HomeMy WebLinkAbout1. SFR Zone Development -Design GuidlinesRESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE A ZONE
TEXT AMENDMENT (PLN-18-00106), THEREBY AMENDING VARIOUS
SECTIONS OF ARTICLE IX OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, AND ESTABLISHING
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES (R-1).
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey does hereby find,
determine and declare that:
A.On May 22, 2018, The City Council approved a professional services agreement with
John Kaliski Architects (JKA), a professional planning, architecture, and urban
design firm; and,
B.On November 6, 2019, The Planning Commission held a study session for draft
single-family development standards and design guidelines; and,
C.On December 3, 2020, notice of the pending zone text amendment was published in
the Downey Patriot as a 1/8th page ad in accordance with the requirements of the
Downey Municipal Code; and,
D.The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on March 3, 2021, and
after fully considering all oral and written testimony and facts and opinions offered at
the aforesaid public hearing, adopted this resolution.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares the
requested Zone Text Amendment is not subject to CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the
State CEQA Guidelines regarding Review for Exemption, because the proposed Zone Text
Amendment does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the
environment.
SECTION 3. Having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at
said public hearing, the Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares that:
A.The requested amendment is necessary and desirable for the development of the
community and is in the interests or furtherance of the public health, safety, and
general welfare. The appropriate development of the community, and its
neighborhoods, is achieved through the continuous update of the municipal code in
an effort to provide adequate development standards where needed. Specific to this
application, development standards and design guidelines are implemented to
promote quality design, while simultaneously allowing creative choices by the
applicant that are in cohesion with the surrounding neighborhood. Past and present
construction has produced structures with little consideration for the nearby
environment or traditional residential architecture. Future development will now
include elements more consistent with lower density structures, such as forced
modulation, single-story porches, landscaping, garage placement, and emphasis on
orientation towards the public right of way.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 11
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 2
The analysis for the proposed development standards and design guidelines, as well
as the required review process, ensure that any potential effects in public health,
safety, and general welfare will be mitigated as much as possible.
B. The proposed amendment is in general conformance with the General Plan.
Specifically, the project primarily affects the Single Family Residential (R-1) zone and
the General Plan Designation areas of Low Density Residential. The land use
designation of “Low Density Residential”, as described in the General Plan, calls for
stable residential neighborhoods with high-quality of character. A contributing factor
to the stability of neighborhoods is cohesion amongst homes in the neighborhood.
The previous statements are synonymous with the intent of the new development
standards and design guidelines. In addition, the following are policies promoted by
the proposed Zone Text Amendment:
Program 1.2.2 – Focus on areas where livable communities concepts are most likely
[to] have the most impact to set a catalyst for similar projects elsewhere in the city.
The single-family land use designation is the city’s largest zoning district and
historically it has been seen that one development in one neighborhood inspires
similar design in other neighborhoods. Prominent designs in the most recent past
serve as a built example of what can be accomplished through the City’s current
development standards. Likewise, newer high quality design constructed under both
the new development standards and design guidelines will set a new example for
homes and neighborhoods throughout the City.
Policy 1.3.2. – Monitor and address changes in land use trends.
Program 1.3.2.1. Adopt a comprehensive update of the zoning chapter of the
municipal code.
Program 1.3.2.2. Adjust the codes, policies, and regulations in response to
changes in land use trends.
New and evolving development is continuously introduced into the city, and it
remains a responsibility to analyze and determine the viability of these changes in
the City of Downey. The Zone Text Amendment recognizes issues within the City’s
Low Density Residential Land Use Designation, and the application is carried out in
an attempt to remain up-to-date with these challenges. These challenges, such as
the issue of “mansionization”, are imposed upon various communities and not
specific to the City of Downey. Most recently, communities have adopted the use of
design guidelines as a tool to combat community impacts. Design guidelines are
implemented to help articulate the City’s expectations and goals for future
development.
Policy 1.4.1. Promote Neighborhood Identity.
Program 1.4.1.4. Promote public participation in the planning process.
Program 1.4.1.5. Provide public information on ways residents and property
owners can improve their neighborhoods.
Public participation was vital in the drafting of the proposed documents. The City
held three separate public outreach workshops where residents were invited to
attend and share their thoughts regarding residential development patterns in their
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 12
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 3
neighborhoods. At the community meetings, residents were introduced to current
zoning standards and were provided illustrative examples of how existing standards
are applied. Community members also participated in an exercise where they
surveyed various architectural styles, landscape designs, garage placements, and
subdivision developments. The information received at these meetings was
incorporated into the proposed development standards.
Goal 1.4 – Protect and enhance the residential neighborhoods.
Policy 1.4.2. Promote residential construction that complements existing
neighborhoods.
Program 1.4.2.1. Discourage residential construction not in harmony
with the surrounding neighborhood.
Program 1.4.2.2. Adopt standards to address the appropriate
relationship between building size and lot size, such as maximum floor
area ratio.
Program 1.4.2.3. Promote building designs with second story additions
to address scale, bulk and massing.
Program 1.4.2.4. Encourage developments to consider impacts to
privacy, views, and sunlight on adjacent properties.
Program 1.4.2.5. Discourage the removal of trees and other vegetation.
As stated in the Design Guidelines, “The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide a
design tool that assists applicants in enhancing the character of Downey’s residential
neighborhoods on a project-by-project basis so as to ensure that the design of new
homes, additions, and alterations to existing dwellings relates to the existing
community context and character. These Guidelines are intended to promote high-
quality design that favors craft and architectural styles related to historic precedent
and neighborhood context. They further encourage creative design solutions that fit
with their surroundings and enhance the overall consistent architectural character
seen in Downey single-family neighborhoods.” These statements are synonymous
with the goal, policy, and programs stated above.
Goal 8.1. Promote quality design for new, expanded, and remodeled construction.
Policy 8.1.1 Promote architectural design of the highest quality.
Program 8.1.1.1. Discourage construction with architectural design of
poor quality.
Program 8.1.1.2. Assist home owners and builders by providing design
guidelines to illustrate good design.
The Zone Text Amendment, including Design Guidelines, address concerns with
recent construction trends related to new construction, renovations, and remodels.
The final product will yield designs with consideration for mass, bulk, form,
modulation, porch designs, and garage placement. These elements when applied
appropriately are key to a higher quality of architectural design. The design
guidelines present an explanation and visual example of how those elements are to
be appropriately incorporated.
SECTION 4. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council add the following definitions to Chapter 1 of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code to
read as follows:
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 13
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 4
Section 9124. “B” Definitions.
Basement: A portion of the building located entirely or partially below grade level. Basements
shall be considered a floor when built above grade for more than twelve (12) inches.
Block: Both sides of a street, between two consecutive intersections, or an intersection and a
cul-de-sac or street terminus.
Building, Accessory (Residential): Any structure not directly attached to the principal dwelling
that is customarily incidental to a residence which does not change the character of the
residential use and/or household. Accessory buildings may include, but are not limited to, a
garage, carport, guest house, playhouse, accessory living quarters, greenhouse, storage shed,
covered patios, and other similar structures. The term is used interchangeably within this article
with the term “Accessory Structure”.
Bulk: The overall magnitude or largeness of the aggregate sizes and/or shape(s) of a building,
particularly in comparison to the visible overall magnitude or largeness of adjoining buildings.
Section 9128. “D” Definitions.
Design Guidelines: A toolbox of a broad range of design approaches that assists project
proponents and their design teams in reaching compliance with the Zoning Code.
Dormer: A window that protrudes out of a sloping roof, typically from a second story.
Section 9130. “E” Definitions.
Eave: The lower edge or thickness of a roof that overhangs and extends beyond the exterior
perimeter wall of a structure.
Section 9132. “F” Definitions.
Floor Area, Gross: Both the vertical and horizontal space of habitable and non-habitual areas
of all enclosed structures on the property measured from exterior wall to exterior wall including,
but not limited to, the main dwelling structure, accessory buildings, accessory dwelling units,
foyers, enclosed patios, sheds, habitable attic space, basements, closets, utility rooms,
mechanical rooms, elevator shafts, stairwells, and janitor rooms.
Section 9134. “G” Definitions.
Garage, Side Loaded: A garage in which the door is perpendicular to the front property line and
vehicular access requires a radius for maneuvering in and out of the structure.
Section 9138. “I” Definitions.
Intersection: A point at which three (3) or more public road, alley, and/or private road sections
intersect with one another.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 14
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 5
Section 9142. “K” Definitions.
Kitchen: A room or space used, or intended, or designed to be used for cooking or preparation
food.
Section 9144. “L” Definitions.
Living Quarters, Accessory: An attached habitable area or detached habitable accessory
building, on the same lot as a religious institution, for the sole use of persons employed on the
premises. Such quarters shall have a maximum floor area of twelve-hundred (1,200) square
feet, maximum height of sixteen (16) feet, and shall not be rented.
Lot, Key: The first interior lot to the rear of a reversed corner lot. The front property line of the
key lot is formed by a continuation of the street side property line of the reversed corner lot.
Lot, Reversed Corner: A corner lot in which the rear abuts a key lot, or in which the rear abuts
the front and side yard of an adjoin lot.
Section 9146. “M” Definitions.
Mass/Massing: The comprehensive bulk or three-dimensional form of a building or portion of a
building as viewed from the exterior.
Section 9152. “P” Definitions.
Pervious concrete: A type of concrete with high porosity that allows water to penetrate directly
through its surface into the soil below.
Porch: Architecturally appropriate one story covered elements projecting from, or recessed into,
a building leading towards the main doorway.
Prevailing Lot Area: The average square footage for all properties contiguous to the subject
property.
Prevailing Neighborhood Character: The most common qualitative features, such as
pattern(s), style(s), expression(s), or other attribute(s), and quantitative features, such as, but
not limited to, top-of-plate heights, garage placement, setbacks, and roof slopes held by at least
fifty (50) percent of the block.
Private Road: A private road shall constitute the boundary line to boundary line area of a road
that runs through at least two (1) lots and/or lot subdivisions to access another lot and/or lot
subdivision, owned by all abutting parcels in which it serves.
Private Roadway: Shall refer to the portion of the Private Road used for vehicle traffic.
Section 9156. “R” Definitions.
Ridgeline: The peak of a sloped or pitched roof, where two or more planes meet.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 15
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 6
Section 9158. “S” Definitions.
Subdivision Boundary Line: The boundary line of an original lot before subdivision.
Subdivided Lot Line: The property line of a newly formed parcel after it has been subdivided.
Section 9160. “T” Definitions.
Tandem Parking: Two parking spaces that are designed to be parked as single-width and
double-length with one behind the other such that one car will have to be moved in order to
access the other.
Tree Canopy: The diameter of the crown of a tree as measured when viewing the tree from an
aerial point of view.
Section 9166. “W” Definitions.
Wing: A one-story portion or mass of a building that intersects with and is subordinate to the
main mass of the structure.
SECTION 5. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council revise the following definitions to Chapter 1 of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code
to read as follows:
Section 9132. “F” Definitions.
Floor Area Ratio: The gross floor area of a building(s) on a lot divided by the lot area. Building
elements included into the calculation include, but are not limited to, the main dwelling,
accessory structures, foyers, mezzanines and lofts, enclosed patios, and enclosed porches. Any
floor or portion of a floor with a ceiling height greater than twelve (12) feet above the finished
floor is counted as twice the square footage for that floor area. Building elements such as
garages, carports, open patios and open porches are not included into the calculation. A
basement (where more than fifty (50) percent of the volume of the room is below grade) is
exempt from the requirements limiting the floor area ratio (see Figure 9.1.5).
Section 9134. “G” Definitions.
Guesthouse: Living quarters, or other habitable space, without a kitchen within a detached
accessory building or attached to the main building, located on the same lot as the main
building, for use by temporary guests or for the use of domestics employed on the premises by
the occupants of the lot. A guesthouse shall be ancillary to the main dwelling unit.
Section 9152. “P” Definitions.
Patio, Enclosed: A covered freestanding or attached level, paved or decked area enclosed on
all sides whose principal use shall be for outdoor entertaining or recreation. A patio shall be
considered enclosed when surrounded by a rail, wall, glass, plastic, or similar type barrier taller
than forty-two (42) inches on any side, excluding the walls of an approved attached structure.
An enclosed patio is not used as a habitable room or as a parking space for vehicles.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 16
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 7
Patio, Open: A freestanding or attached level, paved or decked area open on one (1) or more
sides, enclosed only by the walls of an attached approved structure, whose principal use shall
be for outdoor entertaining or recreation. These areas may be covered or uncovered, and may
be surrounded by a rail, wall, glass, plastic, or similar barrier measured at a height of forty-two
(42) inches or less. An open patio may be enclosed by insect screening. An open patio is not
used as a habitable room or as a parking space for vehicles.
Permeable Paving: A paving material that permits water penetration to a soil depth of eighteen
(18) inches or more, including non-porous surface material poured or lain in sections not
exceeding one (1) square foot in area and incorporates a minimum of three (3) inch landscaped
separation, such as open cell concrete, and collectively comprising less than two-thirds of the
total surface area of the lot, and loosely laid materials such as crushed stone or gravel.
Porte Cochere: A roofed space open on three (3) sides and attached to the side or front of a
dwelling or building, for the loading or unloading of passenger cars (see Figure 9.1.10). Within
the R-1 zones, porte-cocheres are limited to one-story.
SECTION 6. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council delete the following definition to Section 9124 of Article IX of the Downey Municipal
Code:
Section 9124. “B” Definitions.
Basement: That portion of a building between the floor and the ceiling, which is partly below
and partly above grade but so located that the vertical distance from grade to the finished floor
level below is less than the vertical distance from grade to ceiling, in which case such basement
shall be considered a story (see “Cellar”).
SECTION 7. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council revise the following figure to Section 9144 of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code:
Figure 9.1.6 Lot Types
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 17
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 8
SECTION 8. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council revise the following development standards to “Table 9.3.3. R-1 Zone Property
Development Standards” within Section 9312.08 of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9312.08. RESIDENTIAL ZONES PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
Table 9.3.3. R-1 Zone Property Development Standards
Development Standard Zone
R-1 – 5,000 R-1 – 6,000 R-1 – 7,500 R-1 – 8,500 R-1 – 10,000
Lot area - minimum (sq. ft.) 5,000 6,000 7,500 8,500 10,000
Lot width - minimum (feet) 50’ 50’ 60’ 65’ 70’
Lot depth - minimum (feet) Lot depths shall be within ten percent (10%) the average depth of the
two (2) abutting lots on both sides of the subject lot located on the same
side of the street.
Corner lots shall be within ten percent (10%) the average depth of the
adjoining two lots along the common front yard frontage.
Floor area ratio – maximum a. .45
Lot coverage – maximum 45%
Building height - maximum (feet) b.
main building 28’
12’ accessory building
Front setback (1st Floor) - minimum (feet) c. d. 20’
2nd floor front setback - minimum (feet) At the 2nd story façade facing a front yard, the maximum width of the 2 nd
floor façade aligned with the 1 st floor façade directly below shall be no
greater than forty (40) percent of the entirety of the 1st floor façade
facing a front yard. Any additional portions of a 2 nd floor facing a front
yard shall be setback a minimum of five (5) feet from the 1 st floor
façade.
Rear setback - minimum (feet) d. 20’
Side setback (1st floor) - minimum (feet) e. f. Ten percent (10%) lot width,
but not less than five feet (5’) and not to exceed fourteen feet (14’)
2nd floor side setback - minimum (feet) At the 2nd story façade facing a side yard, the maximum width of the 2nd
floor façade aligned with the 1 st floor façade directly below shall be no
greater than forty (40) percent of the entirety of the 1st floor façade
facing a side yard. Any additional portions of a 2 nd floor facing a side
yard shall be setback a minimum of five (5) feet from the 1st floor
façade.
Street side setback (1st floor) - minimum (feet) d. 10’
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 18
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 9
2nd floor street side setback - minimum (feet) At the 2nd story façade facing a street side yard, the maximum width of
the 2nd floor façade aligned with the 1st floor façade directly below shall
be no greater than forty (40) percent of the entirety of the 1st floor façade
facing a street side yard. Any additional portions of a 2nd floor facing a
street side yard shall be setback a minimum of five (5) feet from the 1st
floor façade.
Dwelling unit size - minimum (sq. ft.) g.
700
850
1,100
1,300
1,500
one bedroom
two bedroom
three bedroom
four bedroom
more than four bedrooms
Building separation - minimum (feet) h.
wall to wall
eave to eave
5’
3’
Walkway width - maximum (feet) 6’
Prevailing setbacks Subject to Section 9534.18
Exceptions to yards, setbacks, and height Subject to Section 9534
Air conditioning, mechanical roof and utility
equipment
Subject to Section 9504
Environmental protection standards Subject to Section 9516
Graffiti control Subject to Section 4960 of Chapter 10 of Article IV of this Code
Landscaping, lighting, and walls Subject to Section 9520
Nonconforming uses, lots, and structures Subject to Section 9410
Off-street parking and loading Subject to Chapter 7
Signs Subject to Chapter 6
Site Plan Review Subject to Section 9820
Visibility Subject to Section 9520 and 9534
Wireless Communication Facilities Subject to Section 9426
Notes:
a Single-family dwelling units in the R-1 Zone are eligible for a 0.05 FAR bonus for providing renewable energy sources,
for a maximum FAR of 0.50, in accordance with the provisions of Section 9312.08(b)(2).
b Porch features, such as but not limited to entry porches, covered patios, and porte-cocheres, must have a top-of-plate
height equal to or less than the first floor top -of-plate height of the main structure, not to exceed twelve feet (12’). Top-
of-peak height must be equal to or less than the top-of-peak height of the main structure, not to exceed sixteen feet (16’).
Slope and pitch must be equal to main structure.
c Unless the property is identified on the prevailing setback map, as adopted by the Commission, in which case the
greater of the two setbacks shall apply.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 19
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 10
d Garage setbacks are subject to Sections 9710 and 9534.22.
e Any decimal fraction shall be rounded up to the nearest inch.
f 1st Floor side yard setbacks may be reduced subject to Section 9534.
g Exclusive of porches, balconies, garages, or other such accessory structures or architectural features.
h Building separation for rear detached garages is also subject to back up triangle requirements located in Section 9710.
SECTION 9. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council revise the following “General Development Standards” to Section 9312.08 of Article IX
of the Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9312.08. RESIDENTIAL ZONES PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(b) General Development Standards
(2) Alternative Energy FAR Bonus in the R-1 Zone. Single-family dwelling units in the R-
1 Zone are eligible for a 0.05 FAR bonus for providing renewable energy sources. The
maximum FAR for the R-1 Zone with the renewable energy bonus is 0.50. The renewable
energy sources must provide fifty (50) percent or greater of a parcel’s annual energy
requirements.
(i) Renewable energy sources include at least one (1) component from (A) and
one (1) component from (B) below:
(A) Either solar water heating or tankless water heater; and
(B) On-site solar photovoltaic or small wind energy applications to provide the
remaining renewable energy requirement.
(ii) The FAR bonus area shall be incorporated as a one story element in the form
of either, but not limited to, a detached accessory building, or incorporation of
a front wing, rear wing, side wing, or combination of wings.
(3) Architecture. The architecture and general appearance of the building shall be in
keeping with the character of the neighborhood and such as not to be detrimental to the
general welfare of the neighborhood in which they are located. For R-1 zoning, all
construction shall utilize Design Guidelines for considerations and recommendations
regarding characteristic architectural styles and prevailing neighborhood character.
(4) Massing. All residential additions, alterations, and modifications shall to the greatest
extent possible, avoid excessive massing of the primary structure, through means of varying
rooflines, elevations, and other architectural elements (see Figure 9.3.1). Review and
approval of massing of buildings shall be subject to the provisions of Section 9820. For R-1
zoning, see Design Guidelines for considerations and recommendations regarding massing
and modulation.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 20
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 11
(11) Landscaping. Landscaping is required in the front, side, street side and rear yards
for all areas not covered by an approved driveway or pedestrian walkway, including but not
limited to quantity of trees and three tiered system design, pursuant to Section 9520.
(12) Front and Street Side Yards. In all residential zones, the front and street side yards
shall be landscaped and maintained in good condition and shall be kept free and clear of all
construction and automotive materials and parts, trash, refuse, debris, trash storage
receptacles, inoperative motor vehicles, discarded or broken materials, appliances, junk,
equipment, car cover structures or similar materials and shall not be paved except for
approved pedestrian walkways, driveways, and patios. Only temporary parking of vehicles
pursuant to Section 9710.02(h) shall be allowed in the front yard.
