Duarte Municipal Code Ch. 19.44 Architectural and Design Standards

A. Purpose. 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.

B. Applicability. The site design and architectural standards set forth in this Chapter shall apply to all new residential structures, additions to residential structures, and accessory structures (including garages). In addition, the City of Duarte Architectural Design Guidelines, and any such similar guidelines or policies that are adopted from time to time, shall be applied to the design, review, and implementation of all new residential structures and additions to residential structures.

C. All residential zones.

1. Architecture.

a. For any new structure or addition, all façades 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. Varied modulation for exterior façade surfaces is encouraged.

b. Additions to residential structures and new accessory structures shall be designed and constructed to match the architectural style and building form of the structure to which they are added, including similar or complementary bulk, color, roof design, and other key architectural features.

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 and consistent with all windows/doors visible from the public right-of-way.

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 façades.

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.

g. Accessory structures and 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.

2. Equipment screening.

a. Mechanical equipment on the ground or on the roof should be screened from view from adjacent properties and the public right-of-way by an enclosure designed as part of the building or by appropriate landscaping (see Figure 3-19).

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Figure 3-19. Equipment Screening [Figure: Figure 3-19. Equipment Screening]

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b. Water heaters, electrical boxes, gas meters, landscape irrigation equipment, and similar utility boxes should be painted to match the structure or be appropriately screened from view, or should be integrated into the floor plan of the structure.

c. Where feasible, appurtenant equipment, plumbing, and related solar energy fixtures shall be installed in the attic, or if infeasible, flush mounted or ground mounted. Appurtenant equipment, plumbing, and related solar energy fixtures shall comply with the setback requirements of Section 19.32.020 (Permitted Projections into Required Setback Areas) and shall be screened from public view.

3. Landscaping. Landscaping shall be provided consistent with the requirements of Chapter 19.40 (Landscaping).

4. Scale and massing. A combination of second- and upper-story balconies, decks, window fenestrations, and similar features shall be used on front and street side façades to provide articulation and further reduce massing effects, and shall also be compatible with the overall architectural and mass/scale balance of the original structure, as well as the character of mass/scale in the immediate neighborhood.

5. Site design and structure orientation.

a. Front entries shall be clearly identifiable and generally oriented toward the street.

b. Driveways shall be placed in a manner that avoids conflict with pedestrian access from the sidewalk and shall be of sufficient depth/width to reduce undue on-street curbside guest parking. See development standards for driveways in Section 19.38.100 (Parking Space and Drive Aisle Dimensions) and Section 19.38.180 (Design Standards for Parking Lots).

D. Single-family and two-family structures.

1. Architecture.

a. Design of structures should be consistent with local and regional architectural styles.

b. Exterior materials and finishes shall be appropriate to the architectural style of the structure.

c. The overall style of single-family and two-family structures should be consistent on all sides of the building as well as among all portions of the roof. Particular attention should be taken that building elevations and roof elements visible from streets and other public or quasi-public spaces are stylistically consistent.

2. Scale and mass.

a. The bulk and mass of new single-family residential structures or additions should be compatible to the scale of existing structures in the immediate neighborhood.

b. Garages shall be designed or located in a manner that minimizes the prominence of the garage within the front façade.

E. Multi-family structures.

1. Architecture.

a. Design of structures should be consistent with local and regional architectural styles.

b. The overall style of multi-family structures should be consistent on all sides of the building as well as among all portions of the roof. Particular attention should be taken that building elevations and roof elements visible from streets and other public or quasi-public spaces are stylistically consistent.

c. Balconies, where provided, shall utilize railing or similar materials that are compatible with the overall architectural style of the development. Balconies shall be functional and built to the minimum dimensions set forth in Section 19.10.060.

