City of Corona
Staff Report
400 S. Vicentia Ave.
Corona, CA 92882
File #: 24-0606
PLANNING AND HOUSING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE: 08/12/2024
TO: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Planning & Development Department
APPLICATION REQUEST:
SPA2024-0001: Specific Plan Amendment to the Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan amending the general residential guidelines. (Applicant: City of Corona) RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the Planning and Housing Commission recommend APPROVAL of SPA2024-0001 to the City Council, based on the findings contained in the staff report.
BACKGROUND
The Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan (SP98-01) covers approximately 621 acres located in the city’s historic downtown, which includes properties located within and on the outside periphery of Grand Boulevard, and along Sixth Street between Lincoln Avenue and the Flood Control Channel.
The specific plan governs the land use, development standards, and design guidelines for the affected properties.
The specific plan includes an inventory of residential properties. Most of the residential properties were developed before the 1950s with several residential structures placed on the city’s Corona Register as local historic landmarks. The residential neighborhoods within the specific plan are well established and represent the age of when the structures were built. Vacant infill lots exist within the downtown Corona residential neighborhoods and the residential design guidelines established in the specific plan are intended to guide the development of new residential structures to be compatible with the existing residential neighborhoods.
The residential design guidelines are expressed as mandatory requirements or non-mandatory requirements in the specific plan. Over the years, new residential structures on vacant infill properties or the rehabilitation of existing residential structures have shown modern-day designs that are not compatible with the architectural elements already established in the existing neighborhoods.
Since the downtown Corona residential neighborhoods include a high volume of historical structures, City of Corona Page 1 of 5 Printed on 8/6/2024
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Since the downtown Corona residential neighborhoods include a high volume of historical structures, which contributes to the character and era of the neighborhoods, the downtown residential guidelines are being amended to provide more mandatory requirements and new architectural style standards to preserve the architectural history and appearance of the neighborhoods. The amended residential design guidelines are intended for new residential structures to be compatible with existing residential structures and the existing atmosphere of the neighborhood.
The new architectural style standards being added to the specific plan were presented to the City Council at its study session on March 20, 2024. The architectural style standards were presented in a combined presentation on the proposed revisions to the city’s Historic Resources Ordinance in Chapter 17.63 of the Corona Municipal Code (CMC). The City Council supported the addition of the architectural style standards into the Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan and the proposed amendments to Chapter 17.63 of the CMC regarding updates to the Historic Resources ordinance and the creation of a Historic Preservation Board. The amendments to CMC Chapter 17.63 are being processed separately as a zone text amendment to Title 17, Zoning Code, of the CMC and later than SPA2024-0001. CMC Chapter 17.63 focuses on the preservation of existing historical resources and the process of listing historical structures on the city’s heritage inventory and local register as a local historic landmark. It does not focus on the design guidelines for new residential structures, which is the reason SPA2024-0001 is separate from the future amendment associated with CMC Chapter
17.63. PROPOSED SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT
SPA2024-0001 will amend Section E, General Residential Guidelines, of Chapter IV of the Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan. The redline changes to Section E are provided in its entirety in Exhibit 1.
The existing residential guidelines include rehabilitation requirements for existing residential structures in addition to acceptable exterior materials, window designs, porches and stairs, and roof design and material. The guidelines also describe building additions to existing structures and how the appearance of the addition should have the same architectural elements and design as the existing structure.
The guidelines also include requirements for new infill residential structures to incorporate traditional architectural characteristics of existing residential structures found in the neighborhood. Examples include window and door spacing, exterior materials, roof style and pitches, porches, garage placement, and decoration detail. No specific architectural style is required in the downtown Corona neighborhood, and this has resulted in the architectural style of new residential structures being subjectively scrutinized.
