
OS
OS
OS
PARK
PARK
PARK
PARK
P
P
Figure B-5: Avila Ranch Site Plan - Overview of Key Design Features
Neighborhood Connections to Open Space and Parks
Open Space contiguous with Chevron Open Space
Rear R-2 Units fronting onto common green space
A continuous multi-use path along Tank Farm Creek and Buckley Road
R-2 Units fronting onto Collector with no vehicle access. See Figure B-1
Entry Treatment Complimentary to Project Character. See Figure B-1.
New access connection to Suburban Rd. for pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles
Neighborhood Park
Roundabout for Traffic Calming and aesthetic accent. See Figure B-13.
Neighborhood Town Center. See Figure B-13.
LEGEND
1
1
5
1 1
1
1
1
1
1
11
2
2
2
2
2
2
6
3
3
7
4
8
9
4
56
6 7
89
9
9
10
10
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-7
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
B. SITE PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION
B.1 Building Orientation and Setbacks
Pedestrian interaction for Avila Ranch is encouraged through
the thoughtful placement and orientation of residential and
commercial structures. Porches will be incorporated on street-
facing residential units to provide opportunities for everyday
neighborhood interaction while neighborhood commercial uses
include local services and outdoor dining opportunities looking
onto the adjacent Neighborhood Park. Residential units fronting
onto Residential streets such as Venture Drive, Earthwood Lane,
and Jespersen Drive will have limited or no vehicle access points
in order to preserve the residential streetscape without having the
interruption of driveways and vehicle maneuvering. (Figure B-2)
These features of the Residential Collector streets will enhance the
safety and convenience of these streets as principal bikeways.
Standards
B.1.1. Goals 5.1 and 5.2 (and associated standards and
guidelines) outlined within the AASP shall be referred
to and incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Building
Orientation and Setbacks section.
B.1.2. Residential building setbacks shall conform to the
development standards set forth in Figures B-7, B-9, and
B-11.
B.1.3. Buildings located within the Neighborhood Commercial
zone shall have front and side setbacks of zero feet.
B.1.4. Neighborhood Commercial buildings shall front onto
the R-1 residential road and Jespersen Drive, with the
majority of the building frontages located on Jespersen
Drive, according to the proportions shown in Figure
B-13.
B.1.5. Neighborhood Commercial buildings frontages shall
provide varying articulation by incorporating a 5 foot
minimum setback every 25 feet, as shown in Figure
B-13.
B.1.6. Residential buildings along Venture Drive, Jespersen
Drive/Horizon Lane and Earthwood Lane shall be
oriented to the residential street with front doors and
porches fronting on the street. Dwellings along Jespersen
Drive/Horizon Lane and Venture Drive shall only have
access from the side or rear and there shall be no direct
individual driveway access to these roadways. Individual
driveways are not permitted along Earthwood Lane, with
the exception of common driveways, intersecting public
streets, and access points for common parking lots for
multifamily units.
B.1.7. Residential buildings on lots adjacent to greenbelt areas,
e.g. Tank Farm Creek, Open Space, neighborhood parks,
and linear parks, shall be oriented with front doors
and porches, or secondary patios and yards fronting
on the greenbelt area. Such units shall have vehicular
access from the side or rear and there shall be no direct
individual driveway access to and from the open space.
B.1.8. Within R-3 and R-4 residential zones, parking shall
be utilized as a buffer between open space, and other
developments as set forth in Figure B-10 and B-12.
B.1.9. Buildings adjacent to Tank Farm Creek shall have a
minimum of 20 feet setback, as defined by the riparian
setback in Zoning Regulation 17.16.026 c.
B.1.10. Developments adjacent to wetlands located on the Avila
Ranch site, as defined by the Airport Area Specific Plan
Program 3.3.3, shall be setback a minimum of 50 feet.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-8
November 18, 2015
Figure B-6: R-1 Residential Standards Exhibit
15’
5’
15’
20’10’
Guidelines
A. In order to improve the visual quality of the streetscape,
every third house should include a variation to the front
yard setback.
B. Setback variations should not be less than twenty-five
percent (25%) of the standard minimum front yard setback
(e.g., a front yard setback of ten [10] feet would include
an offset of two-and-a-half [2.5] feet). An offset may be an
increase or decrease in setback, as long as the minimum
setback is met.
C. Residential buildings should be sited and rooflines designed
to take advantage of solar access for each unit to the
greatest extent possible.
D. Residential units should be oriented to front or side onto
parks and open spaces to provide safety and maximize
visibility of the park, where appropriate. Special fencing
shall be used to reinforce the connectivity of the dwelling
units to the open space and park areas.
E. Attached residential units should be designed and detailed
to correlate to neighboring single-family detached and/or
attached homes. The architecture should incorporate the
best features of the neighboring units.
F. Pedestrian linkages to nearby neighborhoods and other
commercial projects should be provided within all zones.
G. Designs for all residential zone units should be oriented
to incorporate a relationship between indoor and outdoor
spaces.
