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City of Arcadia | SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES

Amended April 17, 2009

CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION

A. Applicability .................................................. 3 B. Objectives ..................................................... 4 C. Issues............................................................ 5

II. GUIDELINES

A. Basic Elements Site Planning............................................... 6 Entry .......................................................... 8 Massing ..................................................... 9 Roofs ........................................................ 11 Façade Design.......................................... 12 Detail ........................................................ 14 Materials & Colors .................................... 17 Landscape & Hardscape ......................... 19 Fences & Walls…………………................ 23

B. Architectural Style........................................ 25 C. Additions & Alterations ............................... 33 D. Successful Application of the Guidelines ............................................. 34

III. DESIGN REVIEW

A. Relationship of Guidelines .......................... 36 B. Scope and Authority.................................. . 36 C. Design Review Process ............................. 36

IV. DEFINITIONS ................................................... 39

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The leaf icon appears throughout this document to identify

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APPLICABILITY One of Arcadia’s greatest assets is its attractive, well-maintained residential neighborhoods. In order to preserve the character of these neighborhoods and encourage high-quality residential design throughout the City, the Arcadia City Council has adopted these Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines. The guidelines are utilized during the City’s architectural design review process to ensure the highest level of design quality, while also allowing room for flexibility in their application. The guidelines are “should” statements; they express the City’s desires and expectations. Alternative design features may be allowed if consistent with the intent of the guidelines, or if such allowance will facilitate an innovative or otherwise preferable design concept. Architectural design approval is required for all exterior work requiring a building permit for single-family dwellings and accessory buildings. These guidelines also apply to exterior paint colors and materials to ensure compatibility and harmony with the neighborhood. City review and approval is not required prior to painting a structure; however, the use of exterior materials and paint color should conform to the standards set forth on page 17 of the guidelines. In the five Homeowners Associations (HOAs) recognized by City Council resolution, design review is conducted by each association’s Architectural Review Board (ARB). However, these design guidelines apply to all single-family residences throughout the City.



OBJECTIVES The objectives of the Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines are to:

1. Provide guidance for the orderly development of the City and promote high-quality development.

2. Allow diversity of style while promoting

the positive design characteristics existing throughout the City.

3. Encourage excellence in architectural

design that:

A. Enhances the visual environment and character of the community;

B. Preserves and protects property values;

C. Is sensitive to both the site and its surroundings; and

D. Has been carefully considered and conveys a sense of balance, integrity, and character.

Arcadia has a rich tradition of tasteful homes of varying styles.



ISSUES The following are the primary design and development issues that are important to the community relating to new single-family development: 1. Mass and scale: Inappropriate massing and scale is a

key issue as large, two-story homes are replacing smaller single-story homes throughout the City.

2. Front entry: Excessively tall or flat entry porches can have a towering or monumental appearance that is inappropriate for most Arcadia neighborhoods.

3. Garages: Street-facing garages tend to be uninviting and have the potential to dominate the front elevation of a house.

4. Architectural style and design: Many new homes lack a coherent architectural style, attempt to combine too many different styles, or have a style that is incompatible with the surrounding homes.

5. Additions and accessory buildings: Additions, as opposed to new homes, have their own set of design challenges. Poorly designed additions and accessory buildings can ruin the character of an existing home.

6. Colors and materials: The use of bright or strong paint

colors and/or unnatural building materials can result in a house that looks out-of-place in a more traditional neighborhood setting.

7. Landform and tree preservation: Careless removal of

mature trees and severe grading of hillside properties shows little regard for a site’s natural attributes and degrades neighborhood character.

Lack of detail and insensitive treatment of scale are common problems preventing new houses from fitting into established neighborhoods.



SITE PLANNING Site planning involves the arrangement and relationships of walkways, buildings, open space, landscape and associated uses. How well a building fits within its site can determine the success of a project. An effective site plan should reflect the natural attributes of the site while maintaining compatibility with the neighborhood. The following are general guidelines for site development: 1. Natural amenities such as views, trees and similar

features unique to the site should be preserved and incorporated into development proposals.

2. The location, configuration, size, and design of new

buildings and structures, or the alteration or enlargement of existing structures, should be visually harmonious with their sites and compatible with the character and quality of the surroundings.

3. The height and bulk of proposed dwellings and

structures on the site should be in scale and in proportion with the height and bulk of dwellings and structures on surrounding sites. Alternatively, projects should incorporate design measures to adequately mitigate scale differences.

4. The design of a new house should provide effective and varied open space around the residence.

This corner house has an unusual informal approach at the street leading to a distant yard enclosure.

Consistent front yard setbacks and building scale among neighboring sites create visual harmony.



The curving line of the driveway creates a unique point of entry while providing an opportunity to preserve the on-site trees.

A porte cochere offers more than just useful shelter over the driveway; it allows the building mass to make a transition to the open space and to frame views deep into the site.

DISCOURAGED: Aside from the prohibited tall entry, this house shows the unattractive effect of building to maximum code limits without modulating the building mass.

Site Planning continued…



ENTRY An entry consists of the entry door and its surrounding architectural elements. Front entries often serve as the primary focal point of a residence and should be carefully designed. The following are guidelines for appropriate entry treatment: 1. The height of an entry porch should be in scale with the

height and design of the building. 2. Front entry doors and decorative elements such as roofs,

moldings, columns, posts, lighting, benches, and planters should be architecturally compatible with the style of the house.

