5.03.153 Restrictions and Procedures Applicable to the "DR" - Design Review Combining Zone.

(a) Applicability. The requirements of this section shall apply to all site, landscape and building plans, whether submitted in connection with the construction of a new building or an alteration or modification to the structure or façade of an existing building, within the area described in Section 5.03.040(d) with the following exceptions:

(1) An addition or modification to an existing building where the addition or modification, if it were to conform to the DR standards, would clash with the building’s established architectural theme.

(2) Construction of secondary or accessory structures on parcels with existing buildings where the new building plans, were they to conform to the DR standards, would clash with existing improvements having recognized historical or architectural merit.

(3) Construction of new buildings on cemetery grounds with a G base zone, where the new site and building plans, were they to conform to the DR standards, would clash with existing improvements having recognized historical or architectural merit.

(4) Wireless Communications Facilities in the “DR” Zone shall be subject to the requirements of subchapter 5.17 only.

(b) DR (S) Design Standards. All plans for development in the portion of the “ DR” Zone which are designated with an “(S)” shall incorporate building, site and landscape design elements representing the Spanish/Mediterranean style as defined in the following subsections. The aforementioned does not apply to new solar panels and its supporting structure (i.e., carport) in existing parking lots within the DR(S) Zoning District.

(1) Building Design Elements. Principal structures and secondary structures such as, storage buildings and trash enclosures must be architecturally consistent. The following design elements must be present in all buildings:

(i) Buildings shall incorporate simple, stepped massing, highlighted with towers, cupolas and varied chimney forms. Flat walls shall be minimized by interruptions using balconies, patios, shed roof elements, clerestory windows, gable end or trellis arcades and colonnades of stylized columns or arches.

(ii) Roofs shall be low pitched gable and shed roof types with terra-cotta

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or similar colored real, individual Spanish barrel tile. No manufactured tile or sheets of tile may be used. All flat roof areas shall be surrounded by a parapet wall and must not be located where they can be viewed from adjacent buildings or property. Parapet walls shall be of such height that will completely screen all rooftop equipment.

(iii) Wall surfaces shall be composed primarily of stucco and must be articulated by use of columns, piers and pilasters. Window and door openings shall be varied in size and articulated by use of deep reveals, exposed lintels and sills, iron grillwork and faux balconies. Arched openings are encouraged.

(iv) Door and window openings shall be designed to convey the thickness of masonry construction by recessing the doors and windows and using ornamental surrounds. Ornamentation may consist of stucco moldings, bands of tile or other framing. Glass areas must be broken up by mullions. Operable casement or double hung windows are encouraged. Windows can be covered externally with appropriately designed grilles integral to the surface of the building.

(2) Site and Landscape Design Elements. The following elements must be present in the site and landscape designs:

(i) Site plan and landscape design must appropriately integrate and conceal utility vaults, back flow prevention devices, trash dumpsters and other accessory elements that may not be compatible with the SpanishMediterranean theme.

(ii) A formal balanced planting layout shall be achieved by using elements such as landscape entry features, tree lined walks and drives, and boundary tree rows. Formal placement of trees in courts, pavilions and parking lots can significantly enhance the character of these public and private areas. Use of accent features such as brightly colored flowers and palm trees is encouraged. Drought tolerant and California native plant materials are encouraged.

(iii) Landscape design shall incorporate features such as arbors, trellises, fountains, walks, pavilions, curbs, light standards, benches, sculpture, enhanced pavement (materials, textures and patterns), garden walls (free standing and retaining), wood fences and gates, ironwork gates and railings, planting pots and urns in order to integrate the Spanish/Mediterranean design theme throughout the overall project design.

(c) DR Design Standards. All plans for development in the “ DR” Zone without an “(S)” designation shall incorporate building, site and landscape design elements that are appropriate for the setting based on surrounding properties as defined in the following subsections.

(1) Building Design Elements. Principal structures and secondary structures such as, storage buildings and trash enclosures must be architecturally consistent with each other. The following design elements must be present in all buildings:

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(i) Buildings shall incorporate simple, stepped massing. Flat walls shall be composed of a durable material and shall be minimized by interruptions including wall off-sets, varied use of materials, trim banding, score lines, trim molding, contrasting colors, trellises etc. The use of tower or articulated roof elements is encouraged.

