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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-13 City Council (6)City of Palo Alto City Manager’s Report TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL~6 FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT DATE: SUBJECT: OCTOBER 13, 1998 CMR:385:98 FINAL REVISION OF THE INTERIM HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMPATIBILITY REVIEW STANDARDS RECOMMENDATION Staff-recommends that Council adopt the attached Resolution revising the Compatibility Review Standards of the Interim Historic Preservation Regulations. BACKGROUND On September 14, 1998, staffadvised the Council that additional changes had been identified which would improve administration of the Interim Regulations Compatibility Review Standards. The proposed changes are the result of detailed comments from Historic Resources Board members, staffs experience with the current Standards, comments from the ombudsman based on his numerous interviews, suggestions l~om the City’s current compatibility review consultants based upon their recent experience implementing the Standards, and general input from the public. DISCUSSION Interim Re~ The recommended changes provide significant improv.ements to the Interim Regulations, specifically the Compatibility Review Standards. The changes to the text both eliminate unnecessary or redundant sections and simplify the Compatibility Review Standards consistent with recommendations from those who administer the Regulations and those who have experienced the interim procedures as applicants and applicant representatives. The important changes to the Compatibility Review Standards requirements are listed below. The Compatibility Review application instructions and forms would be .removed from the CMR:385:98 Page 1 of 6 Standards document, which is part of the Interim Regulations subject to Council approval by Resolution. In that way, further improvements to the application process could be easily made by staff. Attachment A is the Resolution to approve the recommended changes. The Resolution’s attached exhibit contains all the proposed changes (shown in highlights and strikeouts). While the cumulative effects of all changes will significantly improve the Compatibility Review process for applicants, staff and consultants, the most important substantive changes are those to the Requirements listed below in the new Section V. Attachment B lists the proposed changes for easy reference. Key changes include: Section I has been streamlined to improve readability and utility. Section II clarifies the processes applicants go through before beginning the compatibility review process. Section III concisely describes the Compatibility Review process, including the mandatory pre-application conference and the Exception hearing process. A flowchart of the process is provided. Section IV, entitled "Additions and Remodels," was clarified to encourage this alternative to demolition. A section on Completing the Compatibility Worksheet was eliminated from the Standards and the information contained in the Application materials. New Section V’ regarding "Patterns, Recommended Practices and Requirements" includes significant content revisions, particularly to Requirements, as follows: To clarify "prevailing setback," a new illustration derived from the City’s GIS maps is included. Such maps will be provided by staff for applications involving determination of prevailing setback. This service will relieve applicants from providing all setback information for vicinity properties, as is the current practice (page 13 of Exhibit A to Resolution). Front setback definition is modified and clarified, as the recent change to "the average setback of the four adjacent properties" did not provide sufficient flexibility. The revised definition .is cross-referenced to the new prevailing setback illustration described above (page 13 of Exhibit A). CMR:385:98 Page 2 of 6 Requirement regarding "comer lot garage location" is clarified (page 16 of Exhibit A): Requirement regarding "garage door design" is changed so that the placement of the garage on the left or fight sides is no longer dictated by the placement of the former garage and the adjacent garages, in order to provide more design flexibility. The requirement has been expanded so that garage door design detailing must be consistent with the architectural style of the residence, a very important Compatibility Review design consideration (page 16 of Exhibit A). The requirement for "garage location with alley" has been clarified consistent with the original intent of the requirement and with the recommendation of Transportation staff (page 16 of Exhibit A). "Driveway width" requirement concerning driveways wider than 18 feet inside the property line was moved from "driveway surface" section where it does not belong (page 17 of Exhibit A). Further flexibility has been added to the "driveway surfaces:’ section so that "colored (non-white) concrete" and "grasscrete" are specifically allowed, in addition to the previous changes approved by Council (page 17 of Exhibit A). The "driveway opening location and street, trees" requirement has added language confirming staff practice that driveways be at least 5 feet from an existing or new street tree. Also, a reminder has been added that "one street tree is required for every 25 feet of street frontage" (page 18 of Exhibit A). The "tree protection measures" requirement now clearly states that "The City’s tree protection measures shall be included on plan sets submitted for a building permit," eliminating a common cause of delay in approving building permits (page 18 of Exhibit A). Numerous changes to window requirements have been made to provide greater flexibility consistent with both user and staflYeonsultant recommendations concerning "remodel/addition," "window height," ’’window details," "recessed windows," "dormers," and "glazing" (pages 21 and 22 of Exhibit-A). Several changes to "front porches and entry features" requirements are included to provide greater flexibility and to. define "porch" (page 22 of Exhibit A). CMR:385:98 ¯Page 3 of 6 Under "building massing," the "daylight plane" requirement has been added to clarify that this zoning ordinance requirement applies to all Compatibility Review applications (page 23 of Exhibit A).. Several changes are made to the "roof design" requirements regarding design, entry and materials for clarification and flexibility (page 24 of Exhibit A). Regarding "walls and finishes," a new requirement has been added that "If the whole exterior of the residence will receive new finish materials, the new materials and detailing must be consistent with the architectural Style" (page 25 of Exhibit A). The Compatibility Worksheet was eliminated from the Standards document, revised, and included in the separate Application materials. The recommended changes to the application materials will make it easier for the public to understand the requirements and recommended practices and to comply with several simplified Compatibility Review requirements, and for staff and consultants to implement the Compatibility Review Standards. Those revised documents are included in Attachment D. RESOURCE IMPACT Resource impacts are no greater than disclosed in previous reports concerning changes to the staffing and implementation of the Interim Historic Preservation Ordinance and Regulations. Staff believes that Counciladoption of the revised Standards and staff implementation of the improved application materials will increase efficiency of responding to public inquiries and processing applications associated with the Compatibility Review Standards. POLICY IMPLICATIONS The recommendation is consistent with the Council’s direction to staffto maintain a level of ¯Compatibility Review while improving the procedures and regulations concerning the Standards. TIMELINE Being adopted by Resolution, the proposed changes would go into effect immediately. ALTERNATIVES If the recommended modifications were not approved, staff would continue to implement Compatibility Review Standards as currently adopted. Staff work on revising the Interim Regulations should conclude, so that development of a revised Permanent Historic Preservation Ordinance and completion of the Historic Inventory are not adversely affected. CMR:385:98 Page 4 of 6 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The proposed changes are minor enough to be exempt from environmental review. ATTACHMENTS A. Resolution B. List of Proposed Changes to Compatibility Review Standards C. Illustration of Prevailing Setback D. Revised Application Materials ’ PREPARED BY: Anne Cronin Moore, Interim Director of Planning and Community Environment DEPARTMENT HEAD: ANNE CRONIN MOORE Interim Director of Planning and Community Environment CITY MANAGER APPROVAL ~, -{dUNE FLEMING /// City