Local zoning · Cerritos

Cerritos — Design Review

Q: What are the Cerritos Auto Square design requirements I must obey?

Auto Square precise plans must follow the Cerritos Auto Square Architectural Design Standards — including a unified architectural theme , four‑sided architecture , and minimum 40% enhanced materials on building elevations (excluding showroom windows). These are enforced through precise‑plan approval. § 22.15.260 .

Q: If my lot is inside an ADP, which rules govern my design review?

The applicable ADP (for example ADP‑5 , ADP‑12 , ADP‑13 ) and the precise‑plan chapters govern; ADP standards override or supplement underlying zone rules inside the ADP boundary. Confirm the parcel’s ADP and follow the ADP’s site development and architectural standards during precise‑plan submittal. § 22.20.020 ; ADP text (e.g., § 22.15.260 , § 22.36.020 ).

Q: Where can I find the city’s development standards I must meet during design review?

ADP standards are in the ADP chapters (for example § 22.15.x , § 22.36.x , § 22.37.x ). The precise‑plan process itself is in § 23.90.220 – § 23.90.270 . For plan‑level development standards consult the ADP chapter that covers your parcel.

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

Design review in Cerritos is implemented primarily through the city's precise-plan process and area development plans (ADPs): the Director of Community Development, the Planning Commission, or City Council may refer precise plans to an appointed design review committee for advisory evaluation of architectural quality and compatibility. Many area-specific plans (for example the Cerritos Auto Square / ADP‑5) contain their own, mandatory architectural standards that operate through the precise‑plan review pathway. See the precise‑plan procedure and design review rules in § 23.90.220 – § 23.90.250 for the citywide process.

This page synthesizes what the Cerritos development code actually says about design/architectural review (what triggers it, who reviews, and where to find the ADP‑level standards). Where the code is silent or unclear in the retrieved materials I say so and indicate what to verify with the city.

(Quick internal links you’ll want while preparing submittals: the city’s zoning overview, development standards, parking, overlay districts, and ADUs. Also consult the statewide California Building Standards Code for construction code requirements — design review does not replace Title 24 compliance.)

How Cerritos frames design review (citywide rules)

Referral authority and advisory role: The Director of Community Development, the Planning Commission, or the City Council may submit a precise plan to a design review committee composed of design professionals; the committee’s decision is advisory only (the approving authority retains final say). § 23.90.240.
Precise‑plan timing and staff review: Applications must be filed early enough for review (§ 23.90.220) and the Director performs a conformity check before hearing (§ 23.90.230) — these sections govern procedural timing for projects that are subject to design/architectural review via the precise‑plan route.
Precise‑plan conditioning: Precise plans are commonly conditioned with requirements for maintenance of common areas, security review, and fire review; architectural quality / compatibility is explicitly a basis for conditioning approval. § 23.90.250 and related precise‑plan text.

Note: the design review committee is an advisory body; design determinations can still be made by the Planning Commission or City Council after receiving the committee’s recommendation. § 23.90.240.

District-by-district breakdown (Cerritos‑specific)

Below are the districts / ADPs in the available ordinance text that contain design-review or architecture controls, with the most decision‑relevant standards and where those standards live in the code.

ADP‑5 / Cerritos Auto Square (special commercial area)

Purpose: A specialized area development plan for the Auto Square emphasizing a unified, high‑quality auto‑merchandising campus and pedestrian/vehicular coordination. § 22.15.010 – § 22.15.110 (ADP context); architectural expectations and precise‑plan review are called out in the ADP.
Typical permitted uses: Auto retail sales, related commercial uses, and supporting services for an auto center (see ADP permitted uses). § 22.15.110.
Key architectural/design standards:
- Unified architectural design theme across dealership campuses; required four‑sided architecture and repeated design elements. § 22.15.260.
- Minimum 40% of building elevation (excluding showroom windows) to be enhanced materials (brick, natural stone, decorative metal, etc.). § 22.15.260.
- Special treatment of elevations visible from the 605 freeway; no parts/storage visible from the freeway. § 22.15.260 and § 22.15.270 (roofscapes).
Where design review applies: All aspects of design, material, color and building elevations in the ADP are subject to precise‑plan approval and may be referred to the design review committee; architectural quality and compatibility are explicit approval criteria. § 22.15.240; § 22.15.260.