Residential Street
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-9
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
Avila Ranch Specific Plan Development Standards
Low Density Residential Lot and Building Standards (R-1)
EXAMPLES
These sketches show
basic lot layouts that
would follow from the
standards listed in the
text, and in this table
below. Not all features
shown in the sketches
are standards (for
example, 2-car garages
are not required).
STANDARDS
(minimums)
STREET ACCESS
(Alley Not Available)ALLEY ACCESS
(Parking access from alley
only)PARKING AT FRONT OF LOT PARKING AT FRONT OF LOT PARKING AT REAR OF LOT
Lot Area
Lot Width
Corner Lot Width
Lot Depth
Lot Coverage
5,000 sf
50 ft
55 ft
90 ft
40% Max.
5,000 sf
50 ft
55 ft
90 ft
40% Max.
5,000 sf
50 ft
55 ft
90 ft
45% Max.
4,500 sf
45 ft
50 ft
80 ft
50% Max.
Front Setback
House
Garage, carport (A)
Front Porch
15 ft
20 ft
10 ft
15 ft
15 ft
10 ft
15 ft
Does not Apply
10 ft
15 ft
Does not Apply ft
10 ft
Rear Setback
House
Garage, carport
15 ft
5 ft
15 ft
5 ft
20 ft
5 ft
(from alley)
15 ft
3 ft
Side Setback
House
Street (corner lot)
Garage, carport
5 ft
10 ft
5 ft
5 ft
10 ft
5 ft
driveway side 12 ft
5 ft
10 ft
5 ft
5 ft
10 ft
5 ft
Public Street Public Street Public Street Public StreetFigure B-7: R-1 Residential Standards Exhibit
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-10
November 18, 2015
Figure B-8: R-2 Residential Standards Exhibit
15’
14’
10’
4’
H. Buildings should be oriented within R-3 and R-4 zones to
take advantage of natural amenities such as views, mature
trees, creeks, riparian corridors, and similar features
unique to Avila Ranch.
I. Buildings within R-4 zones adjacent to a street should not
be dominated with parking. Parking should be concentrated
in areas behind buildings and away from the street.
Residential Street
Cluster Scenario 1: if cluster opens onto
residential street, park or open space, the front
porches must orient to those spaces and not
internally as shown.Motor Court
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-11
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
Figure B-9: R-2 Residential Standards Exhibit
Avila Ranch Specific Plan Development Standards
Medium Density Residential Building Standards (R-2)
EXAMPLES
These sketches show
basic lot layouts that
would follow from
the standards. Not all
features are shown in
each layout.
STANDARDS
Minimums, unless
noted otherwise.
ALLEY ACCESS
CLUSTER DEVELOPMENTDETACHED - ZERO LOT
LINE
ATTACHED OR
DETACHED
(attached may include
pairs of dwellings on
adjacent lots)
DETACHED
(parking access from
alley only
Lot Area
Lot Coverage
3,575 sf Min.
60% Max
3,575 sf Min.
60% Max
3,575 sf Min.
60% Max
3,575 sf Min.
60% Max
3,575 sf Min.
60% Max
1- Street Setback
Dwelling
Front Porch
15 ft
10 ft
15 ft
10 ft
15 ft
10 ft
15 ft
10 ft
15 ft
10 ft
2- Rear Setback
Dwelling
Garage
20 ft
13 ft
20 ft
13 ft
20 ft
13 ft
5 ft
5 ft
5 ft
5 ft
3- Side Setback (A)
0 (at lot line) or as
provided in Zoning
Regulations R-2 Zone
0 (attached) or as
provided in Zoning
Regulations R-2 Zone 5 ft 5 ft 5 ft
4- Interior Setback 4 ft 4 ft
5- Garage Setback 14’ Min.14’ Min.
6- Pedestrian Circ.
Setback 10’ Min.10’ Min.
7- Side Steet Setback 10’10’10’10’10’
A - Side setback applies to dwelling and covered parking.
Where a building wall is located on a lot line, there shall be an easement at least 5 feet wide on the neighborhing lot for access to maintain the building wall.
B - Reciprocal yard easements are allowed as an alternative.
C - Minimum yard size of 150 sf with Minimum 10’ dimension
D - Second floor setbacks to match Ground floor setbacks
Public Street Public StreetPublic StreetPublic Street
Yard Yard
Yard
Yard
CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT
4 TO 6 LOTS
CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT
4 TO 6 LOTS
Public StreetPublic Street
Yard
Yard
Yard
Yard
Yard YardYard
Yard
Yard
Yard
Yard
Yard
1 1
3
4
5
6
122
1
2
7
1
3
3
5
4
Public Street
Private AlleyAlleyAlley
CLUSTER SCENARIO 1 CLUSTER SCENARIO 2
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-12
November 18, 2015
Figure B-10: R-3 Residential Standards Exhibit
Residential Street
Private Parking
BUFFER
Open Space
Porches Front Street
Ped. access
Porches
Front
Street
Motor
Court
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-13
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
Avila Ranch Specific Plan Development Standards
Public StreetMedium - High Density Residential Lot and Building
Standards (R-3)
EXAMPLES
These sketches shows a site
layouts that would follow
from the standards. Not all
features shown in the sketch are
standards.
