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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESO7631RESOLUTION ADOPTING INCLUDING STANDARDS RESIDENCES, RESOLUTION NO. 7631 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO HISTORIC PRESERVATION REGULATIONS COMPATIBILITY REVIEW STANDARDS, FOR ALTERATION OF HISTORIC LANDMARK AND STANDARDS FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION WHEREAS, on October 28, 1996, the Council adopted an ordinance entitled, "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO ADDING CHAPTER 16.50 TO THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH INTERIM REGULATIONS GOVERNING HISTORIC DESIGNATION AND DEMOLITION OF RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES BUILT BEFORE 1940 AND REVIEW OF THE DESIGN QUALITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY OF REPLACEMENT STRUCTURES;" and WHEREAS, the above -referenced ordinance requires the director of planning and community environment to promulgate written Historic Preservation Regulations to facilitate implementation of the ordinance; and WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Regulations must include, at a minimum, Standards for Historic Designation, Standards for Alteration of Historic Landmark Residences, Compatibility Review Standards, and any administrative directions to -,city departments necessary to implement the ordinance; and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the proposed Historic Preservation Regulations. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows: SECTION 1. The Compatibility Review Standards and Standards for Historic Designation, attached to this Resolution as Exhibits "A" and "B," respectively, are hereby approved. SECTION 2. The Standards for Alteration of Historic Landmark Residences shall be the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and the Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildinas, as they may be amended, and are hereby approved. SECTION 3. The Historic Preservation Regulations approved by this Resolution shall be published and distributed to the public as an appendix to the Palo Alto Municipal Code. 1 961024 'pc 0051639 SECTION 4. The Council finds that this resolution does not constitute a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility of a significant effect on the environment. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: October 28, 1996 AYES: ANDERSEN, FAZZINO, HUBER, KNISS, MCCOWN, ROSENBAUM, SCHNEIDER, SIMITIAN, WHEELER NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENT: ATTEST C y e k APPRO C. y t'orney APPROVED: nager 5 Director of Planning and Community Environment 2 961024 apc 0051639 Exhibit A COMPATIBILITY REVIEW STANDARDS FOR REPLACEMENT HOUSES: Requirements and Recommended Practices For the Design of Houses That Replace Pre -1940 Contributor Houses CONTENTS Introduction I. How to Use These Compatibility Review Standards II. Adding on or Remodeling a Pre -1940 House III. Requirements and Recommended Practices for Designing a Compatible Replacement House IV. Completing the Compatibility Worksheet: Identifying Neighborhood Character and Architectural Style V. Guide to Palo Alto Architectural Styles and Other References VI. Compatibility Worksheet INTRODUCTION Background and Purpose of the Compatibility Review Standards Between January and mid -October, 1996, permits were granted for 62 single family houses in Palo Alto to be demolished and replaced with new houses. Thirty-four of these houses were constructed before 1940 and located mostly in the city's older, more traditional neighborhoods. Concerned that the loss of so many older houses would erode the distinctive character of these neighborhoods. the City Council adopted Interim Regulations to limit or restrict demolition of houses that have historic significance. either as Landmarks or as Contributors to the historic character of the neighborhood, and to assure that in cases where these houses are demolished the houses that replace them will contribute the same quality of design and compatibility with neighborhood characteristics as the original houses. These provisions help to assure current and future residents that the character of their neighborhood will not undergo radical change, and to protect the investments that residents have made in their houses and neighborhoods. When do the Compatibility Review Standards Apply The Compatibility Review Standards apply to new construction that replaces a house that was built before 1940 and has been determined to have historic significance as a Contributor building. In addition, the Standards apply to extensive remodels of Contributor buildings when 50% or more of the exterior walls are being removed. In rare instances where a Landmark building is permitted to be removed or demolished, the replacement structure also would have to comply with these Standards. See Section I. for more details about how to determine whether the Compatibility Review Standards apply to your project. 1 • • SECTION I: HOW TO USE THESE COMPATIBILITY REVIEW STANDARDS 1. Consider the option of an addition or remodel of your house rather than demolition and replacement. An addition or remodel of your older house that is sensitive to its original characteristics will help to preserve the distinctive historic architectural qualities of Palo Alto. Before you decide to demolish and replace your house. consider whether an addition or remodel will meet your household's needs. Read Section IL, which discusses in more detail the opportunities and benefits of a successful addition or remodel. As you complete the Compatibility Worksheet in Section III., consider the special characteristics of your house and how it contributes to the special character of the neighborhood. If you decide to retain at least 50% of the walls of your house, including the front facade, you are not required to comply with the Compatibility Review Standards. Instead, use the information provided in the Compatibility Review Standards and the Compatibility Worksheet exercise to help you identify the essential characteristics of your house and neighborhood and to design your addition or remodel in a way that will celebrate and enhance the style of your house and the special qualities of the neighborhood. 