Local zoning · Avalon

Avalon — Design Review

Q: Do I need design review in Avalon?

If your proposed work affects layout, exterior appearance, or site improvements it will be subject to Site Plan Review (the City’s design-review process). The rules and findings are in § 9-8.201 and § 9-8.203 ; minor renovations may be eligible for administrative approval under § 9-8.204(b) .

Q: What must I include in a Site Plan Review submittal?

At minimum provide a dimensioned site plan, floor plans and elevations, a topographic map signed by a certified surveyor or engineer, a project narrative, and visual simulations/photos; see § 9-8.202 for required contents and professional certifications .

Q: What are the Avalon setback and height rules I must design to?

Setbacks, heights, lot coverage and FAR are set by the underlying zone. Examples: the Special "C" zone includes a 28 ft height limit and specific lot-coverage/FAR numbers in § 9-6.304 ; HD zone height depends on slope (e.g., 28 ft / two stories for ≤10° lots) — check the specific zone section for your parcel ( Chapter 9-5 and Chapter 9-6 ) .

Q: How does Avalon treat ADUs in the design-review process?

ADUs are governed by specific ADU standards (size, setbacks, FAR, parking exceptions). Many ADU provisions are objective and intended for ministerial review; see § 9-5.604–9-5.606 for the local ADU rules and what design constraints apply in Avalon .

Q: Can the Planning Commission require different setbacks or lower heights for design reasons?

Yes. The Planning Commission has discretion under site plan rules to modify or reduce allowable bulk (reduce heights, increase setbacks) to reduce impacts and protect views/topography; see § 9-8.201(f) and § 9-8.203 for Commission authority and criteria .

Q: How long is a site plan approval good for?

A site plan approval expires if not used within the time specified in the approval or within 36 months if no time was specified; the Planning Commission may grant one six‑month extension and the Council one additional six‑month extension under § 9-8.208 .

Q: Will my project require a Coastal Development Permit as well as Site Plan Review?

If located in the City’s coastal zone and the project meets local coastal-permit thresholds, a Local Coastal Development Permit will be required; the LCP procedures and the possibility of consolidating coastal and site plan reviews are governed by § 9-8.103 .

Q: How does parking affect design review in Avalon?

Parking layout, paving, wheel stops, lighting and required landscaping are part of the site plan review. Required site plans are mandatory for parking areas of three or more spaces (dimensions and interior landscaping per § 9-7.608 ) and some commercial zones leave parking requirements to Commission determination ( § 9-7.608 and Chapter 9-7 ) .

Q: If my project is only a small exterior change, can the Planning Director approve it?

Possibly — “minor renovations,” as defined in the code (see the reference to minor renovations in § 9-8.204(b) which points to the definition in § 9-3.613 ), may be approved administratively by the Planning Director with departmental concurrence; confirm definition and eligibility with Planning staff .

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

In Avalon the functions commonly called design review, architectural review, or site plan review are implemented through the City’s Site Plan Review procedures and the development-standards chapters of the Zoning Code (commonly part of the city's Title 9 zoning text). The Planning Commission is the primary decision body for discretionary site plan actions, while the Planning Director may administratively approve limited “minor renovations.” See how the local Site Plan Review rules shape design decisions in § 9-8.201–§ 9-8.208 . This page explains what Avalon’s code requires, district-by-district implications, practical guidance for applicants, and the code citations you must check.

Note: the first time this page mentions topics you may need, it links into the GoCodebook Avalon menu for quick reference: “design review” links to the Avalon Zoning overview, and other topic links appear where noted below.

(Design-review related topics: design review → Avalon Zoning; development standards → Avalon Development Standards; parking → Avalon Parking; overlays → Avalon Overlay Districts; historic resources → Avalon Historic Preservation; signage → Avalon Signage; ADUs → Avalon ADUs; Title 24 → California Building Standards Code.)

