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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5 - SFADR 13-128_2110 S. BaldwinDATE: December 9, 2014
TO: Honorable Chairman and Planning Commission
FROM: Jim Kasama, Community Development Administrator
By: Thomas Li, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: APPEAL OF THE CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF SINGLE-FAMILY
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN REVIEW NO. SFADR 13-128 WITH A
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) FOR A NEW TWO-STORY,
6,700 SQUARE-FOOT, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AT 2110 S.
BALDWIN AVENUE.
Recommendation: Deny appeal and uphold staff’s conditional
approval of the design review
SUMMARY
The subject application was submitted by project designer, Ms. April Sun of Creative
Design Associates, Inc., to build a new 6,700 square-foot, two-story, single-family
residence at 2110 S. Baldwin Avenue. On October 22, 2014, Planning Services
approved the applicant’s plans, with the condition that air conditioning units shall be
located a minimum of 15’-0” from the property lines. Mr. David and Mrs. Victoria Law,
one of the adjoining neighbors to the north at 642 W. Longden Avenue, filed an appeal
of this decision on October 29, 2014, because they feel that the location of the two air
conditioning units would create a noise nuisance on their property. It is recommended
that the Planning Commission deny the appeal and uphold staff’s conditional approval
of the design review application.
BACKGROUND
On November 22, 2013, project designer Ms. April Sun of Creative Design Associates,
Inc., submitted the subject design review application to build a new 7,878 square-foot
French Modern style residence at the subject property. After working with planning
staff, the proposal was revised to a 6,700 square-foot residence with Traditional
architectural design features. On August 13, 2014, planning staff sent a Notice of
Pending Decision to notify the neighbors of the subject proposal. Three of the
neighbors responded to the notice citing privacy concerns, potential noise from the two
Appeal of SFADR 13-128
2110 South Baldwin Avenue
December 9, 2014 – Page 2 of 5
air conditioning units, and privacy landscape screening. In response to the comments,
the applicant met with the neighbors on site, and made the following revisions based on
the comments:
1. Reduced the window sizes on the north and south side elevations;
2. Relocated the two air conditioning units from the originally proposed 7’-1”
northerly side setback, to 15’-0” from the north property line;
3. Proposed to plant compact Carolina Cherry hedges along the north and south
side property lines.
Staff approved the revised plans on October 22, 2014, after these changes were made,
and included a condition to require the air conditioning units to be located a minimum of
15’-0” from the property lines – see Attachment No. 1 for the Conditional Approval
Letter.
Mr. David and Mrs. Victoria Law, the neighbors at 642 W. Longden Avenue, felt that the
requirement to locate the air conditioning units at least 15’-0” from the property line does
not fully mitigate their noise impact concerns, and filed an appeal on October 29, 2014 –
see Attachment No. 2 for the appeal letter. The letter states that only one unit should
be placed near their property, and the other unit should be located elsewhere; either
closer to the south property line in the rear yard area, or further to the west in an alcove
in the northerly side yard by the proposed laundry area. The neighbor at 2100 S.
Baldwin Avenue had agreed to the placing of one of the units at that location. That
alcove, however, is not deep enough for the proposed air-conditioning unit.
The Planning Commission is to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the appeal, and
the design review. The Commission’s decision may be appealed to the City Council.
PROPOSAL
The subject property is a 15,570 square-foot interior lot zoned R-1-7,500 – refer to
Attachment No. 3 for an aerial photo of the area and photos of the subject property.
The subject property is currently improved with a 1,116 square-foot, one-story residence
built in 1926.
The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing residence and build a new 6,700
square-foot, two-story, single-family residence with three attached garage parking
spaces. The floor plan includes five (5) bedrooms, five (5) full bathrooms, and one (1)
half bathroom – refer to Attachment No. 4 for the Proposed Plans. The proposed
architectural style is Traditional. Architectural features include a smooth concrete tile
roof, brick veneer, window shutters, and a smooth stucco finish. The overall building
height is 25’-0” as measured from the average existing grade, which is the maximum
permitted by Code.
Appeal of SFADR 13-128
2110 South Baldwin Avenue
December 9, 2014 – Page 3 of 5
ANALYSIS
The appellants’ only issue with the proposal is the location of the air conditioning units.
All of the neighbors are content with the proposed architectural design of the subject
building. The appellants are willing to accept one air conditioning unit at a 15’-0” setback
from their property at 642 W. Longden Avenue. However, they would like the other unit
to be located elsewhere, away from their property. As stated in the appeal letter, they
would like one of the units to either be located on the south side of the property, or
further west in an alcove within the north side yard area.
Staff and the applicant explored the alternatives and found the proposed location to be
most ideal based on the layout of the building. Also, the subject alcove is approximately
2’-0” deep, which is not enough to accommodate the proposed air conditioning unit.
The adjacent laundry area by the alcove is already a small room and reducing the size
of the room to accommodate the air conditioning unit would diminish the functionality of
the laundry room.
The condition to require 15’-0” setbacks for both of the air conditioning units is a
reasonable alternative to address the noise concerns of the neighboring properties.
This setback is more than double the required 7’-1” minimum mechanical equipment
setback for the subject property. Because the neighboring properties to the north back
up to the subject property, the subject air conditioning units will be at least 40’-0” from
the residences of these neighbors due to the minimum 25’-0” rear yard setback
requirement.
Air conditioning units, by themselves, are not subject to a design review process, nor
are they addressed in the City’s Single-Family Residential Guidelines – see Attachment
No. 5. An air conditioning unit may be located anywhere on the property as long as it
meets the setback requirements, and is screened from public view. However, any air
conditioning unit, or any mechanical equipment, is subject to the City’s noise
regulations, regardless of its distance from property lines – see Attachment No. 6 for the
City’s noise regulations.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
This project qualifies as a Class 3 Categorical Exemption per the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15303 of the CEQA
Guidelines as a new construction of one single-family residence. Refer to Attachment
No. 7 for the Preliminary Exemption Assessment.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public hearing notices for this item were mailed to the property owners and tenants of
those properties that are located within the notification area on November 26, 2014 –
refer to Attachment No. 8 for the Notification Area Map. Ms. Patricia Moy, property
owner at 2118 S. Baldwin Avenue, adjacent to the south of the subject property,
Appeal of SFADR 13-128
2110 South Baldwin Avenue
December 9, 2014 – Page 4 of 5
submitted a letter (Attachment No. 9) supporting the location of the air conditioning units
as proposed. She feels that the proposed location will minimize potential noise
concerns, and says that she has made compromises to accommodate the new
development and the other neighbors should do the same.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Planning Commission deny the appeal and uphold staff’s
decision, with the following conditions of approval:
1. Air conditioning units shall be located in the rear yard a minimum of 15’-0” from the
property lines.
2. The proposed project shall be developed and maintained by the property owner in a
manner that is consistent with the plans submitted and conditionally approved for
SFADR 13-128.
3. The applicant/property owner shall comply with all City requirements regarding
building safety, fire prevention, detection, suppression, emergency access, public
right-of-way improvements, parking, water supply and water facilities, sewer
facilities, trash reduction and recycling requirements, and National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) measures to the satisfaction of the Building
Official, Fire Marshal, Public Works Services Director and Development Services
Director, or their respective designees. Compliance with these requirements is to
be determined by having fully detailed construction plans submitted for plan check
review and approval by the foregoing City officials and employees.
4. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Arcadia and its
officials, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claim, action, or
proceeding against the City of Arcadia, its officials, officers, employees or agents to
attack, set aside, void, or annul any approval or conditional approval of the City of
Arcadia concerning this project and/or land use decision, including but not limited to
any approval or conditional approval of the City Council, Planning Commission, or
City Staff, which action is brought within the time period provided for in Government
Code Section 66499.37 or other provision of law applicable to this project or
decision. The City shall promptly notify the applicant of any claim, action, or
proceeding concerning the project and/or land use decision and the City shall
cooperate fully in the defense of the matter. The City reserves the right, at its own
option, to choose its own attorney to represent the City, its officials, officers,
employees, and agents in the defense of the matter.