Most of the amendment proposed by SPA2024-0001 includes the addition of residential architectural style standards that are allowed for new residential construction and for residential rehabilitation projects that will extensively change the appearance of the existing residential structure. The architectural style standards are described in Section E.13 of Exhibit 1, which include Mission and Spanish Revival, Colonial, Tudor, Bungalow and Craftsman Bungalow, and Ranch. The specific plan also allows the Planning and Development Director to consider an architectural style not listed in the specific plan if it demonstrates a contribution to Corona’s heritage and the downtown residential neighborhood. The architectural style standards are intended to preserve the historic character of the City of Corona Page 2 of 5 Printed on 8/6/2024
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neighborhood. The architectural style standards are intended to preserve the historic character of the downtown Corona residential neighborhoods as new residential structures are constructed on infill lots.
DEPARTMENTAL, AGENCY AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
According to Government Code Section 65352.3(a)(2), the city notified the California Native American Tribes inviting consultation on the proposed amendment to the specific plan. The consultation period started on March 20, 2024, and closed on June 20, 2024 at the end of the 90 day period. No tribes requested consultation with the city on the proposed amendment.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
This action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which states that a project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. The proposed amendment involves text revisions to the Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan amending the general residential guidelines and will have no significant effect on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The project is a city application and no application fees are associated with the request.
PUBLIC NOTICE
A 10-day public notice was advertised in the Sentinel Weekly News and posted at the project site.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
SPA2024-0001 is consistent with the purpose of the Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan because the amended residential design guidelines will preserve and enhance the residential neighborhoods by requiring new residential construction to have architectural elements that reflect the historical character and environment of the existing neighborhood. This allows the city’s heritage to be preserved while also accommodating new development.
FINDINGS OF APPROVAL FOR SPA2024-0001
1. Per Section 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a Notice of Exemption has been prepared for the project because Section 15061(b)(3) states that a project is exempted from CEQA if the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. The proposed amendment involves text revisions to the Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan amending the general residential guidelines and will have no significant effect on the environment.
2. Pursuant to CMC Section 17.53.090(B)(1)(a) the plan systematically implements and is City of Corona Page 3 of 5 Printed on 8/6/2024
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2. Pursuant to CMC Section 17.53.090(B)(1)(a) the plan systematically implements and is consistent with the General Plan for the following reasons:
a. SPA2024-0001 is consistent with Goal LU-8 because it establishes residential guidelines to assure the integrity, quality, and livability of Corona’s existing residential neighborhoods, preserving those elements that give them character, cohesion, and quality of life.
b. SPA2024-0001 is consistent with Policy LU-8.7 because the residential guidelines require new single family homes constructed in existing neighborhoods to be designed to complement existing structures within property setbacks, scale, building materials, and color palette, and exhibit a high quality of architectural design. c. SPA2024-0001 is consistent with Policy LU-17.14 because the residential guidelines promote the development of more cohesive and uniform patterns of housing types and densities in the Downtown, avoiding the hodge-podge appearance that currently exists on some streets.
3. Pursuant to CMC Section 17.53.090(B)(1)(b) the Plan provides for the development of a comprehensively planned project that is superior to development otherwise allowed under the conventional zoning classifications for the following reason:
a. SPA2024-0001 amends the general residential guidelines which are intended to preserve the historic character of the downtown Corona residential neighborhoods.
4. Pursuant to CMC Section 17.53.090(B)(1)(c) the Plan provides for the construction, improvement, or extension of transportation facilities, public utilities and public services required by the long-term needs of the project and/or other area residents, and complements the orderly development of the City beyond the project's boundaries for the following reasons:
a. SPA2024-0001 amends the general residential guidelines for single family and multifamily properties in the downtown Corona residential neighborhoods by requiring new residential construction or the rehabilitation of an existing residential structure that will extensively change the appearance of the structure to use building forms and materials that are consistent with the scale, building setbacks, and building materials of existing residential structures in the neighborhood.
b. The downtown Corona residential neighborhoods pre-date the 1950s and contain existing residential structures and infill vacant properties that are supported by existing infrastructure, such as utilities, and improved city streets.
