Fontana Municipal Code § 30-396 Pertaining to single-family

This section provides regulations and standards for well-designed facades on new or renovated buildings. These regulations encourage buildings that strengthen the quality and character of Fontana's corridors and surrounding areas while providing opportunities for creativity and discretion.

Sec. 30-394. - Architectural style.¶

There is no preferred architectural style for buildings in the Form-Based Code areas. However, all buildings shall demonstrate an architectural concept/idea to provide coherence and integrity to the design. Any architectural style that is proposed shall be in keeping with that style, particularly regarding: overall massing, overhangs, expressions of structure, wall thickness, materials and other details.

Architectural Style: Spanish

[Figure]

STYLE ELEMENTS

Form	• Asymmetrical massing
Entry	• Detailed door surround • Arched or half-arched doorways/openings
Roof and Materials	• Low-pitched hip or gable • Short or no hangover parapet roofs • Concrete S-tile or barrel mission tile roof
Details	• Shutters • Ornamental wrought iron • Vertical window proportions • Arched window or door openings • Decorative ceramic tiles • Casement windows
Color and Materials	• Light to medium sand stucco finish or smooth texture "Santa Barbara finish" • White and light earth tone colors

Design Characteristics

• Red tile roof coverings • ;hg;Single or crossed-gable roof • ;hg;Eaves with little or no over-hang • ;hg;Prominent arches placed above doors and windows, or beneath porched roofs • ;hg;Stucco wall surface at all exterior walls • ;hg;Façade is typically asymmetrical • ;hg;Wall surface extends into gable without break • ;hg;Balconies, open or roofed, with wood or iron railings • ;hg;Elaborate chimney top, often with small tiled roof • ;hg;Towers (round, square or polygon) • ;hg;Walled entry courtyards • ;hg;Stucco or tile decorative vents

[Figure]

Architectural Style: Craftsman

[Figure]

STYLE ELEMENTS

Form	• Asymmetrical/symmetrical plan form • Varied building massing
Entry	• Layered wood entry doors • Use of deep porch or arcaded entrances
Roof and Materials	• Shallow pitched roofs (3.5:12-5:12); front, side or gross gable roofs • Deep overhangs (6"-24") with decorative brackets below • Exposed rafter tails
Details	• Battered, square, or 4-post columns • Brackets or knee braces at gabled ends • Paired or triple windows
Color and Materials	• Concrete flat tile roof • Light to medium sand finish stucco with shingle, lapped, or stucco siding accents • Stone, river rock, or brick accents • Light or deep earth tone colors

Design Characteristics

• Low-pitched, gabled roof • ;hg;Wide overhanging eaves • ;hg;Decorative brackets • ;hg;Multi-paned windows, cased in wide trim • ;hg;Partially paned doors, typically the upper third of the door • ;hg;Shingle, lapped and stucco siding is common • ;hg;Often mixed materials throughout the structure • ;hg;Simplified windows on side and rear elevations

[Figure]

Architectural Style: Tuscan

[Figure]

STYLE ELEMENTS

Form	• Asymmetrical/symmetrical massing
Entry	• Arched door treatments
Roof and Materials	• Shallow pitched roofs • Simple gabled and hipped roofs • Concrete or Terra Cotta Barrel tile
Details	• Shutters • Wrought iron details • Wood or wrought iron balcony railings • Arched windows and window treatments • Deep set (8" minimum) windows on front elevations • Narrow and tall with muntins (grids)
Color and Materials	• Earth tones • Brown or beige window frames • Vibrant accents

Design Characteristics

• Heavy use of stone and plaster • ;hg;Shaped timber tails at eaves • ;hg;Simple balconies with wrought iron railings or solid half walls • ;hg;Asymmetrical fenestration pattern • ;hg;Vertical forms mixed with horizontal • ;hg;Occasional use of arched openings

[Figure]

Architectural Style: Art Deco/Moderne

[Figure]

STYLE ELEMENTS

Form	• Symmetrical massing
Entry	• Doorways are surrounded with elaborate pilasters and pediments and door surrounds • Often embellished with either reeding or fluting.
Roof and Materials	• Flat roofs with parapets, spires or tower-like constructs to accentuate a corner or entrance.
Details	• Windows appear as punctured openings, either square or round. • Windows often arranged in continuous horizontal bands of glass. • Wall openings can be filled with decorative glass or with glass blocks, creating
Color and Materials	• Use of bold colors as accents such as green, yellow, turquoise, and ruby • Use of metallic accents, such as silver and gold • Inlaid stained glass in bold colors