2. Determine whether the Compatibility Review Standards are mandatory for your project. When do the Compatibility Review Standards apply? Your project must comply with the Requirements of the Compatibility Review Standards if both of the following apply: * The original house that is being replaced or extensively remodeled was constructed before 1940 and has been determined to be an Historic Landmark Residence or a Contributing Residence 3 • The proposed construction plans will result in removal of 50% or more of the exterior walls or the street facing facade of the original house. How do 1 know if my house is an Historic Landmark or Contributor building? 1. First, verify that your house was constructed prior to 1940. Consult the Assessor's data, available on microfiche in the Planning Department, which will show the date of construction for your house. 2. Next, consult the City of Palo Alto's current Historic Inventory, and find out whether it has been identified in the Inventory as a structure with historic architectural or cultural significance. Structures identified as Category 1 or 2 are considered to be Historic Landmark Residences, but structures identified as Category 3 or 4 will require an Historic Merit Evaluation to assess their level of historic significance. Because the Inventory has not yet been updated to assure that all structures with historic, architectural or cultural merit are identified, the house may still have historic merit even if it is not identified in the inventory. 3. If your house is not on the Inventory, you must request a Historic Merit Screening by Planning staff to determine whether the house could possibly be considered to be a Contributing or Historic Landmark Residence. 4. If based on the Historic Merit Screening, it appears your post -1940 house could not meet the Standards for Historic Designation, then you are not required to follow the requirements which apply to demolition, alteration and replacement of Contributing Residences. 5. If it appears, based upon the Historic Merit Screening, that your house may meet the Standards for Historic Designation, a Historic Merit Evaluation will be required. This evaluation will include a recommendation by the Historic Resources Board to the Planning 4 • • Director regarding the determination that a pre -1940 house is either a Historic Landmark Residence or Contributing Residence. 6. If the house is determined to be a Historic Landmark Residence, no application for demolition will be approved during the current interim regulations. except under special circumstances. Any remodel or additions will need to be approved by the Historic Resources Board according to National Standards and Guidelines. 7. If your house is determined to be a Contributing Residence, you must comply with the Compatibility Review Standards and obtain approval for a replacement structure prior to demolition of the contributing residence. Demolition is defined as removal of more than fifty percent of the perimeter walls. or removal of the street - facing facade. Demolition does not include removal and replacement in kind of deteriorated, non -repairable materials required for the restoration or rehabilitation of the structure and resulting in no change to its exterior appearance or historic character. 3. Process to apply for approval of an extensive remodel or for demolition and replacement. Outline the steps in the review process. Submittal requirements: 1. Photo montage of the block, both sides of the street, and photographs showing all sides of the original house and architectural details. 2. Completed Worksheet assessing character of the neighborhood and showing how the replacement house meets the requirements of the Compatibility Review Standards. (The Worksheet in the back of the SFR Design Guidelines will be modified, see Attachment.) 3. New construction plans showing all existing and proposed development and all existing trees on the entire lot, the location of adjacent structures. and the location of all existing curbs, curb cuts, 5 paving, and other infrastructure including street trees located in the Public Right of Way. 4. Aerial photo How to use the Requirements and Recommendations in the Compatibility Review Standards Difference between Requirements and Recommended Practices. Exceptions: An exception process will be made available that allows the applicant to seek relief from the requirements of the Compatibility Review Standards when site conditions cause unusual circumstances that make application of such Standards an unreasonable burden. The process will involve a hearing opportunity and a decision by the Director or his designee. Based on findings that the proposed alternative better achieves design quality and compatibility with the existing neighborhood than would the strict application of the requirements of the Compatibility Standards, the proposed alternative may be approved. 6 SECTION II. REMODELING A PRE -1940 HOME Remodeling or adding on to an existing house may be the best alternative for households who need more space or have changing requirements. Increasing the size of a home presents both opportunities and problems. There may be an opportunity to improve the layout of the entire house and to enhance compatibility with the neighborhood. By retaining elements of the original homes and continuing its architectural character in additions, remodeled homes can preserve Palo Alto's precious architectural heritage and the charm and desirability of older neighborhoods. The first step in planning an addition is to study the Zoning Ordinance regulations to determine what may be built. Be aware that you can apply for a Home Improvement Exception (HIE) if you find that you cannot adhere to the strict provisions of the zoning ordinance for site development regulations such as setbacks, daylight planes, height. lot coverage and incidental amounts of floor area. Home Improvement Exceptions apply to projects where 75% of exterior walls and 25% of existing roof area is maintained. and are intended to help sustain the integrity of the existing house design concept or neighborhood character. If you are remodeling a Historic Landmark Residence or Contributing Residence, you may also be eligible to use the Historic Building Code. This code provides added flexibility in meeting the intent of the code where strict interpretation of the Uniform Building Code could adversely affect the preservation of historic buildings. Next step, review these recommendations and requirements, recognizing