(ii) Roofs shall be low pitched gable and shed roof types. All flat roof areas shall be surrounded by a parapet wall and must not be located where they can be viewed from adjacent buildings or property. Parapet walls shall be of such height that will completely screen all rooftop equipment.

(2) Site and Landscape Design Elements. The following elements must be present in the site and landscape designs:

(i) Site plan and landscape design must appropriately integrate and conceal utility vaults, back flow prevention devices, trash dumpsters and other accessory elements.

(ii) A formal balanced planting layout shall be achieved by using elements such as landscape entry features, tree lined walks and drives, and boundary tree rows. Formal placement of trees in courts, pavilions and parking lots can significantly enhance the character of these public and private areas. Use of accent features such as brightly colored flowers and palm trees is encouraged. Drought tolerant and California native plant materials are encouraged.

(iii) Landscape design shall incorporate features such as arbors, trellises, fountains, walks, pavilions, curbs, light standards, benches, sculpture, enhanced pavement (materials, textures and patterns), garden walls (free standing and retaining), wood fences and gates, ironwork gates and railings, planting pots and urns as appropriate to the project.

(3) Tent Structures are allowed, subject to the following design standards. All Tent Structures are considered structures and therefore may only be installed pursuant to a valid Building Permit.

(i) Tents shall be located only on paved areas and not on approved landscaping. Tents shall not block any access aisles or fire lanes. A total of three tents per property are permitted at any given time, not to exceed 400 square feet each (1,200 square feet total). Exceptions may be granted by the City Planner for infrequent special events.

(ii) Tents shall be made of high quality fire retardant materials, and must be in colors which are consistent with color that matches the principal building on the site or approved signage on the property. Tents shall be securely fastened according to accepted engineering practices.

(d) Design Review Procedure and Approval. No grading or building permit shall be issued until design plans have been reviewed and approved. Plans shall be submitted to the City Planner for review and approval according to the following procedures:

(1) City Council Approval. Whenever the project requires approval of a Use

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Permit, Subdivision Map, Planned Unit Development, or other action by the City Council, then the City Council shall also, at that time, make the determination to approve the design in accordance with this ordinance. Determinations made by the City Council may be reconsidered in accordance with the procedure set forth at Section 5.03.420.

(2) Zoning Administrator Approval. The Zoning Administrator shall make the determination to approve the design of all projects other than those described in the preceding paragraph, and any determination by the Zoning Administrator may be appealed by any interested party to the City Council in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 1.02.140 of the Colma Municipal Code. The design review project for ‘G’ Zone monumental buildings in cemetery zones of 300 square feet or less are not subject to Design Review approval by the Zoning Administrator.

preceding paragraph, and any determination by the Zoning Administrator may be appealed by any interested party to the City Council in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 1.02.140 of the Colma Municipal Code. The design review project for ‘G’ Zone monumental buildings in cemetery zones of 300 square feet or less are not subject to Design Review approval by the Zoning Administrator.

(3) Modification of Standards. The City Council or Zoning Administrator may, in its sole discretion, modify the application of these DR Design Standards to a modification or addition of an existing building after considering: (a) the nature of the specific standard or standards to be applied; (b) the economic impact of strict compliance with these standards on the property; and (c) the extent to which strict compliance interferes with the property owner’s investment-backed expectations.

(4) Findings. The City Council or Zoning Administrator, as appropriate, may approve a design only if it finds that:

(i) The architectural, site and landscape design of the proposed project incorporates design elements adopted for the “DR” Zone.

(ii) The architectural, site and landscape design substantially reflects the goal of the “ DR” Zone to achieve a consistent site, landscape and building design theme for the Town of Colma.

(5) Fees. Design review fees shall be set forth in the Town of Colma Master Fee Schedule.

[History: formerly § 5.333, ORD, 467, 6/8/94; ORD. 500, 10/9/96; ORD. 521, 12/10/97; ORD. 524, 1/14/98; ORD. 551, 4/14/1999; ORD. 638, 12/14/05; ORD. 707, 4/11/11; ORD. 748, 9/9/15]

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