HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2402-2574CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, February 12, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
10.Adopt a Resolution Modifying the City’s Objective Design Standards for SB 9 Projects.
3
1
7
6
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: February 12, 2024
Report #:2402-2574
TITLE
Adopt a Resolution Modifying the City’s Objective Design Standards for SB 9 Projects.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment A) modifying the
objective design standards for development pursuant to California Senate Bill 9 (SB 9).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report transmits a resolution that refines the City’s SB 9 objective design standards. The
standards were first introduced in late 2021 and quickly prepared in response to changes in
state law. Council previously directed staff to include review of the SB 9 regulations in the work
plans of the Architectural Review Board (ARB) and Planning and Transportation Commission
(PTC) and return with updated standards based on application of the standards to projects. The
City’s Architectural Review Board reviewed the standards over several meetings and supports
the recommended revisions. Staff also met with local architects to receive input on the subject
design standards. The proposed changes reduce the overall number of requirements, due in
part to elimination of redundant provisions or overlapping regulations and improve overall
clarity for staff and applicants.
BACKGROUND
The Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, or SB 9, was enacted by the state
legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom in 2021 and became effective January 1,
2022. This law generally allows single family zoned properties to add an additional dwelling unit
that can be combined with a junior and/or accessory dwelling unit (J/ADU), or subdivide an
existing single family zoned lot into two lots (also referred to as an urban lot split). This law
essentially allows for up to four units on existing single family zoned lots or split across newly
created lots.
In late 2021 and early 2022, the City Council enacted interim ordinances (#5538, #5542, and
#5546) to amend the zoning code to respond to SB 9, including standards for urban lot splits.
The City Council adopted a set of objective design standards for the ministerial processing of SB
3
1
7
6
9 projects in December 2021. These design standards were modeled after the Single-Family
Individual Review (IR) Guidelines focused on privacy, massing and streetscape for two story
home developments approved through the City’s discretionary IR application process.1 As
ministerial projects, SB 9 projects do not require review by the ARB or PTC; these are processed
administratively by PDS staff.
Staff returned to Council to codify the interim ordinance, which is essentially a restatement of
the state requirements, in May/June 2023. Council also previously directed staff to return with
refined objective design standards and include feedback from the Architectural Review Board
(ARB). This effort to update the objective design standards is the focus of the subject report and
Council action.
Architectural Review Board
The ARB held three meetings in Spring 2023 to review the objective design standards. The
Board’s initial review found that:
• Some of the design standards were overly restrictive
• Multiple standards intersected with other standards creating overlapping regulations
• The standards lacked flexibility or design options for certain details, such as window
different types of window trims or window configuration
• The privacy standards seemed adequate
The ARB asked staff to engage a focus group to provide additional feedback before returning
back to the Board with recommended changes.
Staff met with local architects and individuals who had filed or expressed an interest in filing an
SB 9 application. Each of these individuals was familiar with the zoning code and the City’s
processes. Over the course of several weeks in late Summer and early Fall, the focus group
reviewed the objective standards and the ARB’s comments. The summary of the focus group
input is described in the November 16, 2023 ARB staff report. The group concurred with the
ARB and expressed an interest in simplifying the requirements and making clear which
standards were applicable to different project types (two story homes and homes in Eichler
tracts).
Toward the end of 2023, staff returned to the ARB, which held three additional meetings
reviewing and providing feedback on the subject objective design standards. This effort
resulted in changes that reduced the overall number of objective standards from 64 to 19 for all
1 The IR process is a discretionary process, where the Director’s decisions are appealable to City Council; the
program is in place for two-story homes and second floor additions. More about the IR process is viewable at this
link: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current-Planning/Forms-
Applications
3
1
7
6
projects and an additional 20 that apply to some projects; changes to improve administration,
improve clarity and better convey design intent; and allow design flexibility to address a wider
range of architectural styles.
A ‘crosswalk’ showing how the existing standards are proposed to be modified is provided in
Attachment B.
The ARB unanimously supported improving the objective standards for SB9 projects.
Prior ARB staff reports and video recordings are available online.2
DISCUSSION
SB 9 is one of many state initiatives intended to promote greater housing production. The City’s
initial response to SB 9 was to minimally address the requirements of state law and develop
standards that reasonably reflected the type of projects being built through the City’s Individual
Review (IR) process, including privacy related concerns with increased density in single family
zones. The City staff focused its limited time in late 2021 to develop the standards based on the
IR program guidelines, with the help of the IR program architect. There was no time to share
the standards with the ARB and PTC prior to Council’s urgency ordinance adoption of the
standards in 2021. Accordingly, the Council directed staff to bring the standards to the ARB and
PTC for review.
The attached resolution updates the initial objective design standards. Through the ARB’s work
and engagement with stakeholders, the new standards are easier to apply to projects and are
anticipated to result in additional SB 9 applications being filed. To date, the City has received six
SB 9 applications and approved one. Staff are still reviewing the other five applications, and
regularly have conversations with other prospective applicants.
The City’s adopted Housing Element includes a program to increase the permitted floor area for
certain SB 9 units from state-minimum 800 square feet to allow up to 1,200 square feet.
Increasing the size of these units beyond 800 square feet is expected to improve the feasibility
of the projects, introduce more two-bedroom homes and potentially create more financially
accessible ownership units. With this program, the City projects it would add an additional 40
2 Link to most recent ARB online minutes for the SB 9 project: November 16, 2023:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/architectural-
review-board/2024/arb-draft-minutes-11-16-23.pdf
Links to the Spring 2023 ARB Staff Reports and minutes for ARB meetings of March 16, April 20, and May 18 are
available at this link: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/Boards-Commissions/Architectural-Review-Board
ARB Staff Report, dated November 16, 2023: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-
minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/architectural-review-board/2023/arb-11.16-sb9-standards.pdf
ARB Video Recording, from December 7, 2023: https://midpenmedia.org/architectural-review-board-77-1272023/
ARB Video Recording, from December 21: https://midpenmedia.org/architectural-review-board-77-12212023/
3
1
7
6
units (not including J/ADU units) over the eight year housing cycle. This change is not reflected
in the attached resolution and would require a text amendment to the municipal code. This
effort to increase SB 9 floor area is expected to be initiated in 2025.
Staff also anticipates additional changes to state law concerning SB 9-related projects. Senate
Bill 450 is being considered by the state legislature and may introduce more streamlining
initiatives, timelines for review, restrictions on certain development standards or enforcement
provisions later this year. Accordingly, staff anticipates revisions to the SB 9 objective design
standards or ordinance may be a recurring effort over the next few years, similar to the
refinements made to the state J/ADU requirements.
SB9 Objective Design Standards
The SB 9 objective design standards seek to regulate the design of SB 9 projects by maintaining
and making objective key elements from the IR Guidelines and Palo Alto Eichler Neighborhood
Design Guidelines3. The SB 9 objective design standards address privacy, height, massing,
streetscape, and neighborhood context.
