CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Jonathan Orduna, Community Development Director
DATE: November 7, 2023
SUBJECT: A Public Hearing to Consider Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 23-02 Introducing an Ordinance Amending Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1-95 to Establish Multifamily and Mixed-Use Residential Obiective Development and Design Standards for Projects that Qualify for Streamlined Ministerial Review Under State Law; and Determining the Action to be Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council open the public hearing, take public testimony, close the public hearing, and then take the following actions:
1. Find that adoption of the proposed ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA) because it is an administrative activity that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment and thus is not a "project" under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 (see State CEQA Guidelines, § 15060(c)(2) and (3)). Alternatively, even if adoption of the ordinance did qualify as a project under CEQA, find that it is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, which
2. Waive full reading, make any amendments to, and introduce Ordinance No. 2023- 225 by title:
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-225
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT ZCA 23-02 AMENDING LAGUNA NIGUEL MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 9-1-95 TO ESTABLISH MULTIFAMILY
AND MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
STANDARDS FOR PROJECTS THAT QUALIFY FOR STREAMLINED
MINISTERIAL REVIEW UNDER STATE LAW, AND DETERMINING THE ACTION
TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3)
3. Direct that the proposed ordinance, with any changes, be placed on the agenda for the December 5, 2023, City Council Meeting and adopt the ordinance at that meeting.
BACKGROUND
Recent State Housing Laws
In recent years, the State of California has enacted a series of housing bills with the overall aim to increase the state's housing inventory and reduce barriers to housing production. Several laws have impacted local land use authority by requiring cities to ministerially review and approve certain eligible residential development projects. Within this context, ministerial review means that an application is reviewed and approved administratively, without discretionary review or a hearing.
As part of this ministerial review process, cities may review projects for compliance with local objective development and design standards. Standards are considered objective if they are measurable and verifiable and involve no subjective judgment by a city official.
State law allows cities to impose objective development and design standards on eligible housing projects. The Laguna Niguel Municipal Code contains development standards and community design guidelines. The City's development standards, such as building setbacks to property lines and height limits, do not involve discretion or subjective judgment and are considered objective. However, the City's design guidelines, related to architectural principles and landscaping design, are more qualitative and involve discretion and subjective judgment.
In response to recent state housing law(s), the City has undertaken an effort to prepare objective design standards to apply to new qualifying housing projects that are otherwise exempt from the City's discretionary process and design guidelines. As subsequently described in more detail, these objective design standards are proposed to be incorporated in the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code by reference (Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 23-02). The development of these objective design standards supports the Strategic Plan, Goal #5: Economic and Community Development, Strategy #5: Design Guidelines Update.
DISCUSSION
Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 23-02 (Objective Development and Design Standards Manual
Zoning Code Amendment ("ZCA 23-02") proposes to amend Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1-95 to incorporate by reference a new standards manual entitled Objective Development and Design Standards Manual ("the Manual"), which is attached as Exhibit 1 to Ordinance No. 2023-225 of Attachment A. The Manual would apply to residential housing development projects when the City's discretionary review is limited or prohibited. The Manual would establish objective standards that support state law
requirements to streamline the processing of housing projects. Qualifying residential projects would be required to meet the objective standards or alternatively, applicants would continue to have the opportunity to pursue design flexibility beyond these objective standards under the City's current discretionary review process.
The purpose of the Manual is to provide the development community, design professionals, general public, and City personnel with objective criteria for eligible new multifamily and mixed-use residential development in the City. These criteria include, for example, objective standards related to site planning, building form, landscaping, and architectural design. Consistent with existing state law, objective standards are those that involve no personal or subjective judgment by a public official and are uniformly verifiable by reference to an external and uniform benchmark or criterion available and knowable by both the development applicant and the public official prior to submittal. The Manual's proposed standards were adapted from the Objective Design Standards Toolkit commissioned by the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) in partnership with design professionals. The standards were customized to better suit Laguna Niguel's character, aesthetics, and the quality of the built environment. The intent of the Manual is to promote the construction of new housing and further City goals in yielding development projects that feature elevated design and architecture.
Design principles and aesthetics are subject to change over time, making it essential for the Manual to remain adaptable. To address this, the proposed Zoning Code regulations (contained within Section 9-1-95) authorize the Community Development Director to initiate amendments to the Manual. Because the Manual is part of the Zoning Code, future amendments would not be effective until they are approved by the City Council in accordance with the procedures set forth in Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1- 117.4 (Zoning Code Amendments).
If adopted by the City Council, the Manual would apply to multifamily and mixed-use residential projects that qualify for streamlined ministerial review under state law. Should a future applicant desire design flexibility beyond the Manual's objective requirements, then they would still have the option of applying for discretionary approval under the Zoning Code's existing discretionary review process. In other words, applicants would have a choice: (i) pursue streamlined ministerial approval by complying with the Manual's objective standards; or (ii) apply for a discretionary approval (e.g., site development permit) in accordance with the Zoning Code's existing requirements.
Planning Commission Recommendation
On October 10, 2023, the Planning Commission, as an advisory body to the City Council, held a publicly noticed hearing to consider ZCA 23-02 and the Manual. During the public hearing, the Commission requested two minor changes to the Manual. The requested changes related to permissible roofing materials for the Craftsman architectural style and to retitle the Farmhouse/Ranch architectural style to Modern Farmhouse/Ranch architectural style to clarify that the standard is intended to be a contemporary interpretation. There were no oral public comments made at the meeting. One written public comment letter was submitted on the afternoon of the Planning Commission hearing. During the hearing, the Commission asked City staff and the City's consultant clarifying questions on the Manual.
