Local zoning · Monrovia

Monrovia — Design Review

Q: What design criteria will reviewers apply to my addition?

Reviewers use the neighborhood compatibility criteria in § 17.12.005(D) : exterior materials and finishes, site planning (orientation, parking/garage placement), building form (roof, height, massing), architectural features, neighbor impact (privacy, solar access) and general neighborhood compatibility. Prepare to demonstrate compliance with each category.

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Design review in Monrovia is a municipally administered review process that evaluates the exterior design, scale and neighborhood compatibility of new development and exterior alterations in specified zones. The primary local standard for residential compatibility review is the Neighborhood Compatibility Design Review in § 17.12.005; administrative review roles are assigned to the Development Review Committee (DRC) and the Planning Commission under § 17.52.030 and related administration sections.

Note: where this page references other topics (parking, setbacks, overlays, ADUs, Title 24, historic preservation, signage, landscaping), the first time each topic is discussed it is linked to Monrovia’s site for that topic for quick cross-reference: design review links appear inline below.

Overview of what the Monrovia code controls

The city establishes a neighborhood-focused design-review process for residential zones and planned developments in § 17.12.005 (purpose, applicability, review categories, criteria, noticing, exemptions). § 17.12.005 is the central, controlling design-review rule for residential compatibility.
Administrative authorities and committee structure (who decides) are set out in § 17.52.030 (Development Review Committee) and the Planning Commission/City Council roles and findings in § 17.52.290 – § 17.52.320.
Certain area-specific design/development standards that feed into design review (for example the West Huntington Drive corridor standards such as FAR, setbacks and orientation) live at § 17.16.050 and are used by reviewers when projects are within those districts.

(For cross-topic reference: Monrovia’s pages on design review, zoning, development standards, parking, overlay districts, historic preservation, signage, landscaping and screening, and ADUs are linked where they first appear.)

District-by-district breakdown (where design review rules and relevant standards apply)

Note: Monrovia’s zoning districts are listed in § 17.04.030. Use this section to confirm a property’s zoning before relying on the summaries below.

RF — Residential Foothill

Purpose and where it applies: large-lot/foothill single‑family neighborhoods; see § 17.12.010 for the RF development standards.
Typical permitted uses: single‑family residences and accessory uses customary to single‑family lots (exact allowed uses follow the zoning table in Title 17; see § 17.04.030).
Key dimensional standards (explicit in code): minimum lot area 15,000 sq ft, minimum lot width 100 ft, maximum main building floor area based on net lot area (35% for first 20,000 sq ft + 10% of remaining) — these appear in § 17.12.010. Design-review relevance: neighborhood compatibility criteria of § 17.12.005 apply to residential construction in RF.

RE — Residential Estate

Purpose and where it applies: estate and low-density residential neighborhoods (listed among residential zones in § 17.04.030).
Typical permitted uses: single-family residences and accessory uses.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials for a consolidated RE table; verify with the jurisdiction or the full Title 17 development standards. Verify with jurisdiction.

RL — Residential Low Density

Purpose and where it applies: conventional single-family neighborhoods (listed in § 17.04.030).
Typical permitted uses: single-family dwellings, accessory structures.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials in the excerpts provided; verify with jurisdiction.

RM / RH — Residential Medium / High Density (RM2500, RM3000, RM3500, RH, etc.)

Purpose and where it applies: medium- and higher-density residential areas — see district list § 17.04.030.
Typical permitted uses: multi‑family residential projects, sometimes allowed conditionally.
Key dimensional / design-related standards present in retrieved materials:
- Separation between buildings and story-specific separations, and recreation/open-space minimums for RM and RH are addressed in the Residential Development Standards chapter and associated tables; these rules and multi‑family design standards (exterior materials, entrances, recreation space) are summarized in Chapter 17.12 (see excerpts). Design review criteria in § 17.12.005 apply to multi‑family projects not already subject to a conditional use permit.
- For precise numeric separations / recreation % tables, see the full Chapter 17.12 text in the municipal code (verify with jurisdiction for parcel‑specific numbers).

RCC / RCM — Retail Corridor Commercial and Retail Corridor Mixed Use

Purpose and where it applies: West Huntington Drive corridor and similar retail corridor parcels; supplemental rules in § 17.16.050.
Typical permitted uses: ground‑floor retail (RCC), mixed residential/retail in RCM (RCM allows residential up to 54 dwelling units/acre where permitted).
Key dimensional standards used by design reviewers:
- FAR 2.0 with surface parking; FAR 3.0 if structured/subterranean parking provided (RCC/RCM) — § 17.16.050.
- Front setback generally 10 ft (can be reduced by DRC approval). Building orientation to face Huntington Drive is required. Design review will incorporate these standards.

PD / Specific Plan Areas

Purpose and where it applies: planned development and specific plan areas listed in § 17.04.035; specific plans contain their own development standards and design controls. Projects inside a specific plan are reviewed against that plan’s standards and the general-title procedures.

For all of the above residential districts, the neighborhood compatibility process in § 17.12.005 sets the categories of residential construction that trigger staff vs. DRC review, the compatibility criteria reviewers must apply, noticing requirements, and exemptions.