(13) Front and Street Side Yards – Maximum Paving (Hardscape).
(i) For properties with a width of (60) feet or greater, the total of all paving
(hardscape) within the front setback or street side setback, including all
driveways and walkways, shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the area within
the total front setback or street side setback.
(A) An additional ten (10) percent of hardscape shall be allowed in the front
setback or street side setback, provided permeable paving surfaces are
used. Pervious concrete may not be used as permeable paving.
a. A minimum of fifty (50) percent of the total front setback or street side
setback shall remain live vegetation landscape surfaces.
(ii) For properties that are less than sixty (60) feet wide, the total of all paving
(hardscape) within the front setback or street side setback, including all
driveways and walkways, shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the total front
setback or street side setback.
SECTION 10. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council add the following “General Development Standards” to Section 9312.08 of Article IX of
the Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9312.08. RESIDENTIAL ZONES PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(b) General Development Standards
(5) 360° Architectural Design
(i) Any new construction, alteration, and/or addition on a lot, including, but not
limited to, a principal residence, second story, detached accessory structure,
enclosed patios, and/or porte-cochere shall follow a singular architectural
character and style that extends to all building features including faҫades, roof
forms and pitches, materials, and detailing that are visible to the public right-
of -way and/or abutting properties. An addition should utilize the characteristics
of the style of the existing approved home. Portions of structures not visible to
the public right-of-way shall incorporate complimentary elements.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 21
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 12
(6) Single Family Additions and Accessory Structures Design.
(i) New roofs shall be similar in form, pitch, slope and material with the existing
permitted house.
(ii) Architectural design shall match style, form, color and material of the existing
permitted house and extend to all the exterior portions of the structure that are
visible to the public right-of-way and/or visible from adjacent properties.
Portions not visible shall incorporate complimentary elements.
(7) Front Entry Orientation.
(i) New architecture, front additions altering the entrance of the dwelling, and
remodels altering the entrance of the dwelling shall be designed with the front
door oriented towards the street.
(8) Flat Roofs.
(i) For new architecture and alterations in architectural style, flat roof designs
may be incorporated when the existing block is characterized by flat roof
architectural styles for at least thirty (30) percent of the houses on the block.
(ii) For additions, flat roof elements may be incorporated when the existing home
is entirely flat roof.
(iii) Flat roofs shall be permitted for open patios.
(9) Accessory Buildings
(i) Accessory buildings, including attached accessory uses, shall be limited to a
maximum floor area of seven hundred (700) square feet, and shall be
comprised of one (1) open space with no kitchen facilities or bedrooms.
Closets shall be allowed, but each is limited to fifty (50) square feet.
(ii) One (1) bathroom, laundry facilities, and one (1) wet sink are allowed.
(iii) Multiple accessory buildings, including attached accessory uses, shall be
allowed.
(iv) A covenant and agreement regarding the maintenance of building and use
shall be drafted by staff and recorded by the applicant with the Los Angeles
County Registrar/Recorder’s Office prior to building permit final inspection.
(v) This section shall not apply to garages and patio covers.
SECTION 11. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council add the following “Landscaping Requirements” to Section 9520 of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code:
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 22
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 13
SECTION 9520.04. Landscaping Requirements.
(b) Development Regulations
(6) In the R-1 and R-2 zones, a minimum of one (1) new 36 inch box tree or larger shall
be planted within the front yard and a minimum of one (1) new 36 inch box tree or
larger shall also be planted within the rear yard.
(i) Trees shall be of moderate to fast growth varieties.
(ii) Within the front yard, trees shall reach a maturity height and canopy width
greater than forty (40) feet.
(iii) Within the rear yard, trees shall reach a maturity height greater than forty (40)
feet and canopy width greater than thirty (30) feet.
(iv) Lots with a required side yard setback and/or street side yard setback equal to
or greater than ten (10) feet shall provide one (1) 24 inch box tree for every
twenty (20) linear feet of building façade for that side. Trees shall reach a
maturity height greater than twenty (20) feet and canopy width greater than
ten (10) feet.
(v) Tree selection shall be approved by the City Planner. Alternatives to this
section may be deemed necessary, at the discretion of the City Planner, for
irregular shaped parcels, for parcels in proximity to electrical poles, and for
parcels with substandard widths and depths.
SECTION 12. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council revise the following “Landscaping Requirements” to Section 9520 of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9520.04. LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS.
(h) Landscaping Design Standards.
(5) Planting areas between walls and streets shall be landscaped with a hierarchy of
plants in natural formations and groupings. Solid walls over forty-two (42) inches high
shall receive vines or hedge when facing public streets.
SECTION 13. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council revise the following “General, Wall, Fence, and Hedge Regulation” to Section 9520 of
Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9520.08. GENERAL WALL, FENCE, AND HEDGE REGULATIONS.
(d) Approved materials, or combination of materials, for walls and fences include, but are not
limited to, wood, metal, vinyl, stone, masonry, stucco, and concrete. Metal is limited to
wrought iron or similar type materials. Any materials not listed in this subsection may be
approved subject to the discretion of the City Planner.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 23
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 14
SECTION 14. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council revise the following “Yards, Setback, and Height Exceptions” to Section 9534 of Article
IX of the Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9534.14. PROJECTIONS INTO SETBACK AREAS.
(d) In all other zones, uncovered steps and landings, six (6) inches or less above finished
grade, may extend twelve (12) inches into a required setback in any zone.
SECTION 9534.20. MODIFICATION OF REQUIRED SETBACKS.
(a) The Commission, pursuant to section 9826, may grant modifications to the rear setback
regulations requiring greater than ten (10) foot rear setbacks on lots having irregular lot
lines, or restricted depth, or where other conditions create an unnecessary hardship and
make it difficult to require compliance with the rear setback regulations, but in no event
shall the rear setback be less than ten (10) feet. In no event shall the modifications exceed
one-half (½) of the width of the lot.
SECTION 9534.22. DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS IN SETBACK AREAS.
(e) No detached accessory building shall be nearer than five (5) feet to any other building on
the same lot.
i. Separation requirements for garages shall also be in compliance with Section 9710.
SECTION 15. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council add the following “Yards, Setback, and Height Exceptions” to Section 9534 of Article IX
of the Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9534.14. PROJECTIONS INTO SETBACK AREAS.
(c) Within the R-1 Zone, uncovered steps and landings may extend;
(i) Within the front and rear yards a maximum forty-eight (48) inch projection and thirty
(30) inch height above finished grade is allowed into the required setback area.
(ii) Within the side yard a maximum forty-eight (48) inch projection and twelve (12) inch
height above finished grade is allowed into the required setback area.
(e) Covered and uncovered second floor balconies, decks, and similar features are not allowed
within the second floor setback areas.
SECTION 9534.20. MODIFICATION OF REQUIRED SETBACKS.
(c) The City Planner may authorize modification to the first story side setback area to permit
the extension of existing building lines for additions or minor building modifications for
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 24
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 15
alignment purposes, except that no modification shall reduce the required setback closer
than three (3) feet to a property line. In accordance with the provisions of Section 9814.
SECTION 16. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council delete the following “Yards, Setback, and Height Exceptions” to Section 9534 of Article
IX of the Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9534.22. DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS IN SETBACK AREAS.
(a) A detached accessory building may occupy not more than one-half (½) of the required rear
setback, such that a contiguous one-half (½) of the rear yard remains as open space, and shall
be completely to the rear of the main dwelling to which it is accessory.
SECTION 17. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council revise the following “Residential Off-Street Parking Requirements” to Section 9708 of
Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9708. RESIDENTIAL OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS.
Table 9.7.2. Residential Parking Requirements
Land Use Type Required Off-Street Parking Notes and Comments
Single-family dwellings
(detached)
2.0 enclosed covered spaces
within a garage for dwelling
units with less than 3,375
square feet of habitable space
3.0 enclosed covered spaces
within a garage for dwelling
units equal to or above 3,375
square feet and equal to or
below 4,500 square feet of
habitable space
4.0 enclosed covered spaces
within a garage for dwelling
units with greater than 4,500
square feet of habitable space
For purposes of calculating
required parking, the square
footage of all enclosed areas,
including accessory buildings,
but not including garages,
shall be included. An
equivalent number of required
parking spaces shall be
provided in the driveway (may
be tandem).
SECTION 18. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council add the following “Residential Parking Design Standards” to Section 9710 of Article IX
of the Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9710.02. R-1 AND R-2 ZONE DESIGN STANDARDS.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 25
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 16
(b) Front facing garages shall be setback a minimum of five feet (5’) from the face of the front
façade. An additional three foot (3’) setback is required for a front facing third garage
space.
(c) The exterior width of the front facing garage is limited to a maximum of forty-five percent
(45%) of the lot width, or thirty-six feet (36’) (whichever is less).
(1) In no event shall the width of the garage exceed fifty-five percent (55%) of the overall
façade width.
(d) Side loaded garages shall be allowed when the existing block is characterized by side
loaded garages for at least thirty percent (30%) of the houses on the block.
(1) Side loaded garages may be built at the minimum setback requirement.
(2) The street facing façade width of the garage shall be limited to a maximum twenty-two
feet (22’). In no event shall the width of the façade facing the street exceed fifty-five
percent (55%) of the overall façade width.
(e) Tandem parking:
(2) Required covered parking can be provided in tandem form for lots less than 50 feet
wide when a detached garage cannot be located in the rear yard due to inability to
comply with the required back-up triangle and alley access is not provided.
(f) Driveways shall lead directly from a public street to a required garage or other required
parking area using the shortest and most direct route.
(i) Driveways shall remain free from physical obstructions. Obstructions shall include, but are
not limited to, covered patios, canopies, storage, temporary structures, trash bins, or
furniture. This shall apply to all patio covers regardless of the positioning of post or other
structural components. Architectural features may be attached to the front of a garage and
extend a maximum of twenty-four inches (24”). This section shall not apply to gates or
porte-cocheres that are attached to the side or front of the main dwelling.
(j) In the R-1 Zone, not more than three (3) parking stalls shall be permitted which open onto
the front setback area.
SECTION 19. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council revise the following “Residential Off-Street Parking Requirements” to Section 9710 of
Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9710.02. R-1 AND R-2 ZONE DESIGN STANDARDS.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 26
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 17
(g) Driveways to required garages having a setback from the street property line greater than
forty feet (40′) shall have a minimum width of ten feet (10′) and a maximum width of twelve
feet (12′) in the front or street side setback area. Driveways located outside of the setback
area, shall be a minimum of ten feet (10′) wide.
(h) Where required garage spaces are equal to or less than forty feet (40′) to the property line,
the maximum width of a driveway shall not exceed eighteen feet (18′) or two feet (2′) wider
than the opening of the garage door, whichever is greater, but in no event shall the
maximum width exceed thirty feet (30′) at the front property line.
(l) A driveway that serves as required access to a garage, in which the garage door is not
parallel to the front property line, or side property line in the case of a corner lot, shall not
exceed twelve feet (12′) in width at the property line, provide a maximum turn radius of
twelve feet (12’), and a minimum twenty-five foot (25’) back up.
Figure 9.7.1 Side Loaded Garage Driveway
(m) Not more than one (1) driveway shall be permitted for each lot or parcel of land, except as
follows:
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 27
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 18
(1) Parcels or lots having a street frontage of seventy feet (70′) or more may be
permitted to have two (2) driveway openings, both the primary and secondary
driveway openings shall serve the same driveway, and such secondary driveway shall
not exceed twelve feet (12’) in width in the setback area. The space between
driveways on the same lot shall be at least twenty-four feet (24′) at the street property
line. That portion of the connecting driveway parallel to the street property line shall
have a setback of eighteen feet (18’). The space between the secondary driveway
and building shall be separated by three feet (3’) of landscaping (see Figure 9.7.1).
Figure 9.7.2 Circular Driveways
(2) A secondary driveway for access to a recreational vehicle storage pad may be
approved by the Commission pursuant to sections 9804 and 9814.08. The
recreational vehicle storage pad shall be located outside all required front, side, and
street side setbacks and shall be set back a minimum of five feet (5′) from any door
and/or window of a habitable structure. The secondary driveway that is within the front
or street side setback shall be a ribbon strip design or paved with turf block, and shall
be permanently maintained to City standards.
(n) A back up triangle on the garage side closest to the residence shall be required as depicted
in Figure 9.7.3. The sight area shall be free from visual and physical obstructions.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 28
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 19
Figure 9.7.3. Garage Back Up Triangle
SECTION 20. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council revise the following “Authority Of The City Planner” to Section 9814 of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9814.04. AUTHORITY OF THE CITY PLANNER.
(a) Minor Modification.
(6) The modification of the side setback area to permit the extension of existing building
lines for first floor additions or minor building modifications for alignment purposes,
except that no modification shall reduce the required setback closer than three (3)
feet to a property line;
SECTION 21. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council add the following “Authority Of The City Planner” to Section 9814 of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9814.04. AUTHORITY OF THE CITY PLANNER.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 29
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 20
(i) Appeal of Single Family Residential Development. The City Planner shall review all
appeals of staff decisions regarding R-1 Zone development plan checks.
(1) Appeals to decisions of the City Planner shall be subject to Section 9814.06 (f).
(i) The Commission, and the Council upon further appeal, shall make the following
findings in approving an application for a Single Family Development:
a. The proposed building, structure, and/or landscape is in compliance with
the goals, objectives, and policies of the City of Downey General Plan
and Single Family Design Guidelines any other applicable plans adopted
pursuant to the General Plan.
b. The proposed building, structure, and/or landscape are in conformity with
the standards of the Municipal Code including the location on the lot,
area, height, and parking.
c. The proposed building, structure, and/or landscape are substantially
consistent with the lots along the same frontage along the same block in
terms of the orientation to the street and sidewalk, location of parking and
parking structures, setbacks, lot coverage, rooflines, mass and bulk,
materials, and colors.
d. The proposed building, structure, and/or landscape, and associated walls
and fences, are designed to reasonably protect adjoining and abutting
single-family residential properties from noise and maintain the visual
privacy of adjoining and abutting single-family residences.
e. The proposed building utilizes quality materials and details similar to or
better than adjoining and abutting single-family residences so as to
maintain and improve the local setting and community character in terms
of appearance and value.
SECTION 22. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council revise the following “Subdivision Regulations” to Section 9931 of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code:
SECTION 9931.6. SAME. PRIVATE STREETS ROAD AND ALLEYS.
Except as set out hereinafter, all parcels of land intended for public use in a subdivision shown
on the final map thereof shall be offered for dedication for public use, provided, however, that
with the approval of the City Council any street, highway, alley or way which is intended to be
kept physically closed to public travel or posted as a private road or alley at all times may be
shown as a private road or alley, but in any such case the final map shall contain a condition
offer of dedication which may be accepted by the City Council at such time as the street shall
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 30
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 21
have ceased to remain so physically closed or posted and shall have been opened to public
travel for a period of at least three (3) months. Any such private road shall be shown on such
map by heavy, dashed lines. Sufficient data shall be shown on each private road or alley to
define its boundaries, as is required for a public street, and also sufficient mathematical data to
clearly show the portion of each lot within such street. The design and improvement of any such
private road shall be subject to all of the requirements prescribed by these regulations for public
streets.
SECTION 23. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby recommends that the City
Council add the following “Subdivision Regulations” to Section 9933 of Article IX of the Downey
Municipal Code:
SECTION 9933.11. SAME. SINGLE FAMILY (R-1) ZONES LOT DESIGN.
The following standards shall apply to all proposed subdivisions within the Single Family
Residential (R-1) zones. All subdivision developments shall also utilize the Designs for
considerations and recommendations regarding the design and placement of new subdivided
lots:
(a) Minimum Dimensions. Lots may only be subdivided pursuant to the following standards:
(1) Each lot, except the private road, shall have a width and depth not less than that
required pursuant to Section 9312.08, unless otherwise provided in this section.
Figure 9.9.1 Subdivisions
(2) Subdivisions proposing a private road shall have an existing minimum lot width equal
to the required lot depth plus an additional thirty-two (32) feet.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 31
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 22
Figure 9.9.2. Required Lot Width Prior to Subdivision
(3) The lot depth of a subdivided lot with the front lot line oriented towards the public
right-of-way may abide by the required lot depth or may have a minimum lot depth
equal to two (2) times the required lot width, whichever is less. Parcels shall remain in
compliance with required minimum lot widths and lot area.
i. This standard shall only apply to proposed subdivisions that involve more
than two parcels and a proposed private road providing access to
additional parcels.
Figure 9.9.3. Required Lot Depth for Lots Oriented Towards the Public Right-of-Way
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 32
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 23
(4) Existing parcels with a lot size equal to or larger than sixty thousand (60,000) square
feet shall be processed as a Planned Unit Development.
(b) Private Roads
(1) Private roads shall be their own and separate parcel under shared equal ownership
by all adjoining subdivided lots.
(2) Private roads shall be measured from side boundary line to subdivided lot line, or
from subdivided lot line to subdivided lot line when subdivisions are located on either
side of a private road.
(3) Private road improvements shall be built to the standards described in the Downey
Municipal Code for streets, lighting, grading/drainage, and traffic signs.
(4) Private roads shall be provided a new individual street name.
i. Street name signs shall be provided per standards set forth in the
Downey Municipal Code.
(5) At a minimum, private roads shall consist of one (1) roadway, one (1) row of parallel
street parking, and a sidewalk. See Design Guidelines for considerations and
recommendations regarding private roadway design.
i. Roadway widths shall provide a minimum of twenty (20) feet.
ii. Parallel street parking shall provide a minimum width of eight (8) feet and
depth of twenty (22) feet.
iii. Side walk widths shall provide a minimum of four (4) feet.
(6) Roadways and street parking shall be built at the same grade as adjoining public
roadways, and shall be improved with a curb and gutter design approved by the City
Engineer.
(7) Placement:
i. Parallel street parking shall be located along the boundary line, and
opposite of the subdivided lot line.
A. This standard shall not apply when there are subdivided lots located
on both sides of a private road or for private roads that propose a
second row of parallel street parking.
ii. Sidewalks shall be located abutting the subdivided lot line, and opposite
of the boundary line.
(8) Private road width shall be determined by subtracting the required lot depth from the
width of the existing parcel prior to subdivision. In no case shall the private road be
less than thirty-two (32) feet and not more than sixty (60) feet.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 33
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 24
i. This standard may be modified by the City Planner in order to comply with
the requirements described in Section 9933.11 (c)(1). In which case the
required private road width shall be a minimum of thirty-two (32) feet.
ii. If subdivided lots are proposed to front both sides of the private road, then
the private road shall measure a minimum width equal to the lot width of
the existing parcel prior to subdivision, subtracted by two (2) times the
required lot depth, but not less than forty (40) feet and not more than sixty
(60) feet.
(9) Minimum private road widths equal to or larger than thirty-six (36) feet shall
incorporate, to the greatest extent feasible, one of the following or multiple
combinations of the following: one (1) or more four (4) foot landscape parkways, a
second row of parallel street parking, and a second sidewalk.
(10) In order to facilitate the creation of a thirty-six (36) foot private road and provide a four
(4) foot landscape buffer; private road width equal to thirty-two (32) feet may
incorporate the standards below. Similarly, any road with up to forty-six (46) feet may
incorporate these standards.
i. Subdivided lots with a front lot line oriented towards a private road shall
reduce their required lot depth by four (4) feet provided that the proposed
lot depth will not result in less than one hundred (100) feet and the parcel
remains in compliance with the required minimum lot area.
A. These lots need only provide a front yard setback of fifteen (15) feet.
B. This section shall not apply if private road cannot maintain one
continuous width.
C. This section shall only apply to new subdivision developments with a
newly proposed private road
D. The four (4) feet shall be forfeited to increase the required private
road width and be incorporated into the separate parcel.
(11) The private road shall comply with fire apparatus access road standards as required
by the Fire Marshal and Fire Code.
i. An approved turn-around for dead-end roads in excess of one-hundred
and fifty feet in depth shall be provided as required by the Fire Marshal
and the Fire Code.
ii. Approved signs, markings, or other notices, such as red curbs, shall be
provided as required by the Fire Marshall and Fire Code.