Manager ~/ Architectural Review Board Historic Resources Board Planning Commission Palo Alto/Stanford Heritage Palo Alto Historical Association Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Palo Alto Board of Realtors Barton Park Association College Terrace Residents Association Crescent Park Neighborhood Association Community Center Neighbors Association Downtown North Neighborhood Association Midtown Residents Association Palo Verde Neighborhood Association Ramona Homeowners Association University Park Association CMR:385:98 ,,Page 5,of6 University South Neighborhoods Group Ventura Neighborhood Association John Paul Hanna Palo Alto Homeowners Association George Zimmerman Architectural Resources Group Origins Design Network GCA Strategies CMR:385:98 Page 6 of 6 Attachment A RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AMENDING HISTORIC PRESERVATION REGULATIONS INCLUDING COMPATIBILITY REVIEW STA!qDARDS 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 REGULAT;ONS 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 required the Director of Planning and Community Environment to promulgate written HiStoric Preservation Regulations to facilitate implementation of theordinance; and WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Regulations must include Compatibility Review Standards and Standards for Historic Designation; and WHEREAS, on October 28, 1996, the Council adopted Resolution No. 7631, which approved Historic Preservation Regulations including the Compatibility Review Standards which were Exhibit "A" to that resolution, and Standards for Historic Designation which were Exhibit ~B"; and WHEREAS, on April 8, 1997 and August I0, 1998, the Council adopted Resolution Nos. 7660 and 7790, which amended the Historic Preservation Regulations including the Compatibility Review Standards; and WHEREAS, Council has directed and staff has recon%mended modifications t~o the Historic Preservation Regulations in order to accomplish several~streamlining and process improvement objectives; and . WHEREAS, the Council has reviewed the proposed amended Historic Preservation Regulations; NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows: ~,~.~._~. The amended Compatibility Review Standards attached to this Resolution as Exhibit "A" are hereby approved. .These Standards replace in their entirety the Compatibility Review Standards approved by. Council by Resolution No. 7790° 1 980924 bdc 0052083 SECTION~2. 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. SECTIQN 3. 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: AYES: NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENT: ATTEST:APPROVED: City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Mayor City Manager City Attorney Interim Director of Planning and Community Environment 2 980924 bd~ 0052083 Exhibit "A" COMPATIBILITY REVIEW STANDARDS Design Requirements and Recommendations for the Replacement or ~Alteration of Pre- 1940 Contributing Residences City of Palo Alto Planning and Community Environment Department COMPATIBILITY REVIEW S TA NDA RDS Table of Contents V Gulde-to Pa:o A:t6 ^ --~: ........’ Sty:es & V:. Compt~y-Workshee~ .......................................5e If you have any questions or require any clarification regarding the information within this document please contact the Planning Division at (650) 329=2441. Sec~onl:Introduction Background and Purpose of the-Compatibility Review Standards In the first nine months of 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, to encourage sensitive rehabilitation of older homes, 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. 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. T-he-C-om~,,~,,,,y,,~,,~,, ,~,=,,,~=, ~Remodels ~~~ Landmark Historic Residences and buildings within historic districts such as Professorvill~ (The following text was removed from previous Section ill) Eoo~. ,t,=l ,.h=, =~.t=, ,ot,~.o ~,; t.~hGGd; cE;~ be,,.=,=-’--’"=--’,.,,,=,. ;;~ ,, ,~ ,~,,,~,..,~ (Insert Former Figure 4 photograph of house in a garden setting) Compatibility Review Standards Strike.outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 4 October 1, 1998 Section I1: How-to-use-these """. :An..- " "",,,.~=’"" "- "^.~, its c, fi.glnat _.- Ci~-i of Palo ^’’- Consider an addition to or remodel of your residence. Before you decide to demolish and replace your house residence, consider whether an addition or remodel will meet your household’s needs. An addition to or remodel of your older house residence which respects your residence’s original characteristics will help to preserve the distinctive historic architectural qualities of your neighborhood and the City of detail the opportunities and benefits of additions/remodels As yGu co,mp=ete ,,,.,,,,0, ,==, ;n ,.,~,.,,,,.,,, ,,,, and to consider the special characteristics of your-house and how it contributes to the special character of the neighborhood. 1;~h- ~" "ivelymmMel~ ee~lf’,;mle~bef~ 1940 ~,nd "" ’ 2 Th~ p~",s wi~ .....’- ~ --’ .............=-- wi,,,"-ctural appu~6na~ Compatibility Review Standards Strike=outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review October 1, 1998 Page 5 Verify that your house was constructed prior to 1940. Consult the AssessoCs data, available on microfiche in the }artment, which will show the date of construction for your house,the of Palo Alto’s current Historic and find out whether it has been identified in the Inventory as a structure with historic architectural or cultural significance. Structures identified as Category 3 or 4 will require an Historic Merit Evaluation to assess their level of .......... I,*11 i. ....LI--I--.I--- ----..’l .....It II 1_ __--& l--I____lll~,__-I l-- IL-- I .....I----.It ,.~. ,~.~ vii-- i,-- I .....i .........¯¯..¯ Proceed through the Historic Merit Screening Process. ~ist~ri~’, D~si~nati~n, t,herryou are not required to follow the Compatibility Review Standards, or , ,,~<~,,~ D~ig, ........ ~val~ati~ ’’" ’ ...."" ’.,,, ,, ’ Compatibility Review Standards Strike-out~redlines for October 13 Council Review Page October 1, 1998 (Insert Former Figure I photograph of contributing building) (Insert Compatibility Review Process Flowchart) Compatibility Review Standards Strike.out.s/r~dlines for October 13 Council Review Page 7 October 1, 1998 Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 8 October 1, 1998 Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review October 1, 1998 Page9 (Insert Former Figure 2 photograph of bungalow courts) -" the " .....:’-:’:" ¯,’=-’.~.,~..’: ....Stable ’-" "-"-- e×cept~ons to the ,,,,.,.~,,~ un{t$,,.,,,.~.=y .,,,,, u.,, o~ requ;rat~ents ;n the ,..,=, ,~,,=,,~o tar.y, ,.,t b~ approp~=.te. The Exception,~.,~.’ ............ v,.,,.e~o -.,’":,,,..,,.~" "- a headrlg opportunity .and a de~s~en by the P~ann~ng D’,~actor e~ hedh~s designee.- An exception may be approved based upon findings that: (I) site conditions cause unusual circumstances that make application of the Standards an unreasonable burden, and (ii) ~,a~~,,~-, ,~n~ngs t~at 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, . " include the following: (a) a comprehensive written description of the requested. exception, (b) a description of the unusual site conditions, and © a description of the improvements in design quality and compatibility, if any, that would result. ~J~i ~ the Zoning Administrator, Chief Building Official and the Chief Planning Official. A decision will be provided in writing within ten (10) days after the hearing, and be appealable as provided in Palo Alto Municipal Code sections 16.50.080 and 16.50.120. Section II1: " " ’ Remodeling or adding on to an existing may be the best alternative for households that need more space or have changing requirements. 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 th,e.ir architecturalcharacter in additions, remodeled home~ ~ can preserve Palo Alto s precious architectural hedtage and the charm and desirability of older neighborhoods. You may also want to explore tax incentives for restoration and rehabilitation of historic buildings. (Insert Former~Figure 3 photograph of remodel) Compatibility Review Standards Stdke.outslredlines for October 13 Council Review October 1, 1998 Page 10 Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page October 1, 1998 A-deseriptie~--eP~ =Existing pattern(s)" and ~ hew-this-e~me~ ~ to the ~haracter of the pre-1940 neighborhood ~’t-o~di~m-ef-=Recommended practices" ~ to preserve and enhance that Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 12 October 1, 1998 Part 1: , The front and side yards, location of your residence/garages, location of the driveways, street trees and public rights-of-ways, landscaping, and everything in front of the house ~!