STANDARDS (minimums)
Lot Area
Lot Width
Lot Depth
N/A
N/A
N/A
Front Setback
Dwelling
Front Porch
15 ft
10 ft
Rear Setback
Dwelling
Parking
10 ft
0 ft
Side Setback (A) (applies to any
structure, including covered
parking)
Street (corner lot)
as provided in R-2 zone
15 ft
1,000 ft
20 ft
40 ft
N/A
N/A
N/A
15 ft
10 ft
15 ft
10 ft
10 ft
0 ft
10 ft
0 ft
as provided in R-2 zone
15 ft
as provided in R-2 zone
15 ft
High Density Residential Lot and Building Standards (R-3)
Figure B-11: R-3 Residential Standards Exhibit
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-14
November 18, 2015
Figure B-12: R-4 Residential Standards Exhibit Earthwood LaneBUFFERBUFFERBUFFERBUFFER
Common Space
Common SpaceBuildings Fronting and Oriented to StreetBuildings Fronting and Oriented to StreetParkingParking
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-15
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
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Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-16
November 18, 2015
Figure B-13: Town Center Plazas
Jespersen DriveR-1 Residential RoadPlaza
1,200 sf min.
Plaza
2,500 sf min.
Transit Stop
Transit Stop
Plaza
1,200 sf min.
B.2 Pedestrian Activity Areas
Neighborhood parks, open space trails, plazas, and amenities in the
Town Center comprise the primary pedestrian activity areas within
Avila Ranch. These areas are envisioned to encourage healthy,
active lifestyles within individual neighborhoods while also
providing a medium for ongoing neighborhood social events.
Standards
B.2.1. Goal 5.3 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Pedestrian
Activity Areas section.
B.2.2. The northwestern and southwestern corners of Jespersen
Drive/Horizon Lane at the R-1 Residential Road
intersection (Town Center) shall include plazas of a
minimum 1,200 square feet that are oriented towards the
Neighborhood Park and Town Center Plaza as illustrated
on Figure B-13. Neighborhood Commercial uses should
have windows and entries that open up onto these plazas
to ensure that there is interaction between these public
spaces, retail, and services uses. These plaza areas shall
also have a transit stop integrated into the final design in
conjunction with input from SLO Transit or other transit
provider.
B.2.3. Mini Parks and Pocket Parks shall be provided within
or adjacent to each individual neighborhood of Avila
Ranch as delineated in Figure B-14 These parks shall be
provided at a rate such that the total amount of Mini-
Parks and Pocket Parks shall not be less than 5 acres per
thousand population. Total Park areas, e.g. including the
Neighborhood park, shall not be less than 10 acres per
thousand population.
B.2.4. A plaza shall be located within the Neighborhood Park
directly across from the Town Center along Jespersen
Drive/Horizon Lane of a minimum 2,500 square feet.
This plaza is intended to be used for community gathering
functions such as farmer’s markets and shall include a
transit stop.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-17
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
Figure B-14: Park Locations
Figure B-15
Neighborhood Parks: Linear, Pocket, and Open Space Oriented Parks.
LEGEND
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-18
November 18, 2015
Guidelines
A. Each neighborhood area should provide convenient access
to the Tank Farm Creek pedestrian trail through the
incorporation of multiple pathway entry points. See Figure
B-15.
B. The character of Jespersen Drive/Horizon Lane and the
R-1 Residential Road abutting the Town Center should
provide a pedestrian-friendly environment with accessible
sidewalks, bulbouts, parkway landscaping, street trees,
limited driveway access points, and reduced front building
setbacks.
C. Roundabout, bulbouts, and decorative paving should be
incorporated at primary intersections locations such as
Venture Drive/Earthwood Lane or Jespersen Drive/R-1
Residential Road, where appropriate. Roundabouts shall
provide decorative landscaping, including trees that
provide for monumentation and reference points within
the project. The Town Center roundabout shall also
include agricultural implements such as water towers and
windmills to accentuate the agricultural design character
of the Town Center.
D. The Neighborhood Park should be designed to provide
neighborhood recreation needs including a mix of passive
and active areas that foster social interaction and healthy
lifestyles.
E. Neighborhood Park facilities may include informal
turf areas, bocce ball courts, children’s play areas,
group barbeque areas, group picnic facilities and shade
structures, clubhouse, pool, pedestrian and bicycle trails,
and community gardens.
Figure B-15: Neighborhood Access to Tank Farm Creek
F. Programming of the Neighborhood Park may include
shared facilities or related uses with on-site agricultural
production such as outdoor learning areas, picnic, farming
and cooking demonstrations, and a farm stand.
G. The plaza located within the Neighborhood Park directly
across from the Town Center should incorporate ample
seating, trash receptacles, bicycle racks, a central
organizing feature, unique landscaping, and pervious
hardscape.