(12) Relevant covenant agreements shall be approved by the City Attorney and recorded
with the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office. Composition and recordation of such
documents shall be the responsibility of the applicant. Agreements shall include, but
are not limited to, language related to granting public access, addressing
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 34
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 25
maintenance, granting the City authority regarding street closures, and naming the
road its own and separate parcel equally owned by all abutting new subdivided lots.
(c) Lot Placement and Orientation
(1) The number of subdivided lots required to have the front lot line oriented towards the
public right-of way shall be calculated by the width of the existing parcel prior to
subdivision divided by the required minimum lot width. See Design Guidelines for
considerations and recommendations regarding lot placement and orientation.
i. Any decimal fraction shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number.
ii. Subdivisions proposing the creation of four or more subdivided lots may
deduct thirty-two (32) feet from the width of the existing parcel prior to
subdivision for the purposes of calculating the amount of subdivided lots
that must be oriented towards the public right-of-way.
iii. A minimum of two parcels shall be orientated towards a public right-of-
way.
A. To the greatest extent feasible, all proposed parcels shall be oriented
towards the public right-of-way.
iv. Additional subdivided lots shall be built, behind these lots, with access
from and orientation towards a private road.
(d) Parking
(1) A private road must accommodate a minimum of one parking space per each
subdivided lot that abuts the private road.
(2) Each new parcel is subject to the parking standards pursuant to Section 9710.
(3) Street Parallel Parking dimensions and placement shall comply with Section 9933.11
(b).
(e) Landscaping
(1) Private roads with a width equal to or greater than thirty-six (36) feet shall provide a
landscape buffer of four (4) feet.
(2) For subdivisions with a private road width less than thirty-six (36) feet, in which
Section 9933.11(b)(10), a four (4) foot landscape buffer shall be provided on the
private property of the new subdivided lot abutting the front property line.
(3) Each new subdivided lot and all forms of required landscape buffers shall comply with
the landscape standards set forth in the Downey Municipal Code for street trees and
Section 9520.
(4) One (1) tree shall be provided for every fifty (50) feet along the private road.
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 35
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (Single-Family Residential Development) - PLN-18-00106
March 17, 2021 - Page 26
SECTION 24. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of March, 2021.
Miguel Duarte, Chairman
City Planning Commission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Downey at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 17th day of March,
2021, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission
Exhibit A PC Agenda Page 36
DRAFT | 3/17/21 JKA | 1 / 20
Draft Downey R1 Development Standards Recommendations
The following is a summary of Downey’s existing R1 Residen tial Development Standards in relation to proposed R1
development standards for all single-family residential neighborhoods.
R1 – 5,000 R1 – 6,000 R1 – 7,500 R1 – 8,500 R1 – 10,000
Lot 1
Minimum Lot Area
5,000 SF 6,000 SF 7,500 SF 8,500 SF 10,000 SF
Minimum Lot Width
50 FT 50 FT 60 FT 65 FT 70 FT
Minimum Lot Depth
Lots shall conform to the average depth of adjacent lots
Lot depths shall be within 10% the average depth of the two (2) abutting lots on both sides of the subject lot located on
the same side of the street. Corner lots shall be within 10% the average depth of the adjoining two lots along the
common front yard frontage.
Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 1
Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
0.60
0.45
FAR Bonus 2
Alternative Energy FAR Bonus
Single-family dwelling units in the R-1 Zone are eligible for a 0.05 FAR bonus for providing renewable energy sources.
The maximum FAR for the R-1 Zone with the renewable energy bonus is 0.65 .50. The renewable energy sources must
provide fifty (50) percent or greater of a parcel’s annual energy requirements. Renewable energy sources include at
least one (1) component from (i) and one (1) from (ii) below:
(i)Either solar water heating or tankless water heater; and
(ii)On-site solar photovoltaic or small wind energy applications to provide the remaining renewable energy
requirement.
(iii) The FAR bonus area shall be incorporated as a one story element in the form of either, but not limited to, a
detached accessory building, or incorporation of a front wing, rear wing, side wing, or combination of wings.
Floor Area Ratio Definition
The gross floor area of a building(s) on a lot divided by the lot area. Building elements included in the calculation include,
but are not limited to, accessory structures, foyers, mezzanines and lofts, and enclosed patios and porches. Any floor or
portion of a floor with a ceiling height greater than twelve (12) feet above the finished floor is counted as twice the square
footage for that floor area. Building elements such as garages and open patios and porches are not included in the
calculation. A basement (where more than fifty (50) percent of the volume of the room is below grade) is exempt from the
requirements limiting the floor area ratio (see Figure 9.1.5).
Maximum Building Height 1
Maximum Building Height
Main Building
28 FT
Main Building
28 FT
Porches and/or an exterior entry facing the front yard
Porch features, such as but not limited to entry porches, covered patios, porte-cocheres, must have a top-of-plate height
equal to or less than the first floor top-of-plate height of the main structure, not to exceed twelve feet (12’). Top-of-peak
height must be equal to or less than the top-of-peak height of the main structure, not to exceed sixteen feet (16’).
Accessory Building
12 FT
Exceptions to Height Limits
Chimneys, Spark Arrestors, Decorative Caps
5 FT
1 Per Table 9.3.3 R-1 Zone Property Development Standards, Section 9312.08 Residential Zones Property Development Standards,
unless otherwise noted.
2 Per Section 9312.08(b)(2)
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 37
DRAFT | 3/17/21 JKA | 2 / 20
Flag Poles
30 FT
Solar Energy Systems
3 FT
Small Wind Energy Systems
Determined by Commission
Lot Coverage 1
Maximum Lot Coverage
45%
Maximum Second Floor Footprint / First Floor Footprint
80%
Setbacks 1
Minimum First Floor Front Yard Setback 3 4
20 FT
Minimum Second Floor Front Yard Setback
Second Story Façade at the First Floor Setback ≤ 40% and,
Remaining Second Story Stepback
5 FT
At the second floor façade facing a front yard, the maximum width of the entirety of the second floor façade aligned
with the first floor façade directly below shall be no greater than forty (40) percent of the entirety of the first floor
façade facing a front yard. Any additional portions of a second floor facing a front yard shall be set back a minimum of
five (5) feet from the first story façade.
Minimum First Floor Side Yard Setback 5 6
Interior First Floor
5 FT
10% Lot Width,
but not less than 5 FT and not to exceed 14 FT
Minimum Second Floor Side Yard Setback
Interior Second Floor
5FT and,
Total Interior Second Floor (Both Sides) % of length
15 FT
At the second floor façade facing a side yard, the maximum width of the entirety of the second floor façade aligned
with the first floor façade directly below shall be no greater than forty (40) percent of the entirety of the first floor
façade facing a side yard. Any additional portions of a second floor facing a side yard shall be set back a minimum of
five (5) feet from the first story façade.
3 Unless the property is identified on the prevailing setback map, as adopted by the Commission, in which case the greater of the
two setbacks shall apply.
4 Where an existing development, structure, or use has an established front or street side setback greater than the setback required
by this chapter, as identified on the map of prevailing setbacks, as adopted by the Commission, the larger setback shall be required
in accordance with the definition of prevailing setbacks. §9534.18 Prevailing Setbacks.
5
6
Any decimal fraction shall be rounded up to the nearest inch.
Pursuant to Section 9534.20(c) and 9814, the City Planner may authorize modifications to the first floor side setback.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 38
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Minimum First Floor Street Side Yard Setback
10 feet
Minimum Second Floor Street Side Yard Setback
At the second floor façade facing a street side yard, the maximum width of the entirety of the second floor façade
aligned with the first floor façade directly below shall be no greater than forty (40) percent of the entirety of the first
floor façade facing a street side yard. Any additional portions of a second floor facing a street side yard shall be set
back a minimum of five (5) feet from the first story façade.
Minimum Rear Yard Setback 7
20 FT
Projections into Setback Areas 8
Eaves
18 IN
Architectural Features, Excluding Chimneys
6 IN
Uncovered Steps and Landings
Front and Rear Yards
Maximum 48 IN Projection & 30 IN Height Above Finished Grade
Side Yards
Maximum 48 IN Projection & 12 IN Height Above Finished Grade
Covered and Uncovered Second Floor Balconies and Similar
Covered and uncovered balconies and similar
are not allowed within second floor setback areas.
Minimum Dwelling Unit Size 1 9
One Bedroom
700 SF
Two Bedroom
850 SF
Three Bedroom
1,100 SF
Four Bedroom
1,300 SF
More than Four Bedrooms
1,500 SF
Minimum Distance Between Structures 1
Building Separation
10 FT 5 FT
Between Main Building and Detached Garage
5 FT
General Development Standards 10
Residential Uses
No lot, building, or structure shall be used or appear to be used for commercial purposes and shall not involve the
conduct of a business nor contain commercial or industrially rated equipment not customarily used in connection
with a residential occupancy, nor be used for the storage of vehicles, equipment, or materials not customarily
incidental to the residential use.
7
8
9
Pursuant to Section 9826 and 9534.20(a), the commission may grant modifications to the rear yard setback.
Per Section 9534.14. Projections into Setback Areas
Exclusive of porches, balconies, garages, or other such accessory structures or architectural features.
10 Per Section 9312.08(b)
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 39
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Architecture
The architecture and general appearance of the building shall be in keeping with the character of the neighborhood
and such as not to be detrimental to the general welfare of the neighborhood in which they are located. For R-1
Zoning, all construction shall utilize Design Guidelines for considerations and recommendations regarding
characteristic architectural styles and prevailing neighborhood character.
Massing
All residential additions, alterations, and modifications shall to the greatest extent possible, avoid excessive massing
of the primary structure, through means of varying rooflines, elevations, and other architectural elements. Review
and approval of massing of buildings shall be subject to the provisions of Section 9820. For R-1 Zoning, see Design
Guidelines for considerations and recommendations regarding massing and modulation.
360° Architectural Design
Any new construction, alternation, and/or addition on a lot, including a principal residence, second story, detached
accessory structure, carport, and/or porte-cochere shall follow a singular architectural character and style that extends
to all building features including façades, roof forms and pitches, materials, and detailing. An addition should utilize the
characteristics of the style of the existing approved home.
Additions
Roofs
New roofs shall be consistent in form, pitch, and materials with the original house.
Architectural Style
Additions shall incorporate the same architectural character and style as the original structure and extend the
character to all new building features including materials, roof forms, window treatments and proportions.
Front Entry Orientation
New architecture, additions altering the entrance of the dwelling, and remodels altering the entrance of the dwelling
shall be designed with the front door oriented towards the public right-of-way.
Flat Roofs
For new architecture and alterations in architectural style, flat roof designs may be incorporated when the existing
block is characterized by flat roof architectural styles for at least thirty (30) percent of the houses on the block.
For additions and alterations, flat roof elements may be incorporated when the existing home is entirely flat roof.
Accessory Buildings Exclusive of Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory buildings, including attached accessory uses and living quarters, shall be limited to seven hundred (700)
square feet in size, and shall be comprised of one (1) open space with no kitchen facilities or bedrooms. Cl osets shall
be allowed, but each is limited to fifty (50) square feet.
One (1) bathroom, laundry facilities, and one (1) wet sink are allowed.
Multiple accessory buildings, including attached accessory uses and living quarters, shall be allowed.
A covenant and agreement regarding the maintenance of building and use shall be drafted by staff and recorded by
the applicant with the Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder’s Office prior to building permit final inspection.
This section shall not apply to garages and patio covers.
Garages at Street Facing Facades
Garage Setback
Front facing garages shall be setback a minimum of five (5) feet from the face of the front façade.
Maximum Garage Expression 11 12
Garages are limited to a maximum of forty-five (45) percent of the lot width, or thirty-six (36) feet, whichever is less.
The width of the garage shall not exceed fifty-five (55) percent of the overall façade width facing a front yard.
Required covered parking that cannot meet the maximum façade expression, and cannot be located in the rear due to
compliance with other development standards, may be parked in tandem form.
11
12
Not more than three (3) parking stalls shall be permitted to open onto the front setback area.
Shall not apply to detached garages located in the rear yard.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 40
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Side Loaded Garages
Side loaded garages shall be allowed when the existing block is characterized by side loaded garages for at least thirty
(30) percent of the houses on the block.
Side loaded garages may be built at the minimum setback requirement.
The street facing façade length of the garage shall be limited to a maximum of twenty- two (22) feet and the width of
the garage façade length facing the street shall not exceed fifty-five (55) percent of the overall façade width.
Landscaping
See “Landscape; General Development Standards” on Page 5 of this document.
Front Yards
In all residential zones, the front and street side yards shall be landscaped and maintained in good condition and shall
be kept free and clear of all construction and automotive materials and parts, trash, refuse, debris, trash storage
receptacles, inoperative motor vehicles, discarded o r broken materials, appliances, junk, equipment, car cover
structures or similar materials and shall not be paved except for pedestrian walkways, and driveways, and approved
patios. Only temporary parking of vehicles pursuant to Section 9710.02(h) shall be allowed in the front yard.
Front Yards – Maximum Paving (Hardscape)
Lot Width < 60 FT
50% Paving (Hardscape)
within the Front Setback or Street Side Setback
including all Driveways and Walkways
60 FT ≤ Lot Width
40% Paving (Hardscape)
within the Front Setback or Street Side Setback
including all Driveways and Walkways
Additional 10% Hardscape
With the use of permeable paving surfaces where a
minimum 60% of the total Front Setback or Street Side Setback
remains permeable surfaces
Walkway Width ≤ 6 FT
Residential “Permeable Paving” Definition
In the R-1 Zone, paving materials that allow for the infiltration of rainwater to the soil below may include permeable
pavers, open cell concrete pavers, ribbon driveways, and similar. The use of poured and pervious concrete is prohibited.
Privacy
The following techniques are encouraged in residential zones to maximize privacy between adjacent properties (see
Figure 9.3.3).
(i)Offset or stagger windows facing neighbor’s windows;
(ii)Use clerestory windows or locate windows high enough in areas with privacy impacts;
(iii)Use translucent glass where appropriate;
(iii)Use landscaping to provide a buffer between properties;
(v)Screen second story balconies and decks from neighboring property by incorporating architectural elements
such as opaque balcony railings;
(vi)Locate second story balconies and decks to avoid direct sight lines into main windows, yards, or patio area of
adjacent property;
(vii)Incorporate screening devices such as trellises or awnings to increase privacy where appropriate.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 41
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Landscape
General Development Standards 13
Landscaping
Landscaping is required in the front yard for all areas not covered by an approved driveway or pedestrian walkway
pursuant to Section 9520.
Landscaping Design Standards 14
Integral Design
Landscaping and open spaces shall be designed as an integral part of the overall site plan design. Landscaping and
open spaces shall enhance the building design, enhance public views and spaces, provide buffers and transiti ons,
provide for a balance of solar uses, and provide screening.
Design Accents
Landscape design shall accent the overall design theme through the use of structures such as arbors and trellises that
are appropriate to the particular architectural style of adjacent structures.
Three Tier System
Landscaped areas shall incorporate plantings using a three (3) tier system:
(i)Grass and Ground Covers;
(ii)Shrubs; and
(iii)Trees
Trees
A minimum of one (1) new 36-inch box tree or larger shall be planted within both the front and rear yard.
Trees shall be of moderate to fast growth varieties.
Within the front yard, trees shall reach a maturity height and canopy width greater than forty (40) feet.
Within the rear yard, trees shall reach a maturity height greater than forty (40) feet and canopy width greater than
thirty (30) feet.
Lots with a required side yard setback and/or street side yard setback equal to or greater than ten (10) feet shall
provide one (1) 24-inch box tree for every twenty (20) linear feet of building façade for that side. Trees shall reach
a maturity height greater than twenty (20) feet and canopy width greater than ten (10) feet.
Tree selection shall be approved by the City Planner. Alternatives to this section may be deemed necessary, at the
discretion of the City Planner, for lots with substandard widths and depths and for irregular shaped parcels.
Planting Design Concepts
The following are common planting design concepts that shall be used whenever feasible:
(i)Specimen trees used in informal grouping and rows at major focal points;
(ii)Extensive use of flowering vines both on walls and arbors;
(iii)Pots, vases, wall or raised planters;
(iv)The use of planting to create shadow and patterns against walls;
13 Per Section 9312.08(b)(6)
14 Per Section 9520.04(h)
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 42
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(v)Large broadleaf deciduous trees to create canopy and shade in the summer and sun in the winter, particularly in
parking areas;
(vi)The use of flowering trees in informal groups to provide color;
(vii)Informal massing of colorful plantings;
(viii)Use of distinctive plants as focal points; and
(ix)Plantings and low walls to screen parking areas from view of public right -of-way while allowing filtered views of
larger buildings beyond.
Planting Areas: Walls and Streets
Planting areas between walls and streets shall be landscaped with a hierarchy of plants in natural formations and
groupings. Solid walls over three (3) feet forty-two (42) inches high shall receive vines or hedge when facing public
streets.
Landscape Edge
A colorful landscape edge should be established at the bas e of buildings. Avoid asphalt edges at the base of structures
as much as possible. Plant materials located in containers are appropriate.
Planting Masses
Planting masses on-site should assume a simple, nonuniform arrangement. The diversity of massing type s should be
great enough to provide interest, but kept to a level that evokes a relaxed natural feeling.
Landscaped Screening
Where landscaped screening may be substituted for a required wall between zones or uses, such screening shall
consist of evergreen trees and shrubs, closely spaced and maintained at a height equal to the height of the required
wall. When not otherwise specified, screening shall consist of trees and shrubs which shall not be less than six (6) in
height upon planting and which shall be maintained at a height of from fifteen (15) feet to twenty (20) feet at
maturity.
Landscape Planters
Landscape planters shall be designed to retain water on -site within the planter area.
Decorative Features
Artwork, benches, and other structural featur es may be included within landscaping areas in residential zones if
approved as part of a site plan (where required). Decorative water features shall use recirculating water.
Outdoor Lighting 15
Orientation
Outdoor lighting shall be directed, positioned, and/or shielded as not to direct light on
any street or abutting property as show in Figure 9.5.7.
Maximum Height
No outside lighting shall exceed eight (8) feet in height, except building lights, i.e., porch lights or the equivalent.
No light fixture shall exceed a maximum lighting output of three hundred (300) watts.
Approval
The type and location of lighting standards and the intensity of lighting shall be approved by the City Planner. The
fixtures shall be decorative.
Wall, Fence, and Hedge 16
Approved Materials
Approved materials, or combination of materials, for walls and fences include, but are not limited to, wood, metal
wrought iron or equal, vinyl, stone, masonry, stucco, and concrete. Any materials not listed in this subsection may be
approved subject to the discretion of the City Planner
Maximum Height 17
Front and Street Side Setback
42 IN
Interior Side Yard
7 FT
Corner Cutback
30 IN
Adjacent to R3 and R3O Zones
5 ½ FT ≤ Decorative Masonry Wall ≤ 7 FT
15 Per Section 9520.06 Outdoor Lighting, unless otherwise noted.
16 Per Section 9520.08 General Wall, Fence, and Hedge Regulations, unless otherwise noted.
17 Per Section 9520.08(l)
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 43
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Parking
Required Off-Street Parking 18
Dwelling Unit ≤ 2,999 SF of habitable space 18
2 Covered Spaces
Dwelling Unit ≤ 3,374 SF of habitable space 18
2 Enclosed Covered Spaces
3,000 SF ≤ Dwelling Unit ≤ 4,999 SF of habitable space 18
3 Covered Spaces
3,375 SF < Dwelling Unit ≤ 4,500 SF of habitable space 18
3 Enclosed Covered Spaces
4,501 ≤ Dwelling Unit of habitable space 18
4 Enclosed Covered Spaces
Minimum Required Parking Space Dimensions 19
One (1) Parking Space
10 FT Width x 20 FT Depth
Two (2) Car Garage
Interior 20 FT Width x 20 FT Depth
Tandem Parking Spaces Within Enclosed Garage
Allowed provided the tandem space is in excess of the two (2) car garage minimum
Nonconforming Lots
For lots less than fifty (50) feet in width, required covered parking spaces may be parked in tandem form.
This standard shall only apply to properties unable to accommodate a detached garage in the rear yard due to
inability to comply with the required back-up triangle and alley access is not provided.
