Glendale City Council
May 12, 2026

SECTION 9. Section 30.31.020 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, is hereby amended to read as follows:

30.31.020 Regulations for al l multi-family, commercial, industrial, and mixed use zones, and the CE ,MS and TOD zones.

A. Projects subject to the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance in the California Code of Regulations, Title 23. Waters, Division 2. Department of Water Resources, Chapter 2.7. Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Section 490 et seq., as may be amended, shall comply with those regulations in addition to all of the regulations in this chapter. In the case of a conflict between the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and this code (including mandates of Title 13), the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance shall prevail, except that in the case of a conflict whereby this code imposes a requirement intended to be more effective in conserving water than the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, this code shall prevail. For all properties and all other projects not subject to the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, the following regulations shall apply in the R-3050, R-2250, R-1650, R-1250, C1, C2, C3, CPO, CR, CH, CA, IND, IMU-R, SFMU, MS, and CE zones.

1. Landscaping required.
a. All setback areas and other areas not occupied by buildings, parking, driveways, walkways, and other incidental activities shall be landscaped with a majority (more than fifty (50) percent) of plant materials or a combination of plant materials and permeable surfaces and shall be permanently maintained in a neat and orderly manner. The street setback area shall not be completely paved or covered with gravel. Permeable surfaces are encouraged wherever possible in lieu of impermeable hardscape. b. Decorative design elements such as fountains, sculptures, planters, rocks or other similar elements may be permitted where they are integral parts of a landscape plan composed of a majority (more than fifty (50) percent) of live plant materials are permitted in the R-3050, R-2250, R-1650, R-1250, IMU-R and SFMU zones.
c. Pedestrian walks and vehicular a ccessways shall be permitted in such landscaped areas. Such areas may not be counted as landscaped open space in the R-3050, R-2250, R-1650, R-1250, IMU-R and SFMU zones. d. Useable open space in the form of landscaped setbacks, walkways, patios and landscaped areas within parking lots may be considered in the computation of required landscaping in the CPD zone.
e. When drought tolerant landscaping is used, the live plant material requirement shall be calculated at mature growth of the drought tolerant plants. However, the live plant material calculation for tree canopies shall only include the canopy area as it exists at the time of planting. f. No painting of turf or dirt shall be allowed.
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2. Percentage of lot with landscaping. Lots shall be developed with permanently landscaped open space, as follows:

Table 30.31-A

Zone
Minimum percentage of total lot area to be
permanently landscaped open space
R-3050 30% (1)
R-2250, R-1650, R-1250 25% (1)
IMU-R, SFMU, CPD 10%
C1, C2, C3, CR, CH, CA,

CE, CEM, IND, IMU, MS,
PS Overlay
Not Applicable, except as required for multi-family and mixed-use residential projects in accordance with Chapter

30.17. (1)
P Overlay The front and street side setback and landscaping requirements for parking areas in the P overlay zone shall be subject to the provisions of the residential zone in which the property is located and/or Chapter 30.32 of this title, whichever is the most restrictive.
(1) See Chapter 30.17 for additional landscaping standards.

3. Permanent landscaping. For the purposes of this chapter, permanent landscaping shall consist of landscaped areas at the ground level or in planters having a minimum soil length, width, diameter and depth of twenty-four (24) inches. In the R-3050, R-2250, R-1650, R-1250, IMU-R and SFMU zones and the PS overlay zone, the soil length, width and diameter depth shall be increased to a minimum of 42 inches and the soil depth to a minimum of 36 inchesthirty (30) inches minimum in the area where trees are to be planted.

4. Irrigation. Permanent and automatic irrigation facilities shall be provided in all permanent landscaped areas except potted containers.

5. Preparation of plans and instal lation of landscaping and irrigation. a. Prior to the issuance of any build ing permit, all landscape and irrigation plans shall be prepared and wet stamped by an individual who is licensed in the State of California to prepare such plans. All landscaping and irrigation facilities shall be installed and in proper working order according to approved plans prior to the final inspection. In the alternative, a cash bond may be deposited with the building official in an amount not less than the estimated cost of installing said landscaping and irrigation facilities. Should said estimated cost of installing such landscaping and irrigation facilities exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000), an instrument of credit may be deposited with the building official in lieu of a cash bond. Said cash bond or instrument of credit may be released only upon final inspection and approval of said building permit by the building official.
b. Prior to the issuance of any te mporary or permanent use and occupancy certificate, an individual licensed in the State of California to prepare landscape and irrigation plans shall file a certificate of compliance with the 159 of 198

building official certifying that all landscaping and irrigation facilities have been installed in substantial compliance with the approved plans. c. In the event the developer fails to install the landscaping and irrigation facilities for any reason, after having had reasonable time to do so, the building official may notify the developer and thereafter cause said landscaping and irrigation facilities to be installed pursuant to the approved plans and to use the cash bond or instrument of credit to pay for the cost of such installation.

6. Artificial turf. Artificial turf shall not be permitted in any portion of a property located in a commercial, industrial, or special purpose zones (C1, C2, C3, CPD, CR, CH, CA, IND, MS, CEM, SR and CE). Artificial turf shall be permitted on property located in a mixed use zone (IMU, IMU-R, SFMU and DSP) only when not visible from the public street immediately adjacent to the property. Artificial turf shall be permitted in the multi-family zones (R-3050, R-2250, R-1650 and R- 1250) as follows:
a. Artificial turf shall be calculated to ward the total lot area requirement for landscaping, but shall not be calculated toward the live plant material requirement.
b. Artificial turf shall not be permitted beneath the drip line of tree canopies. For purposes of this section, “drip line” is defined as the area beneath the extent of the tree canopy at mature growth plus two (2) feet.
c. A minimum three (3) foot wide live pl ant material landscape border shall be required at the street front and street side property line. d. A minimum three (3) foot wide live pl ant material landscape border shall be required at the base of a building facing a street front or street side setback. e. Artificial turf shall only be permitte d on sloped areas less than twenty-five (25) percent.
f. Artificial turf shall imitate a nat ural turf-like appearance and require the following:
i. A minimum blend of three (3 ) colors, predominately green. ii. A minimum blade length of one and one half (1-1/2) inches, with spines and uneven tops.
iii. Infill material shall be a natural ma terial, such as coconut fiber, cork, and sand. No crumb rubber shall be permitted.
g. Artificial turf shall be installed by a qualified state-licensed contractor with a valid landscaping contractor or synthetic products contractors license. h. Artificial turf shall be directed to drain on-site to a permeable area. i. Artificial turf shall be maintained in a clean and orderly condition and shall not contain holes, tears, stains, discoloration, seam separations, uplifted surfaces, heat degradation, or excessive wear.

7. Additional open space requirements for the R-2250, R-1650, and R-1250 zones. On a lot with a minimum width of ninety (90) feet and with a density 160 of 198

exceeding the maximum density permitted by code for lots with less than ninety (90) feet in width, an additional nine hundred (900) square foot open space area shall be provided contiguous to a street front/side setback area. For each additional foot of lot width thereafter, or minor fraction area thereof, an additional twenty (20) square feet of such open space area shall be provided. Said area may be located on top of a subterranean or semi-subterranean garage area and may be “common outdoor space”; may be landscaped; shall be located within the fifty (50) percent of the lot depth/width nearest the front property line or street side property line; shall be visible from the public street; shall not include “private outdoor space”; and shall not include or be located within any required minimum interior, street front or street side setback area. Planter walls not exceeding a height of thirty (30) inches and railings shall be allowed in this area.

The design of such additional open space area shall be integrated with the landscaping of the contiguous street front/side setback area. Second and third floors may not project into any required additional open space area and shall be proportionally stepped back from said area a minimum of three (3) feet for the second floor and a minimum of six (6) feet for the third floor to preserve the front and side elevation change-of-planes encouraged by this title.

Maintenance. All landscaping, as planted pursuant to approved landscaping plans, and related irrigation systems, shall be properly maintained in good condition. Dead or decaying plant materials and weeds shall be promptly removed and replaced as necessary to maintain the approved landscaping. This requirement shall apply at all times during the life of the project, and it shall be unlawful for any property owner or any person occupying or having charge or possession of any property to violate this provision.

8. Additional requirements for the PS overlay zone. Planter boxes, with a minimum width of twenty-four (24) inches, shall be incorporated into the design along the entire length of each tier of the parking structure facing the street, alley or residential zone. Clinging type vines shall be planted along any solid sheer exterior walls.