At the conclusion of the public hearing, the Planning Commission unanimously adopted Resolution No. 23-11 (Attachment B) recommending that the City Council approve ZCA 23-02 adopting the Manual by reference. The Planning Commission also directed City staff to review and assess whether any modifications to the Manual were necessary in response to the comment letter and to revise, if appropriate, prior to finalizing tor City Council consideration. The minutes from the Planning Commission hearing are attached as Attachment C.
Following the Planning Commission hearing, staff consulted with the City Attorney's Office regarding the public comment letter and to address those standards where objectivity was called into question. Thereafter, staff made a collection of minor revisions to the Manual to further augment objectivity.
City Council Study Session
On October 24, 2023, the City Council held a study session regarding the proposed objective development and design standards included in the Manual. The study session provided the Council with an early opportunity to review the proposed Manual, ask questions, and provide general feedback to City staff. There were no oral public comments made at the study session. During the study session, the City Council requested a text edit under Section 2.2 (General & Site Design) to provide additional clarity pertaining to sidewalk connectivity to off-site pedestrian circulation systems. The Manual included as Exhibit 1 of Attachment A includes the requested edit.
PUBLIC NOTICE
On October 26, 2023, a one-eighth (1/8th) page notice of the public hearing describing the project, date, time, and location of the hearing was advertised in the Orange County Register - Laguna Niguel News in accordance with Government Code Section 65091(a)(4) for projects affecting over 1,000 property owners. A notice was also posted at City Hall and was made available on the City website. Additionally, the Manual and frequently asked questions on the proposed objective development and design standards were posted on the City website under the Community Development Department webpage.
All public comment letters received as of the publication of this staff report are attached under Attachment D.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of ZCA 23-02 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because it is an administrative activity that would not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment and is thus not a "project" under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. (See State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15060(c)(2) and (3)). Alternatively, even if the adoption of ZCA 23-02 did qualify as a project under CEQA, it is exempt from CEQA under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), which provides that a project is exempt from CEQA 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.
Adoption of ZCA 23-02 would not have a significant effect on the environment as it simply
establishes objective design review standards for certain multifamily and mixed-use projects in accordance with state law; it does not authorize any construction or development. Therefore, it is exempt from CEQA. Projects that are subject to discretionary review would be reviewed in accordance with CEQA, and projects that are subject only to ministerial review and approval under state law are exempt from CEQA (under Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(1)).
ANALYSIS
Laguna Niguel Municipal Code - Required Findings
Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1-117.4(d) requires zoning code amendments to be consistent with the Laguna Niguel General Plan. The proposed ZCA 23-02 and the incorporated Manual are consistent with the following Laguna Niguel General Plan Policies:
• Goal 4, Intent: "Laguna Niguel desires to have attractive urban design reflected in development projects which also contribute to more efficient and productive use of land." The proposed Manual creates a standardized set of design criteria that promotes high-quality architectural projects that are reflective of the community's aesthetic.
• Policy 4.1: "Emphasize attractive and functional urban design in new development." The proposed Manual standardizes the City's design guidelines and other architectural principles intended to yield attractive projects by providing clear direction on building form, massing, and articulation. Standards are included on materials, colors, roofs, doors, windows, and decorative details to ensure quality architecture for multifamily residential and mixed-use development projects. • Action 3.3.5: "Enact development standards and design guidelines to ensure land use within a mixed-use project complement one another." The proposed Manual requires mixed-use developments to incorporate site design and architectural elements to complement the coexistence of commercial and multifamily uses within a community.
Also applicable to the required findings included in Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1-117.4(d), proposed ZCA 23-02 would not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or general welfare of the City in that it would establish appropriate design and development standards that are consistent with the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and other regulations. These standards provide a clear set of architectural and site design requirements for new multifamily residential, including mixed-use developments. The standards are numeric and/or quantifiable and can be measured as opposed to subjective standards, which require interpretation. These standards will ensure development maintains the character and quality of design within the City and support the construction of new housing production by streamlining the approval of housing development for qualifying projects.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The City Council may decide not to introduce the proposed ordinance and the existing Laguna Niguel Municipal Code provisions would remain unchanged, thereby limiting the
City's ability to review residential projects that qualify for streamlined ministerial review under state law for design and architecture. The City Council may also decide to direct staff to return with a revised ordinance and/or Manual to be presented at a future City Council meeting.
FISCAL REVIEW
There is no fiscal impact as a result of the introduction of Ordinance No. 2023-225.
LEGAL REVIEW
Trian as to for Oand ot reviewed and approved this report and corresponding
CONCLUSION
City staff recommends that the City Council open the public hearing, take public testimony, close the public hearing, and then take the following actions:
1. Find that adoption of the proposed ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because it is an administrative activity that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment and thus is not a "project" under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 (see State CEQA Guidelines, § 15060(c)(2) and (3)). Alternatively, even if adoption of the ordinance did qualify as a project under CEQA, find that it is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, which provides that a project is exempt from CEQA 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.
2. Waive full reading, make any amendments to, and introduce Ordinance No. 2023- 225 by title:
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-225
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT ZCA 23-02 AMENDING LAGUNA NIGUEL
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 9-1-95 TO ESTABLISH MULTIFAMILY AND
MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
STANDARDS FOR PROJECTS THAT QUALIFY FOR STREAMLINED
MINISTERIAL REVIEW UNDER STATE LAW; AND DETERMINING THE ACTION
TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3)
3. Direct that the proposed ordinance, with any changes, be placed on the agenda for the December 5, 2023, City Council Meeting and adopt the ordinance at that meeting.