3. Recessed depth of entry alcoves and projecting depth of

entry roofs should be large enough, relative to the house, to provide the appearance of shelter.

4. Entry roofs should follow the same pitch as the adjacent

roofs. Flat roof porches are generally discouraged.

5. There should be no vertical or architectural elements located above the entry that emphasize the scale and massing of the structure.

Above: Repeated structural forms and unfolding depth of approach combine for a powerful entry. Below: A simple vehicular approach is angled to the house, allowing the entry to terminate the view dramatically.



MASSING The Zoning Code allows a certain building envelope for each site. Proper design is often needed to soften and refine that envelope, as addressed by the following guidelines: 1. New dwellings and additions should be compatible in

mass and scale to surrounding buildings in the neighborhood and with the natural site features.

2. Design elements such as eave overhangs, textured wall

materials, recessed windows and door openings, ornamental details, and landscaping are encouraged for visual interest and to help reduce the impact of building scale.

3. All sides of a structure, including those that are not

visible from the street, should have adequate wall and roof articulation to minimize the building’s visual impact.

4. The building base should visually anchor the building by

appearing more massive than the upper stories. 5. The upper story of a house should exhibit a lighter

character than the base, possibly by reducing floor area and building mass. The second floor should generally step back from the ground floor.

6. Cantilevered forms are generally discouraged,

particularly when they are used without aesthetic justification.

7. Building elements that emphasize a structure’s verticality

are generally discouraged. 8. On corner lots, wall planes facing the street should be

varied and articulated into modules that reduce the overall massing and scale. Architectural projections or indentations should be provided to avoid an uninterrupted flat wall.

9. Incorporating trellises, pergolas, covered patios, and

other similar features can help break up the mass of a large two-story structure and are encouraged, provided that they complement the architectural style of the house.

Above: This residence uses roof articulation and a reduced second floor area to blend in with surrounding single-story homes.



Above and left: Many traditional Arcadia houses use understated massing effectively. These examples use simple, repeated roof forms to achieve subtle yet effective massing.

Left: This dramatic verticality is out of scale in a single-family residential setting.

Above: A large mass does not belong above the garage doors, nor does a tall mass on the second floor. It is out of scale with the dwelling.

Right: This design creates a layered approach: The arch leading to the courtyard, the angled tower expressing a focal point, and the porte cochere at the driveway.

Massing continued…



ROOFS The roof of a house does more than provide shelter from the elements; it helps define the architectural style of a residence. Below are guidelines for appropriate residential roof design. Roof design refers to roof materials as well as massing and form. 1. Roof plans and materials should be compatible with the

architectural style and design of the structure. It should enhance the effect of the house’s plan articulation by reflecting it in three dimensions (ridges, valleys, etc.)

2. Traditional roof forms such as gables, hips and

dormers are encouraged. More severe roof forms such as domes, steep chalet gables and flat roofs are generally discouraged.

3. Dormers, cross gables, and other decorative roof

features are encouraged, provided that they are an integral part of the overall roof design and work within the building’s architectural style.

4. Combining two different roof pitches is discouraged. 5. Solar panels are encouraged provided they are not

visible from the public right-of-way. Additionally, roofs should be used to screen all vents, flutes and skylights, and other similar features from public view. Bubble or dome-shaped skylights are discouraged.

6. Discouraged roof types include: built up and torch

down roofs, rock roofing applied over an approved built up roof, corrugated metal and fiberglass roofing panels, standing seam and similar metal roofing panels, and gravel roofs.

Above: Severe roof forms such as domes, steep chalet gables and a combination of roof forms as illustrated above are discouraged.

Above: These dormers are not compatible with the roof line. The roof pitch is too low to provide a backdrop for them.



FACADE DESIGN Façade design refers to the architectural features, details, and finishes of the front, sides, and rear of a building. The Arcadia homes to the right are part of a tradition that deserves to be protected. From the 1920s example at top to the 1990s example in the middle, the best Arcadia homes use interesting massing and careful detailing. Most attractive designs work within an established style, but that is not a City requirement. These homes also feature a balance, but not complete symmetry. 1. Façade treatment relevant to the house’s architectural style should be

carried throughout the entire house with each façade and any accessory structure.

2. Architectural features such as decorative moldings, windows, dormers, chimneys, balconies and railings, and landscaped elements such as lattices, can add detail to a façade and are encouraged as long as they respect the scale and dignity of traditional house design.

3. Large areas of flat or blank walls are strongly discouraged.

4. Garages should not dominate the street. If a garage faces a street, windows and other architectural detailing should be used on garage doors to reduce their blank wall impact and scale.

5. Symmetry in design can sometimes create a home that is monumental and too massive. The balanced effect created by symmetry can be achieved with a more subtle design approach. Features that break up the symmetry may consist of major massing elements or small differences in detail from side to side.

6. Large or prominent front elevation balconies are discouraged unless they are an integral part of the building’s architectural style.

7. Two-story-high windows tend to emphasize the mass and verticality of a building and should be avoided. This is especially true of two-story window bays.



Below: Excessive massing of the entry, two-story window bays, and inadequate articulation give this residence a looming appearance.

Left: The garage door dominates the house despite the tall entry.

Right: While these houses also show insensitive massing, they share a lack of interesting detail and a flat approach to facade design.