Establishment of Residential Permitted Parking Districts 20
The City Council may designate, by resolution, certai n residential streets or portion thereof as residential preferential
parking districts for the benefit of residents adjacent to such residential streets, in which vehicles displaying a permit
may be exempt from parking prohibitions or restrictions otherwis e posted, marked, or noticed. Each residential
preferential parking district shall be established only upon finding that such a district is required to provide on -street
parking relief for inhabitants of residential neighborhoods which have become impacted due to overflow parking
from nearby uses which are unable to contain their on -site parking demand. No resolution designating a residential
preferential parking district shall be enforceable until signs giving adequate notice have been placed.
Driveways 21, 22
Maximum Number of Driveways Permitted
Lot Width < 70 FT
1 Driveway / Primary Driveway
70 FT ≤ Lot Width
2 Driveways / Primary and Secondary Circular Driveways
Single/Primary Driveway to Required Garage
Garage Door Parallel to Front or Street Side Property Line
40 FT ≤ Garage Setback
10 FT ≤ Driveway Width;
Driveway Width within Front or Street Side Setback Area < 12 FT
Garage Setback < 40 FT
Driveway Width ≤ 18 FT or
2 FT wider than the garage door opening, whichever is greater;
Curb Cut at Front Yard ≤ 30 FT
18 Per Section 9708 Residential Off-Street Parking Requirements
19 The purposes of calculating required parking, the square footage of all enclosed areas, including storage areas, guest houses and
ADUs, except garages, shall be included. An equivalent number of required parking spaces shall be provided in the driveway (may be
tandem).
20 Per Section 9710.02(a)
21 Per Ordinance 18L1402, Section 3199.6 Establishment of Residential Permitted Parking Districts (11/13/2018).
22 Per Section 9710.02 R-1 and R-2 Zone Design Standards, unless otherwise noted.
23 The use of all driveways shall be limited to the temporary parking (not exceeding seventy-two (72) hours) of motor vehicles only.
The parking of recreational vehicles on the driveway shall be subject to Section 9312.08(b)(13).
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 44
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Garage Door Not Parallel to Front or Street Side Property Line
Curb Cut ≤ 12 FT;
Driveway Radius ≤ 12 FT;
25 FT ≤ Driveway Backup Length
Lot Width < 50 FT
Driveway Width ≤ 20 FT;
Curb Cut + Walkway Width ≤ 18 FT
Parallel Driveway and Walkway
2 FT ≤ Landscape separation between Driveway and Walkway
Driveway Obstructions
Driveways shall remain free from physical obstructions. Obstructions shall include, but are not limited to, covered
patios, canopies, storage, temporary structures, trash bins, or furniture. This shall apply to all patio covers regardless
of the positioning of posts or other structural components. Architectural features may be attached to the front of a
garage and extend a maximum of eighteen inches (18”) from the plane of the garage facade. This section shall not
apply to gates or porte-cocheres that are attached to the side or front of the main dwelling.
Second/Secondary Driveway to Required Garage 24
Maximum Secondary Driveway Width
Secondary Driveway Width within Setback Area ≤ 12 FT shall be no greater than 12 FT
Connected Driveways
Primary and Secondary Curb Cuts shall serve the same driveway
Driveway Separation
24 FT ≤ Distance between Curb Cuts;
18 FT ≤ Driveway Connection Setback from Property Line
Landscaping
3 FT ≤ Landscape separation between Driveway and Building
Use
Motor Vehicles
Parking on Driveways < 72 Hours
Recreational Vehicles
Subject to Section 9312.08(b)(1318) 9804, and 9814.08
24 Pursuant to Sections 9804 and 9814.08.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 45
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Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 46
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Subdivisions 25
Authority 26
Advisory Agency
Planning Commission
Appeal Board
City Council
Subdivision Committee
City Planner (Chairperson)
Director of Community Development
City Engineer
Building Official
Fire Chief
Director of Public Works
Director of Parks and Recreation
Procedure 27
1
Application
Tentative Map / Preliminary Parcel Map submitted to the Planning Division of the City
2
Staff Review
The City Planner convenes the Subdivision Committee
3
Staff Report
The Subdivision Committee submits its recommendations for the proposed subdivision,
in writing, to the Planning Commission
*If the Applicant does not agree with Subdivision Committee recommendations,
the Applicant may appear before the Planning Commission and present any matters thereto
4
Planning Commission Approval of Tentative Map / Parcel Map
The Applicant shall attend a Public Hearing with the Planning Commission, who shall approve conditionally, approve or
disapprove a map or maps of subdivisions
5
Appeal
If the Planning Commission disapproves the map(s), the Applicant may appeal to the
City Council
6
Planning Commission and City Council Approval of Final Map
A final map is submitted and reviewed by the Planning Commission and the City Council
who shall approve conditionally, approve or disapprove the fi nal map
7
City Engineer and City Planner Report
After the receipt of a print of a final map or parcel map, the City Engineer and City Planner shall report,
in writing, to the Planning Commission as to the compliance or noncompliance of such map with all a pplicable laws,
and if such map does not so comply, they shall file a statement of the changes necessary to cause such map to so
comply
25 Per Chapter 9 Subdivision Regulations (Sections 9900-9960.12), unless otherwise noted.
26 Per Section 9902 Definitions, unless otherwise noted.
27 Per Section 9920 Procedure and Practice, unless otherwise noted.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 47
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Condominiums, Community Apartment Projects and Stock Cooperative Projects 28
In addition to Section 66427 of the Subdivision Map Act, maps of condominiums, community apartment projects and
stock cooperative projects shall also comply with the following:
In a subdivision consisting of a condominium project, as defined in Section 1350 of the Civil Code, a community
apartment project, as defined in Section 11004 of the Business and Professions Code, or the conversion of five or
more existing dwelling units to a stock cooperative, as defined in Section 11003.2 of the Business and Professions
Code, maps of such subdivisions need not, but may, shall show the design of all buildings and manner in which the
buildings or the air space above the property shown on the maps are to be divided. In all other respects, the
provisions of these regulations shall apply to such subdivisions.
Improvement Maps 29
Streets and Highways
The street plans shall show all proposed streets, highways and alleys in both plan and profile. However, the profile
may be substituted for showing existing and proposed elevations on the plan in sufficient detail so as to identify the
intent of the proposed plan. All grade breaks shall be shown on curbs and flow lines.
Curb elevations of each side of a street should be at approximately the same elevation at the same station. Generally,
the design shall be in accordance with City standards.
Private Roads
A private road may be incorporated into the overall subdivision provided that the following conditions are met:
1.The original lot before subdivision within which the private road is located has a street frontage equal to
that of the required lot dept h plus an additional thirty-two (32) feet.
2.For proposed private roads with new parcels fronting on both sides, the original lot before subdivision
within which the private road is located has a street frontage equal to two (2) times that of the required l ot
depth plus an additional forty (40) feet.
3.The private road serves as a fire apparatus access road.
Minimum Private Road Width 30
Shall equal the existing lot width subtracted by the required lot depth, but not less than thirty-two (32) feet and not
more than sixty (60) feet. Private roads shall be measured from boundary line to subdivided lot line, or subdivided lot
line to subdivided lot line.
If subdivisions are proposed to front both sides of the private road, then the private road shall measure a minimum
width equal to the lot width of the existing parcel prior to subdivision subtracted by two (2) times the required lot
depth, but not less than forty (40) feet and not more than sixty (60) feet.
Private Road
A private road shall be a separate parc el in private ownership by all adjoining subdivisions.
Private Road Placement
In no case shall a private road be placed within four (4) feet of a subdivision boundary line. A four (4) foot minimum
buffer shall be placed between the private road and a subd ivision boundary line. This buffer area shall be in the form
of a sidewalk or landscaping, and shall be considered as a portion of the private road for purposes of compliance with
the required private road width.
Private Road Landscaping
A private road shall incorporate a continuous landscape buffer zone with an aggregate width of no less than four (4)
feet along one (1) or both side(s) of the private road right -of-way. If the required road width cannot accommodate a
four (4) foot landscape buffer, the buffer must be provided on an abutting private property and shall be included in
FAR calculations.
Private Road Trees
A minimum of one (1) tree shall be provided for every fifty (50) feet along private roads within R -1 subdivisions.
Private Road Curb
A private road within an R-1 subdivision shall utilize the City of Downey standards for curb and gutter details.
Private Road On-Street Parking
One (1) on-street parking space shall be provided per every subdivision that abuts the private road.
On-street parking shall be placed on the side of the private road not adjoining the subdivided property line, unless
subdivisions are located on both sides of the private road.
28 Per Section 9915 Condominiums, Community Apartment Projects and Stock Cooperative Projects, unless otherwise noted.
29 Per Section 9916 Improvement Maps, unless otherwise noted.
30 See “Private Residential Cul-De-Sac” (9/11/2003) Standard Drawing, Public Works.Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 48
DRAFT |3/17/21 JKA | 13 / 20
Minimum Private Road Parking Space Dimension
Minimum 22’ length; minimum 8’ width.
Street Lighting System
A street lighting system shall be designed in accordance with Utility Company and City standards. It shall be shown on
a separate plan or on a plan containing proposed underground utility facilities.
Landscaping and Irrigation
In the event landscaping in the public right-of-way is required or proposed, the plan shall show the size and species of
all plant materials along with the location of trees. Irrigation systems shall be shown in sufficient detail to enable the
intended improvements to be completed.
Vesting Tentative Maps: Citation and Authority 31
Development Rights
(a)The approval or conditional approval of a vesting tentative map shall confirm a vested right to proceed with
development in substantial compliance with the ordin ances, policies and standards of the City of Downey in
effect at the time the vesting tentative map is approved or conditionally approved.
(b)Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a permit, approval, extension or entitlement sought subsequent to the
approval or conditional approval of a vesting tentative map may be made conditional or denied if any of the
following are determined:
(1)A failure to do so would place the residents of a subdivision or the immediate community, or
both, in a condition dangerous to their health or safety, or both.
(2)The condition or denial is required in order to comply with state or federal law.
(c) Whenever a subdivider files a vesting tentative map for a subdivision whose intended development is
inconsistent with the zoning ordinance in existen ce at that time, that inconsistency shall be noted on the
map. The City may deny such a vesting tentative map or approve it conditioned upon the subdivider or his
or her designee obtaining the necessary change in the zoning ordinance to eliminate the incon sistency. If
the change in the zoning ordinance is obtained, the approved or conditionally approved vesting tentative
map shall, notwithstanding Subsection (a), confer the vested right to proceed with the development in
substantial compliance with the chan ge in the zoning ordinance and the map as approved. The rights
conferred by this section shall be for the time period set forth in Section 9917.6.
(d)Notwithstanding any other provision of Sections 9917 through 9917.9 the property owner or his or her
designee may seek approvals or permits for the development which depart from the ordinances, policies,
and standards described in Subsections (a) and (b), and these approvals may be made to the extent that
such departures are authorized under applicable law.
Dedications 32
Streets, Highways, Alleys and Transit Facilities
The City may require the dedication of irrevocable offer of dedication of real property within the subdivision for
streets, highways, alleys and local transit facilities, such as bus turnouts, benches, shelters, landing pads, etc., which
directly benefit the residents of the subdivision. The consideration of dedication shall also include access rights and
abutter’s rights.
Private Roads and Alleys
Except as set out hereafter, all parcels of lan d intended for public use in a subdivision shown on the final map thereof
shall be offered for dedication for public use, provided, however, that with the approval of the City Council any street,
highway, alley or way which is intended to be kept physicall y closed to public travel or posted as a private street road
or alley at all times may be shown as a private street road or alley, but in any such case the final map shall contain a
condition offer of dedication which may be accepted by the City Council at such time as the street shall have ceased to
remain so physically closed or posted and shall have been opened to public travel for a period of at least three (3)
months.
Any such private street road shall be shown on such map by heavy, dashed lines. S ufficient data shall be shown on
each private street road or alley to define its boundaries, as is required for a public street road, and also sufficient
mathematical data to clearly show the portion of each lot within such street. The design and improve ment of any such
private street road shall be subject to all of the requirements prescribed by these regulations for public streets roads.
31 Per Section 9917 Vesting Tentative Maps: Citation and Authority, unless otherwise noted.
32 Per Section 9931 Dedications, unless otherwise noted.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 49
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Park and Recreation Areas and Facilities
Every subdivider who subdivides land shall dedicate a portion of such land, pay a fee, or do both, as set forth in this
chapter for the purpose of providing park and recreationa l facilities to serve future residents of such subdivisions.
Amount of Land To Be Dedicated
The amount of land to be dedicated by a subdivider pursuant to this chapter shall be based on the following:
For each single family detached dwelling unit and duplex, a total of three hundred seventy-five (375) square feet of
park land shall be dedicated, and three hundred (300) square feet of park for all other dwellings.
Amount of Park In-Lieu Fee of Land Dedication
Where a fee is required by the City Council in -lieu park land dedication, the amount of such fee shall be determined
as follows:
(a)Five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each single -family dwelling unit; and
(b)Three hundred eighty dollars ($380.00) per unit for all other types of dwelling units.
Where a residential property is subdivided for single -family ownership, a credit towards park fees shall be applied on
a unit for unit basis. If new units are added, the appropriate unit fee plus the inflation factor shall be multiplied by the
total number of added units and the total charged as park -in-lieu fee for the development.
Right to Receive Sunlight
The Planning Commission may require, as a condition of approval of tentative maps, the dedication of easements for
the purpose of assuring the right to receive sunlight across adjacent parcels in the subdivision for which approval is
sought for any solar energy system, in accordance with the provisions of Section 66475.3 of the Subdivision Map Act.
Improvements 33
The Planning Commission or the City Council may require a subdivider to construct or install improvements for the
benefit of the residents of the subdivision.
Streets and Highways
All highway improvements, including drainage structures incidental thereto, shall be installed to alignments and
grades as approved by the City Engineer. When required, traffic -control devices and street name signs shall be
furnished and installed in accordance with City standards. Each highway, other than a major or secondary highway,
and each street, shall have a width of right-of-way and a width of roadway sufficient to serve adequately the area
proposed to be subdivided, taking into consideration the size and nature of the proposed subdivision and its
relationship to surrounding properties. Construction shall be performed in accordance with City standards.
Private Road Name
Private roads shall be named. The private road name shall be different from the adjoining public street.
Private Road Name Sign
Private road name signs shall be provided, as approved by the Traffic Eng ineer.
Fire Apparatus Access Roads
Approved fire apparatus access roads and an approved area for turn -around for dead-end roads in excess of one
hundred-fifty (150) feet in length shall be provided as required by the Fire Marshal and the Fire Code.
Fire Apparatus Access Road Markings
Approved signs or other approved notices or markings, such as red curbs, shall be provided as required by the Fire
Marshal and the Fire Code.
Street Lighting
Street lighting systems shall be installed in accordance with City standards and those of the Utility Company.
Trenches for underground cable and/or conduit shall be backfilled in accordance with City standards.
Street Planting and Irrigation
In any subdivision where subdivider proposes or is required to plant trees or shrubs in the streets, the subdivider shall
first secure from the City Engineer, approval of the type or species and location of such trees or shrubs. Preparation of
the soil prior to the installation of such trees or shrubs and the method of installation shall be in accordance with City
standards.
Irrigation systems along with backfilling of trenches shall conform with City standards.
Lot Design
Each lot in any subdivision shall have a frontage and depth not less than that required by the comprehensive Z oning
Ordinance.
33 Per Section 9933 Improvements, unless otherwise noted.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 50
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Subdivision Neighborhood Compatibility Standards
Width, Depth, and Area of a Lot Subdivision
Any lot may be subdivided, provided that all resulting subdivisions meet the mini mum lot width, lot depth, and
minimum lot area requirements of the R-1 subzone. The area of subdivided lots, excluding any area dedicated for
public streets or private roads and alleys, shall not be less than the prevailing lot area.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
The maximum allowable FAR shall be based on the gross lot area and shall not include the area of a private road
located on a separate parcel or any other commonly held parcels.
Public Street Fronting Lot Orientation
To the maximum extent feasible, new lot subdivisions shall be subdivided in a configuration that does not require
the utilization of a private road and instead orients subdivided lots towards the public right -of-way.
Public Street and Private Road Fronting Structure Orientation
All structures within a subdivision fronting a public street shall be oriented towards the public street. All parcels
within a subdivision not fronting a public street shall be oriented toward the private road.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 51
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Downey Definitions
Accessory Dwelling Unit or “ADU”
An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit, which provides complete independent living facilities for one or
more persons and includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same
parcel as the single-family dwelling unit it is accessory to, and is located on a fixed or permanent foundation. The
term “ADU” captures and supersedes the terms “Second Unit Developments” under the Municipal Code and any
adopted Development Code of a Specific Plan or Community Pla n.
Balcony
An unenclosed area either recessed or projected from the walls of a building. Balconies are thirty (30) inches or more
above grade, are attached to and supported primarily by the exterior wall of the building, are accessible from the
building’s interior, and are unenclosed on one (1) or more sides except for a railing or parapet that is not greater than
sixty (60) inches high. A balcony is not an accessory structure.
Basement
A portion of the building located entirely or partially below grade level. Basements shall be considered a floor when built
above grade for more than twelve (12) inches.
Building
Any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, belongings, or property of any kind and
having a roof supported by columns or walls and attached to the ground.
Building, Accessory (Residential)
Any structure not directly attached to the principal dwelling that is customarily incidental to a residence which does not
change the character of the residential use and/or household. Accessory buildings may include, but are not limited to, a
garage, carport, guest house, playhouse, accessory living quarters, greenhouse, storage shed, covered patios, and other
similar structures. The term is used interchangeably within this article with the term “Accessory Structure”.
Building, Enclosed
A building separated on all sides from the abutting open space, or from other buildings or structures, by a permanent
roof and exterior walls, pierced only by windows and entrance and exit opening s.
Building Frontage
That portion of a main building most nearly parallel to a street or parking area.
Building Height
The vertical distance measured from the street curb level to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof, or to the
highest point of a mansard roof, or to the highest gable of a pitch or a hip roof (see Figure 9.1.2).
Building, Main
The principal structure on the property and the building in which is considered a principal use of the lot upon which it
is situated. Every dwelling (except an ADU or guesthouse) in a residential zone is a main building.
Building Site
A land area consisting of one (1) or more parcels of land under common ownership or control, including all yards,
parking spaces, and other open spaces required by this chapter.
Bulk
The overall magnitude or largeness of the aggregate sizes and/or shape(s) of a building, particularly in comparison
to the visible overall magnitude or largeness of adjoining buildings.
Design Guidelines
A toolbox of a broad range of design approaches that assists project proponents and their design teams in reaching
compliance with the Zoning Code.
Driveway
Driveway shall mean:
(a) On private property, the required paved access way from the street property line to any garage,
carport, parking or loading space, or an approved auxiliary parking area; and
(b) In the public right-of-way, the driveway approach is a required paved access way from the curb
line to the street property line.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 52
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Dwelling, Single-Family
A detached residential dwelling unit, designed for occupancy by one (1) family, and may also include housing types
described in Government Code Section 65852.
Dwelling Unit
One (1) or more rooms arranged or used as living quarters by one (1) family and containing one (1) kitchen.
Dormer
A window that protrudes out of a sloping roof, typically from a second story. Main dwelling typically utilizes one roof
covering both the first and second story.
Eave
The lower edge or thickness of a roof that overhangs and extends beyond the exterior perimeter wall of a structure.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
The gross floor area of a building(s) on a lot divided by the lot area. Building elements included into the calculation
include, but are not limited to, the main dwelling, accessory structures, foyers, mezzanines and lofts, enclosed patios,
and enclosed porches. Any floor or portion of a floor with a ceiling height greater than twelve (12) feet above the
finished floor is counted as twice the square footage for that floor area. Building elements such as garages, carports ,
open patios and open porches are not included into the calculation. A basement (where more than fifty (50) percent of
the volume of the room is below grade) is exempt from the requirements limiting the floor area ratio (see Figure
9.1.5).
Garage, Side Loaded
A garage in which the door is perpendicular to the front property line and vehicular access requires a radius for
maneuvering in and out of the structure.
Guesthouse
Living quarters, or other habitable space, without a kitchen within a detached accessory building or attached to the main
building, located on the same lot as the main building, for use by temporary guests or for the use of domestics employed
on the premises by the occupants of the lot. A guesthouse shall be ancillary to the main dwelling unit.
Intersection
The lower edge or thickness of a roof that overhangs and extends beyond the exterior perimeter wall of a structure.
Kitchen
A room or space used, or intended, or designed to be used for the cooking or preparation of food.