Jamas SEousneau at Litt
lamara S. Letourneau Scott Smith
City Manager City Attorney
Lith flen
Jonathan Orduna John Morgan
Community Development Director Development Services Manager Crica Roess S. Tomano
-
Erica Roess Stephanie Tomaino
Senior Planner Contract Planner
Attachments:
A. Ordinance No. 2023-225
Exhibit 1 - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual B. October 10, 2023, Planning Commission Resolution No. 23-11 C. October 10, 2023, Planning Commission Meeting Minutes D. Public Comments
ATTACHMENT A
Ordinance No. 2023-225
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-225
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT ZCA 23-02 AMENDING
LAGUNA NIGUEL MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 9-1-95 TO ESTABLISH
MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
OBJECTIVE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN STANDARDS FOR
PROJECTS THAT QUALIFY FOR MINISTERIAL REVIEW PER STATE
LAW; AND DETERMINING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY UNDER STATE CEQA
GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3)
The City Council of the City of Laguna Niguel does hereby ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
The City Council makes the following findings in connection with the adoption of this Ordinance.
By the authority granted to the City of Laguna Niguel ("City") by Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution, the City has the police power to regulate the use of land and property within the City in a manner designed to promote public convenience and general prosperity, as well as public health, welfare, and safety.
In recent years, the State of California has enacted a series of housing legislation with the overall aim to increase the state's housing inventory and reduce barriers to housing production. Several laws have impacted local land use authority by requiring cities to ministerially review and approve certain multifamily and mixed- use residential development projects.
This legislation impacts the City's traditional local development review process by enabling qualifying projects to proceed through streamlined ministerial review, bypassing typical discretionary planning applications.
As part of this ministerial review process, state law allows cities to review projects for compliance with local objective development and design standards.
Zoning Code Amendment ("ZCA") 23-02 (i.e., the "Ordinance") would amend Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1-95 to establish objective development and design standards for projects that qualify for streamlined ministerial review under state law.
On October 10, 2023 the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the Ordinance, at which time the Planning Commission considered al evidence presented by City staff and other interested parties Ordinance No. 2023-225 Page 2
Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 23-11 recommending that the City Council adopt the Ordinance.
On October 24, 2023, the City Council held a special meeting study session regarding the proposed objective development and design standards. During the study session, members of the public were provided with an opportunity to provide public comments on the proposed objective standards.
9. On October 26, 2023, a one-eighth (1/8th) page notice of the public hearing describing the project, date, time, and location of the hearing was advertised in the Orange County Register - Laguna Niguel News in accordance with Government Code Section 65091(a)(4) for projects affecting over 1,000 property owners. A notice was also posted at City Hall and was made available on the City's website.
Additionally, the Manual and frequently asked questions on the proposed objective development and design standards were posted on the City's website under the Community Development Department webpage.
10. On November 7, 2023, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on the Ordinance, at which time the City Council considered the Planning Commission's recommendation as well as all evidence presented by City staff and other interested parties.
11. The City Council finds that the Ordinance and corresponding objective design and development standards are consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan, including:
General Plan Goal 4, Intent, which states "Laguna Niguel desires to have attractive urban design reflected in development projects which also contribute to more efficient and productive use of land." The proposed Manual creates a standardized set of design criteria that promotes high- quality architectural projects that are reflective of the community's aesthetic.
General Plan Policy 4.1, which states: "Emphasize attractive and functional urban design in new development." The proposed Manual standardizes the City's design guidelines and other architectural principles intended to yield attractive projects by providing clear direction on building form, massing, and articulation. Standards are included on materials, colors, roofs, doors, windows, and decorative details to ensure quality architecture for multifamily residential and mixed-use development projects.
General Plan Action 3.3.5, which states: "Enact development standards and design guidelines to ensure land use within a mixed-use project complement one another." The proposed Manual requires mixed-use developments to incorporate site design and architectural elements to complement the coexistence of commercial and multifamily uses within a community.
Ordinance No. 2023-225 Page 3
12. The City Council finds that the Ordinance would not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or general welfare of the City in that it will establish appropriate design and development standards that are consistent with the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and other regulations. The proposed standards provide a clear set of architectural and site design requirements for new multifamily residential, including mixed-use developments. The standards are numeric and/or quantifiable and can be measured as opposed to subjective standards, which require interpretation. These standards will ensure development maintains the character and quality of design within the City and support the construction of new housing production by streamlining the approval of housing development for qualifying projects. Therefore, the proposed Ordinance will not adversely affect public health, safety, and general welfare.
SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA).
Based on the whole record before it, the City Council finds that the adoption of this Ordinance (i.e., ZCA 23-02) is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because it is an administrative activity that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment and is thus not a "project" under State CEQA Guidelines section 15378. (See State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15060(c)(2) and (3). Alternatively, even if the adoption of the Ordinance did qualify as a project under CEQA, the City Council finds that the Ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), which provides that a project is exempt from CEQA where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility Ordinance will not have a significant effect on the environment as it simply establishes accordance with state law; it does not authorize any construction or development.
Therefore, the City Council finds that this ordinance is exempt from CEQA. As the City receives individual project applications, projects subject to discretionary review will be reviewed in accordance with CEQA, and projects subject to ministerial review and approval under state law will be exempt from CEQA (pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(1)).