Façade Design continued…



DETAIL Architectural details are decorative or ornamental elements that can add visual interest and contribute to the design and style of architecture. Such details include porch columns, decorative door and window designs, exterior moldings, porch and balcony railings, roof overhangs, brackets, awnings, gutters and down spouts, fascia boards, steps and stairs, siding, gables and lighting fixtures. The following are guidelines for appropriate design and use of architectural details: 1. Architectural details should be consistent with, or

transparent to, the architectural style of the project. 2. Details with a false appearance, such as thin plant-on

window shutters and foam wall ornaments and columns are discouraged.

3. Details that make a residence appear too ornate or

monumental for its surroundings are strongly discouraged. Such details may include quoins, elaborate columns and pilasters, balusters, dentils, and keystones.

4. Windows and Doors

a. For new structures, all windows and doors should relate to the selected architectural style.

b. Window and door change-outs on existing structures should match the existing windows/doors for architectural consistency. Alternatively, all windows and/or doors should be replaced to complement the architectural style of the house.

c. Windows should be recessed at least 2 inches from the exterior wall in new construction. Raised surrounds are not an acceptable substitute for recessed windows.

d. Surrounds should be no wider than 4 inches, and should have a detailed profile rather than a simple rectangular or half-round section.

e. Aside from a small number of picture windows, panes greater than 2 feet in width or height should be divided. True divided lites are preferable, but exterior applied muntins with a detailed profile may be allowable.

f. High horizontal windows should be used carefully, if at all, since they tend to be conspicuously out of rhythm with other windows. A series of small square windows may be required as a substitute.

g. Ornately carved and/or stained doors should not be used if they are so incompatible with the other building elements that they appear overly prominent.

5. Eaves

a. Open soffits are encouraged using the rafter tails to express detail and rhythm.

b. Fascia boards around eaves and gables should be narrow (no more than 6 inches deep).

c. Excessive use of corbels or brackets should be avoided. If utilized, the placement and design of corbels or brackets should be carefully considered.

6. Chimneys

a. Decorative chimney caps are encouraged if appropriate for the building’s architectural style.



A. Interesting brickwork, hinges, windows, and roof treatment make the entry more interesting.

B. This Modern Prairie-style house benefits from understated detailing and wide eaves.

C. Lacy stucco texture and balcony design work well with the palms.

D. The traditional details of this new home give it a timeless quality.

E. A deeply recessed picture window with stepped walls and echoing arches of the porte cochere make an attractive facade.

F. A small amount of detail goes a long way: recessed windows, beveled sills, pilasters, and stepped parapet at stairs.

G. The details on the porch of an early 20th century house have lived through generations.

A B

D

E F

G

C

C C

Detail continued…



Above: A complete lack of detailed interest has created a house with the look of a stucco box.

Left: The large and uninteresting surrounds contribute to an appearance unbroken by any secondary roofs or other refining elements.

Above: This house combines flat fascia boards, unattractive joined gables, an incidental entry opening and quoins with a false appearance.

Above: This addition uses wide, flat fascia boards instead of the original house’s finer detail.

Left: Cornice detail that works well in narrow moldings becomes out-of-scale and incompatible when expanded to a major parapet treatment.

Detail continued…



MATERIALS & COLORS Materials and colors not only contribute to a building’s architectural style, but can also help tie a new structure to its surroundings. For new houses that are significantly larger than the surrounding homes, it is particularly important to reflect the materials and colors found in the neighborhood. The following are guidelines for appropriate material and color selection. 1. For new structures, repeating colors and materials found

in neighboring homes is encouraged.

2. In remodels and additions, new materials should match those of the existing structure. Accessory structures should match materials, finishes and colors found on the primary structure.

3. The use of at least one strong accent material is

encouraged. Too many exterior materials are discouraged because they can make a design appear too busy.

4. Natural materials are preferred. Synthetic materials for the building made to simulate natural wood and masonry are discouraged. Stone and brick veneer with a false appearance should be avoided.

5. Architectural design and exterior materials should be applied consistently on all sides of a structure visible from the street. Decorative front facade material should extend around the sides at least to an inside corner.

6. Stucco and plaster finishes should be consistent with the architectural style of the structure. The use of rough stucco finishes is discouraged.

7. For most architectural styles, the number of colors on the exterior should be limited to a maximum of three, with an additional contrasting color for accent. A balanced color palette should be kept using the correct proportions between the subtler “base colors” and the brighter “accent colors” on each building. Buildings with large walls should have a subtle base color. The base color on smaller buildings or those with more elaborate detail can use slightly stronger tones. In general, the larger and simpler the house design, the more subtle the color should be to reduce the massiveness of large wall planes. Earth tones are best suited and are appropriate for most of the architectural designs found in the City. The use of strong or bright, unnatural colors, including the salmon and pink hues and the bright “white on white” color schemes for exterior stucco, wood siding, trim doors and shutters should be avoided. However, the use of contrasting, natural colors can be appropriate for accent use, such as for shutters and doors.

Left: High-quality materials such as smooth stucco, wood corbels, and pre-cast concrete moldings give this residence a look of permanence and integrity.



8. Appropriate materials for walls and façades include stucco

and wood lap siding, as well as more decorative materials such as stone, tile, split-faced block, and brick. The more decorative materials should be used as a base treatment only and not on the entire house unless appropriate for a specific architectural style.

9. Piecemeal embellishment and frequent changes in

materials should be avoided. All façades of the home should utilize the same vocabulary of material and color.

10. Exterior materials and architectural details should complement each other. For example, heavy materials should appear to support lighter ones.