Design Characteristics

• Smooth wall surfaces, including stucco, concrete, smooth-faced stone and terra cotta • ;hg;Sharp edged, linear appearance • ;hg;Stylized decorative elements using geometrical forms, zigzags, chevrons, etc. • ;hg;Low relief decorative panels • ;hg;Stepped or setback front façade • ;hg;Stripes of windows with decorative spandrels • ;hg;Reeding and fluting around doors and windows

[Figure]

Architectural Style: Modern/Contemporary

[Figure]

STYLE ELEMENTS

Form	• Asymmetrical compositions with the use of geometric forms
Entry	• Simple without ornamentation • Use of glass, wood, and metal
Roof and Materials	• Typical use of flat roofs
Details	• Emphasis on horizontal lines • Outdoor courtyards and open spaces to encourage the relationship between interior and exterior spaces
Color and Materials	• Iron, concrete, steel and glass • White or neutral palette is common

Design Characteristics

• Interaction between interior and exterior spaces • ;hg;Functional design • ;hg;Minimal or no ornamentation • ;hg;Simple, plain, geometric forms, rectangular shapes, and linear elements • ;hg;Oversized windows—often floor-to-ceiling length, sliding glass doors, and high-set windows

[Figure]

Architectural Style: Mediterranean

[Figure]

STYLE ELEMENTS

Form	• Asymmetrical/symmetrical massing
Entry	• Arched door treatments
Roof and Materials	• Gable or pitched roof • Low-pitched, red barrel tile roofs
Details	• Wooden brackets and supports under eaves and windows • Wrought-iron balconies and railings • European-style gardens or courtyards
Color and Materials	• White or light earth tones • Stone used as an accent • Stucco exteriors

Design Characteristics

• Ornamental detailing • ;hg;Doors, gateways, and window frames may feature iron detailing • ;hg;Courtyards used for outdoor space and/or building entry • ;hg;Columns, arches, curved windows and keystones • ;hg;Terraces and balconies are common features

[Figure]

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 30-395. - Design regulations pertaining to hybrid, liner, and flex buildings.¶

(a) Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) concepts shall be incorporated into the project design in order to create a safe built environment.

(b) General façade composition. Buildings shall be "four-sided," meaning that all facades (including sides and rear) shall be considered visible and treated with articulation and materials.

(c) Size, mass and scale. The scale of buildings and accessory structures (including canopies) shall be appropriate to the scale of structures built, or anticipated, in that district. Height of buildings shall be proportionate to the number of stories proposed.

(d) Building materials.

(1) Building wall materials shall be combined on each façade only horizontally, unless the building is broken vertically by a change of plane, or a vertical architectural element.

(2) Building walls shall be finished in one or more (but not more than three) of the following materials:

a. Wood

b. Fiber cement board siding, smooth finish

c. Reinforced concrete with stucco

d. Brick

e. Corrugated metal, which may be approved by the Director of Community Development based on the surrounding context and location on the site

f. Other materials as approved by the Director of Community Development, based on visual compatibility with listed approved materials

(3) Doors shall be made of wood, metal, glass, or fiberglass

(e) Roof materials.

(1) Roof materials shall match or complement the proposed architectural style.

(2) Roof materials that shall not be used include:

a. Stamped sheet metal used to simulate Mediterranean or Spanish roof tiles.

b. Corrugated sheet metal.

c. Lightweight asphalt shingles.

d. Wood shakes or shingles.

(f) Roof forms. Where pitched roofs exist, primary roofs shall have a minimum slope of 4:12, while ancillary roof slopes may be no less than 2:12.

(g) Windows and doors.

[Figure]

(1) Proportion and details.

a. Windows shall not be flush with exterior wall treatments. Windows shall be provided with an architectural surround at the jambs and header, and a projecting sill.

b. Window openings may be grouped horizontally, but trim between windows shall be at least 3.5 inches wide. This does not apply to storefront windows.

(2) Façade transparency. Building elevations that face the street shall have at least 40 percent of the first-floor wall area consist of windows and/or doors and 15 percent of upper floors.

(h) Architectural details.

(1) Shutters. Shutters shall be sized and placed so as to equal the width that would be required to cover the window opening.

(2) Cornices. Cornices are required to delineate the tops of facades. Expression lines are required to delineate the divisions between the first floor and upper floors. Cornices and expression lines shall either be a molding or a jog in the surface plane of the building.