5. Pursuant to CMC Section 17.53.090(B)(1)(d), the Plan provides for the appropriate orientation and relationship between land uses within and adjacent to the project for the following reason:
a. SPA2024-0001 affects the general residential guidelines and applies to properties zoned single family and multifamily residential according to the land use plan adopted in the Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan.
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6. In addition to the findings made in reference to CMC Section 17.53.090, the following additional findings are made in reference to the amendments to SP98-01 (Downtown Revitalization) per Section VIII(9):
a. SPA2024-0001 is consistent with the City’s General Plan because:
i. SPA2024-0001 is consistent with Goal LU-8 because it establishes residential guidelines to assure the integrity, quality, and livability of Corona’s existing residential neighborhoods, preserving those elements that give them character, cohesion, and quality of life.
ii. SPA2024-0001 is consistent with Policy LU-8.7 because the residential guidelines require new single family homes constructed in existing neighborhoods to be designed to complement existing structures within property setbacks, scale, building materials, and color palette, and exhibit a high quality of architectural design.
iii. SPA2024-0001 is consistent with Policy LU-17.14 because the residential guidelines promote the development of more cohesive and uniform patterns of housing types and densities in the Downtown, avoiding the hodge-podge appearance that currently exists on some streets.
b. SPA2024-0001 is consistent with the goals, policies and planning concepts of the Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan because it preserves the city’s heritage while accommodating new development.
PREPARED BY: JOANNE COLETTA, PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
EXHIBITS
1. Proposed Amendment
2. Environmental Documentation
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E – General Residential Guidelines
1. General Residential Rehabilitation Principles ................................................. IV-52
2. Exterior Materials .......................................................................................... IV-54##
3. Windows .......................................................................................................... IV-54##
4. Doors ............................................................................................................... IV-55##
5. Porches and Stairs .......................................................................................... IV-55##
6. Ornamentation/Trim ..................................................................................... IV-56##
7. Roofs ................................................................................................................ IV-56##
8. Additions to Existing Structures................................................................... IV-57##
9. New Infill Residential Structures .................................................................. IV-58##
10. Accessory Buildings & Accessory Dwelling Units ....................................... IV-59##
11. Secondary Residential Units ......................................................................... IV-59## 112. Adaptive Reuse ............................................................................................... IV-59## 123. Multi-Family Residential ................................................................................ IV-60##
13. Architectural Style For New Residential…………………………………..IV-## The purpose of these guidelines is to help preserve and rehabilitate residential buildings and houses found within Downtown Corona neighborhoods in the RO, SF, R2, and MF districts. The guidelines are also intended to encourage require new compatible residential development with existing development and to promote the conservation and reuse of existing residences.
In general, preservation and rehabilitation efforts shallould aim toward protecting the essential architectural features of a residential building that help to identify its individual style and thereby further its contribution to the historic character of the area.
1. General Residential Rehabilitation Principles
a. The Rrehabilitation or repair of architectural details of historic residential buildings listed on the Corona Heritage Inventory and Corona Register should try shall comply with Corona’s Design Guidelines for Historic Buildings to retain and restore original elements.
If damage or deterioration is too severe, the element should be recreated using original materials to match the design, color, texture and any other important design features. b. Rehabilitation of residential buildings not listed on the Corona Heritage Inventory shall incorporate architectural style that contributes to the traditional residential character of the area. When replacement is necessary and original materials cannot be obtained, substitution materials should incorporate the design, color and texture that conveys the traditional visual appearance of the original material.
2. Exterior Materials
a. Original exterior residential building materials shallould be retained whenever possible. It is not desirable to use
mismatched materials of different sizes, shapes, textures, or finishes.
b. Residential buildings with original wood clapboard siding shallould not be stuccoed in an attempt to "modernize" their appearance.
c. Brick surfaces shallould not be sandblasted in an attempt to remove old paint. Sandblasting will damage the natural fired surface of the brick and cause it to lose its water-repellent qualities. Paint should be removed by chemical stripping.
