Local zoning · Arcadia

Arcadia — Design Review

Design Review under the Arcadia local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

Design review in Arcadia is a formal Site Plan and Design Review process that the City uses to evaluate how new construction, significant additions, façade changes, landscaping, and certain accessory work will look and fit into the neighborhood. The primary rules and procedures live in the Development Code: the core design-review rules for non–Homeowners Association properties are in § 9107.19.020 – § 9107.19.030, and special procedures apply to designated Homeowner Association areas in § 9107.20.020 – § 9107.20.070 . The City also applies overlay rules such as the D - Architectural Design Overlay when it appears on the zoning map § 9102.11.010 .

Important cross-links you may need while reading:

design review — see the Arcadia land use overview for context Arcadia Land Use
when you must show on-site parking plans see Arcadia Parking
overlay rules that add design controls: Arcadia Overlay Districts
dimensional controls and setbacks: Arcadia Development Standards
historic-property procedures and Certificates of Appropriateness: Arcadia Historic Preservation
accessory dwelling unit interaction with design review: Arcadia ADUs
California Building Standards Code (technical scope; design review is separate): California Building Standards Code

What Arcadia’s code requires (top‑line rules)

A Site Plan and Design Review is required before construction, relocation, demolition, or a "significant" enlargement/modification of a building or site unless a specific exemption applies — see § 9107.19.020 (Applicability) .
For single‑family properties inside Council‑designated Homeowners Association areas a separate Site Plan and Design Review stream applies; these projects follow the HOA tables and ARB procedures in § 9107.20.020 – § 9107.20.070 .
The applicable Review Authority (Director, Planning Commission, HOA ARB, or ARB Chair) and level of notice/hearing is defined in Table 7‑3 and Table 7‑4; the City Director may handle very minor work, while major new construction typically goes to the Commission/ARB (Table 7‑3 / Table 7‑4 as cross‑referenced in § 9107.19.020 and § 9107.20.030) .
Projects in the D - Architectural Design Overlay are explicitly subject to Site Plan and Design Review; the overlay requires that colors, materials, building bulk, setbacks, signage, and landscaping be considered in addition to the base‑zone standards § 9102.11.010 .
The Review Authority must make findings that the project is consistent with the City’s adopted Design Guidelines (Council resolutions) before approval; the Code directs use of those guidelines in review § 9107.19.020 F and the HOA rules § 9107.20.050 .

District-by-district practical breakdown

Below are the Arcadia districts most commonly encountered in residential and commercial design‑review work. For each district I cite the controlling code excerpts and summarize the most decision‑relevant standards. Verify parcel‑specific overlays or special plan overlays with the Planning Department.

R‑1 (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose (where used): standard single‑family lots; additional requirements for lots in Homeowner Association areas are recorded separately. See the single‑family tables and additional standards § 9102.01.030 – § 9102.01.040 .
Typical permitted uses: one single‑family dwelling per lot, accessory structures, and accessory dwelling units per the ADU rules § 9102.01.060 .
Key dimensional standards: front setback generally the greater of 25 ft or the average of the two nearest developed lots; side and rear setbacks, lot coverage (1‑story 45%, 2‑story 35%), and max stories (2) are set in Table 2‑3 and related subsections § 9102.01.040 .
Where design review applies: additions larger than 500 sq ft or 25% of existing floor area and new second stories or new residences are subject to Site Plan and Design Review (see the “significantly enlarge or modify” definition in § 9107.19.020 E and review authority Table 7‑3) .

R‑M, R‑0 (Other single‑family / large‑lot variations)

Purpose and uses: single family with special lot width/height formulae. Accessory buildings and ADUs allowed subject to development standards § 9102.01.030 – § 9102.01.080 .
Key standards: variable front setback rules (R‑0 can have 35 ft minimum or average of neighbors), maximum heights vary by lot width (see Table 2‑3 and Figure 2‑1) § 9102.01.040 .
Design review triggers: same “significant enlargement” thresholds; accessory structures on permanent foundations must match primary building appearance and are subject to Site Plan and Design Review § 9107.19.020 and accessory standards § 9102.01.060 .