Landscaping
The planting and maintenance of a combination of live plant materials, which may include native or exotic trees,
groundcover, shrubs, vines, flowers, and lawn. Landscaping may also include synthetic turf, a limited amount of
stones, permeable pavers, decomposed granite, benches, ponds, and statuary.
Landscaping, Drought Tolerant
Landscaping characterized by the use of vegetation that is drought tolerant or requires low water use.
Living Quarters, Accessory
An attached habitable area or detached habitable accessory building, on the same lot as a religious institution, for the sole use
of persons employed on the premises. Such quarters shall have a maximum floor area of twelve-hundred (1,200) square feet,
maximum height of sixteen (16) feet, and shall not be rented.
Lot
A contiguous quantity or parcel of land in the possession of, or owned by, or recorded as the property of the same
claimant or person, and shall further mean:
(a) A parcel of real property when sown as a delineated parcel of land with a number or other designation on a
tract or plat recorded in the office of the County Recorder; or
(b) A parcel of land, the dimensions and boundaries of which are defined by a record of survey recorded
pursuant to the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act of the State in the office of the County Recorder.
(c) Where contiguous parcels of land in the same ownership are legally described and developed as permitted
by this Code, such individual parcels shall be considered as separate lots.
(d) A lot is also defined as a plot or parcel of land.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 53
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Lot, Key
The first interior lot to the rear of a reversed corner lot. The front property line of the key lot is formed by a continuation of
the street side property line of the reversed corner lot.
Lot, Reversed Corner
A corner lot in which the rear abuts a key lot, or in which the rear abuts the front and side yard of an adjoin lot.
Lot Area
The total area within the boundary lines of a lot, excluding any area dedicated for public or private streets and alleys.
Lot Line, Front
The street line in the case of an interior lot; in the case of a corner lot, the street line separating the narrowest street
frontage of the lot from the street; and in the case of a through lot, each street line shall be a front lot line.
Lot Line, Rear
A lot line which is opposite, most distant from, and most nearly parallel to the front lot line.
Lot Line, Side
Any lot line not a front lot line or rear lot line.
Mass/Massing
The comprehensive bulk or three-dimensional form of a building or portion of a building as viewed from the exterior.
Mezzanine
An intermediate floor just above the ground floor; it often has a low ceiling and projects in the for of a balcony, and
does not exceed one-third of the floor area of the room or space in which they are located.
Parcel of Land
Parcel of land shall mean the same as lot.
Patio, Enclosed
A covered freestanding or attached level, paved or decked area directly abutting a principal building is enclosed on
all sides whose principal use shall be for outdoor entertaining or recreation. A patio shall be considered enclosed
when surrounded by a rail, wall, glass, plastic, or similar type barrier taller than forty-two (42) inches on any side,
excluding the walls of an approved attached structure. An enclosed patio is not used as a hab itable room or as a parking
space for vehicles.
Patio, Open
A freestanding or attached level, paved or decked area directly abutting a principal building open on one (1) or more
sides, enclosed only by the walls of an attached approved structure, whose pri ncipal use shall be for outdoor entertaining
or recreation. These areas may be covered or uncovered, and may be surrounded by a rail, wall, glass, plastic, or similar
barrier measured at a height of forty-two (42) inches or less. An open patio may be enclosed by
insect screening. An open patio is not used as a habitable room or as a parking space for vehicles.
Permeable Paving
A paving material that permits water penetration to a soil depth of eighteen (18) inches or more, including non -
porous surface material poured or lain in sections not exceeding one (1) square foot in area and incorporates a minimum
of three (3) inch landscaped separation, such as open cell concrete, and collectively comprising less than two-thirds of the
total surface area of the lot, and loosely laid materials such as crushed stone or gravel.
Pervious Concrete
A type of concrete with high porosity that allows water to penetrate directly through its surface into the soil below.
Porch
Architecturally appropriate one story covered elements projecting from, or recessed into, a building leading towards the
main doorway.
Porte Cochere
A roofed space open on three (3) or more sides and attached to the side or front of a dwelling or building, for the loading
or unloading of passenger cars (see Figure 9.1.10). Within the R-1 zones, porte-cocheres are limited to one-story.
Prevailing Lot Area
The prevailing lot area shall be determined by calculating the average square footage for all properties contiguous to the
subject property.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 54
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Private Road
A private road shall constitute the boundary line to subdivided lot line area, or subdivided lot line to subdivided lot line
area, of a road that runs through at least one (1) lot and/or lot subdivision to access another lot and/or lot subdivision.
Private Roadway
A private roadway shall refer to the portion of the Private Road used for vehicle traffic.
Ridgeline
The peak of a sloped or pitched roof, where two or more planes meet.
Roof
A structural covering over any portion of a building or structure, including projections beyond the walls or support of
the building or structure, which is permanently attached.
Roof, Flat
A roof nearly horizontal and level (see Figure 9.1.12).
Roof, Gabled
A pitched roof having a gable at each end (see Figure 9.1.12).
Roof, Gambrel
A ridged roof with two (2) slopes on either side, the lower slope having the steeper pitch. It is often flared beyond the
front or rear of the dwelling forming a deep overhang (see Figure 9.1.12).
Roof, Hipped
A hipped (or hip) roof slopes down to the eaves on all four (4) sides. Although a hipped roof is not gabled, it may have
dormers or connecting wings with gables (see Figure 9.1.12).
Roof, Mansard
A mansard roof has two (2) slopes on each of the four (4) sides. The lower slope is steeper than the upper slope.
Dormers are often set in the lower slope. The upper slope is usually not visible from the ground (see Figure 9.1.12).
Setback Line, Front
The line that defines the depth of the required front yard. Said setback line shall be parallel with the street line or the
line established by the General Plan, and be removed therefrom by the perpendicular distance prescribed for the front
yard in the zone.
Setback Line, Rear or Side
The line that defines the width or depth of the required rear or side yard. Said setback line shall be parallel with the
property line, removed therefrom by the perpendicular distance prescribed for the yard in the zone. Where the side
or rear yard abuts a street, the distance shall be measured as set forth in “setback line, front”.
Setback, Prevailing
Where an existing development, structure, or use has an established front or street side setback greater than the
setback required by this chapter, the prevailing setback is the front setback line determined by the shortest setback of
the two (2) adjacent properties on both sides of the subject property, located on the same side of the street. If the
subject property is a corner lot, the prevailing setback is determined by the shortest front setback line of the two (2)
adjacent properties located on the same side of the street (see Figure 9.1.14).
Story
That portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next
above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the
topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above.
Street
Any public right-of-way or private recorded thoroughfare that affords a principal means of access to an abutting lot
(see “Alley” and “Freeway”).
Structure
Anything constructed or erected which requires a location on the ground or which is attached to something having a
location on the ground, but not including fences or walls seven (7) feet or less in height.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 55
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Subdivided Lot Line
The property line of a parcel after it has been subdivided.
Subdivision
The process of dividing land and/or structures for parcelized sales. This process involves either parcel or tract maps.
Subdivision Boundary Line
The boundary line of an original lot before subdivision.
Tandem parking
Two parking spaces that are designed to be parked as single-width and double-length with one behind the other such
that one car will have to be moved in order to access the other.
Tree canopy
The diameter of the crown of a tree as measured when viewing the tree from an aerial point of view.
Wing
A one-story portion or mass of a building that intersects with and is subordinate to the main mass of the structure. Serves as a
single-story characteristic when designed as one-story mass protruding from a two-story structure towards the public right-of-
way.
Exhibit B PC Agenda Page 56
Exhibit C
Exhibit C details the municipal code language and formatting for all proposed changes.
Included are all newly added sections, revised sections, and deleted sections.
All new and revised development standards are represented in red text.
All deleted development standards are represented in strikethrough red text.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 57
Definitions
Basement:
That portion of a building between the floor and the ceiling, which is partly below and partly
above grade but so located that the vertical distance from grade to the finished floor level below
is less than the vertical distance from grade to ceiling, in which case such basement shall be
considered a story (see “Cellar”).
A portion of the building located entirely or partially below grade level. Basements shall be
considered a floor when built above grade for more than twelve (12) inches.
Block:
Both sides of a street, between two consecutive intersections, or an intersection and a cul-de-sac
or street terminus.
Building, Accessory (Residential):
Any structure not directly attached to the principal dwelling that is customarily incidental to a
residence which does not change the character of the residential use and/or household. Accessory
buildings may include, but are not limited to, a garage, carport, guest house, playhouse, accessory
living quarters, greenhouse, storage shed, covered patios, and other similar structures. The term is
used interchangeably within this article with the term “Accessory Structure”.
Bulk:
The overall magnitude or largeness of the aggregate sizes and/or shape(s) of a building,
particularly in comparison to the visible overall magnitude or largeness of adjoining buildings.
Design Guidelines:
A toolbox of a broad range of design approaches that assists project proponents and their design
teams in reaching compliance with the Zoning Code.
Dormer:
A window that protrudes out of a sloping roof, typically from a second story. Main dwelling
typically utilizes one roof covering both the first and second story.
Eave:
The lower edge or thickness of a roof that overhangs and extends beyond the exterior perimeter
wall of a structure.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 58
Floor Area Ratio:
The floor area of building(s) on a lot (including garages) divided by the lot area.
The gross floor area of a building(s) on a lot divided by the lot area. Building elements included
into the calculation include, but are not limited to, the main dwelling, accessory structures, foyers,
mezzanines and lofts, enclosed patios, and enclosed porches. Any floor or portion of a floor with
a ceiling height greater than twelve (12) feet above the finished floor is counted as twice the
square footage for that floor area. Building elements such as garages, carports, open patios and
open porches are not included into the calculation. A basement (where more than fifty (50)
percent of the volume of the room is below grade) is exempt from the requirements limiting the
floor area ratio (see Figure 9.1.5).
Floor Area, Gross:
Both the vertical and horizontal space of habitable and non-habitual areas of all enclosed
structures on the property measured from exterior wall to exterior wall including, but not limited
to, the main dwelling structure, accessory buildings, accessory dwelling units, foyers, enclosed
patios, sheds, habitable attic space, basements, closets, utility rooms, mechanical rooms, elevator
shafts, stairwells, and janitor rooms.
Garage, Side Loaded:
A garage in which the door is perpendicular to the front property line and vehicular access
requires a radius for maneuvering in and out of the structure.
Guesthouse:
Living quarters, or other habitable space, without any a kitchen facilities within a detached
accessory building or attached to the main building, located on the same lot as the main building,
for use by temporary guests or for the use of domestics employed on the premises by the
occupants of the lot. A guesthouse shall be ancillary to the main dwelling unit., be less than seven
hundred (700) square feet in size, and shall not contain more than one (1) room plus a bathroom.
Intersection:
A point at which three (3) or more public road, alley, and/or private road sections intersect with
one another.
Kitchen:
A room or space use, or intended, or designed to be used for cooking or preparation of food.
Living Quarters, Accessory:
An attached habitable area or detached habitable accessory building, on the same lot as a religious
institution, for the sole use of persons employed on the premises. Such quarters shall have a
maximum floor area of twelve-hundred (1,200) square feet, maximum height of sixteen (16) feet,
and shall not be rented.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 59
Lot, Key:
The first interior lot to the rear of a reversed corner lot. The front property line of the key lot is
formed by a continuation of the street side property line of the reversed corner lot.
Lot, Reversed Corner:
A corner lot in which the rear abuts a key lot, or in which the rear abuts the front and side yard of
an adjoin lot.
Mass/Massing:
The comprehensive bulk or three-dimensional form of a building or portion of a building as
viewed from the exterior.
Patio, Enclosed:
A covered freestanding or attached level, paved or decked area directly abutting a principal
building is enclosed on all sides whose principal use shall be for outdoor entertaining or
recreation. A patio shall be considered enclosed when surrounded by a rail, wall, glass, plastic, or
similar type barrier taller than forty-two (42) inches on any side, excluding the walls of an
approved attached structure. An enclosed patio is not used as a habitable room or as a parking
space for vehicles.
Patio, Open:
A freestanding or attached level, paved or decked area directly abutting a principal building open
on one (1) or more sides, enclosed only by the walls of an attached approved structure, whose
principal use shall be for outdoor entertaining or recreation. These areas may be covered or
uncovered, and may be surrounded by a rail, wall, glass, plastic, or similar barrier measured at a
height of forty-two (42) inches or less. An open patio may be enclosed by insect screening. An
open patio is not used as a habitable room or as a parking space for vehicles.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 60
Permeable paving:
A paving material that permits water penetration to a soil depth of eighteen (18) inches or more,
including non-porous surface material poured or lain in sections not exceeding one (1) square foot
in area and incorporates a minimum of three (3) inch landscaped separation, such as open cell
concrete, and collectively comprising less than two-thirds of the total surface area of the lot, and
loosely laid materials such as crushed stone or gravel.
Pervious concrete:
A type of concrete with high porosity that allows water to penetrate directly through its surface
into the soil below.
Porch:
Architecturally appropriate one story covered elements projecting from, or recessed into, a
building leading towards the main doorway.
Porte Cochere:
A roofed space open on three (3) or more sides and attached to the side or front of a dwelling or
building, for the loading or unloading of passenger cars (see Figure 9.1.10). Within the R-1 zones,
porte-cocheres are limited to one-story.
Prevailing Lot Area:
The average square footage for all properties contiguous to the subject property.
Prevailing Neighborhood Character:
The most common qualitative features, such as pattern(s), style(s), expression(s), or other
attribute(s), and quantitative features, such as, but not limited to, top-of-plate heights, garage
placement, setbacks, and roof slopes held by at least fifty (50) percent of the block.
Private Road:
A private road shall constitute the boundary line to boundary line area of a road that runs through
at least one (1) lot and/or lot subdivision to access another lot and/or lot subdivision, owned by all
abutting parcels in which it serves.
Private Roadway:
Shall refer to the portion of the Private Road used for vehicle traffic.
Ridgeline:
The peak of a sloped or pitched roof, where two or more planes meet.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 61
Subdivision Boundary Line:
The boundary line of an original lot before subdivision.
Subdivided Lot Line:
The property line of a newly formed parcel after it has been subdivided.
Tandem parking:
Two parking spaces that are designed to be parked as single-width and double-length with one
behind the other such that one car will have to be moved in order to access the other.
Tree canopy:
The diameter of the crown of a tree as measured when viewing the tree from an aerial point of
view.
Wing:
A one-story portion or mass of a building that intersects with and is subordinate to the main mass
of the structure. Serves as a single-story characteristic when designed as one-story mass
protruding from a two-story structure towards the public right-of-way.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 62
SECTION 9312.08. RESIDENTIAL ZONES PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(a)Specific Development Standards. Tables 9.3.3 and 9.3.4 identify the development standards for all of the
Residential Zones.
Table 9.3.3. R-1 Zone Property Development Standards
Development Standard Zone
R-1 – 5,000 R-1 – 6,000 R-1 – 7,500 R-1 – 8,500 R-1 – 10,000
Lot area - minimum (sq. ft.) 5,000 6,000 7,500 8,500 10,000
Lot width - minimum (feet) 50’ 50’ 60’ 65’ 70’
Lot depth - minimum (feet)
interior lots
corner lots
Lots shall conform to the average depth of adjacent lots.
Lot depths shall be within ten percent (10%) the average depth of the two (2) abutting
lots on both sides of the subject lot located on the same side of the street.
Corner lots shall be within ten percent (10%) the average depth of the adjoining two lots
along the common front yard frontage.
Floor area ratio – maximum a. .60
.45
Lot coverage – maximum 45%
Building height - maximum (feet) b.
main building 28’
12’ accessory building
Maximum 2nd floor footprint/1st floor footprint
(percent)
80%
Front setback (1st Floor) - minimum (feet) c. d. 20’
2nd floor front setback - minimum (feet) No more than forty (40) percent of a second -story façade may occur at the specified first
floor front setback. Remaining portions of the second story shall be set back a minimum
of an additional five (5) feet.
At the 2nd story façade facing a front yard, the maximum width of the 2nd floor façade
aligned with the 1st floor façade directly below shall be no greater than forty (40)
percent of the entirety of the 1 st floor façade facing a front yard. Any additional portions
of a 2nd floor facing a front yard shall be setback a minimum of five (5) feet from the 1 st
floor façade.
Rear setback - minimum (feet) d. 20’
Side setback (1st floor) - minimum (feet) e. f. 5’
Ten percent (10%) lot width,
but not less than five feet (5’) and not to exceed fourteen feet (14’)
2nd floor side setback - minimum (feet) Minimum of 5’, but total of 15’ combined for both sides.
At the 2nd story façade facing a side yard, the maximum width of the 2nd floor façade
aligned with the 1st floor façade directly below shall be no greater than forty (40)
percent of the entirety of the 1st floor façade facing a side yard. Any additional portions
of a 2nd floor facing a side yard shall be setback a minimum of five (5) feet from the 1 st
floor façade.
Street side setback (1st floor) - minimum (feet) d. 10’
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 63
2nd floor street side setback - minimum (feet) 10’
At the 2nd story façade facing a street side yard, the maximum width of the 2nd floor
façade aligned with the 1st floor façade directly below shall be no greater than forty (40)
percent of the entirety of the 1 st floor façade facing a street side yard. Any additional
portions of a 2nd floor facing a street side yard shall be setback a minimum of five (5)
feet from the 1st floor façade.
Dwelling unit size - minimum (sq. ft.) g.
700
850
1,100
1,300
1,500
one bedroom
two bedroom
three bedroom
four bedroom
more than four bedrooms
Building separation - minimum (feet) h.
wall to wall
eave to eave
5’
3’
Walkway width - maximum (feet) 6’
Prevailing setbacks Subject to Section 9534.18
Exceptions to yards, setbacks, and height Subject to Section 9534
Air conditioning, mechanical roof and utility
equipment
Subject to Section 9504
Environmental protection standards Subject to Section 9516
Graffiti control Subject to Section 4960 of Chapter 10 of Article IV of this Code
Landscaping, lighting, and walls Subject to Section 9520
Nonconforming uses, lots, and structures Subject to Section 9410
Off-street parking and loading Subject to Chapter 7
Signs Subject to Chapter 6
Site Plan Review Subject to Section 9820
Visibility Subject to Section 9520 and 9534
Wireless Communication Facilities Subject to Section 9426
Notes:
a Single-family dwelling units in the R-1 Zone are eligible for a 0.05 FAR bonus for providing renewable energy sources, for a maximum
FAR of 0.65 0.50, in accordance with the provisions of Section 9312.08(B)(2).
b Porch features, such as but not limited to entry porches, covered patios, and porte-cocheres, must have a top-of-plate height equal to or
less than the first floor top-of-plate height of the main structure, not to exceed twelve feet (12’). Top-of-peak height must be equal to or
less than the top-of-peak height of the main structure, not to exceed sixteen feet (16’). Slope and pitch must be equal to main structure.
c Unless the property is identified on the prevailing setback map, as adopted by the Commission, in which case the greater of the two
setbacks shall apply.
d Garage setbacks are subject to Sections 9710 and 9534.22.
e Any decimal fraction shall be rounded up to the nearest inch.
f 1st floor side yard setbacks may be reduced subject to Section 9534.
g Exclusive of porches, balconies, garages, or other such accessory structures or architectural features.
h Building separation for rear detached garages is also subject to back up triangle requirements located in Section 9710.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 64
(b)General Development Standards.
(2)Alternative Energy FAR Bonus in the R-1 Zone. Single-family dwelling units in the R-
1 Zone are eligible for a 0.05 FAR bonus for providing renewable energy sources. The
maximum FAR for the R-1 Zone with the renewable energy bonus is 0.65 0.50. The renewable
energy sources must provide fifty (50) percent or greater of a parcel’s annual energy
requirements.
(i)Renewable energy sources include at least one (1) component from (A) and one (1)
component from (B) below:
(A)Either solar water heating or tankless water heater; and
(B)On-site solar photovoltaic or small wind energy applications to provide the
remaining renewable energy requirement.
(ii)The FAR bonus area shall be incorporated as a one story element in the form of
either, but not limited to, a detached accessory building, or incorporation of a front
wing, rear wing, side wing, or combination of wings.
(3)Architecture. The architecture and general appearance of the building shall be in
keeping with the character of the neighborhood and such as not to be detrimental to the general
welfare of the neighborhood in which they are located. For R-1 zoning, all construction shall
utilize Design Guidelines for considerations and recommendations regarding characteristic
architectural styles and prevailing neighborhood character.
