HomeMy WebLinkAbout560CITY OF IRWINDALE
ORDINANCE NO. 560
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE ADOPTING
CHAPTER 17.70 OF THE IRWINDALE MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING SITE
PLAN AND DESIGN REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
AND STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ALL COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
STRUCTURES ERECTED, IMPROVED, EXTENDED, OR MODIFIED
WITHIN THE CITY OF IRWINDALE
WHEREAS, in accordance with California law, the City of Irwindale ("City") is
desirous of assuring that all commercial and industrial development within the City is
consistent with the general and any applicable specific plans; and
WHEREAS, the City is further desirous of adopting consistent requirements and
standards for the review and approval of site plans and architectural features of all
commercial and industrial structures erected, improved, extended or modified within the
City boundaries; and
WHEREAS, the City has adopted design guidelines to assure consistency in the
design standards of commercial and industrial structures, which guidelines the City
anticipates will be refined and modified from time -to -time to incorporate the desires and
goals of the City's residents; and
WHEREAS, the City, through this ordinance, wishes to establish a procedure
allowing the City's planning director to approve the design plans for construction of
small structures, and the City's planning commission to consider and recommend
approval, conditional approval or denial to the Irwindale City Council ("City Council") for
site and design plans of larger structures; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to establish the relevant criteria for the consideration
of site plan and design review under the provisions of this ordinance.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRWINDALE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Irwindale hereby establishes a site
plan and design review program to, among other things, address the requirements and
procedures for site plan and design review of all commercial and industrial structures
erected, improved, extended or modified within the City of Irwindale.
SECTION 2. The following provisions are adopted as a new Chapter 17.70 of
the Irwindale Municipal Code:
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Chapter 17.70
SITE PLAN AND DESIGN REVIEW
Sections:
17.70.010
Generally.
17.70.020
Purposes of provisions.
17.70.030
Review procedures.
17.70.040
Application and submission of site plan.
17.70.050
Findings and standard of review.
17.70.060
Expiration and revision.
17.70.070
Required dedications and improvements.
17.70.080
Building permit prerequisites.
17.70.010 Generally. No person shall construct any building or structure or
make structural and physical improvements, additions, extensions and/or exterior
alterations, and no permit shall be issued for such construction until the site plan and
design has been submitted to, reviewed by, and approved in accordance with this
chapter. The property may only be developed, used and maintained in accordance with
the approved site plan and design review.
17.70.020 Purposes of Provisions. The purpose of site plan and design
review is to ensure that proposed development in the city is in conformity with the intent
and provisions of this title and to guide city departments in the issuance of permits. In
addition, it is the purpose of this chapter to ensure that proposed development is
compatible with surrounding development in terms of scale, style and construction
materials; that on and off-site circulation is adequate to support the project; that city
services are adequate and available; that projects are of the highest quality of land
planning and design, and that projects reflect the design themes of the community and
are consistent with the city's general plan and land use and planning, all in an effort to
protect the health, safety and welfare of the community and to enhance the
development, use, occupancy, health, safety and welfare of surrounding areas for
residential, commercial or industrial uses or purposes. Further, adherence to the
standards herein will benefit the occupancy of existing property, enhance the stability
and value of both improved and unimproved real property, and encourage appropriate
development.
17.70.030 Review Procedures. A. Informal Review. Prior to filing a formal
application for site plan and design review, applicants are encouraged to submit
drawings to the planning department for informal review and comments. Applicants with
applications subject to planning commission site plan and design review are further
encouraged to schedule, through the planning department, an informal review workshop
with the planning commission prior to processing a final application for site plan and
design review.
B. Review by the Director. The site plan and design review applications set
forth in this subsection shall be reviewed and approved, conditionally approved, or
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denied by the director of the planning department or the director's designated
representative, based on findings made pursuant to Section 17.70.050 and without prior
notice to the applicant. However, the applicant shall be notified in writing of the
director's decision. If the planning director approves a site plan or design review
application under this subsection, the applicant shall be entitled to issuance of
necessary permits upon compliance with all preconditions to such issuance after
expiration of the appeal period as provided in subsection C of this section. The
planning director may refer any application made pursuant to this section to the
planning commission for determination. All site plan and design review applications
filed in conjunction with variance, conditional use permit, zoning ordinance amendment
and tentative tract map requests will be reviewed by the planning commission. Those
site plan and design review applications subject to the director's approval are the
construction of new buildings, additions or extensions which are one thousand (1000)
square feet or less in gross floor area in any commercial or industrial zone;
C. Appeals to Planning Commission. The applicant or any aggrieved party
may appeal to the planning commission a decision of the director of the planning
department to deny or conditionally approve any application for site plan and design
review by filing an appeal in writing with the planning director within ten (10) calendar
days following the date of written notification to the applicant of the director's decision.
If a timely appeal is not filed, the director's decision shall be final. The planning
commission shall hear the matter at their next regularly scheduled meeting at which the
matter can be heard. Notice of the hearing on the application for site plan and design
review shall be given as provided in subsection E of this section. The planning
commission may sustain, modify, or overrule the decision of the director. In so doing,
the planning commission shall make the findings and apply the standard of review
contained in Section 17.70.050. The determination of the planning commission shall be
final unless an appeal to the City Council is timely filed.
D. Completeness of Applications. The director of the planning department or
the director's designated representative shall review all applications and site plans
submitted pursuant to Section 17.70.040 to determine if they are complete. Except as
provided in subsection B of this section, the application and accompanying drawings, if
deemed complete, shall be forwarded to the planning commission for review and
consideration at a regularly scheduled meeting in accordance with the submittal
deadlines for such meetings as posted in the planning department. The applicant shall
be notified within thirty (30) calendar days on the completeness of the application. If the
application is deemed complete, notification will include the tentatively scheduled date
of the formal review. If the application is deemed incomplete, notification will include a
list of items necessary to complete the application, and a date by which all of the
information must be submitted in order to be scheduled for the next regular hearing date
E. Review by the Planning Commission and City Council. Notice of the
hearing on the application for site plan or design review shall be given as provided in
subsection F of this section. The planning commission shall make findings as set forth
in Section 17.70.050, and based on such findings shall either recommend to the City
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Council approval, conditional approval, or denial of any application for site plan or
design review. The planning commission or City Council may, from time to time,
continue its deliberations on any application to another meeting or meetings.
F. Notice of the Hearing. Whenever notice of a planning commission or City
Council hearing on a site plan or design review application is required by this section,
such notice shall be sufficient if given in writing by first class mail, at least ten days prior
to the date of the hearing, to the applicant and those property owners, as shown on the
last equalized assessment roll, whose property, is within a five hundred (500) foot
radius of the boundary of the subject property. The notice shall also contain a general
description of the subject property, a brief description of the proposed use, the date,
time, and place of the public hearing, and shall be published in a newspaper of general
circulation at least ten days prior to the hearing.