Tank Farm Creek
Trail Entry Points
Tank Farm CreekEarthwood
Lane
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-19
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
B.3 Parking
Parking is an essential component of all proposed land uses within
the Avila Ranch project. Ensuring adequate buffering between
abutting land uses, public streets, and commercial parking areas
will ensure the promotion of the high-quality environment
envisioned for the development. Parking requirements for specific
land uses within Avila Ranch are found within Chapter 17.16.060
of the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code. Parking for the
R-2 zone shall be provided with two covered spaces per unit,
on street parking, and at least two on-site guest parking spaces
per 6-pack or 4-pack cluster. Parking stalls to be designed per
Engineering Standards 2220.
Standards
B.3.1. Goal 5.4 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Parking section.
B.3.2. Parking for the Neighborhood Park shall be provided
through both on-site parking and shared parking
with the Town Center commercial area. Any on-site
parking associated with the Neighborhood Park shall
be located within a parking lot or other parking space
configurations on the north side of the park. These
parking lots shall provide for bicycle storage, staging
areas, and special event parking.
B.3.3. Driveway access points for the Neighborhood
Commercial Town Center shall be located along the R-1
Residential Road adjacent to the R-1 Residential zone as
shown in Figure B-16.
B.3.4. Parking shall be designed and sited to minimize and
buffer commercial noise from adjacent residential land
uses.
Jespersen DriveR-1 Residential RoadFigure B-16: Neighborhood Commercial Driveway Access
Driveway access along
R-1 Residential Road
Minimum 10 Foot
Landscaped Buffer.
Planted with trees of
substantial height for
vertical screening.
B.3.5. A ten foot minimum landscape buffer shall be provided
on the Neighborhood Commercial properties adjacent
to the R-1 Residential zone and the Neighborhood
Commercial Town Center. In addition there shall be a
minimum forty-five (45) foot rear yard for any R-1 units
that back onto the Neighborhood Commercial properties
due to ALUP Safety Area requirements.
B.3.6. Parking for the R-4 units shall be carports for added
noise mitigation and visual screening.BUFFER
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-20
November 18, 2015
Guidelines
A. Residential walkways within front yard setbacks should
utilize alternative paving materials such as stamped/
colored concrete, paving stones, tiles, and/or bricks
B. Parking courts and common driveways should incorporate
accent paving that emphasizes pedestrian connections
to main residential entries, and should utilize alternative
paving materials such as stamped/colored concrete, paving
stones, tiles, and/or bricks.
B.4 Outdoor Use Areas
While outdoor use areas, as defined by the AASP, are unlikely to
occur within the project area, any outdoor use areas proposed in
conjunction with Avila Ranch land uses will meet the standards
and guidelines outlined within the AASP.
Standard
B.4.1 Goal 5.5 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Outdoor Use
Areas section.
B.5 Screening
Service, storage areas, trash and recycling collection areas, and
utilities associated with proposed Avila Ranch land uses will be
properly screened to minimize visual impact and promote the
natural, unobstructed open space views.
Standard
B.5.1 Goal 5.6 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Screening
section.
Guideline
A. Equipment related to on-site agricultural production should
be properly stored and screened from public view.
C. Preservation of Views and Scenic Resources
C.1 Views from the Road
The City of San Luis Obispo General Plan identifies Buckley
Road as a scenic corridor that should be maintained in order to
protect views of surrounding open space resources. A minimum
300-foot wide buffer has been incorporated into the Avila Ranch
Development Plan along Buckley Road to maintain the scenic
nature and the rural/agricultural character of this corridor. Uses
within this buffer provide a wide range of amenities for the area
including accessible multi-use trails, naturalized open spaces, and
agriculture production. Views of structures visible from Buckley
Road are minimized through the incorporation of landscaping and
natural screening techniques.
Standards
C.1.1 Goal 5.7 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Views from the
Road section.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-21
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
C.2 Gateways
The AASP does not identify areas within the Avila Ranch
development as possible locations of a gateway for the City of San
Luis Obispo. If a gateway is identified and proposed on the Avila
Ranch site within the future, goals, standards, and guidelines found
within the AASP will take precedent.
Standard
C.2.1 Goal 5.8 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Gateways
section.
C.2.2 A project complimentary (e.g. Figure B-1) Entry
Gateway shall be provided at intersection of Jespersen
Drive and Buckley Road. See Figure B-5.
C.1.2 Views along Buckley Road towards the Irish Hills to the
west and towards the Santa Lucia range and foothills to
the east shall be maintained through the incorporation
of an open space and park buffer of a minimum 300 feet
wide along Buckley Road as shown in Figure B-17.
C.1.3 Views along Jespersen Drive at the crossing of Tank
Farm Creek shall be maintained to maximize views of
surrounding open spaces.
Guidelines
A. Visible building facades from Buckley Road should be
minimized to maintain the scenic nature of the corridor
through landscaping and/or other natural screening
techniques.
B. Cul-de-sacs should be open ended and/or dead-end onto
open space or park areas.