R‑2, R‑3 (Multifamily)

Purpose: 2‑ and 3‑plus family development with minimum density and open‑space standards in Table 2‑3/2‑7 § 9102.01.100 .
Typical uses: duplexes, apartments (density and unit limits shown in Table 2‑3 and 2‑7).
Key standards: interior side setbacks, 45‑degree plane where abutting single‑family, maximum heights (often 30 ft), and minimum open space per unit § 9102.01.100 .
Design review triggers: multifamily new construction, additions, or exterior modifications (depending on unit count and scale) are routed by Table 7‑3; projects over specified size or on steep hills go to higher review § 9107.19.030 .

Downtown / CBD / MU / DMU / CM (City Center zones)

Purpose: encourage pedestrian‑oriented commercial and mixed‑use development with higher FAR and heights (CBD and MU up to 60 ft in places; typical FAR up to 1.0 for non‑residential in some downtown zones) § 9102.05.030 .
Typical uses: retail, office, mixed‑use residential above ground floor (subject to DMU/overlay rules).
Key standards: zero front setbacks in many downtown subzones, maximum FAR and height noted in Table 2‑11 § 9102.05.030 .
Design review triggers: new infill, façade changes, or projects with signage/streetscape impacts are subject to Site Plan and Design Review; downtown design plans and City Center Design Plan are used as review criteria § 9107.19.020 .

C‑O, C‑G, C‑R, M‑1 (Commercial and Industrial)

Purpose: retail/office/commercial/industrial uses, with special standards for neighborhood compatibility § 9102.03.030 – § 9102.03.040 .
Typical uses: retail, restaurants, offices, limited industrial, with specific allowances in Table 2‑8 and Table 2‑9.
Key standards: typical commercial front setbacks 0–10 ft or site‑specific, maximum FAR 0.5 in many commercial zones, abutting residential requires 45‑degree plane or larger setbacks § 9102.03.040 .
Design review triggers: new commercial buildings, major façade changes, parking area reconfiguration, and signage are subject to Site Plan and Design Review § 9107.19.020 .

PF, OS‑OR, OS‑RP, RR (Public facilities & open space)

Purpose: parks, institutional uses, schools, rail rights‑of‑way; special setbacks and height limits apply § 9102.09.010 – § 9102.09.030 .
Design review triggers: site plan and design review applies to structures or alterations in these zones under § 9102.09.040 .

S‑1 (Special Use — Santa Anita Racetrack)

Purpose: ensure changes respect racetrack historic form and grandstand views; the Commission/Council have primary review authority but the Director handles limited administrative items § 9102.07.040 – § 9102.07.050 .
Design review triggers: most exterior changes, signage, lighting, and perimeter landscaping must be reviewed; minor things can be administratively reviewed by the Director § 9102.07.040 E .

D — Architectural Design Overlay (Overlay zone)

Purpose: additive design controls (height, materials, roof pitch, windows, signs, plot plan, landscaping) that sit on top of the base zone. Projects in the D overlay must meet Site Plan and Design Review and the overlay’s specific criteria § 9102.11.010 .

Quick reference table — common design‑review triggers and review authority

Project type	Usual review authority	Why it matters	Code reference
New single‑family residence	Commission (Major Review)	New houses typically need public hearing and findings	Table 7‑3 referenced in § 9107.19.020
Second‑story addition to existing house	Director or Commission depending on scale (see Table 7‑3)	Vertical changes affect massing, setbacks, and neighbor privacy	Table 7‑3 / § 9107.19.020
Residential addition >500 sq ft or >25% floor area	Site Plan & Design Review required before permits	Threshold defines “significant” enlargement	§ 9107.19.020 E
Façade improvements / new signage	Director or Commission per scale	Affects streetscape and business visibility; signs have separate rules too	§ 9107.19.020; see signage rules § 9103.01.130 (signs referenced)
Work in a D Overlay area	Site Plan & Design Review plus overlay controls	Overlay adds design elements to review (materials, roof, colors)	§ 9102.11.010
Projects in HOA areas	HOA ARB Chair / HOA ARB / City Director (Table 7‑4)	HOA process may be used first; City still enforces Code	Table 7‑4 and § 9107.20.030