How Avalon handles “Design Review” (site plan review + design standards)

The City treats design as part of its Site Plan Review program (the local equivalent of design/architectural review). The Site Plan Review purpose and authority are in § 9-8.201 (intent/purpose) and the basis for approval is in § 9-8.203 . The applicable action options are to approve, approve with conditions, or deny (see § 9-8.204) .
Administrative versus Commission review: applications qualifying as minor renovations may be approved administratively by the Planning Director (with Fire and Public Works concurrence), but the Director or any Commissioner may refer such applications to the Planning Commission; appeals go to the Planning Commission and City Council as described in § 9-8.204–§ 9-8.206 .
The Site Plan Review findings require compatibility with the Code and General Plan, suitability of the site, avoidance of traffic and nuisance impacts, and functional design (no single architectural “style” is mandated) — see § 9-8.203 .
Typical application materials and plan content (e.g., topographic map signed by a surveyor, narratives, photo simulations) are required by the Commission and appear in the application/content rules; the Site Plan application specifically requires a topographic map signed by a certified professional per § 9-8.202 .
Site plan approvals expire if not used within the time specified or within 36 months if unspecified; limited one-time extensions are available per § 9-8.208 .

Interpretation: In Avalon, “design review” is not a stand‑alone separate chapter titled “Design Review” — design control is exercised through the Site Plan Review process plus the many zone-specific development standards and overlay requirements (see the district sections below). Always cite the Site Plan Review article and the zone development standards that apply to your parcel.

District-by-district breakdown (what design review means in each zone)

Below are the City’s zoning districts (list adopted in § 9-4.101) and the specific code citations where the district purpose, principal uses, and development standards are set out. Each district entry explains what triggers site-plan/design review and the design items the City will focus on.

Note: bolded district names and standards are taken from the Zoning Code language.

LD (Low Density Residential and Low Intensity Recreation)

Purpose: LD is intended to manage development on sloping, undeveloped perimeter slopes and to minimize grading/landform alteration. See § 9-5.201 .
Typical permitted uses: detached residential structures (on slopes under 30°), parks, passive recreation, resource preservation, limited daycare (as amended) — § 9-5.202 .
Key standards to watch during design review: hillside grading limits, slope-sensitive setbacks, and limits on building bulk — conform to Chapter 9-7 development standards generally (see § 9-7.101 and related sections) .
Where it applies: the LD mapping is established on the City Zoning Map (Exhibit X) — see § 9-4.201 .

MD (Multiple Residential — Medium Density)

Purpose & uses: intended for medium-density residential (details across Chapter 9-5); typical multi‑unit housing subject to inclusionary requirements for larger projects (§ 9-5.101–§ 9-5.103) .
Design-review focus: unit layout, parking, landscaping/screening, trash storage and compliance with maximum FAR and lot coverage in Chapter 9-7; site plan review used to ensure compatibility with adjacent uses (see § 9-8.203) .

HD (Multiple Residential — High Density)

Purpose: HD allows higher residential density and includes special small-lot rules in identified areas; see § 9-5.405/§ 9-5.406 .
Typical uses: multifamily housing, schools, churches, time-share projects (see § 9-5.405 / § 9-5.411 summaries) .
Key dimensional standards: maximum building heights vary by slope; examples: for lots ≤10°: 28 ft / two stories; steep-lot provisions vary for greater slopes (see the HD development table in § 9-5.405 and related subsections) .
Design-review focus: building bulk, lot coverage, required setbacks (including special 3‑ft/zero‑ft rules in small‑lot HD areas), parking to be determined by Commission, trash storage, and view/topography impacts (see § 9-5.406 and § 9-7 standards) .

L/M (Low and Moderate Income Housing)

Purpose & uses: Intended to facilitate low/moderate income housing; developments are subject to the City’s inclusionary requirements (Ch. 9-11) and special design/contract conditions where affordable housing commitments are required (see § 9-5.103 and Ch. 9-11) .
Design review: the Planning Commission may require recorded affordability covenants and design restrictions to ensure affordability and compatibility (see § 9-11.106 and development standards) .