SECTION 3. Section 9-1-95 of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1-95. - Multifamily and mixed-use residential objective development and design standards
(a) Purpose and Intent. The purpose of the objective development and design standards of this section is to provide the development community, design professionals, general public, and City personnel with objective criteria for eligible new multifamily and mixed-use residential development in the City. These criteria include, for example, objective standards related to site planning, building form, landscaping, and architectural design based on Laguna Niguel's character, aesthetics, and the quality of the built environment. Consistent with existing state Ordinance No. 2023-225 Page 4
law, objective standards are those that involve no personal or subjective judgment by a public official and are uniformly verifiable by reference to an external and uniform benchmark or criterion available and knowable by both the development applicant and the public official prior to submittal. The intent is to promote the construction of new housing and further City goals in yielding development projects that feature elevated design and architecture and foster an enhanced quality of life through the built environment.
(b) Applicability and Review. The provisions of Section 9-1-95 apply to all new multifamily and mixed-use residential projects that qualify for streamlined ministerial review under state law. If a project is subject to development and design review and is not required by state law to be reviewed only against objective standards, it is subject to discretionary design review and findings, as prescribed in Subarticle 9 and Subarticle 11 of this Code.
(c) Relationship to Other Regulations. Eligible housing projects that qualify for streamlined ministerial review under state law must comply with these objective development and design standards and with all applicable development standards in the City's regulatory documents, including but not limited to the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code, and applicable Specific Plans. Where standards conflict, the more restrictive shall apply.
(d) Objective Development and Design Standards Manual. The City of Laguna Niguel's Objective Development and Design Standards Manual ("the Manual") is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference into this Section 9-1-95 as if fully set forth herein. If a provision is inconsistent with state law, it does not impact any other standards.
(1) Accessibility. The Manual shall be maintained on file with the City of Laguna Niguel Community Development Department ("Department"). Additionally, the Manual shall be made freely accessible to the public and shall be posted on the official City of Laguna Niguel website.
(2) Amendments. The Manual may be amended in accordance with the following:
a. The Director may initiate amendments to the Manual. All proposed amendments shall be reviewed for compliance with state law and any amendment determined to be in violation of state law shall be rejected. b. If a change in state law renders an existing portion of the Manual noncompliant, state law will govern and the Director shall initiate an amendment to bring the Manual into compliance as expeditiously as possible.
Ordinance No. 2023-225 Page 5
c. No amendment to the Manual will be effective until it is approved by the City Council in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 9-1- 117.4 (Zoning Code Amendments).
d. All amendments shall be properly documented, and a revision history shall be maintained by the Department. The most current version of the Manual, along with its revision history, shall be available to the public through the City's website and upon request at the Department.
SECTION 4. SAVINGS CLAUSE.
Neither the adoption of this Ordinance nor the repeal of any other ordinance of this City shall in any manner affect the prosecution for violations of ordinances, which violations were committed prior to the effective date hereof, nor be construed as a waiver of any penalty or the penal provisions applicable to any violation thereof.
SECTION 5. SEVERABILITY.
If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and operation thirty (30) days after its final passage and adoption.
Ordinance No. 2023-225 Page 6
SECTION 7. CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION.
The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be posted at the duly designated posting places within the City and published once within fifteen (15) days after passage and adoption as required by law; or, in the alternative, the City Clerk may cause to be published a summary of this Ordinance and post a certified copy of the text of this Ordinance in the Office of the City Clerk five (5) days prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance, and, within fifteen (15) days after adoption, the City Clerk shall cause to be published the aforementioned summary and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance, together with the vote for and against the same, in the Office of the City Clerk.
INTRODUCED for the first reading on the 7 day of November, 2023.
Kelly Jennings, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marissa Asistin, City Clerk
Ordinance No. 2023-225 Page 7
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ORANGE )ss
LAGUNA NIGUEL
1, Marissa Asistin, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Niguel, California, do hereby certify nat the foregoing is Ordinance No. 2023-225 which was introduced at a regular meetin if the City Council of the City of Laguna Niguel, California, held on November 7, 2023 by AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
