The following design standards shall apply to all new development within the city:
(A) General design standards. While encouraging the broadest possible range of individual and creative design, the Planning Commission, or the Director of Community Development, where authorized, may grant design review approval only if the proposal conforms to all of the following standards:
(1) The proposed development is of a quality and character which is compatible with the surrounding area and harmonizes with existing development.
(2) The design improves community appearances by avoiding excessive variety and mono-tonous repetition.
(3) Proposed signage is an integral architectural feature which does not overwhelm or dominate the structure or object to which it is attached.
(4) Lighting is stationary and is deflected away from adjacent properties.
(5) Mechanical equipment, storage and trash areas and utilities are architecturally screened from view.
(6) The proposed plans indicate proper consideration for the relationship between the existing and finished grades of the site to be improved and adjacent properties.
(7) The proposed development or modifi-cation is not, in its exterior design and appearance, so at variance with the appearance of existing buildings and development in the neighborhood as to cause the nature of the local environment to materially depreciate in appearance.
(8) The proposed design is compatible with existing development in the area in terms of scale, height, bulk, materials, cohesiveness, colors, roof pitch, roof eaves and the preservation of privacy. The use of T1-11 or similar plywood siding shall not be permitted.
(9) The proposed design promotes a harmonious transition in terms of scale and character between areas of different land use designations.
(10) All building elevations have been archi-tecturally treated in a uniform manner, including the incorporation within the side and rear building eleva-tions of some or all of the design elements used for the primary facades. Parking structures shall also incorporate some or all of the design elements used for the primary facades.
(11) The finished side of all perimeter fencing faces adjacent properties.
(12) The project design shall provide for access and circulation of vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle and emergency vehicle traffic in a safe, logical and efficient manner, both to the site (off-site) and within the site (on-site). Developments located on Major Arterial streets shall be limited to one curb cut per 100 feet of street frontage. Such developments shall utilize rear or alley access whenever practical.
(13) On-site lighting shall be installed along all vehicular access ways and major walkways. Such lighting shall be directed onto the driveways and walkways within the development and away from adjacent properties. Lighting shall also be installed within all covered and enclosed parking areas.
(14) The main entrance to the dwelling unit(s) or commercial or industrial building(s) provides for independent access to the physically impaired.
(15) All surface or ground mounted mechanical equipment, including transformers, terminal boxes, pull boxes, air conditioner con-densers, gas meters and electric meter cabinets shall be screened from public view and/or treated to match the materials and colors of the adjacent building. The project design may not include the use of window or wall mounted air conditioning units. All roof-mounted mechanical equipment and duct systems shall comply with the screening standards in division (B) of this section.
(16) In any zone where zero lot line development is permitted, and where building walls are proposed to be constructed on an interior lot line, the materials of construction shall be of low maint-enance decorative masonry, such as slumpstone, split-face block, brick or other similar material, as approved by the Director.
(17) All buildings shall display the street address number in a prominent location on the street side. In multi-unit developments, each unit shall prominently display the unit number or designation. All address numbers shall be easily visible to vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic. The street address and unit numbers shall be no less than four inches in height and shall be of a color contrasting to the background to which they are attached.
(18) Balconies situated above the first floor shall be located at least 15 feet from any interior property line to minimize “overviewing” onto adjacent residential properties.
(B) Screening standards for roof-mounted equip-ment and duct systems. All roof-mounted equipment shall be screened according to the following standards:
(1) Flat roof, partial or no parapet. The following standard shall be followed for roof-mounted equipment or ducts located on a flat roof (partial or no parapet): The equipment and ducts shall be screened from view from any street, public right-of-way or adjacent property. The screening shall be solid and painted to match the building.
(2) Pitched roof. The following standard shall be followed for roof-mounted equipment or ducts located on a pitched roof: The pitched roof shall be designed and constructed to accommodate roof-mounted equipment. A platform shall be con-structed and recessed into the roof such that one side of the equipment shall be below the pitch of the roof. The remainder of the equipment and ducts which are above the roof pitch shall be screened from view from any street, public right-of-way or adjacent property. The screening shall be solid and painted to match the roof.
(3) Parapet roof. The following standard shall be followed for roof-mounted equipment or ducts located on a parapet roof: The parapet roof shall be designed and constructed to accommodate roof-mounted equipment. Any portion of the equip-ment or ducts which are above the parapet shall be screened from view from any street, public right-of-way or adjacent property. The screening shall be solid and painted to match the building.
(C) Design standards for new utility service. All new utility service shall be installed in accordance with the standards listed below. For the purposes of this section, utilities shall include, but shall not be limited to the following: electricity, telephone, gas, water and cable television.
(1) When new utility service is installed in conjunction with new or existing development, all existing and proposed utilities on a project site shall be placed underground. Such undergrounding shall be accomplished in accordance with the utility's rules and tariff schedules on file with the California Public Utilities Commission.
(2) All surface or ground mounted utility facilities, including transformers, terminal boxes, pull boxes, gas meters and electric meter cabinets shall be screened from public view and/or treated to match the materials and colors of the adjacent building.
(3) Electric meters which are located on the exterior of a building shall be contained within a flush mounted cabinet and screened from public view. The meter cabinets shall match the building materials and color.
(4) Gas meters which are located in the front of a building shall be screened from public view with a minimum 30-inch high masonry wall. Such wall shall be treated to match the color and finish of the adjacent building.
(5) All new residential units shall be prewired to accommodate the future installation of cable television.
('86 Code, § 23.44.030) (Ord. 4110, passed - - ; Am. Ord. 4735, passed 5-14-18) Penalty, see § 1.12.010