2. Service facilities and equipment screening.

a. Architectural screening of trash and storage enclosures shall be constructed of materials and finishes compatible with the adjacent building, and shall be designed and placed to complement the style of development (see Figure 3-20).

b. Accessory structures such as community rooms, pool houses, gazebos, maintenance equipment sheds should include architectural design that complements primary structures. See development standards for accessory structures in Chapter 19.34 (Accessory Structures).

c. Storage areas shall be completely screened from ground level view using appropriate materials and shall be designed for maximum security. See development standards for storage areas in Section 19.10.060 (R-3 and R-4 Zones: Additional Standards).

d. The storage areas shall be accessible to residents at all times. Storage areas within multi-family residential developments shall be conveniently located to the dwellings that they are intended to serve.

e. Recyclable materials and green waste storage areas shall be conveniently located adjacent to solid waste disposal areas, or near one another, or combined. They may only be located inside a specially designated structure, on the outside of a structure in an approved fence or wall enclosure, a designated interior court or yard area with appropriate access, or in rear or interior side yards. Exterior storage areas shall not be located in a required front yard, street side yard, parking space, landscaped area, or open space areas.

f. Driveways or aisles shall provide unobstructed access for collection vehicles and personnel with at least the minimum clearance required by the collection methods and vehicles utilized by the designated collector.

Figure 3-20. Trash and Storage Enclosures

[Figure: Figure 3-20. Trash and Storage Enclosures]

3. Circulation and access.

a. 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. See parking design standards in Chapter 19.38 (Off-Street Parking Regulations and Design).

b. Interior pedestrian paths shall be provided to individual units and to link units to common open space areas and parking areas. See multi-family open space standards in Section 19.10.060 (R-3 and R-4 Zones: Additional Standards).

c. Pedestrian and vehicular entrances shall be clearly identified and easily accessible to minimize pedestrian/vehicle conflict.

d. The parking area shall be designed in a manner which links it to the building and street sidewalk system, as an extension of the pedestrian environment. This can be accomplished by using design features such as walkways with enhanced paving, trellis structures and/or landscaping treatment.

e. Carports shall be architecturally compatible with the style of development.

f. Non-motorized transportation shall be accommodated by providing bicycle storage, seating areas, and transit stop, if required. Vehicular traffic shall be adequately separated from bicycle and pedestrian circulation. See bicycle standards in Section 19.38.220 (Bicycle Parking Requirements).

4. Landscaping.

a. Landscaping shall be provided consistent with the requirements of Chapter 19.40 (Landscaping).

b. Parking shall be screened from streets through combined use of berming, walls, and landscaping (see Figure 3-21).

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Figure 3-21. Parking Screening [Figure: Figure 3-21. Parking Screening]

c. Common open space areas shall be landscaped appropriate to their function. See common open space standards in Section 19.10.060 (R-3 and R-4 Zones: Additional Standards).

5. Scale and mass.

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. Clustering of residential units is encouraged to promote a sense of community within residential developments.

c. Multi-family residential structures must incorporate architectural design details and elements which provide visual character and interest, avoiding flat planar walls and box-like appearances through the use of courtyards, balconies, offset planes and levels, deeply recessed or projecting windows, sloping roofs, and landscaped yards.

6. Site design and structure orientation.

a. See multi-family development standards in Section 19.10.030 (Development Standards).

b. The main entry to the multi-family development shall be clearly delineated and identifiable, and shall be easily accessible for pedestrians from the public street.

c. Entrances to individual residential units shall be accessible from the street or from common open space areas within the development.

d. Windows, balconies, and similar openings shall be oriented to preserve privacy of individual units within the development.

e. Loading and refuse/recycling collection areas shall be located so as to provide easy access to collection vehicles and to minimize noise impacts on residents. See multi-family trash and recycling facilities standards in Section 19.10.060 (R-3 and R-4 Zones: Additional Standards) and parking lot requirements in Section 19.38.050 (Off-Street Parking Space Requirements).

A. Purpose. Site design and architectural standards are established consistent with General Plan policy to promote quality design of new commercial, industrial, and hospital structures and additions. The City recognizes that quality design promotes longer life of structures, improves the appearance and maintenance of business districts, and increases value of properties citywide.

B. Applicability. The following site design and architectural standards shall apply to all new commercial, industrial, hospital, and similar nonresidential structures, and additions to such structures. In addition, the City of Duarte Architectural Design Guidelines, and any such similar guidelines or policies that are adopted from time to time, shall be applied to the design, review, and implementation of all new commercial, industrial, hospital, and similar nonresidential structures and additions. Deviation from the standard design features may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis when appropriately integrated into an overall design theme that is of exceptional unique character, and approved through the Site Plan and Design Review process set forth in Chapter 19.122 (Site Plan and Design Review).

