HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-02; City Council; 18549; Neighborhood Architectural Design GuidelinesoLU
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CITY OF CARLSBAD - AGENDA BILL
AB# 18.549
MTG. 5/2/06
DEPT. PLN
TITLE:
AMENDMENT TO CITY COUNCIL POLICY NO. 44
NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
2006-111 APPROVING Amended City
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council ADOPT Resolution No. _
Council Policy 44.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
City Council Policy No. 44 (Neighborhood Architectural Design Guidelines) was originally adopted in
1989 and amended in 2001. These architectural guidelines apply to all new single family and two-
family homes in the City and require that a variety of architectural elements be incorporated into such
residential structures so that they are visually interesting.
In July and October of 2004, the Planning Commission and City Council respectively conducted
public hearings regarding a Commission initiated proposal to amend City Council Policy No. 44. The
proposed modifications to Policy No. 44 include the following:
1) Requiring that rear and street side elevations have the same architectural design integrity as
the front of the house;
2) Requiring that all residential projects of 2 or more units have a minimum number of different
floor plans and different front and corresponding rear elevations depending on project size;
3) Requiring a minimum 6 foot depth for front porches so that they are more useable;
4) Allowing reduced second story homes as an alternative to the existing 15% single story
requirement; and
5) Requiring 3+ car garages that directly face the street to have minimum offsetting planes
between the garages.
After brief discussion, the City Council scheduled Policy No. 44 for a workshop to discuss two
remaining issues. The two issues with staff analysis and recommendations are included below.
1. Should the architectural guidelines apply to a new individual single family home or a single-
family home remodel?
Many of the development applications submitted for an individual single-family home or
remodel are from homeowner occupants who are looking to build their "dream home" or
update their existing residence. Because of the pride of home ownership value that is
typically associated with improving ones own home, there is likely less need for the City to
regulate architectural design. Additionally, while the architectural guidelines have been
developed to fit conventional architectural styles, they do not always allow for unique
architectural styles or designs. In the interest of respecting individual tastes and personal
style, staff is recommending that the architectural guidelines not apply to a new individual
single family home or a single family home remodel.
2. The Building Industry Association (BIA) requested that the threshold number of dwelling units
where 3 different floor plans and 3 different elevations is required be revised from 13 units to
21 units.
City Council Policy No. 44 currently requires that for projects of 30 or more dwelling units, a
minimum of 3 different floor plans and 3 different elevations be required. The Planning
Commission proposed that this guideline be modified to require 3 different floor plans and 3
I
PAGE 2
different elevations for projects of 13 or more dwelling units. The request from the BIA to
increase the threshold to 21 units is based upon a concern that requiring 3 different floor
plans and 3 different elevations for projects as small as 13 units will unreasonably increase
the costs for such small projects. The standard industry practice is to not add an alternative
floor plan and elevation to a residential project unless it can be repeated at least 2-3 times.
This threshold occurs at 21 units. Staff concurs and recommends support of this request.
Prior to scheduling this proposed amendment to City Council Policy No. 44 for City Council, it was
distributed to the development community representatives (i.e.; planning consultants, developers and
architects) for review and comment. No written or verbal comments were received.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The adoption of this City Council Policy Amendment is statutorily exempt from CEQA review since
there is no possibility that this activity will have an adverse effect on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
A minimal expenditure of staff time will be required to review new residential development projects
relative to amended City Council Policy No. 44.
EXHIBITS:
1. City Council Resolution 2006-111
2. City Council Policy No. 44 strikeout/underline version.
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Chris DeCerbo, (760) 602-4611, cdece@ci.carlsbad.ca.us
1 RESOLUTION NO. 2006-111
2 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CITY COUNCIL
3 POLICY NO. 44 - NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL
DESIGN GUIDELINES.
4 CASE NAME: CITY COUNCIL POLICY NO. 44 AMENDMENT
5 The City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, does hereby resolve as
follows:
6
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, on the 2nd day of
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May , 2006, considered said Policy Amendment; and
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WHEREAS, the revised policy will contribute to the creation of residential
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projects with enhanced architectural designs by requiring that: a) residential projects of 2 or
more units have a minimum number of floor plans and/or different front and rear elevations, b)
rear and street side building elevations have the same architectural design integrity as the front
of the house, c) front porches have a minimum 6-foot depth so that they are more useable, d)
reduced second story homes qualify as an alternative to the existing single story requirement,
and e) 3+ car garages that directly face the street have minimum offsetting planes between the
garages; andlo
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY the City Council of the
City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:
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1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the City Council adopts this Resolution approving the revisions to
20 City Council Policy No. 44.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 2nd day of May , 2006, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members Lewis, Hall, Kulchin, Packard, Sigafoose
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
LORRAINE M. WOOD, City Clerk /
(SEAL)
-2-
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Policy No. 44
Page 1 of 5
Date Issued MAY 2,
Effective Date ,
Cancellation Date No Cancellation Date
Supersedes No. 10/10/89. 08/26/97.