In addition to the City’s ministerial SB 9 application review process, the City also allows an
applicant to seek modification to the objective design standards by opting into a discretionary
individual review process. This existing application processing option is intended to give a
property owner the choice to design a project consistent with the City’s objective standards or
seek relief through a process that would involve notification to adjacent property owners. This
process does not allow for an increase in unit floor area and may result in reasonable
conditions being imposed on the project.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The recommendation in this report does not have any significant fiscal impact; all work has
been absorbed through existing department budgets and resources.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The recommendation in this report improves the application review process by refining the
objective design standards to eliminate redundant provisions and improve clarity for SB 9
projects. The changes are informed by the City’s ARB and consultation with individuals seeking
to advance such projects. The proposed changes do not weaken or substantially reduce or
eliminate standards that promote consistency with the neighborhood character of single family
zones or privacy. The City Council and community should anticipate further state law changes
related to SB 9 projects. Moreover, the City Council, through its adopted Housing Element, has
3 Link to Eichler Neighborhood Design Guidelines: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-
amp-development-services/eichler-neighood-design-guidelines/2018-04-02_palo-alto-eichler-design-
guidelines_adopted-design-guidelines.pdf
3
1
7
6
signaled its support to expand opportunities for SB 9 production in Palo Alto through a program
that will allow for increases in SB 9 unit size.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
As noted, the public had the opportunity to comment on the SB 9 objective design standards
during the six ARB meetings. Additionally, a focus group of architects were consulted to solicit
feedback on the design standards. Notice of the subject meeting was made available online
with the agenda posting at least 10 days in advance of the meeting and posted on the City’s
message board on King Plaza.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The refinement of the City’s objective design standards for SB 9 projects does not result in any
significant impact on the environment in accordance with the California Environmental Quality
Act Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). Moreover, future projects developed under SB9 are
ministerial and therefore exempt from environmental review consistent with CEQA Guidelines
Section 15268.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution Adopting Revised SB 9 Objective Design Standards with Exhibit 1
Proposed Revised SB 9 Objective Design Standards (no annotations)
Attachment B: SB 9 Objective Design Standards Revision Crosswalk
APPROVED BY:
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
1
0160135_20240201_ay16
Resolution No. ____
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the Objective
Design Standards for SB9 Development
WHEREAS, on December 6, 2021, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance no. 5538,
as well as objective design standards to govern development under the Senate Bill 9 (2021) (SB9),
and directed staff to include in work plans of the City’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) and
Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) reviews of these standards; and
WHEREAS, on January 24, 2022 and April 11, 2022, the City Council adopted Interim
Ordinance nos. 5542 and 5546, respectively, replacing and amending Ordinance no. 5538.
WHEREAS, on February 8, 2023, the Planning and Transportation Commission reviewed
and recommended adoption of a permanent ordinance governing SB 9 projects; and
WHEREAS, on June 12, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance no. 5587 governing SB
9 projects; and
WHEREAS, in March, April, May, and November 2023, the City’s Architectural Review
Board provided feedback to staff and Council to amend the SB9 objective development
standards, in public hearings allowing for public testimony, and included consideration of focus
group input from architects who had experience as applicants for SB9 projects;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council adopts the attached objective design standards for SB9
development (Exhibit 1), which shall be mandatory for SB9 development unless applicants prefer
to apply under the Individual Review program set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code Sections
18.12.110 and 18.77.075;
//
//
//
//
//
//
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
2
0160135_20240201_ay16
SECTION 2. The Council finds that the revisions to the SB9 project objective design
standards will facilitate streamlined review of SB9 projects and are not considered a project
under the California Environmental Quality Act because it can be seen with certainty that there
is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant impact on the environment.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
________________________ ______________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________ ______________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
_____________________________
Director of Planning and
Development Services
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
3
0160135_20240201_ay16
EXHIBIT 1
SB 9 Objective Design Standards
Revised 1/26/2024
Applicability: All SB 9 Projects must meet all requirements of the Zoning Code, including
development standards, and special requirements for Flood Zones, Single-Story Overlays, etc.
They must additionally meet all applicable SB 9 Objective Design Standards (ODS) per PAMC
18.42.180(e)(2)).
Section A: All
The following ODS apply to all proposed new housing units as a part of an SB 9 project. When
existing units do not meet the ODS, they shall be treated as existing non-conforming when
proposing remodels.
A1: FRONT SETBACK Where the contextual front yard setback does not apply, the front
setback shall be no less than the average front setback of the homes on lots to either side of
the subject lot, up to a maximum of 25 feet. Otherwise, the zoning minimum front setback or
special setback would still apply.
A2: STUCCO TEXTURE: When stucco is used it shall be steel-troweled ‘Smooth’ or ‘Santa
Barbara’ texture as described in the Technical Services Information Bureau, Chapter 5 -
Plaster Textures & Acrylic Finishes (2011). For additions, stucco plaster texture on the
addition shall be allowed to match the stucco texture of the existing house.
A3: CONTEXTUAL PORCH ENTRIES: If porches (i.e., roofed, street-facing porches with posts/
column(s) and more than 3 feet deep), occur on more than half of the houses on the same
side of the block, including the subject site, the proposed house(s) with street frontage shall
include a street-facing porch no less than 4.5 feet deep and 6 feet wide.
A4: DRIVEWAYS: One curb cut and driveway per street frontage. Shared driveways are
encouraged but require an easement to which the City is a third party.
A5: DRIVEWAY WIDTH: 18-foot maximum driveway width (inclusive of uncovered parking)
within a front or street side yard setback.
A6: WALKWAY SEPARATION: Walkways shall be separated from driveways by a minimum of 2
feet of landscape planting or shall be a different paving material than the driveway.
A7: PLANTING STRIP: A minimum two-foot wide, landscaped planting strip is required
between a driveway and/or uncovered parking space and an existing interior lot line.
A8: DRIVEWAY MATERIALS: Driveway and uncovered parking surfaces that exceed 10 feet in
width shall not have asphalt or grey concrete surfaces. They must have a decorative surface
to blend with the landscape such as stone pavers, grass pavers, or bricks.
A9: GARAGE LOCATION: Attached garages adjacent to the front setback must be located a
minimum of 5 feet behind the forwardmost plane of the front facade or 3 feet behind the
forwardmost plane of the street-side façade. The forwardmost façade plane may be a
building wall or porch with posts/columns and must be at least 12 feet wide. In mapped
Eichler neighborhoods, this standard does not apply.
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
4
0160135_20240201_ay16
A10: GARAGE WIDTH: An attached garage or carport facing the street shall be no more than
30 percent of the total facade width facing that street, except that it may be 12 feet wide in
any circumstance.
A11: GARAGE DOOR DESIGN AND MATERIALS: The garage door shall match the material,
color, or panel design pattern of the entry door, window fenestration, or exterior cladding
material.
A12: GARAGE DOOR SIZE: When visible from the street, the maximum garage door width
shall be 16 feet and the maximum garage door height shall be 8 feet. If two single-wide
garage doors are used instead of one double-wide door, each door's maximum width shall be
9 feet and maximum height 8 feet.
A13: ROOF DECK NOT PERMITTED: A roof deck (i.e., a deck above the first level of a single-
story building or second level of a two-story building) shall not be permitted.