ADP‑5.1 overlay (Cerritos Auto Square overlay rules)

Purpose: Overlay to the underlying zone adding Auto Square‑specific site/development rules and precise plan controls.
Typical permitted uses: Underlying zone uses with special provisions for auto retail sales/dealerships where applicable.
Key standards (decision‑relevant):
- Minimum parcel area for auto‑retail parcels: 2.5 acres (exceptions possible for compatibility with existing dealership). § 22.61.110(2).
- Building coverage caps (generally 50%, up to 65% for preexisting buildings under certain conditions). § 22.61.110(2).
- Parking‑structure height limits and setback rules vary by location in the overlay (see § 22.61.110(3–4) for parcel/height/setback rules).

ADP‑12 (area development plan 12 — residential plan)

Purpose: Area plan that replaces usual zoning within its boundary and emphasizes maintaining high architectural quality for a specific residential site. § 22.36.020.
Typical permitted uses: Planned single‑family residential (per the ADP). § 22.36.x (ADP text).
Key design/development items:
- Precise plan required; objectives include coordinated visual elements (landscaping, perimeter walls), and specific architectural compatibility standards. § 22.36.040 – § 22.36.150.
- Precise plans are evaluated for architectural quality and may be conditioned on maintenance of common areas, HOA responsibilities, and environmental performance standards. § 22.36.150.

ADP‑13 (Area Development Plan 13)

Purpose: Another site‑specific ADP that replaces usual zoning rules for its area and requires a precise plan reflecting the ADP’s objectives. § 22.37.020.
Key standards: Setbacks, building spacing, maximum building height (e.g., 35 ft typical cap in many ADPs unless otherwise approved), open‑space requirements, and precise‑plan architectural review are enforced through the ADP. § 22.37.140.

MC‑2 / Industrial / Manufacturing Parks (where precise plans apply)

Purpose: Industrial and manufacturing areas with industrial park design standards.
Design rules: In industrial/parkarea precise plans, architectural quality and compatibility are explicitly considered and may be referred to the design review committee. Requirements such as exterior materials, landscaping in required setbacks, lighting design and building height controls are illustrated in the industrial area development plan language. (See ADP industrial site‑development standards that reference design review and § 23.90.240).

Notes:

The Code treats many ADPs as “mini‑specific plans”; precise plans are the mechanism that applies the ADP architecture/design standards project‑by‑project (see precise‑plan rules § 23.90.220 – § 23.90.270).
Where generic zone chapters exist, the ADP text generally supersedes/augments them inside ADP boundaries (see § 22.20.020 – § 22.20.030).

Quick decision‑relevant standards table

Topic	Short rule / metric	Code Reference
Design review committee — composition & advisory role	Committee of 3 or 5 design professionals; advisory only (approving authority decides).	§ 23.90.240
Cerritos Auto Square — material requirement	Min 40% enhanced materials on combined elevations (excl. showroom windows).	§ 22.15.260
Cerritos Auto Square — four‑sided architecture	Buildings must show four‑sided architecture and unified campus theme.	§ 22.15.260
ADP‑5.1 overlay — parcel/building standards	Min parcel 2.5 acres (auto retail); building coverage typically 50% (up to 65% in limited cases).	§ 22.61.110
ADP‑13 — setbacks / max height	Typical setbacks specified by frontage (e.g., 40 ft on Carmenita Rd in ADP‑13); max height commonly 35 ft unless ADP allows otherwise.	§ 22.37.140
Precise plan filing / staff review	File in time for review (Filing deadline); Director reviews for conformity before hearing.	§ 23.90.220, § 23.90.230

Checklist

File a precise plan application with the Director of Community Development in sufficient time for staff review (meet the filing deadlines). § 23.90.220.
Be prepared for Director staff review to confirm conformity with the General Plan, applicable ADPs, and specific development standards. § 23.90.230.
Expect referral to the design review committee where architectural quality/compatibility is in question; the committee’s report is advisory to the Planning Commission/City Council. § 23.90.240.
If the property is inside an ADP (for example ADP‑5 / Cerritos Auto Square, ADP‑5.1, ADP‑12, ADP‑13), confirm and comply with the ADP’s specific design/material/height/setback rules — these are enforced through your precise plan. See § 22.15.260, § 22.61.110, § 22.36.020, § 22.37.140.
Prepare architectural elevations and cross‑sections adequate to show façades, roof‑tops, and mechanical screening consistent with ADP requirements (ADP‑specific items such as roof scapes are explicitly called out in the Auto Square ADP). § 22.15.270, § 22.15.280.
For projects with common areas or multiple ownership, be ready to show maintenance/retention arrangements (HOA, assessment district, deed restrictions). § 23.90.250.
Coordinate early with public safety (fire) and community safety review where the precise plan requires it. § 23.90.250 (fire & safety review references in precise plan text).