C. All nonresidential zones (commercial, industrial, and hospital).

1. Architecture.

a. A unified architectural and design theme shall be applied to all structures within a development.

b. Quality and definable treatment shall be applied to all façades exposed to public view. Blank end walls shall be avoided. Treatments shall include architectural features, landscaping, or art elements that tie into the overall design theme.

c. Structures shall as designed to avoid long, monotonous, plain façades. Techniques such as staggered building planes, variation of façades, recessed entries, and use of relief features shall be used to create variety and interest (see Figure 3-22).

d. Roof lines and materials shall be compatible with the architectural style of the structures. Particular consideration to color and material shall be given to the design and treatment of roofs because of their potential visual impact.

e. Roof flashing, rain gutters, down spouts, vents, and other roof protrusions shall be screened from view or finished to match adjacent materials and/or colors of the parent structure.

f. Additions to structures shall be designed to match the roofline, style, and colors of the original structure. Where the original structure has limited design quality, the addition shall work to enhance the overall appearance of the site.

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Figure 3-22. Structure Façade [Figure: Figure 3-22. Structure Façade]

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g. The use of wood shingles, simulated wood shingles, flat concrete tiles, metal or other roofs shall generally not be acceptable unless approved in a specific case by Architectural Review Board (ARB).

h. All lighting and illumination fixtures should complement architectural style of project. See outdoor lighting standards in Section 19.50.070 (Outdoor Lighting).

2. Buffers. See buffer standards in Section 19.36.070 (Buffer Wall Required).

3. Circulation and access. Parking structures shall be designed and constructed according to the highest standards of quality to ensure consistency with the building architecture planned for the nonresidential project.

4. Loading access.

a. Loading and service areas shall not be visible from street frontages or along at-grade freeway corridors. Loading dock and service areas must be located on interior building side or rear yards and concealed from public view. See loading standards in Section 19.38.230 (Off-Street Loading Requirements).

b. Loading areas shall be designed and located to avoid conflicts with interior pedestrian and vehicular circulation.

5. Scale and massing.

a. Nonresidential structures adjacent to residential uses shall incorporate sensitive transitions in scale and massing. For example, structure mass shall be broken down using height step-backs, articulated sub-volumes, and horizontal and vertical façade articulation.

b. Long linear walls shall be staggered horizontally to provide interest and break long lines.

c. Building forms shall be designed to create and define visually attractive exterior and functional spaces.

d. Random or irregular building relationships shall be avoided.

e. Building massing, height, and bulk shall be comparable to that of nearby surrounding development.

6. Service facilities and equipment screening.

a. All mechanical equipment shall be fully screened. Roof-mounted equipment shall be screened utilizing roof lines, parapets, or other similar methods. Equipment located on the ground must be fully screened with materials that are architecturally compatible with the structures they serve.

b. Mechanical screens and penthouses shall be integrated with the building façade whenever possible and constructed of architecturally compatible materials. Screens should be continuous and solid.

c. Utility connections, gas storage tanks, storage and maintenance equipment, and telephone junction boxes shall be screened from public view with the use of fencing or walls, berming, and/or landscaping.

d. Trash and recyclable materials collection bins shall be located within a standard City trash enclosure. The enclosure shall be finished using materials compatible with the surrounding architecture, and shall be softened with landscaping. Gates shall be solid metal painted to match adjacent buildings.

e. Utility rooms, switchgears, and other similar utility equipment should be within the building that it serves or in other decorative/architecturally designed structure approved by ARB.

f. Roof access and/or ladders should be installed internal to the building or incorporated into the design that is hidden from the public right-of-way.

g. Where feasible, appurtenant equipment, plumbing, and related solar energy fixtures shall be installed in the attic, or if infeasible, flush mounted or ground mounted. Appurtenant equipment, plumbing, and related solar energy fixtures shall comply with the setback requirements of Section 19.32.020 (Permitted Projections into Required Setback Areas) and shall be screened from public view.