5. Approval of SFADR 13-128 shall not take effect unless on or before 30 calendar
days after Planning Commission approval of this application, the property owner
and applicant have executed and filed with the Community Development
Administrator or designee an Acceptance Form available from the Development
Appeal of SFADR 13-128
2110 South Baldwin Avenue
December 9, 2014 – Page 5 of 5
Services Department to indicate awareness and acceptance of these conditions of
approval.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
Approval of Appeal and Denial of Design Review
If the Planning Commission intends to approve the appeal and overturn staff’s
conditional approval of the design review, and deny the project, the Commission should
approve a motion to approve the appeal of design review no. SFADR 13-128, and state
that the proposed design is not consistent with the City’s design guidelines.
Denial of Appeal and Approval of Design
If the Planning Commission intends to deny the Appeal and uphold the conditional
approval of the design review, the Commission should approve a motion that finds that
the project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), denies the appeal, states that the proposed design is consistent with the City’s
design guidelines, and approves design review no. SFADR 13-128, subject to the
conditions set forth in this report, or as modified by the Commission.
If any Planning Commissioner or other interested party has any questions or comments
regarding this matter prior to the December 9, 2014 public hearing, please contact
Associate Planner, Thomas Li by calling (626) 574-5447, or send an email to
tli@ArcadiaCA.gov.
Approved by:
Attachment No. 1: Planning Services Approval Letter
Attachment No. 2: Appeal Letter
Attachment No. 3: Aerial Photo of the Area and Photos of the Subject Property
Attachment No. 4: Proposed Plans
Attachment No. 5: Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines
Attachment No. 6: City’s Noise Regulations
Attachment No. 7: Preliminary Exemption Assessment
Attachment No. 8: Notification Area Map
Attachment No. 9: Letter from Ms. Patricia Moy
Attachment No. 1
Attachment No. 1
Planning Services Approval Letter
Attachment No. 2
Attachment No. 2
Appeal Letter
Attachment No. 3
Attachment No. 3
Aerial Photo of the Area and Photos of the
Subject Property
Overlays
Selected parcel highlighted
Parcel location within City of Arcadian/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Property Owner(s):
Architectural Design Overlay:
Downtown Overlay:
Special Height Overlay:
Parking Overlay:
Lot Area (sq ft):
Year Built:
Main Structure / Unit (sq. ft.):
General Plan:
R-1 (7,500)
Number of Units:
LDR
Zoning:
Property Characteristics
1926
1,116
15,570
1
NUCASA BALDWIN LLC
Site Address:
2110 S BALDWIN AVE
This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for
reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not be accurate, current,
or otherwise reliable.
Report generated04-Dec-2014
Page 1 of 1
View of the subject property at 2110 S. Baldwin Avenue
View of the adjacent property to the north at 2100 S. Baldwin Avenue
View of the adjacent property to the south at 2118 S. Baldwin Avenue
Attachment No. 4
Attachment No. 4
Proposed Plans
ADJACENT BUILDING
PL
ADJACENT BUILDING
FRONTPORCH
DRIVEWAY
PROJECT SUMMARY
PARTICIPANTSSHEET INDEX
2110 S BALDWIN AVE
ARCADIA RESIDENCE
ARCADIA, CA 91007
VICINITY MAPSCALE: N.T.S
PROJECT
CODE SUMMARY
SUBMITTAL NOTES
DRAWING SYMBOLS
ARCADIA RESIDENCENUCASA BALDWIN LLCAS-101
SITE PLANSCALE: 3/32" = 1'-0"
SITE PLAN KEYNOTES
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
2110 S BALDWIN AVENUE
T-1ARCADIA CA 91007
PROJECT LOCATION:
dba QUARTECH CONSULTANTS
TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
N
dba QUARTECH CONSULTANTS
ABBREVIATIONS/LEGEND:
BEDROOM 5
DINING ROOM
FAMILY LIVING
GREAT ROOM
WOK
KITCHEN
2 CAR GARAGE
1 CAR GARAGE
LAUNDRY
HALLWAY 2LIBRARY
PANTRY
STORAGE
FOYER
BATH # 5
W.I.C
PATIO
POWDER
UP
HALLWAY 1
C
1
2
3
4
BA
BAR
ARCADIA RESIDENCENUCASA BALDWIN LLCA-101
1ST FLOOR PLANSCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"
BEDROOM 3
BEDROOM 2
MASTER BEDROOM # 1
BEDROOM 4
W.I.C
W.I.C
W.I.C
W.I.C
MASTER BATH # 1
SITTING
BATH # 2
BATH # 4
W.I.C
BATH # 3
C
1
2
3
4
BA
DN
ARCADIA RESIDENCENUCASA BALDWIN LLC
2ND FLOOR PLANSCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"
A-102
C
1
2
3
4
BA
ARCADIA RESIDENCENUCASA BALDWIN LLCA-103
ROOF PLANSCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
TYP.
ELEV +0'-0" (+424'-6")ELEV +10'-6" (+435'-0")ELEV +11'-6" (+436'-0")ELEV +20'-6" (+445'-0")ELEV +25'-0" (+449'-6")ELEV +0'-6" (+425'-0")E
LEV
0'0
(424'6
)
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
TYP.
ELEV +0'-0" (+424'-6")ELEV +10'-6" (+435'-0")ELEV +11'-6" (+436'-0")ELEV +20'-6" (+445'-0")ELEV +25'-0" (+449'-6")ELEV +0'-6" (+425'-0")E
EV
'0
42
4
'6"
ARCADIA RESIDENCENUCASA BALDWIN LLCA-201
FRONT ELEVATION (WEST)SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"GARAGE SIDE ELEVATION ( NORTH)SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"
KEYNOTES
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
TYP.
ELEV +0'-0" (+424'-6")ELEV +10'-6" (+435'-0")ELEV +11'-6" (+436'-0")ELEV +20'-6" (+445'-0")ELEV +25'-0" (+449'-6")ELEV +0'-6" (+425'-0")E
LEVV
0'
0
"(
4
24'
6
)
ELEV +0'-0" (+424'-6")
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
TYP.
ELEV +10'-6" (+435'-0")ELEV +11'-6" (+436'-0")ELEV +20'-6" (+445'-0")ELEV +25'-0" (+449'-6")ELEV +0'-6" (+425'-0")ELEV
0
0"
42
6")
12
ARCADIA RESIDENCENUCASA BALDWIN LLCA-202
REAR ELEVATION (EAST)SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"SIDE ELEVATION (SOUTH)SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"
KEYNOTES
TYP.
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
ELEV +0'-0" (+424'-6")ELEV +10'-6" (+435'-0")ELEV +11'-6" (+436'-0")ELEV +20'-6" (+445'-0")ELEV +25'-0" (+449'-6")ELEV +0'-6" (+425'-0")
TYP.
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
ELEV +0'-0" (+424'-6")ELEV +10'-6" (+435'-0")ELEV +11'-6" (+436'-0")ELEV +20'-6" (+445'-0")ELEV +25'-0" (+449'-6")ELEV +0'-6" (+425'-0")
ARCADIA RESIDENCENUCASA BALDWIN LLCA-203
FRONT ELEVATION (WEST)SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"
GARAGE SIDE ELEVATION ( NORTH)SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"
KEYNOTES
TYP.
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
ELEV +0'-0" (+424'-6")ELEV +10'-6" (+435'-0")ELEV +11'-6" (+436'-0")ELEV +20'-6" (+445'-0")ELEV +25'-0" (+449'-6")ELEV +0'-6" (+425'-0")((
)
E
LEV
+0-
0
(+424-
6
)
(
)
TYP.
ELEV +0'-0" (+424'-6")
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
3.5
12
ELEV +10'-6" (+435'-0")ELEV +11'-6" (+436'-0")ELEV +20'-6" (+445'-0")ELEV +25'-0" (+449'-6")ELEV +0'-6" (+425'-0")(
)
12
V
+
0
-0
+424
6))
ARCADIA RESIDENCENUCASA BALDWIN LLCA-204
REAR ELEVATION (EAST)SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"
SIDE ELEVATION (SOUTH)SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"
KEYNOTES
Attachment No. 5
Attachment No. 5
Single-Family Residential Design
Guidelines
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 2
CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Applicability ................................................. 3
B. Objectives .................................................... 4
C. Issues ........................................................... 5
II. GUIDELINES
A. Basic Elements
Site Planning .............................................. 6
Entry ......................................................... 8
Massing .................................................... 9
Roofs ....................................................... 11
Façade Design ......................................... 12
Detail ....................................................... 14
Materials & Colors .................................... 17
Landscape & Hardscape ......................... 19
Fences & Walls………………… ............... 23
B. Architectural Style ....................................... 25
C. Additions & Alterations ............................... 33
D. Successful Application of
the Guidelines ............................................ 34
III. DESIGN REVIEW
A. Relationship of Guidelines .......................... 36
B. Scope and Authority ................................. . 36
C. Design Review Process ............................. 36
IV. DEFINITIONS .................................................. 39
Sustainability Icon
The leaf icon appears throughout this document to identify
goals that will help reduce environmental impacts and
promote a healthier environment.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 3
APPLICABILITY
One of Arcadia’s greatest assets is its attractive, well-maintained
residential neighborhoods. In order to preserve the character of
these neighborhoods and encourage high-quality residential
design throughout the City, the Arcadia City Council has
adopted these Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines.