A14: ROOF HEIGHT FOR VARIED ROOF PITCHES: Roof height shall be limited to 27 feet for
roofs with pitches 9:12 or greater, 25 feet for roofs with pitches 3:12, up to 9:12, and 22 feet
for roofs with pitches less than 3:12, inclusive of parapets on flat roofs. In flood zones, the
maximum height is increased by one-half of the increase in elevation required to reach base
flood elevations, up to a maximum increase of 30 inches.
A15: GABLE ROOF FORMS: No more than three gable forms on an elevation facing a public
street.
A16: BAY WINDOWS: No more than two bay windows on an elevation facing a public street.
A17: STREET-FACING WINDOWS: Each street-facing building elevation shall have at least 20
square feet of glazing in a large window, multi-panel window or glazed door, or bay window
form, with minimum dimensions of 3 feet. In an Eichler tract, clerestory windows may have a
reduced minimum dimension.
A18: WINDOW TO WALL DETAILING: Window frames shall be recessed at least 2 inches from
the exterior wall face or have trim at least 2 inches wide and 0.5 inches thick on all four
window sides. Stucco over foam shall not be used as window trim.
A19: WINDOW PATTERNS: Window fenestration with divided lite appearance shall have
exterior applied muntin bars (i.e., true or simulated divided lites).
Section B: Two-Story Houses
The following ODS apply to SB 9 projects that include a new or expanded second story.
B1: SECOND FLOOR LOCATION: The second-floor area shall not be permitted within the
standard side or rear setbacks of the underlying single-family zoning district.
B2: SECOND FLOOR SIZE: The maximum second-floor area shall not exceed 35 percent of the
allowable gross floor area for the lot, or 400 sf, whichever is larger.
B3: CONTEXTUAL FIRST FLOOR EAVE HEIGHT: The height of the first floor's street-facing roof
edges (i.e., eaves or parapets) shall not exceed 18 inches above the average height of the
first-floor eave or parapet of the homes on the abutting lots at side lot lines as measured at
those homes' eaves nearest the subject lot. This first-floor roof edge height limit shall also
extend 15 feet back from the building corner. This standard shall be 24 inches within a flood
zone if either of the abutting homes’ first-floor levels does not meet current flood zone
regulations. This standard applies to the eave side of pitch roof forms and not the rake side
such as at a gable.
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
5
0160135_20240201_ay16
B4: CONTEXTUAL SECOND FLOOR EAVE HEIGHT: The height of the upper floor's street-facing
roof edge (eave or parapet) shall not exceed 18 inches above either: (a) the average height of
the upper floor street-facing eave or roof edge of homes to each side, or (b) in the case of
only one home having a second floor, the height of that home's eaves.
B5: GARAGE HEIGHT AND MASS: Maximum height of a roof over an attached garage shall not
exceed 15 feet in height as measured from existing grade. The maximum garage wall plate
height shall not exceed 10 feet.
B6: SECOND FLOOR BALCONY LIMITATIONS: No more than one second-floor deck/balcony
shall be permitted per dwelling and shall: (a) only be permitted on a street-facing facade, (b)
be located at least 10 feet from any interior side lot line with a 5.5-foot-tall solid privacy wall
or be located at least 30 feet from any interior side lot line, and (c) be limited in size to no
more than 40 square feet.
B7: SCREENING LANDSCAPE: For two-story houses, plant screening trees with a species
having a typical mature height of at least 25 feet and mature canopy width of 15 feet at a
quantity of at least one per 25 linear feet along each interior lot line. Existing trees to be
retained that are at least 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide count towards the required planting.
Three closely spaced tall screening shrubs with a mature height of at least 15 feet and a
mature width of at least 3 feet may be substituted for one screening tree.
Privacy screening landscape shall be located to align with proposed second-floor windows
across the side and rear lot lines and between windows at facing units on a single property.
B8: PLANTING TYPE AND SIZE: When required, screening trees and shrubs shall be specified
by botanical name with at least 50 percent of screening trees and shrubs being evergreen.
Screening trees shall be specified and planted at 24-inch box size or larger and 8 feet height
or taller. Screening shrubs shall be specified and planted at 15-gallon size or larger and 8 feet
or taller.
B9: PLANTING ADJACENT PUE’S: Where an easement such as a PUE exists along an interior lot
line, privacy landscaping is required to be planted on the same side of the easement as the
building, but not within the easement.
B10: SECOND FLOOR WINDOW PRIVACY: For any window on an upper floor or in a stairway,
facing an interior lot line that is located less than 20 feet from a side or rear lot line, one of
the following shall be used: (a) permanent obscure glazing to at least 5 feet from the finished
floor, or (b) exterior mounted permanent architectural privacy screens that block views more
than 70%, or (c) windows with sills above 5 feet from the finished floor level. In a stairway,
the finished floor is the height of the landing.
This standard shall also apply to first-floor windows less than 6 feet from a property line
where the finished floor height is 2 feet or more above grade.
B11: SECOND FLOOR OPERABLE WINDOWS ALONG SIDE LOT LINES: Operable casement
windows on the upper level with a sill height less than 5 feet above the finished floor and
within 20 feet of an interior side lot line shall be hinged so the windows open towards the
public street. Horizontal sliding windows shall not be permitted facing and within 20 feet of
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
6
0160135_20240201_ay16
an interior side lot line, unless the windowsill height is at least 5 feet above the finish floor
level.
Section C: New or Expanded Second Story Development Next to One-Story House(s)
The following Standards apply when an SB 9 project includes a new or expanded second story
adjacent to an existing one-story house.
C1: SIDE DAYLIGHT PLANE CLEARANCE: Where a home on an abutting lot across a side lot line
is single-story or has a second-floor area no more than 500 square feet, the side daylight
plane shall be measured from 8 ft above average grade instead of 10 ft. In the case of an
Urban Lot Split, the daylight plane only applies to the original property lines.
In flood zones, the average grade for determining daylight plane is increased by one-half of
the increase in elevation required to reach base flood elevations, up to a maximum increase
of 30 inches.
C2: SINGLE-STORY BUILDING FORMS: Where a home on an abutting lot across a side lot line is
single-story or has a second-floor area no more than 500 square feet, all houses with
frontage on the street shall have either: (a) a one-story building form (excluding garages) at
least 6 feet forward of the second-floor wall face, and at least 10 feet wide; or (b) a
protruding porch or one-story roof overhang at least 6 feet deep, and at least 8 feet wide.
Section D: Flag Lots and Substandard Lots
The following ODS applies only for projects proposed on an existing flag lot or substandard
lot. A lot created by an Urban Lot Split is not subject to this.
D1. SECOND FLOOR AREA ON FLAG LOTS AND SUBSTANDARD LOTS: On lots that are flag lots
(or similar lots without street frontage) and/or substandard lots prior to an Urban Lot Split, a
second floor shall only be allowed to facilitate the minimum 800 sf unit size.