12/11/01 _
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Specific Subject: Establishment of Architectural Design Guidelines for the Development of Livable
Neighborhoods
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
PURPOSE AND INTENT:
The purpose and intent of the architectural guidelines is to ensure that a variety of architectural elements are
incorporated into single-family homes and two-family structures so that they: a) are visually interesting, b)
have sufficient building articulation to reduce their bulk and mass, c) are in scale to their lot size, and d)
strongly contribute to the creation of livable neighborhoods
APPLICABILITY:
• A new individual single-family home or remodel shall not be subject to these architectural guidelines.
• New single-family and two-family residential projects of 2-4 homes shall comply with architectural
guidelines 1, 2, 3, 4, 9,10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 (regardless of stated percentages).
• New single-family and two-family residential projects of 5 or more homes shall comply with all of the
architectural guidelines.
PROCEDURES:
1. Applicants for discretionary project applications shall design projects/homes so that they comply with
the guidelines. Each applicant shall provide documentation demonstrating compliance with this
policy concurrent with the submittal of development permit applications.
If an applicant wishes to propose an architectural style that complies with the Purpose and Intent of
this policy and yet cannot comply with the requirements of the guidelines, the applicant may request
deviations from any of the architectural guidelines to achieve an architectural design or style of
equally superior quality. All such requests shall be fully justified specifying how the Purpose and
Intent of this policy is being achieved.
2. Staff shall review projects for compliance with the guidelines and provide recommendations to the
decision-makers regarding:
a. Project compliance with the policy;
b. Whether or not any requested deviations are justified; and,
c. Whether or not the purpose and intent of the policy would still be achieved if a deviation is
granted.
3. Decision-makers shall determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether the project complies with the intent
of the policy to create livable neighborhoods.
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 2 of 5
Policy No. 44
Date Issued
Effective Date
Cancellation Date
Supersedes No. 10/10/89. 08/26/97.
12/11/01
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Specific Subject: Establishment of Architectural Design Guidelines for the Development of Livable
Neighborhoods
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES:
Floor Plans and Elevations
1. All residential projects shall be required to have a minimum number of different floor plans, different
front and corresponding matching rear elevations with different color schemes as identified below:
a 2-4 dwelling units shall provide 1 floor plan and 2 different elevations.
a 5-12 dwelling units shall provide 2 different floor plans and 2 different elevations.
a 13-20 dwelling units shall provide 2 different floor plans and 3 different elevations.
a 21+ dwelling units shall provide 3 different floor plans and 3 different elevations.
2. Every house should have a coherent architectural style. All elevations of a house, including front, side
and rear, should have the same design integrity of forms, details and materials.
3. In addition to the previous requirements, design details should reinforce and enhance the architectural
form and style of every house and differ from other elevations of the same floor plan. A minimum of 4
complimentary design details, including but not limited to those listed below, shall be incorporated into
each of the front, rear and street side building fa?ade(s) of the house.
DESIGN DETAILS
Balconies
Decorative eaves and fascia
Exposed roof rafter tails
Arched elements
Towers
Knee braces
Dormers
Columns
Exterior wood elements
Accent materials (i.e.; brick, stone, shingles, wood or siding)
4. Floor plans in a project shall exhibit a variety of roof ridges and roof heights within a neighborhood.
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 3 of 5
Policy No. 44
Date Issued
Effective Date
Cancellation Date
Supersedes No. 10/10/89. 08/26/97.
12/11/01
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Specific Subject: Establishment of Architectural Design Guidelines for the Development of Livable
Neighborhoods
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
Site Planning
5. Houses with both the same floor plan and elevation style shall not occur on adjacent lots.
6. Reverse floor plans shall be included where possible to add variety to the street scene.
Single Story Requirements
7. A minimum of 15% of the total number of homes shall be single-story structures. Single-story is defined
as a maximum plate-line of 15 feet and a maximum building height of 20 feet. Lofts are permitted subject
to CMC Section 21.04.330.
or
A minimum of 10% of the total number of homes shall be single-story structures and 15% shall be
reduced second story structures. A reduced second story structure shall comply with the following
criteria:
a A minimum of 60% of the roofline shall be single story;
a A 2-story element may be added in the central portion of the front and rear elevation; and
a The second story element may be no greater than 25% of the floor area of the first floor of the house
(including garage).
or
For alley-loaded product, a minimum of 20% of the homes shall be single-story for the front 20% of the
home (overall depth of house times 20%).
8. A maximum of 20% of the total number of homes are exempt from the requirement to have a single-story
building edge.
9. The remaining total number of homes shall comply with one of the following guidelines:
• The home shall have a single-story building edge with a depth of not less than 8 feet and shall
run the length of the building along one side except for tower elements. The roof covering the
single-story element shall incorporate a separate roof plane and shall be substantially lower than
the roof for the two-story element. Porches and porte-cochere elements shall qualify as a single-
story edge. Houses with courtyards that are a minimum of 15 feet wide located along the side of
the house and setback a minimum of 15 feet from the property line are not required to have a
single-story building edge.