If any of the items above require exact submittal checklists (format, number of copies, plan scale, pedestrian circulation plan requirements), verify with the Director — the code requires such materials but the exact submittal breakdown and some sub‑section numbers were not unambiguously shown in the retrieved excerpts. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Is design review mandatory for small alterations?	The code says the Director/Planning Commission/City Council may submit a plan to the design review committee — it is not universally mandatory. That affects timeline and applicant expectations.	Confirm at intake whether your project will be routed to the design review committee or handled solely by staff/PC/Council. § 23.90.240.
ADP vs. underlying zone conflicts	ADPs replace or augment underlying zoning inside their boundaries — non‑compliance with ADP standards can block approval.	Confirm whether the parcel sits inside an ADP (e.g., ADP‑5, ADP‑12, ADP‑13) and which ADP subsection applies. § 22.20.020; ADP text (e.g., § 22.15.260, § 22.36.020).
HOA architectural review clauses	Several ADPs state precise‑plan approvals may be conditioned on HOA review/maintenance obligations. If triggered this can add a private approval step or maintenance covenant requirement.	Confirm in the ADP language that applies to the parcel; ask whether HOA approval is required and whether that is enforceable as a condition of the city’s approval. (See ADP provisions on retention/maintenance; ADP text references HOA review). Not all ADPs are identical — Verify with the jurisdiction.
ADU / second‑unit exemptions and design review	State ADU law limits local design restrictions in some contexts; local code contains second‑unit design requirements but interplay with design review is context dependent.	For accessory dwelling units, consult the local ADU chapter and state ADU law; confirm whether the Director’s discretion or ADP rules apply on the parcel. Local second‑unit standards occur in the code (see second‑unit text) — Verify with the jurisdiction and check state preemption. Not all ADU specifics were fully displayed in the retrieved excerpts.

Plain‑English summary

If your project is inside an area plan or requires a precise plan in Cerritos, expect an architectural quality check as part of precise‑plan review; the city can send your plans to a small panel of architects/planners (a design review committee) for an advisory opinion, and many ADPs (like the Auto Square) include mandatory material, massing, roof and elevation rules that your design must meet. Final approval authority remains the Planning Commission or City Council; verify whether HOA or overlay rules add private approvals. § 23.90.240; § 22.15.260; § 22.61.110.

Source References

§ 23.90.220 Filing deadline for precise plans.
§ 23.90.230 Staff review of precise plans (Director review for conformity).
§ 23.90.240 Design review (authority to refer precise plans; committee composition; advisory role).
§ 23.90.250 Retention of control / maintenance of common areas as condition of precise‑plan approval.
§ 22.15.240 ADP‑5 (Auto Square) design standards — precise plan consideration for architectural quality.
§ 22.15.260 Cerritos Auto Square Architectural Design Standards (four‑sided architecture; 40% enhanced materials; freeway elevation treatment).
§ 22.15.270 – § 22.15.290 Auto Square roof scapes, windows/doors, and lighting design expectations.
§ 22.61.110 ADP‑5.1 overlay standards (parcel area, building coverage, height, setbacks).
§ 22.36.020; § 22.36.040; § 22.36.150 ADP‑12 purpose, objectives and environmental performance/design conditioning.
§ 22.37.020; § 22.37.140 ADP‑13 purpose and site development standards (setbacks, heights, open space).
Industrial / manufacturing ADP design references that explicitly point to design review for architectural compatibility.
Second‑unit / ADU related design compatibility requirements (local second‑unit text). Not all exact section headers were unambiguously visible in retrieved excerpts; verify ADU section number with the city.

If you want, I can:

Pull the exact precise‑plan submittal checklist from the full code PDF (so you have the exact section numbers and required drawing list), or
Map a specific parcel to the exact ADP and quote the ADP subsections that will apply to your precise plan (Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑level application).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 23.90.240) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.80) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 23.90.240.) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (section rendering) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 20.30) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.80) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 22.22.700) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 23.90.240) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