17.70.040 Application and Submission of Site Plan. A. Application
Requirements.
1. For review by the director of the planning department, pursuant to
Section 17.70.030, the applicant shall submit a completed site plan and design review
application on a form provided by the planning department, four (4) sets of site plans,
and required fees.
2. For review by the planning commission and City Council, pursuant
to Section 17.70.030, the applicant shall submit a completed application, and all
required fees to the planning department. The applicant shall also submit fifteen (15)
sets of architectural elevations, landscape and site plans, two (2) sets of plain white
gummed mailing labels with the addresses of all property owners within five hundred
(500) feet of the subject property, and a radius map, clearly indicating those other
properties within five hundred (500) feet of the subject property, and any other
supporting documentation, such as title reports, photographs, material boards, etc.,
required by the planning department.
B. Required Information. The submittal shall include the following
information:
1. Fully dimensioned site plan and all of the following:
a. Name, address, and phone number of applicant, property
owner, and architect/designer,
b. The correct legal description, including the assessor's parcel
number,
C. Lot dimensions,
rights-of-way, d. All buildings and structures on site and within the public
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e. Fully dimensioned floor plans showing the proposed use of
each area, and all corridors, doorways and restrooms,
f. Yards and spaces between buildings, including dimensions,
g. Walls and fences and their location, height and materials,
h. Off-street parking location, number of spaces and
dimensions of parking area, internal circulation pattern, and type of paving,
i. Pedestrian, vehicular, and service access, points of ingress
and egress, internal circulation,
circulation,
Signs and their location, size, height, materials and lighting,
k. Handicapped spaces, location and ramps,
1. Loading location, dimensions, number of spaces and internal
M. Light location and details, hooding devices,
n. Required street dedications, and improvements, as provided
in Section 17.70.070,
o. For residential construction, a statement of intent to use
dwelling units(s) as model home(s), or if no such use is intended, a statement to that
effect;
2. A landscaping and irrigation plan showing location, spacing and
size of landscape materials as they will appear after three years of growth, and a list of
proposed species, including the common botanical name. Street trees and existing on-
site trees must also be shown and identified where necessary. Existing trees to be
removed or retained shall also be shown and identified;
3. Hardline drawings of building elevations, showing all sides of the
proposed building(s) as they will appear upon completion, including proposed colors
and materials, screening details for mechanical equipment, and building height.
Elevations may be required to include graphic representation of official datum line and
maximum building height and shall include human figures to indicate scale of proposed
structure;
4. Drainage pattern and structures;
5. Towers, chimneys, roof structures, flagpoles, radio and television
masts, all mechanical equipment external to main or accessory structures, and their
location, design, site, height, materials, colors, screening, and architectural treatment;
IRV #15757 v3
Ordinance No. 560
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6. Detailed sign plan, indicating sign location, dimensions, materials,
colors, lighting and mounting details for all signs, including directional, advertising,
business and project identification signs;
7. Environmental data and supporting documentation sufficient for the
planning director, as the case may be, to make adequate findings pursuant to the
requirements of California Environmental Quality Act of 1970;
8. In addition to the above, the planning director, planning commission
or City Council may require additional information, including the following:
a. Section through sites,
b. Preliminary grading plans,
C. Colored renderings and/or perspective drawings,
d. Site line drawings, indicating relationship of proposed
buildings and structures to existing structures on adjacent properties and to any public
street or other public areas where views may be affected,
e. Traffic studies required if project is in traffic study area,
Acoustical reports,
g. A scale model of proposed structures which may be required
to indicate structures on adjoining properties,
h. Any other information pertinent to the application required by
the planning director.
C. Property within Community Redevelopment Agency Areas. If the
application pertains to property which is located within a redevelopment project area,
the application shall also include, as deemed necessary by the director of planning, an
explanation of how the site plan complies with the applicable redevelopment plan and
regulations of the community redevelopment agency.
E. Fees. The fees shall be such as the city council may by resolution
establish from time to time.
17.70.050 Findings and Standard of Review. A. Findings. In approving or
conditionally approving a site plan and design review application, the director of
planning, planning commission on appeal of a planning director decision or City Council,
as the case may be, shall find that:
1. The proposed project is in conformance with the general plan,
zoning ordinance, and other ordinances and regulations of the city;
W
Ordinance No. 560
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2. The proposed project is in conformance with any redevelopment
plan and regulations of the community redevelopment agency and any executed
owner's participation agreement or disposition and development agreement;
3. The following are so arranged as to avoid traffic congestion, to
ensure the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to prevent adverse effect on
surrounding properties:
a. Facilities and improvements,
b. Pedestrian and vehicular ingress, egress, and internal
circulation,
C. Setbacks,
d. Height of buildings,
e. Signs,
f. Mechanical and utility service equipment,
g. Landscaping,
h. Grading,
("N i. Lighting,
j. Parking,
k. Drainage,
1. Intensity of land use;
4. The proposed development is consistent with applicable city design
guidelines and historic design themes, and provides for appropriate exterior building
design and appearance consistent and complementary to present and proposed
buildings and structures in the vicinity of the subject project while still providing for a
variety of designs, forms and treatments.
B. Site Plan and Design Review Criteria. In reviewing any site plan or design
review application pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, the planning director,
planning commission, or City Council, as the case may be, shall utilize the following
criteria, as included in the Irwindale Commercial and Industrial Design Guidelines, dated
October 2001 (Attachment "A").