Marissa Asistin, City Clerk
EXHIBIT 1
Objective Development and Design Standards Manual
Laguna Niguel
CALIFORNIA
OBJECTIVE DEVELOPMENT &
DESIGN STANDARDS MANUAL
October 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION .3
SECTION 2. GENERAL & SITE DESIGN
2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.. 4
2.2 SITE PLANNING AND ORIENTATION 4
2.3 VEHICULAR ACCESS AND PARKING 5
2.3.1 ACCESS AND DRIVEWAYS.. 5
2.3.2 SURFACE PARKING .....
2.3.3 RESIDENTIAL GARAGES. 7
2.3.4 PARKING STRUCTURES
2.4 COMMON AND PRIVATE OPEN SPACE...
2.4.1 COMMON OPEN SPACE 10
2.4.2 PRIVATE OPEN SPACE
2.5 LANDSCAPING....... 2
2.6 OUTDOOR LIGHTING 4
2.7 WALLS AND FENCES 14
2.8 TRASH ENCLOSURES 15
2.9 UTILITIES.. 16
SECTION 3. BUILDING FORM & DESIGN. 17
3.1 BUILDING TYPES: LOW-RISE TOWNHOME/MULTI-PLEX AND GARDEN. 20
3.2 BUILDING TYPES: MID-RISE MIXED-USE WRAP AND PODIUM 22 SECTION 4. ARCHITECTURAL STYLES... .25
4.1 SPANISH COLONIALREVIVAL. 25
4.2 CRAFTSMAN. ..31
4.3 TUSCAN.. 37
4.4 MODERN FARMHOUSE/RANCH.. 43
4.5 MODERN... 49
4.6 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE DEFINITIONS.. 55
Page | 2
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
In accordance with Laguna Niguel Municipal Code (LNMC) The objective standards are to be utilized during the City Section 9-1-95, this Objective Development and Design development review process to achieve the highest level Standards Manual (Manual) provides a range of objective of design quality, while at the same time allowing for standards for multifamily and mixed-use residential some flexibility necessary to achieve site and building development projects that qualify for streamlined design creativity. All projects will be evaluated and ministerial approval under state law. analyzed on their adherence to the objective standards through a design review process that includes a
The purpose of objective standards is for applicants to mandatory checklist of applicable objective standards. To know beforehand what requirements apply to a proposed satisfy the design review requirements, a project must development and for the applicant to be able to design a demonstrate how it complies with the applicable project that meets those requirements before submittal. standards.
These standards are intended to yield development
projects that teature elevated design and architecture and The Manual organizes these topics into the following broad foster an enhanced quality of life through the built categories:
environment.
• Section 2: General & Site Design Standards
This Manual includes site design and architectural
requirements for qualifying multifamily and mixed-use • Section 3: Building Form & Design Standards residential projects based on Laguna Niguel's character, Section 4: Architectural Style Standards aesthetics, and the quality of the built environment.
These objective standards are numeric and/or Spanish Colonial Revival quantifiable and can be measured as opposed to Craftsman subjective standards, which require interpretation. • Tuscan Eligible residential projects are required to meet these Modern Farmhouse/Ranch objective standards. Alternatively, applicants continue to Modern have the opportunity to pursue design flexibility beyond these objective standards under the City's current
discretionary review process.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 3 SECTION 2. GENERAL &
SITE DESIGN 2.2 SITE PLANNING AND ORIENTATION
Site planning and orientation shall meet the following
Site design refers to the arrangement and relationships standards:
between buildings, parking areas, common and private
open space, landscaping, pedestrian connections, and a. The frontage of any primary building(s) shall be other ancillary site development. Projects shall also follow oriented to the primary street. For larger sites with the applicable objective requirements of the base zone it multiple buildings, entries may also be oriented to is located in, such as setbacks, hillside development face internal common open space and landscape standards, parking, and building height. paseos.
b. Excluding the primary building(s) and required
2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS access driveway from the public right-of-way, the In addition to complying with this Manual, eligible remainder of the project frontage shall consist of a.
projects shall conform to all regulations and landscaping. provisions in the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code c. The minimum distance between buildings shall be 10 (LNMC), Specific Plan(s), and the Laguna Niguel feet for a single story building. The minimum General Plan (including density as determined by the distance shall increase by 10 feet for each additional unit capacity of the applicable subprofile area. story over three (3) stories.
Except as otherwise required under state law, where
standards conflict, the more restrictive applies. d. Pedestrian walkways shall connect residential units to areas throughout the site, including vehicle
b. Minimum Affordable Housing Requirement: The parking areas, bicycle parking areas, common open greater of (1) whatever affordability requirement is space, waste and recycling enclosures, and other imposed by state law and (2) whatever affordability amenities. requirement is imposed by the City through an
inclusionary-housing ordinance.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 4 e. Pedestrian walkways shall be provided with a 2.3 VEHICULAR ACCESS AND PARKING minimum width of five (5) feet. Pedestrian walkways
shall be constructed of firm, stable, and slip-resistant Vehicular access and parking shall meet the following materials such as poured-in-place concrete standards:
(including stamped concrete), permeable paving, or 2.3.1 ACCESS AND DRIVEWAYS concrete pavers.
a. A maximum of one (1) vehicular access point from
f. Windows on facing buildings shall not directly align the street is permitted per 200 lineal feet of street
with one another on site if located opposite each frontage. other within a courtyard and less than 40 feet
distance between them. b. Parking areas shall have an internal circulation system that interconnects drive aisles and parking
g. The following off-site generators of pedestrian without requiring street reentry. movements shall be identified and connected via a
sidewalk or other pedestrian priority way to the On-site guest parking shall be included within the pedestrian circulation system: parking area provided for residents, and labeled as guest parking.
Parks, and open spaces, including paseos.
Vehicular driveways with access to the public right-
• Schools - public or private. of-way shall have sidewalks and pedestrian • Shopping centers. connections on both sides of driveway. • Bus stops. Entry driveways connecting public streets to the interior of the site shall use enhanced paving
h. Exterior stairwells shall not be directly visible from the street. Exterior stairwells shall be oriented to
interior spaces, such as plazas and gathering areas,
parking areas, and pedestrian pathways. the driveway.
i. Loading and service areas, if proposed, shall be
screened from view from the public right-of-way and
shall be located behind a building(s).
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 5 f. Where a pedestrian walkway intersects with a vehicle 2.3.2 SURFACE PARKING accessway, enhanced paving treatment using
patterned and/ or colored pavers, brick, or a. Parking lots shall be placed to the side or rear of buildings. There shall be no vehicular parking between
decorative colored and scored concrete shall be
the project's primary frontage and first building(s) with used. Pedestrian crossings shall feature enhanced residential units. paving with a minimum width of five (5) feet, and
span the length of the intersecting drive area. b. A minimum of one (1) landscaped finger island shall be provided per every 10 uncovered spaces.