The guidelines are utilized during the City’s architectural design
review process to ensure the highest level of design quality,
while also allowing room for flexibility in their application. The
guidelines are “should” statements; they express the City’s
desires and expectations. Alternative design features may be
allowed if consistent with the intent of the guidelines, or if such
allowance will facilitate an innovative or otherwise preferable
design concept.
Architectural design approval is required for all exterior work
requiring a building permit for single-family dwellings and
accessory buildings. These guidelines also apply to exterior
paint colors and materials to ensure compatibility and harmony
with the neighborhood. City review and approval is not required
prior to painting a structure; however, the use of exterior
materials and paint color should conform to the standards set
forth on page 17 of the guidelines.
In the five Homeowners Associations (HOAs) recognized by City
Council resolution, design review is conducted by each
association’s Architectural Review Board (ARB). However,
these design guidelines apply to all single-family residences
throughout the City.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 4
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Single-Family
Residential Design Guidelines are to:
1. Provide guidance for the orderly
development of the City and promote
high-quality development.
2. Allow diversity of style while promoting
the positive design characteristics
existing throughout the City.
3. Encourage excellence in architectural
design that:
A. Enhances the visual environment
and character of the community;
B. Preserves and protects property
values;
C. Is sensitive to both the site and its
surroundings; and
D. Has been carefully considered and
conveys a sense of balance,
integrity, and character.
Arcadia has a rich tradition of tasteful
homes of varying styles.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 5
ISSUES
The following are the primary design and development
issues that are important to the community relating to new
single-family development:
1. Mass and scale: Inappropriate massing and scale is a
key issue as large, two-story homes are replacing
smaller single-story homes throughout the City.
2. Front entry: Excessively tall or flat entry porches can
have a towering or monumental appearance that is
inappropriate for most Arcadia neighborhoods.
3. Garages: Street-facing garages tend to be uninviting and
have the potential to dominate the front elevation of a
house.
4. Architectural style and design: Many new homes lack
a coherent architectural style, attempt to combine too
many different styles, or have a style that is incompatible
with the surrounding homes.
5. Additions and accessory buildings: Additions, as
opposed to new homes, have their own set of design
challenges. Poorly designed additions and accessory
buildings can ruin the character of an existing home.
6. Colors and materials: The use of bright or strong paint
colors and/or unnatural building materials can result in a
house that looks out-of-place in a more traditional
neighborhood setting.
7. Landform and tree preservation: Careless removal of
mature trees and severe grading of hillside properties
shows little regard for a site’s natural attributes and
degrades neighborhood character.
Lack of detail and insensitive treatment of scale are common
problems preventing new houses from fitting into established
neighborhoods.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 6
SITE PLANNING
Site planning involves the arrangement and relationships
of walkways, buildings, open space, landscape and
associated uses. How well a building fits within its site
can determine the success of a project. An effective site
plan should reflect the natural attributes of the site while
maintaining compatibility with the neighborhood. The
following are general guidelines for site development:
1. Natural amenities such as views, trees and similar
features unique to the site should be preserved and
incorporated into development proposals.
2. The location, configuration, size, and design of new
buildings and structures, or the alteration or
enlargement of existing structures, should be visually
harmonious with their sites and compatible with the
character and quality of the surroundings.
3. The height and bulk of proposed dwellings and
structures on the site should be in scale and in
proportion with the height and bulk of dwellings and
structures on surrounding sites. Alternatively,
projects should incorporate design measures to
adequately mitigate scale differences.
4. The design of a new house should provide effective
and varied open space around the residence.
This corner house has an unusual informal approach at the street leading
to a distant yard enclosure.
Consistent front yard setbacks and building scale among neighboring
sites create visual harmony.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 7
The curving line of the driveway creates a unique point of entry while providing
an opportunity to preserve the on-site trees.
A porte cochere offers more than just useful shelter over the
driveway; it allows the building mass to make a transition to
the open space and to frame views deep into the site.
DISCOURAGED:
Aside from the prohibited tall entry, this house shows the
unattractive effect of building to maximum code limits without
modulating the building mass.
Site Planning continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 8
ENTRY
An entry consists of the entry door and its surrounding
architectural elements. Front entries often serve as the
primary focal point of a residence and should be carefully
designed. The following are guidelines for appropriate entry
treatment:
1. The height of an entry porch should be in scale with the
height and design of the building.
2. Front entry doors and decorative elements such as roofs,
moldings, columns, posts, lighting, benches, and planters
should be architecturally compatible with the style of the
house.
3. Recessed depth of entry alcoves and projecting depth of
entry roofs should be large enough, relative to the house,
to provide the appearance of shelter.
4. Entry roofs should follow the same pitch as the adjacent
roofs. Flat roof porches are generally discouraged.
5. There should be no vertical or architectural elements
located above the entry that emphasizes the scale and
massing of the structure.
Above: Repeated structural forms and unfolding depth of approach
combine for a powerful entry.
Below: A simple vehicular approach is angled to the house, allowing
the entry to terminate the view dramatically.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 9
MASSING
The Zoning Code allows a certain building envelope for each
site. Proper design is often needed to soften and refine that
envelope, as addressed by the following guidelines:
1. New dwellings and additions should be compatible in
mass and scale to surrounding buildings in the
neighborhood and with the natural site features.
2. Design elements such as eave overhangs, textured wall
materials, recessed windows and door openings,
ornamental details, and landscaping are encouraged for
visual interest and to help reduce the impact of building
scale.
3. All sides of a structure, including those that are not
visible from the street, should have adequate wall and
roof articulation to minimize the building’s visual impact.
4. The building base should visually anchor the building by
appearing more massive than the upper stories.
5. The upper story of a house should exhibit a lighter
character than the base, possibly by reducing floor area
and building mass. The second floor should generally
step back from the ground floor.
6. Cantilevered forms are generally discouraged,
particularly when they are used without aesthetic
justification.
7. Building elements that emphasize a structure’s verticality
are generally discouraged.
8. On corner lots, wall planes facing the street should be
varied and articulated into modules that reduce the
overall massing and scale. Architectural projections or
indentations should be provided to avoid an
uninterrupted flat wall.
9. Incorporating trellises, pergolas, covered patios, and
other similar features can help break up the mass of a
large two-story structure and are encouraged, provided
that they complement the architectural style of the house.
Above: This residence uses roof articulation and a reduced second
floor area to blend in with surrounding single-story homes.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 10
Above and left: Many traditional Arcadia houses use understated massing
effectively. These examples use simple, repeated roof forms to achieve
subtle yet effective massing.
Left: This dramatic
verticality is out of
scale in a single-family
residential setting.
Above: A large mass does not belong above the
garage doors, nor does a tall mass on the second
floor. It is out of scale with the dwelling.
Right: This design creates a layered approach: The arch leading to
the courtyard, the angled tower expressing a focal point, and the
porte cochere at the driveway.
Massing continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 11
ROOFS
The roof of a house does more than provide shelter from
the elements; it helps define the architectural style of a
residence. Below are guidelines for appropriate residential
roof design. Roof design refers to roof materials as well as
massing and form.
1. Roof plans and materials should be compatible with the
architectural style and design of the structure. It should
enhance the effect of the house’s plan articulation by
reflecting it in three dimensions (ridges, valleys, etc.)
2. Traditional roof forms such as gables, hips and
dormers are encouraged. More severe roof forms such
as domes, steep chalet gables and flat roofs are
generally discouraged.