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SECTION 10. Section 30.47.020 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, is hereby amended to read as follows:

30.47.020 Applicability.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the following:

A. New buildings and structur es, exterior remodeling and exterior changes of or to existing buildings and structures for which a building permit is required, except as provided for in Section 30.47.020(H) below.

B. Any exterior change to an existing building or structure visible from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to a property in an adopted historic district overlay zone, if that building or structure has been identified as a contributing building or structure in an adopted historic resources survey. This shall include the street- facing façade, and any portions of the side and rear façades visible from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to a property. For the purposes of this section, an alley is not considered a public street. For the purposes of this section, any portion of a building which is not visible due to landscaping, walls, fences or any other natural or man-made obstruction which is not a part of a contributing building or structure shall be considered to be visible from the public street or sidewalk.

C. For the ROS, R1R, and R1 zones, any fenc e or wall of more than three (3) feet of exposed height visible from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to the property.

D. Sign programs.

E. Creative signs.

F. Murals.

G. Exemptions. Notwithstanding the above provisions and subsection (G)(5), the director of community development may exempt the following buildings, physical improvements and site developments from design review by a review authority:

1. Interior design and interior modifications to buildings or structures, whether or not floor area is added;

2. Buildings and structures, including wir eless telecommunications facilities, in the CPD and SR zones (plans and proposals in the CPD zone shall be reviewed by the director of community development, in accordance with and according to the process in Chapter 30.12; plans and proposals in the SR zone shall be reviewed by the planning commission, in accordance with and according to the process in Chapter 30.15);

3. In zones other than ROS, R1R and R1:
a. Remodeling projects, provided that such remodeling does not involve a change in the architectural style of the building or structure and is otherwise in keeping with the intent, purpose and standards of this chapter.

Such remodeling may include, but shall not be limited to, window and door 162 of 198

frees and openings, automatic teller machines, handrails, stairways, fences and walls which may be permitted under Chapter 30.21, decks with a maximum overall height of eight (8) feet, or decks which are terraced to follow the natural terrain, not visible from other properties or are otherwise unobtrusive on the hillside and do not adversely impact neighboring properties, patio covers, trellises, gazebos, mechanical equipment screening (both rooftop and ground mounted), satellite dish antennas and screening (both rooftop and ground mounted), trash and recycling enclosures and permanently affixed playground equipment. Major or substantial exterior changes which are proposed in accord with the city’s earthquake ordinance shall be reviewed by the review authority for compliance with the provisions of this code. The director of community development shall determine if a seismic upgrade change is of such minor nature as to not require review authority review. Notwithstanding the above, any remodeling in the “HD” historic district overlay zone which is visible from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent the subject property is not exempt from design review, unless the director of community development determines that the proposed remodeling is consistent with the general intent of the citywide Historic District Design Guidelines, and any supplements to those guidelines, or any guidelines for non-residential buildings as may be adopted by the city council for the historic district overlay zone,
b. For all multiple residential, commercia l or industrial buildings and structures except for buildings which have been found to be contributing structures in an adopted historic district overlay zone, remodeling projects including additions which propose less than five hundred (500) square feet of additional floor area, provided that such remodeling does not involve a change in the architectural style of the building or structure, c. All building additions and alterations to any existing “one (1) residential dwelling,” where there is only one (1) dwelling on a lot, and the addition or alteration does not cumulatively exceed, within a two (2) year period, a seven hundred (700) square foot limit except for such alterations and additions to buildings which have been found to be contributing structures in an adopted historic district overlay zone,
d. A new detached residential garage, or additions or alterations to a detached residential garage, provided that the garage is compatible with any existing dwelling(s) on the same lot through the use of colors and materials, roof style and general architectural style and treatment and, in an adopted historic district overlay zone, such new detached garages or additions or alterations to detached residential garages that can or will be seen from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent the subject property that are compatible with the Historic District Design Guidelines, e. Wireless telecommunications fac ilities. Wireless telecommunications facilities permits shall be reviewed by the review authority named in 163 of 198

Section 30.48.020 and according to the standards in Chapter 30.48, f. Accessory buildings that do not e xceed five hundred (500) square feet that are compatible with any existing dwelling(s) on the same lot through use of colors and materials, roof style and general architectural style and treatment or, in an adopted historic overlay zone, accessory buildings that do not exceed five hundred (500) square feet that can or will be seen from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to the subject property that are compatible with the Historic District Design Guidelines, g. In the MS, medical service, z one any additions and alterations to any existing hospital building or related hospital building, and temporary mobile medical trailers are subject to the review of the director of community development;

4. In the ROS, R1R, and R1 zones:
a. All new fences and walls construc ted of permitted materials which are compatible with buildings and structures on the property, decks with a maximum overall height of eight (8) feet, or decks which are terraced to follow the natural terrain, not visible from other properties or are otherwise unobtrusive on the hillside and do not adversely impact neighboring properties, patio covers, trellises, gazebos, and all mechanical equipment screening (both rooftop and ground mounted), satellite dish antennas and screening (both rooftop and ground mounted) or other similar structures that do not include floor area,
b. All new buildings or alterations, or additions to any existing building which propose an increase in floor and/or garage area less than seven hundred (700) square feet and do not propose an additional story and/or a change to a façade directly facing a street which includes an increase in floor area, measured horizontally, greater than two hundred (200) square feet.

Applications for building additions shall not cumulatively exceed, within a two (2) year period, the seven hundred (700) square foot limit without first receiving review authority approval,
c. Accessory buildings that do not e xceed five hundred (500) square feet that are compatible with any existing dwelling(s) on the same lot through use of colors and materials, roof style and general architectural style and treatment or, in an adopted historic district overlay zone, accessory buildings that do not exceed five hundred (500) square feet that can or will be seen from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent the subject property that are compatible with the Historic District Design Guidelines, and
d. A new detached residential garage, or additions or alterations to a detached residential garage, provided that the garage is compatible with any existing dwelling(s) on the same lot through use of colors and materials, roof style and general architectural style and treatment and, in an adopted historic district overlay zone, such new detached garages or 164 of 198

additions or alterations to detached residential garages that can or will be seen from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent the subject property that are compatible with the Historic District Design Guidelines;

5. Notwithstanding the abov e exemptions, any new building or structure, or alteration or addition to an existing building or structure determined by staff as being incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood character or with existing buildings or structures on the lot shall not be exempt from design review by a review authority. In making their determination of incompatibility, staff shall consider evidence such as neighborhood predominance of street front setback, roof styles, use of eaves and overhangs, variation in plane (both horizontal and vertical), building location on the site, massing, scale, use of colors and materials and other architectural treatments which, if otherwise ignored, could be injurious to surrounding properties. The review authorities and staff shall be guided by the intent and purpose of Section 30.47.040 and shall ensure that any proposed project will not conflict with the orderly and harmonious development of the neighborhood in which it is proposed. Neither the review authorities nor the staff shall discourage originality in site planning, architecture, landscaping or graphic expression, or mandate any one (1) particular decorative style of development;

6. Notwithstanding the abov e exemptions, any new walls, fences, decks, patio covers, trellises, gazebos, mechanical equipment, satellite dish antennas and screen or other similar structures, any addition or alteration in the “HD” historic district overlay zone, regardless of size, which is visible from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent the subject property, are not exempt from design review, unless the director of community development determines that the proposed project, addition or alteration is in accordance with the citywide Historic District Design Guidelines, and any supplements to those guidelines and any guidelines for nonresidential buildings as may be adopted by the city council for the historic district overlay zone. The director of community development may determine that routine maintenance and repair in accordance with the Historic District Design Guidelines, any applicable adopted supplements to those guidelines, or any adopted guidelines for nonresidential buildings, is exempted from design review;

7. Properties that are listed in the Glendal e Register of Historic Resources or the Historic Preservation Element;

8. Solar energy equipment, as defined in this title;

9. Community gardens;

10. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are exempt from design review but must comply with the compatibility standard set forth in Section 30.34.080;

11. Any building that has been destroyed or damaged by natural disaster, accident or fire, consistent with Section 30.60.040(A)(1) and (A)(2).