[Figure]

(i) Exterior building color.

(1) Fluorescent colors shall not be used as a primary wall colors or accent colors.

(2) Colors that relate to the building's existing district character shall be used. Light colors such as different shades of whites and pastels are appropriate. Extremely bright colors shall not be used as primary wall colors.

(3) Secondary colors shall complement the primary building color. They shall be lighter or darker values than the body color or use more saturated hues of the body color. Secondary colors can be used to give additional emphasis to architectural features such as building bases or wainscots, columns, brackets, cornices, capitals, and bands; or used as trim on doorframes, storefront elements, windows and window frames, railing shutters, ornament, fences, etc.

(j) Mechanical equipment and screening.

(1) Rooftop equipment such as mechanical equipment shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from the building façade walls, screened on all sides, and the screening shall be integrated into the overall building design.

(2) Mechanical equipment, such as ventilation systems, commercial exhaust fans, rooftop terminations, commercial cooling equipment, heating and air conditioning units, TV antennas, and satellite dishes, shall be hidden or screened from view. Architectural features or vegetation can be used to conceal mechanical equipment. Screen material shall be properly maintained. If vegetation is used for screening, the mature size of the vegetation shall be considered so that equipment air flow will not be compromised.

[Figure]

(k) Proportions of bays and openings. All building bays, including porches, colonnades and porticos as appropriate, shall be square or vertical in proportion, unless the design merits a horizontally-proportioned opening. Wall opening, except for transoms and storefronts, shall be square or vertical in proportion. The façade of a proposed building shall draw upon the proportion and number of bays in surrounding buildings, as defined by windows, doors, and column spacing, to establish a compatible scale.

(l) Garages and accessory structures. Attached garages, detached garages, and other accessory structures shall be subordinate in height, footprint, and proportion to the primary structure on the site, and shall be compatible with the principal structure in terms of roof form, materials, and color. Where a garage contains an accessory dwelling unit above, it may exceed the height of the primary structure.

(m) Utility and service equipment areas.

(1) Locate ancillary facilities within buildings, not along the street facing facade, to the maximum extent feasible. Where ancillary facilities such as trash receptacles and utility meters absolutely cannot be incorporated into a building, locate them at the rear of the site in freestanding, completely enclosed structures designed to be compatible with the architecture of the rest of the development.

(2) Loading docks, service areas, and trash disposal facilities shall be hidden or screened from view of streets, parks, squares, or significant pedestrian spaces. Service, utility and mechanical functions, including retail loading shall be located in alleys whenever present. When alleys are not present, service functions shall be placed behind buildings. Building design shall accommodate equipment with niches or insets.

(3) Trash and storage enclosures shall be architecturally integrated into the project design. Landscaping shall be provided adjacent to enclosures for screening and deterring graffiti.

(4) Build covered trash enclosures with durable materials such as stone, concrete block, steel, and heavy timber.

(5) The location of trash enclosures shall be easily accessible for trash collection and shall not impede general site circulation patterns during loading operations.

(6) Trash enclosures shall be required for multi-family developments that have five or more units.

(7) Locate electrical panels to minimize their visibility from the street, in locations such as side yard walls, and/or behind landscaped areas. Integrate them into the design of residential buildings to the maximum extent feasible.

(8) Minimize the visibility of utilities connections from the public street.

(n) Outdoor display of merchandise.

(1) Definition of "merchandise." For purposes of this section, merchandise is defined as any item that is for sale on the premises or is representative of an item that is for sale on the premises, regardless of whether that particular item is available for purchase.

(2) Arrangement. Merchandise shall be arranged and spaced so as not to clutter the front of the property, as determined by the Director of Community Development or designee.

(3) Location:

a. Merchandise shall not be place on the public sidewalk or within the right-of-way without the approval of the Director of Community Development or designee. If merchandise is displayed on any privately-owned sidewalk, a minimum of four feet of the sidewalk as measured from the curb must remain open and unobstructed to facilitate safe pedestrian circulation.

b. Areas designated for vehicular parking may not be used as outdoor display areas.

c. Merchandise shall not be displayed on public street furniture or landscaping.

(4) Designation in plans. Plans for new developments or reuse of an existing space shall clearly designate any areas for outdoor display of outdoor merchandise. Outdoor display of merchandise shall only occur in areas designated for such display on the approved plan.

(o) Trellises, marquees, and architectural canopies. Materials, colors, and form shall be derived from the building architecture.