Figure B-17: Buckley Road Agriculture and Open Space Buffer Section 300’ Buffer
Buckley
Road
Multi-Use
Trail
Landscaped Berm shall include existing and
additional rock outcroppings, riparian tree
species, and native shrubs
R-1 Units abutting the 300 foot Buckley buffer/URL are limited to single story height for noise compatibility unless noise study demonstrates consistency with city noise standards
R-1 Residential
Zone
Landscaped
Berm
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-22
November 18, 2015
Figure B-18: Residential Character along typical residential street.
Residential walkway.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-23
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
D. Architecture
D.1 Architectural Character
The architectural character of Avila Ranch is to be representative
of the agricultural heritage associated with southern San Luis
Obispo as well as architectural styles typically found within the
city. A contextual appropriate selection of architectural styles
aides in defining the context of the site from the rural character
along the southern property line to the industrial character found
along the northern property edge. A list of permitted architectural
styles appropriate for each land use within Avila Ranch has been
provided to ensure consistency with the overall project vision.
Standards
D.1.1 Goal 5.9 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Architectural
Character section.
D.1.2 The architectural styles for residential land uses within
Avila Ranch shall be Agrarian, California Bungalow,
Contemporary, Craftsman, or Mission as illustrated in
Figures B-19 through B-23.
Figure B-19: Agrarian Architecture Style
Steep Pitch Gable Fronts
e.g. 6:12
Vertical Accent e.g.
Board and Batt siding
Metal Accent Roof at
Porches
Vertical Window
Proportions
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-24
November 18, 2015
Figure B-21: Contemporary Architectural Style e.g. Mid-Century Modern
Figure B-20: California Bungalow Architectural Style
Low Pitch Predominately
Hip Roofs e.g. 3:12
Low Pitch or Flat Roofs
Predominately Shed
Flat Concrete Tile Roofs
Smooth Plaster Finish
with Score Line Features
Non Plaster Wainscot
Accent, e.g. Brick or
Stone
Non Plaster Accent
Feature
Simple Columns
Simple Columns
Minimal Trim
Large Simple Windows
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-25
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
Figure B-22: Craftsman Architectural Style
Figure B-23: Mission Architectural Style
Concrete Flat Tile Roofs
Large Exposed Overhangs
Oversized Bracing
Predominately Gable
Roofs With Non-Plaster
Gable End Treatments
Simple Trim
Low Sloping S-Tile Roofs
Exposed Minimal Eaves
Arched Openings e.g.
Doors, Windows, Porches
Smooth or Sand Plaster
Finish
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-26
November 18, 2015
D.1.4 R-4 zone shall be designed uniformly with one of the
allowed residential architectural styles. (Neighborhood
Area 4)
D.1.5 R-1 zone shall be designed with a proportional yet
mixed use of at least three of the allowed residential
architectural styles. (Neighborhood Area 5)
D.1.6 The Neighborhood Commercial Town Center buildings
and any buildings located within the Conservation/
Open Space zoned areas shall be designed uniformly
with an Agrarian or Contemporary style architecture.
(Neighborhood Area 6)
D.1.7 R-3 zone shall be designed uniformly with one of the
allowed residential architectural styles. (Neighborhood
Area 7)
D.1.8 Porches shall have a minimum depth of six (6) feet.
D.1.9 Residences shall have entries that front onto the street
with the exception of residences configured in a parking
court within R-2 zones. Where possible, these interior
R-2 units shall have frontage treatments onto adjacent
parks or open spaces. Units that are adjacent to the
parkway commons in Neighborhood Area 2 shall have
frontage treatments along that parkway and the interior
motor court/common driveway.
D.1.10 Buildings within R-3 and R-4 zones shall have covered
porches, entires, or walkways that front onto the street.
D.1.3 In order to create some individualism to each
neighborhood or enclave, there shall be a dominant style
for each neighborhood, with supporting architectural
styles to avoid monotony. The percentage proportions
of architectural styles within the R-2 zones of Avila
Ranch shall be integrated as follows (See Figure B-24)
in order to create the desired residential character and
transitioning of the site from south to north:
• Neighborhood Area 1: 60% of units shall be designed
with Agrarian style architecture. The remaining
40% of units shall be divided into 10% increments
between the other allowed residential architectural
styles. Any fraction of a number over a half shall be
rounded up to the nearest whole number with any
remaining balance placed in an architecture style of
choice.
• Neighborhood Area 2: 60% of all units shall be
designed with California Bungalow/Craftsman style
architecture. The remaining 40% of units shall be
divided into 10% increments between the other
allowed residential architectural styles. Any fraction
of a number over a half shall be rounded up to the
nearest whole number with any remaining balance
placed in an architecture style of choice.