3. Dormers, cross gables, and other decorative roof
features are encouraged, provided that they are an
integral part of the overall roof design and work within
the building’s architectural style.
4. Combining two different roof pitches is discouraged.
5. Solar panels are encouraged provided they are not
visible from the public right-of-way. Additionally, roofs
should be used to screen all vents, flutes and skylights,
and other similar features from public view. Bubble or
dome-shaped skylights are discouraged.
6. Discouraged roof types include: built up and torch
down roofs, rock roofing applied over an approved built
up roof, corrugated metal and fiberglass roofing panels,
standing seam and similar metal roofing panels, and
gravel roofs.
Above: Severe roof forms such as domes, steep chalet gables and a
combination of roof forms as illustrated above are discouraged.
Above: These dormers are not compatible with the roof
line. The roof pitch is too low to provide a backdrop for
them.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 12
FACADE DESIGN
Façade design refers to the architectural features, details, and finishes of
the front, sides, and rear of a building. The Arcadia homes to the right are
part of a tradition that deserves to be protected. From the 1920s example
at top to the 1990s example in the middle, the best Arcadia homes use
interesting massing and careful detailing. Most attractive designs work
within an established style, but that is not a City requirement. These
homes also feature a balance, but not complete symmetry.
1. Façade treatment relevant to the house’s architectural style should be
carried throughout the entire house with each façade and any
accessory structure.
2. Architectural features such as decorative moldings, windows, dormers,
chimneys, balconies and railings, and landscaped elements such as
lattices, can add detail to a façade and are encouraged as long as they
respect the scale and dignity of traditional house design.
3. Large areas of flat or blank walls are strongly discouraged.
4. Garages should not dominate the street. If a garage faces a street,
windows and other architectural detailing should be used on garage
doors to reduce their blank wall impact and scale.
5. Symmetry in design can sometimes create a home that is monumental
and too massive. The balanced effect created by symmetry can be
achieved with a more subtle design approach. Features that break up
the symmetry may consist of major massing elements or small
differences in detail from side to side.
6. Large or prominent front elevation balconies are discouraged unless
they are an integral part of the building’s architectural style.
7. Two-story-high windows tend to emphasize the mass and verticality of
a building and should be avoided. This is especially true of two-story
window bays.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 13
Below: Excessive massing of the entry, two-
story window bays, and inadequate articulation
give this residence a looming appearance.
Left: The
garage door
dominates
the house
despite the
tall entry.
Right: While these houses
also show insensitive
massing, they share a lack
of interesting detail and a
flat approach to facade
design.
Façade Design continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 14
DETAIL
Architectural details are decorative or ornamental elements
that can add visual interest and contribute to the design and
style of architecture. Such details include porch columns,
decorative door and window designs, exterior moldings, porch
and balcony railings, roof overhangs, brackets, awnings,
gutters and down spouts, fascia boards, steps and stairs,
siding, gables and lighting fixtures. The following are
guidelines for appropriate design and use of architectural
details:
1. Architectural details should be consistent with, or
transparent to, the architectural style of the project.
2. Details with a false appearance, such as thin plant-on
window shutters and foam wall ornaments and columns
are discouraged.
3. Details that make a residence appear too ornate or
monumental for its surroundings are strongly discouraged.
Such details may include quoins, elaborate columns and
pilasters, balusters, dentils, and keystones.
4. Windows and Doors
a. For new structures, all windows and doors should
relate to the selected architectural style.
b. Window and door change-outs on existing structures
should match the existing windows/doors for
architectural consistency. Alternatively, all windows
and/or doors should be replaced to complement the
architectural style of the house.
c. Windows should be recessed at least 2 inches from the
exterior wall in new construction. Raised surrounds
are not an acceptable substitute for recessed windows.
d. Surrounds should be no wider than 4 inches, and
should have a detailed profile rather than a simple
rectangular or half-round section.
e. Aside from a small number of picture windows, panes
greater than 2 feet in width or height should be divided.
True divided lites are preferable, but exterior applied
muntins with a detailed profile may be allowable.
f. High horizontal windows should be used carefully, if at
all, since they tend to be conspicuously out of rhythm
with other windows. A series of small square windows
may be required as a substitute.
g. Ornately carved and/or stained doors should not be
used if they are so incompatible with the other building
elements that they appear overly prominent.
5. Eaves
a. Open soffits are encouraged using the rafter tails to
express detail and rhythm.
b. Fascia boards around eaves and gables should be
narrow (no more than 6 inches deep).
c. Excessive use of corbels or brackets should be
avoided. If utilized, the placement and design of
corbels or brackets should be carefully considered.
6. Chimneys
a. Decorative chimney caps are encouraged if
appropriate for the building’s architectural style.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 15
A. Interesting brickwork, hinges, windows, and roof treatment
make the entry more interesting.
B. This Modern Prairie-style house benefits from understated
detailing and wide eaves.
C. Lacy stucco texture and balcony design work well with the
palms.
D. The traditional details of this new home give it a timeless
quality.
E. A deeply recessed picture window with stepped walls and
echoing arches of the porte cochere make an attractive
facade.
F. A small amount of detail goes a long way: recessed
windows, beveled sills, pilasters, and stepped parapet at
stairs.
G. The details on the porch of an early 20th century house
have lived through generations.
A
B
D
E F
G
C
C C
Detail continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 16
Above: A complete lack of detailed interest
has created a house with the look of a
stucco box.
Left: The large and
uninteresting surrounds
contribute to an appearance
unbroken by any secondary
roofs or other refining
elements.
Above: This house combines flat fascia boards,
unattractive joined gables, an incidental entry
opening and quoins with a false appearance.
Above: This addition uses wide, flat fascia boards instead
of the original house’s finer detail.
Left: Cornice detail that works
well in narrow moldings
becomes out-of-scale and
incompatible when expanded
to a major parapet treatment.
Detail continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 17
MATERIALS & COLORS
Materials and colors not only contribute to a building’s
architectural style, but can also help tie a new structure to its
surroundings. For new houses that are significantly larger
than the surrounding homes, it is particularly important to
reflect the materials and colors found in the neighborhood.
The following are guidelines for appropriate material and color
selection.
1. For new structures, repeating colors and materials found
in neighboring homes is encouraged.
2. In remodels and additions, new materials should match
those of the existing structure. Accessory structures
should match materials, finishes and colors found on the
primary structure.
3. The use of at least one strong accent material is
encouraged. Too many exterior materials are
discouraged because they can make a design appear too
busy.
4. Natural materials are preferred. Synthetic materials for
the building made to simulate natural wood and masonry
are discouraged. Stone and brick veneer with a false
appearance should be avoided.
5. Architectural design and exterior materials should be
applied consistently on all sides of a structure visible from
the street. Decorative front facade material should extend
around the sides at least to an inside corner.
6. Stucco and plaster finishes should be consistent with the
architectural style of the structure. The use of rough
stucco finishes is discouraged.
7. For most architectural styles, the number of colors on the
exterior should be limited to a maximum of three, with an
additional contrasting color for accent. A balanced color
palette should be kept using the correct proportions
between the subtler “base colors” and the brighter “accent
colors” on each building. Buildings with large walls should
have a subtle base color. The base color on smaller
buildings or those with more elaborate detail can use
slightly stronger tones. In general, the larger and simpler
the house design, the more subtle the color should be to
reduce the massiveness of large wall planes. Earth tones
are best suited and are appropriate for most of the
architectural designs found in the City. The use of strong
or bright, unnatural colors, including the salmon and pink
hues and the bright “white on white” color schemes for
exterior stucco, wood siding, trim doors and shutters
should be avoided. However, the use of contrasting,
natural colors can be appropriate for accent use, such as
for shutters and doors.
Left: High-
quality
materials such
as smooth
stucco, wood
corbels, and
pre-cast
concrete
moldings give
this residence
a look of
permanence
and integrity.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 18
8.
Appropriate materials for walls and façades include stucco
and wood lap siding, as well as more decorative materials
such as stone, tile, split-faced block, and brick. The more
decorative materials should be used as a base treatment
only and not on the entire house unless appropriate for a
specific architectural style.
9. Piecemeal embellishment and frequent changes in
materials should be avoided. All façades of the home
should utilize the same vocabulary of material and color.
10. Exterior materials and architectural details should
complement each other. For example, heavy materials
should appear to support lighter ones.