1. The overall development plan integrates land with building forms
and achieves architectural unity and environmental harmony within the development,
consistent with the objective of emphasizing and enhancing the positive aesthetic
t^`1 characteristics existing, developing or to be developed in the surrounding area;
IRV #15757 v3
Ordinance No. 560
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2. Structures shall be situated so as to minimize alteration of natural
land forms, to minimize disruption of desirable trees and vegetation, and to minimize
interference with the privacy of and views from surrounding properties;
I Building pads should be established and graded as near to existing
topographic elevations as possible and in such manner as to blend with contours of
adjoining properties and avoid abrupt transitions;
4. Exterior building treatments are restrained, not harsh or garish, and
selected for durability, wear characteristics, ease of maintenance, and initial beauty. All
exterior treatments are coordinated with regard to color, materials, architectural form,
and detailing to achieve design harmony and continuity. Exposed metal flashing or trim
should be anodized or painted to blend with the exterior colors of the building;
5. Rooflines on a building are compatible throughout the development
and with surrounding development;
6. Buildings and related outdoor spaces are designed to avoid abrupt
changes in building scale. The height and bulk of buildings are in scale with
surrounding sites and do not visually dominate the site or call undue attention to
buildings. Structures higher than two stories emphasize horizontal, as well as vertical
appearance, e.g., by the use of projection or recession of stories, balconies, horizontal
fenestration, changes in roof levels or planes, landscaping or outdoor structures or
detailing, to convey a more personal scale;
7. The development protects the site and surrounding properties from
noise, vibration, odor, and other factors which may have an adverse effect on the
environment;
8. The designs of buildings, driveways, loading facilities, parking
areas, signs, landscaping, lighting and other project features are responsive both to
functional requirements, such as automobile, pedestrian and bicycle circulation, and to
aesthetic concerns, including the visual impact on other properties and from the view of
the public street;
9. The designs of accessory structures, fences and walls are
harmonious with main buildings and, insofar as possible, the same building materials
are used on all structures on the site;
10. Proposed signs, and the materials, size, color, lettering, location
and arrangement thereof, are an integrated part of, and complementary to, the overall
design of the entire development;
11. Landscaping is incorporated in such a way as to complement the
overall development, enhance visual interest and appeal, and visually integrate
buildings within the natural setting. Landscaping shall include combinations of trees,
shrubs, turf, and groundcover with major emphasis on utilization and retention of native
species and drought tolerant plant materials suited to local climatic conditions.
Ordinance No. 560
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Landscaping in parking areas shall be located so as to provide visual relief from
expanses of paved surfaces. Landscaping buffers shall be used to screen exterior trash
and recycling areas, loading docks and ramps, electrical utility boxes and transformers,
and fire flow valves and backflow preventers;
12. Landscape buffers should also be used, in conjunction with earthen
berms, to minimize the visual impact and presence of vehicles by screening them from
view to the extent feasible from both on-site and off-site vantage points;
13. Mechanical and utility service equipment is designed as part of the
structure or is screened consistent with building design. Electrical transformers shall
not be located in required front yard setbacks. Large vent stacks and similar features
should be avoided, but if essential, are screened from view or painted to be non -
reflective and compatible with building colors. Rooftop mechanical equipment shall be
screened from view of public rights-of-way or integrated into the design of the structure.
Particular attention should be paid to minimizing the visual impact of rooftop equipment
which may be visible from properties or rights-of-way at higher elevations;
14. Natural space -heating, cooling, ventilation and day lighting are
provided, to the extent possible, through siting, building design and landscaping. Deep
eaves, overhangs, canopies and other architectural features that provide shelter and
shade should be encouraged;
15. Trash enclosures and truck loading areas, to the extent feasible,
�* shall be located out of view from public rights-of-way, and shall be of appropriate size
[. and shape to accommodate additional receptacles for recycling materials;
16. Proposed building, walkway, and parking lighting enhances building
design and landscaping, as well as security and safety, and does not create glare for
occupants on adjoining properties;
17. Drainage is provided so as to avoid flow onto adjacent property;
18. On new development, all utility facilities are underground;
19. Adequate provisions are made for fire safety;
20. All zoning ordinance development standards are met.
17.70.060 Expiration and Revision. A. Following the completion of the review
procedure set forth in Section 17.70.030, written notification of approval and any
conditions thereof shall be made to the applicant. Construction of the improvements set
forth in the approved site plan shall be commenced within one (1) year from the date the
approved site plan is signed by the planning director. Thereafter, if construction has not
commenced, if construction activity has been abandoned for ninety (90) or more days,
or if construction is not complete by the time set forth in any condition of approval, the
site plan and design review approval shall expire and become null and void, unless a
^+ written request for extension is received by the planning director at least thirty (30) days
IRV #15757 v3
Ordinance No. 560
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prior to such expiration or abandonment. Upon receipt of written request for extension,
the planning director may grant an extension of site plan and design review approval for 10)
a period not to exceed one (1) year from the original date of expiration, or may refer
such request to the planning commission for determination.
B. Any changes or revisions to an approved site plan shall be subject to
approval in accordance with this chapter.
17.70.070 Required Dedications and Improvements. A. If the planning
director, director of public works, planning commission, or City Council finds that the
development of the property subject to site plan and design review will increase
vehicular traffic in that area, the planning director, director of public works, planning
commission, or City Council may require as a condition to the approval of a site plan
that an applicant provide the following street dedications and improvements reasonably
in proportion to increased vehicular traffic which the planning director, director of public
works, planning commission, or City Council determines is caused by development on
the subject property:
1. When the development borders or is traversed by an existing
street, the following may be required:
a. Minor Streets, Local Streets, and Cul-de-sacs. Dedication of
all necessary rights-of-way to widen the street to its ultimate width determined by the
city in accordance with city ordinances and regulations; installation of curbs, gutters,
sewers, drainage, street lighting, street trees, sidewalks, street signs, water mains,
driveway approaches and required utilities; and grading and improving from curb to
existing pavement;
b. Major Streets and State
facilities to required distances from the property lint
completion of street improvements, as shown on the
gutters, sewers, drainage, street lighting, sidewalks,
mains, driveway approaches and required utilities;
roadway for a distance of eighteen feet from the curb.
Highways. The setback of all
ultimately established following
leneral plan; installation of curbs,
street trees, street signs, water
and grading and improving the
2. When the development does not border or is not traversed by an
existing street, frontage roads or new roads of any class determined by the planning
director, director of public works, planning commission, or City Council to be necessary
due to the development shall be dedicated to the city. Such streets or roads shall be
fully graded and improved with curbs, gutters, sewers, drainage; sidewalks, street trees,
street signs, street lighting, water mains, driveway approaches, required utilities, and
grading and paving; provided, that where the street or road is indicated as an eventual
major street on the general plan, the amount of grading and paving required shall not
exceed that required for such existing streets under subsection A. 1.a of this section.
B. All improvements shall be made in accordance with Chapter 12.04 of this
code. If the city determines that it is impractical to require installation of required
Ordinance No. 560
Page 10
9
a
improvements at the time of the development of the subject property, the applicant shall
enter into, and record with the County Recorder's Office, a written agreement in a form
approved by the city attorney to make such improvements in the future. In the event
that such an agreement is required, the applicant shall, at the time of entering into the
agreement, deposit with the city funds in an amount equal to the estimated costs of the
improvement, as determined by the city, or the applicant shall post with the city a
performance bond or other security approved by the public works director and city
attorney to guarantee the completion of such improvements in the future. In any event,
the applicant shall be required to install such improvements upon written demand
therefor by the city.
