Article II — BIJOU/AL TAHOE COMMUNITY PLAN DESIGN STANDARDS

The purpose of the Bijou/Al Tahoe community plan design standards is to establish special design standards that will enable this community plan area to achieve the desired urban form. Design standards are based on area themes rather than use as identified by the following matrix:

All projects within the Bijou/Al Tahoe community plan area shall meet the standards contained within this chapter. In addition, all projects within this community plan are required to meet the city-wide design and lighting standards as well. Should a conflict occur between the city-wide standard and the community plan standard, the community plan standard shall apply. (Ord. 903; Code 1997 § 5-11)

Districts Map and Use Matrix Identification Bijou 1 Harrison 2 Lucky/Payless 3

• A. Permitted Uses. Refer to use matrix for each district.

• B. Height.

Standard: For all districts refer to TRPA Code of Ordinances, Chapters 15 and 22.

• C. Bulk.

Standard: For all districts, refer to redevelopment design element, SLTCC § 6.10.080(A)(2).

Special Standard: The following special bulk standards apply to:

Harrison (2):

1. It is encouraged that the building height vary at the back of the sidewalk from one to two floors.

• D. Coverage.

Standard: For all districts refer to the TRPA Code of Ordinances, Chapters 15 and 20.

• E. Setbacks.

Standard: For all districts refer to PAS and other land use regulations and city-wide design standards.

Special Standard: The following special setback standards apply to:

Harrison (2):

1. Those properties fronting Harrison Avenue, north of Los Angeles to Merced Avenue, buildings shall have a 10-foot setback from the right-of-way which may be reduced if the area is not required to implement the required public and scenic improvements. (Refer to Exhibit 10 of the Bijou/Al Tahoe community plan.)

2. Setbacks to accommodate sidewalk cafe size outdoor dining shall be a minimum depth of 15 feet.

• F. Site Design.

Standard: For all districts refer to city-wide design standards.

Special Standard: The following special site design standards apply to:

Harrison (2):

The urban design concept for this area is to create a retail streetscape permitting the pedestrian to window shop and enter the shops from the sidewalk.

To accomplish this, the following site design standards are required:

1. Those properties fronting Harrison Avenue, north of San Francisco Avenue to San Jose Avenue, buildings shall be designed as indicated on Exhibit 10 of the Bijou/Al Tahoe community plan, to maintain a unified appearance in the district.

   • a. Sidewalks, parking areas, and landscaping shall be designed as indicated on Exhibit 10 of the Bijou/Al Tahoe community plan to maintain a uniform appearance in the district.

   • b. Outdoor dining areas shall be visually attractive and visible from the pedestrian streetscape, by incorporating landscaping, street furniture and pedestrian oriented amenities.

• G. Architectural Treatment.

Standard: For all districts refer to city-wide design standards and South Tahoe redevelopment design element, SLTCC § 6.10.080(E).

Special Standard: The following special site design standards apply to:

Bijou (1):

1. Natural wood shall be used on all elevations of the exterior of all buildings (remodel or new construction). Stucco or stone materials may be blended with the wood to provide interest and variety.

2. A landscape boulevard theme (five-foot-wide meandering sidewalk, 10-foot turf strip between back of curb and sidewalk, conifer trees spaced 20 feet apart) shall be incorporated into every project (remodel or new construction), to provide a uniform setting.

3. Art in public places shall be reviewed by both the CSLT and TRPA prior to placement to avoid view blockage and ensure placement is within landscaped/pedestrian areas only. Public art should be reflective of the natural heritage and work to further develop a sense of identity for the area.

Harrison (2):

1. Buildings shall be well articulated and shall incorporate architectural features which reflect "Vintage Tahoe." Major changes in the facade (e.g., walls and roof lines) shall occur on a minimum 50-foot module to maintain the pedestrian character of the street.

2. To achieve "Vintage Tahoe," building designs shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:

   • a. Roof slopes of not less than 7:12 pitch, or more than 12:12;

   • b. Covered entrances;

   • c. Rock, brick, or real wood materials (klinker or used brick);

   • d. Frame windows (real wood, gridded glass).

3. The ground floor elevation of a building facing the sidewalk shall be visually and physically "penetrable" with transparent window surfaces, and entry points at frequent intervals (usually one per 50 feet).

4. Incorporate architectural elements to provide visual interest and relief from flat surfaces, such as textured materials, offset planes, differentiated piers and columns, recessed entries and windows and awnings.

5. Particular attention shall be given to the craftsmanship within the pedestrian's range of touch and view, such as the use of special store-front detailing, facade ornamentation, and flower boxes to reinforce the pedestrian character of the street.

6. Ground floor activities shall be limited to those which contribute to a pedestrian environment, such as retail and restaurant uses.