12. Exposed gutters and downspouts, unless designed as an
outstanding architectural feature of the overall theme,
should be colored to match fascia or wall material.
13. Natural clay tile roofs should be replaced with the same
material. For repairs, remodels and additions, care
should be taken in the selection of material and
installation to match as closely as possible the color of
the “aged” tiles.
14. The colors of natural roofing materials, such as clay tiles
and slate, should be left natural.
15. Roofing materials with glossy surfaces appear unnatural
and are strongly discouraged.
11. Material changes should occur in conjunction with
changes in the plane of the façade to avoid a “tacked-on”
appearance.
These roof treatments are discouraged by the guidelines: clay
tiles on a composition roof and glossy roof tiles.
Materials & Colors continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 19
LANDSCAPE & HARDSCAPE
Landscaping is an important component of the overall design
of a project. Even the most thoughtfully designed house will
appear incomplete without adequate landscaping. For new
residences and rebuilds, a conceptual landscape plan must be
submitted during the design review process. A detailed
landscape plan will be required during plan check. The
following are guidelines for single-family residential landscape
and hardscape:
1. Large planting sizes (24-inch box or greater) are
recommended for trees to make a new dwelling look
established and soften the visual impact of a building’s
mass.
2. For a new residence, there should generally be at least two
trees in the front yard, one of which should be drought
tolerant.
3. Existing trees in good condition should be preserved
whenever possible.
4. Landscaping should be layered, with low planting used in
the foreground, proceeding back to the tallest in the
background.
5. The use of decorative hardscape materials is encouraged
in order to enhance the pedestrian and vehicular
experience. Decorative hardscape materials include brick,
flagstone, interlocking pavers, tile, stamped or colored
concrete, and decomposed granite.
6. In order to promote “walkable” neighborhoods, a
pedestrian path should be provided to the front door,
separate from the driveway.
Here a driveway and pedestrian path originate at the street in a
complementary way.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 20
7. Landscape planters lining driveways, walkways, and
property lines are encouraged.
8. For aesthetic and environmental reasons, the use of
impervious paved surfaces should be minimized when
not necessary for vehicular or pedestrian access or
recreational purposes. Permeable hardscape
materials are encouraged.
9. Drought-tolerant and native plant species are
encouraged; however, consideration should be given to
the gradual transition of existing neighborhood
landscaping. For example, rather than woody ground
coverings and desert landscaping, more lush and finely
scaled species are encouraged.
Water Conservation Tips
1. Use “smart irrigation controllers”, a device that
automatically adjusts watering times in response to
weather changes. Smart irrigation controllers use
sensors and weather information to manage watering
times and frequency.
2. Install an irrigation system that reduces wasted water
from evaporation, overspray and water run-off by
watering turf from the surface in a bottom-up model
rather than the typical sprinkler/top-down model.
3. Use Low-Flow Drip, Bubblers, or Low-flow Sprinklers.
Landscape & Hardscape continued…
Above: Layered
landscaping
using native
plants
Left: Decorative
hardscape
materials such
as brick pavers
are encouraged
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 21
Residential landscape design should complement the
architecture of the house. The design should also fit in with
the neighborhood and the surrounding environment.
Conserving existing, established plant materials is almost
always the best approach. Borrowing from the existing plant
theme and the environment makes the new design fit in. The
new design should also group plants with similar water,
nutrient, and sun needs so as to avoid any growth problems.
SAMPLE PLANTING PALETTE
Recommended plants include the following, but
additional selections are encouraged for variety:
(* denotes trees that need a large area for root
growth)
Canopy trees:
Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor Tree)*
Pistachia chinensis (Chinese Pistache)
Platanus acerifolia (London Plane Tree)
Platanus racemosa (California Sycamore)
Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak)
Quercus engelmanni (Engelmann Oak)
Tipuana tipu (Tipu Tree)
Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Evergreen Elm)
Specimen trees:
Agonis fluxuosa (Peppermint Tree)
Eucalyptus ssp.
Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree)
Olea europaea (Olive Tree)
Pinus eldarica (Afghan Pine)
Pinus pinea (Italian Stone Pine)*
Flowering trees:
Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosa’ (Silk Tree)
Cassia leptophylla (Gold Medallion Tree)
Cercis occidentalis (Western Redbud)
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda)
Koelreuteria bipinnata (Chinese Flame Tree)
Koelreuteria paniculata (Goldenrain Tree)
Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle-multi)
Malus ‘Prairiefire’ (Prairiefire Crabapple)
Pyrus kawakamii (Evergreen Pear)
Prunus ssp.
Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pink Trumpet Tree)
Palm trees:
Archontophoenix cumminghamiana (King Palm)
Phoenix spp. (Date Palm)
Washingtonia filifera (California Fan Palm)
Washingtonia robusta (Mexican Fan Palm)
Brahae edulis (Guadalupe Palm)
Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)
Planting palette continues on next page...
Photographs, clockwise
from top left:
Coast Live Oak, Olive,
California Sycamore,
California Pepper, Mexican
Fan Palm, Western
Redbud, California Fan
Palm, Silk Tree
Landscape & Hardscape continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 22
Shrubs: (* denotes value as screening plant)
Azalea ssp. (Azalea)
Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree)
Alyogyne heugelii & cvs (Blue Hibiscus)
* Bamboo ssp.
Buddleia davidii (Butterfly Bush)
* Camellia ssp. (Camellia)
Cassia splendida (Golden Wonder Senna)
Ceanothus var. (Wild Lilac)
Cistus purpureus (Orchid Rockrose)
* Cocculus laurifolius (Laurel Leaf)
* Cotoneaster ssp.
Echium fastuosum (Pride of Madeira)
Groundcovers:
Arctostaphylos hookeri (Monterey Manzanita)
Ceanothus griseus horizontalis (Carmel Creeper)
Cistus spp. (Rockrose)
Cotoneaster dammeri (Lowfast Bearberry)
Lantana spp.
Lavandula spp. (Lavender)
Liriope muscari (Big Blue Lily Turf)
Mahonia repens (Creeping Mahonia)
Pelargonium ssp. (Pelatum)
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)
Salvia spp. (Sage)
Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton)
Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine)
Verbena ssp.
* Escallonia ssp.
Euphorbia characias ‘Wulfenii’
(Mediterranean Spurge)
Euphorbia rigida (Silver Spurge)
Gardenia ssp.
* Grevillia ssp.
* Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese Hibiscus)
* Myrtus communis (True Myrtle)
* Osmanthus ssp.
Penstemon spectabilis (Showy Penstemon)
* Podocarpus ssp.
* Prunus caroliniana (Carolina Laurel Cherry)
* Pyracantha ssp. (Firethorn)
* Rosa ssp. (Rose)
Low accent plants:
Aloe spp.
Hemerocallis hybrids (Daylily)
Iris spp.
Kniphofia uvaria (Red-hot Poker)
Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile)
Flax ssp.
Vines:
Bougainvillea ssp.
Distictis buccinatoria (Blood-Red Trumpet Vine)
Distictis laxiflora (Vanilla Trumpet Vine)
Distictis ‘Rivers’ (Royal Trumpet Vine)
Jasminum polyanthum (Jasmine)
Pyrostegia venusta (Flame Vine)
Rosa cultivars (Rose)
Thunbergia alata (Black-eyed Susan Vine)
Wild Lilac
Aloe Royal
Trumpet Vine
Rockrose
Orchid
Rockrose
Bougainvillea
Salvia
Cotoneaster dammeri
Rose Lantana
Lavender
Landscape & Hardscape continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 23
FENCES & WALLS
Front yard fences are frequently designed in a manner that
breaks up the shared open space that defines a graceful
residential street. Instead of enjoying the changing views of
landscaped depth, the eyes of the street’s visitors are stopped
by the flatness of the fences. Implementation of the following
guidelines will result in fences and walls that are more
harmonious with the neighborhood.
1. Front yard fencing should be as open and simple as
possible.
2. In general, overly ornate or light colored wrought iron
fences should be avoided.
3. Decorative wood fencing is allowed in the front yard only if
consistent with the architectural style and if fully painted or
stained.
4. Fencing and wall materials should be compatible with the
building and should be used to reinforce the architectural
theme of the building.