12. Exposed gutters and downspouts, unless designed as an outstanding architectural feature of the overall theme, should be colored to match fascia or wall material.

13. Natural clay tile roofs should be replaced with the same material. For repairs, remodels and additions, care should be taken in the selection of material and installation to match as closely as possible the color of the “aged” tiles.

14. The colors of natural roofing materials, such as clay tiles and slate, should be left natural.

15. Roofing materials with glossy surfaces appear unnatural and are strongly discouraged.

11. Material changes should occur in conjunction with changes in the plane of the façade to avoid a “tacked-on” appearance.

These roof treatments are discouraged by the guidelines: clay tiles on a composition roof and glossy roof tiles.

Materials & Colors continued…



LANDSCAPE & HARDSCAPE Landscaping is an important component of the overall design of a project. Even the most thoughtfully designed house will appear incomplete without adequate landscaping. For new residences and rebuilds, a conceptual landscape plan must be submitted during the design review process. A detailed landscape plan will be required during plan check. The following are guidelines for single-family residential landscape and hardscape:

1. Large planting sizes (24-inch box or greater) are recommended for trees to make a new dwelling look established and soften the visual impact of a building’s mass.

2. For a new residence, there should generally be at least two

trees in the front yard, one if which should be drought tolerant.

3. Existing trees in good condition should be preserved

whenever possible. 4. Landscaping should be layered, with low planting used in

the foreground, proceeding back to the tallest in the background.

5. The use of decorative hardscape materials is encouraged

in order to enhance the pedestrian and vehicular experience. Decorative hardscape materials include brick, flagstone, interlocking pavers, tile, stamped or colored concrete, and decomposed granite.

6. In order to promote “walkable” neighborhoods, a

pedestrian path should be provided to the front door, separate from the driveway.

Here a driveway and pedestrian path originate at the street in a complementary way.



7. Landscape planters lining driveways, walkways, and

property lines are encouraged. 8. For aesthetic and environmental reasons, the use of

impervious paved surfaces should be minimized when not necessary for vehicular or pedestrian access or recreational purposes. Permeable hardscape materials are encouraged.

9. Drought-tolerant and native plant species are

encouraged; however, consideration should be given to the gradual transition of existing neighborhood landscaping. For example, rather than woody ground coverings and desert landscaping, more lush and finely scaled species are encouraged.

Water Conservation Tips 1. Use “smart irrigation controllers”, a device that

automatically adjusts watering times in response to weather changes. Smart irrigation controllers use sensors and weather information to manage watering times and frequency.

2. Install an irrigation system that reduces wasted water

from evaporation, overspray and water run-off by watering turf from the surface in a bottom-up model rather than the typical sprinkler/top-down model.

3. Use Low-Flow Drip, Bubblers, or Low-flow Sprinklers.

Landscape & Hardscape continued…

Above: Layered landscaping using native plants Left: Decorative hardscape materials such as brick pavers are encouraged



Residential landscape design should complement the architecture of the house. The design should also fit in with the neighborhood and the surrounding environment. Conserving existing, established plant materials is almost always the best approach. Borrowing from the existing plant theme and the environment makes the new design fit in. The new design should also group plants with similar water, nutrient, and sun needs so as to avoid any growth problems.

SAMPLE PLANTING PALETTE Recommended plants include the following, but additional selections are encouraged for variety: (* denotes trees that need a large area for root growth) Canopy trees: Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor Tree)* Pistachia chinensis (Chinese Pistache) Platanus acerifolia (London Plane Tree) Platanus racemosa (California Sycamore) Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak) Quercus engelmanni (Engelmann Oak) Tipuana tipu (Tipu Tree) Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Evergreen Elm) Specimen trees: Agonis fluxuosa (Peppermint Tree) Eucalyptus ssp. Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree) Olea europaea (Olive Tree) Pinus eldarica (Afghan Pine) Pinus pinea (Italian Stone Pine)*

Flowering trees: Albizia julibrissin ‘Rosa’ (Silk Tree) Cassia leptophylla (Gold Medallion Tree) Cercis occidentalis (Western Redbud) Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda) Koelreuteria bipinnata (Chinese Flame Tree) Koelreuteria paniculata (Goldenrain Tree) Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle-multi) Malus ‘Prairiefire’ (Prairiefire Crabapple) Pyrus kawakamii (Evergreen Pear) Prunus ssp. Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pink Trumpet Tree) Palm trees: Archontophoenix cumminghamiana (King Palm) Phoenix spp. (Date Palm) Washingtonia filifera (California Fan Palm) Washingtonia robusta (Mexican Fan Palm) Brahae edulis (Guadalupe Palm) Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) Planting palette continues on next page...

Photographs, clockwise from top left: Coast Live Oak, Olive, California Sycamore, California Pepper, Mexican Fan Palm, Western Redbud, California Fan Palm, Silk Tree




Shrubs: (* denotes value as screening plant) Azalea ssp. (Azalea) Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree) Alyogyne heugelii & cvs (Blue Hibiscus) * Bamboo ssp. Buddleia davidii (Butterfly Bush) * Camellia ssp. (Camellia) Cassia splendida (Golden Wonder Senna) Ceanothus var. (Wild Lilac) Cistus purpureus (Orchid Rockrose) * Cocculus laurifolius (Laurel Leaf) * Cotoneaster ssp. Echium fastuosum (Pride of Madeira) Groundcovers: Arctostaphylos hookeri (Monterey Manzanita) Ceanothus griseus horizontalis (Carmel Creeper) Cistus spp. (Rockrose) Cotoneaster dammeri (Lowfast Bearberry) Lantana spp. Lavandula spp. (Lavender) Liriope muscari (Big Blue Lily Turf) Mahonia repens (Creeping Mahonia) Pelargonium ssp. (Pelatum) Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Salvia spp. (Sage) Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton) Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) Verbena ssp.