17.70.080 Building Permit Prerequisites. Before a building permit shall be
issued for any building or structure pursuant to this chapter, the building official shall
ensure that:
A. The proposed building is in conformity with the site plan and conditions
approved by the planning director, or City Council, as the case may be;
B. All required improvements have either been installed, or an agreement
has been executed and cash or bonds have been deposited with the city to cover the
costs of the improvements;
C. All of the required dedications have been given;
D. All building code requirements have been met;
E. Fire department and other agency approvals have been obtained, where
necessary.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify as to the passage and adoption of this
ordinance and shall cause the same to be posted at ttions in the City
of Irwindale.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this
A 1111111123
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IRV #15757 Q
day of
A. Breceda, Mayor
Ordinance No. 560
Page 11
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES } ss.
CITY OF IRWINDALE }
g(0D
I, Linda J. Kimbro, Deputy Cq Clerk of the City of Irwindale, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Ordinance No.was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of
the City of Irwindale held on the 24th day of January 2002, and was finally passed at a
regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Irwindale held on the 7th day of
February 2002, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers: Miranda, Ramirez, Garcia, Tapia, Mayor Breceda
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers: None
Linda J. Kimbro, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Linda J. Kimbro, Deputy City Clerk, certify that I caused a copy of Ordinance No. 559, adopted by the City Council of the City of
Irwindale at its regular meeting held February 7, 2002, to be posted at the City Hall, Library, and Post Office on February 8, 2002.
Linda J. Kimbro, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
Ordinance No. 560
Page 12
Dated: February 8, 2002
ATTACHMENT "A"
Commercial and Industrial
Design Guidelines
October 2001
le'
IRWINDALE
Commercial and Industrial Design Guidelines
Prepared for
The City of Irwindale, California
October, 2001
Acknowledgements
City Council
Mark A Breceda, Mayor
Joseph F. Tapia, Mayor Pro Tem
Manuel R. Garcia, Councilmember
Patricio M. Miranda, Councilmemeber
Rosemary M. Ramirez, Councilmember
Planning Commission
David Fuentes, Chair
Hector M. Ortiz, Vice Chair
Louis Bernal, Commissioner
Rudy Gallardo, Commissioner
City Staff
Steve Blancarte, City Manager
Rueben Arceo, Planning Director
Prepared by
00"N
0
I I 01NDALE,
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
DELORENZO
INCORPORATED
II. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY
III. DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS
A. Overview
B. Preliminary Submittal Requirements
C. Final Submittal Requirements
D. Approvals
E. Fees
IV. COMMUNITY IMAGE
V. DESIGN GUIDELINES
A. Site Planning Elements and Principals
B. Architectural Theme and Character
C. Landscape Design Guidelines
Irwindale Design Guidelines
Page 1
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Page 5
Page 6
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Page 10
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Page 21
Page 35
r*1
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL
I. INTRODUCTION
The City of Irwindale Commercial and Industrial Design Guidelines
identify and describe the architectural and landscape design
guidelines endorsed by the City of Irwindale. The purpose of these
guidelines is to insure the successful integration of newly developed
commercial and industrial projects+ into their surroundings in order
to form a more aesthetically and functionally cohesive community.
These guidelines establish a design framework that property owners,
designers, public officials, and city employees will use to guide all
new commercial and industrial construction within the city. While
allowing creative latitude and flexibility, these guidelines also
provide a certain measure of control over the design process in order
to insure the coherence of the city's aesthetic character.
The Irwindale Senior Center and Chamber of Commerce
illustrate the California Mission Style of architecture and landscaping,
e,., incorporated within these guidelines.
Page 1
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Irwindale City Hall
While all new commercial and industrial construction must pattern
their development after these guidelines, the Planning Director is
authorized to make preliminary review judgments to insure that the
design concepts are consistent with the intent of the design
guidelines. As no two projects or circumstances are precisely alike,
such discretionary judgments shall not be considered a precedent
when considering subsequent requests for waivers.
*For the purposes of this document, the terms new construction, new
development, and new projects will include both the renovation of existing
developments (changes in building height, footprint, and elevations) as well
as wholly new construction.
Page 2
II. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY
The design guidelines included in this manual are organized into
three main sections:
• Design Review Process
The Design Review Process section describes the procedure
for submitting a proposed development project for approval
and the required fees associated with the review process.
• Community Image
The Community Image section describes the history,
character, and existing design elements common to the City
of Irwindale, and how these factors will influence the design
character of new projects.
• Design Guidelines
The Design Guidelines section describes the site planning,
architectural, and landscape design elements as they relate to
all new commercial industrial development, as well as any
modification to existing condition in these uses.
Page 3
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III. DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS
A. Overview
The Planning Director shall initially review all proposals for
comportment and consistency with the design guidelines and
make appropriate recommendations to the applicant noted
below:
• Review to accept or not accept the plan submittal
• Review to accept the proposal subject to certain
conditions
• Request the applicant resubmit the proposal with
specific, designated changes.
The applicant's proposal will be reviewed in three stages — staff
review, Planning Commission review and final review by the
City Council. Preliminary review approval must be obtained at
the staff review stage before the review process continues to the
Planning Commission stage and final review stage and approval
by the City Council.
The Planning Commission will consider staff recommendations
and recommend that the City Council approve or deny the
proposal.
Preliminary submittal
The preliminary submittal must include documentation
describing the opportunities and constraints of the site, the
conceptual architectural and landscape design, and the
location and description of the utilities, drainage, and
access. A description of how the project aesthetically and
functionally interrelates with the surrounding community
must also be included.
Final submittal
• The final submittal package must include complete
architectural, civil engineering, landscape architectural, and
signage drawings, as well as material and color
specifications. These documents must be consistent with
those included in the preliminary submittal.
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B. Preliminary Submittal Requirements
The following exhibits shall be submitted for preliminary review:
1. Site Plan — This plan shall be prepared at a minimum scale
of I" = 20' showing all major features of the site including
but not limited to buildings, parking, landscape areas, and
the location of ground signs, site lighting, easements, project
boundaries, rights -of -ways, and hardscape. The site plan
shall include a location map at an appropriate scale depicting
the proposed project's relationship to the overall community
as well as the adjacent land uses and streets. The site plan
shall also include: the developer/property owner's name,
address, telephone and fax number; project name and
address; the subject parcel's zoning; and, tabulation
indicating the total site acreage, area and percentage of
building coverage, area and percentage of parking coverage,
area and percentage of landscaping, and standard, compact,
and handicap parking counts.
2. Grading Plan — The grading plan must show existing and
proposed grades, retaining walls, drainage systems, major
profile sections, and approximate quantities of cut and fill.
The plan must be to the same scale as the site plan.
3. Architectural Plans — Architectural plans must include
elevations and sections depicting configurations, heights,
and architectural vernacular. These plans must also include
preliminary floor plans and provide a description of all
significant detail, materials, and colors in order to clearly
illustrate the style, character and essence of the proposed
project. Minimum drawing scale for architectural plans shall
be 1/8" = 1' — 0".