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H. This chapter shall not apply to new affo rdable multi-family residential project or residential mixed-use projects located in residential or commercial zones that are consistent with State Density Bonus Law and GMC 30.36 “Density Bonus”, including projects developed in accordance with Government Code Sections 65912.155 - 65912.162 (Transit Oriented Development), as may be amended thereafter, provided such projects comply with all applicable zoning development standards and the objective design standards set forth in Chapter 30.17, and provided such projects seek only concessions and not also waivers. Projects requesting waivers from development standards or objective design standards shall not be eligible for streamlined or ministerial processing and shall be subject to the requirements of this Chapter for design review approval.

SECTION 11. Section 30.70.070 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, is hereby amended to read as follows:

30.70.070 Definitions, “F”.

The following definitions are in alphabetical order:

Façade “Façade” means the exterior wall or face of a building.

Façade, Primary “Façade, primary” means the principal exterior wall plane of a building, defined as the plane from which all façade recesses, projections and step-backs are measured.

Façade Segment “Façade Segment” means the horizontal section of a building façade bounded vertically by corner edges.

Fairs, local “Fairs, local” means a temporary public or commercial gathering where entertainment, food, crafts, and similar uses are offered for viewing or sale for a period not to exceed ten (10) days.

Facade mounted antenna “Facade mounted antenna” means a wireless telecommunications antenna mounted on to the facade of a building or structure.

FCC “FCC” means the Federal Communications Commission.

Firearms, weapon sales “Firearms, weapon sales” means the retail sales of guns, ammunition, and related products and accessories.

Floor area (gross) “Floor area (gross)” means the sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of the building measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls excluding exterior balconies and porches. Floor area shall not include interior parking spaces, loading spaces for motor vehicles, any space where the floor to ceiling height is less than six (6) feet, and attics and mechanical penthouses provided there are no useable rooms, no windows and the mechanical penthouse area is used exclusively for mechanical equipment. Floor area shall include any work area in auto repair, or related facilities, where vehicles are serviced and repaired. Floor area shall include any area for mezzanines unless specifically exempted in this title. Diagram D-2, which follows [at the 166 of 198

end of this chapter] and is made a part of this chapter, shall be illustrative of the meaning of “floor area (gross).”
Floor area ratio “Floor area ratio” means the ratio of floor area (gross) plus garage area to lot area. Indoor recreational facilities, subterranean and semi-subterranean garage areas shall be excluded from this ratio.

Footcandle “Footcandle” means luminance produced on a surface one (1) foot from a uniform point source.

Frontage “Frontage” means that portion of a lot which abuts a public street. Diagram D- 3, which follows [at the end of this chapter] and is made a part of this chapter, shall be illustrative of the meaning of “frontage.”

SECTION 12. Section 30.70.130 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, is hereby amended to read as follows:

30.70.130 Definitions, “L”.

The following definitions are in alphabetical order:

Landfills, sanitary “Landfills, sanitary” (municipal solid waste, inert) are a specially engineered site for disposing of solid waste on land and include material recovery facilities excluding limited transfer stations.

Landscaping “Landscaping” means the planting and maintenance of live trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, flowers or lawns in combination with permeable surfaces.

Ornamental features such as rocks, fountains, ponds and other accessory materials may be utilized to accent or complement the vegetation.

Lattice tower “Lattice tower” means a guyed telecommunications tower or self- supporting three- or four-sided, open, steel frame support structure used to support telecommunications equipment.

Laundries and dry cleaning plants “Laundries and dry cleaning plants” means service establishments primarily engaged in high volume laundry and garment services, including: power laundries (family and commercial); garment pressing and dry cleaning; linen supply; diaper service; industrial laundries; carpet and upholstery cleaners. These plants do not include coin-operated laundries or dry cleaning stores, which are classified separately under Personal Services.

Libraries “Libraries” means public or quasi-public facilities in which literary and artistic materials, such as books, periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets, prints, records, and tapes, are kept for reading, reference, or lending.

Light manufacturing “Light manufacturing” means manufacturing establishments that produce or provide service, including but are not limited to:

Audio and visual products;
Bakeries and confectionery industries;
Clothing apparel and fabricated textile products manufacturing; 167 of 198

Electronic instrument manufacturing and assembly;
Fabricated metal or composite products manufacturing or assembly; Food and beverage processing (no feed and flour mills); Furniture manufacturing;
Jewelry manufacturing;
Leather products manufacturing (no tanning);
Optical device manufacturing and assembly;
Packaging plants;
Photographic equipment and supplies manufacturing;
Precision instruments manufacturing;
Recording and sensory instrument or device manufacturing and assembly; and Wineries with no retail sales, serving or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises except for the testing or sampling of wine by professional wine tasters.

Liquor store “Liquor store” means an establishment primarily engaged in the retail sale of packaged alcoholic beverages, such as ale, beer, wine and liquor, for consumption off the premises.

Live/work “Live/work” means an integrated dwelling unit and working space (e.g., the creation and retail sales of arts and crafts), occupied and utilized by a single housekeeping unit in a structure that has been modified or designed to accommodate joint residential occupancy and work activity, and which includes complete kitchen and sanitary facilities in compliance with applicable building standards and working space reserved for and regularly used by one (1) or more occupants of the unit, in addition to any other employees. The commercial use must be one permitted by the applicable land use tables.

Loading space “Loading space” means an off-street area solely for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials.

Lot “Lot” means a parcel of land shown with a separate and distinct number on an official map in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, or a parcel of land shown as separate and distinct from contiguous property upon a map approved by the council, the planning commission, the former board of zoning adjustments/appeals, the director of community development, or the former zoning administrator in the manner provided by ordinance, or a parcel of property abutting upon at least one (1) public street and held under separate ownership prior to September 1, 1956, or having legally recorded easement rights. Where two (2) or more contiguous lots in the same ownership are proposed to be developed or are developed as one (1) building site, then the usual accessories may be located on any of said lots and thereafter all of said lots shall be deemed and construed to be single lot, except for lots in the town center specific plan area. Lots within the town center specific plan area shall be as described in the town center specific plan and related development agreement(s). Diagram D-5, which follows [at the end of this chapter] and is made a part of this chapter, shall be illustrative of the meaning of “lot.”
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Lot area “Lot area” means the total horizontal area within the boundary lines of a lot.

Diagram D-5, which follows [at the end of this chapter] and is made a part of this chapter, shall be illustrative of the meaning of “lot area.”
Lot, corner “Lot, corner” means a lot situated on the intersection of two (2) or more streets having an angle of intersection of not more than one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees. Diagram D-5, which follows [at the end of this chapter] and is made a part of this chapter, shall be illustrative of the meaning of “lot, corner.” Lot, flag “Lot, flag” means a lot which contains a “stem” extending from the main body of the lot to the street. Said “stem” shall be a part of the subject lot and not a separate parcel or an easement across adjoining property and shall be less than thirty (30) feet wide.

Lot, interior “Lot, interior” means a lot other than a corner lot. Diagram D-5, which follows [at the end of this chapter] and is made a part of this chapter, shall be illustrative of the meaning of “lot, interior.”
Lot line adjustment “Lot line adjustment” means a relocation or elimination of the existing lot lines of two (2) or more existing lots where a greater number of lots than originally existed is not thereby created.

Lot width “Lot width” means the dimension at the front property line, except in the ROS and R1R zones where the lot width shall be calculated at a line located fifteen (15) feet from the front property line and parallel to the front property line. Diagram D-6, which follows [at the end of this chapter] and is made a part of this chapter, shall be illustrative of the meaning of “lot width.”
Low barrier navigation center “Low barrier navigation center” means a housing-first, low-barrier, service enriched shelter focused on moving people into permanent housing that provides temporary living facilities while case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness to income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and permanent housing. A Low Barrier Navigation Center may be non- congregate and relocatable. “Low barrier” means best practices to reduce barriers to entry, and may include, but is not limited to, the following:
 The presence of partners (unless it is a population specific site, e.g. for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault).
 Pets.
 The storage of possessions.
 Privacy (e.g. partitions around beds in a dormitory setting).

SECTION 13. The proposed amendments are exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15358 of the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3) because they will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.

Moreover, the City Council finds that the proposed amendments are exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as there is no possibility that this activity will have a significant adverse effect on the environment. This ordinance will not result in any increase in the density and height of any residential land use above 169 of 198

what is currently allowed. The proposed amendments create regulations that would ensure multi-family residential developments that are proposed adhere to objective design standards. Future development projects subject to the proposed ordinance would be reviewed for potential environmental impacts.

