Ventura Municipal Code Art. 8 Street and Streetscape Standards

A. Purpose. This article identifies the street and streetscape types allowed within the Midtown area, and provides design standards for each type, to ensure that proposed development is consistent with the city’s goals for character and quality of the public realm of the street.

B. Applicability.

1. This article applies to alleys and the various configurations of Main Street and Thompson Boulevard respectively. The proposed standards herein are conceptual and will be studied and may be revised accordingly during the Mobility Plan and Midtown Community Plan. Development projects do not need to comply with this article.

2. Corner lots located on Main Street and Thompson Boulevard shall provide a 10-foot-wide sidewalk along the side street.

2005 GENERAL PLAN

Main Street

Currently a commerce-oriented area with a limited amount of mixed-use development, this corridor displays the broadest range of architectural types and styles in the city, as well as the widest spectrum of transect characteristics. It has the most potential for increased mixed use and housing with improved streetscape and pedestrian enhancement to slow traffic.

Thompson Boulevard

A commercial thoroughfare in need of streetscape improvements and pedestrian amenities, this corridor is much like Main Street in that it boasts tremendous history as a “gateway to Ventura” and epitomizes a beach town character. It is a natural for a major transit or streetcar corridor, where nodes of mixed-use development and pedestrian and bike enhancement could support parallel neighborhoods and increase access to the ocean.

Chapter 3: Our Well Planned and Designed Community

[Figure] [Figure] [Figure]

(Formerly 24M.208.010)

A. Description. Alleys are located in the rear of lots and provide the primary vehicular access to residential as well as nonresidential property. Garages are oriented to and accessed from alleys. Garages are located a minimum of four feet from the rear property line and may be set back further to allow for parking in front of the garage (maximum setback: 24 feet). All pavement beyond the 12-foot travel lane shall be enhanced pavement (E.P.). Enhanced pavement can be permeable or nonpermeable, and includes types such as brick, stone or grass pavers, exposed aggregate concrete, or stamped and stained concrete. Trash cans, gas and electric meters and other utilities are located in the alleys.

[Figure]

(Formerly 24M.208.020)

A. Existing Condition. From approximately Lincoln Drive to N. Catalina St., Main Street is defined by one- and two-story buildings which are primarily of a residential character. Many of these buildings were constructed in the early 1920s and reflect a distinct and historically significant architectural period. This segment of Main Street represents the edge of the surrounding neighborhoods and has therefore been identified as a T4.5 zone. The northern streetscape is defined by stoops and dooryards towards the west and shopfronts toward the east. The southern streetscape is defined almost entirely by shopfronts. It is an urban thoroughfare with two travel lanes, a turning lane, a bike lane and parallel parking each side. The pedestrian experience is fairly austere as no landscape elements exist, only archaic serpent-head street lights and power poles.

[Figure]

B. Proposed Approach. The proposed alterations are focused on maintaining the existing street’s residential character and increasing the quality of the pedestrian experience. Main Street is almost exclusively a commercial street with a few mixed-use buildings. Future development on Main Street should maintain the established streetscape and land use pattern. Buildings should not exceed two stories in height and, where appropriate, be provided with awnings that strengthen a sense of enclosure for shoppers and strollers. The pedestrian experience should be enhanced with sidewalks that have street trees in wells and pedestrian-scale lighting. The existing on-street parallel parking helps to support the businesses along both sides of Main Street.

Recommended Adjustments.

1. Decrease the bike lane to five feet, each side.

2. Decrease the parking lane to eight feet, each side.

3. Increase the sidewalk to seven feet, each side.

4. Add five-foot tree wells at 30 feet o.c., each side.

5. Relocate power poles underground.

6. Replace serpent-head street lights with single-head column street lights.

[Figure]

(Formerly 24M.208.030)

A. Existing Condition. From approximately N. Catalina Street to Seaward Avenue, Main Street is defined by the Ventura High School campus on the north and by nondescript one-story buildings on the south. This segment of Main Street represents the edge of the surrounding neighborhoods and has therefore been identified as a T4.5 zone. The Ventura High School buildings are set back considerably from the right-of-way; given the size of the campus, this creates a significant interruption in the rhythm of the Main Street frontage. The southern streetscape is defined by a combination of shopfronts, gas-station and vacant lots. The combination of frontage types along this segment of Main Street does not provide a unified or distinct character. Main Street is an urban thoroughfare with four travel lanes, a turning lane, and parallel parking on one side. The pedestrian experience is weak given that there are limited and inconsistent landscape elements, archaic serpent-head street lights and power poles.