3. Windows
a. Historically, most older residential
structures had wood framed windows that
were either fixed, double hung, or
casement. The size, shape and style of
windows are important architectural
features and the original type window
should be used again.
a.b. When window replacement is necessary, it
is preferred that the new window shall be
an exact match of the original size, shape
and style., which may require sSpecial milling may be required. bc. An alternative to special milling may be the use of an “off-the-shelf” standard window that closely matches the original. While this may compromise the true architectural integrity of the building it may be an economical alternative for areas of the building that are not visible from the public right-of-way.
c.d. It is strongly recommended that aAluminum frame windows shall not be used as replacements on any part of a residential structure.
d. Exterior window frames of the structure, such as the lintel, sill, and casing shall consist of the same exterior building materials used on the building.
4. Doors
a. Historically, residential structures had solid wood doors that fit the particular style of the building. The front door of the residence was the most ornate with secondary doors usually more utilitarian in appearance. The size, shape and style of doors is an important feature of all historical
architectural styles and the original type/design should be used again.
b. If the original door is missing, select an appropriate design by studying the doors of similar residential structures in the neighborhood or consulting books on architectural
styles. Many older style panel doors are still available from material suppliers and may match original doors very
closely.
5. Porches And Stairs
a. During rehabilitation efforts, the design integrity of the front porch shallould not be compromised. Architectural decoration, roof form, and materials on the front entrances and porches shall be typical of the style and period of the residential structure. There is often a desire to "modernize" or change the appearance of the building by changing the details of the original porch design, usually through the installation of wrought iron or aluminum railings. Temptations to change these items should be strongly avoided, as any change in the structural or decorative elements of the front porch will usually compromise the original architectural integrity of the entire building.
5. Porches and Stairs (continued):
b. The stairs leading to the front porch are an
integral part of the overall style of the
building. When Sstairs that require
rehabilitation, they should shall be rebuilt
according to the style of the building. Avoid
the use of oOff-the-shelf, ready-made
wrought iron or aluminum railings are
prohibited.
6. Ornamentation/Trim
a. Most often it is the authentic decoration and trim on a residential structure that lends character and identifies the building with its particular architectural style. Great care should be taken in handling these materials during renovation because many times they are the very components that make a building so special.
7. Roofs
a. Roofs are important both functionally and
aesthetically. Great care should be taken to
ensure that roofs are water-tight and that
roofing materials are compatible with the
original style of the residential structure.
Often times roofs only need minor repairs but
when replacement is necessary roofing
materials shallould be selected that are
appropriate to the building's architectural
style.
b. The determination of what material to use for
the replacement of wood shingles or shakes on
historic buildings is a hard decision. The desire for
the most aesthetic material is often superseded by
the desire to provide maximum fire protection.
Many of the In cases where wood shingles or
shakes are being replaced, newer "architectural"
styles of asphalt roofing (e.g. thick butt
composition) that closely resemble wood shingles
and provide good fire resistance shall be
considered.
c. Metal roofs are prohibited.
8. Additions to Existing Structures
a. Additions to historically significant residential
structures may be necessary to ensure their
continued use. Modifications (e.g. additions,
seismic strengthening, new entrances and
exits) should be made with care so as not to
compromise a residential building's
historically valuable features, materials, or
finishes.
ab. Additions should be carefully placed to
minimize changes in the appearance of the
residence from the street (public right-ofway). It is strongly recommended that aAdditions should be placed to the side or
rear of the residence and should not obstruct the original the appearance of the building from the street (public right-of-way). If an
addition is placed at the front of the
residential structure, the architectural
character of the addition shall be consistent
with the traditional character of the area and
have an integrated design with the existing
residential structure.
b. The roof of a residential structure, especially
its style, materials and pitch, is an important
architectural element that must be taken into
consideration when planning an addition. The
roof style, pitch and materials on the addition shallould match the original. cd. Adding an additional story to an existing
residential structure will always change the
building's proportions and shallould be
carefully designed to follow similar two
story examples of that particular
architectural style found in the
neighborhood. Integrating the new second
story addition into the original design of
the residence may be easier if the addition
is setback or "stepped" back from the front
facade so that it is less noticeable from the
street (public right-of-way).