Section E: Eichler Neighborhoods
The following ODS apply only in mapped Eichler Tracts, as listed on the map published in the
Eichler Design Guidelines (2018)
E1: EICHLER TRACT GARAGES: In mapped Eichler Tracts, a garage or carport may be located
forward of the front facade plane of the house so long as the garage or carport is: (a) no
more than 21 feet wide, (b) has a roof pitch of 3:12 (slope of 3 vertical feet for every 12
horizontal feet) or less, and (c) has a maximum height of no more than 12 feet above existing
grade.
E2: EICHLER TRACT GARAGES: In mapped Eichler Tracts, the garage may also count as the
required 1-story form in ODS A9.
E3: EICHLER TRACT ROOF HEIGHTS: In mapped Eichler Tracts the maximum roof height shall
not exceed 22 feet, as measured from existing grade to the roof surface. Properties in flood
zones shall be permitted to increase building height by one-half foot for each foot that the
base flood elevation exceeds the existing grade.
E4: ROOFLINES IN EICHLER TRACTS: In mapped Eichler Tracts rooflines shall meet the
following: (a) roof pitches no more than 3:12, (b) gable, shed, butterfly, or flat roof forms,
and (c) 2-foot minimum overhangs at eave and rake sides of roof forms for at least 50
percent of roof edges.
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
7
0160135_20240201_ay16
E5: EXTERIOR MATERIALS IN EICHLER TRACTS: In mapped Eichler Tracts, exterior wall
cladding shall be vertical board channel or flush siding, wood tongue, and groove board
siding, wood nickel-gap siding, smooth fiber cement panels, or metal panels. Board-form
concrete, concrete block, or stucco may be used as a secondary material, but collectively,
these materials shall not account for more than 30 percent of all non-glazed wall surfaces.
E6: ENTRIES IN EICHLER TRACTS: In mapped Eichler Tracts, a projecting entry porch shall not
be used. A covered trellis used as a colonnade or a side porch that does not project forward
of the facade at the entry would not be considered an entry porch.
Attachment B
SB 9 Objective Design Standards Revision Crosswalk
Table 1: Revised Objective Design Standards
Applicability Current SB 9 Objective Design Standards Proposed SB 9 Objective Design Standards Type of Change
All
1.3C: FRONT SETBACK Where the contextual
front yard setback does not apply, the front
setback shall be no less than the average front
setback of the homes on lots to either side of
the subject lot. (Note: In all cases, the
zoning minimum front setback or
special setback would still apply.)
A1: FRONT SETBACK Where the contextual front
yard setback does not apply, the front setback
shall be no less than the average front setback of
the homes on lots to either side of the subject
lot, up to a maximum of 25 feet. Otherwise, the
zoning minimum front setback or
special setback would still apply.
Added that in no circumstance would
this standard create a setback larger
than 25 ft. on a property where the
contextual front yard setback does not
apply
All
4.3C: STUCCO TEXTURE: When stucco is used it
shall be steel-troweled ‘Smooth’ or ‘Santa
Barbara’ texture as described in the Technical
Services Information Bureau, Chapter 5 - Plaster
Textures & Acrylic Finishes (2011). For additions,
stucco texture on the addition shall be
allowed to match the stucco texture of the
existing house.
A2: STUCCO TEXTURE: When stucco is used it
shall be steel-troweled ‘Smooth’ or ‘Santa
Barbara’ texture as described in the Technical
Services Information Bureau, Chapter 5 - Plaster
Textures & Acrylic Finishes (2011). For additions,
stucco texture on the addition shall be
allowed to match the stucco texture of the
existing house.
No change
All
4.4A: CONTEXTUAL PORCH ENTRIES: If
porches (i.e.
roofed, street-facing porches with posts/column
(s) and more than 3 feet deep), occur on at least
50 percent of homes on the block of the subject
lot (counting only homes on the subject lot side
of the street), the proposed house shall include a
street-facing porch no less than 6 feet deep and
8 feet wide.
A3: CONTEXTUAL PORCH ENTRIES: If
porches (i.e., roofed, street-facing porches with
posts/ column(s) and more than 3
feet deep), occur on more than half of the
houses on the same side of the block, including
the subject site, the proposed house(s) with
street frontage shall include a street-facing
porch no less than 4.5 feet deep and 6 feet
wide.
Clarified this only applies to houses
with street frontage. Reduced the
minimum size of porch required.
All
1.1A: DRIVEWAYS: One curb cut and driveway
per street frontage. Shared driveways are
encouraged but require an easement to
which the City is a third party.
A4: DRIVEWAYS: One curb cut and driveway per
street frontage. Shared driveways are
encouraged but require an easement to
which the City is a third party.
No change
All
1.1B: DRIVEWAY WIDTH:
18-foot maximum driveway width (inclusive
of uncovered parking) within a front or street
side yard setback.
A5: DRIVEWAY WIDTH:
18-foot maximum driveway width (inclusive
of uncovered parking) within a front or street
side yard setback.
No change
All
1.1D WALKWAY SEPARATION: Walkways shall be
separated from driveways by a minimum of 4
feet of landscape planting or extend
sideways (that is, perpendicular) from driveway
so that no additional parking or paved
turnaround space is created in a front or street
side yard beyond that of the maximum allowed
driveway width.
A6: WALKWAY SEPARATION: Walkways shall be
separated from driveways by a minimum of 2
feet of landscape planting or shall be a different
paving material than the driveway.
Reduces minimum separation to allow
for easier compliance on narrower lots.
All
1.1C. PLANTING STRIP: A minimum
two-foot wide, landscaped planting strip
is required between a driveway and/or
uncovered parking space and an interior lot line.
A7. PLANTING STRIP: A minimum two-foot wide,
landscaped planting strip is required between a
driveway and/or uncovered parking space and
an interior lot line.
No change
All
1.1F: DRIVEWAY MATERIALS: Driveway and
uncovered parking surfaces that exceed 10 feet
in width shall not have asphalt or grey concrete
surfaces. They must have a decorative surface to
blend with the landscape such pavers, brick, or
colored concrete.
A8: DRIVEWAY MATERIALS: Driveway and
uncovered parking surfaces that exceed 10 feet
in width shall not have asphalt or grey concrete
surfaces. They must have a decorative surface to
blend with the landscape such as stone pavers,
grass pavers, or bricks.
Removed colored concrete as an
option.
All
1.2A: GARAGE LOCATION: Attached or detached
garages/carports must be located a minimum of
5 feet behind the forwardmost plane of the front
facade or 3 feet behind the forwardmost plane
of the street-side façade.
The forwardmost façade plane may be a building
wall or porch with posts/columns and must be at
least 12 feet wide.
A9: GARAGE LOCATION: Attached garages
adjacent to the front setback must be located a
minimum of 5 feet behind
the forwardmost plane of the front facade or 3
feet behind the forwardmost plane of
the street-side façade. The forwardmost façade
plane may be a building wall or porch with
posts/columns and must be at least
12 feet wide.
In mapped Eichler neighborhoods, this standard
does not apply.
Simplified text, detached garages are
already required to be back from the
front property line. Clarified that this
standard only applies when the garage
is near a front/street side setback.
All
1.2B: GARAGE WIDTH: An attached or detached
garage/carport facing the street shall be no
more than 30 percent of the total facade width
facing that street, except that it may be 12 feet
wide in any circumstance.