R/R (Resort / Recreation)

Purpose: R/R supports visitor-serving resort uses; a master plan may be required for planning areas. See § 9-6.401–§ 9-6.404 .
Typical permitted uses: hotels, inns, lodges (fewer than 4 rental units by-right), parks, mobile home parks; larger hotels and visitor-serving retail often require conditional use permit (see § 9-6.402–§ 9-6.403) .
Key standards: In sensitive areas such as Descanso Canyon special height, lot coverage, and floor area limits apply (e.g., maximum building height seven stories in Descanso Canyon and maximum lot coverage 20% subject to the Local Coastal Land Use Plan) — see § 9-6.404 .
Design-review focus: visitor-serving aesthetics, shoreline setbacks, shadowing of beach areas, and compliance with Local Coastal Plan (coastal development permit consolidation with site plan review is possible) — see § 9-8.103 (coastal permit procedures) .

C (Commercial) and SC (Special Commercial)

Purpose: C zone provides for neighborhood and visitor-serving business uses; SC permits residential uses under specified rules. See § 9-6.201–§ 9-6.203 and § 9-6.301–§ 9-6.304 .
Typical permitted uses (Commercial): grocery, marine sales, souvenirs, barber/beauty, offices, banks, clinics, hardware, clothing retail, small hotels (fewer than four units) — see § 9-6.202 for the full list .
Key dimensional standards (example for Special "C"): minimum lot widths, three‑foot rear setback, zero feet on other sides, 28 ft height limit, maximum lot coverage 80%, maximum FAR 140% — see § 9-6.304 (Special "C" development standards) .
Design-review focus: commercial signage controls, pedestrian circulation, parking layout (where required Commission determines parking), and interface with adjacent residential zones (walls/landscaping rules for parking) — see §9-7 and §9-7.608 for parking/site-plan requirements .

P (Public) and CE (Cemetery)

Purpose & uses: P accommodates public services (schools, hospitals, parks, municipal yards); CE is for cemeteries and related uses. See § 9-6.501–§ 9-6.504 and § 9-6.510–§ 9-6.511 .
Design-review focus: public-works compatibility, access and safety, and compliance with the general development standards in Chapter 9-7 .

(Full list of zones adopted: LD, MD, HD, L/M, R/R, C, SC, P, CE — see § 9-4.101 for the Zone list and § 9-4.201 for the zoning map exhibit) .

Quick standards & decision table

What the reviewer cares about	Typical rule or threshold (Avalon)	Code reference
Site plan factors / findings	Suitability, traffic, public health/safety, neighbor impacts; not meant to mandate a specific architectural style	§ 9-8.203
Commission/Director action	Approve / Approve with conditions / Deny; minor renovations may be administratively approved	§ 9-8.204
Application contents (must include)	Topographic map signed by cert. surveyor; narrative; photos / simulations; other materials required by Commission	§ 9-8.202
Commercial permitted uses (example)	Grocery, marine sales, souvenirs, barber/beauty, banks, clinics, small hotels (<4 units)	§ 9-6.202
Special Commercial standards (example)	28 ft maximum height; 80% lot coverage; 140% FAR in some areas	§ 9-6.304
HD maximum height (example)	For ≤10° slope: 28 ft / 2 stories; slope-dependent exceptions for steeper lots	§ 9-5.405 (HD standards)
ADU objective standards (when applicable)	ADU size, setbacks, FAR/open space, parking rules — ADU chapter sets objective standards that control ministerial ADU review	§ 9-5.606 / ADU permit rules

Practical guidance for applicants (plain-English, actionable)

Treat the Site Plan Review submittal as the “design review” package: include a clear narrative explaining how the project meets the findings in § 9-8.203, show reduced visual impact (materials/colors, screening), and provide topography, elevations, and photo simulations per § 9-8.202 .
Use the district-specific development standards (Chapter 9-5 and 9-6) as the checklist for objective items (height, setbacks, lot coverage, FAR). If the project is in R/R or adjacent to mean high tide, expect additional shoreline rules and Local Coastal Plan consistency checks (§ 9-6.404, and coastal permit procedures § 9-8.103) .
If proposing new parking, coordinate early with the City because some parking for projects (three or more spaces) requires a separate site plan showing dimensions and landscaping (§ 9-7.608) and parking criteria may be determined by the Commission .
Expect the Planning Commission to focus on neighborhood impacts (traffic, glare, noise, view obstruction) and to condition approvals to mitigate those impacts under the general findings § 9-8.203 .
For ADUs: review the ADU-specific standards in § 9-5.604–9-5.606 because ADUs may be subject to ministerial/objective standards that limit discretionary design review to only certain matters; check those sections early to avoid unnecessary discretionary process delays .

