Humboldt County Municipal Code § 31.1.6 Design Guidelines

The purpose of these provisions is to encourage planned developments, and to allow flexibility

in the administration of the development standards in this division for the purpose of: (Former Section CZ#A314-62(A))

made features; (Former Section CZ#A314-62(A)(1))

open space, recreation areas, and neighborhood commercial services; (Former Section CZ#A314-62(A)(2))

standards and application of less rigid development criteria where such flexibility can better provide for the protection and enhancement of designated sensitive habitats and cultural resources provided all the required findings for approving subdivisions can be made; (Former Section CZ#A314-62(A)(3); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

Director and the applicant agree that to do so would be in the public interest and best interests of the applicant: (Former Section CZ#A314-62(B)(2))

or combination thereof are proposed; (Former Section CZ#A314-62(B)(2)(a))

nonresidential development; (Former Section CZ#A314-62(B)(2)(b))

better means of carrying out the intent of the County General Plan. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(B)(2)(c))

Planned Unit Developments shall be permitted on lots of twenty

thousand (20,000) square feet or larger. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(C))

The principally permitted use types in the applicable zoning district shall also be

permitted in the Planned Unit Development. Conditionally permitted use types may be permitted with a Use Permit. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(D))

The following development standard modifications may be

approved by the Planning Commission reviewing the Planned Unit Development permit applications only if it is determined that the means of accommodating the proposed development standard modifications would not have an adverse effect on coastal resources. If, however, the County determines that the means for accommodating the proposed development standard modifications proposed by the applicant would have an adverse effect on coastal resources, the County shall not grant the development standard modification: (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E))

(25%) if the development incorporates extraordinary public benefits such as enhancement of sensitive habitats, visual resources, or cultural resources, development and maintenance of public access to recreational areas, or at least forty percent (40%) of the total lot area of the PUD is reserved for common open space areas which conform to all the following requirements: (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E)(1)(a); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

CZ#A314-62(E)(1)(a); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

CZ#A314-62(E)(1)(a); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

exceed ten percent (10%) and shall be suitably improved for its intended purpose. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E)(1)(a); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

provided with a permanent watering system adequate to maintain such areas in a healthy condition. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E)(1)(a); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

with any other density bonus allowed by County or State regulations so long as densities greater than 35% would not result and the means of accommodating the density bonus would not have an adverse effect on coastal resources as that term is defined in Section 112.1.6.5 and would be consistent with all applicable LCP policies and development standards. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E)(1)(b); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98, Amended by Ord. 2383, 2/27/07)

improvement of the common open space areas and the construction of dwelling units in order that each development stage may achieve a proportional share of the total common open space. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E)(1)(c); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

public agency, or equivalent organization. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E)(1)(d); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

considered to lower the area of a parcel for purposes of density calculation. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E)(1)(e); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

calculating permitted densities. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E)(1)(f); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

The applicable lot size standards may be modified to carry out the intent of the

Planned Unit Development Regulations, provided all other development standards set forth herein are either met, or modified pursuant to this subsection. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E)(2))

The applicable lot coverage standards shall apply, except that building

coverage shall be calculated over the entire development instead of being applicable to each lot in the development. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E)(3))

requirements stipulated for the zone; (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E)(4)(b))

The applicable Building Type requirements shall apply except

that the Hearing Officer may permit other Building Types as part of an approval of the Planned Unit Development Permit. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(E)(5))

These guidelines shall be considered by architects, engineers, and other persons

involved in designing Planned Unit Developments, and by the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors in reviewing them. The guidelines recognize that while few people are in complete accord on what makes a well designed project, there is general agreement on a number of basic design principles, which are enumerated as follows. Consideration of these guidelines does not eliminate or supersede the need to comply with all other applicable requirements of the certified LCP (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

the site. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(1); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

become the basis of the design of lots, roads, and other open spaces in the PUD. They add permanence and a sense of continuity to new developments, and new landscaping will take many years to provide the same benefits that mature existing vegetation will provide immediately. In some cases, native landscaping can be replaced in phases if part of a long-term plan to create a different landscaping effect. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(1); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

that disturbance of steeper hillsides is minimized. Where the size and topography of the site requires development on hillsides, new construction and grading should follow the natural contours of the landscapes, fitting the site rather than altering the landform to accommodate buildings. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(1); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

slopes should be sited adjacent to existing major vegetation, where the major vegetation is retained. The height of buildings constructed near ridgelines should not affect the ridgeline silhouette. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(1); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

