Colton — Design Review

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Design review in Colton is administered through the Zoning Code (Title 18 — Zoning) and appears as Architectural and Site Plan Review, Design Review, or Design Review Committee requirements in multiple zones and overlays. Which projects require review, who reviews them (Director, Design Review Committee, Planning Commission), and what materials are required vary by district; common triggers are new commercial/industrial buildings, multi‑family projects, downtown and mixed‑use projects, hillside development, and large or phased master plans. See the specific district rules below (each requirement below is quoted to the controlling code §).

For local guidance on related topics you will see referenced: the Colton parking rules, development standards, overlay districts, landscaping and screening, signage, ADUs and the statewide California Building Standards Code. Where the Zoning Code points to procedure it refers to Chapter 18.58 (Architectural and Site Plan Review / hearing bodies).

How Colton frames "design review" (short synthesis)

• The Zoning Code uses three overlapping tools: Architectural Compatibility standards, Design Review triggers in individual zone chapters, and a separate Architectural and Site Plan Review procedure that assigns approval authority to the Director, Design Review Committee, or Planning Commission depending on the project and zone. Examples: R-3/R-4 requires Architectural and Site Plan Review (§ 18.16.230) ; Mixed‑Use Downtown (M‑U/D) requires Architectural and Site Plan Review with Downtown design manual consistency (§ 18.23.120, 18.23.130) ; hillside projects require pre-application and Planning Commission public hearing review (§ 18.41.025) . The Director may handle smaller projects administratively (projects not exceeding 15,000 sq ft may be decided by the Director) (§ (Architectural & Site Plan Review—Director authority)) .

District-by-district breakdown (design-review‑relevant)

Each subsection states the district name in bold, the local intent/purpose, typical permitted uses (where the Code points to the use table), key dimensional/development standards that commonly drive design review issues, and where the design review rule lives.

Notes: the Code commonly refers back to use tables (Table E/F/G/I) in § 18.06.060 for permitted uses; consult that table for a full list. Verify parcel‑specific conditions with the City.

R-3 / R-4 — Multiple‑Family Residential

• Purpose: accommodate higher‑intensity multifamily housing (condominiums, apartments, senior housing). § 18.16.010.
• Typical permitted uses: multifamily dwellings (see Table E in § 18.06.060). § 18.16.030.
• Key standards: property development standards are collected in § 18.16.050–.230 (lot coverage, parking, guest parking ratios, maximum heights for roof pitches, etc.). See parking rules in Chapter 18.16.180.
• Design‑review rule: Architectural and Site Plan Review is required for all development in R‑3 and R‑4; projects are submitted to the appropriate decision‑making body per Chapter 18.58; affordable housing may be eligible for administrative review. § 18.16.230.
• Where it applies: any multifamily development, major additions, or projects changing exterior design in these zones.

R-2 — Medium Density Residential

• Purpose: medium‑density residential neighborhood character. Chapter 18.14.
• Typical permitted uses: see Table E in § 18.06.060 (residential uses).
• Key standards: setbacks, allowed building projections, parking and recreation space rules are in Chapter 18.14 (e.g., Table 3 projection standards). § 18.14.060, 18.14.170, 18.14.180.
• Design‑review rule: the Code requires submission of site plans/elevations to the Design Review Committee when ten dwelling units are proposed on a building site. § 18.14.230.

R-1 — Low Density Residential

• Purpose: single‑family detached neighborhoods. Chapter 18.12.
• Typical uses: single‑family homes (Table E in § 18.06.060).
• Key standards: building placement, landscaping, mechanical screening; many single‑family projects that do not change external appearance are explicitly exempt from Architectural and Site Plan Review. See § (Architectural & Site Plan exemptions).
• Design‑review rule: most typical small single‑family work is exempt; larger or visible changes may still be routed for review (Director or Planning Commission). See the Director/Commission approval criteria.

M‑U/D — Mixed‑Use Downtown

• Purpose: integrate civic, commercial, office and higher‑density residential uses and preserve Downtown character. § 18.23.010.
• Typical uses: mixed commercial/residential, live/work; see Table F in § 18.06.060.
• Key standards: minimum lot sizes, FAR, building heights (3 stories / 45 ft typical; up to 4 stories/55 ft with CUP), zero to small street setbacks with plazas and active frontages; Downtown design manual applies. § 18.23.050, 18.23.070, 18.23.130.
• Design‑review rule: Architectural and Site Plan Review required; decision‑maker must consider proximity to transit, housing quality, pedestrian spaces and open space; projects must be consistent with the Colton Downtown Design Manual. § 18.23.120, 18.23.130.