~i~ 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. (Insert Former Figure 5 photograph) Front and street side setbacks/dey/ight-ptafre. Existin~ patterns: ¯ The front setback is the distance from the front of the house to the front property line (not the sidewalk). The minimum setback established 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. ¯Many traditional house styles have tall front facades that cannot meet the Front Daylight Plane Requirements in the zoning regulations. Recommended _oractice: ° 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. Requirements: Locate at-least ~!~!~d~:.~f 50% of the front facade of the house ~i~at the prevailing setback line, with the remainder of the front facade a~ or behind that line. Compatibility Review Standards Strike=outslredlines for October 13 Council Review Page 13 October 1, 1998 If the house ~i is on a corner and the original residence is located closer to the street than the prevailing setback line, then the required front setback is the front setback of the original residence. Side setback requirements set by zoning apply unless the original street side facade is being retained. If the front facade of the original house i~i~i~ is being preserved, the setback of the original residence may alternatively be the allowed setback. Similarly, if the street side facade of a house ~ on a corner lot is preserved, the setback of the original residence is considered the allowed setback. Compatibility Review Standards Stdke.outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 14 October 1, 1998 Garages Existing patterns: ¯ In most pre-1940 neighborhoods, garages 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 if’~rHe~mHhte-wa~ (/nsert Former Figure 6 photograph) o the amount of paving in the front yard is the minimum required for access; the most prominent design element on the facade of the house is the entry or a major window rather than the garage; side driveways provide open space and separation between houses; cars can be parked in the driveway while still being out of the front yard; and, 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: ¯Locate the garage to minimize its visibility from the street. ¯Design the garage to be architecturally compatible with the house but not competing with the house as the primary focus. (Insert Former Figure 7 photograph) Reo.uirements: Locate the garage at the rear of the site and detached from the residence by at least 12 feet. If 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, the garage may be attached to the house provided that it is located no closer than 60 feet from the front propertyline, and that a side setback as determined by current zoning ordinances is maintained. ~t ~ (Insert Former Figure 8) The garage may project no more than ten feet (*) from the side facade of the ..... residence, when viewed from the street, thus partially, screening view of the driveway and garage from the street. No part of the second story can extend over the garage within ten feet of the garage side wall. The garage must have a separate roof that is the same pitch as the residence roof, or less. In this case, second floor balconies are not permitted over the garage, in order to protect the privacy of the adjacent property. (Insert Former Figure 9) If the residence is located on a comer, 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 comer lots may be Compatibility Review Standards St~ke.outs/redilnes for October 13 Council Review Page 15 October 1, 1998 attached if located outside the rear yard setback. The front of the ~.’!~tt~b~bd garage must be recessed at least 2 feet behind the street-facing side facade of the residence, unless it is necessary or desirable architecturally for the garage to be flush with the ~idb f~offt facade. o In a single car garage, use a garage door that is 8 feet wide, or less. In a double car garage, use two doom not more than 8 feet wide separated by a vertical support at least 8 inches wide, or use one door not over 16 feet wide. Where three car garages are permitted by ordinance, use one door eight feet wide and one door 16 feet wide, or less. Design garage doors with square or vertically proportioned elements to minimize the apparent width of.the doom. If the door 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 doom, because the strong horizontal proportions emphasize the width of the door. Do not use steel garage doors. Do not use non-rectangular or decorative windows on garages or garage doors. ~i ~he~re~!tl~e~d~s~g~i~detad~g If alleyway access is available, required parking shall be accessed from the alley and the garage shall be located ~ ~ 5 feet the rear property line. On substandard lots less than 50 feet wide or 80 feet deep, and where no aliey 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 residence. If two parking spaces are provided, one must be tandem. Carports are not permitted, unless they are located where the open sides cannotbe seen from a public street. Driveways Existin9 _pattern: ¯ 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. Traditionally, driveway surfaces 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, stones, rubble or gravel, and adds textural interest and an element of craftsmanship to the front garden. (Insert Former Figure 10) (Insert Former Figure 11) .Compatibility Review Standards Strike.outs/redlines for O~tober 13 Council Review October 1, 1998 Page t6 Recommended practice: ¯ Treat the driveway as a garden element. Minimize the width of the driveway 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: Make driveways 9 feet wide or less. Driveway curb cuts must have a vertical curb and be no more than 10 feet wide with a 3 foot radius. Within 27 feet of the garage doors, driveways may widen to no more than the width of the garage door(s) plus 2 feet. However, no driveway may be more than 12 feet wide within 5 feet of the public sidewalk. Interior sidewalks, }atios, etc.oin no more than 6 linear Locate driveways at least 1.5 feet from the side or rear property line and at least 1.5 feet from 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). ~.~P_th_~.~Q.!~O~!~.g.~terials for driveway surfaces: asphalt; ~~i~(~with a troweled or exposed aggregate finish; real bricl~i’"~les, or stone; rubble; or. gravel, recast interlocking pavers or stamped concrete that replicate cobblestone or brick are also allowed¯ . . Street trees and public rights-of-way I~xistin~a pattern: ¯ 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. The planted area within the strip between sidewalk and street provides water and nutrients to street trees and additional visual interest for the pedestrian, while screening views of the street paving from within the house. (/nsert Former Figure 12) Recommended _practice: ° 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. Compatibility Review Standards Strike-out~redlines for October 13 Council Review October6, 1998 Page 17 Do not relocate, realign or widen a driveway to within 10 feet of any existing street Paving iini~arking ¯ ¯ 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. Provide irrigated planting of ground cover or small shrubs in the parking str.ip. 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. Landscaping Existing pattern;. ¯ 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 .oractice~: ¯ 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. Consider that some may be old species no longer generally available in the trade and therefore rare. Retain and protect mature vegetation where possible. °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.°Consistent with neighborhood patterns, fence materials and design should be compatible with the house’s architectural 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. If there is an uninterrupted sweep of lawn across several properties, maintain this pattern. (insert Former Figure 13) Reauirements: 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. Prior to demolition and during construction, provide protective fencing and frequent Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review October 6, 1998 Page 18 Part 2:Architectural ~!i "" 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 houses should be compatible with the style of the original structure. A first step in designing a remodel or addition is therefore to identify the architectural style of the original home. Common Architectural Styles in Palo Alto Houses. A number of architectural styles predominate in Palo Alto homesbuilt 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 I1. While there are some other architectural styles represented in pre-1940 buildings, the list below includes the most common styles. This list is in approximate chronological order, with related styles grouped together. Within theses groups, s~es influenced each other and are sometimes blended in a single building ¯ Italianate Victorian, Queen Anne Victorian, Colonial Revival, Shingle Style, Craftsman and Bungalow. ¯Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean, Mission