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 4 of 5
Policy No. 44
Date Issued
Effective Date
Cancellation Date
Supersedes No. 10/10/89. 08/26/97.
12/11/01
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Specific Subject: Establishment of Architectural Design Guidelines for the Development of Livable
Neighborhoods
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
• The home shall have a single-story building edge with a depth of not less than 5 feet and shall
run the length of the building along one side. The roof of the single-story element shall be
substantially lower than the roof for the two-story element of the building.
• The home shall have a single-story building edge with a depth of not less than 3 feet for 40% of
the perimeter of the building.
Multiple Building Planes
10. For at least 66% of the homes in a project, there shall be at least 3 separate building planes on street
side elevations of lots with 45 feet of street frontage or less and 4 separate building planes on street side
elevations of lots with a street frontage greater than 45 feet. Balconies and covered porches qualify as a
building plane.
The minimum offset in planes shall be 18 inches and shall include, but not be limited to, building walls,
windows, porches and roofs. The minimum depth between the faces of the forward-most plane and the
rear plane on the front elevation shall be 10 feet. A plane must be a minimum of 30 sq. ft. to receive
credit under this section.
11. Rear elevations shall adhere to the same criteria outlined in Number 10 above for front elevations except
that the minimum depth between front and back planes on the rear elevation shall be 4 feet. Rear
balconies qualify as a building plane.
12. For at least 66% of the homes in a project, one side elevation shall have sufficient offsets or cutouts so
that the side yard setback averages a minimum of 8.5 feet.
Windows/Doors
13. At least 66% of exterior openings (door/windows) on every home in the project shall be recessed or
projected a minimum of 2 inches and shall be constructed with wood, vinyl or colored aluminum window
frames (no mill finishes).
14. Windows shall reinforce and enhance the architectural form and style of the house through, the use of
signature windows and varied window shapes and sizes.
Front Porches
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 5 of 5
Policy No. 44
Date Issued
Effective Date
Cancellation Date
Supersedes No. 10/10/89. 08/26/97.
12/11/01
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Specific Subject: Establishment of Architectural Design Guidelines for the Development of Livable
Neighborhoods
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
15. Fifty percent (50%) of the homes shall be designed with a covered front porch, open courtyard, or
balcony (each with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum area of 60 square feet) located at the front
of the dwelling. The minimum depth for a covered front porch shall be measured from the front fagade
of the home to the inside of any supporting porch posts. The front and sides of porches shall be open
except for required and/or ornamental guardrails. A variety of roof elements shall be provided over
porches. Porches may not be converted to living space.
Front Entries
16. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the homes must have a front entry to the home that is clearly visible from
the street. Walkways from the front door to the street are encouraged.
Chimneys
17. Chimneys and chimney caps shall be in scale with the size of the home. No more than 2 chimneys shall
be allowed for homes on lots in planned developments having an area less than 7,500 square feet.
Garage Doors
18.Garage doors for 3 or 4 cars in a row that directly face the street must have a minimum of an 18" plane
change between the garage doors after the 2 car garage door.
Note #1: Fractional units of .5 or greater shall be rounded up to the next whole number and located in a
manner to achieve the best project design as determined by the project planner. When a percentage of
units are described in the guidelines, the intent is to have that percentage spread throughout the entire
project.
EXHIBIT 2
REDLINE-STRIKEOUT VERSION
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 1 of 6
Policy No. 44
Date Issued
Effective Date
Cancellation Date
Supersedes No. 10/10/89. 08/26/97.
12/11/01
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Specific Subject: ESTABLISHMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF LIVABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
PURPOSE AND INTENT:
The purpose and intent of the architectural guidelines is to ensure that a variety of architectural elements are
incorporated into single-family homes and two-family structures so that they: a) are visually interesting, b)
have sufficient building articulation to reduce their bulk and mass, c) are in scale to their lot size, and d)
strongly contribute to the creation of livable neighborhoods
APPLICABILITY:
• A new individual single-family home or remodel that cumulatively increase the useable living area
(floor area) more than 40% shall not be subject to these comply with architectural guidelines 2, 3, 13,
17 and 18.
*—A new individual single-family home shall comply with one architectural guideline from numbers-4
through 3 and architectural guidelines 2. 3. 9. 10. 11. 13. H. 16. 17 and 18 5. 7. 13. and 14
(regardless of stated percentages}-
• New single-family and two-family residential projects of 2-4 homes shall comply with one
architectural guideline from numbers 1 through 3 and architectural guidelines 1. 2. 3. 4. 9.10. 11. 13.
14. 15. 16. 17 and 18 (regardless of stated percentages).
• New single-family and two-family residential projects of 5 or more homes shall comply with ajl of the
architectural guidelines.
PROCEDURES:
1. Applicants for discretionary project applications or residential building permits shall design
projects/homes so that they comply with the guidelines. Each applicant shall provide documentation
demonstrating compliance with this policy concurrent with the submittal of development/buMfȤ
permit applications, whichever occurs first.