5. Bare precision block is generally discouraged. For new
residences, courtyard walls and walls along the perimeter
of the property lines should be made of a decorative
material that complements the residence, such as brick,
stone, or textured concrete block (e.g. split-face, scored,
slump stone). Plain concrete block with a stucco finish to
match the residence may be an acceptable substitute.
6. On lots with existing walls or fences, new walls/fences
should match or be compatible with existing walls/fences.
7. The use of clinging vines, shrubs, and trees to soften the
visual impact of walls and fences is encouraged, especially
when visible from the public right-of-way.
Above: Layered outdoor space uses plants of varying heights
along with building walls and outdoor walls and fences.
Above: The varying heights and setbacks of this fence add
visual interest and highlight the points of entry.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 24
This wall that encloses
a side and rear yard
uses flat tile caps and
stepped massing to
accentuate the entry
and complement the
house’s fine detailing.
Above: The shared open space along the street
benefits from both continuity and variety. Fences
should blend into the landscape.
These tall, unattractive fences have an uninviting appearance.
Fences & Walls continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 25
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Arcadia, like most other California cities, has a mix of
architectural styles within its residential neighborhoods.
Consistency of design features within traditional styles
such as Ranch, American Colonial, Spanish, etc. has
served Arcadia well because it has enlivened the City
with variety while maintaining a distinctly traditional
neighborhood character.
In recognizing the value of architectural diversity, the
City does not seek to dictate which styles are allowed,
but rather to promote an awareness of what makes
different elements work together. Strict adherence to a
single architectural style is not required; however,
combining too many elements from several divergent
styles often results in an incoherent design.
Generally, the City recommends choosing a single
architectural style as a starting point in the design
process. Positive design features from other styles may
be incorporated if the various elements work together.
Most importantly, the overall architectural style should
be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
Using similar features, colors, and materials found in
nearby homes is encouraged.
The following pages list some of the architectural styles
found in and around Arcadia and their successful
characteristics.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 26
TRADITIONAL
RANCH
Form:
Simple, horizontal massing
Modest entry expression – roof or alcove
Roof:
Shallow pitched roof – gable and shed
Walls:
Stucco or clapboard walls
Windows:
Wood window frames, or metal with
recessed windows
Details:
Simple molding profiles
Color:
More contrast between roof and walls than
between field and trim
Traditional ranch combines characteristics of other styles in
the City’s guidelines. It has the straightforward massing and
detailing of the Tudor/Cottage style, along with the rustic
materials of the Craftsman style. Emphasis on the horizontal
is important, and extension of the Traditional Ranch style to
two stories dilutes its distinction from the other aforementioned
styles. Ranch style is particularly characteristic of Arcadia’s
mid-century boom years, creating a comfortable suburban
setting surviving to the current day and influencing the
approach recommended for all styles.
Architectural Style continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 27
COLONIAL / AMERICAN
TRADITIONAL
Form:
Simple form, at least for major part of
house
Roof:
Moderate to steep roofs – gable or shed
Compound roof pitch (gambrel) part of
tradition
Detailed molding and cornice profiles
Walls:
Shingle or clapboard walls
Windows:
Moderate to broad frames
Small panes
Details:
Small, finely detailed fascia boards, vents,
and other details
Details part of functional elements rather
than applied
Color:
Pale walls; contrasting trim optional
Dark roofs
Colonial or American Traditional style uses plain massing and
fine detailing. Wood is used for the siding, and fine millwork
traditionally is used sparingly but efficiently for expressing
detailed elements. Modest scale is important for that detail
work, including semicircular vents, window trim, window panes
and muntins, and fascia boards with open soffits. Simplicity is
important in the roof form, principally gable or shed.
Architectural Style continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 28
SPANISH
Form:
Low mass moderating two-story mass
Arches (deep)
Courtyards
Arcades
Pergolas
Wide front balcony on Monterey variant
Roof:
Barrel tile roofs – shed, hip, gable
Flat shingles or tiles on Monterey variant
Shallow to moderate slopes (4:12 to 6:12)
Heavy exposed dark beams
Walls:
Stucco walls
Windows:
Recessed windows w/ minimal frames
Details:
Decorative vents
Iron accents & balconies
Color:
Pale walls customary
Roof may be light, medium, or dark
Brown or other rich trim color
Spanish styles – Colonial, Mission Revival, and Monterey
among other variants – emerged as the dominant style in
Southern California during the 1920s building boom. Its
adaptability to different building programs has made it a
perennial favorite. The adaptability results from a few design
characteristics. First is the use of large, simple massing
components to achieve simplicity and drama. Next is the
discreet use of well-placed, well-designed, and well-executed
details. When combined with the simple massing, which
would otherwise be dull, the details create an integrated
design that is rich and expressive. Pergolas and other garden
structures are also used to complement and mitigate the
building mass.
Architectural Style continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 29
TUDOR / COTTAGE
Form:
Simple massing
Entry expression may be modest
Roof:
Moderate to steep roof pitch
Shed or gable roof
Rustic tile roof
Walls:
Shingle, clapboard, or rustic walls
Windows:
Pronounced surrounds, wide or narrow
Recessed windows
Details:
Simple detail; minimal ornament
Half-timber expression (Tudor)
Color:
Warm colors with dark trim
The Tudor/Cottage style has nothing to do with limiting house
size to what people think of as a cottage. It is a style that is
concerned with creating comforting features that allow a house
to be inviting and tasteful in an unpretentious way, no matter
what size the house. The emphasis is on the roof, using steep
slopes and/or low eaves to minimize wall height and
emphasize the sloped roof as epitomizing home.
Straightforward massing is also used, and details are also
straightforward but highly visible, such as wide window trim,
half-timbering, plain fascia boards, and simple exposed soffits.
Architectural Style continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 30
CRAFTSMAN
Form:
Prominent porches (two sides common)
Large, often tapered, porch columns
Second floor set in from first
Complex massing on larger houses
Roof:
Composition or flat tile roofs
Shallow slopes – gable; some shed
Broad eave overhangs (12 to 42 inches)
Carved rafter tails & brackets
Walls:
Shingle or clapboard walls (stucco alt.)
Windows:
Broad wooden window frames
Fine division of panes, especially at top of
window
Details:
Decorative vents
Wood accents & balconies
Tapered posts
Clinker brick / river rock
Color:
Dark warm colors
The Craftsman style is a descendant of the Cottage Style and
is particularly identified with California due to the influence of
the Greene brothers in Pasadena and Bernard Maybeck in the
San Francisco region.
The rustic look of Craftsman architecture relies on a spacious
exterior – great porches and overhangs – as well as use of
stained wood, dark colors, and rustic supporting materials of
river rock and rough brick. Massing can be very simple on a
small Craftsman, which will likely focus entirely on its front
porch and gable, or much more complex on a large Craftsman
with variation of massing elements and angles.
Architectural Style continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 31
FRENCH
Form:
Symmetrical entry
Terraced massing optional
Roof:
Flat tile roofs
Steep slopes – mansard dominant
Detailed parapets
Walls:
Stucco walls
Windows:
Recessed windows w/ minimal frames
Details:
Curved iron accents & balconies
Thin, detailed moldings
Decorative vents
Color:
Pale walls and trim; any shade for roof
French design is distinct from classical in its application of a
few distinctive features. Most characteristic are mansard
roofs, which are always steeply pitched and either straight or
curved. That curve is normally concave, but convex curves
can also fit the style. Ornate metalwork is another hallmark,
usually applied in a linear manner as balcony balustrades, or
as fascia boards along eaves, but in some instances used
structurally for columns. Used with restraint, French style
works particularly well with classical and Spanish styles. In an
eclectic neighborhood, it is the quality of the design rather than
its feature set that allows wildly divergent styles to work
together well, and French design is within that mix.
Architectural Style continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 32
CONTEMPORARY /
MODERN
Form:
Simple, horizontal massing
Pronounced entry expression – roof or alcove
Deep layering of wall and window planes
Intermingling of exterior and interior space
Roof:
Flat roof, and/or shallow pitch – gable and
shed
Walls:
Stucco or other smooth walls
Windows:
Wood window frames, or metal with recessed
windows
Details:
Simple molding profiles
Color:
Subtle colors except optional fine accent lines
Modern houses tend to emphasize strong horizontal and
vertical planes, express layering of planes and spaces, and
interweave interior and exterior spaces. Together, these
design elements can produce compelling and dramatic effects.