Revival and Spanish Eclectic. ¯Tudor and French Eclectic. °Moderne, Prairie Style and Minimal Traditional. (Insert Former Figure 14) 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 local homes in these styles which are an important partof Palo AIto’s distinctive architectural heritage. For further information on PaloAlto and Bay Area archite~ural traditions, consult the following references, available at the Planning Department and the Public Library, and local book stores: °Section V: Guide to Palo Alto Architectural Styles~ ¯Historic and Architectural Resourc~s..of the City of Palo AIt~¯Rehab Ri~e the Full Value of Your Old House ¯Sin_~le Family Residential Desi~ln..Guidelines°A Field Guide to American House , by Virginia and Lee McAlester °House Styles in America by James C. Massey and S Shirley Maxwell °Dover Reprints of late 19th and eady 20th century house design books Compatible architectural style Compatibility Review Standards Strik~outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review October 1, 1998 Page 19 Existing pattern; ¯ Each of Palo. Alto’s older neighborhoods gets its distinctive character from a blend of architectural styles. Some neighborhoods and 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 oractices: ° Where possible, significant architectural features and street facades of the odginal house should be retained and the architectural style of the new construction should continue the materials, details, proportions and craftsmanship of the original house to produce a unified overall character. (/nsert Former Figure 15) 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 characteristics of a different style in a single structure. For example, Mediterranean/Spanish style stucco of related styles are often combined in Palo Alto homes, elements of these related styles ee~-eombir~e~ ~ ~ into a unified composition. Reouirements: ¯Plans which use traditional architectural features are. required to identify a style from the references; Section V: Common Polo Alto Architectural Styles; Historic and Architectural Resources of the City of Polo Alto; Rehab Right; Sin_~le-Family Design Guidelines, A Field Guide the Amedcan Houses, House Styles in America, or Dover Reprints. Plans for a single structure must be predominantly consistent with the architectural characteristics of a particular style in the above references. Exceptions from the architectural characteristics of a particular style are permitted when the style is identified as having influences from another, related style in Palo Alto houses~ Windows Existing patterns: ° 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 ¯ architectural character of 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 Compatibility Review Standards Stdke.outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 20 October 1, 1998 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. (Insert Former Figure 16) Recommended practices: ¯ Each architectural style is characterized by specific window proportions, materials, mullion detailing, trim and placement. Refer to the description of common architectural styles and examples of original houses for models of appropriate window treatment for the architectural style of your proposed design. (/nsert Former Figure.17) Requirements: Where the architectural style of the original residence is being retained,--~rc~se-~ ,,-~tc,h ~.~n~= w~, ---.-, -; "- .- ~-maintain proportions, detailing and materials of orig!,~al windows. No windows on street facades can be taller than the to of the first floor of the buildin. non-rectangular windows are used, they must be compatible with the architectural character of the house and ~.~!9.~.~p~ood. This limitation does not apply to windows located on the front door. 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. Windows with divided lights must be true divided lights, or double pane windows with full size (l~muntins attached to the exterior and interior of the lass. In stucco walls, window panes should be recessed a minimum of 2.5 inches. ~h~ ~ut~ w~’,l " -. In othertypes of walls a minimum recess of 1.5 inches is ~i:~[~ required. Minor variations from these minimums due to manufactured window dimensions may be approved; Dormer windows ~ Compatibility Review Standards Stril(e.outslredlines for October 13 Council Review October 1, 1998 Page 21. Front porches and entry features Existing Datterns: ¯ Entry features in Palo Alto’s older neighborhoods include front porches, alcoves, loggias, terreces, 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 interection while providing visual interest to the passerby. They also provide a transition in scale between the house and the outdoors at the pedestrian scale. (Insert Former Figure 18) ¯The materials, proportions and location of front porches, entries and primary windows should be compatible with the house style and neighborhood character. ReQuirements: 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. If a porch is not incorporeted, include an entry feature or principal window (larger than other windows) in a main living area on the front of the house. Design porches with a minimum dimension of at least 6 feet in depth and an area of Entry feature openings emd-meCPeayes cannot be higher than the top of the first floor of the residence. Building massing Existing oattern: ¯ Building massing is a fundamental ingredient of architecturel style and neighborhood charecter. While many houses in Palo Alto’s older neighborhoods are two stories, 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, articulated walls, 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 contribute to the overell charecter 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: Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 22 October 1, 1998 ¯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 ar~!be~ee~ Consider neighbor’s needs for sunlight, privacy and views. Use setbacks or sloping roofs to reduce shadows and intrusions on neighbor’s windows and open spaces. Building massing should be compatible .with the house’s architectural style and neighborhood character. For example, for bungalow designs and other traditionally single-story houses avoid two story elements unless they are set back at least ten feet from front and rear walls. (Insert. Former Figure 19) Roof design Existing.....Patte.rns: ¯ 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 elements, which clutter the facade. Roofs should not over-emphasize the garage or entryway to the detriment of the overall facade. °Roof forms found in Palo Alto vary from the shallow to moderate slopes of bungalow, shingle and Spanish Eclectic houses to the steep forms of Tudor and Victorian houses. Deep roof overhangs and details such as exposed rafters and repeating roof forms are distinctive features of Craftsman and Bungalow style houses, while other styles are characterized by different patterns of overhang and detailing. Compatibility with neighborhood patterns and the specific architectural 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 .Dractices.s~ ¯ Where roofs are " ~ " a prominent design feature, use authentic, CompaUbility Review Standards Strike.out~redlines for October 13 Council Review October 1, 1998 Reauirements: Roof line, roof details and roof materials must be compatible with the ~i~ architectural style.," "~t"/l~. ,’-~;" trad~t~,-~at o,y,~o, thes,y,~" "’- ,,-~u~t b~ ~ ".~oof ....features must be consistent with those described for that style in the’following references: Section ~!: Guide to Palo Alto Architectural Styles; Historic and Architectural Resources of the City_ of Palo Alto; Rehab Right; or Single-Family Design Guidelines. Alternatively, if an applicant can provide a local example of apre-1940 residence with the same combination of architectural style and roof characteristics they may utilize that combination of characteristics in their own plans. The roofs over entry features must have the same roof pitch and detaili~ as the rest of the house. Eaves on entry feature roofs must be located no higher of the buildin F0i: roofs, use asphalt shingles, wood shingles, wood shakes, genuine clay tile, appearance. Walls and finishes Existing oattem: ¯ 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 craftsmanshi p add tothe 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: Stucco must be ~ .~ Do not use spray-on finish materials or textured paints. Use a traditional stucco finish texture found on pre-1940 buildings in Palo Alto, such as Float, Spanish, Mission, Monterey, Californian or English. Do not use Lace or heavy textures. Use real wood siding, not composite products, vinyl or aluminum siding. Change from one wall material to another only where there is a change in wall plane and at an interior comer, not at an exterior comer, since this gives the appearance that the material is only applied to the surface and not integral to the structure of the wall. Where remodeling, use same materials and finishes as existing house. If documentation exists showing that the house originally had a different finish, then Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outslredlines for October 13 Council Review Page 24 October 1, 1998 (Insert Former Figure 20) wlth-the-ch~r of your ,home:-. Alto v . Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outa/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 25 October 1, 1998 ....~t p;~-I ~40, ~l~e-Oeotion V as a ,-afa,’anca t" ....... Compatibility Review Standards Strike-out~redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 26 October 1, 1998 ~ " includl,~=rmony of mat~rlala Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 27 October 1, 1998 Section ~ii Guide to Palo Alto Architectural Styles and References References The Compatibility Review Standards are based on the following three reference documents. You may pick up copies of Historic and Architectural Resources of the City of Palo Alto and the Single Eamily Design Guidelines at the City Planning Department. All three references are also available at the Main Library. Additionally, several field guides and reprinted pattern books are available and provide useful information about historic residential buildings. ¯ Historic and Architectural Resources of the City of Palo Alto, City of Palo Alto, 1979. Historical description of Palo Alto architectural styles and neighborhoods. ¯Rehab Right. How to Realize the Fu!! Value of Your Old House, Helaine Kaplan Prentice and Blair Prentice, City of Oakland Planning Department, 1978, 1986 ¯Single Family Design Guidelines, City of Palo Alto Planning Department, 1991. ¯A Field Guide to Amedcan Houses, McAlester, 1996. Reference guide defining house architectural style using major characteristics. °House Styles in America, Massey, 1996. Reference guide defining house architectural style using major characteristics. ¯Dover Reprints, 1890s to 1930s, various authors. House design guide books published from the 1890s to the 1930s, and reprinted by Dover Publications, Inc. Palo Alto Architectural Styles The following text and illustrations provide a brief overview of some of the characteristics of the major architectural styles of houses found in Palo Alto. It draws on the suggested reference materials, particularly the publication "Historical and Architectural Resources of the City of Palo Alto." A number of the styles depicted below reflect influences of other styles from the same or earlier periods. This guide describe styles which are predominant in Palo Alto or which represent unique local conditions and traditions. Italiante Victorian. Predominant style in College Terrace and Downtown. Examples throughout older neighborhoods °2 stodes typical ¯Frequent large front entry porch substantially above grade °Unusual massing with dormerprojections, bay windows and porches ¯Vertical emphasis °Fanciful wood tdm and siding ¯ ’ Materials: varied painted redwood siding and trim with shingle roof Queen Anne Vistodan. Predominant style in College Terrace some parts of Old Palo 1,2 or 3 stories. Steep roof pitch, complex roofforms Picturesque asymmetrical plans, sometimes with corner 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 shingles Colonial Revival. One of several styles in Professorville, Crescent Park and Old Palo Alto Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 28 October 1, 1998 1 or 2 stories. Medium to steep roof pitch, with hip or gambrel roofs Stately, regular 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 or shingle siding, with shingle roof and wood window shutters Related styles: Greek Revival, Georgian Revival, Dutch Revival ~hin.gl~..~..~[~m.._!~.~.s_tyle in: Professorville, Old Palo Alto, b’.~d Community Center. o Late 19th century architectural style with New England influences ¯1 or 2 stories with simple massing °Walls and roofs are covered in unpainted redwood shingles and include curving surfaces ¯Brackets common at eaves, along with deep overhangs ¯Emphasis on wood craftsmanship and details ¯Shingle siding with no comer trims, roofing originally shingles as well °Irregular asymmetrical facade with steeply pitched roof, cross gables, and overhanging eaves sheltering extensive porches ¯Wood windows with divided panes of glass (insert Former Figure 21) Craftsman. Predominant style in:. Professorville ~ Community Center. ° o 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 arising from the late 19th and early 20th century Arts and Crafts movement which combined a respect for craftsmanship and natural material with a life lived close to nature Most often found in bungalows and two story structures employing overhanging roof lines with a horizontal emphasis. Frequent use of redwood in simple pergolas, fences and other built elements which continue building style and blur the distinction between indoors and outdoors Most of the homes were built prior to the 1940s. Streets are lined with mature trees, which provide a unifying feature. Landscape strips exist with street trees between sidewalk and street. Lots are generally narrow with houses consistently set back on the lot. Predominant architectural styles include the bungalow and craftsman style: Front porches are common as are low fences with houses visible from the street. Garages are generally detached and located in the rear of the lot with a narrow driveway to the street, minimizing views of parking areas and pavement. Bungalow. Predominant Style in: Boyce Addition, Community Center, Downtown North. Approximate original construction date 1900s to 1940s Compatibility Review Standards Strike=outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 29 October 1, 1998 o Generally I 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 Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean. Predominant Style in Old Palo Alto, Crescent Park, ~d Community Center. Popular style in 191.5-1940 in California.¯Many fine examples designed by Birge Clark, prominent local architect, which .feature massive stuccoed walls with carefully irregular fenestration and ornamentation with colored tiles and wrought iron. ¯Asymmetrical building massing of one or two stories, often partially enclosing courtyards and incorporating arcades and pergolas. ¯Use of stucco or timbered arcades to create shade and indoor/outdoor transition ¯Massive looking walls with recessed windows°Shallow pitch tile roof, with hip or gabled roofs, some flat roofs with tile-covered shed roofs over windows and doors.°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 recessedarched windows, sometimes in series. Windows generally composed on multi-panned metal or wooden. casements. °Related styles: Mission Revival, Monterey style, Spanish Eclectic. (Insert Former Figure 22) Tudor. Found throughout Crescent Park, Community Center and Old Palo Alto. Characteristic of "estate" neighborhoods with traditional, more formal styles. o o o o o o o o o 20th century interpretation of English Tudor architectural style 1 or 2 stories typical Vertical emphasis .Steeply pitched roof, prominent front cross gable, all with shallow overhangs Sense of mass in walls with recessed windows Grouped windows with vertical emphasis, casements, with multi-pane glazing Materials: stucco walls, often with wood trim (half-timbering common) and accents Massive chimneys with one or more chimney pots Related styles: French Eclectic Moderne. Popular in 1930s Streamlined and/or geometric detailing, often with curved lines Simplified detailing Asymmetrical massing Generally fiat roofs with parapet terminus. Materials: generally smooth stucco walls, metal windows, horizontal emphasis Related styles: Streamlined, Prairie, Minimal Traditional Compatibility Review Standards Strike;out~redlines for October 13 Council Review ¯ October 1, 1998 Page30 Mixed. Examples i~!~College Terrace, Ventura, Old South Palo Alto, ~d Downtown ¯Mixed or eclectic neighborhoods are the least uniform in Palo Alto, ¯Amount of landscaping varies as does type and placement of street trees. °Mixed density and architectural style. On some blocks, there is no uniform pattern with respect to number of stodes, lot size or garage location. °Nonetheless, elements of building appearance, size, placement on a lot and/or landscaping help unify diverse character and scale. Estates. Examples!~i-~e Crescent Par ~some parts of Old Palo Alto. Lots are very wide and large, with substantial houses set back 40 feet or more from the street, having large side setbacks. Trees and lush landscaping dominate the streetscape.. Planter strips add to the rich greenery along the street. Predominant styles include Tudor, Colonial Revival and Mediterranean. Houses are two and three stories. Garages are detached in the rear. RumL o Barton 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. Compatibility Review Standards Stdke.outs/redilnes for October 13 Council Review October 1, 1998 Page 31 ~,,,,,, ,u the Work~heet to .addr,~ th~,t =, ~ app;~cab’,e to your pi’oject.,,’" yourequire any a ~ ’ " et; p~ear~e contact the Planning ,,,,--,,-,u,~,-,,.