that if you retain more than 50% of exterior walls including the front facade, the requirements are not mandatory. In either case, following the recommendations will help you assure that your remodeled home preserves its original architectural character and enhances your neighborhood character. You may also wish to consult an architect to help you with the planning and design process. Use the worksheet in Section VI and the reference materials in Sections V to identify. distinguishing characteristics of the neighborhood and patterns which contribute to the streetscape Refer to the Guide to Palo Alto Architectural Styles and the reference materials in Section V to identify the original architectural style of your house. As you design your addition, look for ways to continue the architectural character and features of the original home in the remodeled portion. Be sure that if you are adding at the ground floor or second story that the overall building massing is consistent with the houses architectural character. Be sure to continue streetscape patterns that help define neighborhood character as well. 7 • s SECTION III: RECOMMENDED PRACTICES & REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNING A COMPATIBLE REPLACEMENT HOME The purpose of the Compatibility Review Standards is to guide construction of a new residential structure or a substantial alteration to a pre -1940 residential structure in a way that preserves the special and desirable qualities of the neighborhood. These special qualities come from characteristic patterns of building placement. open space, landscaping and architectural detail. These patterns are similar throughout Palo Alto's pre -1940 neighborhoods, even though the styles of architecture may be varied. It is the repetition of these qualities in hundreds of houses, each one different yet conforming to the essential pattern, that gives these neighborhoods their strong character of cohesion and visual richness. The essential characteristics of these neighborhoods can be identified in the following five points. * The main focus of each house is on the design of the front facade, particularly the entry, and its connection to the front garden and to the street. * The houses are located in a "garden" setting, with planting, open space and views between buildings. * Garages and car parking are located at the back of the site. * The architecture shows careful attention to scale, balance, proportion, detail, materials and craftsmanship. * Regularly spaced street trees and planted parking strips line the streets. (Provide photo illustrating these points) This Section is divided into two parts. Streetscape and Open Space includes those elements that determine the view from the street and the arrangement of buildings and 9 i open spaces. Architectural Character includes those elements that comprise the design of the individual structures. Each of the characteristic elements is organized in the following way: 1. A discussion of how this element contributes to the special character of the pre -1940 neighborhood 2. An Outline of "Recommended Practices" that will help to preserve and enhance that character. _ 3. A list of the "Requirements" that each project will have to meet m order to be approved. STREETSCAPE AND OPEN SPACE The front yard. sidewalk, street trees. fences. driveways. landscaping. everything in front of the house, all contribute to our experience as we walk or drive down the street. This combination of elements constitutes the streetscape. The streetscape of older Palo Alto neighborhoods is characterized by a high degree of architectural variety and pedestrian detail, unified by certain characteristic patterns of landscaping and building placement. Front Setbacks Discussion: The front setback is the distance from the front of the house to the front property line (not the sidewalk). The minimum set by the zoning regulations is 20 feet. However, in historic neighborhoods with a different setback pattern a smaller or larger setback pattern may prevail, and should be respected by new construction. Recommended Practice: 1. Maintain the existing setback pattern by building to the prevailing setback line. Notice that corner houses may be located closer to the street than other houses on the block. 10 Requirements: I. Locate at least 50% of the front facade of the house at the prevailing setback line, with the remainder of the front facade at or behind that line. The prevailing setback line is the line closest to the street with 75% of the houses located behind it. !film house is on a corner and the original houseis located closer to the street than the prevailing setback line, then the required setback is the setback of the original house. 1. If the front facade of the original house is being preserved, the setback of the original house may alternatively be the allowed setback. Garages Discussion: In most situations, garages in pre -1940 neighborhoods are separate from the. house and located at the back of the lot. This pattern continues the outbuilding relationship to the main house that carriage houses had in a previous era. It has a powerful impact on the character of these neighborhoods in at least five ways: 1) the amount of paving in the front yard is the minimum required for access; 2) the most prominent design element on the facade of the house is the entry or a major window rather than the garage; 3) side driveways provide open space and separation between houses; 4) cars can be parked in the drivewa.- while still being. out of the front yard; 5) the difference in size between houses and garages establishes a pattern of variety in building volumes, rather than mostly large, uniformly sized buildings. Recommended Practices: 1. Locate the garage to minimize its visibility. 2. Design the garage so that it is architecturally compatible with the house but does not compete with the house as the primary focus. 