5-2F-6: - ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE PLAN REVIEW REQUIRED.

Hidden Hills Zoning Code · 2026-07 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Hidden Hills

No building, structure, sign, wall, fence or landscaping shall be erected, constructed, altered or remodeled unless an architectural and site plan is reviewed and approved by the Planning Agency.

  • A. Architectural Style:

    1. The general architectural style for this Commercial Zone shall reflect and complement the residential architecture in the City. The style will feature the extensive use of masonry building materials, such as brick, stone and stone veneers; also wood or simulated wood (e.g., board and batten), aluminum, vinyl and steel siding. Exterior-plaster ("stucco") finishes may be utilized if approved by the Planning Agency.

    2. Siding materials, such as concrete, whether textured or untextured, exterior plywood, mirror and nonreflective glass shall not be utilized.

    3. Roofs shall be steeply pitched (minimum 4:12), with prominent eaves unless the Planning Agency, as part of the Architectural and Site Plan review, determines that an alternative roof design is equally or more compatible with the residential architectural style of the City. Materials shall have a Class A rating, as defined in the Uniform Building Code, and shall simulate the appearance of natural wood shakes.

    4. Windows shall be designed and located to prevent any views from buildings within the Commercial-Restricted Zone to the rear yard or interior living space of any neighboring residential property.

  • B. Standard of Review: The Planning Agency shall approve an architectural and site plan application only if it makes all of the following findings:

The proposed plan is consistent with the general plan and any specific plan adopted for the area.

  1. The proposed plan will not adversely affect existing and anticipated development in the vicinity and will promote harmonious development of the area.

  2. The nature, configuration, location, density, height and manner of operation of any commercial development proposed by the plan will not significantly and adversely interfere with the use and enjoyment of residential properties in the vicinity of the subject property.

  3. The proposed plan will not create any significantly adverse traffic impacts, traffic safety hazards, pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, or pedestrian safety hazards.

  4. The plan for the proposed building or structure is in conformity with good taste and good design and, in general, contributes to the image of Hidden Hills as a place of beauty, spaciousness, broad vistas, and high quality.

  5. The proposed plan will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare.

In approving the application, the Planning Agency may impose such conditions as it deems appropriate to protect the public health, safety and general welfare.

  • C. Incentives: Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, the Planning Agency may authorize a Floor Area Ratio of up to 1.2:1 and may reduce the required yards for a development, provided that no yard abutting a residentially zoned property shall be less than ten feet, if the Planning Agency determines that:

  1. The design of the proposed development has provided substantial open space in addition to the required yards and such open space can be viewed from the public right-of-way;

    1. The design of the proposed development has provided screened, covered or subterranean parking so that vehicles parked at the subject site are not visible from adjacent properties or the public right-of-way;

    2. The architectural design of the building is of superior quality and appropriately modulated or set back to avoid impacts from massing;

    3. The landscaping of the project site is sufficiently mature and dense upon installation that it immediately contributes to the image of Hidden Hills as a heavily landscaped community; and

    4. The proposed design is compatible with the prevailing architecture of the City of Hidden Hills.

  • D. Procedure:

    1. Application: A complete application for Architectural and Site Plan Review shall be submitted to the Planning Department in accordance with the City's list of application materials and checklist for plot plan and elevation drawings. All such applications shall be accompanied by the then current application fee established pursuant to City Council resolution.

Administration: Following receipt of a complete application, as determined, in writing, by the Planning Director, copies of the plans shall be transmitted to the Hidden Hills Community Association, Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff's Departments, local utility purveyors and any other outside agency, which, in the opinion of the Planning Director, may have necessary or useful comments concerning the proposed development plan. 

  3. Concept Review: At least 30 days prior to the public hearing in accordance with paragraph 4 below, or at the applicant's option, prior to the submission of an application in accordance with paragraph 1 above, the Planning Agency shall conduct a concept review of the application. The purpose of the concept review is to allow the applicant to present a proposed project, in a preliminary form, to the public and to the City Council, sitting as the Planning Agency. Upon conclusion of the presentation, the Planning Agency may ask questions of the applicant and may identify issues and concerns of the Planning Agency that should be addressed at the public hearing. The Planning Agency shall not make any decision regarding the application at the concept review meeting or otherwise take any action to approve or disapprove the application prior to the conclusion of the public hearing on the application. Notice of the concept review meeting will be provided in the same manner as a notice for a public hearing under paragraph 4.

e addressed at the public hearing. The Planning Agency shall not make any decision regarding the application at the concept review meeting or otherwise take any action to approve or disapprove the application prior to the conclusion of the public hearing on the application. Notice of the concept review meeting will be provided in the same manner as a notice for a public hearing under paragraph 4. 

  4. Public Hearing: A public hearing shall be held by the Planning Agency to consider an application for Architectural and Site Plan approval. At least ten days prior to such hearing, notice of the time, place and purpose of the public hearing shall be sent by first class mail to each property within the City. In addition, notice shall be provided through posting of notices at the places specified in Section 1-9-1 of this Code. At the public hearing, the applicant shall present to the Planning Agency renderings of the proposed development, and a scaled, threedimensional model or animated computer simulation of the proposed development.

  • E. Commencement of Construction. Construction of the improvements permitted by any approved architectural and site plan review shall commence within one year from the date of approval or the approval will expire. The approval may be extended by the Planning Director for up to three additional years if the Planning Director determines that the provisions of this Code governing the proposed development have not materially changed since the approval. The applicant shall request the extension in writing and pay an extension fee equivalent to the actual costs incurred in determining whether an extension is appropriate.

  • (Ord. No. 318, § 2, 3-14-05; Ord. No. 363, § 1, 6-26-17)

5-2F-7: - PENALTIES.

Any violation of the provisions of this Chapter or any condition imposed pursuant to this Chapter may result in the suspension or revocation of the violator's business license or other permit to operate. Such suspension or revocation is in addition to any other sanctions authorized by Federal, State, County or City laws and regulations.

  • (Ord. No. 318, § 2, 3-14-05)