[Figure]

(p) Balconies. Balconies are encouraged at upper stories to create visual interest, support an architectural style or context, and to provide outdoor spaces for upper story tenants. In addition to upper story balconies, recessed alcoves are recommended to increase the depth and usability of the balcony space and add visual interest to the façade composition.

(q) Awnings and shade devices.

(1) Durable materials that complement other building materials shall be used, including canvas, high quality fabric, and metal.

(2) Vinyl and plastic shall not be used.

(3) Colors shall complement the building style, materials, and colors.

(4) Awning mounting heights shall be consistent along the façade, unless varying mounting heights supports the architectural style.

(r) Security doors.

(1) To the degree possible, a roll-up security door shall be recessed behind the building façade wall surface.

(2) Horizontal sliding security grills shall be architecturally concealed when in fully opened position.

(s) Site landscaping.

(1) Landscaping shall be incorporated in order to create an active visual outlook for residential units, create usable open space, and provide privacy for adjacent residential units.

(2) Site landscaping treatments shall be designed to be attractive, with consistent design integrity throughout the project.

(3) Parking lots, driveways, and other automobile circulation areas shall be landscaped in order to improve the visual appearance of circulation and parking areas.

(4) Trees, landscape islands, shrubs, and groundcover shall be incorporated throughout parking areas.

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 30-396. - Pertaining to single-family home, duplex, multiplex, Rosewalk, Bungalow…¶

This section provides regulations and standards for new or renovated residential building types. These regulations encourage buildings that strengthen the quality and character of Fontana's neighborhoods and surrounding areas while providing opportunities for individuality and creativity.

(1) Building materials and colors.

a. Generally acceptable materials shall include stucco, wood siding, native rock and stone, split face, concrete and brick.

b. Generally prohibited materials shall include aluminum or plastic siding, corrugated fiberglass, and metal.

c. Generally acceptable colors shall include muted natural colors, earth tones, pastel colors, natural stains and accent colors to contrast eaves, trims, moldings and doors.

d. Generally prohibited colors shall include bright, fluorescent, or assertive colors as primary or accent wall colors.

(2) Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). Incorporate crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) concepts into the project design in order to create a safe built environment.

(3) Garages and accessory structures. Attached garages, detached garages, and other accessory structures shall be subordinate in height, footprint, and proportion to the primary structure on the site, and shall be compatible with the principal structure in terms of roof form, materials, and color. Where a garage contains an accessory dwelling unit above, it may exceed the height of the primary structure.

(4) Design criteria.

a. A variety of enhanced architectural features and materials shall be provided on every front elevation. This can include, but is not limited to, porches, bay windows, pop-outs, veneers, rock, brick, wood siding, etc., or similar features.

b. All garage doors shall be metal, sectional and roll-up.

c. Trim with a stucco covering may be painted in a contrasting color. The contrasting color shall be color-compatible with the color of the body of the structure.

d. Decorative trim consistent with the architectural design shall surround vents and windows to enhance the architecture of the structure.

e. Architectural treatment shall be provided on each chimneystack.

f. Wall-mounted, decorative lighting fixtures shall be provided at the front porch areas as well as on each side of the garage door. The style of the decorative lighting fixtures shall complement the architectural style.

g. All front doors shall provide a window or other decorative treatment, including, but not limited to, raised panels, metal work, etc.

h. Upgraded hardscape shall be used within the concrete walkway(s) leading to the front door of the house in order to complement the home's exterior architectural elements. Examples of upgraded hardscape includes, but is not limited to, decorative patterned scoring, exposed aggregate finishes, stamped concrete, etc.

(5) Screening of exterior equipment.

a. All mechanical equipment, ground-mounted equipment, utilities, storage, shall be screened from adjoining properties and public streets by a visual barrier such as a wall, fence, or landscape material. Where landscaping only is used for screening, it shall be planted with five-gallon (minimum size) shrubs spaced to provide a dense screen.

b. Roof-mounted mechanical equipment shall be hidden from view by building parapets of equal height. If building parapets do not provide adequate screening when observed from adjacent buildings, mechanical equipment shall be screened by designing the parapet so that it appears as an integrated part of the roof and overall architectural design.

c. Roof-mounted equipment shall not be permitted on the single-family home building type.

d. No exterior components of plumbing, processing, heating, cooling, and ventilating systems shall be mounted on any building wall unless they are an integrated architectural design feature.