If an applicant wishes to propose an architectural style that complies with the Purpose and Intent of
this policy and yet cannot comply with the requirements of the guidelines, the applicant may request
deviations from any of the architectural guidelines to achieve an architectural design or style of
equally superior quality. All such requests shall be fully justified specifying how the Purpose and
Intent of this policy is being achieved.
2. Staff shall review projects/building permits for compliance with the guidelines and provide
recommendations to the decision-makers regarding:
REDLINE-STRIKEOUT VERSION
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 2 of 6
Policy No. 44
Date Issued
Effective Date
Cancellation Date
Supersedes No. 10/10/89. 08/26/97.
12/11/01
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Specific Subject: ESTABLISHMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF LIVABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
a. Project compliance with the policy;
b. Whether or not any requested deviations are justified; and,
c. Whether or not the purpose and intent of the policy would still be achieved if a deviation is
granted.
3. Decision-makers shall determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether the project complies with the intent
of the policy to create livable neighborhoods.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES:
Floor Plans and Elevations
1 . For projects of 30 or more dwelling units, o minimum of 3 different floor plans shall be provided. - iaeb
floor plan shall have at least 3 different front elevation and exterior color schemes.
1. All residential projects shall be required to have a minimum number of different floor plans, different
front and corresponding matching rear elevations afld with different color schemes as identified below:
a 2-4 dwelling units shall provide either 2 different floor plans or 1 floor plan and 2 different elevations.
a 5-12 dwelling units shall provide 2 different floor plans and 2 different elevations.
a 13-20 dwelling units shall provide 3 2 different floor plans and 3 different elevations.
a 21+ dwelling units shall provide 3 different floor plans and 3 different elevations.
2. Every house should have a coherent architectural style. All elevations of a house, including front, side
and rear, should have the same design integrity of forms, details and materials.
3r In addition to the previous requirements, design details should reinforce and enhance the architectural
form and style of every house and differ from other elevations of the same floor plan. A minimum of 4
complimentary of the design details, elements including but not limited to those listed in Table "A° below,
shall be incorporated into each of the front, rear and street side building fa?ade(s) of the house.
Ar. — If any elevation of the home is adjacent to and visible from a Circulation Element roadway, ewcb
elevation is also required to include 4 design elements such as those listed in Table "A" below.
Table A
DESIGN DETAILS ELEMENTS
REDLINE-STRIKEOUT VERSION
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 3 of 6
Policy No. 44
Date Issued
Effective Date
Cancellation Date
Supersedes No. 10/10/89. 08/26/97.
12/11/01
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Specific Subject: ESTABLISHMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF LIVABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
• Balconies
• Decorative eaves and fascia
• Exposed roof rafter tails
• Arched elements
• Window and door lintels
• Towers
• Knee braces
• Dormers
• Varied window shapes
• Columns
• Exterior wood elements
• Accent materials such as (i.e.; brick, stone, shingles, wood or siding)
4. Floor plans in a project shall exhibit a variety of roof ridges and roof heights within a neighborhood.
Site Planning
5. Houses with both the same floor plan and elevation style shall not occur on adjacent lots.
6. Reverse floor plans shall be included where possible to add variety to the street scene.
Single Story Requirements
7. A minimum of 15% of the total number of homes shall be single-story structures. Single-story is defined
as a maximum plate-line of 15 feet and a maximum building height of 20 feet. Lofts are permitted subject
to CMC Section 21.04.330.
PI
As-aft alternative. A minimum of 10% of the total number of homes shall be single-story structures and
15% shall be reduced second story structures. A reduced second story structure shall comply with the
following criteria:
a A minimum of 60% of the roofline shall be single story:
a A 2-story element may be added in the central portion of the front and rear elevation: and
a The second story element may be no greater than 25% of the floor area of the first floor of the house
(including garage).
REDLINE-STRIKEOUT VERSION
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 4 of 6
Policy No. 44
Date Issued
Effective Date
Cancellation Date
Supersedes No. 10/10/89. 08/26/97.
12/11/01
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Specific Subject: ESTABLISHMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF LIVABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
or
To encourage homes with For alley-loaded product garages, a minimum of 20% of the homes shall be
single-story for the front 20% of the home (overall depth of house times 20%).
8. A maximum of 20% of the total number of homes are exempt from the requirement to have a single-
story building edge.
9. The remaining §§% of the total number of homes shall comply with one of the following guidelines:
• The home shall have a single-story building edge with a depth of not less than 8 feet and shall
run the length of the building along one side except for tower elements. The roof covering the
single-story element shall incorporate a separate roof plane and shall be substantially lower than
the roof for the two-story element. Porches and porte-cochere elements shall qualify as a single-
story edge. Houses with courtyards that are a minimum of 15 feet wide located along the side of
the house and setback a minimum of 15 feet from the property line are not required to have a
single-story building edge.
• The home shall have a single-story building edge with a depth of not less than 5 feet and shall
run the length of the building along one side. The roof of the single-story element shall be
substantially lower than the roof for the two-story element of the building.