A10: GARAGE WIDTH: An attached garage or
carport facing the street shall be no more than
30 percent of the total facade width facing that
street, except that it may be 12 feet wide in any
circumstance.
No change
All
4.5A: GARAGE DOOR DESIGN AND MATERIALS:
The garage door shall match the material, color,
and panel design pattern of the entry door or
window fenestration.
A11: GARAGE DOOR DESIGN AND MATERIALS:
The garage door shall match the material, color,
or panel design pattern of the entry door,
Added option for garage door to match
exterior cladding material
window fenestration, or exterior cladding
material.
All
4.5B: GARAGE DOOR SIZE: The maximum garage
door width shall be 16 feet and the maximum
garage door height shall be 8 feet. If two single-
wide garage doors are used instead of one
double-wide door, each door's maximum width
shall be 9 feet and maximum height 8 feet.
A12: GARAGE DOOR SIZE: When visible from the
street, the maximum garage door width shall be
16 feet and the maximum garage door height
shall be 8 feet. If two single-wide garage
doors are used instead of one double-wide door,
each door's maximum width shall be 9 feet and
maximum height 8 feet.
No change
All
5.4B: ROOF DECK NOT PERMITTED: A roof deck
(i.e., a deck above of the first level of a single-
story building or second level of a two-story
building) shall not be permitted.
A13: ROOF DECK NOT PERMITTED: A roof deck
(i.e., a deck above the first level of a single-story
building or second level of a two-story building)
shall not be permitted.
No change
All
2.1B: ROOF HEIGHT FOR VARIED ROOF PITCHES:
Roof height shall be limited to 27 feet for roofs
with pitches 9:12 or greater, 25 feet for roofs
with pitches 3:12, up to 9:12, and 22
feet for roofs with pitches less than 3:12.
Properties in flood zones shall be permitted to
increase building height by one-half foot for
each foot that the base flood elevation exceeds
existing grade.
A14: ROOF HEIGHT FOR VARIED ROOF PITCHES:
Roof height shall be limited to 27 feet for roofs
with pitches 9:12 or greater, 25 feet for roofs
with pitches 3:12, up to 9:12, and 22
feet for roofs with pitches less than 3:12,
inclusive of parapets on flat roofs. In flood zones,
the maximum height is increased by one-half of
the increase in elevation required to reach base
flood elevations, up to a maximum increase of
30 inches.
Text edits to floor zone language to be
consistent with PAMC 18.12
All
3.4A: GABLE ROOF FORMS: No more
than three gable forms on an elevation facing a
public street.
A15: GABLE ROOF FORMS: No more
than three gable forms on an elevation facing a
public street.
No change
All 3.4B: BAY WINDOWS: No more than two bay
windows on an elevation facing a public street.
A16: BAY WINDOWS: No more than two bay
windows on an elevation facing a public street.
No change
All
4.1A: FAÇADE VISUAL FOCAL POINT: Each street
facing building elevation shall have a significant
visual focal point, defined as either: (a) at least
50 square feet of glazing in a large window,
multi-panel window or glazed door, or bay
window form, or (b) a roofed or trellised porch
at least 6 feet deep and 8 feet wide and no more
than 12 feet tall.
A17: STREET-FACING WINDOWS: Each street-
facing building elevation shall have at least 20
square feet of glazing in a large window, multi-
panel window or glazed door, or bay window
form, with minimum dimensions of 3 feet.
In an Eichler tract, clerestory windows may have
a reduced minimum dimension.
Intent clarified to require window(s)
facing the street. Minimum window
sized reduced to allow broader
architectural styles and accommodate
smaller units.
Porch requirements are in ODS A3.
All
4.3A: WINDOW TO WALL DETAILING: Window
frames shall be recessed at least 2 inches from
the exterior wall face or have trim at least 3.5
inches wide on all four window sides. Stucco
over foam shall not be used as window trim.
A18: WINDOW TO WALL DETAILING: Window
frames shall be recessed at least 2 inches from
the exterior wall face or have trim at least 2
inches wide and 0.5 inches thick on all four
window sides. Stucco over foam shall not be
used as window trim.
Changed minimum window trim from
3.5 wide to 2 in wide and .5 in thick.
All
4.3B: WINDOW PATTERNS: Window fenestration
with divided lite appearance shall have exterior
applied muntin bars (i.e., true or simulated
divided lites).
A19: WINDOW PATTERNS: Window fenestration
with divided lite appearance shall have exterior
applied muntin bars (i.e., true or simulated
divided lites).
No change
Applicability Current SB 9 Objective Design Standards Proposed SB 9 Objective Design Standards Type of Change
Two Story
1.3D: SECOND FLOOR STEPBACKS: Second floor
area shall not be permitted within
the standard side or rear setbacks of the
underlying single family zoning district.
B1: SECOND FLOOR LOCATION: Second floor
area shall not be permitted within
the standard side or rear setbacks of the
underlying single family zoning district.
No change
Two Story
1.3A: SECOND FLOOR SIZE: The maximum floor
area above the first-floor level: (a) shall not
exceed 35 percent of total gross floor area on
the lot except as noted in
subsection (b) or Standard 1.3B. (b) shall not
exceed 30 percent of the total gross floor area
where an abutting lot along a side lot line has a
one-story home or home with no more than 500
square feet of second floor area.
B2: SECOND FLOOR SIZE: The maximum second-
floor area shall not exceed 35 percent of the
allowable gross floor area for the lot, or 400 sf,
whichever is larger.
Simplified text, and provided a
minimum allowable second floor area
to accommodate at least two
bedrooms and bathrooms on the
second floor, for families.
Two Story
2.3A: CONTEXTUAL FIRST FLOOR EAVE HEIGHT:
The height of the first floor's street facing roof
edges (i.e., eaves or parapets) shall not exceed
18 inches above the average height of the first-
floor eave or parapet of the homes on the
abutting lots at side lot lines as measured at
those homes' eaves nearest the subject lot. This
first-floor roof edge height limit shall also extend
15 feet back from the building corner. This
standard shall be 24 inches within a flood zone if
either of the abutting homes’ first-floor level
does not meet current flood zone regulations.
This standard applies to the eave side of pitch
B3: CONTEXTUAL FIRST FLOOR EAVE HEIGHT:
The height of the first floor's street-facing roof
edges (i.e., eaves or parapets) shall not exceed
18 inches above the average height of the first-
floor eave or parapet of the homes on the
abutting lots at side lot lines as measured at
those homes' eaves nearest the subject lot. This
first-floor roof edge height limit shall also extend
15 feet back from the building corner. This
standard shall be 24 inches within a flood zone if
either of the abutting homes’ first-floor levels
does not meet current flood zone regulations.
This standard applies to the eave side of pitch
No change
roof forms and not the rake side such as at a
gable.
roof forms and not the rake side such as at a
gable.
Two Story
2.3B: CONTEXTUAL SECOND FLOOR EAVE
HEIGHT: The height of the upper floor's street
facing roof edge (eave or parapet) shall not
exceed 18 inches above either: (a) the average
height of the upper floor street facing eave or
roof edge of homes to each side, or (b) in the
case of only one home having a second floor, the
height of that home's eaves.