4. Landscape Concept Plan — This drawing, submitted at the
same scale as the site plan, will illustrate the design for all
landscaped areas including public spaces, parking lots, slope
plantings, project entries, buffer screening areas, walkways,
and walls. This plan must include a planting legend
identifying all planting types (i.e. street tree, screening
shrub, foundation shrub), plant species, and plant sizes.
Plant sizes should be indicated as a percentage of the total
for that specie (i.e. 75% 5 gallon, 25% 15 gallon). The
landscape concept plan must also include sections and
elevation details for walls, signs, screens, lighting, or any
other structural elements included in the design.
Page 5
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Front Elevation
(NORTH)
5. Sample Board - Provide a sample board of exterior building
materials and colors.
C. Final Submittal Requirements
The final submittal must include the revised, final site, architectural,
and landscape architectural drawings as well as material and color
specifications. These documents will be consistent with those
reviewed at the preliminary submittal and incorporate preliminary
review comments of the Planning Director.
D. Approvals
Applicants will be notified in writing regarding the findings of the
Planning Director within 30 calendar days of receipt of a complete
preliminary submittal package. If preliminary approval is granted,
applicants must subsequently present a final submittal package. The
Planning Director will notify applicants in writing regarding the
status of their final submittal package within 30 calendar days of
receipt.
E. Fees
A design review fee of _ per project shall accompany the
preliminary submittal. A subsequent fee is not required for the final
submittal, with the following exceptions:
• Project revisions of preliminary or final plans initiated by
the developer/owner after approval by the Planning
Director, other than those changes required by alterations in
codes or ordinances, will require resubmittal of all
materials, a review of all exhibits, as well as an additional
payment of the design review fee.
• If changes occur in codes or ordinances after preliminary or
final plans are submitted, a resubmission and review of
relevant documents is required, however, an additional
design review fee is not required.
A newly proposed McDonald's • Final plan submittals that do not adequately reflect the
represents the architectural changes required by the Planning Director on the
style of the historic California preliminary submittal are subject to resubmittal fees up to
Missions. the amount of the original application fee, depending upon
the degree of non-compliance. The resubmittal fee is left to
the discretion of the Planning Director.
• Appeal application fee is
Page 6
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IV. COMMUNITY IMAGE
Historical and Cultural Context
The City of Irwindale has reached a turning point in its history.
Once dominated by various mining industries, the lifespan of these
businesses are now coming to a close and the City is presented with
the opportunity for new commercial and industrial development. The
use of The City of Irwindale Commercial and Industrial Design
Guidelines to direct this new development will ensure that many
aspects of the rich natural and cultural history of the City of
Irwindale are incorporated into this development, helping to form a
more aesthetically and functionally cohesive community.
In order to preserve and protect the City's Spanish heritage, while
promoting and enriching the community's quality of life, these
commercial and industrial guidelines have been established to direct
all such development. These guidelines will insure that the built
environment is responsive to the community's cultural values and
historical identity.
Page 7
Cobblestone is used as a
design feature along the
Irwindale Blvd. parkway.
Created upon an alluvial fan of streams, flowing across the San
Gabriel Valley and carrying large quantities sediment down from the
mountains above, the City of Irwindale was built on top of these
historic sediment deposits, becoming the ideal home for several
major sand and gravel mining operations. These design guidelines
reflect the spirit of the city's geographical and geological history as
well as its historically dominant mining industry by encouraging the
incorporation of sand, rock and cobble materials into buildings, site
elements, and the landscaping. A local Irwindale icon (pictured
below), the Church on Arrow Highway, provides an excellent local
example of this historical character as it was built with indigenous
river cobblestones.
Additionally, the City of Irwindale is proud of the strong Hispanic
and Latino heritage claimed by the majority of its longstanding
residents. To support and promote this pride, as well as to pay
homage to those missionaries who settled in the San Gabriel Valley
during the 16 & 1700's, an architectural style that has its roots in the
California Mission Style is considered fitting for the community.
Page 8
This architectural style will also emulate that of Irwindale's sister
city Guanajuato, Mexico. Guanajuato contains many historic
examples of traditional Mexican and Spanish architecture, upon
which the California Mission style is based, and will provide
guidance for Irwindale's new development.
While a traditional California Mission architectural style has been
selected to represent the character of the City of Irwindale, these
guidelines stress that this style must consist of more than stylized
plant -ons, shapes and colors. Rather, the siting, form, massing and
proportions of the building must be true to the architectural history of
the style, whether a true re-creation of an historic building or a
modern interpretation of the style.
Page 9
el`
V. DESIGN GUIDELINES
Major components in these design guidelines are:
A. Site planning elements and principals
B. Architectural theme and character
C. Landscape design elements
A. Site Planning Elements and Principals
These principles are intended to establish general design
characteristics and a broad framework for the physical form and use
of commercial and industrial buildings in the City of Irwindale. The
primary emphasis of these principles is on the interrelationships of
buildings and public spaces; specific design details of individual
structures are discussed in the architectural theme and character
section that follows.
General Site Planning Consideration
• Continuity should be maintained through the use of unified or
complementary pedestrian amenities, landscaping, and similar
design features.
Freestanding buildings should be grouped around a common
focal point or design feature.
Undesirable
Page 10
Desirable
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New buildings should provide connections with existing
pedestrian circulation systems.
Undesirable Desirable
Adequate buffers should be provided between residential areas
and adjacent commercial or industrial development
_JI
Commerical/IndustrialML
\IIM
�Kill ■ ■ ■
■■
Residential Commercial/Industrial Residential
Page 11
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• Buildings should be designed to be minimized shade/shadow
impacts and to protect solar access rights of adjacent properties.
Undesirable
Desirable
Buildings should be designed to avoid harsh or dramatic
contrasts in form and scale
Buildings should be designed to create smooth transitions in
scale through the use of low- and mid -rise building forms or
through the use of terraced elevations adjacent to less intense
uses.
e� &ML�-
Undesirable Desirable
The scale and bulk of larger buildings should be broken down
with lower building projections, arcades, or other design
elements.
E /) L
Undesirable
Page 12
i�i/�a�
i� -�
Desirable
Go
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Ground floors of all buildings should be designed to stimulate
visual interest and to encourage pedestrian activity.
Undesirable
Undesirable
Desirable
Buildings located adjacent to major streets should border the
street edge to encourage pedestrian activity and to complement
historic downtown patterns of development.
Page 13
WK71 LESIV
Desirable
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Buildings within the same block should maintain relative scale,
punctuated by taller buildings or design features at appropriate
focal points or activity centers. Varied roollines should also be
incorporated to add visual interest.
• Courtyards should be developed along lengthy building facades
to create variety and increase visual interest.