9. New Infill Residential Structures
The single most important issue of new infill residential development is one of compatibility, especially when considering larger residences. When new residential structures are developed adjacent to older single family residences, there are concerns that the height and bulk scale of the infill residences structures may have a negative impact on the adjacent smaller scale buildings.
The following considerations are intended to address this concern:
a. New infill residential structures shall adhere to the architectural style provided in Section IV.E.13.
ba. New residential development shallould continue the functional, on-site relationships of the surrounding neighborhood. For example, common patterns that should be continued in Corona are front porches and entries facing the street and garages/parking located at the rear of the parcel (see below).
cb. Garages in front are prohibited.
dc. Front yard setbacks for new residential infill development shallould match existing setback patterns of surrounding dwellings.
ed. New infill residential structures shallould incorporate the traditional architectural characteristics of existing residences found in the Downtown Corona residential surrounding neighborhood, for example: window and door spacing, exterior materials, roof style and pitch, finished-floor height, porches and decoration/detail. fe. The proper use of building materials can enhance desired neighborhood qualities such as compatibility, continuity, harmony, etc. The design of infill residential structures shallould incorporate an appropriate mixture of the predominant materials found in the neighborhood. Common materials are brick, stone, wood, horizontal clapboard siding and shingles.
gf. Because nNew infill residential structures are
potentially likely to be taller than one story,
their height and bulk can impose on smaller
adjacent residences. The height of new
residential structures shallould be considered
within the context of surrounding residential
structures. New residential structures with a
greater taller height should consider setbacks
or "stepping back" at the second story by at least five feet to reduce impacts on adjacent existing single story residences.
hg. The incorporation of traditional balconies, verandas and porches within the building form is strongly encouraged.
9. New Infill Residential Structures (continued):
ih. Color schemes for infill residential structures shallould consider the color schemes of existing residences in the surrounding neighborhood in order to maintain compatibility and harmony. Avoid sharp color contrasts with existing building colors.
10. Accessory Buildings and Accessory Dwelling Units
New accessory buildings (garages, sheds) and accessory dwelling units, second units) (living quarters) that are visible from the public right-of-way shallould incorporate the distinctive architectural features (e.g. materials, color, roof pitch, etc.) of the main residence. Accessory dwelling units are also subject to the regulations in
Corona Municipal Code Chapter 17.85. Design
features should be applied with less detail on the
accessory residence so that it does not compete
with the main building and is clearly subordinate to
it.
11. Secondary Residential Units
a. The entrance to an accessory dwelling should
be clearly defined and recognizable as a person
enters the rear yard. A ground-level patio or porch should be placed at the bottom of the stairs ascending to the dwelling. The patio or porch should be at least 50 square feet with at least six (6) feet clear in any directions. A trellis or roof should form a canopy over at least a portion of this space.
b. At the top of the stairs and at the entry to the unit, the landing my be extended to form a deck or balcony. The doorway to the dwelling should be accompanied by an overhang that is at least three (3) feet deep to provide protection from the rain. c. The location and direction of windows should minimize the loss of privacy to adjacent residences. Windows within 10 feet of an interior property line or primary dwelling (regardless of orientation) should use clerestory windows with a sill height of at least five (5) feet.
112. Adaptive Reuse
The term “adaptive reuse” applies to both non-historic and historic houses and residential structures which were originally designed as residences and which are being converted (or adapted) to a new use. Adaptive reuse is an issue in the RO-Residential Office, R-Residential, and MF- Multi-family Districts in Downtown Corona.