B4: CONTEXTUAL SECOND FLOOR EAVE HEIGHT:
The height of the upper floor's street-facing roof
edge (eave or parapet) shall not exceed 18
inches above either: (a) the average height of
the upper floor street-facing eave or roof edge
of homes to each side, or (b) in the case of only
one home having a second floor, the height of
that home's eaves.
No change
Two Story
3.1A: GARAGE HEIGHT AND MASS: Maximum
height of a roof over an attached garage shall
not exceed 15 feet in height as measure from
existing grade. The maximum garage wall plate
height shall not exceed 10 feet.
B5: GARAGE HEIGHT AND MASS: Maximum
height of a roof over an attached garage shall
not exceed 15 feet in height as measure from
existing grade. The maximum garage wall plate
height shall not exceed 10 feet.
No change
Two Story
5.4A: SECOND FLOOR BALCONY LIMITATIONS:
No more than one second floor deck/balcony
shall be permitted per dwelling and
shall: (a) only be permitted on a street facing
facade, (b) be located at least 20 feet from any
interior side lot line, and (c) be limited in size to
no more than 40 square feet.
B6: SECOND FLOOR BALCONY LIMITATIONS: No
more than one second-floor deck/balcony shall
be permitted per dwelling and shall: (a) only
be permitted on a street-facing
facade, (b) be located at least 10 feet from any
interior side lot line with a 5.5-foot-tall solid
privacy wall or be located at least 30 feet from
any interior side lot line, and (c) be limited in size
to no more than 40 square feet.
Added privacy wall requirement to
allow balconies 10-30 feet of a side
property line
Two Story
1.4A: SCREENING LANDSCAPE: Plant screening
trees with a species having a typical mature
height of at least 25 feet, and mature canopy
width of 15 feet at a quantity of at least one per
25 linear feet along each interior lot line. Existing
trees to be retained that are at least 25 feet tall
and 15 feet wide may substitute for required
planting on a one-to-one ratio. Three closely
spaced tall screening shrubs with a mature
height of at least 20 feet and mature width of at
least 5 feet may be substituted for one screening
tree.
B7: SCREENING LANDSCAPE: For two-story
houses, plant screening trees with a species
having a typical mature height of at least 25
feet and mature canopy width of 15 feet at a
quantity of at least one per 25 linear feet along
each interior lot line. Existing trees to
be retained that are at least 25 feet tall and 15
feet wide count towards the required planting.
Three closely spaced tall screening shrubs with a
mature height of at least 15 feet and a mature
width of at least 3 feet may be substituted for
one screening tree.
Privacy screening landscape shall be located to
align with proposed second-floor windows
Clarified intent of the standard
regarding spacing and placement of
trees/shrubs. Combined with text from
5.2D
across the side and rear lot lines and between
windows at facing units on a single property.
Two Story
1.4B: PLANTING TYPE AND SIZE: Screening trees
and shrubs shall be specified by botanical name
with at least 50 percent of screening trees and
shrubs being evergreen. Screening trees shall be
specified and planted at 24-inch box size or
larger and 8 feet height or taller. Screening
shrubs shall be specified and planted at 15-
gallon size or larger and 8 feet or taller.
B8: PLANTING TYPE AND SIZE: When required,
screening trees and shrubs shall be specified by
botanical name with at least 50 percent of
screening trees and shrubs being evergreen.
Screening trees shall be specified and planted at
24-inch box size or larger and 8 feet height or
taller. Screening shrubs shall be specified and
planted at 15-gallon size or larger and 8 feet or
taller.
Clarified text
Two Story
1.4C: PLANTING ADJACENT PUE’S: Where an
easement such as a PUE exist along an interior
lot line, trees are required to be planted on the
same side of the easement as the building, but
not within the easement.
B9: PLANTING ADJACENT PUE’S: Where an
easement such as a PUE exist along an interior
lot line, trees are required to be planted on the
same side of the easement as the building, but
not within the easement.
No change
Two Story
5.2B: SECOND FLOOR WINDOW PRIVACY: For
any window on an upper floor, facing an interior
lot line that is located less than 20 feet from a
side lot line or less than 30 feet from a rear lot
line, one of the following
shall be used: (a) permanent obscure
glazing, or (b) exterior mounted permanent
architectural privacy screens that block views
more than 70%, or (c) windows with sills above
5 feet from the finished floor level.
B10: SECOND FLOOR WINDOW PRIVACY: For any
window on an upper floor or in a stairway, facing
an interior lot line that is located less than 20
feet from a side or rear lot line, one of the
following shall be used: (a) permanent obscure
glazing to at least 5 feet from the finished
floor, or (b) exterior mounted permanent
architectural privacy screens that block views
more than 70%, or (c) windows with sills above 5
feet from the finished floor level. In a stairway,
the finished floor is the height of the landing.
This standard shall also apply to first-floor
windows less than 6 feet from a property line
where the finished floor height is 2 feet or more
above grade.
Simplified distance to 20 ft from any
interior lot line, combined stairway
requirements from 5.2C. Added privacy
requirements for first-floor windows in
specific situations consistent with
PAMC 18.09.
Two Story
5.3B: SECOND FLOOR OPERABLE WINDOWS
ALONG SIDE LOT LINES: Operable casement
windows on the upper level with a sill height less
than 5 feet above the finished floor and within
20 feet of an interior side lot line shall be hinged
so the windows open towards the public street.
Horizontal sliding windows shall not
B11: SECOND FLOOR OPERABLE WINDOWS
ALONG SIDE LOT LINES: Operable casement
windows on the upper level with a sill height less
than 5 feet above the finished floor and within
20 feet of an interior side lot line shall be hinged
so the windows open towards the public street.
Horizontal sliding windows shall not
No change
be permitted facing and within 20 feet of an
interior side lot line, unless the windowsill height
is at least 5 feet above the finish floor level.
be permitted facing and within 20 feet of an
interior side lot line, unless the windowsill height
is at least 5 feet above the finish floor level.
Applicability Current SB 9 Objective Design Standards Proposed SB 9 Objective Design Standards Type of Change
Two Story
Adjacent to
One Story
1.5C: SIDE DAYLIGHT PLANE CLEARANCE: Where
a home on an abutting lot across a side lot line
is single-story or has a second-floor area no
more than 500 square feet, the proposed
structure(s) shall maintain at least 2 feet
clearance from the second-floor roof edge or
wall parapet to the side daylight plane as
measured perpendicularly to the side daylight
plane.
C1: SIDE DAYLIGHT PLANE CLEARANCE: Where a
home on an abutting lot across a side lot line
is single-story or has a second-floor area no
more than 500 square feet, the side daylight
plane shall be measured from 8 ft above average
grade instead of 10 ft. In the case of an Urban
Lot Split, the daylight plane only applies to the
original property lines.
In flood zones, the average grade for
determining daylight plane is increased by one-
half of the increase in elevation required to
reach base flood elevations, up to a maximum
increase of 30 inches.