7. To unify and create a pedestrian oriented atmosphere, the following "Vintage Tahoe" amenities shall be incorporated into all projects:

   • a. Trash receptacles;

     • b. Street furniture;

     • c. Bicycle racks.

   8. Art in public places shall be reviewed by both the CSLT and TRPA prior to placement to avoid view blockage and ensure placement is within landscaped/pedestrian areas only. Public art should be reflective of the natural heritage and work to further develop a sense of identity for the area.

• H. Signage.

Standard: For all districts refer to the city sign ordinance, Chapter 6.40 SLTCC. Note: This community plan has its own specific set of sign standards in addition to the city-wide standards.

Special Standard: The following special standards shall apply to:

Harrison (2):

1. For properties between San Francisco and San Jose Avenues, free-standing signs shall be prohibited due to the pedestrian oriented development standards (setbacks).

2. Building signs shall be limited to 40 square feet based on the pedestrian atmosphere.

Special Standard: The following special standards shall apply to:

Bijou (1) and Lucky/Payless (3):

1. Free-standing signs shall be limited to those as permitted by the city-wide sign ordinance.

Conformance to the sign ordinance shall be required at the time a sign permit is issued or 15 years from the date of the adoption of the sign ordinance (amortization schedule).

2. Building signs shall be limited to those as as permitted by the city-wide sign ordinance.

• I. Parking.

Standard: For all districts refer to the city-wide driveway, parking, and loading space regulations in Article VII of this chapter.

Special Standard: The following standards shall apply to:

Harrison (2):

1. Parking shall be located only at the rear of all new development, or those properties which are "redeveloped" (building removed and rebuilt, excluding rebuild of foundation).

2. For properties between Los Angeles and San Jose Avenues, which front Harrison Avenue, parking may be permitted as indicated on Exhibit 10 of the Bijou/Al Tahoe community plan, to be consistent with the plan for the area. This on-street parking shall not be calculated as project area or project specific parking, unless Harrison Avenue is abandoned by the CSLT to the adjoining properties.

Special Standard: All districts.

1. Existing and new parking areas shall be upgraded through the use of permanent landscaping (including, at a minimum, irrigation system, mounding and trees/shrubs which include conifer plantings) to ensure screening of the vehicles. Interior parking lot landscaping shall be set as a high priority within all districts to screen vehicles.

• J. Public Improvements.

Standard: For all districts refer to redevelopment design element, SLTCC § 6.10.080(E)(9), citywide design standards, and city lighting standards.

Special Standard: The following standards apply to:

Bijou (1) and Lucky/Payless (3):

1. Projects subject to the requirements of the city-wide design standards shall be conditioned to provide the following improvements where applicable.

   • a. Five- to 10-foot-wide sidewalks.

   • b. Six-inch vertical concrete curbs unless otherwise required by Caltrans or the city of South Lake Tahoe.

   • c. Conifer trees planted 30 feet on center and pockets of shrubs planted 20 feet on center.

   • d. Pedestrian street lights 12 feet high, 50 feet on center or low level lights 25 feet on center.

   • e. Transit shelters design shall be reviewed jointly by the CSLT, and STAGE, to insure uniformity and screening with landscaping.

The improvements should be consistent with the typical sections provided as guidelines below or approved area-wide improvement plans. The detailed specifications of the improvements shall be established at the time of project approval by TRPA, the city of South Lake Tahoe, and Caltrans.

U.S. Highway 50 Cross-Section Guideline. Four travel lanes, median divider or center turn lane, four-foot bike lanes, 30-foot building setbacks from property line, limited access, no parking, six-foot sidewalk, lighting and landscaping. Option 1 is for pedestrian districts or developments with limited space in pedestrian areas. Option 2 is for strip commercial districts and noncommercial/tourist areas.

Arterials Cross-Section Guideline (Johnson Boulevard, Al Tahoe Boulevard, Rufus Allen Boulevard). Two travel lanes with four-foot bike lanes, 40- to 80-foot right-of-way with 10-foot building setbacks from the property line, five-foot sidewalks, limited access, no parking, lighting and landscaping.

Local Commercial Streets Guideline. Two 12-foot travel lanes (with parking option), 40-foot right-of-way with 10-foot building setbacks from the property line, six-foot sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping.

Street Improvements. The street amenities established by the city of South Lake Tahoe shall be placed throughout the district to provide unity. The city and Caltrans shall establish the curb line and flow lines for all frontages consistent with the cross sections.

Street Lighting. At intersections and when required by traffic safety, street lighting shall meet the standards of Caltrans or city of South Lake Tahoe. In other areas the street lights 12 feet high shall be spaced 50 feet on center along the curb. Harrison (2):

1. Projects subject to the requirements of the city-wide design standards shall be conditioned to provide the following improvements where applicable. (Refer to Exhibit 10 of the Bijou/Al Tahoe community plan.)