11 Requirements: I. Locate the garage at the rear of the site and detached from the house by at least 12 feet f located at least 75 feet from the front property line, zoning allows the garage to be located adjacent to the side and rear property line. Alternatively, an attached garage can be located no closer than 60 feet from the front property line, provided that a side setback of at least 6 feet is maintained Locate the side wall of the garage no more than 10 feet closer to the side property line than the side wall of the front part of the house, thus partially screening view of the driveway and garage from the street. (This will be illustrated with a diagram) No part of the second story can extend over the garage within 10 feet of the garage side wall. The garage must have a separate roof that is the same pitch as the house roof, or less. In this case, second floor balconies are not permitted over the garage to protect the privacy of the adjacent property. 2. lithe house is located on a corner, the garage may be placed in the rear yard setback and accessed from the side street. The garage must be located at least 16 feet from the street side property line Alternatively, garages on corner lots may be attached if located outside rear yard setback. . The front of the garage must be recessed at least 2 feet behind the side wall of the house. 3. In a single car garage, use a garage door that is 8 feet wide, or less. In a double car garage, use two doors not more than 8 feet wide separated by a vertical support at least 8 inches wide, or use one door not over 1216 feet wide. Where three car garages are permitted by ordinance, use one door eight feet wide and one door 1216 feet wide, or less. 4. Design garage doors with square or vertically proportioned elements to minimize the apparent width tithe doors. Vase door 12 •. is more than eight feet wide, design the door so that it has the appearance of being divided vertically into two distinct sections. Do not use Rancher style doors, because the strong horizontal proportions emphasize the width of the door. Do not use steel garage doors. Do not use nonrectangular or decorative windows on garages or garage doors. (Photo illustration) 5. If the garages on the two adjacent properties and the garage for the original house are on the same sides of their respective houses, then locate the driveway for the new house in this same way so that the pattern of open space between houses is preserved 6. If alleyway accessis provided, required parking shall be accessed from the alley and the garage shall be located within 5 feet of the rear property line. 7. On sinall-lots4ess-tharr-40feet-tvide-or-less-thetr47090-square-fee4 substandard lots, and where no alley access is available, only one on -site parking space is required and a single car attached garage is allowed The front of the garage must be recessed at least two feet behind the main front facade of the house. If two parking spaces are provided, one must be tandem. 8. Carports are not permitted, unless they are located where the open sides cannot be seen from a public street. Driveways Discussion: Driveways at nearly all of Palo Alto's pre -1940 houses are between 6.5 and 10 feet wide, with 9 feet being the most common width. They are typically located several' feet from the side property line and several feet from adjacent building walls; usually this space is planted with a hedge or other landscaping. Surface materials are treated in one of two ways. The most common treatment is a.simple, unobtrusive surface of asphalt or poured cement. In other cases the driveway is surfaced with bricks, cobbles, 13 stones. rubble or gravel, and adds textural interest and an element of craftsmanship to the front garden. Recommended Practice: l . Minimize the width of driveways and the amount of paving on the site. '`Hollywood" strips with planting between the wheel tracks may be used instead of solid paving. Use simple, traditional paving materials, and provide planting that will help to frame the site and screen the paving. Requirements:: 1. Make driveways 9 feet wide or less. Driveway curb cuts must have a vertical curb and be tw more than 1© feet wide with a 3 foot radius. Within 1& 27 feet of the garage doors, driveways may widen to no more than the width of the garage door(s) plus 2 feed However, no driveway may be more than 12 feet wide within 5 feet of the public sidewalk. Interior sidewalks, patios, etc. may adjoin the .driveway for no more than 6 linear feed t 2. , If the driveway widens to more than 4418 feet at any location inside the property line that is visible from a public street, provide a wall, fence or hedge along the property line to screen the paving. 3. Locate driveways at least 21.5 feet from the side or rear property line and at least 2 I.5 feet from anyintildiferwaii the side of the house to provide space for planting on both sides of the driveway, except that no planting space is required between the driveway and the back half of the house. (An illustration or diagram will be provided) 4. Use the following materials for driveway surfaces: asphalt; poured cement with a troweled or exposed aggregate finish; real brick, cobbles, or stone ; rubble; or gravel. For driveways, do not use precast interlocking pavers or stamped concrete, which -imitate other-materiais; since these materials generally lack the appearance of craftsmanship associated with traditional materials. 14 Public .Right of Way: Discussion: Street trees are one of the most striking features of Palo Alto's older neighborhoods. Trees provide shade and canopy and help define the street and sidewalk areas. They also provide a unifying element to the streetscape of older neighborhoods. while the variety of tree species used provide a range of shade, color and other characteristics . Recommended Practice: 1. Note the location. spacing and type of street trees on the street and take this into consideration in the design of the new house, locations of garage and driveway and the design of landscaping and paving in the front yard and planting strip. Requirements: 1. Do not relocate, realign or widen a driveway 10 within 10 feet of any existing streettree, unless it is not possible to access the site and still meet this requirement If street trees are missing along the property frontage on the street, locate the driveway to allow replacement of the missing trees at approximately 25 feet intervals. 3. Limit paving or hard surfaces within the parking strip to no more than 5.5 linear feet per street frontage, not including the driveway apron. 4. Provide irrigated planting of ground cover or small shrubs in the parking strip. 