* Escallonia ssp. Euphorbia characias ‘Wulfenii’ (Mediterranean Spurge) Euphorbia rigida (Silver Spurge) Gardenia ssp. * Grevillia ssp. * Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese Hibiscus) * Myrtus communis (True Myrtle) * Osmanthus ssp. Penstemon spectabilis (Showy Penstemon) * Podocarpus ssp. * Prunus caroliniana (Carolina Laurel Cherry) * Pyracantha ssp. (Firethorn) * Rosa ssp. (Rose)

Low accent plants: Aloe spp. Hemerocallis hybrids (Daylily) Iris spp. Kniphofia uvaria (Red-hot Poker) Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) Flax ssp.

Vines: Bougainvillea ssp. Distictis buccinatoria (Blood-Red Trumpet Vine) Distictis laxiflora (Vanilla Trumpet Vine) Distictis ‘Rivers’ (Royal Trumpet Vine) Jasminum polyanthum (Jasmine) Pyrostegia venusta (Flame Vine) Rosa cultivars (Rose) Thunbergia alata (Black-eyed Susan Vine)

Wild Lilac

Aloe Royal Trumpet Vine

Rockrose

Orchid Rockrose

Bougainvillea

Salvia

Cotoneaster dammeri

Rose Lantana

Lavender




FENCES & WALLS Front yard fences are frequently designed in a manner that breaks up the shared open space that defines a graceful residential street. Instead of enjoying the changing views of landscaped depth, the eyes of the street’s visitors are stopped by the flatness of the fences. Implementation of the following guidelines will result in fences and walls that are more harmonious with the neighborhood. 1. Front yard fencing should be as open and simple as

possible.

2. In general, overly ornate or light colored wrought iron fences should be avoided.

3. Decorative wood fencing is allowed in the front yard only if consistent with the architectural style and if fully painted or stained.

4. Fencing and wall materials should be compatible with the building and should be used to reinforce the architectural theme of the building.

5. Bare precision block is generally discouraged. For new residences, courtyard walls and walls along the perimeter of the property lines should be made of a decorative material that complements the residence, such as brick, stone, or textured concrete block (e.g. split-face, scored, slump stone). Plain concrete block with a stucco finish to match the residence may be an acceptable substitute.

6. On lots with existing walls or fences, new walls/fences should match or be compatible with existing walls/fences.

7. The use of clinging vines, shrubs, and trees to soften the visual impact of walls and fences is encouraged, especially when visible from the public right-of-way.

Above: Layered outdoor space uses plants of varying heights along with building walls and outdoor walls and fences.

Above: The varying heights and setbacks of this fence add visual interest and highlight the points of entry.



This wall enclosing a side and rear yard uses flat tile caps and stepped massing to accentuate the entry and complement the house’s fine detailing.

Above: The shared open space along the street benefits from both continuity and variety. Fences should blend into the landscape.

These tall, unattractive fences have an uninviting appearance.

Fences & Walls continued…



ARCHITECTURAL STYLE Arcadia, like most other California cities, has a mix of architectural styles within its residential neighborhoods. Consistency of design features within traditional styles such as Ranch, American Colonial, Spanish, etc. has served Arcadia well because it has enlivened the City with variety while maintaining a distinctly traditional neighborhood character. In recognizing the value of architectural diversity, the City does not seek to dictate which styles are allowed, but rather to promote an awareness of what makes different elements work together. Strict adherence to a single architectural style is not required; however, combining too many elements from several divergent styles often results in an incoherent design. Generally, the City recommends choosing a single architectural style as a starting point in the design process. Positive design features from other styles may be incorporated if the various elements work together. Most importantly, the overall architectural style should be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Using similar features, colors, and materials found in nearby homes is encouraged. The following pages list some of the architectural styles found in and around Arcadia and their successful characteristics.



T R A D I T I O N A L R A N C H

Form:

Simple, horizontal massing Modest entry expression – roof or alcove

Roof:

Shallow pitched roof – gable and shed

Walls:

Stucco or clapboard walls

Windows:

Wood window frames, or metal with recessed windows

Details:

Simple molding profiles

Color:

More contrast between roof and walls than between field and trim

Traditional ranch combines characteristics of other styles in the City’s guidelines. It has the straightforward massing and detailing of the Tudor/Cottage style, along with the rustic materials of the Craftsman style. Emphasis on the horizontal is important, and extension of the Traditional Ranch style to two stories dilutes its distinction from the other aforementioned styles. Ranch style is particularly characteristic of Arcadia’s mid-century boom years, creating a comfortable suburban setting surviving to the current day and influencing the approach recommended for all styles.

Architectural Style continued…



C O L O N I A L / A M E R I C A N T R A D I T I O N A L

Form:

Simple form, at least for major part of house

Roof:

Moderate to steep roofs – gable or shed Compound roof pitch (gambrel) part of tradition Detailed molding and cornice profiles

Walls:

Shingle or clapboard walls

Windows:

Moderate to broad frames Small panes

Details:

Small, finely detailed fascia boards, vents, and other details Details part of functional elements rather than applied

Color:

Pale walls; contrasting trim optional Dark roofs

Colonial or American Traditional style uses plain massing and fine detailing. Wood is used for the siding, and fine millwork traditionally is used sparingly but efficiently for expressing detailed elements. Modest scale is important for that detail work, including semicircular vents, window trim, window panes and muntins, and fascia boards with open soffits. Simplicity is important in the roof form, principally gable or shed.