7. Walls and fences.

a. See wall and fence standards and regulations in Chapter 19.36 (Fences, Walls, and Hedges).

b. Wall and fencing materials and patterns should be compatible with the style and themes of the structures. See prohibited fencing materials in Section 19.36.050 (Prohibited Fencing Materials).

c. Where walls are erected in locations visible from a public right-of-way, the use of full dimension caps, pilasters, and changes in wall surfaces (staggering) shall be applied (see Figure 3-23).

d. In locations where walls might invite vandalism or graffiti, landscaping should be provided along the walls.

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Figure 3-23. Walls [Figure: Figure 3-23. Walls]

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D. Commercial site design and architectural standards.

1. Access and circulation.

a. Any commercial structure located at a corner intersection shall incorporate architectural features that enhance pedestrian movement. These features may include building cut-offs, walk-through covered arcades, water features and trellis structures. The creation of pedestrian plazas at corners is particularly encouraged.

b. Circulation shall be designed for both vehicle and pedestrian use. Pedestrian access from the street and the parking lot to the main door of the businesses they serve shall be designed to avoid conflict with vehicular traffic. Pedestrian paths shall be clearly delineated with pavement materials and/or markings and signage. See parking design standards in Chapter 19.38 (Off-Street Parking Regulations and Design).

2. Architecture. A unified and/or complementary architectural theme shall be applied to all structures within a commercial center and associated signage. See Section 19.42.190 (Architectural and Design Sign Standards).

3. Scale and massing.

a. The scale and massing of commercial structures shall achieve a street-level environment accommodating to pedestrians.

b. Height shall be determined as set forth in Section 19.32.040 (Height Measurement and Exceptions). However, the underlying theme of the massing should be to maintain a human scale and low profile.

c. Structures shall be designed to avoid long, monotonous, plain façades. Techniques such as staggered building planes, variation of façades, recessed entries, and the use of arcades shall be used to create variety and interest.

4. Site design.

a. The entry area and pedestrian paths should be distinguished through the use of complementary and passive design features, such as changes in paving texture and color, lighting features, planters, etc.

b. Storefronts should be oriented to the major street frontage, and/or interior parking lot, as appropriate. While side or rear entries may be desirable for secondary access, the predominant, major building entry shall be oriented toward the major street.

c. Buildings should be oriented as close to the street as possible, with parking toward the rear of the site, to the greatest extent possible. Where parking must be oriented toward a public right-of-way, the parking shall be screened with berming, landscaping, or other effective methods. See perimeter parking landscaping standards in Section 19.38.200 (Parking Lot Landscaping).

E. Industrial site design and architectural standards.

1. Access and circulation.

a. See loading standards and requirements in Section 19.38.230 (Off-Street Loading Requirements).

b. Circulation shall be designed for both vehicle and pedestrian use. Pedestrian access from the parking lot to the main door of the business shall be designed to avoid conflict with vehicular traffic. See parking design standards in Chapter 19.38 (Off-Street Parking Regulations and Design).

2. Service facilities and equipment screening. Buildings, walls, and landscaping should be arranged to screen less visually aesthetic components necessary for industrial development, including loading and service bays, storage areas, trash enclosures, mechanical equipment, and noise and odor producing functions. Service areas should be located at the sides and/or rear of main buildings, and screened with compatible architectural features and walls, and/or dense landscaping.

F. Hospital site design and architectural standards.

1. Access and circulation.

a. Circulation shall be designed for both vehicle and pedestrian use. Pedestrian access from the street and the parking lot to the main door of a hospital or other medical facility shall be designed to avoid conflict with vehicular traffic and to easily accommodate access for the disabled and elderly. Pedestrian paths shall be clearly delineated with pavement materials and/or markings and signage, and shall be located to create the shortest possible, safe path between parking lots and passenger loading areas to the primary entrance.

b. Passenger loading areas shall be provided at convenient and safe locations and shall be clearly identified.

c. Wherever physically possible, reciprocal parking area access between adjacent related or similar medical uses shall be provided.

d. Parking structures shall be designed and constructed according to the highest standards of quality to ensure consistency with the architecture of the hospital and medical buildings.

2. Architecture. For hospital complexes, a unified and complementary architectural theme shall be applied to all structures within the complex and associated signage. See sign standards and regulation in Chapter 19.42 (Signs).