(4)Massing. All residential additions, alterations, and modifications shall to the greatest
extent possible, avoid excessive massing of the primary structure, through means of varying
rooflines, elevations, and other architectural elements (see Figure 9.3.1). Review and approval
of massing of buildings shall be subject to the provisions of Section 9820. For R-1 zoning, see
Design Guidelines for considerations and recommendations regarding massing and
modulation.
Figure 9.3.1. Mass and Scale
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 65
(5)360° Architectural Design
(i)Any new construction, alteration, and/or addition on a lot, including, but not
limited to, a principal residence, second story, detached accessory structure,
enclosed patio, carport and/or porte-cochere shall follow a singular architectural
character and style that extends to all building features including faҫades, roof
forms and pitches, materials, and detailing that are visible to the public right-of-
way and/or abutting properties. An addition should utilize the characteristics of the
style of the existing approved home. Portions of structures not visible to the public
right-of-way shall incorporate complimentary elements.
(6)Single Family Additions and Accessory Structures Design.
(i)New roofs shall be similar in form, pitch, slope and material with the existing
permitted house.
(ii)Architectural design shall match style, form, color and material of the existing
permitted house and extend to all the exterior portions of the structure that are
visible to the public right-of-way and/or visible from adjacent properties. Portions
not visible shall incorporate complimentary elements.
(7)Front Entry Orientation.
(i)New architecture, front additions altering the entrance of the dwelling, and
remodels altering the entrance of the dwelling shall be designed with the front door
oriented towards the street.
(8)Flat Roofs.
(i)For new architecture and alterations in architectural style, flat roof designs may
be incorporated when the existing block is characterized by flat roof architectural
styles for at least thirty (30) percent of the houses on the block.
(ii)For additions, flat roof elements may be incorporated when the existing home is
entirely flat roof.
(iii)Flat roofs shall be permitted for open patios.
(9)Accessory Buildings
(i)Accessory buildings, including attached accessory uses, shall be limited to a
maximum floor area of seven hundred (700) square feet, and shall be comprised
of one (1) open space with no kitchen facilities or bedrooms. Closets shall be
allowed, but each is limited to fifty (50) square feet.
(ii)One (1) bathroom, laundry facilities, and one (1) wet sink are allowed.
(iii)Multiple accessory buildings, including attached accessory uses, shall be
allowed.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 66
(iv)A covenant and agreement regarding the maintenance of building and use shall
be drafted by staff and recorded by the applicant with the Los Angeles County
Registrar/Recorder’s Office prior to building permit final inspection.
(v)This section shall not apply to garages and patio covers.
(11)Landscaping. Landscaping is required in the front, side, street side and rear yards for
all areas not covered by an approved driveway or pedestrian walkway, including but not
limited to quantity of trees and three tiered system design, pursuant to Section 9520.
(12)Front and Street Side Yards. In all residential zones, the front and street side yards
shall be landscaped and maintained in good condition and shall be kept free and clear of all
construction and automotive materials and parts, trash, refuse, debris, trash storage receptacles,
inoperative motor vehicles, discarded or broken materials, appliances, junk, equipment, car
cover structures or similar materials and shall not be paved except for approved pedestrian
walkways, driveways, and approved patios. Only temporary parking of vehicles pursuant to
Section 9710.02(h) shall be allowed in the front yard.
(13)Front and Street Side Yards – Maximum Paving (Hardscape).
(i)For properties with a width of (60) feet or greater, the total of all paving
(hardscape) within the front setback or street side setback, including all driveways and
walkways, shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the area within the total front setback or
street side setback.
(A)An additional ten (10) percent of hardscape shall be allowed in the front
setback or street side setback, provided permeable paving surfaces are used.
Pervious concrete may not be used as permeable paving.
a.A minimum of fifty (50) percent of the total front setback or street
side setback shall remain live vegetation landscape surfaces.
(ii)For properties that are less than sixty (60) feet wide, the total of all paving
(hardscape) within the front setback or street side setback, including all driveways and
walkways, shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the total front setback or street side
setback.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 67
SECTION 9520.04. LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS.
(b)Development Regulations.
(6) In the R-1 and R-2 zones, a minimum of one (1) new 36 inch box tree or larger shall be
planted within the front yard and a minimum of one (1) new 36 inch box tree or larger shall
also be planted within the rear yard.
(i) Trees shall be of moderate to fast growth varieties.
(ii) Within the front yard, trees shall reach a maturity height and canopy width greater
than forty (40) feet.
(iii) Within the rear yard, trees shall reach a maturity height greater than forty (40) feet
and canopy width greater than thirty (30) feet.
(iv) Lots with a required side yard setback and/or street side yard setback equal to or
greater than ten (10) feet shall provide one (1) 24 inch box tree for every twenty (20)
linear feet of building façade for that side. Trees shall reach a maturity height greater than
twenty (20) feet and canopy width greater than ten (10) feet.
(v) Tree selection shall be approved by the City Planner. Alternatives to this section may
be deemed necessary, at the discretion of the City Planner, for irregular shaped parcels,
for parcels in proximity to electrical poles, and for parcels with substandard widths and
depths.
(h)Landscaping Design Standards.
(5) Planting areas between walls and streets shall be landscaped with a hierarchy of plants in
natural formations and groupings. Solid walls over three (3) feet forty-two (42) inches high
shall receive vines or hedge when adjacent facing public streets.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 68
SECTION 9520.08. GENERAL WALL, FENCE, AND HEDGE REGULATIONS.
(d) Approved materials, or combination of materials, for walls and fences include, but are not
limited to, wood, metal, vinyl, stone, masonry, stucco, and concrete. Metal is limited to wrought iron
or similar type materials. Any materials not listed in this subsection may be approved subject to the
discretion of the City Planner.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 69
SECTION 9534.14. PROJECTIONS INTO SETBACK AREAS.
Setbacks required by this article shall be open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky except
as provided elsewhere in this chapter and as follows:
(c)Within the R-1 Zone, uncovered steps and landings may extend;
(i) Within the front and rear yards a maximum forty-eight (48) inch projection
and thirty (30) inch height above finished grade is allowed into the required
setback area.
(ii) Within the side yard a maximum forty-eight (48) inch projection and twelve
(12) inch height above finished grade is allowed into the required setback area.
(d)In all other zones, uncovered steps and landings, six (6) inches or less above finished
grade, may extend twelve (12) inches into a required setback in any zone.
(e) Covered and uncovered second floor balconies, decks, and similar features are not
allowed within the second floor setback areas.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 70
SECTION 9534.20. MODIFICATION OF REQUIRED SETBACKS.
(a) The Commission, pursuant to section 9826, may grant modifications to the rear setback
regulations requiring greater than ten (10) foot rear setbacks on lots having irregular lot lines, or
restricted depth, or where other conditions create an unnecessary hardship and make it difficult to
require compliance with the rear setback regulations, but in no event shall the rear setback be less
than ten (10) feet. In no event shall the modifications exceed one-half (½) of the width of the lot.
(c)The City Planner may authorize modification to the first story side setback area to permit the
extension of existing building lines for additions or minor building modifications for alignment
purposes, except that no modification shall reduce the required setback closer than three (3) feet to a
property line. In accordance with the provisions of Section 9814.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 71
SECTION 9534.22. DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS IN SETBACK AREAS.
Detached accessory buildings shall be permitted in the required interior side and rear setback areas,
subject to the following provisions:
(a)A detached accessory building may occupy not more than one-half (½) of the required rear
setback, such that a contiguous one-half (½) of the rear yard remains as open space, and shall be
completely to the rear of the main dwelling to which it is accessory.
(e)No detached accessory building shall be nearer than ten (10) five (5) feet to any other building
on the same lot. except detached garages may be permitted within five (5) feet of the main building.
i.Separation requirements for garages shall also be in compliance with Section 9710.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 72
SECTION 9708. RESIDENTIAL OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS.
The following number of parking spaces shall be provided and thereafter maintained for all buildings and
uses established within the City (Table 9.7.2). After computing the required number of parking spaces,
any fraction shall be rounded up to the next whole number.
Table 9.7.2. Residential Parking Requirements
Land Use Type Required Off-Street Parking Notes and Comments
Single-family dwellings (detached) 2.0 enclosed covered spaces within a
garage for dwelling units with 2,999
or less less than 3,375 square feet of
habitable space
3.0 enclosed covered spaces within a
garage for dwelling units between
3,000 and 4,999 equal to or above
3,375 square feet and equal to or
below 4,500 square feet of habitable
space
4.0 enclosed covered spaces within a
garage for dwelling units with 5,000
greater than 4,500 square feet of
habitable space
For purposes of calculating required
parking, the square footage of all
enclosed areas, including accessory
buildings storage areas, guest houses
and ADUs, but not including
garages, shall be included. An
equivalent number of required
parking spaces shall be provided in
the driveway (may be tandem).
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 73
SECTION 9710.02. R-1 AND R-2 ZONE DESIGN STANDARDS.
(b) Front facing garages shall be setback a minimum of five feet (5’) from the face of the front
façade. An additional three foot (3’) setback is required for a front facing third garage space.
(c) The exterior width of the front facing garage is limited to a maximum of forty-five percent
(45%) of the lot width, or thirty-six feet (36’) (whichever is less).
(1) In no event shall the width of the garage exceed fifty-five percent (55%) of the overall
façade width.
(d) Side loaded garages shall be allowed when the existing block is characterized by side loaded
garages for at least thirty percent (30%) of the houses on the block.
(1) Side loaded garages may be built at the minimum setback requirement.
(2) The street facing façade width of the garage shall be limited to a maximum twenty-two
feet (22’). In no event shall the width of the façade facing the street exceed fifty-five
percent (55%) of the overall façade width.
(e) Tandem parking:
(2) Required covered parking can be provided in tandem form for lots less than 50 feet wide
when a detached garage cannot be located in the rear yard due to inability to comply with
the required back-up triangle and alley access is not provided.
(f) Driveways shall lead directly from a public street to a required garage or other required parking
area using the shortest and most direct route.
(g) Driveways to required garages having a setback from the street property line greater than thirty
(30) forty feet (40′) shall have a minimum width of ten feet (10′) and a maximum width of
twelve feet (12′) in the front or street side setback area. Driveways located outside of the
setback area, shall be a minimum of ten feet (10′) wide.
(h) Where required garage spaces are equal to or less than thirty (30) forty feet (40′) to the property
line, the maximum width of a driveway shall not exceed eighteen feet (18′) or two feet (2′)
wider than the opening of the garage door, whichever is greater, but in no event shall the
maximum width exceed thirty feet (30′) at the front property line.
(i) Driveways shall remain free from physical obstructions. Obstructions shall include, but are not
limited to, covered patios, canopies, storage, temporary structures, trash bins, or furniture. This
shall apply to all patio covers regardless of the positioning of post or other structural
components. Architectural features may be attached to the front of a garage and extend a
maximum of twenty-four inches (24”). This section shall not apply to gates or porte-cocheres
that are attached to the side or front of the main dwelling.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 74
(j) In the R-1 Zone, not more than three (3) parking stalls shall be permitted which open onto the
front setback area.
(l) A driveway that serves as required access to a garage, in which the garage door is not parallel
to the front property line, or side property line in the case of a corner lot, shall not exceed
twelve feet (12′) in width at the property line, provide a maximum turn radius of twelve feet
(12’), and a minimum twenty-five foot (25’) back up.
Figure 9.7.1 Side Loaded Garage Driveway
(m) Not more than one (1) driveway shall be permitted for each lot or parcel of land, except as
follows:
(1) Parcels or lots having a street frontage of seventy feet (70′) or more may be permitted to
have two (2) driveway openings, both the primary and secondary driveway openings shall
serve the same driveway, and such secondary driveway shall not exceed ten (10) twelve feet
(12’) in width in the setback area. The space between driveways on the same lot shall be at
least twenty-four feet (24′) at the street property line. That portion of the connecting driveway
parallel to the street property line shall have a setback of twenty (20) eighteen feet (18’). The
space between the secondary driveway and building shall be separated by three feet (3’) of
landscaping (see Figure 9.7.1).
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 75
Figure 9.7.1. 9.7.2 Circular Driveways
(2)A secondary driveway for access to a recreational vehicle storage pad may be approved
by the Commission pursuant to sections 9804 and 9814.08. The recreational vehicle storage
pad shall be located outside all required front, side, and street side setbacks and shall be set
back a minimum of five feet (5′) from any door and/or window of a habitable structure. The
secondary driveway that is within the front or street side setback shall be a ribbon strip design
or paved with turf block, and shall be permanently maintained to City standards.
(g) A back up triangle on the garage side closest to the residence shall be required as depicted
in Figure 9.7.2. The sight area shall be free from visual and physical obstructions.
Figure 9.7.2. 9.7.3. Garage Back Up Triangle
12’
18’
3’
12’
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 76
SECTION 9814.04. AUTHORITY OF THE CITY PLANNER.
The City Planner shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny an Administrative Permit. The City
Planner shall render a decision on an Administrative Permit on the following applications, subject to
specific findings and procedures:
(a) Minor Modification.
(6) The modification of the side setback area to permit the extension of existing building lines
for first floor additions or minor building modifications for alignment purposes, except that no
modification shall reduce the required setback closer than three (3) feet to a property line;
(i)Appeal of Single Family Residential Development. The City Planner shall review all appeals
of staff decisions regarding R-1 Zone development plan checks.
(1)Appeals to decisions of the City Planner shall be subject to Section 9814.06 (f).
(i)The Commission, and the Council upon further appeal, shall make the following
findings in approving an application for a Single Family Development:
a.The proposed building, structure, and/or landscape is in compliance with the
goals, objectives, and policies of the City of Downey General Plan and
Single Family Design Guidelines any other applicable plans adopted
pursuant to the General Plan.
b. The proposed building, structure, and/or landscape are in conformity with the
standards of the Municipal Code including the location on the lot, area,
height, and parking.
c.The proposed building, structure, and/or landscape are substantially
consistent with the lots along the same frontage along the same block in
terms of the orientation to the street and sidewalk, location of parking and
parking structures, setbacks, lot coverage, rooflines, mass and bulk,
materials, and colors.
d. The proposed building, structure, and/or landscape, and associated walls and
fences, are designed to reasonably protect adjoining and abutting single-
family residential properties from noise and maintain the visual privacy of
adjoining and abutting single-family residences.
e.The proposed building utilizes quality materials and details similar to or
better than adjoining and abutting single-family residences so as to maintain
and improve the local setting and community character in terms of
appearance and value.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 77
SECTION 9931.6. SAME. PRIVATE STREETS ROAD AND ALLEYS.
Except as set out hereinafter, all parcels of land intended for public use in a subdivision shown on the
final map thereof shall be offered for dedication for public use, provided, however, that with the approval
of the City Council any street, highway, alley or way which is intended to be kept physically closed to
public travel or posted as a private street road or alley at all times may be shown as a private street road or
alley, but in any such case the final map shall contain a condition offer of dedication which may be
accepted by the City Council at such time as the street shall have ceased to remain so physically closed or
posted and shall have been opened to public travel for a period of at least three (3) months. Any such
private street road shall be shown on such map by heavy, dashed lines. Sufficient data shall be shown on
each private street road or alley to define its boundaries, as is required for a public street, and also
sufficient mathematical data to clearly show the portion of each lot within such street. The design and
improvement of any such private street road shall be subject to all of the requirements prescribed by these
regulations for public streets. (Added by Ord. 08-1228, adopted 5-25-2008)
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 78
SECTION 9933.11. SAME. SINGLE FAMILY (R-1) ZONES LOT DESIGN.
The following standards shall apply to all proposed subdivisions within the Single Family Residential (R-1) zones. All
subdivision developments shall also utilize the Designs for considerations and recommendations regarding the design and
placement of new subdivided lot:
(a) Minimum Dimensions. Lots may only be subdivided pursuant to the following standards:
(1) Each lot, except the private road, shall have a width and depth not less than that required pursuant to
Section 9312.08, unless otherwise provided in this section.
Figure 9.9.1 Subdivisions
(2) Subdivisions proposing a private road shall have an existing minimum lot width equal to the required lot
depth plus an additional thirty-two (32) feet.
Figure 9.9.2.
Required Lot Width Prior to Subdivision
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 79
(3) The lot depth of a subdivided lot with the front lot line oriented towards the public right-of-way may
abide by the required lot depth or may have a minimum lot depth equal to two (2) times the required lot
width, whichever is less. Parcels shall remain in compliance with required minimum lot widths and lot
area.
i. This standard shall only apply to proposed subdivisions that involve more than two parcels and
a proposed private road providing access to additional parcels.
Figure 9.9.3.
Required Lot Depth for Lots Oriented Towards the Public Right-of-Way
(4) Existing parcels with a lot size equal to or larger than sixty thousand (60,000) square feet shall be
processed as a Planned Unit Development.
(b) Private Roads
(1) Private roads shall be their own and separate parcel under shared equal ownership by all adjoining
subdivided lots.
(2) Private roads shall be measured from boundary line to subdivided lot line, or from subdivided lot line to
subdivided lot line when subdivisions are located on either side of a private road.
(3) Private road improvements shall be built to the standards described in the Downey Municipal Code for
streets, lighting, grading/drainage, and traffic signs.
(4) Private roads shall be provided a new individual street name.
i. Street name signs shall be provided per standards set forth in the Downey Municipal Code.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 80
(5) At a minimum, private roads shall consist of one (1) roadway, one (1) row of parallel street parking, and a
sidewalk. See Design Guidelines for considerations and recommendations regarding private roadway
design.
i. Roadway widths shall provide a minimum of twenty (20) feet.
ii. Parallel street parking shall provide a minimum width of eight (8) feet and depth of twenty (22)
feet.
iii. Side walk widths shall provide a minimum of four (4) feet.
(6) Roadways and street parking shall be built at the same grade as adjoining public roadways, and shall be
improved with a curb and gutter design approved by the City Engineer.
(7) Placement:
i. Parallel street parking shall be located along the boundary line, opposite of the subdivided lot
line.
A. This standard shall not apply when there are subdivided lots located on both sides of a
private road or for private roads that propose a second row of parallel street parking.
ii. Sidewalks shall be located abutting the subdivided lot line, opposite of the boundary line.
A. This standard shall not apply if two sidewalks are provided.
(8) Private road width shall be determined by subtracting the required lot depth from the width of the existing
parcel prior to subdivision. In no case shall the private road be less than thirty-two (32) feet and not more
than sixty (60) feet.
i. This standard may be modified by the City Planner in order to comply with the requirements
described in Section 9933.11 (c)(1). In which case the required private road width shall be a
minimum of thirty-two (32) feet.
ii. If subdivided lots are proposed to front both sides of the private road, then the private road shall
measure a minimum width equal to the lot width of the existing parcel prior to subdivision,
subtracted by two (2) times the required lot depth, but not less than forty (40) feet and not more
than sixty (60) feet.
(9) Minimum private road widths equal to or larger than thirty-six (36) feet shall incorporate, to the greatest
extent feasible, one of the following or multiple combinations of the following: one (1) or more four (4)
foot landscape parkways, a second row of parallel street parking, and a second sidewalk.
(10) In order to facilitate the creation of a thirty-six (36) foot private road and provide a four (4) foot landscape
buffer; private road width equal to thirty-two (32) feet may incorporate the standards below. Similarly,
any road with up to forty-six (46) feet may incorporate these standards.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 81
i. Subdivided lots with a front lot line oriented towards a private road shall reduce their required
lot depth by four (4) feet provided that the proposed lot depth will not result in less than one
hundred (100) feet and the parcel remains in compliance with the required minimum lot area.
A. These lots need only provide a front yard setback of fifteen (15) feet.
B. This section shall not apply if private road cannot maintain one continuous width.
C. This section shall only apply to new subdivision developments with a newly proposed
private road
D. The four (4) feet shall be forfeited to increase the required private road width and be
incorporated into the separate road parcel.
(11) The private road shall comply with fire apparatus access road standards as required by the Fire Marshal
and Fire Code.
i. An approved turn-around for dead-end roads in excess of one-hundred and fifty feet in depth
shall be provided as required by the Fire Marshal and the Fire Code.
ii. Approved signs, markings, or other notices, such as red curbs, shall be provided as required by
the Fire Marshall and Fire Code.