Gated or other controlled entrances to parking
facilities (gates, doors, etc.) shall be designed in Landscape planters shall be not less than five (5) teet accordance with LNMC Section 9-1-35.25. in width. This standard shall not apply to the applicable parking spaces that are covered by
h. Vehicle parking areas shall be located, oriented, shelters (carports). and/or screened to prevent visual intrusion of
vehicle lights into residential units or their usable c. All end parking stalls shall be adjacent to landscape outdoor space. Where parking areas are located planters, not less than five (5) feet in width. within 15 feet of a residential unit, they shall be Where parking lots accommodate over 40 cars, they located within a garage, carport, or parking shall be broken up into segments or modules of less structure, or screened by a solid wall, fence, or than 40 spaces by means of intervening landscaping landscaping at a minimum of 42 inches in height. planters and access drives in order to avoid large unbroken expanses of paved area.
e. Parking spaces shall be separated from buildings by
a pedestrian sidewalk, minimum five (5) feet in width,
and a landscape planter area, minimum of seven (7)
feet in width.
f. A minimum of one (1) tree shall be provided for every five (5) uncovered spaces. Trees may be planted in
landscape planters (see provision a. above) or diamond
tree wells. Trees shall be planted evenly (i.e., equal on- center spacing) throughout the parking area. This
standard shall not apply to the applicable parking spaces that are covered by shelters (carports).
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2.3.3 RESIDENTIAL GARAGES
When trees are required, canopy trees shall be used a. Garages shall be accessed internally to the site by an
9. in parking areas to reduce the impact of large access driveway. Garage doors shall be oriented expanses of paving, to provide shade, and to reduce internally within the project site and screened from glare and heat buildup. These trees shall have a 30- offsite view from the public right-of-way. foot to 40-foot canopy potential and be sized at 24- Garages shall be equipped with an automatic door inch box or larger at the time of installation. opener and a roll-up sectional or similar garage door Parking stalls shall be marked by double or hairpin which does not extend onto the apron or drive aisle. h.
stripes. Other parking lot demarcation requirements c. Garage doors shall be recessed a minimum of 12 shall be in accordance with the provisions contained inches from the exterior wall plane to accentuate in the parking regulations portion of LNMC. shadow patterns and visual relief. i. Parking areas shall be fully screened from Garages shall be designed in the same architectural neighboring properties. Screening may be style selected by the applicant for the residential accomplished through building placement, building(s). Refer to Manual Sections 4.1-4.5 for the landscaping, fencing, or some combination thereof.
Landscaping for screening purposes must be no less deals e architectural stys using mate same than five (5) feet in width from the back of sidewalk or as those of the selected architectural style. street curb to the parking lot paving (whichever is
greater) and shall be no less than 42 inches within 12 e. Where multiple garages front onto an alley or a months of planting. common drive aisle, a landscaping planting pocket of at least three (3) feet by three (3) shall be
j. Where stalls are perpendicular to walkways or provided between garage doors and planted with landscaped areas, such walkways or landscaped groundcover and a minimum 15-gallon size areas shall be made at least two (2) feet wider than evergreen tree (columnar tree if space is limited). the standard width in order to accommodate front
of vehicle overhangs.
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2.3.4 PARKING STRUCTURES
Parking structures shall comply with the LIMO standards (e.g., • Exterior Façade: The exterior appearance of minimum property line setbacks and height limit the parking structure shall be designed in the requirements) and the following: same architectural style as the primary a. Wrap Building Types: Residential units or retail tenant building(s), as selected by the applicant per spaces (mixed-use) shall "wrap" around an above-grade one of the approved architectural styles of parking structure on all sides. No portion of the this Manual (Sections 4.1-4.5). A minimum of parking structure shall be visible from beyond the 30% of the parking structure's exterior project boundary. elevations shall consist of two (2) or more of the distinctive façade materials of the primary
b. Podium Building Types: Parking structures shall be building(s) (excluding stucco or plan subterranean (below ground floor residential and concrete), such as decorative tile, brick, stone, commercial units); garage walls shall not extend wood, fiber cement, or composite wood or above finished grade. No portion of the parking stone.
structure shall be visible from beyond the project
boundary. • Landscaping: Excluding the parking structure access driveway(s), the perimeter of a stand-
c. Stand-Alone Parking Structure (low-rise building alone parking structure shall include a types only, see Manual Section 4.1): Stand-alone minimum 10-foot wide landscape planter parking structures shall include the following: area on all sides to soften the structure's • Location: Parking structures shall be located appearance. The width of the landscape to the rear or side of the primary building planter shall be increased to a minimum of such that the primary street frontage holds 20 feet if located adjacent to a boundary the principal building which then screens to property line. A minimum 24-inch box size the extent possible the parking structure. evergreen trees shall be planted at a maximum spacing of 30 feet on-center along
the structure's perimeter.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 8 If any portion of the parking structure is h. A straight one-way ramp shall be at least 14 feet in visible from the public right-of-way and does width. A two-way ramp shall be at least 24 feet in not include a distinctive façade material as width. The minimum outside wall radius of a circular described above, vine plantings, minimum five ramp shall be 36 feet. (5)-gallon size, spaced a maximum of 10 feet
i. Structured parking shall be designed such that all
on-center, shall be planted at the base of this
elevation of the parking structure to further lighting is fully shielded and automobile headlamps within the structure are not visible from adjacent
soften its appearance. A wire cable or metal
trellis shall be affixed to the full height of this buildings, parcels, or streets. The minimum height of portion of the structure's façade to screening for automobile headlights shall be 42 inches in height.