• The home shall have a single-story building edge with a depth of not less than 3 feet for 40% of
the perimeter of the building.
Multiple Building Planes
10. For at least 66% of the homes in a project, there shall be at least 3 separate building planes on street
side elevations of lots with 45 feet of street frontage or less and 4 separate building planes on street
side elevations of lots with a street frontage greater than 45 feet. Balconies and covered porches
qualify as a building plane.
The minimum offset in planes shall be 18 inches and shall include, but not be limited to, building walls,
windows, porches and roofs. The minimum depth between the faces of the forward-most plane and
the rear plane on the front elevation shall be 10 feet. A plane must be a minimum of 30 sq. ft. to
receive credit under this section.
REDLINE-STRIKEOUT VERSION
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 5 of 6
Policy No. 44
Date Issued
Effective Date
Cancellation Date
Supersedes No. 10/10/89. 08/26/97.
12/11/01
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Specific Subject: ESTABLISHMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF LIVABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
11. Rear elevations shall adhere to the same criteria outlined in Number 10 above for front elevations
except that the minimum depth between front and back planes on the rear elevation shall be 3 4 feet
Rear balconies qualify as a building plane.
12. For at least 66% of the homes in a project, one side elevation shall have sufficient offsets or cutouts so
that the side yard setback averages a minimum of 8.5 feet.
Windows/Doors
13. At least 66% of exterior openings (door/windows) on every home in the project shall be recessed or
projected a minimum of 2 inches and shall be constructed with wood, vinyl or colored aluminum
window frames (no mill finishes).
14. Windows shall reinforce and enhance the architectural form and style of the house through, the use of
signature windows and varied window shapes and sizes.
Front Porches
15. Fifty percent (50%) of the homes shall be designed with a covered front porch, open courtyard, or
balcony (each with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum area of 60 square feet) located at the
front of the dwelling. The minimum depth for a covered front porch shall be measured from the front
facade of the home to the inside of any supporting porch posts. The front and sides of porches shall be
open except for required and/or ornamental guardrails. A variety of roof elements shall be provided
over porches. Porches may not be converted to living space.
Front Entries
16. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the homes must have a front entry to the home that is clearly visible
from the street. Walkways from the front door to the street are encouraged.
Chimneys
17. Chimneys and chimney caps shall be in scale with the size of the home. No more than 2 chimneys
shall be allowed for homes on lots in planned developments having an area less than 7,500 square
REDLINE-STRIKEOUT VERSION
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Policy No. 44
Date Issued
Effective Date
Cancellation Date
Supersedes No. 10/10/89.
12/11/01
Page 6 of 6
08/26/97.
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Specific Subject: ESTABLISHMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF LIVABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
feet.
Garage Doors
18. Garage doors for 3 or 4 cars in a row that directly face the street must have a minimum of an 18" plane
change between the garage doors after the 2 car garage door.
Note #1: Fractional units of .5 or greater shall be rounded up to the next whole number and located in a
manner to achieve the best project design as determined by the project planner. When a percentage of
units are described in the guidelines, the intent is to have that percentage spread throughout the entire
project.
May 2, 2006
TO: CITY COUNCIL
VIA: City Manager
FROM: Community Development Director
AMENDMENT TO CITY COUNCIL POLICY #44 ARCH.TECTURAL
All Receive -Agenda Item # -3
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For Inform.,>i,:n of
THE CITY COUNCIL
Asst. CM
DES.GN GUiDEUNES
Commission and staff A review rf
Commission meeting of July 21
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13 units to 21 units
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threshold be increased
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Chris DeCerbo, Principal Planner
c: Marcela Escobar-Eck
1. Planning Commission Minutes, July 21, 2004.
1MAY 2 2006
CITY OF CARLSBADCITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Planning Commission Minutesf July 21,2004 ( Page 1
Minutes of: PLANNING COMMISSION
Time of Meeting: 6:00 P.M.
Date of Meeting: July 21, 2004
Place of Meeting: COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
Planning Commission Chairperson Whitton called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Baker led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Whitton, Commissioners Baker, Dominguez, Heineman, Montgomery and
Segall
Staff Present: Don Neu, Assistant Planning Director
Jane Mobaldi, Assistant City Attorney
Bobbie Hoder, Senior Management Analyst
Chris DeCerbo, Principal Planner
Jessica Galloway, Assistant Planner
Jennifer Coon, Associate Planner
Mike Grim, Senior Planner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION
Commissioner Montgomery requested that the last sentence read as follows: "He feels the solution is to
plan them, to place them, to design them, and specifically to size them according to the needs of the
community, and that sizing them might be what was mentioned before, these smaller aspects of these
centers, yet they still meet the noods of the community and they're placed in appropriate areas."
Chairperson Whitton stated that on page 15, third paragraph, the third line from the bottom should read
"..empirical data on what the economics of this are going to be, showing the net projected rather than the
gross dollars coming in..."