[Figure]

B. Proposed Approach. The proposed alterations are focused on establishing the street’s character and increasing the quality of the pedestrian experience. Future development on Main Street should establish a streetscape and complement the existing land use pattern. Buildings should not exceed three stories in height and, where appropriate, be provided with awnings that strengthen a sense of enclosure for shoppers and strollers. The pedestrian experience should be enhanced with sidewalks that have consistent street tree species and pedestrian-scale lighting. The existing on-street parallel parking is adequate to support the businesses along the southern edge of Main Street.

Recommended Adjustments.

1. Decrease the parking lane to eight feet, one side.

2. Increase the sidewalk to 12 feet, one side.

3. Add five-foot tree wells at 30 feet o.c., each side.

4. Relocate power poles underground.

5. Replace serpent-head street lights with single-head column street lights.

[Figure]

(Formerly 24M.208.031)

A. Existing Condition. From approximately Seaward Avenue to Loma Vista Road, Main Street is defined by one- and two-story buildings which are primarily of a commercial nature. This segment of Main Street represents the edge of the neighborhood and has therefore been identified as a T4.5 zone. The northern and southern streetscapes are defined by shopfronts. It is an urban thoroughfare with four travel lanes and parallel parking each side. Landscape elements are limited and inconsistent.

[Figure]

B. Proposed Approach. The proposed alterations are focused on reinforcing the existing street’s character and increasing the quality of the pedestrian experience. Main Street is almost exclusively a commercial street with a few mixed-use buildings. Future development on Main Street should maintain the established streetscape and land use pattern. Buildings should not exceed three stories in height and, where appropriate, be provided with awnings that strengthen a sense of enclosure for shoppers and strollers. The pedestrian experience should be enhanced with sidewalks that have street trees in wells and pedestrian-scale lighting. The existing on-street parallel parking is adequate to support the businesses along Main Street.

Recommended Adjustments.

1. Decrease the travel lanes to 10 feet, each.

2. Increase the sidewalk to 12 feet, each side.

3. Add five-foot tree wells at 30 feet o.c., each side.

4. Relocate power poles underground.

5. Replace serpent-head street lights with single-head column street lights.

[Figure]

(Formerly 24M.208.032)

A. Existing Condition. From approximately Loma Vista Road to 5-Points is defined by one- and two-story buildings which are entirely of a commercial nature. This segment of Main Street represents a neighborhood node and has been identified as a T5.2 zone. The northern and southern streetscapes are defined by shopfronts. There are a significant number of probable redevelopment sites within this segment of Main Street. One of the most notable buildings that adds to the character of the streetscape is the Sears building that was converted into a warehouse shopping center. It is an urban thoroughfare with four travel lanes and parallel parking each side. Blank facades and vacant lots significantly degrade the pedestrian experience.

[Figure]

B. Proposed Approach. The proposed alterations are focused on reinforcing the existing street’s character and increasing the quality of the pedestrian experience. Main Street is almost exclusively a commercial street with a few mixed-use buildings. Future development on Main Street should maintain the established streetscape and land use pattern. Buildings should be at least two stories in height and, where appropriate, be provided with awnings that strengthen a sense of enclosure for shoppers and strollers. The pedestrian experience should be enhanced with sidewalks that have street trees in wells and pedestrian-scale lighting. The proposed diagonal parking helps to support the businesses along Main Street.

Recommended Adjustments.