accommodate the vertical growth of the vine
plantings. j. All lighting standards on the upper parking level shall comply with the base zoning district height
d. Any driveway providing two (2)-way access to a
standard. If the top of the structure is visible from
parking structure shall have a minimum width of 28
existing development or public vantagepoints above,
feet.
the upper parking level/roof shall be designed with a
Parked vehicles at each level within the structure non-glare surface. shall be shielded from view from adjoining streets.
f. 300 feet shall be the maximum length of a parking
aisle without being intersected by another parking
aisle or driveway.
g. The parking areas of sloped floor parking structures shall not exceed a grade of 5% as measured across
the width of a 90-degree parking stall. The grade of
a straight internal ramp shall not exceed fifteen 15%.
The grade of a circular ramp shall not exceed twelve
12% as measured at the outside ramp wall.
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2.4 COMMON AND PRIVATE OPEN SPACE
Common and private open space shall be required for all f. An area of usable common open space shall not multifamily and mixed-use projects and shall meet the exceed an average grade of 5%. following standards: Rooftop gardens and outdoor kitchens accessible to
2.4.1 COMMON OPEN SPACE all residents may qualify as common open space, subject to the following:
a. Common open space shall be purposefully designed
as active or passive recreational facilities. • Shall be located on the third or higher story. • Outdoor structures associated with the
b. Minimum of 150 square feet of common open space
on-site per unit. Minimum setback areas shall not be useable open space, such as trellises and used to satisfy common open space requirements. shade structures shall not exceed the building height limit.
c. In projects containing fewer than 10 units, the
common open space shall have a minimum width • At least 15% but no more than 25% of the and depth of 25 feet. rooftop shall be landscaped with raised beds for gardening, or other landscaping. All
d. Where the required common area is 3,000 square equired landscaped areas shall be equippe feet or more, the space may be divided among ith automatic irrigation systems and b multiple areas, subject to, at least one (1) recreation properly drained. area is a minimum of 2,000 square feet in area with a
minimum width and depth of 25 feet. All other areas One (1) active recreational amenity shall be provided shall be at least 750 square feet in area with a for each 30 units or fraction thereof. The following minimum width and depth of 15 feet. listed amenities satisfy the recreational requirements.
Common open space areas shall not be located Clubhouse or business center. e.
directly next to arterial streets, service areas, or Swimming pool/spa at a minimum of 15 feet adjacent commercial development. Alternatively, a by 30 feet or equal surface area (count as two minimum of 15-foot-wide dense landscaping planter amenities). shall be provided as screening.
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2.4.2 PRIVATE OPEN SPACE
• Pocket park or community garden at a Up to 35% of required common open space may be satisfied minimum of 1,000 square feet and a minimum by private open space. of 50 feet in at least one (1) direction.
a. Minimum of 100 square feet of private open space
• Recreational courts (tennis, basketball, (e.g., yards, patios) per ground-floor residential unit. pickleball, or racquetball). No horizontal dimension shall be less than 10 feet. • Gym/weightlifting facility. b. A minimum of 30% of the residential units above the ground-floor (first story) shall include a minimum of
• Children's playground with play equipment.
50 square feet of private open space (e.g., balcony,
• Dog run. terrace, or rooftop patio). No horizontal dimension shall be less than five (5) feet.
For stand-alone multistory residential units (e.g.,
townhomes and multiplex), minimum of 300 square
feet of private open space (e.g., yards, decks, patios).
No horizontal dimension shall be less than 10 feet.
d. Private open space shall be accessible to only one (1) unit by a doorway or doorways to a habitable room
or hallway of the unit.
e. Ground-level private open space shall be contiguous
to the unit they serve. Fences or walls defining the
front yard for ground-level multifamily units shall
not exceed three (3) feet in height. Fences or walls
defining usable rear yards for ground-level
multifamily units shall not exceed six (6) feet in
heiaht.
f. Minimum setback areas shall not be used to satisfy
private open space requirements.
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2.5 LANDSCAPING
Landscaping shall be utilized for all outdoor areas that are clusters or at equal intervals provided the preceding not specifically used for parking, driveways, walkways, average spacing is achieved. patios, or recreational space and shall meet the following Minimum Shrub Size: Minimum one (1) gallon size standards: with at least 30% to be minimum five (5) gallon size.
A minimum of 15% of the total project area shall be f. Maximum Shrub Spacing: Shrub spacing shall be a landscaped. For purposes of this Section, "project maximum of 10 feet. area" means the horizontal area within the
boundaries of a development project, less slope g. Groundcover: Minimum four (4) inch pot size at a areas with a ratio of 2:1 or steeper. minimum density of one (1)-foot on-center, or other size and/or density combination to achieve 100%
b. Plants shall be grouped in high and low maintenance landscape site coverage within 18 months of zones and shall coordinate with irrigation plans to planting. minimize the use of water and the placement of
irrigation tubing. h. Turf areas shall be placed in areas for recreational use only and must have a 10-foot minimum
C. Minimum Tree Size: Minimum six (6) feet high at diameter. initial planting with at least 50% to be a minimum
24-inch box size. Street trees along project a i. Trees shall be selected following local plans, frontage shall be a minimum 24-inch box in size and ordinances, approved planting lists, and other onsistent with the existing street tree theme o guidance that provides direction on tree selection lesignated street tree, if any. Street trees that dro based on specific issues, e.g., fire resistance and pods or other fruit shall be prohibited along the community aesthetics. public right-of-way. j. Provide root barrier when trees are located five (5) d. Maximum Tree Spacing: Street trees along the street feet or closer to any hardscape element or building. frontage shall be planted at a maximum distance of k. Palm trees shall only be used in community pool 30 feet on-center. Tree spacing in parkways, entry areas and as main entry focal points. drives, street medians, parking lot planters, and
project boundary areas shall be a maximum average
of 30 feet. Trees may be planted either in irregular
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 12 Projects shall comply with stormwater retention r. Raised curbs of six (6) inches shall be used to requirements established in the area and prepare separate all planters from street, parking, and project documents that can be reviewed with the loading areas. local engineering departments.