Checklist (what an applicant must supply / satisfy)

Site plan set (dimensioned site plan, floor plans, elevations) showing compliance with applicable zone standards (§ 9-7 and zone-specific sections) .
Topographic map and a signed statement by a certified surveyor/engineer certifying heights (§ 9-8.202) .
Written project narrative and photo simulations explaining proposed materials, colors and screening and how the project meets the Site Plan Review findings (§ 9-8.202, § 9-8.203) .
Landscaping and screening plan (street trees, evergreen screening required in some programs; see Chapter 9-7, landscaping articles) .
Parking plan (if 3+ spaces or if required by zone the Commission may set parking; follow § 9-7.608) .
Application forms and fees (fees set by Council resolution; see § 9-8.801) .
If in the coastal zone: evidence and findings of Local Coastal Plan consistency and (if required) local coastal development permit application (§ 9-8.103) .

Verify with the Planning Department for submittal checklists and for whether your project qualifies as a “minor renovation” eligible for administrative review (see § 9-8.204(b) referencing minor renovations under § 9-3.613) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Whether the proposal is a “minor renovation” (administrative) or discretionary (Commission)	Affects whether public hearing/appeal and fuller design scrutiny apply; misclassification can delay project	Check the definition and scope of § 9-3.613 (minor renovation), and confirm with Planning Director; the administrative approval rules are in § 9-8.204(b)
Coastal-zone / Local Coastal Plan requirements	Projects seaward of certain lines require Coastal Permit findings and possible Coastal Commission appeals	Confirm whether the parcel is in the coastal zone and whether § 9-8.103 applies; coordinate with Planning for LCP findings
Historic/resource overlays and ADU/historic tensions	Historic resources may trigger extra review and objective standards that constrain design choices	Check local historic-preservation rules (not fully located in the retrieved materials) and check ADU chapter § 9-5.604–9-5.606 for special rules that reference historic districts ; verify with the jurisdiction
Conflicts between zone development standards and project design	Zone standards (heights, FAR, setbacks) control final approval; Commission may reduce height/FAR to reduce impacts	Always cite the specific zone standard (Chapter 9-5 or 9-6) for the parcel and verify any site‑specific exceptions; see § 9-8.203 for applicable findings
Signage vs. building aesthetics	Sign rules are strict due to Avalon’s pedestrian/historic context — signs that conflict with design goals can be denied	Review § 9-7.701–§ 9-7.704 for prohibited signs and sign permit rules; coordinate signage in design submittal

Plain-English Summary

Avalon performs design (architectural/site) review through its Site Plan Review procedures: show how your project meets the Site Plan Review findings, follow the zone-specific development standards for height/setbacks/FAR, include the required topographic and visual materials, and expect either administrative sign‑off for limited “minor renovations” or Planning Commission review for discretionary projects (see § 9-8.201–9-8.208) .

