Local zoning · Huntington Park

Huntington Park — Design Review

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

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

The City of Huntington Park requires discretionary design review for most new construction, exterior alterations and other development to ensure projects are compatible with surrounding properties and adopted design guidance. The local rules governing design review live in Title 9 (Zoning) of the Huntington Park Municipal Code: key requirements and procedures appear in § 9-2.1801–§ 9-2.1808 (Article 18: Design Review Procedures) and related development-standards and district chapters. See the City's zoning menu for broader context at Huntington Park Zoning.

Notes on links used below: the page links to the City's menu entries for related topics — for example, first occurrences of the words below link to the exact menu page indicated:

design review → Huntington Park Zoning
parking → Huntington Park Parking
setbacks/development standards → Huntington Park Development Standards
overlays → Huntington Park Overlay Districts
ADUs → Huntington Park ADUs
California Building Standards Code (Title 24) → California Building Standards Code
historic preservation → Huntington Park Historic Preservation
signage → Huntington Park Signage

(Those links appear inline at the first natural mention of each topic.)

What the Huntington Park code says (core rules)

Purpose and scope: The City establishes design review to promote compatibility, orderly site design and high-quality architecture consistent with the General Plan (§ 9-2.1801) and states why exterior design affects community welfare (§ 9-2.1802) .
Applicability: Design review applies to (1) new structures or development requiring a Development Permit; (2) additions and exterior modifications requiring a Development Permit; (3) Planned Sign Programs; and (4) other projects as determined by Council, Commission or Director — with explicit exemptions (e.g., fences/walls, interior work, small parking-lot improvements, revisions to approved sign programs) listed in § 9-2.1803–§ 9-2.1804.
Procedure and submittal: Design review begins when the Department receives a completed application with site plans, elevations, specifications and other materials as determined by the Director. The Director may conduct a preliminary (informal) review; after a completed submittal the Director issues a recommendations list to the applicant and forwards it to the appropriate Review Authority within 30 working days (§ 9-2.1805). Applicants may be asked to submit revised plans if Director recommendations would substantially alter a proposal.
Standards and findings: The Director evaluates projects against adopted code provisions and any Council-adopted design guidelines. The Director's required findings include consistency with the Code and General Plan, compatibility of scale/character/materials/colors, appropriate site layout (including screening equipment, lighting, signs, landscaping and parking), protection of views/privacy, and incorporation of applicable special requirements (ADA, mitigation measures, density bonuses, historic preservation, etc.) — see § 9-2.1806–§ 9-2.1807.
Cross-references and required supporting materials: Design review is implemented together with other entitlement procedures — permit application rules and fees (Article 22), hearings and appeals (Article 23), Development Permits, Conditional Use Permits, Minor Variances, parking and landscaping rules — the code lists applicable articles that apply to design review in § 9-2.1808. Landscape submittal rules are required as part of planning permit applications (§ 9-3.405), and parking rules are in Chapter 3 Article 8.
Historic resources and overlays: Projects affecting historic resources or within Historic District overlays have an additional historic-review track (Certificates of No Effect/Appropriateness) under the Historic Preservation article; the Historic Preservation rules (Article 18 in Chapter 3) specify applicability and delegated authority (§ 9-3.1821–§ 9-3.1824) and the Historic District overlay requirements are in the overlay article (§ 9-4.502.7). Design guidelines for historic properties are referenced as applied by the Director or Commission.

District-by-district breakdown (where design review commonly applies)

The Huntington Park zoning districts established by the code (see § 9-1.105) include R-L, R-M, R-H, C-P, C-N, C-G, DTSP, MPD, OS, PF, and overlay zones (Medium Density Overlay, Parking Overlay, TOD, Historic District overlays, etc.). Each district below summarizes the district purpose, typical permitted uses, key dimensional standards and where design review connects.

R-L (Low-Density Residential)

Purpose: Provide for single-family and low-density housing with neighborhood character protection. § 9-1.105 lists the district.
Typical uses: single-family dwellings, accessory structures, small family day care homes — see Table IV-1 for permitted uses in residential zones (§ 9-4.102).
Key dimensional standards: Main structure height typically 35 ft (2 stories); private outdoor/open-space requirements and accessory-structure setbacks listed in Table IV-3 and other residential standards (§ 9-3.1507, Table IV-3). Setbacks and parking rules apply per Chapter 3 (Property Development Standards).
Design review connection: Additions/new construction that require a Development Permit are subject to design review under § 9-2.1803–§ 9-2.1805; landscape and screening submittals per § 9-3.405 apply.