5. If there is a fence or wall along the property line, provide irrigated planting in the space between the sidewalk and the fence or wall. 15 Laadgcaping Trees provide shade and canopy and provide an asset to both the individual property owner and the neighborhood. Mature trees and other large plant material are a part of the special quality of older neighborhoods. Recommended practice: I . Locate and identify all mature trees and shrubs on the property. Observe their characteristics and what benefits they may be providing in terms of shade, seasonal color. etc. and consider that some may be old species no longer generally available in the trade and therefore rare. Retain and protect mature vegetation where possible. Consistent with neighborhood patterns, fence materials and design should be compatible with the house style and neighborhood character. Solid fences and fences over four feet tall should be avoided. except to provide backyard privacy. Locate perimeter fences or walls behind the property line to allow planting to soften the appearance of the fence. 3. Design the landscape to be compatible with the house design and neighborhood. Be aware that irrigated front lawns are the main source of water for many street trees, so if drought tolerant landscaping is used, consider providing irrigation to the street trees: If irrigation to the front yard is being turned off during construction, use soaker hoses to water street trees during the interim. If there is an uninterrupted sweep of lawn across several properties, maintain this pattern. Requirements: 1. All valley oak and live oak trees over 11.5 inches in diameter or 36 inches in circumference measured 4.5 feet above natural grade that are located in required setbacks are protected under the City's street tree ordinance and must be retained 16 Prior to demolition and during construction, provide protective fencing and frequent deep watering to all plant materials that are being retained, including street trees. ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER Palo Alto's older neighborhoods are characterized by a combination of architectural styles, with certain styles predominant in each neighborhood. Each of these historic house styles is composed of a coherent and consistent combination of materials. window treatments, building massing, ornamentation and roof treatment. While individual details may vary, these characteristics provide a sense of unity within each house and with others of the same style. Additions and remodels of pre -1940 residences should be compatible with the style of the original structure. A first step in designing a remodel or addition, therefore, is identifying the architectural style of the original building. Common Architectural Styles in Palo Alto Houses The list below includes the predominantarchitectural styles of Palo Alto homes built before 1940. Illustrations and descriptions of character -defining elements of these styles can be found in Section V. These houses represent the history of this area, dating from the founding of the town of Mayfield and Palo Alto through the start of World War II. While there are some other architectural styles represented in pre -1940 buildings, these represent the most common styles. Victorian Queen Anne Colonial Revival Shingle Style Spanish Colonial Revival Craftsman Bungalow Tudor Revival Streamline Modern 17 Some of the predominant styles are particularly well adapted to the area's climate and building materials, such as the Craftsman, Shingle and Spanish Colonial Revival styles. Prominent California architects such as Julia Morgan and Birge Clark have designed buildings in these styles which are an important part of Palo Alto's architectural heritage. For further information on Palo Alto and Bay Area architectural traditions, consult the following references and the Guide to Palo Alto Architectural Styles in Section V: Historic and Architectural Resources of the City of Palo Alto. Rehab Right: How to Utilize the Full Value of Your Old House, and Single FamiLv Residential Design Guidelines . compatibility with Neighborhood Architectural Style Discussion: Each of Palo Alto's older neighborhoods gets its distinctive character from a blend of architectural styles. Some neighborhoods and some blocks are more eclectic and others are more homogeneous. Often there is a predominant style, such as the shingle style or bungalow style, which gives the neighborhood a sense of unity and distinctiveness. Recommended Practice: i. New residential construction should be compatible with the architectural character of the neighborhood Each house should be designed with an understanding of the characteristic elements of the particular style selected for the house and with careful attention to scale, balance, proportion, detail and craftsmanship. When using characteristics of a traditional architectural style, use these characteristics in a consistent manner, rather than combining 18 • • characteristics of more than one style in a single structure. For example, Mediterranean/Spanish style stucco houses should not employ neocolonial details such as shutters or steep roofs. (This paragraph was moved from requirements to recommended practices.) Requirement: I. Plans which use traditional architectural features are required to identify a style from the references: Section V Common Palo Alto Architectural Styles. Historic and Architectural Resources of the City. gf'Palo Alto, Rehab Right. or Singlg-Famijv Design Guidelines. Only those architectural characteristics included in the description of a particular style in the above references may be included in a single structure Alternatively, if an applicant can provide a local example of a pre -1940 residence with the same combination of original architectural characteristics in a single structure they may utilize that combination of characteristics in their own plans. Windows Discussion: Windows contribute a great deal to the character of the house. An addition that uses windows that are significantly different from those used in the original house will severely disrupt the character of the house. For instance, using sliding aluminum windows in a house that has wood double hung windows would detract from the house. Certain distinctive window shapes, such as round, arched, pointed, fan - shaped or diamond -shaped windows, need to be used sparingly so that they complement the architectural style and do not overwhelm the proportions of the facade. Extremely tall windows can also disrupt the scale of the house. Most older residential styles did not use non -rectangular and oversized windows at all; or used them only for emphasizing the major living area or an entry. Each architectural style is characterized by specific window proportions, materials, mullion detailing, trim and placement. Refer to the description of 19 • • common architectural styles and examples of original houses for models of appropriate window treatment. Requirements: 1. Where the architectural style of the original house is being retained, reuse nerd or match original window materials. Maintain proportions, detailing and materials of original windows. 