Page 14
Undesirable
•
Desirable
Building design should be designed to locate high activity uses
(restaurants, entertainment uses, etc.) adjacent to major
pedestrian circulation. Strong visual relationships should also
be established between all pedestrian circulation systems and
their adjacent uses. Outdoor uses are especially encouraged
along pedestrian ways.
Page 15
59
Individual Proiect Entries
It is desirable to have project entries centrally located along the street
frontage, as grading permits, to allow entering motorists a primary
focus on the building itself. The use of appropriately scaled
sculptural elements of an appropriate scale is encouraged within the
landscaped environment.
1 I
CIL�M
oaamnt :I _
'f— —
Preferred
Alternative
dhwAonal
sign
t 20�J� x. tatry monument
coDMatoae pavement
carry mooameat ,
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SIP
Page 16
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Overall, the project entry should provide a focal point to both
welcome and guide entry to visitors and employees. Sensitivity to
pedestrian scale is necessary, as well as the provisions of plaza
spaces designed in concert with adjacent building entries.
Enriched paving of the tile, cobblestone, or granite paver variety will
further enhance the entry statement.
Project entrances must be enhanced by deciduous and/or flowering
trees and low evergreen accent planting. Ease of maintenance and
plantings that provide year-round visual stimulation are also of prime
consideration.
Low planting of ground cover, turf, or annual color can be used in
combination in the foreground. When turf is used with other
plantings it should be separated with a mow strip of concrete or other
substantial material.
Vehicular Access
Because of the tremendous space requirements of driveways and
parking areas, significant consideration must be given to the design
of vehicular circulation, parking, and loading areas.
The circulation system within a project should be clear, direct, and
simple, to facilitate the safe movement of visitors unfamiliar with the
project, along with frequent users.
Design of private roadways and drives around buildings are the
responsibility of individual developers. These private roads are to be
treated as extensions of existing streets within the City of Irwindale.
Private roads connecting to service yards at the rear of buildings
must also be landscaped and integrated into the project setting and
character.
Access from the street will, in most cases, be established by the
grade of the street relative to the property, and in some cases, by the
location of breaks in the median strip of roadways. Beyond this,
design considerations should be made in favor of safe and easy
movement of vehicles and pedestrians alike.
Page 17
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59
Parkin
When surface parking lots are used they must be screened from view
by well -planted berms. They should not be graded into large pads,
but rather dispersed into more convenient clusters, fitting natural
grade as much as possible (see listings for Grading and Landscape).
In addition to requirements outlined in the zoning code, these design
guidelines require that the characteristically undesirable aspects of
large parking areas shall be reasonably mitigated by the creation of
earth mounds, landscaping, screening, and fragmentation as
described under other headings.
parkin
dense shrubs
hide view of
parked cars
Page 18
min 36" high
earth berm
...or wrap berm
rl�
Loading Areas
All loading areas shall orient away from front primary elevations
(street or side with street frontage). In no case shall these facilities
be visible from any off-site location.
Screening may be accomplished with solid walls or with landform
grading and dense shrub massing if setback distance permits this
measure to be effective.
The following are two desirable examples of how loading areas can
be screened. Applicants can submit other options as well.
Desirable
Desirable
Page 19
lanting
?00`1
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Rooftop Equipment
Rooftop equipment is discouraged. As much equipment as possible
should be placed within the building or along side of the building
within walled enclosures. Elements that must be placed on the roof
should be screened.
An alternate treatment for typically mounted roof equipment will
consist of all of the following: a) aligning equipment along a parapet
wall, b) placing equipment in a symmetrical pattern, an, c) painting
equipment to match roof color.
Heating and cooling equipment located on the ground
Locate equipment away from building entries and screen equipment
with concrete block or concrete tilt up walls six feet high.
Enclosures must be painted field color to match the building.
Surrounding landscaping and berming is encouraged.
Electrical equipment rooms
Conceal electrical equipment rooms within the building envelope.
Pop -outs or shed -like additions should be avoided. Electrical rooms
should be planned in an inconspicuous location with smooth access
doors painted to match the building field color. Underground service
must be provided.
Trash enclosures
Trash enclosures are to be constructed of concrete block or concrete
tilt up and painted field color to match the building. The structure
must be six feet high with a solid latching gate. The enclosure
should be located in an inconspicuous area. Do not locate trash
enclosures in view corridors. Surrounding landscaping and berming
is encouraged.
Miscellaneous equipment
Fire department hook ups, alarm systems, sprinkler controls and
similar equipment should be located away from building entries and
outside of view corridors whenever possible.
Page 20
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B. Architectural Theme and Character
All new and/or remodeled commercial and industrial buildings in the
city of Irwindale shall be designed based on an architectural
vocabulary that reflects the design heritage and traditions of the
California Mission architectural style. Related styles such as
Monterey and Santa Barbara, and the Spanish Colonial Revival style
that exists in Irwindale's sister city of Guanajuato, Mexico will also
be considered.
California Mission Style
Page 21
Monterey Style
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Generally the architectural theme and character is defined by:
• Each individual style has a common bond of form, scale and
massing yet is different in details and features.
• Gable and hip roofs combined with simple, well-proportioned
architectural forms.
• Exposed beam ends.
• Colors that tend to light creams, beiges and tans with accent
colors used occasionally.
• Strong shadow patterns developed by offset building forms, deep
ser openings, roof overhangs and trellis work.
Horizontal look achieved by buildings that step back from one to
two stories.
Roof colors that vary from light buffs to terra cotta.
The designs may be contemporary or traditional, but shall be "soft,"
not machine oriented. They shall be characterized by simple forms,
a feeling of substantial mass, deep set openings, and distinctive
design elements used with restraint.
Use of arched colonnades and loggias with exposed wood
beams, textured walls.
• Columns and tile paving to emphasized pedestrian activity,
especially along street frontages.
Page 22
t^
The California Mission Style emphasizes large fortress like walls with small window openings and
buttresses. These elements are easily transferable to large unadorned industrial buildings.
Page 23
The following architectural design guidelines provide detailed
suggestions for building design to help refine the overall design
concept of the project. As with all guidelines in this document, these
architectural guidelines apply to new structures as well as the
rehabilitation of existing buildings.
Primary Materials
A primary material is defined as the dominant exterior material of a
building. Buildings should use only one primary material. The use
of the following primary materials is encouraged:
• Stucco ---sand finished or lightly troweled
• Masonry—concrete block, slump stone or brick.
• The use of wood is discouraged as a primary material.
The use of the following materials is in=ro riate:
• Reflective glass
• Aluminum or plastic siding
• Plant -on wood facades and plywood sidings.
• Imitation materials (simulated wood or masonry).