(6) Central air conditioning or cooling system.

a. All new residential structures shall be equipped with a central air conditioning or cooling system.

b. For the purposes of this section, a "central air conditioning or cooling system" shall be defined as all that equipment, including associated refrigeration, intended or installed for the purpose of cooling air by mechanical means and discharging such air into a residential structure used for living purposes. A central air conditioning or cooling system shall not include portable cooling units, absorption units or evaporative coolers.

(7) Water heaters. Each dwelling unit shall have a separate hot water heater or may be provided with a centralized circulation water heating system sufficient to serve all dwelling units on the property.

(8) Laundry facilities. All multiple-residential units shall be provided washer and dryer hookups and laundry space within the unit or garage. The laundry area shall not infringe upon garage parking area. In the case of apartments, common laundry facilities may be included in addition to the individual unit hookups.

(9) Storage facilities. A separate area having a minimum of 125 cubic feet of private and secure storage space shall be provided for each unit.

a. Said storage area may be located within the garage, provided it does not interfere with garage use for automobile parking.

b. Normal closet and cupboard space within the dwelling unit shall not count toward meeting this requirement.

c. No storage shall be in a carport area.

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 30-396.1. - Downtown core design regulations (commercial, apartment, and mixed-use…¶

This Section provides regulations and standards for new or renovated commercial, apartment, and mixed-use building types.

(1) Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED): Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) concepts shall be incorporated into the project design in order to create a safe built environment.

(2) General facade composition: Buildings should generally be "four-sided," meaning that all facades (including sides and rear) shall be considered visible and treated with articulation and materials.

(3) Size, mass, and scale: The scale of buildings and accessory structures (including canopies) shall be appropriate to the scale of structures built, or anticipated, in that district. Height of buildings shall be proportionate to the number of stories proposed.

(4) Building materials:

a. Building wall materials shall be combined on each facade only horizontally, unless the building is broken vertically by a change of plane, or a vertical architectural element.

b. Building walls shall be finished in one or more of the following materials:

i. Wood

ii. Fiber cement board siding, smooth finish

iii. Reinforced concrete with stucco

iv. Brick

v. Corrugated metal, which may be approved by the Director of Planning based on the surrounding context and location on the site

vi. Other materials as approved by the Director of Planning, based on visual compatibility with listed approved materials

c. Doors shall be made of wood, metal, glass, or fiberglass.

(5) Roof materials:

a. Roof materials shall match or complement the proposed architectural style.

b. Roof materials that shall not be used include:

i. Stamped sheet metal used to simulate Mediterranean or Spanish roof tiles.

ii. Corrugated sheet metal.

iii. Lightweight asphalt shingles.

iv. Wood shakes or shingles.

(6) Roof forms: Where pitched roofs exist, primary roofs shall have a minimum slope of 4:12, while ancillary roof slopes may be no less than 2:12.

(7) Windows and doors:

a. Proportion and details.

i. Windows shall not be flush with exterior wall treatments. Windows shall be provided with an architectural surround at the jambs and header, and a projecting sill.

ii. Window openings may be grouped horizontally, but trim between windows shall be at least 3.5 inches wide. This does not apply to storefront windows.

b. Facade transparency: Building elevations that face the street shall have at least 40% of the first-floor wall area consist of windows and/or doors and 15% of upper floors.

(8) Architectural Details:

a. Shutters: Shutters shall be sized and placed so as to equal the width that would be required to cover the window opening.

b. Cornices: If cornices are used, then the cornices are required to delineate the tops of facades. Expression lines are required to delineate the divisions between the first floor and upper floors. Cornices and expression lines shall either be a molding or a jog in the surface plane of the building.

(9) Exterior building color:

a. Fluorescent colors shall not be used as primary wall colors or accent colors except when approved by the Director of Planning when the colors are appropriate for the surrounding area and enhance the visual interest of an area.

b. Colors that relate to or enhance the building's existing district character shall be used. Light colors such as different shades of whites and pastels are appropriate. Extremely bright colors shall not be used as primary wall colors.

c. Secondary colors shall complement the primary building color. They shall be lighter or darker values than the body color or use more saturated hues of the body color. Secondary colors can be used to give additional emphasis to architectural features such as building bases or wainscots, columns, brackets, cornices, capitals, and bands; or used as trim on doorframes, storefront elements, windows and window frames, railing shutters, ornament, fences, etc.