Adaptive reuse presents a number of special problems because the needs of the new use (such as increased parking, air conditioning, new entrances and exits, handicapped access, added floor area, etc.) are often substantially different from the old use and yet must be accommodated within the same house.
a. The overriding principle of design for adaptive reuse is to be consistent with the significant design of the existing house or residential structure.
b. On-site parking and driveways should be located to be unobtrusive to the historical appearance of a building from the street. Parking should be located in the back, with access from the street or an alley, if one exists. Driveways should not be “flared” at the street to provide parking in front of the home or in the front yard. 123. Multi-Family Residential
The purpose of the Multi-Family Residential Design Guidelines is to maintain neighborhood compatibility with other low-density neighborhoods. Multiple family housing, because their higher densities, tend to generate large parking areas, bulkier taller structures and an overall decrease in private open space. If not properly designed, these residential developments can decrease the quality of life of the established residential neighborhoods. The guidelines that follow are intended to help mitigate the negative effects of these developments and to provide a pleasant residential environment within the context of higher density. Multi-family residential in residential neighborhoods shall adhere to the architectural style provided in Section IV.E.13. a. Multi-Family Site Design
1) Site setbacks of new units from public streets should continue the prevailing setback pattern unless a different setback standard is required.
2) New multi-family development should respect the site settings of existing properties in the immediate area thorough the use of similar setbacks, building arrangements, buffer yards and avoidance of overwhelming building scale and visual obstructions such as privacy walls, carports and garages.
3) New multi-family development shallould incorporate representative characteristics of the surrounding architecture used in the Downtown Corona residential neighborhood, and a positive, distinctive site layout and/or established functional pattern. 4) New landscaping shallould compliment existing landscape materials, location and massing on adjacent established developments where appropriate. b. Building Placement
1) Clustering of multi-family units should be a consistent site planning element. Buildings composed of a series of simple yet varied plans assure compatibility and variety in overall building form.
2) Buildings should be oriented in random positions to avoid instances where living spaces of one structure face the living spaces of another and significantly reduce indoor privacy. 32) Buildings should be oriented to maximize southern exposure to large window areas to encourage passive solar heating in the winter months.
43) Buildings should be oriented in such a way as to create courtyards and open space areas, thus increasing the aesthetic appeal of the area.
54) Building orientation should provide a series of public spaces for recreation and general open space.
c. Parking and Circulation
1) There should be no more that than six (6) spaces of uninterrupted parking, whether in garages, carports, or on open surface parking areas. Each of the six (6) spaces shall be separated from additional spaces by a landscaped bulb of a minimum width of four (4) feet or diamond planter.
2) Divide large parking lots. Large parking areas should be divided into a series of connected smaller lots which are laid out in an efficient, straightforward manner. 3) Provide access from side streets, . Wwhenever possible., locate access drives on side streets. When this is not possible, design the main site entry with patterned concrete or pavers to differentiate it from the public sidewalk.
4) Locate driveways away from street intersections. Access drives, whether located on front or side streets, should be located as far as possible from street intersections so that adequate automobile stacking space is provided.
54) Use special accents at entries. Monumentation, special textured paving, flowering accents, walls, shrubs, and the use of specimen trees shall be used to generate visual interest at entry points.
65) Screen parking lots. Utilize a 36 inch high hedge with rolling berm or 42 inch high wall to screen parking at the street periphery. (Minimum shrub container size should be five (5) gallon.)
76) Carports, detached garages, and accessory structures shallould be designed as an integral part of the architecture of the projects. These structures shallould be similar in materials, color, and detail to the principal buildings of the development. Prefabricated metal carports are prohibited.
87) Parking courts should be treated as “landscape plazas” with attention to landscape surfaces, softened edges, shade and articulated pedestrian/vehicular circulation. 98) The parking area shall be designed in a manner which links it to the building and street sidewalk system as an extension of the pedestrian environment. This can be accomplished by using design features such as walkways with enhanced paving, trellis structures, and/or landscaping treatment.
d. Miscellaneous
1) Architectural screening shall be constructed of the same materials and finishes that are compatible with the adjacent building, and shall be designed and placed to compliment the building design.