Simplified how this is measured. Allows
for flood zone height increase
consistent with PAMC 18.12
Two Story
Adjacent to
One Story
2.5A: SINGLE-STORY BUILDING FORMS: At least
one single-story building form (excluding
garages) with dimensions no greater than 16
feet in height, no less than 8 feet in depth, and
no less than 12 feet in width shall be placed on
each street facing building side. Location shall be
either: (a) fully forward of the second floor's
wall face, or (b) partially forward or aligned with
the second floor's wall face if the one-story form
is at a building corner.
C2: SINGLE-STORY BUILDING FORMS: Where a
home on an abutting lot across a side lot line
is single-story or has a second-floor area no
more than 500 square feet, all houses with
frontage on the street shall have either: (a) a
one-story building form (excluding garages) at
least 6 feet forward of the second-floor wall
face, and at least 10 feet wide; or (b) a
protruding porch or one-story roof overhang at
least 6 feet deep, and at least 8 feet wide.
Now only applies when adjacent to a
single-story house. Simplified text,
reduced minimum dimensions.
Existing Flag
and
Substandard
Lots
1.3E. SECOND FLOOR AREA ON FLAG LOTS AND
SUBSTANDARD LOTS: On flag lots (or similar lots
without street frontage) and/or substandard
lots, if the maximum allowed total floor area is
greater than 70 percent of the buildable lot area,
floor area may be placed on a second level. The
maximum second floor area allowed shall be the
area in excess of 70 percent of the buildable lot
area or 300 square feet, whichever is greater.
D1. SECOND FLOOR AREA ON FLAG LOTS AND
SUBSTANDARD LOTS: On lots that are flag lots
(or similar lots without street frontage) and/or
substandard lots prior to an Urban Lot Split, a
second floor shall only be allowed to facilitate
the minimum 800 sf unit size.
No change
Applicability Current SB 9 Objective Design Standards Proposed SB 9 Objective Design Standards Type of Change
Eichler
1.2C: EICHLER TRACT GARAGES: In mapped
Eichler Tracts, a garage or carport may
be located forward of the front facade plane of
the house so long as the garage or carport
is: (a) no more than 21 feet wide, (b) has a roof
pitch of 3:12 (slope of 3 vertical feet for every 12
horizontal feet) or less, and (c) has a maximum
height of no more than 12 feet above existing
grade.
E1: EICHLER TRACT GARAGES: In mapped Eichler
Tracts, a garage or carport may
be located forward of the front facade plane of
the house so long as the garage or carport
is: (a) no more than 21 feet wide, (b) has a roof
pitch of 3:12 (slope of 3 vertical feet for every 12
horizontal feet) or less, and (c) has a maximum
height of no more than 12 feet above existing
grade.
No change
Eichler
2.5B: Within mapped Eichler Tracts, garages may
serve as the form in Standard 2.5A, and no roof
pitch shall exceed 3:12. (See Standard 3.2C).
E2: EICHLER TRACT GARAGES: In mapped Eichler
Tracts, the garage may also count as the
required 1-story form in ODS A9.
Updated references
Eichler
2.1C: EICHLER TRACT ROOF HEIGHTS: In mapped
Eichler Tracts the maximum roof height shall not
exceed 22 feet, as measured from existing grade
to the roof surface for a pitched
roof, or 20 feet for a flat roof surface or parapet.
Properties in flood zones shall be permitted to
increase building height by one-half foot for
each foot that the base flood elevation exceeds
existing grade.
E3: EICHLER TRACT ROOF HEIGHTS: In mapped
Eichler Tracts the maximum roof height shall not
exceed 22 feet, as measured from existing grade
to the roof surface.
Properties in flood zones shall be permitted to
increase building height by one-half foot for
each foot that the base flood elevation exceeds
the existing grade.
Simplified text, more consistent with
A14.
Eichler
3.2C: ROOFLINES IN EICHLER TRACTS: In mapped
Eichler Tracts rooflines shall meet the
following: (a) roof pitches no more than
3:12, (b) gable, shed, butterfly or flat roof forms
(note: hip roofs with flat roofs at
eaves permitted; see Illustration 1D of the IR
guidelines for example),
and (c) 2-foot minimum overhangs at eave and
rake sides of roof forms for at least 50 percent of
roof edges.
E4: ROOFLINES IN EICHLER TRACTS: In mapped
Eichler Tracts rooflines shall meet the
following: (a) roof pitches no more than
3:12, (b) gable, shed, butterfly, or flat roof
forms, and (c) 2-foot minimum overhangs at
eave and rake sides of roof forms for at least 50
percent of roof edges.
Simplified text
Eichler
4.3D: EXTERIOR MATERIALS IN EICHLER TRACTS:
In mapped Eichler Tracts, exterior wall cladding
shall be vertical board channel or flush siding,
wood tongue and groove board siding, wood
nickel-gap siding, smooth fiber cement panels,
or metal panels. Board-form concrete, concrete
block, or stucco may be used as a secondary
material but collectively these materials shall not
account for more than 30 percent of all non-
glazed wall surfaces.
E5: EXTERIOR MATERIALS IN EICHLER TRACTS: In
mapped Eichler Tracts, exterior wall cladding
shall be vertical board channel or flush siding,
wood tongue, and groove board siding, wood
nickel-gap siding, smooth fiber cement panels,
or metal panels. Board-form concrete, concrete
block, or stucco may be used as a secondary
material, but collectively, these materials shall
not account for more than 30 percent of all non-
glazed wall surfaces.
No change
Eichler
4.4B: ENTRIES IN EICHLER TRACTS: In mapped
Eichler Tracts an entry porch projecting forward
of the front wall of the house shall not be used.
A recessed void at the facade or a courtyard
entry may be used in lieu of a porch. A covered
trellis used as a colonnade or a side porch that
does not project forward of the facade at the
entry would not be considered an entry porch.
E6: ENTRIES IN EICHLER TRACTS: In mapped
Eichler Tracts, a projecting entry porch shall not
be used. A covered trellis used as a colonnade or
a side porch that does not project forward of the
facade at the entry would not be considered an
entry porch.
Simplified text
Table 2: Objective Design Standards Proposed for Deletion
Applicability Current SB 9 Objective Design Standards Type of Change
Delete
1.2D: DUPLEX PARKING REQUIREMENT: In the case of a duplex, when
parking spaces are required, the parking space for each unit shall be a
covered parking space.
One covered space is required by PAMC 18.52 for all SB 9 units
regardless of configuration, unless exempted from parking
requirements by State Law.
Delete
1.3B: EICHLER TRACT SECOND FLOOR SIZE: Where a property is in a
mapped Eichler Tract, and not in a single-story overlay zone,
the maximum floor area of the second floor shall not exceed 25
percent of the total gross floor area on the lot.
This standard was originally changed to be the same as B2 (35% of the
floor area), and then eliminated because it was redundant with B2.
Delete
1.5A: CONTEXTUAL FRONT MASSING STEPBACK: Where a home on an
abutting lot across a side lot line is single-story or has a second-floor
area less than 500 square feet, a proposed structure shall have a one-
story building volume at least 15-foot wide and 15-foot deep at the
front side of the house set forward of any second-floor street facing
wall plane.