**§ 23.90.220** Filing deadline for precise plans. (§ 23.90.220)
**§ 23.90.230** Staff review of precise plans (Director review for conformity). (§ 23.90.230)
**§ 23.90.240** Design review (authority to refer precise plans; committee composition; advisory role). (§ 23.90.240)
**§ 23.90.250** Retention of control / maintenance of common areas as condition of precise‑plan approval. (§ 23.90.250)
**§ 22.15.240** ADP‑5 (Auto Square) design standards — precise plan consideration for architectural quality. (§ 22.15.240)
**§ 22.15.260** Cerritos Auto Square Architectural Design Standards (four‑sided architecture; 40% enhanced materials; freeway elevation treatment). (§ 22.15.260)
**§ 22.15.270 – § 22.15.290** Auto Square roof scapes, windows/doors, and lighting design expectations. (§ 22.15.270)
**§ 22.61.110** ADP‑5.1 overlay standards (parcel area, building coverage, height, setbacks). (§ 22.61.110)
**§ 22.36.020; § 22.36.040; § 22.36.150** ADP‑12 purpose, objectives and environmental performance/design conditioning. (§ 22.36.020)
**§ 22.37.020; § 22.37.140** ADP‑13 purpose and site development standards (setbacks, heights, open space). (§ 22.37.020)
Industrial / manufacturing ADP design references that explicitly point to design review for architectural compatibility.
Second‑unit / ADU related design compatibility requirements (local second‑unit text). Not all exact section headers were unambiguously visible in retrieved excerpts; verify ADU section number with the city. (section headers)
Pull the exact precise‑plan submittal checklist from the full code PDF (so you have the exact section numbers and required drawing list), or (section numbers)
Map a specific parcel to the exact ADP and quote the ADP subsections that will apply to your precise plan (Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑level application).
Cerritos_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

Do I need design review for a routine remodel in Cerritos?

Not always. The code lets the Director, Planning Commission, or City Council refer a precise plan to the design review committee if architectural quality or compatibility is in question; that makes design‑review committee referral discretionary rather than categorically mandatory. Confirm at intake whether your project will be routed to the committee. § 23.90.240.

What triggers a precise plan (and therefore possible design review) in Cerritos?

A precise plan is required where an area development plan replaces usual zoning rules or where a development is large/complex enough to be regulated by a precise plan; the Code requires filing and staff review before hearings. See the precise‑plan filing and staff review rules § 23.90.220 – § 23.90.230 and the ADP texts for where a precise plan is mandatory.

What are the Cerritos Auto Square design requirements I must obey?

Auto Square precise plans must follow the Cerritos Auto Square Architectural Design Standards — including a unified architectural theme, four‑sided architecture, and minimum 40% enhanced materials on building elevations (excluding showroom windows). These are enforced through precise‑plan approval. § 22.15.260.

If my lot is inside an ADP, which rules govern my design review?

The applicable ADP (for example ADP‑5, ADP‑12, ADP‑13) and the precise‑plan chapters govern; ADP standards override or supplement underlying zone rules inside the ADP boundary. Confirm the parcel’s ADP and follow the ADP’s site development and architectural standards during precise‑plan submittal. § 22.20.020; ADP text (e.g., § 22.15.260, § 22.36.020).

Who sits on the design review committee and does that committee make final decisions?

The committee is appointed by the City Council and is composed of design professionals (three or five members, no more than two from the same discipline). It issues advisory decisions; the Planning Commission/City Council retains final decision authority. § 23.90.240.

Are there explicit material or finish percentages I must meet?

Yes — at least in some ADPs. Example: the Auto Square requires a minimum 40% of combined elevations covered with enhanced materials and four‑sided architectural treatment; other ADPs set different coverage, setbacks, or open‑space ratios. Check the specific ADP language that applies to your parcel. § 22.15.260; various ADP sections.

Will an HOA requirement in an ADP add another approval step?

Some ADPs condition precise‑plan approval on HOA or similar entity approval for common areas or exterior modifications — the ADP text treats HOA/maintenance obligations as possible conditions of the city’s approval. Confirm whether the applicable ADP includes that clause for your parcel and whether the HOA has separate approval authority. (ADP language addresses retention/maintenance and HOA review.) § 23.90.250; ADP provisions.

Do parking rules factor into design review (e.g., sightlines, circulation)?

Yes — ADPs and precise‑plan review consider pedestrian/vehicular circulation and parking as part of site design; parking standards and their arrangement are part of ADP site‑development standards and will be reviewed as part of the precise plan. See ADP site development standards and the city’s parking chapter when preparing submittals. § 22.15.250; see local parking chapter.

Where can I find the city’s development standards I must meet during design review?

ADP standards are in the ADP chapters (for example § 22.15.x, § 22.36.x, § 22.37.x). The precise‑plan process itself is in § 23.90.220 – § 23.90.270. For plan‑level development standards consult the ADP chapter that covers your parcel.

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