M‑U/N — Mixed‑Use Neighborhood

• Purpose: allow office, commercial and residential uses at neighborhood scale. § 18.23.1.010.
• Typical uses: office, compatible commercial, residential (see Table F).
• Key standards: Table 18.23.1.050‑1 lists minimum lot size (5,000 sf), lot width, and other placement standards. § 18.23.1.050.
• Design‑review rule: Architectural and Site Plan Review required for all development in M‑U/N; decision body to consider walkability, housing quality, pedestrian amenities. § 18.23.1.120.

I‑P — Industrial Park

• Purpose: park‑like industrial/office/research park design. § 18.24.010.
• Typical uses: office, light industrial, R&D (Table G in § 18.06.060).
• Key standards: 15% minimum landscaping coverage, setback rules, mechanical screening, and trash enclosure standards. §§ 18.24.110–.150.
• Design‑review rule: Site plans and elevations must be submitted whenever a structure or number of structures are proposed (Design Review / Architectural & Site Plan Review). § 18.24.160.

M‑1 / M‑2 — Light & Heavy Industrial

• Purpose: accommodate light or heavy industrial uses with buffering and design controls. §§ 18.26.010, 18.28.010.
• Design‑review rule: both zones require submission of site plans and elevations whenever structures are proposed; mechanical equipment screening and landscaping standards are explicitly required. §§ 18.26.160, 18.28.160, 18.26.130, 18.28.130.

PC — Planned Community Overlay

• Purpose: flexible design and development standards for master planned areas (e.g., Cooley Ranch). § 18.32.010.
• Design‑review rule: Plans for development in the PC overlay must be submitted to the Commission for design review approval (single‑family dwellings and additions excepted). § 18.32.030.

R‑O — Residential Overlay (Transit/Neighborhood)

• Purpose: add residential options where transit and neighborhood services exist; overlays apply on top of base zones. § 18.23.2.010–.020.
• Design‑review rule: Architectural and Site Plan Review required for all development under the overlay; decision body to consider transit proximity, housing quality and pedestrian‑friendly spaces. § 18.23.2.060.

Hillside Standards

• Applicability: hillside standards apply where natural slope ≥ 15% over area being graded and require Pre‑Application and Architectural and Site Plan Approval by the Planning Commission as a public hearing item. § 18.41.020, 18.41.025.
• Key requirements: grading plans, geotechnical report, building footprints, electronic visual simulations; ridgeline restrictions (no development within 50 vertical feet of ridgeline unless strict exception standards are met). § 18.41.025, 18.41.030.

Quick Reference table — who/when design review is required

Checklist — what an applicant must include for design/architectural/site‑plan review

• Pre‑application meeting when required (e.g., hillside projects) — see § 18.41.025.
• Completed application per § 18.53.030 (Application Preparation and Filing) — referenced in many district rules. Noted in hillside and other chapters.
• Site plan showing building footprints, setbacks, parking layout, maneuvering aisles (see parking Chapter 18.36), and dimensions. (See zone-specific property development standards, e.g., § 18.23.050, § 18.16.050.)
• Elevations (all façades) with materials and colors callouts; mechanical equipment screening details (§ 18.23.1.100, § 18.26.150).
• Landscape and irrigation plan meeting minimum coverage (often 15% of lot) and front‑setback planting rules (§ 18.23.4.090, § 18.26.130). For guidance see city landscaping standards and landscaping and screening.
• Trash enclosure details consistent with Chapter 18.18 and zone requirements (§ 18.24.140).
• Parking calculations and layout per Chapter 18.36 (see parking). Many downtown zones use special ratios (Table 18.23.070‑1). § 18.23.070‑1.
• For hillside projects: grading plans, geotechnical report, visual simulations, building pad locations (§ 18.41.025) — be ready for public hearing.
• Consistency statement when in an overlay or specific plan (e.g., Downtown Design Manual consistency for M‑U/D) — § 18.23.130.
• CEQA screening/initial study as required by the Director/Planning Commission. Several sections mandate the Director decide the appropriate CEQA document. (§ (Architectural & Site Plan Review — Director duties)).

