Azusa Municipal Code Ch. 88.29 Architectural Standards

This Chapter lists the land uses that may be allowed within the zones established by Chapter 88.20 (Regulating Plan), and determines the type of planning permit/approval required for each use.

The street facing facade of each proposed building shall be designed as one of the building frontage types allowed within the applicable zone. Each allowed frontage type shall be designed in compliance with the following standards. Building frontage placement on the site shall comply with the setback requirements of the applicable zone.

_____

[Figure]

A. Common Yard. The building facade is substantially set back from the front property line. The resulting front yard may be fenced in compliance with Section 88.30.020 (Fences, Walls, and Screening). A front porch is optional, but is preferred in neighborhoods designated by Article 2, and may be required by the review authority.

_____

[Figure]

B. Porch. The building facade is set back from the front property line behind a porch, which may encroach into a required front setback as allowed by the applicable zone. A low fence or wall at the property line may be used to define the private space of the yard. A variety of porch designs are acceptable, provided that a porch has a minimum depth of eight feet.

_____

[Figure]

C. Forecourt. The building facade is aligned close to the front property line with a portion of the facade set back. The resulting forecourt is suitable for gardens, restaurant seating, or an entry plaza. This type should be used sparingly and in conjunction with the types in subsections D. through G. of this Section, as an extensive setback deters pedestrians. Trees within forecourts should be placed to have their canopies overhang the street sidewalk. A short wall may also be placed at the property line. If a forecourt is no more than 20 feet wide, it does not count against the building placement requirements of Article 2 that require a percentage of the building frontage at the back of the sidewalk.

_____

[Figure]

D. Stoop. The building facade is placed close to the front property line with the ground floor elevated a minimum of 24 inches above the sidewalk. This type is suitable for ground-floor residential use with a minimal front setback.

_____

[Figure]

E. Shopfront. This building façade is intended for retail use and is commonly equipped with an awning, when located adjacent to the property line. An awning that extends over the sidewalk requires an encroachment permit.

_____

[Figure]

F. Gallery. The building facade is placed at or close to the front property line with an attached cantilevered shed or lightweight colonade overlapping the sidewalk. This type is appropriate for retail use. The gallery shall be at least ten feet wide and shall overlap the entire width of the sidewalk to within two feet of the curb. The gallery shall be at least 12 feet in clear height above the sidewalk. Any portion of a building that extends over the sidewalk shall require an encroachment permit from the city.

_____

[Figure]

G. Arcade. The building facade is above a colonade that overlaps the sidewalk, while the sidewalk level remains at the front property line. This type is appropriate for retail use. The arcade shall be at least 12 feet wide and shall overlap the entire width of the sidewalk to within two feet of the curb. The arcade shall provide at least 12 feet of clear height above the sidewalk. Any portion of a building that extends over a public right-of-way shall require encroachment permit approval.

_____

(Ord. No. 11-O16, § 3, 10-24-11)