PC - Item 5A - Single Family Residential Design Review ProcessROSEMEAD PLANNING COMMISSION
MEMORANDUM
TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
FROM: PLANNING DIVISION
DATE: NOVEMBER 2, 2020
SUBJECT: SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS
SUMMARY
At the Planning Commission meeting on October 19, 2020, Vice -Chair Vuong requested
that the Planning Commission discuss the residential design review process of single-
family dwellings at a future Planning Commission meeting.
DISCUSSION
There are two types of Site Plan and Design Reviews for residential projects, which
includes Administrative Site Plan and Design Review and Discretionary Site Plan and
Design Review.
Administrative Site Plan and Design Review
An Administrative Site Plan and Design Review is reviewed by Planning Division staff and
applies to:
• The construction of any single-family or two-family dwelling unit in the R-1, R-2,
and R-3 zones that has a total developed living area of less than two thousand five
hundred (2,500) square feet;
• A residential addition and modification to a single-family or two-family dwelling unit
in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 zones, in which the total developed living area with the
addition is less than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet. A modification
to a residential structure shall include structural fagade improvements, front yard
porches, and roof pitch changes;
• The installation of hardscape directly adjacent to a new or remodeled residential
d riveway;
• The installation of a portable shade structure in the rear yard of a R-1 or R-2 lot;
• The installation of new fences and walls in a residential front yard; and
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November 2, 2020
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• The construction including expansion of square footage of any accessory
structure, including patio covers, pools, and spas.
• Minor, nonstructural repairs and maintenance to existing structures provided such
minor maintenance and repairs meet the standards of the underlying zone shall be
exempt from an administrative site plan review. Minor repairs and maintenance to
nonconforming residential structures shall comply with Chapter
17.72 (Nonconforming Uses, Structures, Lots, and Parking Facilities).
Discretionary Site Plan and Design Review
A Discretionary Site Plan and Design Review is reviewed by the Planning Commission
and applies to:
• Any new dwelling unit to be constructed that equals or exceeds two thousand five
hundred (2,500) square feet of developed living area;
• Any addition to a dwelling unit in which the total floor area with the addition equals
or exceeds two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of developed living area;
• Any fill that would raise the building pad or front yard elevation by more than
twenty-four (24) inches above the natural grade; and
• The construction of a multi -family dwelling or apartment building in the R-3 zone.
During the review process for both administrative and discretionary projects, Planning
Division staff would review the plans to ensure that the project is consistent with the
Zoning Code and any adopted Guidelines and policies that may apply. In 2007, the City
Council adopted the Single Family Residential Design Guidelines (Guidelines) to ensure
future single-family homes are designed to be sensitive to the context of existing
neighborhoods throughout the community. A copy of the Guidelines is attached as Exhibit
"A". The goals of the Guidelines is to promote the orderly transition of neighborhoods,
protect property values, encourage excellence in architectural design, preserve
neighborhood compatibility, and provide for design flexibility.
The Guidelines incorporate standards from the Zoning Code, as well as,
recommendations to provide optional ways to comply with the goals and increase the
likelihood of favorable staff comment and project approval. Since the recommendations
in the Guidelines are not incorporated as standards in the Zoning Code, Planning Division
staff has only been encouraging property owners, designers, and Architects to
incorporate design elements into the design of the single-family dwelling. However, more
recently, staff has noticed that there is an increase in property owners, designers, or
Architects that have diverted from City staff's design recommendations as the Guidelines
are subjective and not regulatory. For this reason, staff has consulted with the City
Attorney's Office and has received confirmation that staff may enforce the Guidelines as
RMC Section 17.136.010 (C), states Site Plan and Design Review procedures and
standards provide for comprehensive review of proposed development projects to:
"Ensure compliance with the required standards, design guidelines, and
ordinances of the City; minimize potential adverse effects on surrounding
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properties and the environment; and protect the integrity and character of the
residential, commercial and public areas of the City." This will assist the Planning
Division in enforcing design elements on the exterior of single-family homes that are
lacking design or incompatible with the neighborhood.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Planning Commission receive and file this report.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
Prepared by:
A Z—,
Lily Valenzuela, Planning and Economic Development Manager
Submitted by:
C -Angelica Frausto-Lupo, Dir ctor of Community Development
EXHIBITS:
A. Single Family Design Guidelines