1. Remove two travel lanes.

2. Add diagonal parking at 17 feet, each side.

3. Increase the travel lanes to 13 feet, each side.

4. Increase the sidewalk to 12 feet, each side.

5. Add five-foot tree wells at 30 feet o.c., each side.

6. Relocate power poles underground.

7. Replace serpent-head street lights with single-head column street lights.

[Figure]

(Formerly 24M.208.033)

A. Existing Condition. From approximately 5-Points to Mills Road, Main Street is defined by one- and two-story buildings commercial buildings on the north and one-story single-family houses on the south. This segment of Main Street represents the edge of the neighborhood and has therefore been identified as a T4.5 zone. The northern streetscape is defined by shopfronts and the southern streetscape is delineated with a masonry block wall. It is a highway that was converted to an urban thoroughfare, with five travel lanes and parallel parking on one side. Landscape elements are limited, inconsistent, and do not create a pleasant pedestrian experience.

[Figure]

B. Proposed Approach. The proposed alterations are focused on mitigating the negative impacts of the existing thoroughfare’s highway character. The modifications intend to improve the quality of the pedestrian experience and enhance the accessibility of the existing businesses that front Main Street. Main Street is almost exclusively a commercial street with a few mixed-use buildings. Future development on Main Street should maintain the established streetscape and land use pattern. Buildings should not exceed two stories in height and, where appropriate, be provided with awnings that strengthen a sense of enclosure for shoppers and strollers. The pedestrian experience should be enhanced with sidewalks that have street trees in wells and pedestrian-scale lighting. The existing on-street parallel parking helps to support the businesses along Main Street.

Recommended Adjustments.

1. Add five-foot tree wells at 30 feet o.c., each side.

2. Relocate power poles underground.

3. Replace serpent-head street lights with single-head column street lights.

[Figure]

(Formerly 24M.208.034)

A. Existing Condition. From approximately Sanjon Road to Santa Cruz Street, Thompson Boulevard is defined by one- and two-story buildings which are primarily of a residential character. Thompson Boulevard was once a highway but this segment has since been populated with a variety of single- and multifamily building types, though a few motorist oriented services still remain. This segment of Thompson Boulevard represents the edge of the surrounding neighborhood and has therefore been identified as a T4.5 zone. The streetscape is primarily defined by residential frontage types with a few instances of commercial frontage types. Thompson Boulevard is an urban thoroughfare with four travel lanes and parking each side. Thompson Boulevard was designed as a highway with little consideration given to the pedestrian experience; this deficiency is mitigated by a parkway on each side.

[Figure]

B. Proposed Approach. The proposed alterations are focused on reinforcing the street’s existing residential character and increasing the quality of the pedestrian experience. This segment of Thompson Boulevard is almost exclusively a residential street. Future development on Thompson Boulevard should maintain the established streetscape and land use pattern. Buildings should not exceed two stories in height and, where appropriate, be provided with awnings that strengthen a sense of enclosure for shoppers and strollers. The pedestrian experience should be enhanced with sidewalks that have street trees in wells and pedestrian-scale lighting. The existing on-street parallel parking helps to support the residences along Thompson Boulevard.

Recommended Adjustments.

1. Relocate power poles underground.

2. Replace serpent-head street lights with single-head column street lights.

[Figure]

(Formerly 24M.208.040)

A. Existing Condition. From approximately Santa Cruz Street to Seaward Avenue, Thompson Boulevard is defined by one- and two-story buildings which are primarily of a commercial nature. There are a number of underutilized and neglected sites along Thompson Boulevard. Many of the businesses are not currently oriented to serving the adjacent neighborhood. This segment of Thompson Boulevard represents the edge of the surrounding neighborhood and has therefore been identified as a T4.5 zone. The streetscape is primarily defined by commercial frontage types. Thompson Boulevard is an urban thoroughfare with four travel lanes and parking each side. Sidewalks and landscape elements are inconsistent.