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English summary

If you’re building or changing the exterior of a building in Colton, check the zone: many zones (R‑3/R‑4, mixed‑use, industrial parks, downtown, overlays and hillside areas) require submission of site plans and elevations and review under the City’s Architectural and Site Plan Review process; smaller projects (under 15,000 sq ft) are often handled by the Director, larger ones go to the Planning Commission. Always bring full site plans, elevations, landscaping and parking details and expect public hearing requirements for hillside, downtown, or large multifamily projects. See the specific zone § citations below for the precise triggers.

Source References

• Colton Zoning Code (Title 18 — Zoning), Chapter 18.01 (Title & Purpose). § 18.01.010–.020.
• R‑2 Chapter 18.14: Architectural Compatibility and Design Review (ten units trigger). § 18.14.220, 18.14.230.
• R‑3 / R‑4 Chapter 18.16: Intent, development standards, and Design Review. § 18.16.010, 18.16.050, 18.16.230.
• M‑U / Downtown Chapter 18.23: Architectural and Site Plan Review, Downtown Design Manual. § 18.23.120, 18.23.130, Table 18.23.070‑1.
• I‑P Chapter 18.24: Industrial Park Design Review. § 18.24.010, 18.24.160.
• M‑1 / M‑2 Chapters 18.26 and 18.28: design review triggers and screening standards. §§ 18.26.160, 18.28.160, 18.26.130, 18.28.130.
• PC overlay Chapter 18.32: design review requirements. § 18.32.030.
• Hillside Standards Chapter 18.41: applicability, pre‑application, required submittals and ridgeline rules. §§ 18.41.020, 18.41.025, 18.41.030.
• Architectural & Site Plan Review / administrative authority (Director/Commission thresholds and findings) — Director may approve projects not exceeding 15,000 sq ft; Director/Commission criteria spelled out with findings for denial/conditions (see Architectural & Site Plan Review provisions).

Also consult the City pages linked above for practical handouts and checklists: development standards, parking, overlay districts, landscaping and screening, signage, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code.

Retrieved passages

• Colton Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (§ 14) High relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (§ 8) High relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (section and) High relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (title for) High relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (Title as) Medium relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (Chapter 18.36.) Medium relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (Section 18.24.140) Medium relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (Section 16.20.020) Medium relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (§ 12) Medium relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (Chapter 18.58.) High relevance show source text
• Colton Zoning Code (Section 16.20.020) High relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Colton Zoning Code (Title 18 — Zoning), Chapter 18.01 (Title & Purpose). § **18.01.010–.020**. (Title 18)
• **R‑2** Chapter **18.14**: Architectural Compatibility and Design Review (ten units trigger). § **18.14.220**, **18.14.230**.
• **R‑3 / R‑4** Chapter **18.16**: Intent, development standards, and Design Review. § **18.16.010**, **18.16.050**, **18.16.230**.
• **M‑U / Downtown** Chapter **18.23**: Architectural and Site Plan Review, Downtown Design Manual. § **18.23.120**, **18.23.130**, Table 18.23.070‑1. fileciteturn3file1turn3file18
• **I‑P** Chapter **18.24**: Industrial Park Design Review. § **18.24.010**, **18.24.160**.
• **M‑1 / M‑2** Chapters **18.26** and **18.28**: design review triggers and screening standards. §§ **18.26.160**, **18.28.160**, **18.26.130**, **18.28.130**. fileciteturn1file11turn3file10
• **PC overlay** Chapter **18.32**: design review requirements. § **18.32.030**.
• **Hillside Standards** Chapter **18.41**: applicability, pre‑application, required submittals and ridgeline rules. §§ **18.41.020**, **18.41.025**, **18.41.030**. fileciteturn3file8turn3file6
• Architectural & Site Plan Review / administrative authority (Director/Commission thresholds and findings) — Director may approve projects not exceeding **15,000 sq ft**; Director/Commission criteria spelled out with findings for denial/conditions (see Architectural & Site Plan Review provisions). fileciteturn3file3turn3file4
• Colton_ZoningCode.md

• Official Colton code library