SECTION 14. Severability. This ordinance is adopted under the authority of the Charter of the City of Glendale and State law. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase is declared invalid or otherwise void by a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not affect any remaining provision hereof. In this regar d the City Council finds and declares that it would have adopted this measure notwithstanding any partial invalidity hereof.

SECTION 15. Pipeline Provisions. Development applications which have been deemed complete, approved discretionary entitlements, or ministerial projects submitted to plan check prior to the adoption of this ordinance shall be reviewed under the zoning rules and regulations which were in effect on the day prior to adoption of this ordinance. The foregoing notwithstanding, any applicant may make a request in writing to the Director of Community Development that their application be reviewed under the zoning rules and regulations as amended by this ordinance.

SECTION 16. Effective Date. This ordinance becomes effective on the thirtieth (30th) day after its passage.

Adopted by the Council of the City of Glendale on the ___ day of ____________, 2026.

______ ________________________
M a y o r

Attest

___________________________________
City Clerk

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES) SS.

CITY OF GLENDALE)

I, Suzie Abajian, Ph.D., City Clerk of th e City of Glendale, California, certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. ______________ was passed by the Council of the City of Glendale, California, by a vo te of four-fifths (4/5ths) of the members thereof, at a regular meeting held on the ______ day of _______________, 2026 by the following vote:

Ayes:

Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

____________________________

C i t y C l e r k

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1 The proposed Ordinance is summarized into four topical sections:
 Residential Zones (GMC Chapter 30.11): Updates to multi-family residential development standards.
 Commercial Zones (GMC Chapter 30.12): Updates to residential and mixed-use development standards.
 Objective Design Standards (GMC Chapter 30.17): Introduction of a new chapter establishing clear, measurable, and enforceable design standards.  Miscellaneous Amendments: Related updates to landscaping (GMC 30.31), design review (GMC 30.47), and definitions (GMC 30.70).

RESIDENTIAL ZONES (GMC CHAPTER 30.11): UPDATES TO MULTI-FAMILY

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The first topical section focuses on code amendments to the multi-family residential development standards in multi-family residential zones (R-3050, R-2250, R-1650 and R- 1250). The existing standards can be seen in the following table and are expanded upon below.

GMC 30.11.030 Residential district general development standards and Table 30.11-B.

See Attachment 1, pages 2-6.

Development
Feature
Current R-2250, R-1650 and R-1250
Zoning Standards
Proposed Amendments
Residential
Density
(Maximum)
1 dwelling unit for each 2,250 sq. ft. (R-2250),
1,650 sq. ft. (R-1650), or 1,250 sq. ft.(R-1250) of lot area. On lots having a width of 90 feet or greater,
there shall be not more than 1 dwelling unit for
each 1,800 sq. ft., 1,320 sq. ft., or 1,000 sq. ft. of
lot area respectively.

Same, no change
Floor Area Ratio
(Maximum)

0.85 for R-2250, 1.0 for R-1650 and 1.2 for R-
1250. Additional FAR is granted based on number
of units (see below).

Same, no change
Lot Coverage
(Maximum)
50% Increased to 60% for R-1650 and
R-1250 only
Setback, Street
Front (Minimum)
20 ft. minimum & 23 ft. average for any garage or
first residential floor; not less than 23 ft. & 26 ft.
average for the second & third residential floors
20 ft. minimum & 23 ft. average for
all floors, with additional step-back
and modulation standards in ODS
Setback, Street
Side and Interior
(Minimum)
5 ft. minimum & 8 ft. average for the first residential floor; not less than 8 feet & 11 ft. average for the
second residential floor; not less than 11 ft. & 14 ft. average for the third residential floor
New options: 5 ft. min. & 8 ft.
average OR 6 ft. minimum with
additional step-back and modulation
standards in ODS
Interior when
abutting the ROS,
R1R or R1 zones
(Minimum)
8 ft. minimum & 11 ft. average for the first
residential floor; not less than 11 feet &14 ft.
average for the second residential floor; not less
than 17 ft. & 20 ft. average for the third residential
floor
New options: 5 ft. min. & 8 ft.
average OR 6 ft. minimum with
additional 10 ft. step-back for third
floor and above. New ODS require
step-backs and modulation to
ensure appropriate transitions
Attachment 1 – Summary
of Proposed Amendments
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Height Limits
(Maximum)
3 stories & 36 feet. On lots having a lot width of 90
feet or less, a maximum of 2 stories & a maximum
of 26 feet.
3 stories & 36 feet, with new height
measurement standards for sloped
lots
Landscaping
(Minimum)
25% of lot area, 30% of lot area in R-3050 zone 20% of lot area; 25% of lot area in R-3050 zone
Open Space
(Minimum)
40 SF of private open space and 200 SF of
common open space per unit (sliding scale for
more units)
50 SF of private open space and
new Common Open Space Amenity
(COSA) Area standards
Density and FAR:

No changes are proposed to the existing density (maximum number of dwelling units per acre) and the existing FAR (ratio of floor area to lot size) limits.

Lot Coverage:

Lot coverage is currently limited to 50% for all multi-family zones, which remains appropriate for R-3050 areas near single-family neighborhoods. The proposed amendment would increase lot coverage to 60% in the R-2250, R-1650, and R-1250 zones to support more efficient residential development, consistent with nearby jurisdictions such as Burbank.

Setbacks
Except for the 25-foot front setback in the R-3050 zone, new setback standards are proposed for multi-family development. Existing rules require increasing minimum and average setbacks with each story, which reduces upper-floor floor area and often results in “wedding cake” massing that is more complex and costly to build.

The proposed update would allow uniform setbacks across all stories, enabling upper floors to match the ground-floor footprint. Front setbacks would be standardized at 20 feet minimum and 23 feet average for all floors.

Interior setbacks would also be simplified, allowing either (1) a 5-foot minimum and 8-foot average, or (2) a 6-foot minimum with additional façade modulation. Projects adjacent to single-family zones would still require increased setbacks and upper- story step-backs.

Height
Current standards limit building height to two stories/26 feet on lots 90 feet or less in width and three stories/36 feet on wider lots, with an additional five feet allowed for sloped roofs.

To comply with Housing Element requirements, the proposed update would allow up to three stories and 36 feet for all multi-family projects, regardless of lot width. To maintain neighborhood compatibility, projects adjacent to single-family zones would require upper-story step-backs above the second floor. Projects seeking additional height through Density Bonus provisions would also be required to step back upper stories at both the front and rear.
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Minimum Landscaping
Currently, 30% of lot area in the R-3050 zone and 25% of the lot area in the R-1650, R-2250 and R-1250 zones must be landscaped. Based on proposed changes to building footprints and setbacks, these standards have been slightly lowered to 25% and 20% respectively, with additional regulations added regarding common open space and street front setbacks in Section 30.17 ODS.

GMC 30.11.050.B and C - Open Space (Attachment 1, pages 7-11) Currently, multi-family projects are required to provide 40 SF of private open space.

An additional requirement of common open space is based on the number of units in the project – larger projects require less common open space per unit. Specifically, 200 SF of common open space must be provided for the first 25 dwelling units on a lot, 150 SF for the second 25 units, and 100 SF for each unit above 50 units.

The proposed standards would increase the private open space requirement to 50 SF per unit and allow projects containing seven or fewer units to have the option of waiving the common open space requirement if a minimum of 200 SF of private open space per unit is provided and screening standards are met.

One of the most notable proposed changes deals with the common open space regulations; specifically, Section 30.11.050.C “Common Outdoor Space” has been updated to “Common Open Space Amenity (COSA) Areas”. Rather than requiring a minimum area of common open space per unit, the new standards require that a minimum percentage of lot area be devoted to common open space, depending on the setbacks. Additional development standards for COSAs include minimum dimensions, landscaping and locational criteria. This more objective standard simplifies site planning and encourages maximum density, as the open space requirements will not have to be calculated based on the number of units in a project. For larger projects on wider lots, a provision has been included that allows required common open space area to be provided elsewhere within or atop the project, such as a rooftop deck, or as a combination of at-grade and above-grade within the project.