• Neighborhood Area 3: 60% of all units shall be
designed with Contemporary style architecture. The
remaining 40% of units shall be divided into 10%
increments between the other allowed residential
architectural styles. Any fraction of a number over a
half shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number
with any remaining balance placed in an architecture
style of choice.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-27
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
Figure B-24: Neighborhood Area Key Plan
AVILA RANCH DEVELOPMENT PLAN P-2September 25, 2015
#1011023Site Plan 0 100 200 400
SCALE: 1:200 (18”x24” sheet)
Reservation Area
100’ x 1,200’EARTHWOOD LN.VENTURE DRIVES. HIGUERA ST.55
d
b
65 d
b
BUCKLEY RD.JESPERSEN DR.VACHELL LN.HORIZON LN.Single Event
Noise Contour
Ldn/CNEL
Noise Contour
PARK
OS
OS
OS
OS
PARK
PARK
PARK
PARK
P
P
Neighborhood Area 1: See D.1.3 (bullet 1)Neighborhood Area 5: See D.1.5
Neighborhood Area 2: See D.1.3 (bullet 2)Neighborhood Area 6: See D.1.6
Neighborhood Area 3: See D.1.3 (bullet 3)Neighborhood Area 7: See D.1.7
Neighborhood Area 4: See D.1.4
LEGEND
1
1 5
2
2 6
3
3 7
4
4
5
6
7
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-28
November 18, 2015
Guidelines
A. Residential elevations within the R-1 and R-2 zones should
not be repeated more frequently than every fourth house.
This variation may be achieved by not repeating both a
color scheme and an elevation style.
B. The Neighborhood Commercial Town Center architectural
character should reflect Agrarian style architecture that
may be represented through modern barn, rustic barn, or
other contemporary barn elements.
C. The Architectural Review Commission, Planning
Commission, and any other approving body may allow an
exception to the height requirements for the Neighborhood
Commercial Town Center focal point provided that
architectural features meet the desired Agrarian
architectural character.
D. Residences within the R-1 zone should incorporate a
covered front porch.
E. Residences within the R-2 zone that front collector or local
residential roads should include a porch.
D.2 Scale and Massing
The pedestrian and agricultural character of Avila Ranch will be
reflected through appropriately scaled buildings and landscaping.
It is anticipated that building forms will be modest in size with
individual components of buildings expressively articulated
through playful use of massing.
Standards
D.2.1 Goal 5.10 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Scale and
Massing section.
D.2.2 To avoid garage dominated streets, a portion of the
house or porch within the R-1 Residential Zone shall be
at least five (5) feet in front of the garage.
Guidelines
A. Variation in front yard setbacks, lot widths, and one and
two story homes should be used to create a diversity of
architectural massing.
B. Massing design should include:
• Variation in the wall plane (projection and recess).
• Variation in wall height.
• Roofs located at different levels.
C. Portions of the upper story of a two-story home should be
stepped back in order to reduce the scale of the façade that
faces the street and to break up the overall massing. This
could be achieved with a porch covering a min of 60% of
the front facade.
D. Architectural elements that add visual interest, scale,
and character to the neighborhood, such as recessed or
projecting balconies, verandas, or porches should be
included within building designs.
E. A variety of roof planes and pitches, porches, overhangs,
and accent details should be incorporated into residential
designs to increase the visual quality and character of a
building, while reducing the bulk and size of the structure.
F. Garages should be recessed behind the home’s main façade
to minimize the visual impact of the garage door and
parking apron from the street.
G. Garages located in parking court configurations should be
recessed in order to increase the prominence of the main entry.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-29
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
D.3 Building Heights
Building heights for residential structures are expected to range
from one to three stories in order to accommodate both single-
family and multi-family developments. Commercial structures
located within the Town Center are two stories in height but
buildings adjacent to corner plazas across from the park may be up
to three stories.
Standards
D.3.1 Goal 5.11 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Building
Heights section.
D.3.2 Residential building heights shall abide by the
development standards set forth in the Airport Area
Specific Plan Amendment.
D.3.3 Buildings located within the Neighborhood Commercial
zone shall abide by the building height requirements set
forth within Chapter 17.38 of the City’s development
code.
D.3.4 A minimum of 25% of R-1 zone units shall be single
story. Single story units shall be concentrated along the
landscaped berm, parallel to Buckley, unless it can be
demonstrated that a two-story R-1 can conform to the
city noise regulations.
D.3.5 Guideline
A. Town Center buildings abutting the two plazas at the
corner of Jespersen Drive and the R-1 Residential Road
should be two stories of at least 20 feet in height, but may
be up to three stories.
D.4 Architectural Façade and Treatment
Facades and architectural treatments of buildings within Avila
Ranch are designed as a collection of high quality, individual
neighborhoods comprised of individually articulated and highly
detailed structures. To meet this high standard of quality,
full articulation of building facades and use of architecturally
compatible treatments will be utilized consistently throughout the
development.
Standard
G.4.1 Goal 5.12 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Architectural
Façade and Treatment section.
Guidelines
A. Entries should be enhanced to reflect the architectural style
and details of the building.
B. Windows should be articulated with accent trim, sills,
shutters, window flower boxes, awnings, or trellises
authentic to the architectural style of the building.
C. Windows, garage windows, and doors should complement
the architectural style of the building.
D. Garage doors should incorporate architectural detailing
that is consistent with the overall architectural style of the
building.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-30
November 18, 2015
D.5 Materials and Colors
Materials considered appropriate for Avila Ranch are those that
have generally stood the test of time such as stone, brick, wood,
glass, plaster, and metal. Each development may choose to express
its unique identity through material and color selection, as long as
they are compatible with the overall character of the area.