(12) Relevant covenant agreements shall be approved by the City Attorney and recorded with the Los
Angeles County Recorder’s Office. Composition and recordation of such documents shall be the
responsibility of the applicant. Agreements shall include, but are not limited to, language related to
granting public access, addressing maintenance, granting the City authority regarding street closures, and
naming the road its own and separate parcel equally owned by all abutting subdivided lot.
(c) Lot Placement and Orientation
(1) The number of subdivided lot required to have the front lot line oriented towards the public right-of
way shall be calculated by the width of the existing parcel prior to subdivision divided by the required
minimum lot width. See Design Guidelines for considerations and recommendations regarding lot
placement and orientation.
i. Any decimal fraction shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number.
ii. Subdivisions proposing the creation of four or more subdivided lot may deduct thirty-two (32)
feet from the width of the existing parcel prior to subdivision for the purposes of calculating the
amount of subdivided lot that must be oriented towards the public right-of-way.
iii. A minimum of two parcels shall be orientated towards a public right-of-way.
A. To the greatest extent feasible, all proposed parcels shall be oriented towards the public
right-of-way.
iv. Additional subdivided lots shall be built, behind these lots, with access from and orientation
towards a private road.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 82
(d) Parking
(1) A private road must accommodate a minimum of one parking space per each subdivided lot that abuts
the private road.
(2) Each new parcel is subject to the parking standards pursuant to Section 9710.
(3) Street Parallel Parking dimensions and placement shall comply with Section 9933.11 (b).
(e) Landscaping
(1) Private roads with a width equal to or greater than thirty-six (36) feet shall provide a landscape buffer of
four (4) feet.
(2) For subdivisions with a private road width less than thirty-six (36) feet, in which Section 9933.11(b)(10)
does not apply, a four (4) foot landscape buffer shall be provided on the private property of the new
subdivided lot abbutting abutting the front property line.
(3) Each new subdivided lot and all forms of required landscape buffers shall comply with the landscape
standards set forth in the Downey Municipal Code for street trees and Section 9520.
(4) One (1) tree shall be provided for every fifty (50) feet along the private road.
Exhibit C PC Agenda Page 83
Single-Family Residential
Design Guidelines
A Design Resource for Project Applications
Community Development Department
Planning Division
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Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 84
Introduction, Purpose, and How To Use These Guidelines
Residential Design Goals and Principles
Characteristic Residential Architectural Styles
Development Standards
Design Guidelines
Design Guidelines Checklist
Definitions
References and Resources
Table of Contents
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Acknowledgements
City Council
Alex Saab, Council Member
Blanca Pacheco, Mayor
Claudia M. Frometa, Mayor Pro Tem
Rick Rodriguez, Council Member
Sean Ashton, Council Member
Planning Commission
Dimitrios Spathopoulos, Member
Miguel Duarte, Vice Chair
Nolveris Frometa, Member
Patrick Owens, Member
Steven Dominguez, Chair
Planning Staff
Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development
Crystal Landavazo, City Planner
Alfonso Hernandez, Senior Planner
Consultant
John Kaliski Architects
Ariel Brenner, Urban Designer
John Kaliski, Principal
Wenchong Lai, Project Manager
Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 85
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Section 1: Introduction,
Purpose,and How To Use These
Guidelines
Downey’s single-family residential neighborhoods, developed in the mid-20th
century, are characterized by single-story Minimal Traditional and Ranch style
houses built on suburban tracts that were previously agricultural. Given the
decades-long development duration, many of the resulting tracts and blocks
have dissimilar lot sizes, and remnant larger interior parcels continue to be
subdivided and developed.
The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide a design tool that assists
applicants in enhancing the character of Downey’s residential neighborhoods
on a project-by-project basis so as to ensure that the design of new homes,
additions, and alterations to existing dwellings relates to the existing
community context and character. These Guidelines are intended to promote
high-quality design that favors craft and architectural styles related to historic
precedent and neighborhood context. They further encourage creative design
solutions that fit with their surroundings and enhance the overall consistent
architectural character seen in Downey single-family neighborhoods.
These Guidelines are best used as an educational and design tool by project
applicants and neighbors in conversation with City Staff when designing
projects.
Overall Design Goals and Principles are described in Section 2. Mandatory
Development Standards noted in the Downey Municipal Zoning Code are
provided in Section 4. Recommended Design Guidelines and graphics are
noted in Section 6. Both Sections should be referred to when designing an
addition or new construction project.
A Summary Checklist of Guidelines and Principles is provided in Section
6.Applicants and City Staff should utilize this checklist to determine
consistency and compliance with the Standards and Guidelines, and as
appropriate, the Design Goals and Principles. The application, appeals, and
approval process is detailed on page 2.
Definitions and a short list of reference materials are found in Section 7 and
Section 8.
By affirmatively utilizing these Standards and Guidelines for the design of
projects, applicants will facilitate the City’s review process and create
improvements that meet community-based best design practices.
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Compliance Determination and
Appeals Process
Step 1: Application
Step 2: Staff Review
Upon determination of compliance with Design Guidelines, skip to Step 5.
Step 3: Appeal to City Planner
Upon determination of compliance with Design Guidelines and/or Residential
Design Goals and Principles of Section 2, skip to Step 5.
Step 4: Appeal to Planning Commission
Upon determination of compliance, proceed to Step 5. Upon determination
of non-compliance with Design Guidelines and/or Residential Design Goals
and Principles of Section 2, revise design and being Step 1.
Step 5: Approval
Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 86
•The Abrams Guide to American House Styles by William Morgan
•American House Styles: A Concise Guide by John Milnes Baker
•A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia & Lee McAlester
•A Field Guide to American Architecture by Carole Rifkind
•Western Ranch Houses by Cliff May
4SECTION 3
CHARACTERISTIC RESIDENTIAL
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES3
Section 3: Characteristic
Residential Architectural Styles
Many of Downey’s original tract homes were constructed in the Minimal
Traditional, Ranch, and Styled Ranch styles; a significant portion of the City’s
newer single-family infill construction falls under a New Traditional or 21st
Century Modern designation.
This Section describes and illustrates best practices for working within the
parameters of each of these styles when constructing both new homes and
additions. Page 12 provides more targetted approaches to achieve best
design practices when constructing additions to original homes.
In addition to this Section, refer to the following resources for supplementary
architectural design guidance, history, and description of character-defining
features of single-family residential styles:
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Section 2: Residential Design
Goals and Principles
The following residential design goals and principles complement, but do not
supersede, the City’s zoning standards. They are based upon observation of
existing community design patterns. In concert with the Development
Standards of Section 4 and the Design Guidelines of Section 5, they should be
utilized to inform design decision-making for existing and new homes and
additions. In cases where a characteristic Downey architectural style is not
utilized, the following Design Goals and Principles should still be used.
Design additions and new construction that follow the prevailing mass,
bulk, height, and modulation patterns of other buildings seen in the
neighborhood and along the same block face(s).
Utilize single-story characteristics (including dormers, wings, and
second-story additions behind ridgelines) in areas where one-story
homes prevail.
Maintain street wall continuity, orientation of entries toward sidewalks,
utilization of one-story components and roof elements, placement of
garages, and use of materials seen along the same block face(s).
Retain prevailing setbacks, privacy, and open space at side and rear
yards, particularly in cases involving rear yard accessory structures.
Use multi-tiered and region-appropriate landscape design that realizes
privacy between adjacent and abutting lots.
Minimize the visual impacts of automobiles, parking, garages, and
driveways along rights-of-way by utilizing prevailing driveway and garage
placements.
Maintain street wall continuity, entry orientation, landscape and
setbacks along public rights-of-way on new subdivisions and private
roads.
Observe and encourage the use of Downey’s characteristic architectural
styles and design principles as seen in each neighborhood and along
each street block when designing additions and new buildings. Realize
consistency of style within a project design and, when constructing
additions and accessory structures, incorporate architectural components
and styles observed on the original home.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 87
5 6SECTION 3
CHARACTERISTIC RESIDENTIAL
ARCHITECTURAL STYLESSECTION 3
CHARACTERISTIC RESIDENTIAL
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
Ranch: 1930s-1950s
Inspired in part by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie and Ciff May’s Western ranch
houses, the Ranch style emerged in the 1930s, but did not gain its utmost
popularity until after the Second World War. Ranch homes’ typical one-story
construction, deep-set eaves (extending three (3) feet or more from the exterior
wall perimeter) and slender wooden columns (rarely exceeding eight (8) inches
in width), each accentuate the horizontality of the style’s ground-hugging forms.
Roofs are typically low- to moderately-pitched (1:12 to 1:3 slopes) and either
hipped, multi-gabled or cross-gabled. Asymmetrical façades typically feature
front entries and porches located off-center and sheltered by the eaves and
roof. Entries as well as garages or porte-cocheres are typically oriented towards
the street, though neither dominates the front façade.
Ranch homes are detailed simply, commonly utilizing stucco or board and
batten with wood, stone, or brick accents. These feature materials are
also utilized around entryways and/or at chimneys. Strip windows are also
seen: some arranged horizontally and others, such as those at living rooms
overlooking the street, large. No more than fifty (50) percent of the total façade
area is typically dedicated toward windows.
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Minimal Traditional: 1935-1950s
Utilized between 1935 and the early 1950s as a popular pre- and post-War
housing solution, the Minimal Traditional style emerged as a response to the
Great Depression and the need to increase the cost efficiency of home-
building. The style simplifies and abstracts the character-defining features of a
variety of period styles, such as the American Colonial and the Colonial Revival,
while minimizing use of decorative treatments. Homes are typically simple and
small: one or one-and-a-half stories. In the rare case in which a second story is
constructed, it is an addition and typically set behind the first-floor ridgeline so
as to act as a secondary mass. Entries normally orient toward the street, and
garages are typically detached and placed behind the principal structure.
Structures of this style are minimally-decorated and constructed with stucco and
one feature material -- such as lap siding, wood, or brick -- facing the street.
Windows are often double-hung and multi-paned, and rarely exceed fifty (50)
percent of the total façade area. Chimneys and decorative eave supports are
also common. Roofs contain low to intermediate pitches (1:12 to 1:3 slopes)
and are hipped, side-gabled, multi-gabled or cross-gabled. Shallow roof eaves
are rarely deeper than two (2) feet.
FIGURE 1: Minimal Traditional Style FIGURE 2: Ranch Style
(Note: Porte-cocheres are subject to setback standards per Section 9312.08 of the Downey
Municipal Code)
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Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 88
8SECTION 3
CHARACTERISTIC RESIDENTIAL
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
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•American Vernacular
•Asian
•California or Western (Cliff May)
•English Colonial
•Neo-Colonial
•Regency
•Neo-Tudor
Styled Ranch: 1935-1985
Having gained prominence between the years 1935 and 1985, the Styled Ranch
utilizes the basic form and layout of the Ranch style: a single-story structure with
an attached, street-oriented garage or port-cochere, both of which enhance
the horizontality of the main form. The front façade is typically asymmetrical
per Ranch style convention, incorporating off-center sheltered porches, strip
windows and/or large picture windows that occupy no more than fifty (50)
percent of the total façade area.
Where the Styled Ranch begins to diverge from the traditional Ranch style is
in its stylistic detail elements, which tend to be borrowed from other styles. In
Downey, these include but are not limited to:
•Neo-Victorian
•Spanish
•Storybook
•Abstracted regional and
vernacular styles (in later
examples)
SECTION 3
CHARACTERISTIC RESIDENTIAL
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
FIGURE 3: Styled Ranch Style FIGURE 4: Styled Ranch Sub-styles
The following illustrations further describe features typical of the Styled Ranch
sub-styles most commonly observed in Downey. Typically, these sub-styles tend
to inform design components such as materials and color, roof form and pitch,
eave depth, ornamentation and additional decorative strategies. For further
information on these and other sub-styles, refer to the educational resources
listed on page 3 and page 36 of this booklet.
Spanish Revival Styled Ranch:
Neo-Victorian Styled Ranch:
Neo-Colonial Styled Ranch:
7 Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 89
•Massing
•Roof form and slope
•Entry and entry expression
•Eave depth
New Traditional homes replicate past styles while often relying on the utilization
of modern materials and building techniques to achieve the design intent.
Downey’s New Traditional homes have been observed in a number of styles,
including but not limited to:
•Colonial Revival
•French Eclectic
•Italian Renaissance
•Neoclassical
•New England
•New Traditional Craftsman
(Southern California regionally-
relevant)
10SECTION 3
CHARACTERISTIC RESIDENTIAL
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES9
CHARACTERISTIC RESIDENTIAL
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
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New Traditional: 1975-Present
Many of Downey’s newer, infill homes are constructed in the New
Traditional style, which derives inspiration from earlier period styles to
inform the composition and detailing of all exterior components of the
home including:
•Neo-Tudor
•Prairie
•Shingle
•Spanish (Southern California
regionally-relevant)
FIGURE 5: New Traditional Style
(Note: Porches and 2nd Stories are subject to setback and height standards per
the Downey Municipal Code)
SECTION 3
FIGURE 6: New Traditional Sub-styles
The following illustrations further describe the New Traditional styles that
prevail in Downey. For further information on these and other styles, refer to the
educational resources listed on page 3 and page 36 of this booklet.
New Traditional Colonial/Regency:
New Traditional Spanish:
New Traditional Craftsman:
•Windows
•Materials
•Colors
•Additional detailing
Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 90
11 12SECTION 3
CHARACTERISTIC RESIDENTIAL
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES SECTION 3
CHARACTERISTIC RESIDENTIAL
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
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An addition to an original home should learn from and work within the
parameters of the style of the original home, which, in Downey, will typically fall
under the Minimal Traditional, Ranch, or Styled Ranch designations.
In addition to incorporating the same or similar stylistic characteristics including
materials, colors, roof form and slope, eave depth, ornamentation, and other
detailing techniques, an addition should act as a secondary mass to the original
form. A second story should be set back from the first story by ten (10) feet,
and/or be placed behind its ridgeline, whenever feasible.
Guidelines for the construction of additions are provided on page 28 of this
booklet.
A Note on Additions and the Use of
Characteristic Architectural Styles
21st Century Modern: 2000-Present
Downey’s 21st Century Modern homes, often larger and typically two stories,
have been constructed as newer, infill homes, often situated on existing lots
within the fabric of older, one-story residential contexts or within enclaves
dedicated to modern design. These structures typically emphasize straight
lines and feature moderate asymmetry, which results in massing volumes that
appear boxlike and intersecting. Flat roofs often contribute to this impression,
but are not a prerequisite of the 21st Century Modern approach.
Many 21st Century Modern homes are variations of the International Style,
exhibiting relaxed white stucco boxes, while others feature segmented vaults,
alluding to mid-20th Century regional modernisms, or skewed geometries
reminiscent of the 1990s Deconstructivism style. Façades are minimally-
decorated and neutrally-colored, and feature large expanses of glass that often
surpass, as a percentage of the wall area, their older counterparts. This
utilization of glass, in combination with the placement of terraces, porches, and
decks at both upper and lower levels, allows for ample indoor-outdoor
interaction. Entryways are typically recessed and garages oriented towards the
street. These newer homes also tend to utilize contemporary cladding
materials, such as lap siding and metal paneling, which are distributed to
highlight individual wall planes, thereby modulating the mass and bulk of the
construction.
FIGURE 7: 21st Century Modern Style FIGURE 8: Additions
Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 91
14SECTION 4 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS13
Section 4: Development Standards
The following Section lists development standards noted in the Downey
Municipal Zoning Code, which are mandatory. The purpose of this Section
is to act as a supplementary reference that provides further elaboration and
illustration of the Zoning Code Standards.
The following standards are also listed in the Development Standards category
of the Checklist on page 31 of this booklet. All Standards in this Section that are
applicable to a designated design project shall be met by the applicant.
The majority of the development standards are generally illustrated in Figure 9
below. Refer to the specified standards (indicated by the corresponding
numbers in the diagram) for additional explanation and illustration.
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FIGURE 9: Illustrative Development Standards (see S.1 through S.6)
S.1 Use 360° architecture and maintain design
consistency throughout the project design
Any new construction, alteration, and/or addition on a lot, including a principal
residence, second story, detached accessory structure, carport, and/or porte-
cochere shall follow a singular architectural character and style that extends to
all building features including façades, roof forms and pitches, materials, and
detailing. An addition shall utilize the characteristics of the style of the original
home.
Do’s:Don’ts:
FIGURE 12: This example displays a
home that utilizes consistent roof forms,
materials, and style throughout.
FIGURE 13: The inconsistent roof forms
(flat versus gabled), materials and styles,
exhibited on this example from
another Southern California city, results
in a non-characteristic garage addition
that diminishes the architectural value
of the existing home.
FIGURE 10: This example displays a
home that utilizes the same materials,
ornamentation, and detailing on all
façades.
Do’s:
FIGURE 11: This example from another
Southern California city does not utilize
the same materials, ornamentation,
and detailing on the side yard-facing
façades.
Don’ts:
Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 92
S.2 Design accessory structures and/or additions
with materials, roof forms, and architectural styles
consistent with the principal structure.
Additions and detached accessory structures shall incorporate the same
architectural character and style as the original structure and extend the
character to all new building features, including materials and roof forms.
Additions to existing structures shall utilize the same window treatments and
proportions as the original structure.
S.3 Orient front entries towards the public right-
of-way.
New architecture, additions altering the entrance of the dwelling, and
remodels altering the entrance of the dwelling shall be designed with the front
door oriented towards the public right-of-way.
15SECTION 4 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 16SECTION 4 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
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FIGURE 14: This rear yard accessory structure utilizes the same materials and roof form
as the principal structure.
S.4 Prioritize public street-facing lots in subdivisions.
To the maximum extent feasible, new lot subdivisions shall be subdivided in a
configuration that does not require the utilization of a private road and instead
orients subdivided lots towards the public right-of-way.
FIGURE 15: Subdivided parcels
oriented towards the public
right-of-way, and parcels oriented
towards a private road.
FIGURE 16: Subdivided parcels oriented
towards the public right-of-way, and
parcels located on both sides of the
private road.
FIGURE 17: Three or more
subdivided parcels with front lot
lines oriented towards the public
right-of-way.
FIGURE 18: Two subdivided parcels with
front lot lines oriented towards the public
right-of-way.
Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 93
S.5 Provide shade trees in setback areas.
A minimum of one (1) shade tree shall be provided in the front yard and a
minimum of one (1) shade tree shall be provided in the rear yard. Placement of
an additional shade tree in the street-facing side and/or interior side yard with a
setback equal to or greater than ten (10) feet shall provide one (1) tree for every
twenty (20) linear feet of building façade for that side.
A shade tree in the front yard shall have a mature height of at least forty (40)
feet and a tree canopy that is at least forty (40) feet in diameter after five (5)
years of growth. A shade tree in the rear yard shall have a mature height of at
least forty (40) feet and a tree canopy that is at least thirty (30) feet in diameter
after five (5) years of growth. Side yard trees shall reach a maturity height
greater than twenty (20) feet and a canopy width greater than ten (10) feet.
Tree selection shall be approved by the City Planner. Appropriate trees may
include, but are not limited to, Deodra Cedar, American Sycamore, and Pink
Cedar.
17SECTION 4 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 18SECTION 4 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
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S.6 Follow existing Downey landscape standards
and utilize native and/or climate-appropriate plants.
New landscaping placed in setback areas shall adhere to the landscape
standards provided in Section 9312.08 and Section 9520.04 of the Downey
Municipal Zoning Code. New landscaping shall also incorporate species that are
native California plants and/or region-appropriate plants with moderate to very
low water use. Appropriate plant material resources include, but are not limited
to, the Sunset Western Landscape by Kathleen Norris, the Water Use
Classification of Landscape Species website (ucanr.edu), and the Los Angeles
County Drought Tolerant Landscape Design Guidelines.
FIGURE 20: Tiered, i.e. ground cover, shrubs, and trees characterize front yard
landscaping observed in Downey neighborhoods.
FIGURE 19: Trees located within front yards.
Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 94
20SECTION 5 DESIGN GUIDELINES19
Section 5: Design Guidelines
The following Design Guidelines are recommended. Followed to the
maximum extent feasible, they will realize designs that best fit with the
surrounding neighborhood. The design of an addition or new construction
should utilize the following Design Guidelines as well as the Residential Design
Goals and Principles of Section 2.
The majority of the Design Guidelines described in this Section are illustrated
in Figure 21 below. Refer to the specified Guidelines (indicated by the
corresponding numbers in the diagram) for additional explanation.