Standards Option 1 Option 2
Interior Setbacks 5 feet minimum, 8 feet average 6 feet minimum COSA Minimum Size 10% of site area 15% of site area
Min. COSA Dimension
(length/width)
15 feet for lot width 90 feet or less and
25 feet for lot width greater than 90 feet

Illustrative examples of interior COSA for lots less than 90 feet in width and corner COSA for lots 90 feet in width or greater can be see on the next page . Additional examples for corner COSA on lots less than 90 feet in width and COSAs for lots greater than 90 feet in width can be found in the draft ordinance. 174 of 198

Illustrative example of interior COSA for lots less than 90 feet in width

Illustrative example of corner COSA for lots 90 feet in width or greater

GMC 30.11.050(L) - Height Standards for Sloped Lots (page 13).

New height regulations and associated definitions (building envelope height versus 175 of 198

overall height) are also being introduced for multi-family projects on sloped lots.

These standards ensure such buildings follow the natural topography of the site and help applicants avoid variance requests for projects on sloped lots.

COMMERCIAL ZONES (GMC CHAPTER 30.12): UPDATES TO RESIDENTIAL AND MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.

The second topical section, code amendments for multi-family residential and residential mixed-use developments in commercial districts (C1, C2, C3, CR and CH), includes updates to both the use table and the general development standards section, as described below.

GMC 30.12.020 - Commercial district land uses and requirements and Table 30.12-A The commercial zoning land use table is being updated to comply with State law and Housing Element Program 9B (Zoning Code Amendments – Housing Constraints).

This includes allowing “low barrier navigation centers” by right in mixed-use and nonresidential zones that permit multi-family uses, along with adding a new definition to the Zoning Code. The update also removes the Conditional Use Permit requirement for multi-family residential projects in commercial zones, consistent with Program 9B.H. See Attachment 1, pgs 20-24.

A key change for multi-family developments in commercial zones is the removal of the requirement to comply with the R-1250 standards in Section 30.11 - Residential Districts. These standards are intended for traditional multi-family residential neighborhoods and do not reflect the urban context of commercial corridors, such as Broadway, Colorado Street, Glendale Avenue and Glenoaks Boulevard. When applied in C1, C2, C3 and CH zones, these R-1250 standards have limited residential and mixed-use development and often required numerous variances for such projects. Therefore, they are being replaced with new standards in the 176 of 198

Commercial Districts section, in conjunction with the new ODS standards in the new GMC Chapter 30.17.

LAND USE (1)(2) C1 C2 C3 CR CPD CH CA
Residential Uses
Low barrier navigation center P P P P P
Residential congregate living, non-medical, subject to the provisions of the R-1250 zone and provided that the ground floor level is occupied by permitted commercial uses GMC 30.17

P P P P
Residential congregate living, non-medical, at the ground floor level subject to the provisions of the R-1250 zone Section

30.12.060 GMC 30.17

A A A A
Multiple residential dwellings with dwelling units at the ground floor level subject to provisions of the R-1250 zone C C C C Multiple residential dwellings subject to the provisions of the R- 1250 zone and provided that the ground floor level is occupied with permitted commercial uses GMC 30.17

P P P P P
Senior housing subject to the provisions of the R-1250 zone and provided further that the ground floor level is occupied with permitted commercial uses Chapter 30.17

P P P P P
Senior housing at the ground floor level subject to the provision of the R-1250 Zone C C C C C

30.12.030 - Commercial district general development standards and Table 30.12-B.

The general development standards section and associated tables have been updated with the proposed amendments reflecting the elimination of the application of the R-1250 standards in commercial zones. See Attachment 1, pages 25-26.

Development
Feature
Current R-1250 Zoning Standards
for Residential Projects
Proposed Amendments
Residential Density
(Maximum)
1 dwelling unit for each 1,250 sq. ft. of lot area.

On lots having a width of 90 feet or greater,
there shall be not more than 1 dwelling unit for
each 1,000 sq. ft. of lot area
Same, no change to allowable density
Floor Area Ratio
(Maximum)

1.2 only for residential projects (no FAR limit
for commercial developments)
Eliminated (height and setbacks dictate
building form)
Lot Coverage
(Maximum)
50% Eliminated
Setback, Street Front
(Minimum)
20 ft. minimum & 23 ft. average for any garage
or first residential floor; not less than 23 ft. &
26 ft. average for the second & third residential
floors
Reduced to be consistent with typical
mixed-use buildings; and new public
right-of-way standards to ensure
pedestrian-oriented ROW (*see below).

Setback, Street Side
(Minimum)
5 ft. minimum & 8 ft. average for the first
residential floor; not less than 8 feet & 11 ft.
average for the second residential floor; not
less than 11 ft. & 14 ft. average for the third
residential floor
Reduced to be consistent with typical
mixed-use buildings and new public
right-of-way standards (*see below)
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Setback, Interior
(Minimum)
5 ft. minimum & 8 ft. average for the first
residential floor; not less than 8 feet & 11 ft.
average for the second residential floor; not
less than 11 ft & 14 feet average for the third
residential floor
5 feet minimum only, with additional
step-back for density bonus projects
that exceed by-right height
Interior when abutting
the ROS, R1R or R1
zones (Minimum)
8 ft. minimum & 11 ft. average for the first
residential floor; not less than 11 feet &14 ft.
average for the second residential floor; not
less than 17 ft. & 20 ft. average for the third
residential floor
Refined for ALL residential zones, and
with new ODS requiring step-backs to
ensure appropriate transitions
Landscaping
(Minimum)
25% of lot area 25% of required common open space
area
Height Limits
(Maximum)
3 stories & 36 feet.

On lots having a lot width of 90 feet or less, a
maximum of 2 stories & a maximum of 26 feet
Applicable height limit for the
corresponding “C” zone and height
district
Open Space (Minimum) 40 SF of private open space and 200 SF of common open space per unit (decreased on a
sliding scale with more units)
140 SF per unit, either private, common
or both

Section 30.12.040 – Additional commercial district general development standards.

The Commercial District Chapter includes two new sections: GMC 30.12.040(E) – Public Right-of-Way and/or Access Easement Improvements and 30.12.040(F) – Residential Development. See Attachment 1, pages 31-32.

The first new section requires new development in commercial zones to provide a minimum 12-foot-wide public realm area along street front frontages (measured from the face of curb to the build-to line). The standards require a minimum six-foot clear sidewalk, approved paving materials, installation and maintenance of street trees, and landscaping, as well as a public access easement where adequate right-of-way does not exist. These improvements are intended to enhance the pedestrian experience along commercial streets consistent with City Council direction and support.

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The second new section features regulations for all new residential projects including minimum dwelling unit sizes, outdoor open space (both private and common), laundry facilities, and private storage spaces (pages 32-34). These standards are consistent with the existing R-1250 regulations but are necessary to add given the elimination of the R-1250 application in commercial zones. The outdoor open space regulation is consistent with the Tropico Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zoning standards, requiring 140 SF per unit that may be provided as common or private open space. The standards also include additional design and landscaping standards for common open space areas.

NEW OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS (GMC CHAPTER 30.17)
The third topical section introduces the new Zoning Code Chapter – GMC 30.17 ODS (Attachment 1, pages 38-76) that establishes objective and quantifiable design standards for new residential and residential mixed-use development.

Note: The ODS build upon the existing design guidelines for multi-family and mixed-use development in Chapter 5 – Multi-Family and Mixed Use (Comprehensive Design Guidelines: https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/community- development/planning/design-guidelines). Wherever possible, the existing City-adopted design guidelines have been used as the basis of the ODS and the subjective language within the Site Planning, Massing & Scale, and Design & Detailing sections has been modified to objective language (i.e., “shall” as opposed to “should”). The mixed-use design standards also have similar formatting and regulations as those in the Tropico Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zoning and the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP). As dictated by State law, only objective, measurable, and verifiable standards are included in the proposed ODS.

30.17.010 Purpose
The purpose of the ODS chapter is to provide objective standards to ensure high- quality projects that are compatible with surrounding development, promote activated, pedestrian-oriented ground floors, and provide clear and predictable requirements for applicants. The standards supplement the development standards in GMC Chapters 30.11 (Residential Districts) and 30.12 (Commercial Districts).

30.17.020 Applicability
The standards apply to new residential developments of three or more units, including multi-family, congregate care, senior housing, and mixed-use residential projects. Compliance with the ODS, in addition to all applicable City and State regulations, is required for streamlined, ministerial processing of eligible residential projects consistent with State housing laws, including any future SB 79 projects.

