9293.12. - Design standards.

For the purpose of defining architectural styles as set forth in this part, the reference guide shall be the most currently published version of A Field Guide to American Houses: the definitive guide to identifying and understanding America's domestic architecture by Virginia Savage McAlester.

All housing development applications submitted pursuant to this part shall comply with the following design standards:

A.

Entry features. Dwellings visible from a public or private street shall have front entry features oriented to such street. Where a site is located along two (2) or more public streets, the primary building entry shall be oriented toward the street with the highest classification. If a parcel fronts two (2) public streets of equal classification, either frontage may be used to meet the standard.

B.

Architectural style. When a new dwelling unit is proposed on a lot with an existing unit, the new dwelling unit shall have the same architectural style as the existing unit. Using the building design reference document identified in section 9293.12, project plans shall identify an architectural design style and include at least five (5) of the following features consistent with the descriptions of the following elements of a single specific style, with roof type and characteristic pitch required to be at least one (1) of the five (5) features.

1.

Roof type and characteristic pitch;

2.

Roof rake, eve overhang and cornice detail;

Wall façade symmetry or asymmetry and detail;

4.

Wall material and arrangement relative to the roof;

5.

Window type, relative proportion, shape, and detail;

6.

Door type, relative proportion, shape, and detail;

7.

Porch type, relative proportion, shape, and detail.

C.

Roof treatments.

1.

Visual interest shall be created through the integration of a minimum of two (2) different roof forms (orientation, pitch, height) and designs along a building façade. Such roof forms shall be used on all sides of the building.

2.

Roof lines shall be vertically articulated along the street frontage by at least two (2) of the following architectural elements:

a.

Varying cornices;

b.

Clerestory windows;

c.

Varying roof heights;

d.

Varying roof form.

3.

Gutters and other means to collect rainwater from roof runoff shall be integrated into roofing design and in colors and styles consistent with the roofing materials.

D.

Weather protection. Weather protection shall be provided at individual residential unit entries using treatments such as overhangs, awnings, porch roofs, trellises, or canopies.

E.

Garage doors. Garage doors shall include at least one (1) detail treatment, such as windows, paneled surfaces, or use of multiple colors or textures.

F.

Color and materials.

1.

An earth-tone color palette shall be required for all structures.

2.

The use of fluorescent or neon colors, as well as vinyl siding, mirrored glass, gloss tiles, and T1-11 plywood is prohibited.

3.

The number of colors appearing on the entire building exterior shall be limited to a maximum of four (4) colors (or four (4) tones of the same color), including trim and accent colors.

G.

Required screening. Mechanical equipment, storage, trash areas, and utilities shall be screened from public view. Screening shall be provided pursuant to any provisions located in chapter 6 of the Agoura Hills Municipal Code.

H.

Second story design. Two-story homes shall incorporate the following design features to reduce the visual prominence of the second floor and to address privacy concerns.

1.

Building façades facing the public right-of-way shall provide second floor offsets or step backs from the first floor to avoid an unrelieved two-story wall. For corner lots, the building façade containing front entry features shall be required to provide the second story step backs.

2.

Where a dwelling is visible from the public right-of-way, the façade containing front entry features shall break up the massing of the dwelling using a combination of at least two (2) of the following approaches:

a.

Varying the roofline, including using different roof pitches, angles, and heights to create visual interest;

b.

Incorporating dormers to break up large roof expanses;

c.

Creating depth with recessed or protruding windows;

d.

Incorporating at least two (2) changes in color and texture along wall surfaces;

e.

Creating depth with varying setbacks in the façade, which may include porches, balconies, or recessed entryways.

3.

Second story decks or balconies with a direct line of sight into neighboring residential side or rear yards shall not be allowed unless landscaping is provided which screens the views into the neighboring property. If the balcony is located at least forty (40) feet from the property line of the adjacent residential property, this standard shall not apply.

4.

Windows within forty (40) feet and facing an existing residential use on an adjacent property shall be placed to avoid direct lines of site to windows on the adjacent property, as shown in the image below.

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(Ord. No. 23-471, § 3, 7-12-2023)