(10) Mechanical equipment and screening:

a. Rooftop equipment such as mechanical equipment shall be screened on all sides, and the screening shall be integrated into the overall building design.

b. Mechanical equipment, such as ventilation systems, commercial exhaust fans, rooftop terminations, commercial cooling equipment, heating and air conditioning units, TV antennas, and satellite dishes, shall be hidden or screened from view. Architectural features or vegetation can be used to conceal mechanical equipment. Screen material shall be properly maintained. If vegetation is used for screening, the mature size of the vegetation shall be considered so that equipment air flow will not be compromised.

(11) Proportions of bays and openings: All building bays, including porches, colonnades and porticos as appropriate, shall be square or vertical in proportion, unless the design merits a horizontally-proportioned opening. Wall opening, except for transoms and storefronts, shall be square or vertical in proportion. The facade of a proposed building shall draw upon the proportion and number of bays in surrounding buildings, as defined by windows, doors, and column spacing, to establish a compatible scale.

(12) Garages and accessory structures: Attached garages, detached garages, and other accessory structures shall be subordinate in height, footprint, and proportion to the primary structure on the site, and shall be compatible with the principal structure in terms of roof form, materials, and color. Where a garage contains an accessory dwelling unit above, it may exceed the height of the primary structure.

(13) Utility and service equipment areas:

a. Locate ancillary facilities within buildings, not along the street facing facade, to the maximum extent feasible. Where ancillary facilities such as trash receptacles and utility meters absolutely cannot be incorporated into a building, locate them at the rear of the site in freestanding, completely enclosed structures designed to be compatible with the architecture of the rest of the development.

b. Loading docks, service areas, and trash disposal facilities shall be hidden or screened from view of streets, parks, squares, or significant pedestrian spaces. Service, utility and mechanical functions, including retail loading shall be located in alleys whenever present. When alleys are not present, service functions shall be placed behind buildings. Building design shall accommodate equipment with niches or insets.

c. Trash and storage enclosures shall be architecturally integrated into the project design. Landscaping shall be provided adjacent to enclosures for screening and deterring graffiti.

d. Build covered trash enclosures with durable materials such as stone, concrete block, steel, and heavy timber.

e. The location of trash enclosures shall be easily accessible for trash collection and shall not impede general site circulation patterns during loading operations.

f. Trash service plan shall be provided, which shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Planning.

g. Locate electrical panels to minimize their visibility from the street, in locations such as side yard walls, and/or behind landscaped areas. Integrate them into the design of residential buildings to the maximum extent feasible.

h. Utility service connections shall be underground or screened, which shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Planning.

(14) Outdoor display of merchandise:

a. Definition of "merchandise": For purposes of this section, merchandise is defined as any item that is for sale on the premises or is representative of an item that is for sale on the premises, regardless of whether that particular item is available for purchase.

b. Arrangement: Merchandise shall be arranged and spaced so as not to clutter the front of the property, as determined by the Director of Planning or designee.

c. Location:

i. Merchandise shall not be placed on the public sidewalk or within the right-of-way without the approval of the Director of Planning or designee. If merchandise is displayed on any privately owned sidewalk, a minimum of four feet of the sidewalk as measured from the curb must remain open and unobstructed to facilitate safe pedestrian circulation.

ii. Areas designated for vehicular parking may not be used as outdoor display areas except as authorized in the Zoning and Development Code such as temporary use permits.

iii. Merchandise shall not be displayed on public street furniture or landscaping.

d. Designation in plans: Plans for new developments or reuse of an existing space shall clearly designate any areas for outdoor display of outdoor merchandise. Outdoor display of merchandise shall only occur in areas designated for such display on the approved plan.

(15) Trellises, marquees, and architectural canopies: Materials, colors, and form shall be derived from the building architecture

(16) Balconies: Balconies are encouraged at upper stories to create visual interest, support an architectural style or context, and to provide outdoor spaces for upper story tenants. In addition to upper story balconies, recessed alcoves are recommended to increase the depth and usability of the balcony space and add visual interest to the facade composition.

(17) Awnings and shade devices:

a. Durable materials that complement other building materials shall be used, including canvas, high quality fabric, and metal.

b. Vinyl and plastic shall not be used.

c. Colors shall complement the building style, materials, and colors.

d. Awning mounting heights shall be consistent along the facade, unless varying mounting heights supports the architectural style.

(18) Security doors:

a. Roll-up security doors shall be decorative, which shall be approved by the Director of Planning and recessed behind the building facade wall surface.

b. Horizontal sliding security grills shall be decorative, which shall be approved by the Director of Planning and shall be architecturally concealed when in fully opened position.