Standard
D.5.1 Goal 5.13 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Materials and
Colors section.
Guidelines
A. Roof tiles and colors consistent with the architectural style
of the house should be incorporated. Roofing colors should
be soft earth tones.
B. Roof penetrations for vents should be consolidated and
located on the rear side of roof ridges. Vents should be
painted to match the roof color.
C. As part of the last development phase, the building
materials, colors, entries, and windows of the
Neighborhood Commercial Town Center should reflect
adjacent residential character.
E. Landscape
E.1 Planting Concept
Landscaping for the Avila Ranch development is envisioned to
reflect both the natural and agricultural landscapes of San Luis
Obispo. Natural landscape patterns have been integrated within
the Tank Farm Creek riparian corridor (Figure B-25) and within
Conservation/Open Space areas. Agricultural landscape patterns
have been incorporated along Jespersen Drive and adjacent to the
on-site agriculturally related facilities .
Standards
E.1.1 Goal 5.14 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Planting
Concept section.
E.1.2 Trees planted within Avila Ranch outside of residential
zones shall be chosen from the City’s approved Street
Tree Master List and shall be in conformance with the
master plan in Figures B-26 and B-27.
E.1.3 Shrubs, perennials, and ground cover planted outside
of residential zones within Avila Ranch shall be in
conformance with the master plan in Figures B-25 and
B-26.
E.1.4 Trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground cover planted
within the residential portions of Avila Ranch shall be
located as shown in Figure B-28 and B-29, shall be
chosen from the City’s approved Street Tree Master List,
and shall be in conformance with the Residential Plant
Palette listed in Figures B-27and B-30.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-31
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
Figure B-25: Multi-Use Path Along Tank Farm Creek (looking north)
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-32
November 18, 2015
E.1.5 Street trees shall be provided in tree wells along streets
abutting the Neighborhood Commercial Town Center
with the intent of developing a continuous canopy over
the sidewalk.
E.1.6 Trees, shrubs, and plants chosen to be planted along the
Tank Farm Creek riparian corridor shall utilize native,
locally procured varietals.
E.1.7 Plants and shrubs planted on properties adjacent to Tank
Farm Creek shall be properly situated and maintained
in order to avoid spreading into the adjacent riparian
corridor.
E.1.8 Plants and shrubs shall be low water using.
E.1.9 Turf shall not be located within front yards of residential
zones.
Guidelines
A. Street trees unique to each neighborhood should be utilized
to provide a layer of consistency and individuality for that
neighborhood.
B. Native trees, plants, and other low water using plant
varieties are encouraged within Avila Ranch and should be
integrated into the project to the greatest extent possible.
C. Community gardens that are easily accessible to residents
should be incorporated within Avila Ranch in mini parks,
pocket parks, and the Neighborhood Park.
D. Open space areas adjacent to Buckley Road should
incorporate productive and viable agricultural areas that
can be farmed by local businesses or non-profits.
E. A windrow should be provided along Jespersen Drive from
Buckley Road to the Neighborhood Commercial Town
Center.
F. Agriculture production related facilities should integrate a
grove or farm compound styled tree plantings to unify and
add visual interest to the site.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-33
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
Park TreesBioretention Areas
Street Trees
Riparian Trees
Drought Tolerant Open Space
Drought Tolerant Parkways
Agricultural Open Space
Native Riparian Open-Space
Turf
LEGEND
Figure B-26: Landscape Plan
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-34
November 18, 2015
Figure B-27: Landscape Palette
Park TreesBioretention Areas
Street Trees
Riparian Trees
Drought Tolerant Open Space
Drought Tolerant Parkways
Agricultural Open Space
Native Riparian Open-Space
Community Orchard
Turf
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-35
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
Figure B-29: R-2 Residential Landscape PaletteFigure B-28: R-1 Residential Landscape Palette
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-36
November 18, 2015
Figure B-30: Residential Landscape Palette
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-37
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
E.2 Buildings
Buildings placed throughout Avila Ranch will be rooted in the
surrounding landscape and natural open spaces through the
incorporation of contextual landscaping. Landscaping will soften
building edges at the ground plane and provide attractive plantings
to support the planned environment of the project.
Standard
E.2.1 Goal 5.15 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Buildings
section.
Guideline
A. Landscaping should be incorporated within parking courts
to minimize paving and views of garages.
E.3 Public Art
In order to weave and integrate Avila Ranch with the existing
cultural and aesthetic fabric of San Luis Obispo, public art is
intended to be incorporated as a central organizing element within
or adjacent to the Town Center plazas or Neighborhood Park.
Installations will reflect the agrarian history and context of the area
and that of the project site, and may include antique agricultural
implements, Aeromotor windmills, and other features.
Standards
E.3.1 Goal 5.16 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Public Art
section.
E.3.2 Public art shall be incorporated within Avila Ranch
in conformance with the City’s Public Art for Private
Development ordinance.
E.3.3 Public art shall reflect the agrarian history and context of
the site.
