A. Purpose and Applicability. Site design and architectural standards are established consistent with General Plan policy to promote quality design of new residential structures and additions. The City recognizes that quality design promotes longer life of structures, improves the appearance and maintenance of neighborhoods, and increases value in the housing stock citywide. The following site design and architectural standards shall apply to all new residential structures and to additions to residential structures.
B. Single-family Structures and Duplexes.
1. Site Design and Structure Orientation. Front entries shall be clearly identifiable and for units that front a street, shall generally be oriented toward the street.
2. Scale and Mass.
a. The bulk and mass of new single-family residential structures and additions shall generally match the scale of existing structures in the immediate neighborhood. However, this provision shall not prohibit the construction of a two-story structure within a neighborhood of predominantly single-story structures, provided the privacy standards of Section 10.10.050 (Privacy Standards for the R-E and R-1 Zones) are complied with.
b. Garages shall not be designed or located in a manner that presents the garage as the prominent form of the front facade.
c. Wall off-sets, second-story balconies, decks, window fenestrations, and similar features shall be used on front and street side facades and any facade visible from the public right-of-way to provide articulation and further reduce massing effects.
3. Architecture.
a. All facades visible from a public right-of-way shall incorporate features that eliminate blank, unarticulated walls; add visual interest; avoid clutter; and display a distinctive architectural style.
b. Additions to residential structures shall be designed and constructed to match the architectural style and building form of the structure to which they are added.
c. Rooflines and roofing materials shall be compatible with the architectural style of the residential structure. Use of varying, uncoordinated rooflines and roofing materials shall be avoided.
d. Window and door design and placement shall be consistent with the overall architectural style of the structure.
e. Materials and finishes shall be of a consistent theme, shall match the style of the residential structure, and shall be consistently applied to all facades.
f. Roof-mounted equipment, where permitted, shall be screened from view from public rights-of-way and adjacent properties by materials that are architecturally compatible with the structure they serve.
4. Open Space - Common and Private. All common and private open spaces shall comply with the requirements of Section 10.10.030.C (Open Space Requirements for the R-3 and R-4 Zones).
5. Landscaping.
a. Front yard landscaping shall be provided consistent with the requirements of Chapter 10.32 (Landscaping).
b. Where possible, existing mature, healthy trees shall be preserved in association with any remodeling or addition projects, as directed by the Director.
6. Sustainable Building Practices.
a. Where possible, pervious or semi-pervious surfacing materials shall be used for pedestrian paths and driveways.
b. To the extent possible, orientation of structures and windows shall take advantage of natural light and wind patterns for natural heating and cooling.
C. Multi-Family Structures.
1. Site Design, Structure Orientation, and Access.
a. The front entry to the front unit of a multi-family development shall be clearly delineated and identifiable, and shall be easily accessible for pedestrians from the public street.
b. Entrances to individual residential units shall be accessible from the street, from common open space areas within the development, or from common, well-lighted corridors.
c. Driveways shall be placed in a manner that avoids conflict with pedestrian access from the sidewalk.
d. Common parking areas shall be located on the site to minimize their visibility from public rights-of-way and to be easily accessible to all residents of the development.
e. Windows, balconies, and similar openings shall be oriented to preserve privacy of individual units within the development.
f. Interior pedestrian paths shall be provided to individual units and to link units to common open space areas and parking areas.
g. Loading and refuse/recycling collection areas shall be located to provide easy access to collection vehicles and to minimize noise impacts on residents.
2. Scale, Mass, and Architecture.
a. The bulk and mass of new multi-family structures and additions shall be sensitive to the scale of buildings in the immediate neighborhood.
b. All facades visible from a public right-of-way shall incorporate features that eliminate blank, unarticulated walls; add visual interest; avoid clutter; and display a distinctive architectural style.
c. Additions to residential structures shall be designed and constructed to match the architectural style and building form of the structure or structures to which they are added.
d. Rooflines and roofing materials shall be compatible with the architectural style of the residential structures. Use of varying, uncoordinated rooflines and roofing materials shall be avoided.
e. Materials and finishes shall be of a consistent theme, shall match the style of the residential structure, and shall be consistently applied to all facades.
f. Exterior lighting shall be provided for safety purposes, shall be compatible with the overall style of the development, and shall be shielded to avoid light spillage onto adjacent properties.
g. Balconies, where provided, shall utilize railing or similar materials that are compatible with the overall architectural style of the development.
3. Open Space - Common and Private. All common and private open space areas shall comply with the requirements of Section 10.10.030.C (Open Space Requirements for R-3 and R-4 Zones).
4. Landscaping.
a. Front yard landscaping shall be provided consistent with the requirements of Chapter 10.32 (Landscaping).
b. Where possible, existing mature, healthy trees shall be preserved in association with any remodeling or addition projects, as directed by the Director.
c. Common open space areas shall be landscaped appropriate to their function.
5. Sustainable Building Practices.
a. Where possible, pervious or semi-pervious surfacing materials shall be used for pedestrian paths and driveways.
b. To the extent possible, orientation of structures and windows shall take advantage of natural light and wind patterns for natural heating and cooling.
6. Other Requirements.
a. Common laundry facilities, when provided, shall be easily accessible to all residents.
b. Refuse and recycling collection areas shall be provided as required by State law.
c. Roof-mounted and ground-mounted equipment, where permitted, shall be screened from view from public rights-of-way and adjacent properties by materials that are architecturally compatible with the structure they serve. (Ord. 935 § 3 (part), 2015)