(19) Site landscaping:

a. Landscaping shall be incorporated in order to create an active visual outlook for residential units, create usable open space, and provide privacy for adjacent residential units.

b. Site landscaping treatments shall be designed to be attractive, with consistent design integrity throughout the project.

c. Parking lots, driveways, and other automobile circulation areas shall be landscaped in order to improve the visual appearance of circulation and parking areas.

d. Trees, landscape islands, shrubs, and groundcover shall be incorporated throughout parking areas.

(Ord. No. 1923, § 5(Exh. A), 9-12-23)

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 30-396.2. - Downtown core design regulations (residential buildings).¶

This section provides regulations and standards for new or renovated residential buildings that have individual entries from the public ROW or common open space. These regulations encourage buildings that strengthen the quality and character of Fontana's neighborhoods and surrounding areas while providing opportunities for individuality and creativity.

(1) Building materials and colors:

a. Generally acceptable materials shall include stucco, wood siding, native rock and stone, split face, concrete and brick.

b. Generally prohibited materials shall include aluminum or plastic siding, corrugated fiberglass, and metal.

c. Generally acceptable colors shall include muted natural colors, earth tones, pastel colors, natural stains and accent colors to contrast eaves, trims, moldings and doors.

d. Generally prohibited colors shall include bright, fluorescent, or assertive colors as primary or accent wall colors.

(2) Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED): Incorporate crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) concepts into the project design in order to create a safe built environment.

(3) Garages and accessory structures: Attached garages, detached garages, and other accessory structures shall be subordinate in height, footprint, and proportion to the primary structure on the site, and shall be compatible with the principal structure in terms of roof form, materials, and color. Where a garage contains an accessory dwelling unit above, it may exceed the height of the primary structure.

(4) Design criteria:

b. All garage doors shall be decorative, sectional, and roll-up.

c. Trim with a stucco covering may be painted in a contrasting color. The contrasting color shall be color-compatible with the color of the body of the structure.

d. Decorative trim consistent with the architectural design shall surround vents and windows to enhance the architecture of the structure.

e. Architectural treatment shall be provided on each chimneystack.

g. All front doors shall provide a window or other decorative treatment, including, but not limited to, raised panels, metal work, etc.

(5) Screening of exterior equipment:

c. No exterior components of plumbing, processing, heating, cooling, and ventilating systems shall be mounted on any building wall unless they are an integrated architectural design feature.

(6) Central air conditioning or cooling system:

a. All new residential structures shall be equipped with a central air conditioning or cooling system.

(7) Water heaters: Each dwelling unit shall have a separate hot water heater or may be provided with a centralized circulation water heating system sufficient to serve all dwelling units on the property.

(8) Laundry facilities: All multiple-residential units shall be provided washer and dryer hookups and laundry space within the unit or garage. The laundry area shall not infringe upon garage parking area. In the case of apartments, common laundry facilities may be included in addition to the individual unit hookups.

(9) Storage facilities: A separate area having a minimum of 125 cubic feet of private and secure storage space shall be provided for each unit.

a. Said storage area may be located within the garage, provided it does not interfere with garage use for automobile parking.

b. Normal closet and cupboard space within the dwelling unit shall not count toward meeting this requirement.

c. No storage shall be in a carport.

(Ord. No. 1923, § 5(Exh. A), 9-12-23)

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 30-397. - Fontana's architectural character.¶

This section contains an overview of the predominant architectural style in Fontana that have defined and will continue to define the character and identity of the city. The following architectural descriptions are provided to establish a basis for extending the City's heritage with the rehabilitation of existing buildings and the construction of new buildings. This information is intended to provide guidance for property owners, investors, developers and designers to make sensitive reference to, incorporate, and/or harmonize with characteristics of predominant architectural styles such as (but not limited to) massing, horizontal and vertical scale increments, façade composition, roof form, architectural elements, materials, and colors.

(1) Early 20thCentury Commercial Style (1900-1930). The Early 20th Century Commercial Style was a simple, economical and adaptable style that arose in reaction to the perception of overly ornate Victorian and Neoclassical styles. It incorporated classical principles of base, shaft and capital organization of massing and façade composition but without the classical orders, using simplified elements instead. The style was applied to all types of commercial and mixed-use buildings.

a. Roofs are flat, hipped, or gabled. A shaped parapet ("false front") commonly hides the roof profile at the storefront façade.

b. Front facades are flat, commonly with a shaped parapet at the roofline, occasionally with a projecting cornice instead or as well. The parapet is well-detailed with a continuous parapet cap or a built-up cornice.

c. Wall materials of the primary building are generally patterned masonry wall surfaces (brick, tile, etc.). Stucco (above the ground floor) and painted horizontal wood siding are also used with strong trim elements.