-,u,.,,-,,-, LOT SIZE PA,’TT, .’RN Predominant Lot Size Your Lot Size Compatibility Review Standards Strike.out~redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 32 October 1, 1998 1 2 3 4 5 ! Compatibility Review S~andards S~rike-ou~s/redline$ for October 13 Council Review Page 33O~ober 1, 1998 ~l iv~vvQ~ r ~LL~i I I~ ~i::iUl I II I I1:il I~l:; L~III~I;II ~#ll:l~;I I Illll lli lVlI~U II I I lilli~;~l lillO/. St,’eat Trees ’ ....... ’- " .... Compatibility Review Standards Strike.outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 34 October 1, 1998 Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 35 October 1, 1998 W~~-M~tar~al Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review October 1, 1998 Page 36 Compatibility Review Standards Strike-outs/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 37 October 1, 1998 Compatibility Review Standards St~ke=out~/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 38 October 1. 1998 Compatibility Review $~andards $~rike.ou~s/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page 39 October 1, .1998 Section Acknowledgments Palo Alto City Council Gary Fazzino Joseph Huber Liz Kniss Dick Rosenbaum Micki Schneider Lanie Wheeler Planning and Community Environment Department Staff / , ’ Virginia Warheit, Senior Planner Compatibility Review Standards Preparation Alison Kendall, AICP, AK Planning & Design Virginia Warheit, Senior Planner, City of Palo Alto Dan Solomon, FAIA, Solomon, Inc. Palo Alto residents provided some of the photographs and contributed much other helpful information for the development of the Compatibility Review Standards. Compatibility Review Standards S~rike=ou~s/redlines for October 13 Council Review Page October 1, 1998 Attachment B List of Proposed Changes to Interim Historic Preservation Compatibility Review Standards The changes, listed in order that they appear in the Compatibility Review Standards document, are as follows: Revised Table of Contents. Section I: Now entitled "Introduction," this section provides a comprehensive view of the purpose for compatibility review, including an update of recent Council actions ¯ under the background subsection and the revised definition of minor projects under a new subsection entitled, "Projects subject to compatibility review". The subsection entitled "Defining Characteristics of Pre-1940’s Palo Alto Neighborhoods" and accompanying photograph were transplanted from the Requirements section located much later in the booklet, to assist in describing the goal of Compatibility Review. Section II: Now entitled "Prior to Compatibility Review Process," this section clarifies the processes applicants go through before beginning the compatibility review process. Section III: Now entitled "’Compatibility Review Process," this section advises applicants how to begin the process and includes information regarding the mandatory pre-application conference and the Exception hearing process. In addition, a flowchart of the process is provided which generally indicates processing timelines. Section IV: Now entitled "Additions and Remodels," this section was pared down to encourage this alternative and briefly describe the benefits. Section on Completing the Compatibility Worksheet was eliminated, as such information is contained solely inthe application materials. New Section V (previously IV): Now entitled "Patterns, Recommended Practices and Requirements," this section contains only patterns, practices and requirements. Significant content revisions were made with input for changes based on staff, consultant and applicant experiences. The changes allow for improvements in the design review process, including flexibility in allowing variations where appropriate in each case, clarification regarding design features and increased specificity in certain instances, as follows: To clarify "prevailing setback," a new illustration derived from the City’s GIS maps is included. Such maps will be provided by staff for applications involving determination of prevailing setback. This service will relieve applicants from providing all setback information for vicinity properties, as is the current practice (page 13 of Exhibit A to Resolution). Front setback definition is modified and clarified, as the recent change to "the average setback of the four adjacent properties" did not provide sufficient flexibility. The revised def’mition is cross-referenced to the new prevailing setback illustration described above (page 13 of Exhibit A). Requirement regarding "comer lot garage location" is clarified (page 16 of Exhibit A). Requirement regarding "garage door design" is changed so that the placement of the garage on the left or right sides is no longer dictated by the placement of the former garage and the adjacent garages, in order to provide more design flexibility. The requirement has been expanded so that garage door design detailing must be consistent with the architectural style of the residence, a very ¯ important Compatibility Review design consideration (page 16 of Exhibit A). The requirement for "garage locati’on with alley" has been clarified consistent with the original intent of the requirement and with the recommendation of Transportation staff (page 16 of Exhibit A)... "Driveway width" requirement concerning driveways wider than 18 feet inside the property line was moved from "driveway surface" section where it does not belong (page 17 of Exhibit A). Further flexibility has been added to the "driveway surfaces" section so that "colored (non-white) concrete" and "grasscrete" are specifically allowed, in addition to the previous changes approved by Council (page 17 of Exhibit A). The "driveway opening location and street trees" requirement has added language confirming staff practice that driveways be at least 5 feet from an existing or new street tree. Also, a reminder has been added that "one street tree is required for every 25 feet of street frontage" (page 18 of Exhibit A). 2 The "tree protection measures" requirement now clearly states that "The City’s tree protection measures shall be included on plan sets submitted for a building permit," eliminating a common cause of delay in approving building permits (page 18 of Exhibit A). Numerous changes to window requirements have been made to provide greater flexibility consistent with both user and staff/consultant recommendations concerning "remodel/addition," ’‘window height," "window details," "recessed windows," "dormers," and "glazing" (pages 21 and 22 of Exhibit A). Several changes to included to provide Exhibit A). "front porches and entry features" requirements are greater flexibility and to define "porch" (page 22 of Under "building massing," the "daylight plane" requirement ~has been added to clarify that this zoning ordinance requirement applies to all Compatibility Review applications (page 23 of Exhibit A). Several changes are made to the "roof design" requirements regarding design, entry and materials for clarification and flexibility (page 24 of Exhibit A). Regarding "walls and finishes," a new requirement has been added that "If the whole exterior of the residence will receive new finish materials, the new materials and detailing must be consistent with the architectural style" (page 25 of Exhibit A). The Compatibility Worksheet was eliminated from the Standards, but was revised and included in the separate application materials. Section VI: Now entitled "Guide to Palo Alto Architectural Styles and References" (content unchanged). Section VII: Revised Acknowledgments. Attachment C Example of Illustration of Prevailing Setback Attachment D Planning Division " Department of Planning and Community Environment Phone (650) 329.2441 Telefax (650) 329.2154 Compatibility Review Application Section !. Application submittal requirements. Completed Compatibility Review Application and the one page triplicate application form. Completed R-1 Plan Check Form. Completed Tree Disclosure Statement. Labeled photographs of all sides of all structures on site. Labeled photographs of residence on both sides of street with addresses noted on each photograph. Labeled photographs of architectural details on original structures on site as required to support the your request. Two (2) bound sets, 24" x 36" format or smaller, hard line, plans/drawings indicating new and existing features. Information required includes the following information:. -Site plan per the Planning Departments site. plan requirement’s checklist. -Building elevations (minimum scale 1/8" equals 1’0"). -Floor plans (minimum scale 1/8" equals 1’0"). -Roof plans (if alteration to the roof is proposed indicating type Of materials and pitch) - Miscellaneous details (minimum scale 1.5" = 1’0") including window details, recess provided, etc.). For replacement residences, front facade relocation or enclosure of existing porch, items 9 and 10 listed may be required. Submittal of theses items will be indicated at the time of the preapplication conference. These items include: __ .An assessment of the prevailing pattern of front porches on both sides of the street. Verification of the prevailing setbacks for existing residences on the side of the street your residence is located. Section II. Proposal: General Information. Alteration with removal of front 50% of side walls Alteration with removal or alteration to street-facing facade(s) Demolition of Contributing residence and construction of replacement residence Second floor addition or alteration Other: Date submitted: Property Address: Assessor’s Parcel Number: Date Complete: Property owner(s): ,Address: E-mail address: Phone:( ) Fax’( ) Architect/Desi,qner Address:Phone:( ) Fax:( ) E-mail address:Fax: ( ) Section IlL Compatibility Worksheet. To assist staff in the review of your project please complete the following worksheet. 