Projects that do not qualify for streamlining or density bonus projects requesting waivers are subject to Design Review. The City may also consider allowing all density bonus projects, including those requesting waivers, to bypass Design 179 of 198

Review and be approved ministerially; this would require an update to the draft ordinance as currently proposed. Pages 38-39.

30.17.030 Definitions
The ODS section begins with new definitions for words and phrases specific to the ODS, such as articulation, horizontal and vertical modulation, and step-back, to ensure consistency, understanding and clarity in their interpretation and application.

Pages 39-40.

30.17.040 Residential Development in Residential Districts A. Site Planning in Residential Zones (pages 40-44):

The ODS address site planning to help establish appropriate locations for new buildings, open space, and parking facilities, as well as other site components, such as above grade utilities, vehicular access, storage areas, and outdoor lighting.

General Building Location Standards & COSA Standards (pages 40-41) To simplify setback standards and move away from “wedding cake” massing, the proposed amendments eliminate step-backs by applying the existing first- floor street front setbacks in the R-1250, R-1650, and R-2250 zones (20-foot minimum/23-foot average) uniformly to the second and third stories. The amendments also link interior setbacks to Common Open Space Amenity (COSA) requirements for projects with more than seven units, offering two options: (1) a 5-ft minimum and 8-ft average interior setback with COSA equal to at least 10% of lot area, or (2) a 6-ft fixed interior setback with COSA equal to at least 15% of lot area. To improve usability and visibility, COSA areas must be located within the front 80% of the lot and include amenities and landscaping. Additional standards apply to lots wider than 90 feet, including larger minimum COSA dimensions and the option to divide required open space into two COSA areas. As noted in previous reports, the Consultant’s feasibility modeling demonstrated that the proposed standards allow development at maximum permitted densities on typical Glendale lot sizes.

During the public review process, several commenters, including DRB and the architects group, expressed concern that the proposed COSA standards related to minimum dimensions and required percentage of lot area may be impractical and frequently waived through the Density Bonus process. An alternative approach would be to simplify the existing square-foot per unit requirement, while maintaining the COSA locational and interior setback criteria. For example - require 140 sq. ft. per unit (regardless of the number of units proposed) while maintaining the existing minimum dimension of ten feet and minimum area of 200 sq. ft. This approach would ensure the open space remains visible, accessible, and well-integrated into the overall site design, without overly burdensome open space requirements.
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Parking & Vehicular Access (pages 41-42)
The standards aim to ensure that on-site parking and vehicle access are safe, visually minimized, and do not interfere with pedestrian activity.

Driveway placement is restricted to improve visibility and queuing, particularly at intersections, where driveways must be within 25 feet of an interior lot line.

Street access is allowed when no suitable alley exists, with limits on the number of driveways based on street frontage length, while properties with adequate alleys must use alley access. Parking garage openings must be set back at least three feet from the building façade and use materials and design elements consistent with the rest of the building.

Landscaping (page 42)
Landscaping is required in all street-front, street-side, and interior setback areas. A minimum of two 24-inch box canopy trees must be planted along each street frontage, with additional trees required for frontages longer than 50 feet. Landscaping must include a mix of drought-tolerant groundcover, ornamental grasses, shrubs, and shade trees. All planting and irrigation plans must be prepared by a licensed professional and comply with California’s water efficiency landscape requirements, and all landscaping must be maintained in good condition throughout the life of the project.

Freestanding Walls and Fences (pages 42-43)
These standards require new walls, fences, and gates in multi-family developments to provide screening, privacy, and access control, using materials and colors consistent with the building and finished on both sides.

Certain materials, including barbed wire, chain link, vinyl, and wood along street frontages, are prohibited, while wrought iron is only allowed with landscaping. Parking gates and garage doors must be mechanically operated and set back at least five feet from the building façade.

At-grade Utilities & Mechanical Equipment (page 43-44)
Utilities must meet service provider and City requirements while minimizing visual impacts and safety hazards. Equipment must be located outside street- facing setbacks, screened from public view, and designed to match the building’s architecture. Transformers must be accessed from an alley or placed within a garage, or otherwise be integrated into the building façade if street-facing.

Outdoor Lighting (page 44)
ODS regulate exterior lighting so as to prevent glare, over-lighting, and light spillover onto adjacent properties, while allowing accent lighting to highlight architectural and landscape features. Light fixtures must be shielded and properly oriented, and timers or sensors should be used to reduce unnecessary energy use.

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B. Massing & Scale in Residential Zones (pages 44-52):

The intention of the proposed massing and scale standards is to minimize building bulk, ensure that new residential buildings are not shaped like one big box, and provide transitions in height. Standards for massing and scale would regulate modulation of the building both horizontally, with recesses and/or projections across façade elevations, and vertically, in terms of height. Façade articulation standards further help break building elevations. Such standards are especially critical for future SB 79 projects that exceed the Zoning Code height limits in residential zones.

Horizontal Modulation (page 44-46)
The horizontal modulation standards require that building facades be broken into segments to avoid buildings with long, flat walls. As such, any building elevation that is 50 feet or longer would be required to be divided into a minimum of two segments, while facades 100 feet or longer would be required to be divided into a minimum of three segments. Segments would be created through building wall recesses and/or projections. Where horizontal modulation is required, a minimum of 15% of the total façade area is required to be recessed or projected from the primary façade plane. Each recess or projection shall be a minimum of four feet deep and ten feet wide and must extend from the finished grade to the top of the building wall or parapet.

COSA areas will count toward the required horizontal modulation requirements.

The following graphics demonstrate how horizontal modulation standards will break up building massing.

Front Facade

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Interior (side) Facade

Vertical Modulation (pages 46-49)
Because projects with eight or more units must comply with the City’s inclusionary housing ordinance and are likely to use Density Bonus, the standards anticipate additional height while maintaining compatibility. Vertical modulation is generally not required for buildings up to three stories, except near single-family zones. For taller projects, upper stories above the third floor or 41 feet must be stepped back at least 10 feet along most façades, with specific requirements based on lot width. Larger buildings must include additional step-backs or façade breaks to reduce overall massing.

Below is an example of massing for a Density Bonus project on a lot less than 90 feet in width.

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Vertical Transition to Single-Family Zones (pages 48-49) This section requires a vertical transition where multi-family buildings are adjacent to single-family zones to reduce scale and privacy impacts. Buildings within 15 feet of a shared property line are limited to 25 feet in height and must provide a minimum 10-foot step-back above the second floor. Rooftop common open space is not allowed within the step-back area, though private balconies or decks may project up to five feet into it.

Façade Articulation (pages 49-52)
The ODS include new façade articulation standards to help reduce perceived building mass and add visual interest. Applicants must apply one to two articulation options to each façade segment, using features such as materials, colors, roof forms, and shading devices. Each option includes minimum dimension and material requirements to ensure a consistent and cohesive design. The graphics below indicate the façade articulation options that are incorporated into the ODS:

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C. Architectural Elements in Residential Zones (Pages 53-58):

In addition to the above modulation requirements, the ODS include architectural standards to ensure high-quality, visually varied design, covering materials, colors, roofs, fenestration, and other elements.

Façade Cladding Material s and Colors (pages 53-54)
For façade cladding, buildings must use durable materials with at least a 20- year lifespan, incorporate a minimum of two materials for one- to two-story buildings and three materials for buildings three stories or taller (each 185 of 198

covering at least 10% of the façade), and avoid prohibited materials such as vinyl siding and engineered wood. Stucco/EFIS is prohibited at the ground level and limited on upper floors, with articulation required for large uninterrupted surfaces. Colors are used to highlight architectural features, with neon or fluorescent colors limited to trim and accents.

Roof Forms and Materials (page 54)
This section establishes standards for roof forms and materials to reduce building massing and create varied rooflines. Buildings may incorporate up to three roof forms per structure. Flat rooflines along street-facing façades may not exceed 50 feet in length without a change in roof height of at least 12 inches or a change in roof form. Mansard roofs and parapets, when used, must extend continuously along all building elevations where applied. All roofing systems must comply with cool roof standards, and roofing materials must have a minimum 30-year durability or manufacturer warranty.

Fenestration (pages 54-57)
Fenestration standards regulate the arrangement and design of exterior windows and doors to enhance façade articulation and reduce perceived massing. A minimum of 20% of residential façade area above the ground floor must consist of window and glazed door openings, with openings recessed at least two inches (with curtain wall systems exempt). Various window shapes are permitted, while certain treatments such as internal grid windows, foam/stucco trim surrounds, and mirror glazing are prohibited.