R-M (Medium-Density Residential)

Purpose: Medium-density attached/detached residential (townhomes, low-rise multifamily) with densities ~8.713–17.424 du/ac. § 9-4.101–§ 9-4.102.
Typical uses: Multi-family dwellings, condominiums (D), limited institutional uses (conditional), accessory uses. Table IV-1 lists allowed uses.
Key standards: Max building height ~35 ft; private and common open-space minima (e.g., 250/200 sf private outdoor for ground/upper floors in R-M per Table notes); parking and screening rules apply (see Chapter 3).
Design review connection: Projects needing a Development Permit must pass design findings in § 9-2.1807 and satisfy landscaping (§ 9-3.405) and parking standards in Chapter 3.

R-H (High-Density Residential)

Purpose: High-density multifamily housing (~17.425–20 du/ac) and mixed residential uses; senior housing/SRO allowed with conditions. § 9-4.101–§ 9-4.102.
Typical uses: Apartments/condos, senior housing (conditional), SRO (conditional), child-care (conditional). See Table IV-1.
Key standards: Max structure height 45 ft (may be increased with Commission approval as part of a Development Permit subject to visual analysis and additional setbacks) and common-use open space standards (§ 9-4.103 notes).
Design review connection: Taller or denser projects will face more intensive design review; the Commission may require greater setbacks or other conditions via Development Permit (see § 9-2.1105 for Conditional Use / Development Permit findings).

C-P / C-N / C-G (Commercial districts)

Purpose: C-P (Office-Professional), C-N (Neighborhood-Commercial), C-G (General-Commercial); definitions and allowed uses are in § 9-4.201–§ 9-4.202. C-N is tailored for compatibility next to residential; C-G supports broader retail/service uses.
Typical uses: Retail, offices, restaurants (subject to CUP in some cases), mixed-use residential where allowed by DTSP/overlay rules; Table IV-5 lists permitted land uses.
Key standards (commercial): Floor area ratio 1:1 (C-P/C-N), 2:1 (C-G); structure heights 30–40 ft depending on subzone; front/side/rear setbacks summarized in Table IV-6 (§ 9-4.203).
Design review connection: Commercial projects requiring Development Permits or Sign Programs are routed through design review and must provide elevations, signage plans and landscape plans (see Planned Sign Program rules § 9-3.1206 and design review § 9-2.1805).

DTSP (Downtown Huntington Park Specific Plan)

Purpose: Downtown-specific plan with subdistricts and more detailed design/regulatory standards; DTSP governs downtown parcels and uses § 9-4.603.
Typical uses and standards: Mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented commercial/residential; the DTSP contains its own development standards (e.g., building heights up to 65 ft in some DTSP districts, stepback rules adjacent to RL/RM, open-space and setback rules) — see DTSP development standards (§ 9-4.203 and associated tables). Design review for DTSP projects follows the DTSP rules and Director/Commission processes in the Code.

MPD (Manufacturing/Planned Development)

Purpose: Industrial/service-commercial with emphasis on site planning, parking and screening; MPD Article establishes permitted industrial uses and design expectations (§ 9-4.301–§ 9-4.303).
Typical uses: Light and heavy manufacturing (permitted vs. conditional), warehouse, service commercial; Table IV-8 lists allowed land uses.
Key standards: Floor Area Ratios, front setback 5 ft, distance-between-structures and loading/parking rules in Table IV-9; architecture standards require appropriate finishing materials and screening of outdoor storage.

Overlays (e.g., Medium Density Overlay, Parking Overlay, Historic District overlay, TOD)

Purpose: Overlays modify or add standards to underlying zones (e.g., allow medium density housing in commercial areas, identify priority parking parcels, apply Historic District controls). See § 9-4.501–§ 9-4.502. Design-review rules intersect with overlay-specific requirements (e.g., historic guidelines, DTSP rules).