1.0 1.1 1.2 General. Indicate the neighborhood name(s): Whatis the predominant lot size of surrounding properties (records are on file in the Planning Division? 1.3 1.4 What is your lot size in square feet? Describe special features of your lot (i.e., a unique landscape features, lot configurations, lot size, etc.)? 1.5 Identify the neighborhood architectural styles, character, street scape patterns. Attach your photographs of the street scape, patterns of planting, and fencing, and other elements which give the neighborhood its unique character and charm. Study 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. (Attach photo montage of block face and other relevant photographs). 1.6 Identify and describe the architectural character, style or distinctive features you desire for your residence. Use photographs or sketches as needed and attach any preliminary designs which explored option for retaining portions of the original house. 1.7 What is the date of construction, names of architect(s) and/or builders(s) and note sources of information? 1.8 Are any historical events/associations associated with the residence (if applicable)? 1.9 Indicate any materials or other elements to be reused on your proposal ? Front and street side setbacks/daylight plane. Indicate the characteristic front prevailing setback (feet and inches) of existing residence. (Note: If you are not changing the front setback of your residence the remainder of subsection two is not required to be completed). 2.2 2.3 Indicate your immediate neighbors’ front setbacks: Indicate front setbacks for residences on your side of the street for the entire block face: Address Measurement to Address Measurement to major planar surface major planar surface 3.0 3.1 Garages. Indicate neighborhood garage placement patterns. Indicate the number of residences on your block, counting both sides of the street, with each type of placement pattern: Detached rear yards: Detached with alley access: Attached behind front facades: Attached in front facade: 4.0 4.1 Driveways. Describe the neighborhood ddveway patterns (summarize typical placement, width, materials, etc.). 5.0 5.1 Street trees and public rights-of-ways. Describe existing street trees (summarize typical species type, planting intervals, estimated caliper at breast height, overall canopy width, etc.) along the street. 6.0 Exception to the standards. 6.1 If an exception is requested from any aspect of the Standards, describe here the site conditio.n(s) that are a basis for the exception request, and explain how the proposed design better provides for neighborhood compatibility and design quality: 7.0 7.1 Photographs/sources of information. Provide photograph/sketches/illustrations to illustrate the elements listed above. Include historic photographs, if any are available. Cite sources for the architectural features included in your design; include xeroxes from sources listed in the Compatibility Review Standards, photographs of local examples, etc. Section IV. Compatibility Review Requirements Checklist. Please review the following compatibility review requirements checklist which will be used by Staff to indicate whether or not the requirements are satisfied and how to acheive compliance. The applicant is encouraged to comment on the project’s compliance at the bottom of each page. Compatibility Review Requirements Checklist 1.0 Front and street side setbacks Staff comments 1.1 Locate a minimum of 50% of the front facade of the residence at the prevailing setback line, with the remainder of the front facade at or behind that line with subject to the following: ¯If the residence is on a corner and the original residence is located closer to the street than the prevailing setback line, then the required front setback is the front setback of the original residence. Side setback requirements set by zoning apply unless the original street side facade is being retained. ¯If the front facade of the original residence is being preserved, the setback of the original residence may alternatively be the allowed setback. ¯Similarly, if the street side facade of a residence on a corner lot is preserved, the setback of the original residence is considered the allowed setback. 2.0 Garages Staff comments 2.1 Locate the garage at the rear of the site and detached from the residence by at least 12 feet subject to the following: ° If 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. °If the residence 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 the rear yard setback. The front of the attached garage must be recessed at least 2 feet behind the street-facing side facade of the residence, unless it is necessary or desirable architecturally for the garage to be flush with the side facade. (A street facing side facadedoes not include the main front entrance to the residence). Applicant comments: 2.0, cont.(Garages, continued)Staff Comments 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 App/icant Comments: Garage doors. ¯ Single car garage doors are encouraged to be 8 foot wide. 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 16 feet wide. Where three car garages are permitted by ordinance, use one door eight feet wide and one door 16 feet wide, or less. Design garage doors with square or vertically proportioned elements to minimize the apparent width of the doors. If the door 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 non-rectangular or decorative windows on garages or garage doors. Indicate the type and width of door. If alleyway access is available, the required parking shall be accessed from the alley and the garage shall be located at least 5 feet from the rear property line. If the property is a substandard lot having less than 50 feet of width or 80 feet of depth, 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 residence. If two parking spaces are provided, one must be tandem. Carports are not permitted, unless they are located where the open sides cannot be seen from a public street. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 4.0 4.1 Driveways Driveways. ¯ Driveways are required to be 9 feet wide or less. Driveway curb cuts must have a vertical curb and be no more than 10 feet wide with a 3 foot radius. Within 27 feet of the garage doors, driveways may widen to no more than the width of the garage door(s) plus 2 feet. 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 feet. Locate driveways at least 1.5 feet from the side or rear property line and at least 1.5 feet from 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). Indicate the driveway surfaces utilized on the plans. 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. Precast interlocking pavers or stamped concrete that replicate cobblestone or brick are also allowed. If applicable, provide a wall, fence or hedge along the property line to screen the paving if the driveway widens to more than 18 feet at any location inside the property line that is visible from a public street. Street trees and public rights-of.way Incorporate and the following into your design: ¯ Do not relocate; realign or widen a driveway to within 10 feet of any existing street tree, 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. ¯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. ¯Provide irrigated planting of ground cover or small shrubs in the parking strip.°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. Staff comments Staff comments Applicant comments: 5. 0 Landscaping Staff comments 5.1 Indicate on plans planter strips summarize’ typical irrigation, planting species types, ground cover, etc. that shall be utilized on your plans. 