Key code excerpts you will rely on (decision‑relevant)

Rule / matter	What it controls	Code reference
Neighborhood compatibility design review — purpose, categories, criteria, noticing, exemptions	Sets which residential work requires staff vs. DRC review; lists review criteria (materials, site planning, form, neighbor impacts), and exemptions such as ordinary maintenance and single‑story second units	§ 17.12.005
Development Review Committee authority	Approves minor exceptions, minor conditional use permits and other applications as authorized; may approve precise design plans or refer to Commission	§ 17.52.030
Commission findings; public hearing notice	Planning Commission findings for conditional approvals and the hearing/notice standards (mailing, radius, timing)	§ 17.52.290 – § 17.52.320
West Huntington Corridor design & FAR	FAR (2.0 surface; 3.0 with structured parking), front setback guidance, orientation, residential density cap (RCM)	§ 17.16.050
Landscaping & required locations/DRC approval	Landscaping requirements in setbacks and parking areas; landscaping character must be approved by the DRC	§ 17.20.020

How design review actually works in Monrovia — practical synthesis

Applicability: Any work in a residential zone or PD designated for residential development that falls into the categories listed in § 17.12.005(C) must receive a neighborhood compatibility determination before a building permit will be issued; minor work is routed to staff, and larger items to the DRC.
What reviewers check: reviewers must use the objective criteria in § 17.12.005(D) (exterior materials, site planning, building form, architectural features, neighbor/solar/privacy impacts, neighborhood compatibility), plus any zone-specific numeric standards (setbacks, FAR, separations) from the district chapters or specific plans.
Notice & timing: where neighborhood notice is required the applicant must post the site sign at least 15 days prior to the review and the city must mail notices within the prescribed radius (200' or 400' depending on the category) at least 15 days before the meeting. The DRC/Commission notice and hearing rules in § 17.52.320 also apply for matters requiring a hearing.
Exemptions: ordinary maintenance, painting, reroofing in kind, fences/walls, single‑story accessory structures, single‑story second units constructed pursuant to Title 17, interior work without exterior changes, and other items listed in § 17.12.005(G) are exempt from neighborhood compatibility review.

(Practical note: Monrovia’s design review is neighborhood‑compatibility centric — the code focuses on form, scale, materials, and neighbor impacts rather than prescribing a single architectural style. Reviewers also enforce dimensional standards from district chapters and specific plans.)

Checklist

Confirm zoning and any specific‑plan or overlay design rules via § 17.04.030 and the Official Zoning Map.
Determine whether the proposed work is in the scope of § 17.12.005(C) (which category) to establish review level (staff vs. DRC).
Prepare site drawings showing setbacks, building height, massing, materials, garage/driveway configuration, landscaping and screening per § 17.12.005(D) and district standards.
If the application requires neighborhood notification: prepare to post the sign at least 15 days before review and provide the mailing list/radius; include evidence of posting in the submittal.
Include landscape plan consistent with § 17.20.020 if the project adds or modifies planting in required setbacks or parking areas.
Review area-specific standards (e.g., § 17.16.050 for West Huntington Drive projects) and show compliance in plans.
Confirm whether the project triggers other discretionary permits (CUP, variance, Hillside Development Permit) and prepare concurrent applications where needed; the Planning Commission findings and noticing rules apply.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Whether a specific proposal is in a category that requires DRC (200' or 400' noticing)	The level of review determines required notices, hearings, time and cost. Mis-categorizing delays approvals.	Check § 17.12.005(C–E) and confirm with planning staff; verify with the Director if block averaging is needed.
Exact numeric standards for some residential districts (RL, RE, RM variants)	Design review enforces numeric standards; missing numbers can lead to incorrect massing or footprint plans.	Use the full Title 17 development standards chapter for the district; if not available in provided excerpts, Verify with the jurisdiction. Not found in retrieved materials for some district tables.
ADU review and design‑control interaction	State ADU law limits discretionary design controls for ADUs; Monrovia code exempts some single‑story second units from neighborhood compatibility review. Conflicts can cause overreach or invalid conditions.	See exemptions in § 17.12.005(G)(7) and consult Monrovia’s ADU rules and state ADU law. Local ADU-specific ordinances were not present in the provided materials — Verify with the jurisdiction.
The DRC vs. Planning Commission escalation path	DRC can approve or refer to the Commission; unexpected referral changes process length and public hearing requirements.	Confirm authority and possible referral early; review § 17.52.030 and the referral language in the chapter where relevant.
Historic resource triggers	Demolition or changes to older houses may invoke demolition review or historic‑resource assessments, changing process and required reports.	Check Chapter 17.10 (Demolition Review of Main Residential Buildings) and Chapter 17.40 Historic Preservation; if structure 50+ years old, expect extra steps.

Plain-English Summary

If you’re changing the outside of a house or building in Monrovia, the city will check whether the new design fits the neighborhood’s size, scale, materials and impacts on neighbors under the Neighborhood Compatibility Design Review rules in § 17.12.005; small repairs are usually exempt, but additions, new two‑story work and new houses typically go to the Development Review Committee or Planning Commission for review.