S P A N I S H Form:

Low mass moderating two-story mass Arches (deep) Courtyards Arcades Pergolas Wide front balcony on Monterey variant

Roof:

Barrel tile roofs – shed, hip, gable Flat shingles or tiles on Monterey variant Shallow to moderate slopes (4:12 to 6:12) Heavy exposed dark beams

Walls:

Stucco walls

Windows:

Recessed windows w/ minimal frames

Details:

Decorative vents Iron accents & balconies

Color:

Pale walls customary Roof may be light, medium, or dark Brown or other rich trim color

Spanish styles – Colonial, Mission Revival, and Monterey among other variants – emerged as the dominant style in Southern California during the 1920s building boom. Its adaptability to different building programs has made it a perennial favorite. The adaptability results from a few design characteristics. First is the use of large, simple massing components to achieve simplicity and drama. Next is the discreet use of well-placed, well-designed, and well-executed details. When combined with the simple massing, which would otherwise be dull, the details create an integrated design that is rich and expressive. Pergolas and other garden structures are also used to complement and mitigate the building mass.




T U D O R / C O T T A G E Form:

Simple massing Entry expression may be modest

Roof:

Moderate to steep roof pitch Shed or gable roof Rustic tile roof

Walls:

Shingle, clapboard, or rustic walls

Windows:

Pronounced surrounds, wide or narrow Recessed windows

Details:

Simple detail; minimal ornament Half-timber expression (Tudor)

Color:

Warm colors with dark trim

The Tudor/Cottage style has nothing to do with limiting house size to what people think of as a cottage. It is a style that is concerned with creating comforting features that allow a house to be inviting and tasteful in an unpretentious way, no matter what size the house. The emphasis is on the roof, using steep slopes and/or low eaves to minimize wall height and emphasize the sloped roof as epitomizing home. Straightforward massing is also used, and details are also straightforward but highly visible, such as wide window trim, half-timbering, plain fascia boards, and simple exposed soffits.




C R A F T S M A N Form:

Prominent porches (two sides common) Large, often tapered, porch columns Second floor set in from first Complex massing on larger houses

Roof:

Composition or flat tile roofs Shallow slopes – gable; some shed Broad eave overhangs (12 to 42 inches) Carved rafter tails & brackets

Walls:

Shingle or clapboard walls (stucco alt.)

Windows:

Broad wooden window frames Fine division of panes, especially at top of window

Details:

Decorative vents Wood accents & balconies Tapered posts Clinker brick / river rock

Color:

Dark warm colors

The Craftsman style is a descendant of the Cottage Style and is particularly identified with California due to the influence of the Greene brothers in Pasadena and Bernard Maybeck in the San Francisco region. The rustic look of Craftsman architecture relies on a spacious exterior – great porches and overhangs – as well as use of stained wood, dark colors, and rustic supporting materials of river rock and rough brick. Massing can be very simple on a small Craftsman, which will likely focus entirely on its front porch and gable, or much more complex on a large Craftsman with variation of massing elements and angles.




F R E N C H Form:

Symmetrical entry Terraced massing optional

Roof:

Flat tile roofs Steep slopes – mansard dominant Detailed parapets

Walls:

Stucco walls

Windows:

Recessed windows w/ minimal frames

Details:

Curved iron accents & balconies Thin, detailed moldings Decorative vents

Color:

Pale walls and trim; any shade for roof

French design is distinct from classical in its application of a few distinctive features. Most characteristic are mansard roofs, which are always steeply pitched and either straight or curved. That curve is normally concave, but convex curves can also fit the style. Ornate metalwork is another hallmark, usually applied in a linear manner as balcony balustrades, or as fascia boards along eaves, but in some instances used structurally for columns. Used with restraint, French style works particularly well with classical and Spanish styles. In an eclectic neighborhood, it is the quality of the design rather than its feature set that allows wildly divergent styles to work together well, and French design is within that mix.




C O N T E M P O R A R Y / M O D E R N

Form:

Simple, horizontal massing Pronounced entry expression – roof or alcove Deep layering of wall and window planes Intermingling of exterior and interior space

Roof:

Flat roof, and/or shallow pitch – gable and shed

Walls:

Stucco or other smooth walls

Windows:

Wood window frames, or metal with recessed windows

Details:

Simple molding profiles

Color:

Subtle colors except optional fine accent lines

Modern houses tend to emphasize strong horizontal and vertical planes, express layering of planes and spaces, and interweave interior and exterior spaces. Together, these design elements can produce compelling and dramatic effects. When introduced into a neighborhood of more traditional styles, however, modern houses often present too great a contrast or too little in terms of humanizing detail to fit their setting. Modern styles are encouraged if they involve the best characteristics of the style – the layering and indoor/outdoor interweaving – and avoid the visual conflicts with traditional styles that too often occur. Landscape screening, as an important component of both modern architecture and harmonizing differing styles, will be taken into special account in evaluating modern designs.




ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS The design guidelines up to this point apply to all projects. For additions and alterations, the City recognizes that the designer faces special challenges. The primary challenge is to integrate the new with the old, maintaining and continuing the best elements of the existing house. This applies to massing as well as detailing. Below are guidelines for additions and alterations.

