Chapter 23.33 — DESIGN REVIEW

This chapter establishes the design review procedure to ensure that new development supports the goals and objectives of the General Plan and other adopted plans and guidelines. The specific purposes of the design review process are to:

• (A) Promote excellence in site planning and design and the harmonious appearance of buildings and sites;

• (B) Ensure that new and altered uses and development will be compatible with the existing and potential development of the surrounding area; and

• (C) Supplement other city regulations and standards in order to ensure control of aspects of design that are not otherwise addressed.

• (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

Design review in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and Alhambra Municipal Code Chapter 2.27 is required for the following:

• (A) Residential Zones and Uses.

• (1) All new uses and all new primary structures, including all two-story, second-story or multi-story additions except as follow:

• (a) An alteration or enlargement of an existing dwelling unit which increases the floor area of the dwelling by not more than 50%, except two-story, second-story, or multi-story additions as noted above.

• (b) An alteration or enlargement of a garage or carport.

• (2) Signage for single-tenant buildings.

• (3) Signage for multi-tenant buildings not requiring a Master Sign Program.

• (4) Master Sign Programs for multi-tenant buildings.

• (5) Exterior alterations visible from a public street and requiring a building permit, except for like-for-like window replacements and re-roofs.

• (6) Front and street side yard fences, walls, dense hedges, and similar structures.

• (B) Non-Residential Zones and Uses.

• (1) New buildings or structures.

• (2) Enlargement of an existing building or structure.

• (3) Signage for single-tenant buildings.

• (4) Signage for multi-tenant buildings not requiring a Master Sign Program.

• (5) Master Sign Programs for multi- tenant buildings.

• (6) Exterior alterations visible from a public street and requiring a building permit, except for like-for-like window replacements and re-roofs.

• (7) Exterior color changes.

• (8) Art work visible from a public street and exempt from the requirements of Chapter 23.16, or review by the City Arts Commission.

• (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4831, passed 8-26-24; Ord. 4844, passed 4-28-25; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

§ 23.33.030 REVIEW AUTHORITY.

The Design Review Board shall act as the review authority for design review based on consideration of the requirements of this chapter; § 23.30.070; and Alhambra Municipal Code Chapter 2.27.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

(A) Application. Applications for design review shall be filed with the Planning Division on the prescribed application forms in accordance with the procedures in § 23.31.020.

(B) Timing of submittal. When a development project requires a use permit, variance, discretionary approval, or any other permit request, the design review application shall be submitted as a part of the application for the underlying permit, use permit, or variance.

(C) Determination. Within 30 days after a design review application is accepted as complete for processing, the Design Review Board shall consider the application and approve, disapprove or conditionally approve the plan in accordance with Alhambra Municipal Code Chapter 2.27. The applicant may agree to waive the 30-day review period. Where a development project requires a use permit, variance, discretionary approval, or any other permit request, the Design Review Board shall make a determination on the design review application prior to any determination on the other underlying permits for the project.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4844, passed 4-28-25; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

With respect to any and all matters requiring Design Review Board approval applicants shall submit plans for design review prior to receiving Planning Commission approval and prior to applying for plan check. (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

Design review shall be based on consideration of the requirements of this chapter as they apply to the design of the site plan, structures, landscaping, and other physical features of a proposed project, including:

• (A) Building proportions, massing, and architectural details;

• (B) Site design, orientation, location, and architectural design of buildings relative to existing structures on or adjacent to the property, topography, and other physical features of the natural and built environment;

• (C) Size, location, design, development, and arrangement of on-site parking and other paved areas;

• (D) Exterior materials and color as they relate to each other, to the overall appearance of the project, and to surrounding development;

• (E) Materials and design of fences, walls, and screen plantings;

• (F) Location, design, and type of landscaping, including selection and size of plant materials, and hardscape; and

• (G) Size, location, design, color, lighting, and materials of all signs.

• (Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4844, passed 4-28-25; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

When conducting design review, the review authority shall evaluate applications to ensure that they satisfy the following criteria, conform to the policies of the General Plan and any applicable specific plan, any applicable design guidelines, and are consistent with any other policies or guidelines the City Council may adopt for this purpose.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

(A) Decision in writing. The Design Review Board shall notify the applicants of its decision in writing. There shall be a ten-day appeal period, after which the decision shall become final.

(B) Appeals. Design review decisions are subject to the appeal provisions of § 23.31.120.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)

(A) Expiration, extensions, and revisions. Design review approval is effective and may only be extended or revised as provided for in Chapter 23.31.

(B) Revocation. Design review approval may be revoked pursuant to § 23.31.110 if any of the conditions or terms of the approval are violated or if any law or ordinance is violated.

(Ord. 4823, passed 1-22-24; Ord. 4848, passed 9-8-25)