Source References

Monrovia Municipal Code, Chapter 17 — Comprehensive Zoning Law (district list) — § 17.04.030.
Monrovia Municipal Code, CHAPTER 17.12 — Residential Development Standards; § 17.12.005 NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY DESIGN REVIEW (purpose, categories, criteria, noticing, exemptions).
Monrovia Municipal Code, § 17.12.010 Residential Foothill (RF) standards (lot size and FAR rules referenced in RF discussion).
Monrovia Municipal Code, CHAPTER 17.16 — West Huntington Drive Corridor standards — § 17.16.050 (RCC/RCM FAR, setbacks, orientation).
Monrovia Municipal Code, CHAPTER 17.20 — Landscaping and Tree Preservation; § 17.20.020 (landscape locations and DRC approval).
Monrovia Municipal Code, CHAPTER 17.52 — Administration; § 17.52.030 (Development Review Committee), § 17.52.290 – § 17.52.320 (Commission findings, conditions, public hearing/notice rules).
Monrovia Municipal Code, CHAPTER 17.10 — Demolition Review of Main Residential Buildings (historic building review rules).

Additional Monrovia topic pages (internal links used above):

Monrovia Land Use: /us/california/monrovia/land-use
Monrovia Zoning: /us/california/monrovia/zoning
Monrovia Development Standards: /us/california/monrovia/development-standards
Monrovia Parking: /us/california/monrovia/parking
Monrovia Overlay Districts: /us/california/monrovia/overlay-districts
Monrovia Historic Preservation: /us/california/monrovia/historic-preservation
Monrovia Signage: /us/california/monrovia/signage
Monrovia Landscaping and Screening: /us/california/monrovia/landscaping-and-screening
Monrovia ADUs: /us/california/monrovia/adu
California Building Standards Code: /us/california/building-codes

Sources

Retrieved passages

CFC § 2.56.030 (chapter shall) High relevance
CBC § 2.56.030 (chapter shall) High relevance
Monrovia Zoning Code (CHAPTER 17.20) High relevance
Monrovia Zoning Code (section of) Medium relevance
Monrovia Zoning Code (section using) Medium relevance
Monrovia Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
Monrovia Zoning Code (§ 17.20.020) Medium relevance
Monrovia Zoning Code Medium relevance
Monrovia Zoning Code (CHAPTER 17.12) Medium relevance
Monrovia Zoning Code (§ 17.16.050) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Monrovia code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need design review in Monrovia for a small front‑yard porch?

Small maintenance and repairs are explicitly exempt from Neighborhood Compatibility Design Review; however, an addition that results in an exterior visible change that qualifies as an “addition” under § 17.12.005 may trigger review. Check the exemptions list in § 17.12.005(G) and confirm with staff whether your porch is maintenance/repair or an addition.

What types of residential projects go to the Development Review Committee vs. staff?

The code categorizes common residential work (single‑story rear additions, single‑story front additions, new single‑family homes, two‑story additions, etc.) and assigns review authority and noticing requirements; see the table in § 17.12.005(E) for the staff vs. DRC split (e.g., single‑story rear additions = staff; new two‑story SFR = DRC).

What design criteria will reviewers apply to my addition?

Reviewers use the neighborhood compatibility criteria in § 17.12.005(D): exterior materials and finishes, site planning (orientation, parking/garage placement), building form (roof, height, massing), architectural features, neighbor impact (privacy, solar access) and general neighborhood compatibility. Prepare to demonstrate compliance with each category.

Are there objective numeric rules I must meet (setbacks, FAR, separations)?

Yes — numeric standards live in each zone’s development standards (see RF standards in § 17.12.010) and corridor/specific plan sections such as § 17.16.050 for West Huntington Drive. Design review enforces the numeric rules in addition to the compatibility criteria. For district numeric tables not present in the excerpt, verify with planning staff or the full Title 17.

Do ADUs require neighborhood compatibility design review in Monrovia?

Monrovia’s code specifically exempts “single story second units constructed pursuant to Title 17” from neighborhood compatibility review under § 17.12.005(G)(7); however, state ADU law and local ADU rules may impose additional objective standards. The local ADU-specific ordinance text was not present in the retrieved materials — Verify with the jurisdiction.

What neighborhood noticing is required for projects that go to DRC?

When the construction category requires neighborhood notification, the applicant must post a development sign at least 15 days prior to the committee review and the city will mail notice to owners within the radius specified in the table in § 17.12.005(E) (200' or 400' depending on the category); the table in § 17.12.005(E) lists exact notice radii by category.

If my property is in a specific plan area, which rules apply?

Specific plans supersede or supplement citywide zoning standards for that area. The rules in § 17.04.035 require that development within a specific plan be consistent with that specific plan’s provisions; design review will apply those specific‑plan standards in addition to city procedures.

What happens if my project is referred from DRC to the Planning Commission?

The Planning Commission has written findings it must make for discretionary approvals (§ 17.52.290) and its decisions are subject to public hearing notice rules (§ 17.52.320); referrals will therefore add public hearing procedures, formal findings and an appeal period. Expect a longer timetable and more formal notice requirements.

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