Guideline
A. The location of Public Art is encouraged to be within the
Town Center plazas or Neighborhood Park as these are
prominent, public locations within Avila Ranch.
E.4 Signs
Signage designs for land uses within Avila Ranch comply with
applicable City Sign Regulations while playfully integrating and
playing off of the dominant architectural character of the area.
Individual residential neighborhoods are imagined as having
unique identification signage to inform and direct residents and
visitors. Commercial uses display functional yet simple signage
designs that effectively alerts potential patrons to their location
within the Avila Ranch development.
Standards
E.4.1 Goal 5.17 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Signs section.
E.4.2 All signage within Avila Ranch shall comply with
the City of San Luis Obispo’s Sign Regulations for
applicable Residential, Neighborhood Commercial, and
Conservation/Open Space land uses.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-38
November 18, 2015
E.5 Lighting
Lighting for residential, commercial, and open space uses within
Avila Ranch is envisioned to provide adequate illumination
levels to aide in the transitioning of urban to rural uses while also
providing an appropriate illumination level to address public safety
concerns. Proposed lighting is intended to maintain the current low
lighting levels that distinctly differentiate between existing urban
and rural land uses within the area.
Standards
E.5.1 Goal 5.18 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Lighting
section.
E.5.2 Exterior lighting within the Specific Plan Area shall
comply with the City of San Luis Obispo’s Community
Design Standards, Airport Area Specific Plan, and Night-
Sky Preservation site requirements.
E.5.3 All exterior lighting within Avila Ranch shall be
compatible with and complement the architectural styles
and landscape designs proposed.
E.5.4 Exterior lighting fixtures shall be properly shielded
to minimize light overflow and glare onto adjacent
properties.
E.5.5 Trail and walking pathway lighting shall be
appropriately scaled to the pedestrian. Additional
overhead park lighting may be utilized in areas where
pedestrian safety is a concern.
E.5.6 Lighting fixtures shall be energy efficient in accordance
with the latest industry and/or technology standards.
E.6 Drainage
Drainage requirements related to Avila Ranch are intended to
meet the Regional Water Control Board’s Post Construction
Requirements. The performance of designed detention basins and
permeable surfaces integrated throughout the project ensure on-site
retention of the project’s share of stormwater runoff while ensuring
the safety of adjacent property.
Standard
E.6.1 Goal 5.19 (and associated standards and guidelines)
outlined within the AASP shall be referred to and
incorporated as part of this Avila Ranch Drainage
section.
E.6.2 A landscaped drainage swale shall be included along
northern property line of Avila Ranch within the R-2 and
R-4 Residential Zones as shown in Figures B-31 and
B-32, to facilitate drainage from adjacent property, and
to provide screening to the light industrial properties to
the north.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-39
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
Figure B-32: R-2 Drainage Buffer Section
Figure B-31: R-4 Drainage Buffer Section
R-2
Residential
R-4
Residential
Parking
Property
Line
Property
Line
Drainage Easement
Drainage Easement
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-40
November 18, 2015
E.7 Fencing
Fencing proposed for Avila Ranch will add to visual quality and
character of the overall development. In addition to the existing
City fencing requirements, the following standards and guidelines
apply to all residential lots within Avila Ranch in order to maintain
and emphasis views of Tank Farm Creek.
Standard
E.7.1 Residential lots adjacent to Tank Farm Creek, parks,
open spaces, or walking pathways shall use open fencing
types, as shown in Figure B-33.
Guideline
A. Fencing adjacent to Tank Farm Creek, parks, open spaces,
or walking pathways should use wrought iron or split rail
fencing types (See Figure B-34 for examples).
Figure B-34: Near Open Space and Tank Farm Creek Semi-private
Fencing Examples.
Private fencing allowed up to four (4) feet high
Figure B-33: Open Creekside Fencing
Open Fencing
Adjacent to
Tank Farm
Creek per
Figure B-34.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-41
AvilA RAnch
November 18, 2015
Private fencing allowed up to four (4) feet high
E.8 Agriculture
Several acres of Conservation/Open Space land uses are integrated
within the Avila Ranch development as buffer areas. Portions of
these buffer areas adjacent to Buckley Road are envisioned to be
utilized as productive agriculture. The following standards and
guidelines will apply.
Standard
E.8.1 A landscape buffer shall exist to ensure proper buffering
of residential and commercial land uses from on- and
off-site agriculture production areas.
Guidelines
A. The Avila Ranch Community Farm should be located to the
east side of Jespersen Drive, south of the Neighborhood
Park.
B. The Avila Ranch Community Farm may include a farm
complex comprised of a small barn, packing shed, and
produce cooler located south of the Neighborhood Park
and east of Jespersen Drive.
C. Fruit and vegetables grown on-site should utilize farming
practices, where feasible.
D. A farm stand that sells both on- and off-site fruit and
vegetables should be incorporated and sited in an easily
accessible and visible location from Buckley Road.
E. Areas designated for farming activities should clearly
differentiate between publicly and privately accessible farm
operation areas.
Appendix B - design stAndArds And guidelines B-42
November 18, 2015