Undesirable
5d
Page 24
Desirable
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Accent Materials
Appropriate accent materials include:
Metals
• Glass
• Wood (stained, roughhewn)
• Brick
Stone
• Concrete (textured, exposed aggregate)
Building Color
A unified and harmonious scheme of colors can greatly enhance the
imagery of the downtown area. The following standards for color
are recommended:
Solid Stucco Building Walls ---white, light buff, beige, salmon,
warm grays.
Heavy Wood Timber ---dark brown stain.
Door ---no restrictions if door is recessed. If flush with fagade,
dark brown or rust -colored paint or stain, or natural wood finish.
Door and Window Trim ---if wood, dark brown stain or natural
wood finish. If metal, use paint to match stain or dark bronze
anodized aluminum.
Alternative colors for trim, accent materials, door, awnings and
wrought iron, which are consistent with and complementary to the
overall design and primary building colors, are also acceptable.
Page 25
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Roof Form:
The roof is one of the most significant of the building elements and
can lend cohesiveness to the entire downtown area. Simple roof
forms are most appropriate for the downtown image.
• The use of shed, gable, hip, and mansard roof forms is
encouraged.
• Roofs should be of a low pitch.
• A mansard roof should be carried across all elevations.
Discontinuous mansard roofs, which are not integrated into the
overall design of the building, are discouraged
• Where possible, the roof should serve to hide the mechanical
equipment place on the roof.
Standar
Hip Roc
Mutilatei
Hip Roof
Tasteful roof variations can add considerable variety & interest
Hip tcoot
With Corners
Partially Removed
Hip Roof
Utilizing
2 slopes
Hip
. verve Another
7ffers Clerestory
reatment
Roof
)of Fora
At Variou
Heights
Can Collid
and Color:
The use of the following roof material is encouraged:
• Mission Clay tile in shades of red, brown, and terracotta.
• Clay shingle tile in shades of red, brown, or terracotta.
Page 26
ro"'
M
Windows
Windows may either be highly ornamental or simple but should be
developed with balanced proportions. Window openings may be
accented with the use of.
Projecting bay windows
• Wood shutter and casements.
• Tile, stucco, or stone surrounding
Awnings, balconies
• Grills
1' _,� ��►s fir iM■fly
Iron Grill ... grill Large projecting
windowsupported by
pedimented
Mr�rrW-I
Wood shutter and Awnings supported Tile or stucco
Casement windows by iron rods surround
►11�
Shallow balcony Stucco
And French doors grill
Page 27
Feature windows
grouped into a
Projecting bay
• Shallow balcony and French doors
• Deeply recessed windows with overhanging moldings and sills
• Iron grills or wood grills on upper floor levels supported by
pediment windows on lower levels.
Planter boxes and pot shelves.
Doorways:
Doors are major events in the California Mission style. Because they
are a focal point of the building, they traditionally are more ornate
and highly detailed. They are traditionally one of the places where
contrasting ornamentation can relieve the broad areas of plain stucco
surfaces.
Protective overhangs
• Stucco arches
Half columns and arches
• Use of awnings
Simple recesses strengthened by a frame
Pedimented entry door
Half Column and Stucco arched surround Double wood
Arched surround and wood door door
Page 28
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Tile hood over double
wood doors
Second floor balcony and
pedimented entry door
Horseshoe arch Stucco surround and
And double door wood paneled door
Page 29
Stucco surround
as continuation
of dado
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Arcades and Columns:
Human scale can be achieved at the bases of large buildings through
the use of arcades. Providing continuous covered access to buildings
as well as protection from inclement weather, arcades can greatly
increase pedestrian comfort.
Arcades are typically semi -circular arches supported with
pilasters or columns. (1)
Columns used should be as square as possible and of adequate
thickness. The height `B" should be approximately 4 to 5 times
the width of "A". (2)
The use of columns under a straight, overhanging eave can be
used as a variation to the traditional arcade. (3)
The use of parabolic arches is inappropriate. (4)
A
fiB
Important Proportion
11111111111
Shadow Pattern
Undesirable
Page 30
Desirable
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Balconies
Balconies are a major feature of the California Mission architectural
style, and have practical as well as ornamental value. They are
commonly used in outdoor living areas and elevated miniature
gardens, providing both light and air. In addition, they add value
breaking up large masses of stucco, and help establish identity and
character.
Page 31
Balcony as a deep inset in the
Form of a Monterey loggia.
W
Balcony as projection at the
Corner of a building.
A loggia balcony with double
arches and simple wrought iron
railing flush with the wall.
Finished edge of platforms with
molding continuing around the
building as a belt mold.
Page 32
Iron railed platform supported on
plaster corbels or brackets. Railings
are light with platforms heavy or light.
The frames of the openings
and the soffits of the platform
ere decorated with tile.
Buttresses
Commonly used to support and brace the heavy walls of the early
California Missions, buttresses also provided the visual benefit of
creating important shadow patterns and architectural relief along the
long expanses of mission walls. The use of rough textured stucco,
brick, or stone buttresses is appropriate for both commercial and
industrial buildings in the City of Irwindale.
Indigenous Irwindale cobblestone is an ideal building material,
especially for the base of these buttresses. Buttresses may also
protrude into the landscaping setbacks, and can either be solid to the
base of the building or designed as a flying buttress, allowing
circulation under and through them, adding additional interest to the
tall wall facades.
Page 33
Plaste
Capital or
Molding on
Column
id
Architectural Details:
The use of architectural details can enhance the overall quality of a
building and can add interest to the overall project design.
Appropriate architectural details include:
Mission or scalloped gable roof lines
Quatrefoil windows
Bell towers or turrets
• Capitals or molding on arches or columns
Projecting roof beams (vigas) and tile rain gutters (canales).
Ceramic tiles
Plaster cap on flat roof parapets
Arched windows
Mission Gable
Quatrefoil Roof Line
Window
Canales
(Projecting Tile Gutters)
Page 34
Vigas
(Projecting Roof Beams)
11
Arched
Windows
Ceramic Tile
Bell
nnTower
+fir
Arched
Arcade
C. Landscape Deslan Elements
The goal of these landscape design guidelines is to reinforce the
California Mission architectural style as well as to represent both the
history and culture of the City of Irwindale. The concepts within
this theme are three -fold; first, to express in the landscape the
historic sand and gravel industry of Irwindale; second, to reflect the
natural Californian landscape through the use of native and drought
tolerant plantings with similar color, texture, and scale; third,
maintaining a unified landscape theme that creates visual and
physical connections to the residential neighborhoods in Irwindale.
Rather than specifying a required plant list, these design guidelines
requires that a California licensed landscape architect, licensed in the
State of California, prepare the landscape plans following the design
guidelines identified here.
General Planting Structure
The streetscape shall follow a consistent design theme throughout the
project. This theme can be either formal rows of trees and landscape
elements or meandering groves in informal patterns. Maximum
spacing for large growing canopy trees shall be 30 o.c.