(Former Section

CZ#A314-62(F)(1); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

quickly as possible. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(1); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

Few, if any,

dwellings should front upon a collector street. This will restrict the amount of traffic in front of homes, which in turn promotes safety to children, pedestrians, pets, and even parked cars on the street. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(2); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

other prominent natural features, or result in excess grading, roads should be divided to preserve those features. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(2); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

Where shoulders are required for stormwater management on residential streets, the shoulders should be grass surfaced wherever possible. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(2); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/ 7/98)

alleys can be a beneficial means of providing a second automobile access to narrow lots. Although it is generally more desirable for alleys to connect a street at both ends, in some cases, dead end alleys with turnarounds may be permitted. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(2); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

the good looks of a building than anything else. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(3); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

CZ#A314-62(F)(3); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

(Former

Section CZ#A314-62(F)(3); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

individual carports and garages should be designed to accommodate no more than four (4) vehicles. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(3); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

strip at least five (5) feet wide should be provided between the parking lot and the street. This strip should have a fence, berm, wall or landscaping hedge that is three (3) feet high at the edge closest to the parking lot. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(3); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

lines where a parking lot for five (5) or more cars adjoins a property line of a residential use. Raised earth mounds with landscaping may be used in place of fencing. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(3); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

front of parked cars to be within fifteen (15) feet of the front of a living unit. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(3); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

Building size is not

necessarily a major concern in design; the size of large buildings can be visually reduced by providing changes in the depth of the facade (both vertical and horizontal), and changes in facade materials. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(4); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

similar roof types, siding materials, color schemes, architectural details, and landscaping design. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(4); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

away from streets and parking areas. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(4); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/ 7/98)

(Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(5); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

common laundry room or in-unit connections for washers and dryers. A rule of thumb for common laundry facilities is one washer/dryer in a four-plex, and one additional washer/dryer for each additional six (6) units, although family units will probably require more. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(5); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

collection. These areas should be conveniently placed, screened off from sight, directly accessible for the garbage and recycling trucks, and sited where early morning collection will not disturb residents. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(5); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

(Former Section CZ#A314-62(F)(5); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 35, 4/7/98)

Planned Unit Developments shall be appropriately located with respect to streets and

highways or other transportation facilities so as to encourage smooth traffic flow with controlled turning movements and minimum hazards to pedestrians, passing traffic, or to traffic entering and leaving the development. Merging and turnout lanes shall be required if they are needed due to existing or anticipated flows of passing traffic, or traffic from or to the Planned Unit Development. The need for such lanes shall be determined by the Planning Division of the Community Development Services Department, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(G)(1))

efficient and safe circulation to all uses. Pedestrian paths and bikeways shall be clearly signed and have adequate crossing facilities where warranted. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(G)(2))

traffic flow with controlled turning movements, and to minimize hazards to pedestrians, passing traffic, or to traffic entering and leaving the development. Merging and turnout lanes shall be required where existing or anticipated flows of passing traffic or traffic from or to the Planned Unit Development indicate the need for such lanes, as specified in subsection 31.1.7.1, Access. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(G)(2))

Siting of roadways and parking areas shall be consistent

with the character of the site, avoiding excessive cuts and fills. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(G)(3))

The following will be the minimum off-street parking requirements for dwelling

units and permitted commercial uses in a residential Planned Unit Development: (Former Section CZ#A314-62(G)(4))

Regulations. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(G)(4)(a))

Loading Standards except that: (Former Section CZ#A314-62(G)(4)(b))

they serve; and (Former Section CZ#A314-62(G)(4)(b)(i))

two (2) dwelling units. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(G)(4)(b)(ii))

Sufficient parking space may be required for storage of residents'

recreational vehicles. If required, a recreational vehicle parking area shall be located so as to be compatible with the surrounding land use. If located along the outer fringe of the Planned Unit Development, it shall be adequately screened from vision from the adjacent properties. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(G)(5))

for firefighting equipment around buildings; (Former Section CZ#A314-62(H)(3))

A non-profit incorporated owners association, or an alternative acceptable to

County Counsel, shall be required if other satisfactory arrangements, such as County Service Area, have not been made for improving, operating and maintaining common facilities, including open space, streets, drives, service and parking areas, and recreation areas. (Former Section CZ#A314-62(I))

313-32 “Q” Combining Zone Designations