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Division 9 — Zoning Administrator›Article 64 — DESIGN REVIEW

§ 33-1357. Design review standards.

Escondido Zoning Code · 2026-05 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Escondido

The planning commission and/or city staff shall review all projects subject to this chapter to determine whether the design considerations conform to the following criteria:

  • (a) Site design.

    • (1) The structure shall be appropriate to the site, regarding location, size, topography, natural and man-made surroundings of the site.

    • (2) The project shall respect environmentally sensitive areas, such as hillsides, arroyos, rock outcroppings, threatened or endangered habitats or plants, ridgelines, slopes, existing trees, architectural and historic resources.

    • (3) The site layout, orientation and location of structures, buildings and signs shall be designed to create a well-integrated relationship to one another. Specific consideration shall be given to open spaces, topography, pedestrian and vehicular areas and circulation, and exterior building lighting.

    • (4) Grading shall be sensitive to the site and surrounding areas, and designed according to Article 55, of the city zoning code (grading and erosion control).

    • (5) Major consideration shall be given to pedestrian open spaces when possible.

    • (6) The location of parking and loading areas shall be convenient to the users.

    • (7) Loading deck areas, mechanical and utility equipment and trash storage areas shall be integrated into the total design concept and concealed to the extent possible.

    • (8) Overbuilding of a site will be discouraged and every effort shall be made to provide suitably landscaped or natural open space.

  • (b) Architectural—Building design.

    • (1) Overall building shape, size, and apparent bulk, shall be in proportion to and in scale with the site and with other existing or permitted structures in the area;

    • (2) A harmonious relationship shall exist between the proposed and adjoining developments, avoiding excessive variety or monotonous repetition;

    • (3) All elevations visible from public streets and/or adjacent properties shall be of consistent design, including harmony of materials, colors, composition and architectural elements of all sides of a structure or building;

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City of Escondido, CA

ESCONDIDO CODE

§ 33-1357

§ 33-1357

  • (4) Long solid walls shall be avoided by breaking up large wall surfaces with architectural features or other treatment;

  • (5) A limited number of materials shall be used on the exterior face of the building or structure (wood, concrete, brick, stone, etc.). The use of natural materials is encouraged;

  • (6) A harmonious color palette consisting of softer and more subtle hues shall be used;

  • (7) Logical and integrated sign locations shall be provided on commercial/industrial buildings;

  • (8) Storage areas and all exterior utility and mechanical equipment shall be screened with architectural elements of the design;

  • (9) Roof-mounted equipment shall be screened and integrated into the overall building design;

  • (10) Varied building relief shall be used extensively, where the architectural style is conducive to this technique.

  • (c) Landscaping.

  • (1) Adequate landscaping shall be provided in proportion to the project and the site, with due regard to preservation of protected, specimen, landmark or other mature trees;

    • (2) The project shall incorporate water conservation measures in design, selection of plants and selection of irrigation system, to the extent feasible;

    • (3) Selection of a size and type of planting shall be appropriate to the project and the site and shall include a balanced mix of trees, shrubs and groundcovers;

    • (4) Landscaping shall successfully provide shade for parking and open space areas, soften large expanses of paved areas, buildings and wall edges, screen parking areas and trash enclosures and buffer undesirable views;

    • (5) Existing trees shall be retained where possible;

    • (6) Non-plant materials (such as gravel, bark, or simulated plant materials) may be considered for use instead of groundcover or turf, as part of the total integrated landscape design concept.

  • (d) Signs and lighting.

    • (1) Signs and lighting and other advertising media shall harmonize with and be subordinate to the building it services and area in which it is located;

    • (2) Signs shall be readable and attractive, emphasizing the name and/or address and limiting any slogans or product advertising; overcrowding the sign information shall be avoided;

    • (3) Lighting shall conform to the provisions of Article 35 (outdoor lighting), of the zoning code.

  • (e) Fencing and walls.

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City of Escondido, CA § 33-1357

ZONING

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▸ Contents — Escondido Zoning Code
Escondido Zoning Code
  1. Chapter 6
  2. Division 2 — Routing
  3. Division 2 — Weed and Rubbish Abatement Program
  4. Division 1 — Generally
  5. Division 1
  6. Division 2 — Variances and Administrative Adjustments
  7. Division 3 — Nonconforming Uses and Structures
  8. Division 4 — Amendments and Zone Changes
  9. Division 5 — Reasonable Accommodation
  10. Division 6 — Public Hearings, Notices, Fees and Appeals
  11. Division 7 — Enforcement and Penalties
  12. Division 8 — Plot Plans
  13. ▸ Division 9 — Zoning Administrator
    Overview
    1. § 33-1318. Office established—Authority.
    2. § 33-1319. Powers and duties and procedure.
    3. Article 62 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS
    4. Article 63 — TRANSIENT LODGING FACILITIES
    5. ▸ Article 64 — DESIGN REVIEW
      Overview
      1. § 33-1350. Purpose.
      2. § 33-1351. (Reserved)
      3. § 33-1352. (Reserved)
      4. § 33-1353. (Reserved)
      5. § 33-1354. Jurisdiction.
      6. § 33-1355 major park structures, police stations, or fire stat…
      7. § 33-1355. Exemptions and exceptions.
      8. § 33-1356. Elements of design considerations.
      9. § 33-1357. Design review standards.
      10. § 33-1359 - (1) Fences and walls shall conform to all ordinanc…
      11. § 33-1358. Design review process.
      12. § 33-1359. Findings.
      13. § 33-1361 building design.
      14. § 33-1360. Design changes and enforcement.
      15. § 33-1361. Submittal requirements.
      16. § 33-1361 - (9) Areas to be landscaped;
      17. § 33-1362. Appeals.
      18. § 33-1363. Design review in specific plans.
      19. § 33-1364. Design review in historic overlay districts.
    6. Article 65 — OLD ESCONDIDO NEIGHBORHOOD
    7. Article 66 — SIGN ORDINANCE
    8. Article 67 — DENSITY BONUS AND RESIDENTIAL INCENTIVES
    9. Article 68 — GROWTH MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE
    10. Article 69 — ESCONDIDO BUSINESS ENHANCEMENT ZONE
    11. Article 70 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWE…
    12. Article 71 — (RESERVED)
    13. Article 72 — (RESERVED)
    14. Article 73 — TEMPORARY USES, OUTDOOR DISPLAY AND SALE OF RETAI…
    15. Article 74 — DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION AREA SPECIFIC PLAN
    16. Article 75 — SAN DIEGUITO RIVER VALLEY FOCUS PLANNING AREA
    17. Article 77 — CENTRE CITY RESIDENTIAL (CCR) OVERLAY ZONE
    18. Article 78 — MERCADO AREA PLAN OVERLAY
    19. Article 79 — EAST VALLEY PARKWAY OVERLAY ZONE
    20. Article 80 — PUBLIC FACILITIES OVERLAY ZONE

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