2) Storage areas shall be completely screened from ground level view using appropriate materials such as solid shrub massing or wood walls.
3) Trash bins shall be located within a trash enclosure. The enclosure shall be finished using materials compatible with the surrounding architecture, and shall be softened with landscaping.
Gates shall be solid metal painted to match adjacent buildings. Recommended enclosure locations include inside parking courts, or at the end of parking bays. Location of the enclosure should be conveniently accessible for trash truck access.
4) Where common mailbox services are provided, they should be located close to the project entry near recreational facilities. The architectural character should be similar in form, materials, and color to the surrounding buildings. Mailbox locations must be approved by the U.S. Postal Service.
13. Architectural Style For New Residential
Throughout the Downtown Corona residential neighborhoods, pre-1950 residential structures are common. Common architectural styles for historic residential structures include Victorian, Mission and Spanish Revival, Colonial, Tudor, Bungalow and Craftsman Bungalow, and Ranch. To preserve the historic character of the Downtown Corona residential neighborhoods, the following are acceptable architectural styles that are to be used for new residential construction.
These architectural styles are to be used with the General Residential Design Guidelines. a. Architectural Styles for Downtown Corona Residential Neighborhoods The following architectural styles and materials shall be used for new residential construction in residential neighborhoods and for residential rehabilitation projects that will extensively change the appearance of the existing residential structure. Architectural styles that are not listed in this section but contribute to Corona’s heritage and the Downtown residential neighborhood may be permitted by the Planning and Development Director.
Bungalow & Craftsman Common Materials Common Architectural Features
Wood
Wood Shingles (side wall)
Wood Clapboard
Fieldstone
River Rock
Brick
Concrete
Low pitch gable or
hipped roof
Gable dormer
Multiple roof planes
Wide eave overhang
Roof wall braces
Extended rafter tails
Square or
rectangular form
Horizontal clapboard
siding
Band casement or
double-hung
windows
Expansive open
porch
Square or round
columns and
balustrades
Windows: mullion,
muntin, sash
Flat roof shingles
(Class A roofing
required)
Mission and Spanish Revival Common Materials Common Architectural Features
Mission Style
Spanish Revival
Stucco
Plaster
Terra Cota Tile
Red Clay tile
Wrought Iron
Brick
Mission
Mission dormer or
roof parapet (can be
combined with low
pitch roof)
Red clay barrel tile
roof covering (Class
A roofing required)
Overhanging eaves
Smooth stucco or
plaster finish
Quatrefoil windows
on mission dormer
or roof parapet
Casement windows
Recessed entry over
front door
Spanish Revival
Low pitch roof
Cylindrical turrets
Terra cotta tile or
red clay barrel tile
roof covering (Class
A roofing required)
Smooth stucco walls
Casement windows
Decorative iron
work
Arched openings
Recessed entry over
front door
Patio
Tudor Common Materials Common Architectural
Features
Stucco
Brick
Stone
Wood
Steeply pitched roof;
side gable
Cross gables
Decorative halftimbering on wall
surface
Tudor Common Materials Common Architectural
Features
Tall, narrow windows;
multiple styles
Rounded arched
doorway
Flat roof shingle (Class
A roofing required)
Colonial Revival Common Materials Common Architectural
Features
Wood
Wood Clapboard
Brick
Plaster
Gable roof or side
gable roof
Symmetrical window
placement
Symmetrical façade
with door in center
Pediment over
entrance
Portico supported by
columns
Covered front porch
Horizontal wood siding
Double hung window,
can include muntin
Window lintel and sill
Flat roof shingle (Class
A roofing required)
Victorian Common Materials Common Architectural
Features
Wood
Wood Shingle
Wood Clapboard
Wood Shiplap
Brick
Stone
Steeply pitched gable
roof
Decorative shingles
within pitch area of
roof
Turrets can be included