Checklist

Confirm whether the property lies in a Council‑designated Homeowners Association area or a D Overlay (verify map) — § 9107.20.020, § 9102.11.010 . Verify with the Planning Department for parcel specifics.
Determine whether the proposal meets the “significant enlargement or modification” thresholds (residential >500 sq ft or >25% / nonresidential ≥25%) — § 9107.19.020 E .
Identify the applicable Review Authority (Table 7‑3 or Table 7‑4) to set the noticing/hearing expectation — § 9107.19.030, § 9107.20.030 .
Prepare materials required by the Department’s current Design Review submittal checklist (plans, elevations, materials/colors, landscaping, parking layout where applicable) and pay fees — application processing and completeness rules referenced in § 9107.03.010 and § 9107.03.060 .
Show how project complies with adopted City Design Guidelines (Council resolution) — review findings require consistency with those guidelines § 9107.19.020 F .
If the property is in a historic district or a designated historic resource, confirm whether a Certificate of Appropriateness or waiver is required; follow the historic review path § 9103.17.080 – § 9103.17.110 .
Confirm parking, loading, and landscape minimums referenced in the applicable zone tables and in Arcadia Parking and Arcadia Development Standards § 9103.07 referenced throughout the code .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
HOA areas vs. City review	HOA ARB processes may be required first, but City still enforces the Development Code; failing to follow both can void permits	Confirm whether parcel is in a Council‑designated HOA area and follow Table 7‑4 / § 9107.20.040
Which table applies (Table 7‑3 vs Table 7‑4)	Table mis‑assignment changes notice level and appeal routes	Check whether project is in an HOA area (Table 7‑4) or general (Table 7‑3) § 9107.19.020
Overlay requirements (D and others)	Overlay adds requirements (materials, signs, landscaping) beyond base zone; failure to satisfy overlay is cause for denial	Confirm overlays on parcel (see § 9102.11.010) and comply with overlay standards
Historic district interplay	Historic Certificate of Appropriateness may be required even when design review would otherwise suffice	Check whether property is a designated resource or lies in a district; follow § 9103.17.080 – § 9103.17.110
Trigger thresholds (500 sq ft / 25%)	Small projects may or may not trigger review; consequences include void permits if done without review	Confirm gross floor area math and whether the proposed work increases height or unit count § 9107.19.020 E

Plain-English Summary

If you plan to build a new home, add a significant second story, or make major exterior changes in Arcadia, expect to file a Site Plan and Design Review application; the level of review (director vs commission vs HOA ARB) depends on the project size, type, and whether your lot sits in a special overlay or HOA area. The reviewer must find your project consistent with Arcadia’s adopted Design Guidelines before issuing other permits § 9107.19.020 – § 9107.20.070 .

Source References

Development Code — Site Plan and Design Review (Applicability & thresholds): § 9107.19.020; Authority and review levels § 9107.19.030
Site Plan and Design Review: Homeowners Association Areas — applicability, Tables and procedures: § 9107.20.020 – § 9107.20.070 (Tables 7‑4, application processing)
Architectural Design Overlay (D) — overlay purpose and additional design standards: § 9102.11.010
Single‑family and multifamily development standards and setbacks (R‑1, R‑M, R‑0, R‑2, R‑3): § 9102.01.030 – § 9102.01.040, tables and Figures (Table 2‑3, Table 2‑4, Figure 2‑1)
Commercial / Downtown zones (C‑O, C‑G, C‑R, M‑1, CBD, MU, DMU): development standards and downtown design rules § 9102.03.030 – § 9102.05.030
Historic resource review (Certificate of Appropriateness and criteria): § 9103.17.080 – § 9103.17.110
Review Authority tables and notes (Table 7‑3 / Table 7‑4): Table references and review categories are found within § 9107.19.020 and § 9107.20.030