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Baker, and duly seconded, to approve the minutes of
the Regular Meeting of July 7, 2004 as corrected.
VOTE: 5-0-1
AYES: Chairperson Whitton, Commissioners Baker, Dominguez, Heineman, and
Montgomery r
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Segall
Chairperson Whitton directed everyone's attention to the slide on the screen to review the procedures the
Commission would be following for that evening's public hearing. ,
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chairperson Whitton asked Assistant Planning Director, Don Neu, to introduce the first item.
Planning Commission Minutes ( July 21,2004 C Page 2
3. GPA 04-11/LCPA 04-10 - THOMPSON/TAB ATA GPA - Request for a Negative
Declaration, General Plan Amendment and Local Coastal Program Amendment to adjust
the boundary between the Residential Low-Medium Density (RLM) and Residential
Medium Density (RM) General Plan designations over approximately 7.9 acres on
property generally located west of Aviara Parkway, south of Poinsettia Lane, in Local
Facilities Management Zone 20.
Mr. Neu stated that agenda Item 3 is normally heard in a public hearing context, however, this project is
minor and routine in nature with no outstanding issues and Staff recommends approval. He
recommended that the public hearing be opened and closed, and that the Commission proceed with a
vote as a consent Item, including the errata sheets, if any. If the Commission or someone from the public
wishes to pull an Item, Staff would be available to respond to questions.
Chairperson Whitton asked if there was anyone who wished to pull Item 3 or if any of the Commission
wished to speak on those Items.
MOTION
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Baker, and duly seconded, that the Planning
Commission approve Item 3.
VOTE: 6-0
AYES: Chairperson Whitton, Commissioners Baker, Dominguez, Heineman,
Montgomery and Segall
NOES: None
Chairperson Whitton closed the public hearing and asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item.
1. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Mr. Neu introduced Item 1 and stated Principal Planner Chris DeCerbo would make the staff presentation
assisted by Assistant Planner Jessica Galloway.
Mr. DeCerbo stated this item is a request for changes to the Architectural Design Guidelines (Council
Policy 44), such as enchanced rear elevations of single-family residences, front porch sizes, and allowing
reduced second story homes.
Assistant Planner Jessica Galloway discussed the Architectural Guidelines. Ms. Galloway discussed the
proposed changes regarding floor plans and elevations. For projects of 9 or more dwelling units, a
minimum of 3 different floor plans shall be provided. Each floor plan shall have at least 3 different front
and corresponding matching rear elevation styles and exterior color schemes. Every house should have
a coherent architectural style. All elevations of a house, including front, side and rear, should have the
same design integrity of forms, details and materials. A minimum of 4 complimentary design details such
as those listed below (balconies, decorative eaves and fascia), shall be incorporated into each of the
front, rear and street side building elevations to reinforce and enhance the architectural form and style of
every house. ,
Ms. Galloway discussed the addition of the new category, Site Planning, to the Guidelines. Houses with
the same floor plan and elevation style shall" not occur on adjacent lots. Reverse floor plans shall be
included where possible to add variety to the street scene.
Ms. Galloway also discussed the proposed changes to the Single Story Elements. A minimum of 10% of
the total number of homes shall be single-story structures and 15% shall be reduced second story
structures. A reduced second story structure shall comply with the following criteria: a minimum of 60%
of the roofline shall be single story; a 2-story element may be added in the central portion of the front and
rear elevation; and the second story element may be no greater than 25% of the floor area of the first
floor of the house (including garage).
Ms. Galloway further discussed the changes to Multiple Building Planes. Rear elevations shall adhere to
the same criteria outlined above for front elevations except that the minimum depth between front and
back planes on the rear elevation shall be 4 feet. Rear balconies qualify as a building plane.
Planning Commission Minutes { July 21,2004 ( Page 3
Other categorical changes to the Architectural Design Guidelines include windows and doors, front
porches, and garage doors. Windows shall reinforce and enhance the architectural form and style of the
house through, the use of signature windows and varied window shapes and sizes. With front porches,
fifty percent (50%) of the homes shall be designed with a covered front porch, open courtyard, or balcony
(each with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum area of 60 square feet) located at the front of the
dwelling. The minimum depth for a covered front porch shall be measured from the front facade of the
home to the inside of any supporting porch posts. Garage doors for 3 or 4 cars in a row that directly face
the street must have a minimum of an 18" plane change between the garage doors after the 2 car garage
door.
Chairperson Whitton stated that the Planning Commission received a letter dated July 25, 2004 from the
Building Industry Association regarding the proposed changes to the policy. He then asked if there were
any questions of staff.
Commissioner Segall asked for clarification of the terms "front and back planes" and "the rear elevations."
Ms. Galloway responded that the Council Policy currently requires a separation between planes so that
there is more than one flat plane on the rear of homes. The required separation from the plane furthest in
to one furthest out will be increased from 3 feet to 4 feet. Commissioner Segall asked about the window
depth requirement and windows not having "mill finishes" on them. Mr. DeCerbo stated that windows
would be required to be recessed or projected two inches in order to give depth shadow, and the "mill
finishes" are plain aluminum style finishes not painted white. Commissioner Segall commented that he
was concerned that the BIA might have an older version of the Council policy, (other than what had been
distributed to the Commission within the last day) that was being discussed. Mr. DeCerbo stated that a
copy of the updated document was faxed to the BIA that day and that the Commission also has the
correct document.