When introduced into a neighborhood of more traditional
styles, however, modern houses often present too great a
contrast or too little in terms of humanizing detail to fit their
setting. Modern styles are encouraged if they involve the best
characteristics of the style – the layering and indoor/outdoor
interweaving – and avoid the visual conflicts with traditional
styles that too often occur. Landscape screening, as an
important component of both modern architecture and
harmonizing differing styles, will be taken into special account
in evaluating modern designs.
Architectural Style continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 33
ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS
The design guidelines up to this point apply to all projects. For
additions and alterations, the City recognizes that the designer
faces special challenges. The primary challenge is to integrate
the new with the old, maintaining and continuing the best
elements of the existing house. This applies to massing as well
as detailing. Below are guidelines for additions and alterations.
1. An addition should be designed to look like part of the
original house. All exterior treatments should match
those of the existing house as closely as possible.
2. Second floors should be modest in relation to the first
floor. This often involves setting the second floor walls in
and keeping the top plate height shorter than the first
story.
3. Porch additions should match the scale and architectural
style of the existing house. In general, the eaves of the
porch roof should align with the first story.
4. Alterations to an existing house that do not enlarge its
floor area, such as replacement windows, doors, siding,
or roof tiles, should be consistent with the building’s
architectural style.
5. Piecemeal alterations to the exterior of a house are
strongly discouraged. Alterations to one elevation should
be consistently carried out on the other elevations.
6. Refer to Guideline 4.b. on page 14 and Guideline 13 on
page 18 for additional guidelines pertaining to additions
and alterations.
Placing the mass of a 2-story addition behind an existing
one-story house is generally encouraged, but it needs to be
carefully coordinated.
Above: This Arcadia home exhibits the positive results of a well-
designed second story addition. Instead of having a “tacked-on”
appearance, the addition is thoughtfully integrated with the
architecture of the existing house.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 34
SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION
OF THE GUIDELINES
This section highlights three actual design review cases
that demonstrate how careful implementation of the
design guidelines can achieve very successful results.
For each project, there is a “discouraged” front elevation,
showing the project as originally submitted, and an
“encouraged” front elevation, showing the project in its
final approved form. The examples illustrate how roof
and façade articulation, asymmetry in façade design,
and/or a less elaborate architectural style can transform
the appearance of a house without significantly reducing
its size.
Copyright Notice:
The architectural drawings, including but not limited to the front elevation
designs, contained in the Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines are
protected under United States and international copyright laws and are the
exclusive property of the City of Arcadia or its third party licensors. The
drawings are provided in these Guidelines for reference purposes only and
may not be copied, reproduced, republished, posted, transmitted, displayed,
modified, sold, distributed or in any way used by you or on your behalf, in any
form or by any means, including for the making of derivative works, without
express prior written consent from the owner of each respective drawing.
EXAMPLE 1
Discouraged
Encouraged
Copyright © 2008, BY Design Group. All rights reserved.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 35
EXAMPLE 2
EXAMPLE 3
Discouraged Discouraged
Encouraged Encouraged
Copyright © 2008, Landtec Construction, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2008, OFA. All rights reserved.
Successful Application of the Guidelines continued…
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 36
DESIGN REVIEW
A. Relationship of Guidelines
The key to a successful residential project in Arcadia is to assure
its compatibility with the surrounding dwellings in the neighborhood
and, in the case of a building addition, with the existing building.
Compatibility includes such terms as “architectural style, mass,
scale, orientation, setback and architectural elements such as
texture, color and building materials”.
The Design Guidelines will be utilized during the City’s review
process to encourage the highest level of design quality and at the
same time provide the flexibility necessary to encourage creativity
on the part of project designers in response to existing site
conditions.
Proposals for a new dwelling or additions or alterations to an
existing dwelling must follow a development review process set
forth in the guidelines in order to complete site and building
improvements.
B. Scope and Authority
The guidelines should be reviewed prior to beginning a project
design.
Design review consists of three steps:
1. Preliminary consultation between the project sponsor and
the Development Services Department staff to discuss the
zoning requirements and the Architectural Design
Guidelines and criteria applicable to the site and use.
2. Design concept review by the Development Services
Department, as provided for in the code. This must be
completed prior to the plan check procedure. Projects that
require further discretionary approval shall be subject to
final design approval by the appropriate body.
Exception: Properties within City designated homeowners
associations are subject to the Architectural Design
Guidelines set forth in this document, but shall be subject to
the review and approval of only the homeowner
associations’ architectural review boards.
3. Final design review occurs during the Plan Check process
by the Development Services Department to ensure
consistency with the plans approved during the design
review process.
C. Design Review Process
1. Stages of Review:
a. Preliminary Consultation. Preliminary consultation
shall be initiated by requesting an appointment with a
city planner.
b. Design Concept Review. Design concept review shall
be initiated by an application submitted to the
Development Services Department on a form
approved and containing information required by the
Development Services Director or designee. The
application shall include such plans and materials
required for adequate concept review.
c. Final Design Review. Final design review of
development plans shall be initiated within one (1) year
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 37
of design concept approval by submitting plans to
Building Services for plan check.
2. Design Concept Review and Approval
a) By Administrative Review. The Development Services
Director or designee shall have the authority to review
and approve the following types of improvements to a
single-family dwelling and/or accessory building(s)
subject to determination of compliance with the single-
family Design Guidelines:
(1) Roofing material
(2) Window / door change outs / replacements /
additions
(3) Fences / walls / gates
(4) Exterior finishes
(5) Patio enclosures, covered patios, trellises,
and gazebos on residentially zoned property
(6) Minor first floor additions and detached
accessory buildings on single-family zoned
property
(7) Other types of exterior alterations as deemed
appropriate by the Development Services
Director or designee
Review of the aforementioned improvements may be
conducted upon submittal of plans to Building Services
or subsequent to plans being submitted for plan check.
If the Development Services Director or designee
determines that the proposed improvements do not
comply with the single-family design guidelines, the
applicant shall submit for a regular review process as
set forth below.
Planning Services staff shall sign plans prior to
issuance of a building permit.
b) By Regular Review by the Development Services
Department, Community Development Division. The
Development Services Director or designee shall
review development plans submitted for design concept
approval within thirty (30) working days of receipt of a
completed application, and may approve, conditionally
approve, disapprove or return plans for revisions. After
each submittal of revised plans, the City has thirty (30)
working days to review the plans. Within five (5)
working days after a decision, notice shall be mailed to
the applicant.
c) By Modification Committee, Planning Commission or
City Council. Concurrent with the hearing of an
application for a modification or other type of
application, the Modification Committee, Planning
Commission or City Council may approve, conditionally
approve or disapprove the design concept plans.
3. Final Design Review and Approval
The Development Services Department shall review the
final design as part of the plan check procedure to ensure
compliance with the approved plans. The Development
Services Department may approve, conditionally approve
or disapprove said plans.
4. Fee
Before accepting any application for design review or
appeal, the City shall charge and collect a fee in an amount
established by resolution of the City Council. In addition,
the applicant shall reimburse the City for all costs
associated with design review performed by the City’s
architectural and landscape design consultants prior to final
approval of the design review.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 38
5. Effective Date
No permit shall be issued for any use involved in an
application for design review until action on such
application shall have become final by reason of the
expiration of time to make an appeal (within 5 working days
after the date of decision).
6. Expiration of Approval
Design approval shall expire one (1) year following its
effective date unless:
a. A building permit has been issued and construction has
commenced and been diligently and continuously
pursued; or
b. A certificate of occupancy has been issued; or
c. The approval is renewed.
7. Extension of Approval
The Development Services Director or designee or the
body that reviewed a project may renew design concept
approval or final design approval for a period not to exceed
one year beyond the initial expiration date, upon
determining that the findings made remain valid. An
application for an extension shall be made a minimum of
thirty (30) days prior to the initial expiration date and shall
be accompanied by payment of a fee in an amount
established by resolution of the City Council.
8. Plan Revisions
The Development Services Director or designee or the
body that conducted design concept review of a project
may approve changes to approved plans or in conditions of
approval upon determining that the changes are minor and
are consistent with the intent of the original approval.