Intent of this standard is now in C2.
Delete
1.5B: CONTEXTUAL SIDE MASSING STEPBACK: Where a home on an
abutting lot across a side lot line is single-story or has a second-floor
area less than 500 square feet, each proposed structure located
within 20 feet of the side lot line shall step back the upper floor from
the lower floor along that side of the structure at least 7 feet for at
least 50 percent of the depth of the structure.
Feedback indicated the Daylight Plane was the preferred way to
regulate this.
Delete
1.5D: EICHLER TRACT SIDE DAYLIGHT PLANE CLEARANCE: In mapped
Eichler Tracts the clearance from any roof edge to the side daylight
plane as measured perpendicularly from the daylight plane shall be at
least 4 feet.
Determined 4 feet was overly restrictive, this scenario is now
regulated by C1.
Delete
2.1A: UPPER FLOOR FRONT FAÇADE AREA: Where an abutting lot
across a side lot line has a single-story home or home with no more
than 500 square feet on the second floor, the front facade's visible
wall area on the upper floor shall be no greater than 50 percent of the
front facade's visible wall area on the first floor. Wall area includes
the area defined by porches, windows, and wall surfaces under
gables. On corner lots, the front facade shall be the facade at the
shorter frontage.
The 2nd floor façade width would be sufficiently regulated by the
daylight plane. This was also very difficult to interpret and calculate.
Delete
2.2A: FIRST FLOOR LEVEL: The finished first floor level shall not be
more than 18 inches above existing grade. In Eichler Tracts, the
finished first floor level shall not be more than 12 inches above
existing grade. In a flood zone, the first-floor level may be set at the
minimum allowed above grade to meet code requirements. For a lot
removed from the flood zone due to on-site grading, the
measurement shall be taken from revised grade.
This is sufficiently addressed by the other height restrictions (A13, B3,
B4), and was overly strict in flood zones.
Delete
2.2B: FLOOR-TO-FLOOR HEIGHT: The height from the first finished
floor to the second finished floor shall not exceed 10'-6”.
Feedback indicated regulating interior height was overly restrictive.
The exterior height limits (A14, B3, B4) are sufficient to not need to
regulate interior height.
Delete
2.2C: SECOND FLOOR WALL PLATE HEIGHT: The wall plate height (i.e.,
interior wall height at exterior wall) on the second floor shall not
exceed 9 feet for roofs with pitches 3:12 or lower; 8'-6" for roofs with
pitches greater than 3:12 up to 9:12; and 8 feet for roofs with pitches
9:12 or greater.
The exterior height limits are sufficient to not need to regulate
interior height.
Delete 2.2D: PARAPET HEIGHT: Parapets shall not exceed 1 foot above the
roof surface over second floor roofs.
The overall height limits are sufficient.
Delete 2.6A: ATTIC HEIGHT: Unused attic spaces shall not exceed 5 feet in
height.
The Zoning Code FAR and height regulations already discourage this.
Delete
2.6B: EXTERIOR WALL HEIGHT: No exterior wall shall exceed 22 feet
in height as measured from existing grade to the eave or parapet.
Portions of walls under rakes such as at gables or shed roof forms
may exceed this height.
Feedback indicated the 22ft felt arbitrary, and other standards such
as C1, B3, and the daylight plane sufficiently regulate this
Delete 3.1B: ENTRY HEIGHT: Exterior entry forms shall not exceed 12 feet in
height as measured from existing grade.
The Zoning Code FAR and height regulations already discourage this.
Delete
3.2A: ROOF FORM VARIATION: No more than two types of roof forms
shall be used (examples of two forms are hip and gable roofs or shed
and flat roofs).
Feedback indicated this was overly restrictive, and did not sufficiently
account for entry accents or similar.
Delete 3.2B: ROOF PITCH VARIATION: No more than two roof pitches shall be
used (e.g., 4:12 and 12:12; 6:12 and flat).
Feedback indicated this was overly restrictive, and did not sufficiently
account for entry accents or similar.
Delete
3.3A: INCOMPLETE ROOF FORMS: Truncated hip and gable roof forms
shall not be permitted at second floor roofs on two-story structures
or roofs at single story structures. Note: A truncated roof form is
where the roof planes do not extend to a ridgeline; rather
they terminate with a flat roof or roof well.
Feedback indicated that truncated roof forms can be a useful tool in
reducing overall height. Typically, this is not visible from the public
right of way. It also unnecessarily restricts historically recognized
forms such as Dutch gables.
Delete
3.5A: CONTEXTUAL ROOF PITCH: On properties adjacent to single
story homes along either interior side lot line, roof pitches on new
two-story buildings shall be 6:12 or lower.
Feedback indicated this was unnecessary considering other eave and
roof height restrictions (A14, B3, B4)
Delete
4.2A: WINDOW ALIGNMENT: Windows on two-story wall planes that
face a street shall be aligned vertically unless there is a change in
exterior materials from the lower floor to the upper floor.
Feedback indicated this was overly restrictive, “aligned vertically” was
also unclear to interpret.
Delete
4.2B: FAÇADE ELEMENT SPACING: Focal points such as porches,
large/featured windows, and bay windows shall be spaced at least 5
feet horizontally apart from each other when placed on the same
level/floor.
Feedback indicated this was overly restrictive, particularly for smaller
units. It also had unintended limitations, such as preventing “large
windows” from being under a porch.
Delete
5.1A: PRIVACY DIAGRAM: Site Privacy Diagram must show the
proposed second-floor plan including windows, major on-site
vegetation, and all elements on the neighboring property within 25
feet of the subject property line. For adjacent sites show major
vegetation, building footprints, windows (indicate size and location),
and patios within 25 feet of the property lines shall be provided in the
project plan set.
This is a submittal checklist requirement, not a Design Standard.
Delete
5.2A: BEDROOM WINDOW LOCATION: Organize the second-floor plan
so at least one bedroom has its largest/egress window facing the
front lot line. On corner lots, at least one bedroom’s largest/egress
window shall also face the street side lot line.
The privacy requirements (B10, B11) already encourage this.
Delete
5.2C: STAIR WINDOW PRIVACY: Stair windows facing interior side lot
lines within 20 feet of the lot line shall have permanent obscure
glazing or exterior mounted permanent architectural privacy
screens to at least 5 feet above the landing.
Combined into standard B10.
Delete
5.2D: PRIVACY LANDSCAPE: Privacy screening landscape shall
be located to align with proposed second floor windows across side
and rear lot lines and between windows at facing units on a single
property. Privacy screening landscape shall be evergreen and per size
and planting standards shown in Standard 1.4.
Combined into standard B7.
Delete
5.3A: SECOND FLOOR WINDOW SIZE ALONG SIDE LOT LINES: Any
upper-level window or window grouping located less than 20
feet from a side interior lot line (measured perpendicularly) shall not
have more than 30 square feet of glazing.
The privacy requirements (B10, B11) already encourage this, and/or
sufficiently mitigate privacy for larger windows.