[Figure]

B. Proposed Approach. The proposed alterations are focused on reinforcing the existing street’s character, increasing the quality of the pedestrian experience. Thompson Boulevard is almost exclusively a commercial street with a few mixed-use buildings. Future development on Thompson Boulevard should maintain the established streetscape and land use pattern. Buildings should not exceed two stories in height and, where appropriate, be provided with awnings that strengthen a sense of enclosure for shoppers and strollers. The pedestrian experience should be enhanced with sidewalks that have street trees in wells and pedestrian-scale lighting. The existing on-street parallel parking is adequate to support the businesses along Thompson Boulevard.

Recommended Adjustments.

1. Add five-foot tree wells at 30 feet o.c., each side.

2. Relocate power poles underground.

3. Replace serpent-head street lights with single-head column street lights.

[Figure]

(Formerly 24M.208.041)

A. Existing Condition. From approximately Seaward Avenue to Howard Street, Thompson Boulevard is defined by one-story buildings which are primarily of a commercial nature. There are a number of underutilized and neglected sites along Thompson Boulevard. Many of the businesses are not currently oriented to serving the adjacent neighborhood. This segment of Thompson Boulevard represents the edge of the surrounding neighborhood and has therefore been identified as a T4.5 zone. The streetscape is primarily defined by commercial frontage types. Thompson Boulevard is an urban thoroughfare with four travel lanes and parking each side. Sidewalks and landscape elements are inconsistent.

[Figure]

B. Proposed Approach. The proposed alterations are focused on reinforcing the existing street’s character and increasing the quality of the pedestrian experience. Thompson Boulevard is almost exclusively a commercial street with a few mixed-use buildings. Future development on Thompson Boulevard should maintain the established streetscape and land use pattern. Buildings should not exceed three stories in height and, where appropriate, be provided with awnings that strengthen a sense of enclosure for shoppers and strollers. The pedestrian experience should be enhanced with sidewalks that have street trees in wells and pedestrian-scale lighting. The existing on-street parallel parking helps to support the businesses along Thompson Boulevard.

Recommended Adjustments.

1. Add five-foot tree wells at 30 feet o.c., each side.

2. Relocate power poles underground.

3. Replace serpent-head street lights with single-head column street lights.

[Figure]

(Formerly 24M.208.042)

A. Existing Condition. From approximately Howard Street to Main Street, Thompson Boulevard is defined by one-story buildings which are commercial in nature and sit on relatively large sites. There is no cohesive or distinct character among this segment of Thompson Boulevard. Many of the businesses are not currently oriented to serving the adjacent neighborhood. This segment of Thompson Boulevard represents the edge of the surrounding neighborhood and has therefore been identified as a T4.5 zone. There are large gaps in the streetscape, which is not defined on either side of the street. Thompson Boulevard is an urban thoroughfare with four travel lanes and parking each side. Sidewalks and landscape elements are inconsistent.

[Figure]

B. Proposed Approach. The proposed alterations are focused on reinforcing the existing street’s character and increasing the quality of the pedestrian experience. Thompson Boulevard is almost exclusively a commercial street with a few mixed-use buildings. Future development on Thompson Boulevard should maintain the established streetscape and land use pattern. Where appropriate, buildings should be provided with awnings that strengthen a sense of enclosure for shoppers and strollers. The pedestrian experience should be enhanced with sidewalks that have street trees in wells and pedestrian-scale lighting. The existing on-street parallel parking is adequate to support the businesses along Thompson Boulevard.

Recommended Adjustments.

1. Add five-foot tree wells at 30 feet o.c., each side.

2. Relocate power poles underground.

3. Replace serpent-head street lights with single-head column street lights.

[Figure]

(Formerly 24M.208.043)

Table D-1: Public Frontages – General. The public frontage is the area between the private lot line and the edge of the vehicular lanes. Dimensions are given in Table D-2 (Public Frontages – Specific)

Table D-2: Public Frontages – Specific. This table assembles prescriptions and dimensions for the public frontage elements – curbs, walkways and planters – relative to specific thoroughfare types within transect zones. Locally appropriate planting species should be filled in to the calibrated code.

[Figure] [Figure] [Figure]

(Formerly 24M.208.200)