   • a. Five- to 10-foot-wide sidewalks.

   • b. Six-inch vertical concrete curbs unless otherwise required by Caltrans or the city of South Lake Tahoe.

   • c. Conifer trees planted 30 feet on center and pockets of shrubs planted 20 feet on center.

   • d. Street lighting shall be provided through the use of fixtures placed on the structures and pole lights shall be prohibited.

• e. Replace the existing pole lights in the El Dorado boat ramp parking area with new lights which conform to the city-wide lighting standards.

The improvements should be consistent with the typical sections provided as guidelines below or approved area-wide improvement plans. The detailed specifications of the improvements shall be established at the time of project approval by TRPA, the city of South Lake Tahoe, and Caltrans.

Street Improvements. The street amenities established by the city of South Lake Tahoe shall be placed throughout the district to provide unity. The city and Caltrans shall establish the curb line and flow lines for all frontages consistent with the cross sections.

Street Lighting. At intersections and when required by traffic safety street lighting shall meet the standards of Caltrans or city of South Lake Tahoe lighting standards. In other areas the street lights 12 feet high shall be spaced 50 feet on center along the curb. The recommended style of the lights is provided in the appendix pertaining to the adopted CSLT lighting standards.

(Ord. 903; Code 1997 § 5-12)

Districts Map and Use Matrix Identification Town Center 4

• A. Permitted Uses. Refer to use matrix for district uses.

• B. Height.

Standard: Refer to TRPA Code of Ordinances, Chapter 37.

Special Standard: The following shall apply to:

Lake Tahoe Community College property:

Height issues for this site shall be addressed by TRPA on an individual project basis, and may be in excess of TRPA Code of Ordinances, Chapters 15 and 22, based on project setback, visibility, or other design criteria.

El Dorado County and city properties located in 56-Acre project area:

For public and quasi-public owned buildings, the maximum height permitted is 42 feet, with no minimum cross slope or roof pitch requirements, provided TRPA makes Finding 1, Finding 3, Finding 4, Finding 5, Finding 7, and Finding 8 of Section 37.7.

• C. Bulk.

Standard: Refer to redevelopment design element, Sections 1 and 2.

• D. Coverage.

Standard: Refer to TRPA Code of Ordinances, Chapter 30.

• E. Setbacks.

Standard: Refer to City-Wide Design Manual, Section 3 of Chapter 1 and 2.

Special Standard: In addition to the city-wide design standards, the following shall apply to specific properties located within the town center district, including:

The vacant seven-and-one-half-acre parcel north of Al Tahoe and west of Johnson Boulevard (adjacent to the existing El Dorado County Government Center) shall require a minimum of a 50-foot setback from Johnson Boulevard and an increased interior sideyard setback of 20 feet in that area of the property adjoining the residentially developed district.

The vacant 12-acre parcel, north of Al Tahoe and east of Johnson Boulevard (adjacent to Bijou Community Park) shall require a minimum of a 50-foot setback from Johnson Boulevard for

development.

Development on the Lake Tahoe Community College property shall have a minimum setback of 50 feet from Al Tahoe Boulevard.

• F. Site Design.

Standard: Refer to City-Wide Design Manual, Section 2, Chapters 1 and 2.

Special Standard: In addition to the City-Wide Design Manual, the following standards shall apply to the entire town center:

1. A natural forest setting shall be preserved by designing projects that maintain the maximum number of trees, shrubs, boulders, and other natural amenities at a project site. Landscaping shall be designed to blend with the native surroundings, including trees, shrubs, ground covers and flowers.

2. Sidewalks shall connect all buildings within project area.

• G. Architectural Treatment.

Standard: Refer to City-Wide Design Standards, Section 2 of Chapters 1 and 2 and city lighting standards.

Special Standard: In addition to the city-wide design standards, the following standards shall apply:

1. Buildings shall be designed with interest (no box forms, variations in elevation, etc.) and shall incorporate architectural features which blend with the surrounding buildings.

2. Wood siding or natural appearing siding shall be used on the exterior of all remodeled newly constructed buildings.

3. Roofs shall have a minimum pitch of 5:12 and a maximum roof pitch of 12:12. Roofs may have a minimum pitch of 0:12 on public and quasi-public owned buildings within El Dorado County and City Properties located in 56-Acres project area.

   4. Real stone shall be incorporated into the building design. Manufactured stone may be used on a project only if the applicant demonstrates the application of the stone will appear "real."

   5. All projects shall incorporate day use amenities, including outdoor furniture, bicycle racks and trash receptacles.

• H. Signage.