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FIGURE 21: Illustrative Design Guidelines (see G.1 through G.17)
G.1 Use Downey Characteristic Residential
Architectural Styles and related typical features.
Use of a Downey Characteristic Residential Architectural Style (see Section 3) is
encouraged. Residents and applicants should observe and learn from their
neighborhood residential character and utilize architectural style elements that
prevail in Downey. An addition to an existing tract home should utilize the
original house style, typically one of three prevailing styles: Minimal Traditional,
Ranch, or Styled Ranch. New infill homes should utilize one of these styles,
or the New Traditional or 21st Century Modern, as described in Section 3 of
this booklet. When utilized, the chosen style should determine the design of
elements including but not limited to:
•Massing
•Height
•Materials
•Roof form, pitch, and materials
•Eave depth
•Skyline-enhancing features
such as chimneys and towers
•Typical colors
When other and contemporary architectural styles are used, projects should
comply with as many of the Design Guidelines of this Section as feasible,
and meet bullets 1-7 of the Residential Design Goals and Principles noted in
Section 2.
•Methods of modulation
•Entry expression and
orientation
•Window proportions
•Landscaping
•Other details specified by the
particular style description.
FIGURE 22: A Downey streetscape exhibits various styles.Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 95
G.2 Utilize characteristic major and minor massing
along front and side yard-facing façades.
Masses and building planes facing front yards should be modulated to fall
within the prevailing scale of other projects on the block; masses and building
planes facing side yards should mirror the scale of adjoining structures. To best
realize second-story modulation standards conveyed in Table 9.3.3 of Section
9312.08 of the Downey Municipal Zoning Code, buildings should be composed
of a minimum of two (2) major masses and incorporate transitional minor
massing to minimize overall building bulk and relate adjacent single-story
structures to new structures and open spaces. Methods of building modulation
should be chosen based on what is typical of the Characteristic Residential
Architectural Style utilized (see Section 3 for further detail). Such methods
include but are not limited to the use of:
•Variation in at least two (2) building
materials and/or colors
•A variety of heights
•Varied rooflines, multi-level
ridgelines, or cross-gables
•Intersecting building and
roof volumes
•Overhangs or awnings
•Balconies that sit under eave lines
In all instances, minor massing should be clearly subordinate to major massing
in height, volume, and scale. Buildings composed of a grouping of minor
masses are discouraged.
G.3 Reduce second-story footprints in relation to
first-story footprints.
Provided that the maximum allowable floor area for the primary residence and
accessory structures is achievable, the combined building footprint of all
portions of a second story should not exceed eighty (80) percent of the first-
story footprint at a primary residence. Second stories should also not project
more than eighteen (18) inches beyond the exterior perimenter of the first story
unless covering a usable porch or entry area. Additionally, the floor-to-plate
height of a second-story should not exceed the floor-to-plate height of the
story below.
22SECTION 5 DESIGN GUIDELINES21
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SECTION 5 DESIGN GUIDELINES
FIGURE 23: These Downey homes also exhibit a variety of modulation techniques,
including the incorporation of single-story components along the streetscape.
•One-story wings and ells
•Second stories that are fully
or partially set back from first
stories
•Covered or recessed entries,
porches, and stoops
•Bay windows, dormers, and/
or chimneys.
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24SECTION 5 DESIGN GUIDELINES
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G.5 Maintain prevailing floor-to-plate and overall
building heights.
A project design should maintain the first- and second-story floor-to-plate
heights, as well as the overall building height, observed within the prevailing
range of the street block. If pitched roofs are utilized, roof slopes and eave
heights should also be set within the prevailing range seen along the street
block. One (1) roof shape and pitch should be used consistently throughout
the project, including on additions and accessory structures. The use of more
than one (1) roof type or pitch is discouraged.
FIGURE 25: Homes along a Downey streetscape respect the prevailing floor-to-plate
and overall building heights.
G.4 Utilize single-story features facing front yards.
If one-story construction is the prevailing character on a block, a project
should maintain a single-story character by doing at least one of the following:
•utilizing single-story characteristics such as dormers, porch, and front
wings.
•setting back any second-story portion(s) of a project at least forty (40) feet
from the front property line and/or ten (10) feet from the first-story façade
•setting back all second-story portion(s) of a project behind the primary
first-story ridgeline.
FIGURE 24: This home utilizes single-story characteristics such as incorporating
dormers and encasing the first and second story under a singular roof.
SECTION 5 DESIGN GUIDELINES
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23 Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 97
25SECTION X
TITLE GOES HERE
MAY BE TWO LINES
G.8 Maintain existing side yard driveways and/or
prevailing open space pattern.
Where rear yard garages are the prevailing condition on a block, maintain the
pattern of side yard driveways providing access to rear yard garages. A new
rear-accessing driveway should not be placed along the side property line nor
within a side yard where an existing rear-accessing driveway at the adjacent
property adjoins the common property line, unless this was the original lot
configuration. If a new, front yard-adjoining garage configuration is proposed,
maintain any existing side yard driveway as an open space to retain
consistency with the open space and side yard patterns of the block.
G.9 Provide alley-accessible required parking.
If a lot adjoins an existing alley, garage access should be from the alley, unless
the existing alley does not provide enough width for access.
G.10 Moderate garage height and/or placement
as subordinate to the principal dwelling.
Detached and attached garages should not exceed the height of the principal
residence and should be subordinate to the primary structure in terms of
massing and placement.
25SECTION 5 DESIGN GUIDELINES 26SECTION 5 DESIGN GUIDELINES
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G.6 Limit double-height exterior features.
A project design should incorporate no more than two (2) exterior double-
height architectural features such as two-story flat façades or double-height
windows. The aggregate façade area dedicated to all front yard-facing, double-
height architectural elements should not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the
total front-facing façade width, and the heights of these elements should
typically not extend beyond the topmost eave line of the principal residence. At
one-story residences, double-height features should be set below the highest
ridgeline. Double-height exterior features shall also adhere to all relevant porch
and entry standards listed in Table 9.3.3 of Section 9312.08 of the Downey
Municipal Zoning Code.
G.7 Place and orient garages in relation to the
prevailing neighborhood context.
The placement and orientation of garages and driveways should follow the
precedent of the prevailing neighborhood context and conditions on the street
block. Garages abutting front yards are discouraged, except on blocks where
front-loaded garages are the prevailing condition or where it is impractical to
locate the garage behind the residence due to considerations of topography,
geometry of the lot, and/or the constraining dimensions of property
boundaries.
FIGURE 26: Maintain the prevailing condition and pattern of garages and side yard
driveways.
FIGURE 27: This rear yard garage does not exceed the height of the principal structure
and is subordinate in massing and placement.
Rear Yard Garage
Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 98
G.13 Utilize single-story characteristic features
facing front yards on additions.
An addition to an original home should act as a secondary mass to the original
form and maintain a single-story character as described in Guideline 4 on page
25 of this booket. Such characteristic features include porches, wings, and
dormers.
G.14 Place second story additions behind existing
ridgelines.
A second-story addition to an original home should be set back from the first
story by ten (10) feet, and/or be placed behind its ridgeline, whenever feasible.
G.15 Provide landscape in setback areas.
All setback, open space, and adjacent parkway areas not occupied by
driveways, parking areas, walkways, building projections, and other approved
hardscape should be planted in a three-tiered design with a combination of
ground cover (not exceeding three (3) feet in height), shrubs (not exceeding
five (5) feet in height), and trees. Vertical landscape treatments such as shrubs,
hedges, and trees, should be planted along side and rear property lines to
buffer views and enhance privacy between abutting and adjoining rear and
side yards.
27SECTION 5 DESIGN GUIDELINES
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28SECTION 5 DESIGN GUIDELINES
G.11 Moderate the quantity and size of side
yard-facing openings at second stories.
If a side yard abuts another single-family residential property, no more than
fifteen (15) percent of the aggregated area of the second-story façade facing
that side yard should be dedicated toward openings such as windows and
doors.
G.12 Design accessory structures with massing
secondary to the principal residence.
Detached accessory structures should not exceed the height of the principal
residence. Attached accessory structures should be suboridnate to the primary
structure in terms of massing and height. Accessory structures shall utilize the
same materials, architectural style, and roof type as the primary home.
FIGURE 29: Landscaping three-tiered design utilizing ground cover, shrubs, and trees.
FIGURE 28: Side-facing windows at second stories should not exceed fifteen (15)
percent of the aggregated side yard-facing façade area.
Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 99
29
Subdivision-Specific
Guidelines
G.16 Follow prevailing width, depth, and area
of lots along the block.
The width, depth, and area of a lot at a subdivision should be within the
prevailing range of the widths, depths, and areas at lots along the block.
G.17 Provide landscaping and sidewalks along
new private roads.
A private road should incorporate continuous landscape buffer zones and
sidewalks that are each no less than four (4) feet in width along one (1) or
preferably both sides of the private road right-of-way.
SECTION 5 DESIGN GUIDELINES
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FIGURE 30: 32-Foot Private Road
FIGURE 31: 36-Foot Private Road
FIGURE 32: 52-Foot Private Road
30SECTION 5 DESIGN GUIDELINES
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Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 100
S.1. Use 360° architecture and maintain design consistency throughoutthe project design.S.2. Design accessory structures and/or additions with materials, roofforms, and architectural styles consistent with the principal structure.S.3. Orient front entries toward the public right-of-way.S.4. Prioritize public street-facing lots in subdivisions.S.5. Provide shade trees in setback areas.S.6. Follow existing Downey landscape standards and utilize native and/or climate-appropriate plants.
Character and Style
Should meet the criterion below.
G.1. Use Downey Characteristic Residential Architectural Styles andrelated typical features.
Mass, Bulk, and Height
Should meet a minimum 4 of 5 below.
G.2. Utilize characteristic major and minor massing along front and sideyard-facing façades.G.3. Reduce second-story footprints in relation to first-story footprints.G.4. Utilize single-story features facing front yards.G.5. Maintain prevailing floor-to-plate and overall building heights.G.6. Limit double-height exterior features.
Parking and Driveways
Should meet a minimum 2 of 4 below.
G.7. Place and orient garages in relation to the prevailing neighborhoodcontext.G.8. Maintain existing side yard driveways and/or prevailing open spacepattern.G.9. Provide alley-accessible required parking.G.10. Moderate garage height and/or placement as subordinate to theprincipal dwelling.
Side and Rear Yards
Should meet the criterion below.
G.11. Moderate the quantity and size of side yard-facing openings atsecond stories (maximum 15% openings).
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Section 6: Development Standards
and Design Guidelines Checklist
This checklist should be utilized by applicants and City Staff to determine consistency with the Development Standards and Design Guidelines noted in this booklet.
Development Standards
This section is mandatory; meet all criteria below.
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Accessory Structures
Should meet the criterion below.
G.12. Design accessory structures with massing secondary to the principalresidence.
Additions
Should meet a minimum 1 of 2 below.
G.13. Utilize single-story characteristic features facing front yards onadditions (i.e. porches, wings, dormers).G.14. Place second-story additions behind existing ridgelines.
Landscaping
Should meet the criterion below.
G.15. Provide landscape in setback areas.
Subdivision-Specific Guidelines
Subdivisions should meet both criteria below. Subdivision projects should also
meet other Guidelines noted in this checklist.
G.16. Follow prevailing width, depth, and area of lots along the block.G.17. Provide landscaping and sidewalks along new private roads.
Use of Section 2: Residential Design Goals and Principles
In cases where Guidelines are not met, as determined by use of this Checklist, and/
or the applicant utilizes a non-Downey Characteristic Architectural Style, the
following Design Principles should be satisfied per the process outlined on page 2
of this booklet.
1.Design additions and new construction that follow the prevailingmass, bulk, height, and modulation patterns of other buildings seenin the neighborhood and along the same block face(s).2.Utilize single-story characteristics, such as porches, dormers, andwings, in areas with a prevailing presence of one-story homes.3.Maintain street wall continuity, orientation of entries towardsidewalks, utilization of one-story components and roof elements,placement of garages, and use of materials seen along the sameblock face(s).4.Retain prevailing setbacks, privacy, and open space at side and rearyards, particularly in cases involving rear yard accessory structures.5.Use multi-tiered and region-appropriate landscape design thatrealizes privacy between adjacent and abutting lots.6.Minimize the visual impacts of automobiles, parking, garages, anddriveways along rights-of-way by utilizing prevailing driveway andgarage placements.7.Maintain street wall continuity, entry orientation, landscape andsetbacks along public rights-of-way on new subdivisions and privateroads.
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Section 7: Definitions
Accessory Structure: Any structure, detached from or attached to the
principal structure, that is customarily a part of or clearly incidental to a
residence, such as a garage, which does not change the character of the
residential use and/or household.
Accessory Use: A use incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the
premises, which does not alter the characteristics of the use considered as a
whole and as related to other uses permitted in the same zone (definition per
Section 9122 of the Downey Municipal Zoning Code).
Adjoining: refers to a property, lot, or completed project that meets all of
the following criteria:
•is located along the same block and same side of the street as the
designated design project; and
•abuts the interior side lot line(s) of the project; and
•is not located at a reversed corner lot.
Cul-De Sac Street: The continuous segment of a street between a dead-end
and its nearest street intersection.
Designated Design Project/Project Design/Project: The alteration, addition,
or new construction to which these Design Guidelines apply.
Dormer: A window that protrudes out of a sloping roof, typically from a
second story.
Double-Height Architectural Element: An architectural element whose
height exceeds the height of the first story eave line or twelve (12) feet,
whichever is more restrictive.
Eave: The lower edge or thickness of a roof that overhangs and extends
beyond the exterior perimeter wall of a structure.
Ell: A portion or mass of a building that extends or projects from the main
portion of the structure.
Façade: The exterior wall or face of a building that abuts or faces a front,
side, or rear yard.
Front-Loaded Garage: A garage that is attached to the principal structure
and abuts a front yard. The entrance to a front-loaded garage may face either
a front yard or a side yard.
Gable, Cross-Gable Roof: A gable roof is a roof form that consists of two
(2) planes sloped upwards and inwards towards the center of the building. A
cross-gable roof consists of two (2) or more gable roofs that intersect.
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Hipped Roof, Double-Hipped Roof: A roof form in which all planes slope
downwards towards the exterior perimeter of the building. A double-hipped
roof exhibits multiple layers of hipped roofs, sometimes stacked.
Intersection: A point at which two (2) or more public road, alley, and/or
private road sections intersect with one another.
Mass/Massing: The comprehensive bulk or three-dimensional form of a
building or portion of a building as viewed from the exterior.
Prevailing Character(s): The most common qualitative features such as
pattern(s), style(s), expression(s), or other attribute(s) held by at least fifty (50)
percent of a designated group of completed projects. Refer to Figure 20 on
the next page.
Prevailing Range: A set of numerical values describing a quantitative
specification or feature of a designated group of competed projects,
exclusive of the lowest twenty-five (25) percent and the highest twenty-five
(25) percent of the set. Refer to Figure 20 on the next page.
Principal Structure: The primary structure(s) within which is conducted the
principal use of the lot (definition per Section 9152 of the Downey Municipal
Zoning Code).
Private Road: The curb-to-curb area of a road, driveway, or alley that runs
through at least one (1) lot and/or lot subdivision to access another lot and/
or lot subdivision.
Rear-Accessing Driveway: A driveway that accesses and adjoins or abuts
an interior side yard, a street-facing side yard, or an alleyway, and leads to
a detached garage or designated parking space located in the rear one-half
(1/2) of a lot.
Rear Garage: A garage that is located in the rear one-half (1/2) of the lot and
detached from the principal residence.
Ridgeline: The peak of a sloped or pitched roof, where two or more planes
meet.
Wing: A portion or mass of a building that intersects with and is subordinate
to the main mass of the structure. It serves as a single-story characteristic
when designed as a one-story mass protruding from a two-story structure
towards the public right-of-way.
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3635SECTION 7 TERM DEFINITIONS
FIGURE 33: Illustrative Conditions Demonstrating Prevailing Range and Prevailing
Character
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Section 8: References and
Resources
Architectural Style
•The Abrams Guide to American House Styles, William Morgan
•American House Styles: A Concise Guide, John Milnes Baker
•A Field Guide to American Houses, Virginia & Lee McAlester
•A Field Guide to American Architecture, Carole Rifkind
•Western Ranch Houses by Cliff May
Double-Height Standards
•Table 9.3.3 of Section 9312.08 of the Downey Municipal Zoning Code
Landscape Standards
•Section 9312.08 and Section 9520.04 of the Downey Municipal Zoning
Code
•Sunset Western Landscape, Kathleen Norris
•Water Use Classification of Landscape Species website
www.ucanr.edu
•Los Angeles County Drought Tolerant Landscape Design Guidelines
Second-Story Modulation Standards
•Table 9.3.3 of Section 9312.08 of the Downey Municipal Zoning Code
Subdivision and Private Road Standards
•Section 9916 and Section 9933 of the Downey Municipal Zoning Code.
Exhibit D PC Agenda Page 103
EXISTING STANDARDS
PROPOSED STANDARDS
Typical Tract Home
Zoning Envelope
Typical New Construction
Draft R1 Recommendations
Downey Single Family Neighborhood Design Study
5,000 SF Lot
NEW CONSTRUCTION 1
Typical Tract Home
Zoning Envelope
Front Facing Garage
5’ Setback
(N) Tree
20'
45'
28'
50'
50'
100'
20'
35'
29%
LOT COVERAGE
0.45
FAR
0.33
FAR
33%
LOT COVERAGE
20'
37'
40'
5'
5'
10'
3'
20'
45'
28'
100'
20'
35'
20'
5'
5'
40%5'
0.33
FAR
0.60
FAR
50'
50'
37'
40'
5'
5'
10'
3'
1-Story Porch
Exhibit E PC Agenda Page 104
EXISTING STANDARDS
PROPOSED STANDARDS
Draft R1 Recommendations
Downey Single Family Neighborhood Design Study
8,500 SF Lot
NEW CONSTRUCTION 2
36'
28'
0.35
FAR
100'
20'
44'
5'
20'
20'
40%
5'
0.60
FAR
85'
85'
79'
75'
5'
5'
3'
3'
Typical Tract Home
Typical Tract Home
Zoning Envelope
Typical New Construction
21'
13'
30'
36'
85'
85'
100'
20'
44'
30'
27%
LOT COVERAGE
20'
0.35
FAR
0.45
FAR
35%
LOT COVERAGE
20'
28'
79'
67'
9'
9'
3'
3'
Zoning Envelope
(N) Tree
Front Facing Garage
5’ Setback
Exhibit E PC Agenda Page 105
44'
30'
122'
20'
58'
10'
5'
20'
20'
40%
0.60
FAR
0.41
FAR
82'
82'
68'
72'
5'
5'
11'
3'
EXISTING STANDARDS
PROPOSED STANDARDS
Draft R1 Recommendations
Downey Single Family Neighborhood Design Study
10,000 SF Lot
NEW CONSTRUCTION 3
Typical Tract Home
Typical Tract Home
Zoning Envelope
Typical New Construction
Zoning Envelope
(N) Tree
Front Facing Garage
5’ Setback
44'
82'
82'
122'
20'
58'
12'
30'
30'
20'
30'20'
30%
LOT COVERAGE
0.41
FAR
0.45
FAR
41%
LOT COVERAGE
20'
68'
66'
8'
8'
11'
3'
Exhibit E PC Agenda Page 106
EXISTING STANDARDS
EXISTING STANDARDS
Draft R1 Recommendations
Downey Single Family Neighborhood Design Study
47,684 SF Lot
SUBDIVISION 4
PROPOSED STANDARDS
10,270
PREVAILING LOT AREA
9,262
SUBDIVIDED LOT AREA
0.71
FAR
0.71
FAR
0.79
FAR
0.88
FAR
341'
285'
86'
85'
85'
85'
0.46
FAR
0.45
FAR
0.47
FAR
0.54
FAR
0.49
FAR
0.42
FAR
0.35
FAR
Fire Access
Turn Around
Typical Tract Homes
Private Street Facing
Non-Conforming
Fire Access
Turn Around
Public Street Facing
Parallel
Parking
Space
0.45
FAR
45%
Lot Coverage
0.45
FAR
45%
Lot Coverage
0.45
FAR
45%
Lot Coverage
0.45
FAR
45%
Lot Coverage
0.45
FAR
45%
Lot Coverage
(N) Street Trees
Public Street Facing
Exhibit E PC Agenda Page 107