Commissioner Baker commented that in regards to the BIA letter, it seemed as if the BIA was unclear on
what the City's intention is regarding Guideline #5. She asked if the guideline could be written more
clearly or if the BIA misunderstood the guideline. Mr. DeCerbo responded that the guideline could be
modified by adding the word "both." Commissioner Baker asked about the requirement the City is
changing regarding rear elevations and side elevations being consistent all the way around the house.
She asked if the proposal meant that if the front of the house had stone work or siding, that it had to be
wrapped around to the sides and rear of the house. Ms. Galloway stated that it did not. She clarified that
it meant the decorative eaves, facia, windows, or other decorative elements would be continued to the
side and rear elevations. Mr. DeCerbo stated it was important to understand it will only affect those
homes with a street side elevation or that can be clearly seen from the street. Commissioner Baker
suggested that Item #5 read: "...houses with both the same floor plan and elevation style..."
Commissioner Heineman asked why there is a requirement for 50% of the houses to have a front porch.
Mr. DeCerbo stated that requirement includes front porches, balconies or an open courtyard, and 50% of
the houses have to have at least one of the features. Commissioner Heineman asked why staff is
specifically requiring front porches. Ms. Galloway responded that it helps support Council Policy 66 for
Livable Neighborhoods for Planned Developments. Commissioner Heineman asked if the guidelines
apply to more than just Planned Developments. Mr. DeCerbo responded that was correct.
Commissioner Heineman asked why staff was requesting the guidelines be changed so that all the
houses that are built match the design guidelines for Planned Developments. Mr. DeCerbo stated it was
an objective from 2001 when the Planned Development Ordinance and Council Policy 44 were amended.
He stated that it was an objective to generally take these guidelines which at the time only applied to
Planned Developments and instead require them to apply to all dwelling units in the City. Commissioner
Heineman asked if the guidelines were then an extension of the Planned Development Ordinance. Mr.
DeCerbo stated that it was not an extension of the ordinance, but rather an effort to get architectural
design guidelines that apply to single-family homes as well.
Commissioner Dominguez asked-if the guidelines would then be applied uniformly even if a person is
building one home. Mr. DeCerbo stated that only some of the guidelines would apply if a person is
building one house.
Planning Commission Minutes ( July 21,2004 ( Page 4
Commissioner Montgomery commented that there was a difference between the PowerPoint presentation
and the Architectural Design Guidelines, Section III. Ms. Galloway stated that the item combined the
previous sentences into one.
Commissioner Segall asked about the item stating, "For projects of nine or more, a minimum of three
different floor plans shall be provided, and each floor plan shall have three different..." He asked if that
was excessive in such a small development. Mr. DeCerbo stated it was the Commission's discretion to
establish a number which would achieve the objectives.
Commissioner Dominguez feels that the added text in the Guidelines really clarifies what the Commission
is seeking as a group. He also feels the requirement will not be in excess for nine or more dwelling units.
Chairperson Whitton opened the Public Hearing on Item 1.
Scott Malloy, from the Building Industry Association, stated his comments concurrent with his written
response.
Chairperson Whitton asked if there were any further questions of Mr. Malloy or if there was anyone in the
audience who wished to speak on the item. Seeing none, he closed the Public Hearing on the item.
Chairperson Whitton asked if staff wished to comment on any of the issued raised by Mr. Malloy.
Mr. DeCerbo restated that it was the Commission's discretion regarding Guideline #1 and the number of
units. He stated there would be quite a bit of variety with the requirement of three different floor plans
with small projects.
Commissioner Segall asked if the project size was 8 units or less with respect to Guideline #1, could all
the floor plans be alike. Mr. DeCerbo stated that was correct but the city has not typically seen that. Ms.
Galloway suggested that a range be given for the number of units, such as projects with 5 to 15 units, has
1 with two different elevation styles, or 9 to 18 units has two different elevations with two different floor
plans for each. Commissioner Segall feels that is a better approach for the guideline.
Commissioner Montgomery stated that many of the midsize projects that will be coming, it would be better
to use a range as suggested earlier. He suggested using the Subdivision Map Act for creating the range.
Commissioner Dominguez agrees that a range would be the best solution for the elevation issue. He also
agreed that using the thresholds contained in the Subdivision Map Act would be the best place to start.
Chairperson Whitton asked if there were any other comments or recommendations from the
Commissioners pertaining to the Design Guidelines.
Commissioner Baker commented that she appreciates that wording is contained in the guidelines which
allows for good, innovative designs when the project might not meet all the requirements.