For informally spaced trees a minimum of five trees per 100 linear
feet of street frontage shall be planted in the setback zone with a
minimum and maximum spacing of 20 feet and 40 feet respectively.
If a lot has street frontage on a side property line, these minimum
requirements shall apply to that setback as well.
Page 35
Tree Planting Patterns
Individual projects should also develop tree planting themes that
correspond to the design guidelines. Only one tree species should be
used for each category, i.e. parking lot, accent, entries, background,
etc. Palm trees, especially the Mexican fan palm shall be used along
street frontages.
Minimum spacing for all tree species shall be 20'. Maximum
spacing shall be 40 to 60 feet depending on species; broad canopy
trees require more room than upright species.
Minimum Landscape Requirements
A minimum of 20% of the total gross site areas shall be landscaped.
All landscaping shall be in accordance with these guidelines.
Parking Areas
A minimum of 5% of the total area covered by parking areas shall be
landscaped islands or landscaped peninsulas. Perimeter landscaping
adjacent to parking areas may not be applied to achieve the minimum
5% requirement. One 24" box minimum size tree shall be installed
within this landscaped area for every ten parking stalls provided.
Landscape Boulders and Cobblestone
Boulders of quarried, metamorphic stone variety or cobblestone shall
be used conspicuously in the landscaping. Minimum boulder size
shall be 24 cubic feet (2' x 3' x 4'). Boulders shall be grouped to
simulate naturally occurring formations and shall be buried with 1/3
of their mass below ground when finished grades are established.
Varying size is encouraged. Boulders should be placed at the sides
or bottom of slopes or moundings, the edges of shrubs/lawn
interfaces, adjacent to walkway intersections, and in drainage
swales—where they would appear naturally from the forces of
erosion.
Retain earth o
Slopes or berm
Create Overhangs
Rock
Page 36
0
Fyne Art Amenities
Fine art amenities such as decorative fountains, sculptures, tile
mosaics and specialized wall treatments should account for 1% of
the total site development budget. Project builders should submit
drawings and material samples for these amenities to the Design
Review Committee for approval.
Screening
Generally speaking, the use of property line fencing for screening
purposes is discouraged and will be approved by the Planning
Director only in cases where the need for complete security of the
premises is clearly demonstrated by the owner.
Wherever possible, screening should be accomplished by contoured
grading, dense evergreen shrub massing, or a combination of these
two techniques.
Certain facilities will require solid fencing for screening, such as
trash areas and storage yards. The site planner is directed to consult
the current City of Irwindale Zoning Ordinance requirements for
placement and maximum size of these facilities.
Page 37
ki
Landscape Screening Methods
To screen views above, large shrubs need to be massed at the top of
the slope with high branching trees located at the lower end of the
slope. (diagram)
To screen view below, trees, and large shrubs need to be massed a t
the top of the slope. (diagram)
Page 38
59
Trees and shrubs should be massed and perhaps combined with
gentle mounding to screen adjacent views. (diagram)
l _
a
30" min
Slope Planting
Tree, shrub, and ground cover planting on slopes should be designed
to compliment planting themes in adjacent areas. The use of native
plants and other drought tolerant plants is encouraged due to the
extreme exposure and reduced water supplies expected for the
slopes.
Foreground slope plantings can be used to extend a planting theme.
.(diagram)
Background shrubs
For screening
Continue trees up slope
Continue ground cover up slope
Page 39
Slope plantings can also be designed to act as background planting
for adjacent areas. (diagram)
open, aeciauous
foreground planting
.n
inting
Slope plantings should be arranged in a casual and random manner.
e"N Natural groupings of plants will minimize the appearance of a
"constructed" slope.
Informal grouping
of trees
W
Page 40
n+
Flowing masses
of shrubs on
slopes
IRRIGATION
Automatic, permanent irrigation systems shall be installed to cover
all landscaped areas.
Emphasis will be placed on the use of low precipitation rate heads,
especially in slope areas, to allow maximum water efficiency.
Precipitation rates of less than .25 inches per hour (on slopes) based
on triangular spacing are desirable, due to heavy soil conditions.
Where applicable, flood or drip irrigation heads shall be used rather
than small diameter spray heads. Heads shall be installed in
triangular spacing whenever possible.
Anti -drain valves shall be used between heads of differ4ent
elevations to minimize water runoff after valve closure.
Zones with differing maintenance needs shall be place on separate
controllers and/or separate control valves.
Controllers shall be programmed to water each zone for the
appropriate length and frequency. Tensiometers shall be
strategically placed to override controllers should a zone become too
wet.
�., Approved back flow prevention devices shall be installed to service
all sprinkler irrigation systems.
In cases of extreme water pressure, pressure reducers shall be
installed.
To minimize negative visual impact, all automatic valves shall be
installed in valve boxes, and the pop-up variety of head shall be used
whenever application allows.
Workmanship and materials shall conform to existing requirements
specified in the City of Irwindale "Specification for Landscaping and
Irrigation for Land Development."
Page 41
59
STREETSCAPE AND FURNITURE GUIDELINES
The provision of unique and uniform streetscape improvements
throughout a designated area creates an identifiable image. The
streetscape is the relationship of all elements visible to the pedestrian
and motorist within the urban environment. Public and private
streetscape improvements are the elements that tie together all
private development.
Benches, Trash Receptacles, and Drinking Fountains:
Minor, freestanding streetscape elements should consist of simple
design elements. Materials, shapes, and colors should be compatible
with the design of adjacent structures.
Where possible, these streetscape elements should be combined into
a contiguous composition, which, as a whole, reflects the newly
established design guidelines.
Page 42
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Kiosks, Clock Towers, and Fountains
Kiosks, clock towers and fountains are important visual elements in
the streetscape. Kiosks and clock towers may be decorative as well
as functional objects. In all cases, the design kiosks, clock towers,
and fountains should be designed to complement surrounding
buildings and structures in terms of size, scale, building materials,
and color.
Bus Shelters
To help establish a unique theme for the downtown area, bus shelter
designs should be consistent with the Architectural Guidelines, an
alternative bus shelter to the standard aluminum frame and acrylic
panel design currently found throughout the City.
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Ambient Lighting:
A cast iron pole and traditional Spanish lantern style is
recommended as an appropriate ambient fixture for commercial and
industrial areas. Placing this ambient lighting fixture on a taller
mount and adjusting the illumination may provide lighting for public
parking lots. Black or dark brown colors are suitable when cast iron
or anodized aluminum poles are used.
Street Lights
Streetlights that are standard and simple in design may be more
appropriate if supplementary ambient lighting is also used. A simple
general illumination fixture will not detract from the specialty
lighting.
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