[Figure]

d. Ground floor storefront are contained within a large opening in the primary wall material. They may continue to use that material, or in many cases, the storefront has its own architecture and materials distinct from the building yet complementary to it.

e. Storefront glaze is composed of large panes of shop windows, with a continuous horizontal band of commercial clerestory windows above shop windows and the entrance door.

f. Fabric awnings are often used at or above commercial clerestory windows divided into segments to match window divisions rather than a single continuous awning.

g. The front entrance to upper story uses is distinct from the storefronts and is attractively details to be recognizable as not a storefront component.

h. Window and door shapes are simple and rectangular.

[Figure]

i. High quality materials such as glazed ceramic tile, painted carved wood, bronze door hardware, etc. are located at the ground level where customers and tenants encounter the building.

[Figure]

(2) Spanish Mission Revival/Mediterranean Style (1915-1935). Spanish Mission Revival and Mediterranean styles (and their sub-styles such as Spanish Colonial Revival) were period revivals that became popular in California beginning in the 1920s. The historic heritage of the California Missions and previous Spanish presence, the exotic imagery of Spain and Mexico in movies, and California's climate being likened to that of the Mediterranean were sources of inspiration. These styles were applied widely to commercial, civic, mixed-use, and residential buildings.

a. Roofs were typically finished in fired clay red "barrel" tile, sometimes mixed in with flat roofs with parapet walls with a shaped top profile. Roof domes with colorful ceramic tile are used at towers and important features of civic and religious buildings.

[Figure]

b. Both formal and informal arrangements of window and door openings are used. Arched openings are used individually and in sequence as arcades.

c. Storefront designs like those used within the Early 20th Century Commercial Style can occur within storefront openings on facades. Storefront materials and colors such as ceramic tile, dark painted woods, and dark metals are selected in coordination with overall building colors.

d. Wall colors are often white or light earth tones.

[Figure]

e. Dark painted or stained wood and dark metal (wrought iron) are used as trim and ornamental elements in Mission and Spanish styles, while light or colored trim may also be used in Mediterranean styles.

[Figure]

(3) Art Deco (1925-1950). Art Deco and its related styles (Streamline Moderne, Moderne, etc.) emerged as shifts in architectural and commercial fashion between the First and Second World Wars. They were inspired by changes in machine technology and popular taste. These styles were applied widely to commercial, civic, mixed-use, and residential buildings.

a. Building masses are composed of simple rectangular volumes or combinations of simple volumes, with flat roofs.

b. Wall planes are smooth with banded windows and "extruded" cornices and overhangs.

c. Other ornamental motifs of Art Deco include fan-like shapes, zigzag elements, chevrons, and stylized foliage; these are often applied to decorative panels.

d. Storefront designs similar to those used with the Early 20th Century Commercial Style typically occur within storefront openings.

e. Polished metal, glass block, and other industrial elements are used as trim and ornamental elements in Art Deco and related styles.

(4) Contemporary Styles (1950-Present). For the purposes of this plan, Contemporary Styles comprise those architectural styles that draw on Modernism, Post-Modernism, and other current styles in practice today. Most Contemporary Styles have drawn upon contemporary building materials and modern construction methods to create a visual identity that is distinct from historic architectural styles.

a. Building elements such as walls, windows, and roofs are often expressed as individual plans or forms. Windows can often be expressed as "voids" between walls, or act as entire wall plans. Where they are expressed as opening in walls, they are typically composed as a series of rhythmically or strategically placed "punched openings" for compositional purposes.

b. Flat roofs are frequently used, but roofs or portions of roofs are often treated as geometric forms that may stand out. Examples include barrel vaults, angled or curved plans, and extended overhangs. They may be accented with special materials, such as metal.

[Figure]

c. Contemporary Styles employ a wide palette of building materials. Metal cladding, concrete, glass, and tile as well as natural materials may be used. Materials as well as colors are often to define building volumes, planes, or functions.

d. Building colors may be composed of contrasting hues and tones, with individual building elements or forms emphasized through use of an accent color. Strong, saturated hues are often used to play off neutral hues.

Exceptions & meaning →