in roof plane
Use of varying wall
textures between
floors
Dentil molding
underneath cornice
Horizontal wood siding
Irregular, asymmetrical
massing
Covered front porch
with decorative
brackets underneath
roof
Patio railing
Rectangular shaped
windows; double hung
sashes
Flat roof shingle (Class
A roofing required)
Ranch Common Materials Common Architectural
Features
Wood
Wood Shingle
Wood Clapboard
Stone
Brick
Low pitch gable roof
(can include dormers)
Cornice return
underneath roof pitch
Wainscot or different
wall textures along
façade
Horizontal wood siding
Wide front porch with
columns
Rectangular windows
Window side shutters
Window lintel and sill
Flat roof shingle (Class
A roofing required)
Notice of Exemption FORM “A”
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
TO:
☒ Office of Planning and Research
P. O. Box 3044, Room 113
Sacramento, CA 95812-3044
(Sent via [email protected])
FROM:
(Public
Agency)
Name: City of Corona, Planning &
Development Department
Address: 400 S. Vicentia Ave., Suite
120, Corona, CA 92882
Telephone: 951-736-2434
☒ Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
or
County Clerk (Include County name)
Address: 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside, CA
92501
1. Project Title: SPA2024-0001
2. Project Applicant: City of Corona
3. Project Location – Identify street address and cross streets or attach a map showing project site
(preferably a USGS 15’ or 7 1/2’ topographical map
identified by quadrangle name):
Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan is generally
located within and on the outside periphery of Grand
Boulevard located in the City of Corona.
4. (a) Project Location – City: Corona (b) Project Location – County: Riverside
5. Description of nature, purpose, and beneficiaries of Project:
Amendment to the Downtown Revitalization Specific
Plan amending the general residential design guidelines.
6. Name of Public Agency approving project: City of Corona
7. Name of Person or Agency undertaking the project,
including any person undertaking an activity that
receives financial assistance from the Public Agency
as part of the activity or the person receiving a lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement of use from the Public Agency as part of the activity:
City of Corona
8. Exempt status: (check one)
(a) ☐ Ministerial project. (Pub. Resources Code § 21080(b)(1); State CEQA Guidelines § 15268)
(b) ☐ Not a project.
(c) ☐ Emergency Project. (Pub. Resources Code § 21080(b)(4); State CEQA Guidelines § 15269(b),(c))
(d) ☐ Categorical Exemption.
State type and section number:
Notice of Exemption FORM “A”
(e) ☐ Declared Emergency. (Pub. Resources Code § 21080(b)(3); State CEQA Guidelines § 15269(a))
(f) ☐ Statutory Exemption.
State Code section number:
(g) ☒ Other. Explanation: (Public Resources Code § 21080 (a); State CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3))
9. Reason why project was exempt: This action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which states that a project is exempt from
CEQA if the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. The proposed amendment involves text revisions to the
Downtown Revitalization Specific Plan amending the
general residential guidelines and will have no significant effect on the environment.
10. Lead Agency Contact Person:
Telephone:
Joanne Coletta, Director
951-736-2434
11. If filed by applicant: Attach Preliminary Exemption Assessment (Form “A”) before filing.
12. Has a Notice of Exemption been filed by the public agency approving the project? Yes ☒ No ☐
13. Was a public hearing held by the Lead Agency to consider the exemption? Yes ☒ No ☐ If yes, the date of the public hearing was: Click to enter date ________________________________
Signature Date: Click to enter date
Joanne Coletta
Name Title: Planning and Development Director
☒ Signed by Lead Agency ☐ Signed by Applicant
Date Received for Filing: Click to enter date
(Clerk Stamp Here)
Authority cited: Sections 21083 and 21110, Public Resources Code.
Reference: Sections 21108, 21152, and 21152.1, Public Resources Code.