Quick standards & permitted-uses reference table

District / Item	Typical permitted uses / key decision items	Key numeric standard / rule	Code reference
R-L	Single-family dwellings, accessory structures; low-density residential uses	Max height 35 ft (2 stories); accessory setbacks and private open space per Table IV-3	§ 9-4.102, Table IV-3
R-M	Townhomes, low-rise multifamily	Density ~8.713–17.424 du/ac; private outdoor minima 250/200 sf (ground/upper) noted in table notes	§ 9-4.101–§ 9-4.103
R-H	High-density apartments, conditional SRO/senior housing	Max height 45 ft (Commission may allow higher via Development Permit with visual analysis)	§ 9-4.101; § 9-4.103
C-P / C-N / C-G	Offices, neighborhood retail, community retail	FAR 1:1 (C-P/C-N); 2:1 (C-G); heights 30–40 ft; setbacks in Table IV-6	§ 9-4.201–§ 9-4.203, Table IV-6
DTSP	Downtown mixed-use, pedestrian form-based rules	DTSP controls building height/stepbacks, ground-floor use mix and storefront standards (e.g., max heights to 65 ft, stepbacks adjacent to RL/RM)	§ 9-4.603; § 9-4.203
MPD	Industrial/manufacturing, service-commercial	Minimum lot area rules, FAR and loading standards; parking ratio examples (e.g., 1 space/800 sf for PUD)	§ 9-4.301–§ 9-4.303, Table IV-8/IV-9
Overlay (Historic)**	Adds Certificates, guidelines, review triggers	Historic projects subject to additional review and possible Certificates of No Effect or Appropriateness	§ 9-3.1821–§ 9-3.1824; § 9-4.502.7

Checklist — what an applicant must provide to trigger/complete design review

Submit a complete application package to the Community Development Department (site plan, elevations, materials/finishes, colors, signage, landscaping, parking layout, lighting, and any plans specified by the Director) — § 9-2.1805.
If applicable, include a landscape concept plan with irrigation notes (landscape concept required before building permit) — § 9-3.405.
If in the Downtown Specific Plan (DTSP) or an overlay, provide DTSP-specific diagrams and required open-space/stepback documentation — § 9-4.603; § 9-4.203.
Demonstrate compliance with parking standards (Chapter 3, Article 8) and provide parking calculations and circulation plans — see Off-Street Parking Standards referenced via § 9-2.1808.
Where historic resources are involved, supply any materials needed for a Certificate of No Effect or Certificate of Appropriateness under Historic Preservation rules — § 9-3.1821.
Pay applicable application and review fees as set by City Council resolution — § 9-3.1823.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Who is the final Review Authority for a given project	Design review recommendations come from the Director but final action can be by Director, Commission or Council depending on the permit type; this affects hearing/appeal rights and timelines	Verify whether your project is Director-approved or requires Commission/Council (check § 9-2.1805 and the specific entitlement—Development Permit, CUP, etc.)
Whether ADUs require design review	Local ADU-specific standards and interaction with design-review are not spelled out in Article 18 in the retrieved materials	Not found in retrieved materials — verify with the Department and check ADU chapter/ordinances or Planning staff; consult Huntington Park ADUs page linked above.
Historic resource trigger thresholds	Altering a historic resource can trigger additional review, certificates and possible stricter standards	Confirm whether your property is on the Huntington Park Historic Register and whether the proposed work is an "alteration/substantial alteration" per § 9-3.1803–§ 9-3.1821
Interpretation of "complete application" and required detail	Director has discretion to require additional materials; incomplete submissions delay the 30-working-day recommendations list	Confirm submittal checklist with Planning staff; the Director will list required materials per § 9-2.1805
Interplay of DTSP or overlay-specific standards with standard design review	DTSP and overlays include their own standards that may supersede underlying zone rules	Check DTSP and overlay sections referenced in § 9-4.603 and § 9-4.502 to confirm which standards apply to your parcel.

Plain-English summary

If you are proposing new construction or exterior changes that require a Development Permit in Huntington Park, expect to submit site plans, elevations, materials/colors, landscaping and parking plans for discretionary design review; the Director will review and issue recommendations within 30 working days and the project will be judged against the Municipal Code standards and any adopted design guidelines before the final reviewing authority (Director/Commission) signs off. See § 9-2.1801–§ 9-2.1808 for the procedure.