Source References

Avalon Zoning: Site Plan Review (intent, findings, actions): § 9-8.201, § 9-8.203, § 9-8.204, § 9-8.205, § 9-8.206, § 9-8.207, § 9-8.208 .
Application contents (topographic map, signed surveyor): § 9-8.202 .
List of zoning districts and zoning map adoption: § 9-4.101 and § 9-4.201 (Zoning Map and Zone list) .
Commercial zones and permitted uses: § 9-6.101, § 9-6.201, § 9-6.202 (Commercial uses) .
Special Commercial / Special “C” development standards (setbacks/height/coverage): § 9-6.304 .
Resort / Recreation zone special rules (Descanso Canyon etc.): § 9-6.404 (standards) .
HD zone numeric standards (heights by slope; lot coverage): § 9-5.405 / related HD provisions .
ADU-specific rules and objective standards referenced in the code: § 9-5.604–§ 9-5.606 (ADU permit standards) .
Parking-related site-plan requirements (parking site plans, landscaping): § 9-7.608 and general parking standards in Chapter 9-7 .
Coastal permit consolidation and findings (local coastal development permit procedures): § 9-8.103 .
Sign regulations and compatibility with design: § 9-7.701–§ 9-7.704 .

If you want, I can: (1) map the exact zone and overlay that apply to a specific parcel and produce a parcel-specific submittal checklist; or (2) draft a site‑plan narrative template tied to the § 9-8.203 findings. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel-specific interpretations and any recent amendments.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Avalon Zoning Code (article may) High relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-8.103.) High relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-7.1005.) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-8.203.) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-7.1002.) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (Chapter 9-13.) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-7.1004.) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-15.105.) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-6.402.) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code Medium relevance
CFC § 606 (Title 4) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (§ 9-5.406.) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (Article 8) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (Article 8) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (Chapter 9-5.) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (Chapter 9-6.) Medium relevance
Avalon Zoning Code (Chapter is) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Avalon code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need design review in Avalon?

If your proposed work affects layout, exterior appearance, or site improvements it will be subject to Site Plan Review (the City’s design-review process). The rules and findings are in § 9-8.201 and § 9-8.203; minor renovations may be eligible for administrative approval under § 9-8.204(b) .

What must I include in a Site Plan Review submittal?

At minimum provide a dimensioned site plan, floor plans and elevations, a topographic map signed by a certified surveyor or engineer, a project narrative, and visual simulations/photos; see § 9-8.202 for required contents and professional certifications .

What are the Avalon setback and height rules I must design to?

Setbacks, heights, lot coverage and FAR are set by the underlying zone. Examples: the Special "C" zone includes a 28 ft height limit and specific lot-coverage/FAR numbers in § 9-6.304; HD zone height depends on slope (e.g., 28 ft / two stories for ≤10° lots) — check the specific zone section for your parcel (Chapter 9-5 and Chapter 9-6) .

How does Avalon treat ADUs in the design-review process?

ADUs are governed by specific ADU standards (size, setbacks, FAR, parking exceptions). Many ADU provisions are objective and intended for ministerial review; see § 9-5.604–9-5.606 for the local ADU rules and what design constraints apply in Avalon .

Can the Planning Commission require different setbacks or lower heights for design reasons?

Yes. The Planning Commission has discretion under site plan rules to modify or reduce allowable bulk (reduce heights, increase setbacks) to reduce impacts and protect views/topography; see § 9-8.201(f) and § 9-8.203 for Commission authority and criteria .

How long is a site plan approval good for?

A site plan approval expires if not used within the time specified in the approval or within 36 months if no time was specified; the Planning Commission may grant one six‑month extension and the Council one additional six‑month extension under § 9-8.208 .

Will my project require a Coastal Development Permit as well as Site Plan Review?

If located in the City’s coastal zone and the project meets local coastal-permit thresholds, a Local Coastal Development Permit will be required; the LCP procedures and the possibility of consolidating coastal and site plan reviews are governed by § 9-8.103 .

How does parking affect design review in Avalon?

Parking layout, paving, wheel stops, lighting and required landscaping are part of the site plan review. Required site plans are mandatory for parking areas of three or more spaces (dimensions and interior landscaping per § 9-7.608) and some commercial zones leave parking requirements to Commission determination (§ 9-7.608 and Chapter 9-7) .

If my project is only a small exterior change, can the Planning Director approve it?

Possibly — “minor renovations,” as defined in the code (see the reference to minor renovations in § 9-8.204(b) which points to the definition in § 9-3.613), may be approved administratively by the Planning Director with departmental concurrence; confirm definition and eligibility with Planning staff .

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