Standard: For all districts refer to the city sign ordinance, Chapter 6.40 SLTCC. Note: This community plan has its own specific set of sign standards in addition to the city-wide standards.

Special Standard: The following special standard shall apply to the Chamber of Commerce office area, adjacent to the campground by the lake:

1. The existing "Community Banner" area may be maintained and used for the purpose of displaying a maximum of three banners at a time, and shall be displayed for community events only. Banner size requirement shall be restricted to the physical limits of the display area. Banner colors shall conform to the city-wide ordinance standards, dark background and light letters. Banner permits are not required from the CSLT, however, the Chamber of Commerce is to maintain a record of banner activity (when displayed, length of time, and by whom). The existing structure which holds up the banner should be improved aesthetically.

Special Standard: The following special standard shall apply to:

The area within the Government Center identified as the "Special Events Area":

1. When a special event is approved for the above noted site, by the CSLT parks and recreation and planning departments, one banner (visible from a public right-of-way) may be placed at the site. Any banner placed at the site shall conform to size, color, and placement standards as set forth in the city-wide sign ordinance. This banner may be placed in a location other than in the community banner display area. Any banner placed within the interior boundaries of the special events area, which is not visible from a street shall not be considered the allowed banner.

• I. Parking.

Standard: For all districts refer to the city-wide driveway, parking, and loading space regulations in Article VII of this chapter.

Special Standard: The following special standard shall apply to:

The area within the campground by the lake, which fronts Lake Tahoe Boulevard, bounded by the Senior Citizens Center and Chamber of Commerce:

1. To encourage the "special event center" improvements within the campground by the lake, the parking which is currently located in the above described area shall be relocated and combined with other existing on-site parking areas, except for the adequate number of spaces which are required by the City Parking Code for the Chamber of Commerce and Lake Tahoe Museum.

Special Standard: The following special standard shall apply to:

The area currently identified as the El Dorado County Government Center (courthouse, jail, etc.), bounded by Al Tahoe and Johnson Boulevards:

1. Parking facilities which front Johnson Boulevard shall be screened by landscaping improvements (mounding, shrubs, trees, including conifers, etc.). This standard shall apply to new construction or remodeled buildings upon the submittal and approval of a project application with TRPA. The landscape improvements shall be reviewed and approved by both TRPA and the CSLT.

2. Construction of new government offices on the seven and one-half acre vacant parcel, north of the El Dorado County government offices shall require joint review by TRPA, CSLT, and the applicant, regarding the potential for combined/shared parking facilities and access to the project areas.

Special Standard: The following shall apply to all new projects or projects which increase the square footage of an existing structure:

1. Interior parking shall be improved through the placement of permanent landscaping to screen vehicles.

• J. Public Improvements.

Standard: Refer to redevelopment design element, SLTCC § 6.10.080(E)(9), and city-wide design standards.

Special Standard: The following special public improvement standard applies to:

Government Center (4):

1. Projects subject to the requirements of the city-wide design standards shall be conditioned to provide the following improvements where applicable:

   • a. Five- to 10-foot-wide sidewalks.

• b. Six-inch vertical concrete curbs unless otherwise required by Caltrans or the city of South Lake Tahoe.

• c. Street trees, including conifers, 30 feet on center and pockets of shrubs planted 20 feet on center or a combination of both subject to an approved landscape plan.

• d. Pedestrian street lights 12 feet high, 50 feet on center or low level lights 25 feet on center. In the El Dorado Beach area only low level lights shall be permitted.

• e. Transit shelter design shall be reviewed by CSLT and STAGE to insure uniformity and screening through the use of permanent landscaping.

The improvements should be consistent with the typical sections provided as guidelines below or approved area-wide improvement plans. The detailed specifications of the improvements shall be established at the time of project approval by TRPA, the city of South Lake Tahoe, and Caltrans.

U.S. Highway 50 Cross-Section Guideline. Four travel lanes, median divider or center turn lane, four-foot bike lanes, 30-foot building setbacks from property line, limited access, no parking, sixfoot sidewalk, lighting and landscaping. Option 1 is for pedestrian districts or developments with limited space in pedestrian areas. Option 2 is for strip commercial districts and noncommercial/tourist areas.

Arterials Cross-Section Guideline (Johnson Boulevard, Al Tahoe Boulevard, Rufus Allen Boulevard). Two travel lanes with four-foot bike lanes, 40- to 80-foot right-of-way with 10-foot building setbacks from the property line, five-foot sidewalks, limited access, no parking, lighting and landscaping.

Local Commercial Streets Guideline. Two 12-foot travel lanes (with parking option), right-of-way with 10-foot building setbacks from the property line, six-foot sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping.

(Ord. 903; Ord. 1159 § 1 (Exh. 1); Code 1997 § 5-13)