Source References

City of Huntington Park Planning & Zoning Code — Article 18 (Design Review Procedures), § 9-2.1801 through § 9-2.1808.
Design-review procedures and timelines (submittals, 30-working-day recommendation) — § 9-2.1805.
Director findings and design guideline referral — § 9-2.1806–§ 9-2.1807.
Historic Preservation applicability and certificates — § 9-3.1801–§ 9-3.1825.
Residential district uses & development standards (R-L, R-M, R-H) — § 9-4.101–§ 9-4.104, Table IV-1 and Table IV-3 notes.
Commercial district standards (C-P, C-N, C-G) and Table IV-6 (setbacks, heights, FAR) — § 9-4.201–§ 9-4.203.
Downtown Huntington Park Specific Plan (DTSP) rules — § 9-4.603.
MPD (Industrial Planned Development) allowances, required amenities and PUD design requirements — § 9-4.301–§ 9-4.303.
Landscaping concept plan requirement — § 9-3.405.
Parking references: Chapter 3, Article 8 (Off-Street Parking Standards); cross-referenced in § 9-2.1808 and overlay Parking Zone language (§ 9-4.502).
Huntington Park Municipal Code (Title 9) — overall Title/Chapter identification and zoning map rules — § 9-1.101–§ 9-1.105.
California Building Standards Code (state Title 24) — link to state building codes page for reference: California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 7) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (Chapter 4.) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 9-2.602.) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (Article 7.) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (Article 18.) High relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 9-2.1806.) High relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 9-3.903.) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (Article 7) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (Article 3) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (Section 65589.5.) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (Article 6.) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 9-3.1505.) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (section that) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (Chapter 3) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 9-4.304.) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (article and) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (Chapter 3) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Huntington Park Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Huntington Park code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need design review in Huntington Park?

If your project is new construction or any addition/exterior modification that requires a Development Permit, it is subject to the City's design-review procedures under § 9-2.1803–§ 9-2.1805. Exemptions are narrow (e.g., some fences/walls, interior-only work, small parking-lot improvements) — check § 9-2.1804 for listed exemptions.

What materials must I submit for design review?

A complete application requires site plans, elevations, specifications (materials/colors), landscaping and other materials the Director deems necessary; the Director will respond with a list of recommendations within 30 working days of a complete submittal (§ 9-2.1805). Also plan to include any sign program details or landscape concept plans as applicable (§ 9-3.405).

What are Huntington Park setback requirements?

Setbacks vary by district. Commercial setback and height tables (C-P, C-N, C-G) are summarized in Table IV-6 (§ 9-4.203); typical commercial front setback is 5 ft, and structure heights are 30–40 ft depending on the district. Residential setback rules and accessory-structure setbacks are in the residential tables and notes (see Table IV-3 and related standards). Verify district-specific setbacks for your parcel.

What does the Director evaluate in design review?

The Director evaluates consistency with the Code and any adopted design guidelines, the character/scale/materials/colors of the project, compatibility with adjacent development, landscape design and parking/circulation integration and any special standards (ADA, mitigation measures or historic requirements) as listed in the design-review findings (§ 9-2.1807).

Are projects in Downtown (DTSP) treated differently?

Yes. The DTSP establishes its own district-level standards and guidelines for downtown projects; DTSP projects must follow DTSP rules in addition to design-review procedures noted in the Code (see § 9-4.603 and the DTSP development standards). Design review will consider DTSP-specific requirements (heights, stepbacks, storefront treatments).

Does work on an historic building require design review?

Yes. Alterations, additions, relocations, demolitions and exterior changes affecting a Historic Resource are subject to the Historic Preservation article and may require Certificates of No Effect or Appropriateness in addition to standard design review (§ 9-3.1821–§ 9-3.1824). The Historic Preservation Commission or Director may have delegated authority.

Can the Director require revised plans after review?

Yes — the Director may request revised plans if the Director's recommendations would substantially alter the proposed development, and may forward recommendations to the appropriate Review Authority; this is described in § 9-2.1805.

Where are parking requirements for design review projects found?

Parking rules are in Chapter 3 Article 8 (Off-Street Parking Standards); the design-review process cross-references parking standards and may require a parking review for commercial or outdoor dining expansions. The Code cross-references these rules in § 9-2.1808 and in overlay sections (e.g., Parking Overlay Zone § 9-4.502).

If my project is Director-approved, can I appeal?

Yes. Decisions by the Director that an applicant objects to are generally appealable to the Planning Commission; appeal procedures are found in the Code's hearings and appeals articles (see cross-references in § 9-2.1808 and Article 23).

Do design-review approvals automatically allow construction?

No. Design-review approvals are an entitlement decision; building permits and compliance with California Building Standards (Title 24) and other construction permits are separate requirements. Design review does not replace required Building Division approvals. Verify building-code approval steps with Building staff (Title 24 reference: California Building Standards Code).

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