1. An addition should be designed to look like part of the original house. All exterior treatments should match those of the existing house as closely as possible.

2. Second floors should be modest in relation to the first

floor. This often involves setting the second floor walls in and keeping the top plate height lower than the first story.

3. Porch additions should match the scale and architectural

style of the existing house. In general, the eaves of the porch roof should align with the first story.

4. Alterations to an existing house that do not enlarge its

floor area, such as replacement windows, doors, siding, or roof tiles, should be consistent with the building’s architectural style.

5. Piecemeal alterations to the exterior of a house are

strongly discouraged. Alterations to one elevation should be consistently carried out on the other elevations.

6. Refer to Guideline 4.b. on page 14 and Guideline 13 on

page 18 for additional guidelines pertaining to additions and alterations.

Placing the mass of a 2-story addition behind an existing one-story house is generally encouraged, but it needs to be carefully coordinated.

Above: This Arcadia home exhibits the positive results of a well-designed second story addition. Instead of having a “tacked-on” appearance, the addition is thoughtfully integrated with the architecture of the existing house.



SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION OF THE GUIDELINES This section highlights three actual design review cases that demonstrate how careful implementation of the design guidelines can achieve very successful results. For each project, there is a “discouraged” front elevation, showing the project as originally submitted, and an “encouraged” front elevation, showing the project in its final approved form. The examples illustrate how roof and façade articulation, asymmetry in façade design, and/or a less elaborate architectural style can transform the appearance of a house without significantly reducing its size. Copyright Notice: The architectural drawings, including but not limited to the front elevation designs, contained in the Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines are protected under United States and international copyright laws and are the exclusive property of the City of Arcadia or its third party licensors. The drawings are provided in these Guidelines for reference purposes only and may not be copied, reproduced, republished, posted, transmitted, displayed, modified, sold, distributed or in any way used by you or on your behalf, in any form or by any means, including for the making of derivative works, without express prior written consent from the owner of each respective drawing.

EXAMPLE 1

Discouraged

Encouraged

Copyright © 2008, BY Design Group. All rights reserved.



EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3

Discouraged Discouraged

Encouraged Encouraged

Copyright © 2008, Landtec Construction, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2008, OFA. All rights reserved.

Successful Application of the Guidelines continued…



DESIGN REVIEW A. Relationship of Guidelines The key to a successful residential project in Arcadia is to assure its compatibility with the surrounding dwellings in the neighborhood and, in the case of a building addition, with the existing building. Compatibility includes such terms as “architectural style, mass, scale, orientation, setback and architectural elements such as texture, color and building materials”.

The Design Guidelines will be utilized during the City’s review process to encourage the highest level of design quality and at the same time provide the flexibility necessary to encourage creativity on the part of project designers in response to existing site conditions.

Proposals for a new dwelling or additions or alterations to an existing dwelling must follow a development review process set forth in the guidelines in order to complete site and building improvements. B. Scope and Authority The guidelines should be reviewed prior to beginning a project design.

Design review consists of three steps:

1. Preliminary consultation between the project sponsor and the Development Services Department staff to discuss the zoning requirements and the Architectural Design Guidelines and criteria applicable to the site and use.

2. Design concept review by the Development Services Department, as provided for in the code. This must be completed prior to the plan check procedure. Projects that require further discretionary approval shall be subject to final design approval by the appropriate body.

Exception: Properties within City designated homeowners associations are subject to the Architectural Design Guidelines set forth in this document, but shall be subject to the review and approval of only the homeowner associations’ architectural review boards.

3. Final design review occurs during the Plan Check process by the Development Services Department to ensure consistency with the plans approved during the design review process.

C. Design Review Process

1. Stages of Review:

a. Preliminary Consultation. Preliminary consultation shall be initiated by requesting an appointment with a city planner.

b. Design Concept Review. Design concept review shall

be initiated by an application submitted to the Development Services Department on a form approved and containing information required by the Development Services Director or designee. The application shall include such plans and materials required for adequate concept review.

c. Final Design Review. Final design review of

development plans shall be initiated within one (1) year



of design concept approval by submitting plans to Building Services for plan check.

2. Design Concept Review and Approval

a) By Administrative Review. The Development Services

Director or designee shall have the authority to review and approve the following types of improvements to a single-family dwelling and/or accessory building(s) subject to determination of compliance with the single-family Design Guidelines:

(1) Roofing material (2) Window / door change outs / replacements /

additions (3) Fences / walls / gates (4) Exterior finishes (5) Patio enclosures, covered patios, trellises,

and gazebos on residentially zoned property (6) Minor first floor additions and detached

accessory buildings on single-family zoned property

(7) Other types of exterior alterations as deemed appropriate by the Development Services Director or designee

Review of the aforementioned improvements may be conducted upon submittal of plans to Building Services or subsequent to plans being submitted for plan check. If the Development Services Director or designee determines that the proposed improvements do not comply with the single-family design guidelines, the applicant shall submit for a regular review process as set forth below. Planning Services staff shall sign plans prior to issuance of a building permit.

b) By Regular Review by the Development Services Department, Community Development Division. The Development Services Director or designee shall review development plans submitted for design concept approval within thirty (30) working days of receipt of a completed application, and may approve, conditionally approve, disapprove or return plans for revisions. After each submittal of revised plans, the City has thirty (30) working days to review the plans. Within five (5) working days after a decision, notice shall be mailed to the applicant.

c) By Modification Committee, Planning Commission or City

Council. Concurrent with the hearing of an application for a modification or other type of application, the Modification Committee, Planning Commission or City Council may approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the design concept plans.