2. No more than one non -rectangular or "special" window may be used per street facade. No windows on street facades can be taller than the top of the first floor of the building. Where non - rectangular windows are used, they must be compatible with the architectural character of the house and neighborhood This limitation does not apply to windows located on the front door. (Restrictions on special windows in garage doors were moved to the garage section.) 3. Windows must be wood, wood with vinyl or metal cladding, or steel. Vinyl or aluminum windows will be allowed for bathrooms and basements but must have the same or similar finish to other windows. Windows must have clear glass, except that glass block or frosted glass may be used in bathrooms or for privacy along property lines. 4. Windows with divided lights must be true divided lights, or double pane windows with full size (minimum 3/8" deep) muntins attached to the exterior of the glass. 5. Recessed windows: In stucco walls, recess windowpane a minimum of 2.5 inches behind the outside wall surface, not including trim around the windows, in order to enhance the impression of the massiveness of the walls. In other types of walls a minimum recess of 1.5 inches is required 6. Dormer windows may be used only where they open directly into habitable space. This does not preclude small horizontally proportioned "eyebrow" type roof vents, where compatible with the architectural style . 20 Entry F'eatares Discussion: Entry features in Palo Alto's older neighborhoods include front porches, alcoves, loggias, terraces, and covered or uncovered stoops. Front porches can be viewed as covered entry features which are open on two or more sides. These front porches and entries often provide a seating area as well as an entryway; and become an important scene for neighborly interaction while providing visual interest to the passerby. They also provide a transition in scale between the house and the outdoors at the pedestrian scale. In some cases, a large window in a primary living area is the focus on the front facade, rather than the building entrance. The materials, proportions and location of front porches, entries and primary windows should be compatible with the house style and neighborhood character. Requirements: 1. If there is an established pattern of porches on the block, (50 % of houses on the block face or on both sides of the street combined), then provide a front porch. 2. If a porch is not incorporated, include an entry feature or principal window (larger than other windows) in a main living area on the front of the house. 3. Design porches with a minimum dimension of at least 6 feet in depth and an area of at least 60 square feet to provide both an entry area and usable seating area. 4. .Entry feature openings and roof eaves cannot be higher than the top of the first floor of the building. 21 Building Massing Discussion: Building massing is a fundamental ingredient of architectural style and neighborhood character. While many houses in Palo Alto's older neighborhoods are two story, they often contain a number of elements which serve to decrease the visual impact of the two story volume with a one story portion. roof or gable details. or entry features. These features provide a pedestrian scale. The taller building elements and trees help define the larger scale of the street. Together these elements produce the overall character and richness of the streetscape. Building massing is also a key concern of neighbors. where two story elements can affect sunlight access. views and privacy for adjacent properties. Recommended Practices: 1. Employ one story elements such as porches, entry features, and arcades to create a transition in scale between the street and two story building elements. 2. Consider neighbors needs for sunlight, privacy and views. Use setbacks or sloping roofs to reduce shadows and intrusions on neighbor's windows and open spaces. 3. Building massing should be compatible with the house's architectural style and neighborhood character. For example, for Bungalow designs do not include two story elements unless they are set back at least ten feet from front and rear walls. (This was moved from requirements to recommended practices.) Roofline Discussion: Roof lines and the detailing of roof design and construction contributes to the character of Palo Alto's older neighborhoods. Generally, the existing pattern is houses composed of simple shapes with simple roof forms. Some newer houses have introduced a profusion of roofs over individual building 22 • • elements. which clutter the facade. Roofs should not over -emphasize the garage or entryway to the detriment of the harmony of the overall facade. Roof forms found in Palo Alto vary from the shallow to moderate slopes of bungalow; shingle and Spanish houses to the steep forms of Tudor and Victorian houses. Compatibility with neighborhood patterns and the specific archite . turai styles of the house should be continued in new construction. Traditional roof materials in older Palo Alto neighborhoods depended upon the architectural style. Shingle style houses used wood shingles and shakes; Spanish style houses used genuine clay tile, or tar and gravel for flat roofs; Tudor and neocolonial houses sometimes used slate. Recommended Practices: Where roofs are specially highlighted as a prominent design feature, use authentic, high quality materials such as wood shake, wood shingle, clay tile or slate. (This was moved from requirements to recommended practices.) Requirements: I. Roofline, roof details and roof materials must be compatible with the architectural style of the house to produce an overall, unified architectural style. For traditional styles, the style must be identified and the roof features must be consistent with those described for that style in the following references: Historic and Architectural Resources (like City of Palo Alto. Rehab Right. or Single -Family Design Guidelines.. Alternatively, ran applicant can provide a local example of a pre -1940 residence with the same combination of architectural style and roof characteristics they may utilize that combination of characteristics in their own plans. 