Commissioner Montgomery commented that prior to Mr. Malloy arriving, the Commission had already
considered the possibility of having two identical floor plans adjacent to each other as being allowed with
different elevations. He asked staff if the requirement regarding four design elements being added to rear
'elevations also applied to the side elevations. Mr. DeCerbo clarified that the requirement only applied to
street side elevations not all side elevations.
Chairperson Whitton asked if the commissioners agreed on the rest of the document. Commissioner
Segall asked if the issue raised by Commissioner Montgomery regarding street side elevations is clear in
the guidelines. Mr. DeCerbo directed the Commission to Guideline #3 which includes the appropriate
wording.
Commissioner Baker asked staff if the Design Guidelines is a workable document. Mr. DeCerbo stated
that it has not been tested yet with the developers, but he feels it is.
Planning Commission Minutesf July 21,2004 ( Page 5
Commissioner Heineman asked if there was something that did need changing in the Guidelines later on,
could it be changed. Mr. DeCerbo stated that was correct and that the proposed changes would need to
go before City Council.
RECESS
Chairperson Whitton called for a ten-minute recess at 7:00 p.m. to allow staff time to develop alternative
language concerning Guideline #1.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER:
Chairperson Whitton called the meeting back to order at 7:10 p.m. with all Commissioners present.
Chairperson Whitton asked if staff had decided on a recommended amendment to Guideline #1
concerning the size range of projects. Ms. Galloway stated that staffs recommended range for the
number of dwelling units, floor plans, and elevations would be as follows: Projects with 2 to 5 dwelling
units would be required to have 2 plans, or 1 plan with two different elevations; Projects with 6 to 12
dwelling units would be required to have 2 plans and 2 elevations; Projects with 13 or more dwelling units
would be required to have 3 plans with 3 elevations.
Commissioner Segall asked if staff was able to consult with Mr. Malloy and if so, was he in agreement
with the proposed changes. Ms. Galloway stated that staff was unable to consult with Mr. Malloy.
Commissioner Montgomery asked if the range should be 2 to 4 dwelling units and then 5 to 12 dwelling
units which would work better with Subdivision Map Act. Attorney Mobaldi stated was correct.
Commissioner Dominguez commented that the proposal was agreeable.
Chairperson Whitton asked for comments from Scott Malloy.
Scott Malloy commented that the amendment was reasonable but recommended adding a statement
which would make the requirement a little more flexible.
Staff and Commissioners discussed the proper wording of Guideline #3. The guideline should read,
"Design details should reinforce and enhance the architectural form and style of the house and differ from
other elevations of the same floor plan. A minimum of four complimentary design details including but not
limited to those listed below in Table A shall be incorporated into each of the front, rear, side, street side
building facades of the house."
Chairperson Whitton closed Public Testimony on the Item.
MOTION
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Baker, and duly seconded, that the Planning
Commission adopt the Single Family Home Architectural Design Guidelines as
presented in staff's errata sheet and including the following changes: Guideline
#5: Houses with both the same floor plans and elevation style shall not occur on
adjacent lots, and Guidelines #1 with projects containing 2 to 4 dwelling units, 2
plans or 1 plan with two different elevations; projects with 5 to 12 dwelling units
would be required to have 2 plans and 2 elevations; projects with 13 or more
dwelling units would be required to have 3 plans with 3 elevations; Guideline #3
will include the language "...including but not limited to those listed below in
Table A."
VOTE: 6-0
AYES: Chairperson Whitton, Commissioners Baker, Dominguez, Heineman,
Montgomery and Segall
NOES: None
Chairperson Whitton closed the Public Hearing and asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item.
City Council Policy #44Neighborhood Architectural Design Guidelines
City Council Policy #44Neighborhood Architectural Design GuidelinesApplies to single-family and two-family homes.Requires a variety of architectural treatments to enhance appearance.Last amended in December 2001.
OutreachPlanning Commission and staff conducted a workshop with the development community in February 2004.Outcome - Proposed revisions to Policy # 44.
Santa Barbara Mediterranean ElevationFront ElevationFront ElevationRear ElevationRear Elevation
Front ElevationFront ElevationCraftsman BungalowRear ElevationRear Elevation
Front PorchesMinimum front porch depth of 6 feet.
Street Facing 3+ Car GaragesGarage doors that directly face the street must have a minimum of 18” plane change between the garage doors after the 2 car garage door
Public HearingsPlanning Commission – July 2004City Council – October 2004
Remaining IssuesQ: Should the architectural guidelines apply to a new individual single family home or a single family home remodel?A: Staff Recommendation: No, because -•Pride of home ownership value = less necessity to regulate design.•The architectural guidelines do not allow for all architectural styles.
BIA ConcernBIA requested that the threshold number of dwelling units where 3 different floor plans is required be changed from 13 units to 21 units.Economic feasibility – Will unreasonably increase the costs for small projects.
Floor PlansExisting Requirement:30 + dwelling units = 3 floor plansProposed at Planning Commission:13 + dwelling units = 3 floor plansNew Proposal:21 + dwelling units = 3 floor plans
Effective Date of Revised Policy #44Apply to new project applications.