3. Final Design Review and Approval

The Development Services Department shall review the final design as part of the plan check procedure to ensure compliance with the approved plans. The Development Services Department may approve, conditionally approve or disapprove said plans.

4. Fee

Before accepting any application for design review or appeal, the City shall charge and collect a fee in an amount established by resolution of the City Council. In addition, the applicant shall reimburse the City for all costs associated with design review performed by the City’s architectural and landscape design consultants prior to final approval of the design review.



5. Effective Date

No permit shall be issued for any use involved in an application for design review until action on such application shall have become final by reason of the expiration of time to make an appeal (within 5 working days after the date of decision).

6. Expiration of Approval

Design approval shall expire one (1) year following its effective date unless:

a. A building permit has been issued and construction has

commenced and been diligently and continuously pursued; or

b. A certificate of occupancy has been issued; or c. The approval is renewed.

7. Extension of Approval

The Development Services Director or designee or the body that reviewed a project may renew design concept approval or final design approval for a period not to exceed one year beyond the initial expiration date, upon determining that the findings made remain valid. An application for an extension shall be made a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the initial expiration date and shall be accompanied by payment of a fee in an amount established by resolution of the City Council.

8. Plan Revisions

The Development Services Director or designee or the body that conducted design concept review of a project may approve changes to approved plans or in conditions of

approval upon determining that the changes are minor and are consistent with the intent of the original approval.

9. Appeals

a. Appeals from the Development Services Director’s or

designee’s or Modification Committee's decision shall be made to the Planning Commission within five (5) working days of the decision and shall be accompanied by payment of an appeal fee in an amount established by Resolution of the City Council. A public hearing shall be scheduled not less than ten (10) calendar days or more than forty (40) calendar days after the filing of an appeal.

b. Appeals from the decision of the Planning Commission

shall be made to the City Council within five (5) working days of the Planning Commission’s decision and shall be accompanied by payment of an appeal fee in an amount established by resolution of the City Council. A public hearing shall be scheduled not less than ten (10) calendar days or more than forty (40) calendar days after the filing of an appeal.

10. Enforcement

a. Building Permits. Building Permits shall not be issued if

conditions imposed under the Architectural Design Review Procedure are not satisfied.

b. Conditions. Non-compliance with design review

requirements that are included as conditions to discretionary land use approvals of the City such as conditional use permits, modifications and similar actions, shall constitute grounds for the suspension or revocation of such approval.



DEFINITIONS Alcove: A small area cut out of a larger mass, such as an entry porch

Articulation: Use of different planes, surfaces, and forms to define an interesting and attractive building or component of a building

Asymmetry: Different on one side than on the other

Cantilever: A portion of a building extending out beyond its supporting wall or column

Chamfer: A beveled corner which is formed in concrete work by placing a triangular or curved insert in the corner of the form.

Clipped eaves: Eaves that have a minimal projection over the wall below

Context: The character-defining surroundings of a site

Dormer: A structure with walls extending up from a roof, typically housing one or more windows

Eave: The extension of a roof beyond an Exterior wall, with no enclosed area underneath it

Eclectic: Of mixed styles Elevation: A two-dimensional view of the front, side, or rear of a building or wall

Facade: See Elevation

Fascia: The board enclosing the edge of an eave

Gable: A wall beneath the exposed end of one or more sloping roofs

Guidelines: Regulations that can be required flexibly as appropriate to each project or situation

Hardscape: Pavement and other ground treatments other than plant materials

Integrity: Having enough consistency to be perceived as an “integral” unit

Layering: Having different elements in different planes, forming layers, rather than a simple wall

Mansionization: Building a house too big for its lot, or too ornate or formal in its appearance

Mass: The overall perceived size of a building, affected by not only its dimensions but also the manner in which its walls, roofs, and facade elements are designed Mission or barrel tile: A half-circular roof tile that is used alternately face-up and face-down

Modulation: Varying the depth and other characteristics of a wall or roof in order to improve its appearance through breaking up its length and mass Monumentality: The appearance of trying to appear too important or imposing for its context

Muntins: Narrow strips that form a division between window panes

Nested Gables: One gable placed beneath another, usually off-center

Overdesigned: Too ornate for its size or surroundings

Pilaster: A column (structural or decorative) that is placed against a wall Pitch: The slope of a roof, expressed in inches of rise against 12 inches run (as in 4:12)

Porch: A prominent entry, including any roof above



Porte-Cochere: A roofed structure, open on the sides, extending over a driveway

Project: Any physical work upon a property requiring City approval

Quoins: Large squared stones such as buttresses, set at the angles of a building; the external corner of a building.

S-tile: A roof tile attempting to simulate the effect of mission or barrel tile with multiple curves

Scale: Size relative to other portions of a building, landscape, or surroundings, or to viewers

Shed Roof: A simple roof of a single slope

Site amenities: Benches, fountains, garden structures, and other items added to an open space to enhance its use and enjoyment

Soffit: The underside of an eave

Substantial: Having enough visual depth to appear visually and structurally sound

Surrounds: Ornamental projecting surfaces around a window or door

Symmetry: The same on both sides

Underdesigned: Too simple to offer any interest to the viewer

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