9. Appeals
a. Appeals from the Development Services Director’s or
designee’s or Modification Committee's decision shall
be made to the Planning Commission within five (5)
working days of the decision and shall be accompanied
by payment of an appeal fee in an amount established
by Resolution of the City Council. A public hearing
shall be scheduled not less than ten (10) calendar days
or more than forty (40) calendar days after the filing of
an appeal.
b. Appeals from the decision of the Planning Commission
shall be made to the City Council within five (5) working
days of the Planning Commission’s decision and shall
be accompanied by payment of an appeal fee in an
amount established by resolution of the City Council. A
public hearing shall be scheduled not less than ten (10)
calendar days or more than forty (40) calendar days
after the filing of an appeal.
10. Enforcement
a. Building Permits. Building Permits shall not be issued if
conditions imposed under the Architectural Design
Review Procedure are not satisfied.
b. Conditions. Non-compliance with design review
requirements that are included as conditions to
discretionary land use approvals of the City such as
conditional use permits, modifications and similar
actions shall constitute grounds for the suspension or
revocation of such approval.
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 39
DEFINITIONS
Alcove: A small area cut out of a larger mass, such as an entry
porch
Articulation: Use of different planes, surfaces, and forms to
define an interesting and attractive building or component of a
building
Asymmetry: Different on one side than on the other
Cantilever: A portion of a building extending out beyond its
supporting wall or column
Chamfer: A beveled corner which is formed in concrete work by
placing a triangular or curved insert in the corner of the form.
Clipped eaves: Eaves that have a minimal projection over the
wall below
Context: The character-defining surroundings of a site
Dormer: A structure with walls extending up
from a roof, typically housing one or more
windows
Eave: The extension of a roof beyond an
Exterior wall, with no enclosed area
underneath it
Eclectic: Of mixed styles
Elevation: A two-dimensional view of the front, side, or rear of a
building or wall
Facade: See Elevation
Fascia: The board enclosing the edge of an eave
Gable: A wall beneath the exposed end of one or more sloping
roofs
Guidelines: Regulations that can be required flexibly as
appropriate to each project or situation
Hardscape: Pavement and other ground treatments other than
plant materials
Integrity: Having enough consistency to be perceived as an
“integral” unit
Layering: Having different elements in different planes, forming
layers, rather than a simple wall
Mansionization: Building a house too big for its lot, or too
ornate or formal in its appearance
Mass: The overall perceived size of a building, affected by not
only its dimensions but also the manner in which its walls, roofs,
and facade elements are designed
Mission or barrel tile: A half-circular roof tile that is used
alternately face-up and face-down
Modulation: Varying the depth and other characteristics of a
wall or roof in order to improve its appearance through breaking
up its length and mass
Monumentality: The appearance of trying to appear too
important or imposing for its context
Muntins: Narrow strips that form a division between window
panes
Nested Gables: One gable placed beneath another, usually off-
center
Overdesigned: Too ornate for its size or surroundings
Pilaster: A column (structural or decorative) that is placed
against a wall
Pitch: The slope of a roof, expressed in inches of rise against
12 inches run (as in 4:12)
Porch: A prominent entry, including any roof above
City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Amended April 17, 2009 Page 40
Porte-Cochere: A roofed structure, open on the sides,
extending over a driveway
Project: Any physical work upon a property requiring City
approval
Quoins: Large squared stones such as buttresses, set at the
angles of a building; the external corner of a building.
S-tile: A roof tile attempting to simulate the effect of mission or
barrel tile with multiple curves
Scale: Size relative to other portions of a building, landscape, or
surroundings, or to viewers
Shed Roof: A simple roof of a single slope
Site amenities: Benches, fountains, garden structures, and
other items added to an open space to enhance its use and
enjoyment
Soffit: The underside of an eave
Substantial: Having enough visual depth to appear visually and
structurally sound
Surrounds: Ornamental projecting surfaces around a window
or door
Symmetry: The same on both sides
Underdesigned: Too simple to offer any interest to the viewer
Attachment No. 6
Attachment No. 6
City’s Noise Regulations
Page 1
4610.3. - NOISE LIMITS.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person within the City of Arcadia to produce or cause or allow to be produced sound or
noise which is amplified by the use of sound amplifying equipment and which amplified noise or sound is received on
property occupied by another person within the designated region, in excess of the following levels, except as
expressly provided otherwise or exempted hereinafter:
Region Day 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Night 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Residential Zone 55 dBA 50 dBA
Commercial Zone 65 dBA 60 dBA
Industrial Zone 70 dBA 70 dBA
At the boundary line between two of the above zones the noise level of the quieter zone shall be used.
(b) Corrections to Noise Limits. The numerical limits given in Section 4610.3(a) shall be adjusted by the following
corrections, where appropriate:
Noise Condition Correction (in dB)
1. Impulsive sounds, pure tone or sounds with a cyclically varying amplitude -5
(The following corrections apply to day only)
2. Noise occurring more than 5 but less than 15 minutes per hour + 5
3. Noise occurring more than 1 but less than 5 minutes per hour +10
4. Noise occurring less than 1 minute per hour +15
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to produce or cause or allow to be produced sound or noise from air-conditioning
equipment, pumps, fans or similar machinery which is received on residentially zoned property occupied by another
person in excess of 55 dBA, provided, however, that if such machinery was installed prior to December 1, 1970, the
noise level shall not be in excess of 60 dBA.
(d) Exemption: Noise caused by "Emergency Work" as herein defined and from mechanical devices, apparatus, or
equipment used, related to, or connected with such Emergency Work is exempt from the limits prescribed by this
Chapter.
(Amended by Ord. 1567 adopted 7-20-76; amended by Ord. 2302 adopted 10-2-12)
Attachment No. 7
Attachment No. 7
Preliminary Exemption Assessment
Attachment No. 8
Attachment No. 8
Notification Area Map
Disclaimer: This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for reference only. Data
layers that appear on this map may or may not be accurate, current, or otherwise reliable.
THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION
0.1
© City of Arcadia
WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere
0Miles0.1
1,960
0.03
Legend
1:
City of Arcadia
Notes
Reported on 11/21/2014 10:39 AM
This map was automatically generated
using Geocortex Essentials.
Truck Routes
Parcels
Attachment No. 9
Attachment No. 9
Letter from Ms. Patricia Moy
December 3, 2014
City of Arcadia
Planning Services
240 W. Huntington Drive
P. O. Box 60021
Arcadia, CA 91066
Subject: Single-Family Architectural Design Review No. SFADR 13-128
Property Address: 2110 S. Baldwin Avenue
Dear Commissioners:
My name is Patricia Moy. I live at 2118 S. Baldwin Avenue in Arcadia. My property is located at the
south side of the subject property. I have a couple of comments regarding the location of the two air
conditioners addressed in the appeal letter submitted by David and Victoria Law (the Laws).
1) The current location of the two air conditioners on the plan is 15 feet away from the property line
on the northeast side. I think this is the best location for the air conditioners because it has the
farthest distance from any residence. The Laws suggested to moving them to other areas, such
as by the laundry room or to the southeast side of the property. By looking at the attached map
that was provided by the owner/investor, you can see the distance from current location to the
Laws' residence is 50 or more feet; the distance from the laundry room to the Poong's residence
is 29 or more feet and the distance from the southeast side to my house is only 22 feet (15 feet
inside 2110 property + 7 feet inside 2118 property). So the best location is actually where they
are right now.
2) I am losing the mountain view and also letting the chimney stay next to my main activity area.
think iYs unfair that the Laws want to move the air conditioners to other neighbors. Whenever
there is a new construction, the existing neighbors will have to compromise a little bit. In this
particular case, I will lose my mountain view. I bought my house 21 years ago for the mountain
view. When I get stressed, I look out from my bedroom window or from my balcony to see the
beautiful San Gabriel Mountains for meditation. This privilege, which I paid for it, will be gone
after the investor builds this mansion. This also means my property value will decrease because
of it. In addition to this loss, I will also suffer the fumes, which I am allergic to, coming from the
chimney. This chimney will be built next to my main activity area, right by my back door, kitchen,
dining room, and bedroom depending on which direction the wind blows. I have already
compromised quite a lot. That is why I think iYs only fair to keep the air conditioners on the
northeast side, as designed by the architect from the beginning.
Thank you very much for reading my comments.
Respectfully Yours,
~~6c"~
Patricia Moy~~~
2118 S. Baldwin Ave.,
Arcadia, CA 91007
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