5.1 5.2 6.0 6.1 Does the property contain valley of live oaks ? Indicate on plans 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. Indicate on plans how prior to demolition and during construction, what type of protective fencing and type of frequent deep watering to all plant materials that are being retained, including street trees. Compatible architectural styles 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 of Palo Alto; Rehab Right; Single-Family Design Guidelines, A Field Guide the American Houses, House Styles in America. or Dover Reprints. Plans for a single structure must be predominantly consistent with the architectural characteristics of a particular style in the above references. Exceptions from the architectural characteristics of a particular style are permitted when the style is identified as having influences from another, related style in pre-1940’s Palo Alto houses~i Staff comments 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. Applicant comments: 7. 0 Windows Staff comments 7.1 Indicate the type and style, shape, materials, mullion designs of all windows. ~ 7.2 Where the architectural style of the original residence is being retained-maintain proportions, detailing and materials of original windows. 7.3 7.0, cont. 7.5 7.6 (Windows, continued) .Windows with divided lights must be true divided lights, or double pane windows with full size muntins attached to the exterior and interior of the glass. Recessed windows must be detailed such that the face of glass is recessed relative to the face of the finished exterior wall (excluding trim). In stucco walls, window panes should usually be recessed a minimum of 2.5 inches. In other types of walls a minimum recess of 1.5 inches is usually required. Minor variations from these minimums due to manufactured window dimensions may be approved.. 7.7 Dormer windows must be compatible with the architectural style of the house. 7.8 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 9.0 9.1 Mirror glass is prohibited in windows and skylights. A limited amount of unusual glass, such as stained or tinted glass, may be allowed in special handcrafted windows where appropriate to the architectural style. Staff comments Applicant comments: 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. 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. 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. Minor variations from these minimum dimensions may be approved where consistent with the architectural style. Entry feature openings cannot be higher than the top of the first floor of the residence. Building Massing/Daylight Plane Staff comments Compliance with the side and rear daylight plane requirements, as specified in the Zoning Ordinance, is required. Exceptions for side daylight plane encroachments may be permitted only for architectural features such as dormers when. necessary to enhance the building’s massing and help achieve the identified pre-1940’s architectural style. Front daylight plane not applied. Front porches and entry features Staff comments Indicate front porches and entry features. lO.0 lO.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Roof design Indicate roofs materials, pitch, gable hip or other form, detailing, etc. Roof line, roof details and roof materials must be compatible with the selected architectural style. Roof features must be consistent with those described for that style in the following references: Section V: Guide to Palo Alto Architectural Styles; Historic and Architectural Resources of the City of Palo Alto; Rehab Riaht: or Single-Family Design Guidelines. Alternatively, if an 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. 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. Alternatively, if an applicant can provide a local example of a pre-1940 residence with the same entry feature, an exception to this requirement may be allowed. For roofs, use asphalt shingles, wood shingles,, wood shakes, genuine clay tile, genuine slate, standing seam metal roofs, or tar and gravel or any shingle-style product, including composite shingles, that have a compatible visual appearance. Staff comments Applicant comments: 11.5. 11.4 11.3 11.2 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, such as Float, Spanish, Mission, Monterey, Californian or English. Do not use Lace or heavy textures. Use real wood siding, not composite products, vinyl or aluminum siding. Change from one wall material to another only where there is a change in wall plane and at an interior comer, 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. Where remodeling, use same materials and finishes as existing residence. If documentation exists showing that the house originally had a different finish, then that finish may be used. 11.0 Wall and finishes Staff comments 1.1.1 Indicate exterior walls and finishes, construction typelmatedals, paint type/color, etc. Section V. Recommended Practices The following practices should be observed during the design process, and may be referenced during the compatibility review meetings. Bo Setback o Maintain the existing setback pattem by bui!ding to the prevailing setback line. Notice that corner houses may be located closer to the street than other houses on the block. ~ - Locate the garage to minimize visibility of the garage from the streeL Design the garage to be architecturally compatible with the residence but not competing with the residence as the primary focus. Do Eo G° Driveway- Treat the driveway as a garden element. Minimize the width of the driveway 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. Street Trees - Note the location, spacing and type of street trees on the street and take this into consideration in the design of the new residence, locations of garage and driveway and the design of landscaping and paving in the front yard and planting strip. Vegetation - 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. 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 architectural style of the residence. Solid fences and fences over four feet tall should be avoided, except to provide backyard privacy. Locate perimeter fences or walls behhd the property line to allow planting to soften the appearance of the fence. If there is an uninterrupted sweep of lawn across several properties, maintain this pattern. Landscaping - Design the landscape to be compatible with the design of the residence and neighborhood. Be aware that irrigated front lawns are the mainsource 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. Ho ~ -Where possible retain significant architectural features and street facades, of the original house and the architectural style of the new addition should continue the mateda/s, details, proportions and craftsmanship of the original residence to produce a unified overall character. New Residence - New 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 forthe house and with careful attention toscale, balance, proportion, detail and craftsmanship. . .Composition - When using characteristics of a traditional architectural style, use .these characteristics in a consistent manner, rather than combining characteristics of a different style in a single structure. For example, Mediterranean/Spanish style stucco houses should not employ neocolonial details such as shutters or steep roofs. Where characteristics of related styles are often combined in Palo Alto homes, elements of these related styles canbe combined into a unified composition. Lo Windows - Each architectural style is characterized by specific window proportions, materials, mullion detailing, trim and placement Refer to the description of common architectural styles and examples of original houses for models of appropriate window treatment for the architecture/style of your proposed design. Two Story Residence - Employ one story elements such asporches, entry features~ and arcades to create a transition in scale between the street and two story building elements. The materials, proportions and location of front porches, entries and primary windows should becompatib/e with the style of the residence and neighborhood character. Neighbors - Consider neighbor’s needs for sunlight, privacy and views. Use setbacks or sloping roofs to reduce shadows and intrusions on neighbor’s windows and open spaces. Massing - Building massing should be compatible with the architectural style of the residence and with neighborhood character. For example, for bungalow designs and oher traditionally single- story residences, avoid two story elements Unless they are set back from front and rear walls. Roofs - 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. In Palo Alto’s older neighborhoods, houses have simple roof forms. Avoid cluttering the facade with a too many roof~ over individual building elements. Roofs should not overemphasize thegarage or entryway to the detriment of the overall facade.