Each façade segment is limited to one window arrangement type for segments 40 feet or less, and up to two types for longer segments, with restrictions on combining arrangements where a pattern offset system is used. Each of the following configurations feature alignment sizing and grouping standards:
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Building Entries and Lobbies (page 57)
Building entries and lobbies provide visual cues and serve as landmarks for residents and guests. Primary ground-floor entries must face a public street, COSA, or pedestrian walkway; entries from alleys, driveways, or parking areas are prohibited. Entries must include design features such as porches, stoops, canopies, marquises, or awnings, or be defined by a recess or projection at least four feet deep. Individual entry porches and stoops must provide a minimum of 20 square feet.

Balconies (pages 57-58)
Balconies provide required private open space and contribute to façade articulation. They may not project into required setbacks, must be fully or partially recessed at least two feet from an adjacent building plane, and must have a minimum width of eight feet.

Awnings and Canopies (page 58)
Awnings and canopies provide weather protection and emphasize façade elements. They must project two to six feet from the building, be at least as wide as the opening served, and may span multiple openings. Plastic, vinyl, and internally illuminated translucent fabrics are prohibited. Frames and 187 of 198

hardware must match adjacent window, door, or trim colors, and ground- mounted supports are not allowed in walkways or common areas.

Vents, Gutters and Downspouts (page 58)
Gutters, downspouts, flashing, and vents must be painted to match adjacent wall or trim colors. New buildings must use internal roof drainage systems.

Vents on street-facing elevations must be integrated into the building design and, where soffits or balcony ceilings are provided, located within those elements.

30.17.050 Multi-Family Residential and Residential Mixed-Use Development in Commercial Districts
A. Site Planning in Commercial Zones (pages 59-60)
Setbacks and Right-of-Way Improvements (page 59)
Consistent with Council direction, the ODS require a minimum 12-foot setback from the curb to the building façade for residential and residential mixed-use projects in commercial zones. If the front property line falls within this area, a public access easement will be required; if it extends beyond 12 feet, the property line governs the setback. The 12-foot area is also subject to objective paving and landscaping standards to ensure a consistent streetscape.

Freestanding Walls, Fences and Gates (page 59)
At-Grade Utilities and Mechanical Equipment (pages 59-60) Outdoor Lighting (page 60)
The three topics above have standards that are consistent with the ODS used in residential zones. The standards similarly regulated placement, screening, and design of utilities, lighting, and fencing to minimize visual impacts, ensure safety, and reduce light pollution.

B. Massing and Scale in Commercial Zones (pages 61-69)
While the height limits are identified in the Commercial Districts chapter and vary by zone, the proposed massing and scale ODS are established to ensure that new projects are compatible with existing commercial and residential development in scale and include sufficient modulation to create architectural interest. Standards regulate both horizontal modulation through recesses and/or projections across façade elevations, and vertical modulation through building height variation, with adjustments from residential ODS where needed to reflect a more urban commercial streetscape context.

Horizontal Modulation (pages 61-62)
Similar to residential ODS, horizontal modulation in commercial zones is intended to reduce the perceived width of building façades and create rhythm and visual order through recesses and projections. Street-facing façades over 188 of 198

90 feet and interior façades over 140 feet must be divided into at least three segments, each a minimum of 30 feet wide and offset at least 10 feet from adjacent segments. For mixed-use buildings, modulation generally extends from the second floor to the parapet or eave line, while for residential-only buildings it extends continuously from the ground floor, excluding required upper-story step-backs.

The graphic below demonstrate how horizontal modulation standards will help break up building massing for façade widths greater than 90 feet.

Vertical Modulation (pages 62-65)
The vertical modulation requirements would apply to new multi-family and residential mixed-use buildings 45 feet and taller in height in commercial zones. All stories above 45 feet must be stepped back a minimum of 10 feet from the floor below on street-facing elevations and guardrails and walls over 42 inches are not permitted within the step-back area; this requirement does not apply in the C3 Height District III zone.

Additional vertical modulation requirements apply for any project in a commercial zone abutting a residential zone to promote a more appropriate transition. For façades facing residential zones, a 10-foot step-back is required for the third story and above, with an additional 5-foot step-back required for the fifth story and above on elevations abutting single-family zones, resulting in a cumulative 15-foot step-back. Additional provisions apply to sloped CH-zoned sites adjacent to residential zones. 189 of 198

Neighborhood Transition Standards

Sloping Lots in CH Zone – Transition Standards

Façade Articulation (pages 65-69)
The commercial façade articulation standards are the same as the residential ODS, where applicants must apply one to two articulation options to each façade segment, using features such as materials, colors, roof forms, and shading devices. Each option includes minimum dimension and material requirements to ensure a consistent and cohesive design. The graphics 190 of 198

below indicate the façade articulation options that are incorporated into the ODS for commercial districts:

Corner Elements (page 69)
Corner elements in the commercial ODS enhance building design and reinforce the public realm at intersections and primary entrances. Buildings at street corners must distinguish the corner through height, form, or detailing using at least two features such as articulation, fenestration, materials or color changes, or ground-floor corner amenities, helping break up massing and strengthen visual prominence.
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C. Architectural Elements in Commercial Zones (pages 69-76) The ODS require a variety of architectural elements to ensure quality building design. The standards include requirements pertaining to façade materials; façade colors; roofs (forms, materials, colors); fenestration; balconies; awnings and canopies; and vents, gutters and downspouts. The standards allow for flexibility. To prevent future developments from becoming too similar in appearance, several options are available in each of the required architectural element categories. The Council reviewed these architectural elements at the meeting on April 2, 2024, and their comments have been reflected in the below standards.

Façade Cladding Materials and Colors (page 70)
The Commercial ODS for façade cladding materials and colors are consistent with the Residential ODS. They prohibit certain materials, limit the number of façade materials based on building height, and regulate the use and placement of EIFS to ensure durable, high-quality finishes and visually consistent building design.

Roof Forms and Materials (pages 70-71)
The Commercial ODS roof form and material standards are also consistent with the residential standards and reflect Council direction to avoid prescribing specific roof types. Instead, they allow a variety of roof designs while limiting each building to a maximum of three roof forms and requiring modulation of long flat rooflines. The standards also include a list of permitted roofing materials to ensure durable, high-quality construction.

Fenestration (pages 71-74)
The ODS require all window and door openings to be recessed two inches and at least 20% of street-facing façades to include openings, while prohibiting certain window treatments such as internal grid windows and synthetic stucco or foam trim surrounds. The standards also allow multiple window arrangement options, similar to residential ODS, and permit a variety of window shapes to provide design flexibility and enhance architectural character.
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Ground Floor Treatment (pages 74-76)
Ground floor treatment standards in commercial zones differ from Residential ODS by prioritizing active street engagement and public interaction. They require street-facing façades to provide a high level of transparency, with at least 50% of ground-floor areas glazed and prohibit dark-tinted or opaque windows, while ensuring clearly identifiable entries that face the street and incorporate features such as canopies, awnings, recesses, or projections.

Ground-floor residential units must also include landscaped buffers up to 30 inches in height to balance privacy with a strong visual and pedestrian connection to the street.

Balconies (page 76)
The ODS balcony standards in commercial zones are essentially the same as in residential zones, providing private outdoor space while enhancing façade articulation, depth, and visual interest. In both, balconies must be fully or partially recessed at least two feet from an adjacent building plane, may not extend beyond framed projections, and must have a minimum width of eight feet.

Awnings and Canopies (page 76)
The awning and canopy ODS standards are consistent across commercial and residential zones, requiring durable materials, prohibiting plastic, vinyl, and internally illuminated fabrics, and matching frames and hardware to adjacent trim. Ground-mounted supports are not permitted in walkways or common areas.
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MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS RELATED UPDATES TO LANDSCAPING (GMC

30.31), DESIGN REVIEW (GMC 30.47) & DEFINITIONS (GMC 30.70).

The fourth topical section addresses miscellaneous code amendments as outlined below.

GMC 30.31 Landscaping
References for the new landscaping-related standards as part of the updates to

30.11 (Residential Districts) and 30.12 (Commercial Districts) and the new 30.17 ODS section are incorporated into the Zoning Code’s Landscaping chapter. Also, Section 30.31.020.A.7 - Additional open space requirements for multi-family zones, is being eliminated in light of the other updates. Pages 77-80.