2. The roofs over entry features must have the same roof pitch and detail as the rest of the house. Eaves on entry feature roofs must be located no higher than the top of the first floor of the building. 23 • s 3. For roofs, use asphalt shingles, wood shingles, wood shakes, genuine clay tile, genuine slate, or tar and graveL Walls and Finishes Discussion: An important characteristic of older neighborhoods is the generally high level of quality and craftsmanship used in construction and finishing of wall surfaces. Often the variations in color or texture resulting from hand craftsmanship add to the appeal and interest of the finished wall. in addition, certain styles were marked by specific finishes, such as white. cream or other light colored paints on stucco for Spanish style houses. and unpainted redwood shingles and beams on Shingle Style houses. Requirements: L Stucco must be applied by hand Do not use spray -on finish materials or textured paints. Use a traditional stucco finish texture found on pre -1940 buildings in Palo Alto, suck as Flom Spanish, Mission, Monterey, Californian or English. Do not use Lace or heavy textures. 2. Use real wood siding, not composite products, vinyl or aluminum siding. 3. Change from one wall material to another only where there is a change in wall plane and at an interior corner, not at an exterior corner, since this gives the appearance that the material is only applied to the surface and not integral to the structure of the walL 4. Where remodelling, use same materials and finishes as existing house, or if documentation exists showing that the house originally had a different finish, then that finish may be used 24 • e SECTION IV. COMPLETING THE COMPATIBILITY WORKSHEET: IDENTIFYING NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER AND ARCHITECTURAL STYLE Completion of the Compatibility Worksheet in Section VI is required for your application for approval of a major remodel or construction of a new structure to replace a Contributing Residence. The worksheet should be completed at the very beginning of the design process. so that the information you assemble regarding the character of your neighborhood and your house can be used to guide your design decisions. There are several major steps in completing the worksheet: 1. Identify Neighborhood Character and Streetscape Patterns 2. Identify the Architectural Character of Your Home and Other Homes in the Neighborhood 3. Describe your proposed design for a remodel or replacement home in relationship to Neighborhood Character and Streetscape patterns 4. Describe the Architectural Character of your proposed design in relationship to the Palo Alto architectural traditions and the original house. 1. Identify Neighborhood Character and Streetscape Patterns You may wish to photograph the streetscape, patterns of planting, and fencing, and anything which makes the neighborhood special and gives the neighborhood charm. Study all of the patterns which contribute to the richness of the neighborhood and choose those that are consistent with the character of your home. Identifying and defining each neighborhood by its own special character helps to define important design criteria for an individual project. Here are some broad characteristics to define and distinguish the neighborhood character and streetscape patterns -in various districts in Palo Alto where most pre -1940 houses are located. 25 • Crafts Example: Professorville, Community Center and Old Palo Alto Most of the homes were built prior to the 1940s. Streets lined with mature trees which provide unifying feature. Landscape strips with street trees between sidewalk and street. Lots generally narrow with houses consistently set back on the lot Predominant architectural style bungalow and craftsman style Front porches are common, fences are low and houses are visible from street Garages generally detached and located in the rear of the lot with a narrow driveway to the street, minimizing views of parking areas and pavement. Mixed Examples: College Terrace, Ventura, Old South Palo Aito, Downtown North Mixed or eclectic neighborhoods are the least uniform in Palo Alto. Amount of landscaping varies as does type and placement of street trees. Mixed in density and architectural style. On some blocks, there is no uniform pattern with respect to number of stories, lot size or garage location. Nonetheless, there can exist elements of building appearance, size, placement on a lot and/or landscaping, which help unify diverse character and scale. Estates Examples: Crescent Park, some parts of Old Palo Alto Lots are very wide and large, with substantial houses set back 40 feet or more from the street, with large side setbacks. Trees and lush landscaping dominate the streetscape. Planter strips add to the rich greenery along the street. Predominant house styles include Tudor, Colonial Revival and Mediterranean. Houses are two and three stories and garages are detached in the rear. Rural Example: Barron Park The character of rural neighborhoods is dominated by trees and foliage. There are many trees, but no uniform street tree type. _ The rural character is emphasized by the lack of curbs and sidewalks. - Streets are rambling and narrow. The architecture is varied, but most houses are small, one story and set back from the street. 26 2. Identify the Architectural Character of Your Home and Other Homes in the Neighborhood Architectural character is derived from the harmonious combination of a number of character defining elements. These elements include materials and finishes. roof slope. ornamentation. massing. and window design and placement. Most pre -1940 houses are built in a distinctive architectural style, which combines these elements in a characteristic pattern. Use Section V as a reference to help identify the character and distinguishing features of your house. 3. Describe your proposed design for a remodel or replacement home in relationship to Neighborhood Character and Streetscape patterns Using the Worksheet, describe how your design fulfills the Streetscape and Open Space requirements, and recommendations in Section III. Attach photographs or sketches to show models you used in designing your house. 