Sources

Retrieved passages

Arcadia Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (Section 9108.13) High relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (Section 9107.09) High relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (Section and) High relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (Section 9107.19) High relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (Section 9108.07) High relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (Section 9108.13) High relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (Section 9107.23) Medium relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (Section 9107.05) Medium relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (Chapter 9102.07) Medium relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code Medium relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (Section 9107.19) Medium relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (Section 9107.19) Medium relevance
Arcadia Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Arcadia code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need design review for a backyard accessory structure in Arcadia?

Not always. Accessory structures in R‑M/R‑0/R‑1 zones are subject to development standards and, if on a permanent foundation or exceeding minor thresholds, require Site Plan and Design Review. Arcadia counts accessory structures toward allowable floor area and restricts uses (no kitchens, limits on rooms) — see accessory standards and Site Plan & Design Review applicability § 9102.01.060 and § 9107.19.020 .

When does a residential addition trigger Site Plan and Design Review in Arcadia?

A residential enlargement triggers design review when it is larger than 500 square feet or increases gross floor area by 25 percent (whichever is less), or if it increases the height (second story). These thresholds are defined in the applicability rules § 9107.19.020 E .

If my house is inside a City‑designated HOA area, who does the design review?

Projects in Council‑designated Homeowners Association areas follow the HOA ARB processes (Short Review or Regular Review) identified in Table 7‑4; the City Director or ARB Chair may handle very minor projects, but the City retains final authority and issues permits only after City requirements are met § 9107.20.030 – § 9107.20.040 .

Does the Architectural Design Overlay (D) change setbacks or materials I must use?

The D overlay does not replace the underlying zone’s base development standards but adds design controls (height/bulk considerations, materials, roof type, window rhythm, signage, landscaping) that must be resolved in review. Where the overlay and base zone conflict, the more restrictive standard applies § 9102.11.010 .

Will a small fence require design review?

Design Review is not required for elements that are not visible from a public right‑of‑way or are less than 2 feet above lowest adjacent grade, per the notes to the HOA tables and notes in the review authority tables; however fences that are visible and exceed the minimal height exceptions are listed in review tables and may require Short or Regular Review Table 7‑4 and notes § 9107.20.030 .

What findings will the City make before approving a design‑review application?

The Review Authority must find the project is consistent with the City’s adopted Design Guidelines and the applicable standards of the Development Code; for HOA‑area reviews there is an explicit required‑findings step before approval § 9107.19.020 F and § 9107.20.050 .

How are historic properties handled differently from ordinary design review?

Design work affecting designated historic landmarks or contributing resources in historic districts typically requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (C of A) and review under the historic chapter; major alterations and demolitions are discretionary and may require Commission review and CEQA analysis § 9103.17.080 – § 9103.17.110 .

If my project is in downtown Arcadia, what design standards will reviewers focus on?

Downtown zones emphasize pedestrian frontage (zero or minimal front setbacks), ground‑floor commercial activation, maximum FAR and heights specific to downtown subzones, and open space per unit; reviewers check consistency with the City Center Design Plan and downtown development tables § 9102.05.030 .

Can the Director approve minor façade or sign work without a hearing?

Yes — the Director has authority for very minor reviews without public notice; larger or less minor façade/sign changes are processed with notice or at Commission hearings according to Table 7‑3/7‑4 § 9107.19.030 and the Director/ARB notes § 9107.20.030 .

How do parking and landscape requirements interact with design review?

Parking layout, number of spaces, perimeter landscaping, and screening are standard parts of the Site Plan and Design Review submittal; Arcadia’s parking regulations (off‑street parking and loading) and landscape standards are enforced alongside design findings § 9103.07 and the applicable zone development standards § 9102.x tables .

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