GMC 30.47 Design Review
Chapter 30.47 Design Review applies to new buildings and exterior changes requiring a building permit, except for the identified exemptions. However, consistent with State law (including SB 35 and SB 330), certain residential projects that comply with all applicable development and ODS are eligible for streamlined, ministerial review and can no longer be subject to discretionary Design Review. Such affordable multi-family and mixed-use projects developed pursuant to the State Density Bonus Law and GMC 30.36 will be exempt from Design Review when meeting applicable development and ODS, including projects requesting concessions. Projects requesting additional waivers from development or ODS are not eligible for streamlined processing and will remain subject to Design Review.

This update is identified in GMC 30.47.020 – Applicability on page 78. If the City chooses to exempt all density bonus projects, including those requesting both concessions and waivers, from Design Review, the Applicability sections for GMC Chapter 30.47 and also GMC Chapter 30.17 (ODS) would need to be updated accordingly. Pages 81-85.

GMC 30.70 Definitions
The ordinance concludes with new definitions (pages 85-88):
 “Façade” and “Façade segment” (GMC 30.70.070 Definitions, “F”, page 82)  “Low barrier navigation center” (GMC 30.70.130 Definitions, “L”, page 85), as required by the State.

A low-barrier navigation center is a specialized, service-enriched shelter designed to transition people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing by minimizing entry obstacles, such as requiring sobriety, identification, or income. These centers typically offer 24/7 access, allow pets, provide storage for possessions, and ensure privacy. They may be non-congregate and relocatable.

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PLANNING COMMISSION MOTION
M
oved by Planning Commissioner Nazarian, and seconded by Planning Commissioner Malekian, that upon review and consideration of all documents, materials, exhibits and testimony relative to consideration at a public hearing of the proposed ordinance (Case Nos.

PZC-0007-2023 and PZC-0008-2023) relating generally to a new Zoning Code chapter, Glendale Municipal Code (“GMC”) Chapter 30.17 Objective Design Standards (ODS), amendments to GMC Chapter 30.11 Residential Districts regarding multi-family development standards, amendments to GMC Chapter 30.12 Commercial Districts regarding multi-family and residential mixed-use development standards in commercial zones, and other related Zoning Code amendments (“Project”), the Planning Commission finds that this Project is categorically exempt from CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15305, as described in the staff report dated April 1 and April 15, 2026, and hereby recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance (Case Nos. PZC-0007-2023 and PZC-0008-2023), with the following comments and recommended changes:
• Allow interior (side) setbacks to be included in COSA area calculations .
• D
o not restrict COSA areas to the front 80% of the lot, provided they are accessible to all residents.
• A
llow balconies to project up to 12 inches into required setbacks. • A
dd “Architectural Banding,” as presented during the public hearing, as an option for modulation/articulation, including allowable projections into setbacks. • E
liminate the proposed Public Right-of-Way and Access Improvements (GMC Section

30.12.040(
E)) requiring a 12-foot minimum public realm along commercial corridors.

A
dopted this 15th day of April, 2026.

VO
TE
Ayes: Chraghchian, Fuentes, Malekian, Minassian, Nazarian Noes:

Absent:

Abstain:

Exhibit 2 – Planning Commission Motion, Dated April 15, 2026 195 of 198

Exhibit 3 – Summary of Public Hearings, Meetings and Outreach

Multi-family Development Standards & ODS in Residential Zones (MF Project):

City Council - November 14, 2023: Draft MF Project - Residential ODS concepts first presented to City Council on November 14, 2023: introduction of COSA, Vertical and Horizontal Modulation Standards. Council directed staff to continue refining the proposed site planning and massing/scale concepts, including options for setbacks and common open space amenity areas, massing of additional height at the rear, horizontal modulation (with consideration of additional modulation for longer building segments), and vertical modulation, and to bring back the architectural detailing standards. Council directed staff to proceed with concepts.

Special City Council Video and Staff Report (Item #1):
https://glendaleca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=36226

Design Review Board - February 8, 2024: Draft MF Project – Residential ODS concepts and draft ordinance presented to Design Review Board for review and comment. DRB provided feedback on the Site Planning (Setbacks, COSA, Lot Coverage), Massing and Scale (Horizontal Modulation, Vertical Modulation, Façade Articulation Modulation) and Architectural Elements (Materials, Colors, Rooflines, Fenestration Options) sections, as well as the proposed pattern book. Recommended to meet with local architects for their comments.

DRB Video and Staff Report (Item b):
https://glendaleca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=36591

Architects Meeting - February 29, 2024: Based on DRB’s recommendation, staff presented the same MF Project – Residential ODS material at a meeting of local architects. The group supported loosening site planning standards and maximizing flexibility in building design, including setbacks, lot coverage, open space, and architectural elements, to better accommodate higher-density development, but had concerns ODS would limit creative freedom. Meeting not recorded/televised.

City Council - April 2, 2024: Staff presented MF Project – Residential ODS feedback from DRB and the architects group, revisiting Council’s previous direction. Council directed staff to proceed with the original COSA concept (with comments), to allow any roofline (not limited to the proposed menu options) for both MF Project – Residential ODS and the MU Project – Mixed Use ODS, to provide list of prohibited materials rather than permitted materials, to not regulate colors, and to maintain fenestration options.

Special City Council Video and Staff Report (Item 1):
https://glendaleca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=36839

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Multi-family and Mixed-Use Development Standards & ODS in Commercial Zones (MU Project):

City Council – February 27, 2024: Draft MU Project – Mixed Use ODS concepts, including setback, massing and building articulation concepts, presented to City Council for review and comment. Council directed staff to proceed with concepts, including eliminating the R-1250 standards for residential development and proceeding with minimum 12-foot public realm setback for all projects.

Council Video and Staff Report (Item 8G):
https://glendaleca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=36283

Design Review Board – May 9, 2024: Draft MU Project – Mixed Use ODS concepts and ordinance presented to Design Review Board for review and comment. DRB provided feedback on the Development Standards (including change from R-1250 to new standards), Site Planning, Massing and Scale (Horizontal Modulation, Vertical Modulation, Façade Articulation Modulation) and Architectural Elements (Materials, Colors, Rooflines, Fenestration Options) sections, as well as the proposed pattern book.

DRB Video and Staff Report (Item b):
https://glendaleca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=37041

MF and MU Projects Combined:

Planning Commission – April 1, 2026: Study Session. Detailed presentation on the proposed code amendments and objective design standards for multi-family and residential mixed use projects in residential and commercial zones (MF and MU projects combined under one Draft Ordinance). Commissioners were able to ask questions, provide preliminary feedback and hear public comments.

Planning Commission Video and Staff Report (Item 7b):
https://glendaleca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=40524

Planning Commission – April 15, 2026: Public Hearing. Following staff presentation and public comment, Planning Commission provided a formal recommendation on the proposed ordinance to City Council – recommended approval of Draft Ordinance, with comments:
• Allow interior (side) setbacks to be included in COSA area calculations. • Do not restrict COSA areas to the front 80% of the lot, provided they are accessible to all residents.
• Allow balconies to project up to 12 inches into required setbacks. • Add “Architectural Banding,” as presented during the public hearing, as an option for modulation/articulation, including allowable projections into setbacks. • Eliminate the proposed Public Right-of-Way and Access Improvements (GMC Section 30.12.040(E)) requiring a 12-foot minimum public realm along commercial corridors.

Planning Commission Video and Staff Report (Item 7a):
https://glendaleca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=40536

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Public Outreach Presentations and Q&A’s for both projects:

Glendale Homeowners Coordinating Council - December 4, 2023 Northwest Glendale Homeowners Association - May 13, 2024 In-person Community Meeting at Sparr Heights Community Center - May 22, 2024 Virtual Community Meeting - May 29, 2024
Montrose Shopping Park Association - June 6, 2024
Glendale Association of Realtors – April 13, 2026

SB 79 Transit Oriented Development
City Council – March 3, 2026: Presentation of SB 79 (the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act) status and options, with Council direction to proceed with delayed effectuation ordinance and to adopt ODS prior to SB 79 July 1, 2026 effective date.

City Council Video and Staff Report (Item 10d):
https://glendaleca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=40679

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