4. Describe the Architectural Character of your proposed design in relationship to the Palo Alto architectural traditions and the original house. Using the Worksheet, describe how your design fulfills the Architectural Character requirements in Section III. Identify any portions or features of the original house which are being retained and integrated in the new design. Use photographs or sketches as needed. 27 SECTION V. REFERENCES Historic and Architectural Resources of the City of Palo Alto, City of Palo Alto. Historical description of Palo Alto architectural styles and neighborhoods. Available in the Main Library. Rehab Right, How to Realize the Full Value of Your Old House, Helaine Kaplan Prentice and Blair Prentice, City of Oakland Planning Department, I978, 1986 Single Family Design Guidelines, City of Palo Alto Planning Department GUIDE TO PALO ALTO ARCHITECTURAL STYLES SHINGLE Predominant style in: Professorville, Old Palo Alto, Community Center - late 19th century architectural style with New England influences . - I or 2 stories with simple massing - Walls and roofs are covered in redwood shingles and include curving surfaces. - Brackets common at eaves, along with deep overhangs - Emphasis on wood craftsmanship and details - Wood windows with divided panes of glass CRAFTSMAN Predominant style in Professorville. Community Center - Materials: unpainted redwood shingles and siding with massive redwood timbers. boulders, and clinker bricks. -Massing: generally low and horizontal -Roofs: Repeated shallow gabled roofs with wide sheltering overhangs. exposed rafters and supporting roof brackets. -Architectural style of the early 20th century Arts and Crafts movement which combined a respect for craftsmanship and natural materials with a life lived close to nature. -Most often found in bungalows and two story structures employing overhanging rooflines with a horizontal emphasis. -Related to the Shingle Style, which also uses redwood shingles and simplified details. -Frequent use of redwood in simple pergolas, fences and other built elements which continue building style and blur the distinction between indoors and outdoors. SPANISH COLONIAL REVIVAL Predominant Style in: Old Palo Alto, Crescent Park, Community Center - Many fine examples designed by Birge Clark, prominent local architec., which feature massive stuccoed walls with carefully irregular fenestration and ornamentation with colored tiles and wrought iron. - Complex massing of one or two stories, often partially enclosing courtyards - Use of stucco or timbered arcades to create shade and indoor/outdoor transition - Massive looking walls with recessed windows - Shallow to medium sloping roof pitch - Colors - Light colored walls, red clay roof tiles, frequent use of colorful glazed tile as accent - Materials: stucco walls with heavy wood timbers, wood or wrought iron railings and clay tile roof - Windows: Occasional use of heavily recessed arched windows sometimes in series. Windows generally composed on multi -paned metal or wooden casements. 31 I3UNGALOW Predominant Style in: Boyce Addition, Community Center, Downtown North Approximate original construction date 1920s to 1940s - Generally 1 story - Slightly raised large, deep entry porch on front of house - Shallow roof pitch and generally horizontal massing - Wood detail prevalent in details such as roof brackets, exposed rafters - Materials: wood siding, stucco, or shingles -Windows: true divided light windows. generally horizontal or square in shape. often with unusual mullion patterns repeated throughout house. COLONIAL REVIVAL One of several styles in Professorville. Crescent Park and Old Palo Alto - 2 stories - Medium to sleep roof pitch, with hip or gambrel roofs - Stately. symmetrical massing, revival of Georgian plans and forms - Use of Classical details such as pediments with columns, Palladian windows - Raised pedimented portico entry - Materials: horizontal wood siding with shingle roof and wood window shutter QUEEN ANNE Predominant style in: College Terrace, some parts of Old Palo Alto - I or 2 stories - Picturesque asymmetrical plans, sometimes with comer towers, gables and bays - Porch or veranda common - Lacy wood ornament and trim with fish scale shingles, variety of textures - Materials: contrasting wood siding materials with shingle roof TUDOR REVIVAL Found throughout Crescent Park, Community Center and Old Palo Alto. Characteristic of ".estate" neighborhoods with traditional, more formal styles. - 20th century interpretation of English Tudor architectural style - 2 stories typical - Vertical emphasis - Steep slate roof with shallow overhangs - Sense of mass in walls with recessed windows - Materials: stucco walls with wood trim and accents 32 VICTORIAN Predominant style in: College Terrace, Downtown. Examples throughout older neighborhoods. Approximate Dates of Construction - 2 stories typical -Frequent large front entry porch substantially above grade -Unusual massing with dormer projections. bay windows and porches - Vertical emphasis - Steep roof pitch, complex roof forms - Fanciful wood trim and siding - Materials: varied wood siding and trim with shingle roof STREAMLINE MODERNE - Popular in 1930s -Streamlined detailing, with curved lines - Simplified detailing - Generally flat roofs. -Materials: generally stucco walls, metal windows 33 • • SECTION VI. WORKSHEET Worksheet similar to the Worksheet in the Single Family Residential Design Guidelines will be prepared. 1. Identify Elements of Neighborhood Character Characteristic Lot Size Your Lot Size Characteristic Front Setback Garage Placement Driveway Public Right of Way Landscaping 2. Identify Architectural Character of the Original Home Identify Architectural Style of Original Home Distinctive Features Entry Features Building Massing Roofs Walls and Finishes Windows Enclose Historic Photographs, if any are .available Date of Construction Name of Architect Historical Events/Associations, if known 3. Describe your proposed design for a remodel or replacement home in relationship to Neighborhood Character and Streetscape patterns 4. Describe the Architectural Character of your proposed design in relationship to the Palo Alto architectural traditions and the original house. 35