5. Trees and shrubs shall be placed a minimum of five
m. Permanent automatic irrigation facilities shall be (5) feet away from water meter, gas meter, or sewer provided for all landscaped areas. laterals; a minimum of eight (8) feet away from utility poles; and a minimum of three (3) feet away from
n. Decorative paving consisting of stamped concrete or fire hydrants and fire department sprinkler and unit pavers shall be employed at common areas such standpipe connections, unless another dimension is as pools and lounges.
approved by the local authority having jurisdiction.
0. Evergreen trees must be used to soften the t. Pavers and concrete alternatives, of either decorative appearance of blank walls and provide visual or permeable type, shall be required for a minimum screening but shall not be a replacement for of 10% of the hard surface of the project. enhanced architecture.
p. No landscaping greater than three (3) feet in height shall be permissible within an unobstructed vision
zone at an intersection. Unobstructed vision zones at
uncontrolled, non-signalized intersections shall be
located within a triangular area bounded by the
curblines located 50 feet back from what would be
the point of these curblines' intersection. At
controlled signalized intersections, a triangle having
25-foot tangents at the curblines shall apply. For
driveways, a similar unobstructed vision triangle shall be utilized featuring 25-foot tangents at the outside
line of the driveway.
9. All planting beds shall be mulched with an
appropriate organic material to help retard the
growth of weeds and maintain the moisture content
of the soil. Layers of mulch shall be two (2) to four
(4) inches thick on the soil surface.
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2.6 OUTDOOR LIGHTING 2.7 WALLS AND FENCES
Outdoor lighting shall meet the following standards: Walls and fences shall meet the following standards:
a. The outdoor lighting intensity within parking lots, Wall materials shall be decorative brick, slump stone, driveways, pedestrian walkways, and adjacent areas tile, textured concrete, stucco on masonry, or steel shall be at least 1.0 footcandle at all points, but shall framing. Plain concrete block walls, chain link, wire not exceed an average of 3.0 footcandles over the mesh, barbed wire, or similar materials for targeted area to be illuminated. All light sources walls/fencing are prohibited. shall be designed, constructed, mounted, and
b. Wall caps are to be incorporated as a horizontal
maintained such that the maximum intensity of
illumination, measured 20 feet beyond the project design element at the top of walls and should not boundary does not exceed 0.2 footcandle more than exceed four (4) inches vertical. ambient conditions. c. Wrought iron or tubular steel fencing, or other b. All light sources shall be shielded or recessed so that transparent types of fencing shall be included within direct glare and reflections are contained within the projects where there is a viewshed from the project boundaries of the parcel, and shall be directed site.
downward and away from adjoining properties and Walls/fences (including retaining walls, inclusive of public rights-of-way. Exposed lamps or light sources any required guardrails) located within 10 feet of a that are visible offsite are prohibited. boundary property line shared with the public right- of-way shall not exceed four (4) feet in height.
C. Low voltage accent lighting may be used to highlight trees and similar features within plazas, courtyards, Walls/fences (including retaining walls, inclusive of any required guardrails) located anywhere else on-
walkways, and other similar outdoor areas, as long as
the exposed lamps or light sources are not visible site shall not exceed six (6) feet in height. offsite.
d. Building-mounted security lighting fixtures shall not project above the eave line or roof of the building.
e. The style of lighting fixtures shall be consistent with the building's design and architectural style.
f. Street lighting within a development shall be a
maximum of 15 feet high.
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2.8 TRASH ENCLOSURES
e. All walls/fences visible beyond the project boundary Trash enclosures shall meet the following standards:
shall incorporate a landscape planter, minimum of five
(5) feet in depth, in front of the wall/fence viewable Common Trash and Refuse. offsite to soften the structure's appearance. A Trash and refuse areas shall be located within a landscape planter, minimum of 24 inches in depth, shall building or incorporated into the exterior building be incorporated in front of the wall/fence as viewed design. Alternatively, a detached enclosure may be internally from the multifamily or mixed-use project. used, subject to the following:
f. All exterior perimeter walls/fences located along
• The enclosure shall be located to the rear or
public streets shall have an offset, minimum of five side of the building and located outside of (5) feet deep, for every 50 linear feet of the view from a public right-of-way. wall/fence length.
• Trash and recycling bins shall be located
g. All non-transparent walls/fences located internal to within secured enclosure and having gate or the project site over 42 inches in height and greater door. Enclosures shall be constructed of solid than 100 feet in length shall incorporate landscaping walls at least six (6) feet high and be covered at a minimum width of 24 inches on each side of the
with a roof or trellis at least 10 feet high.
wall and/or fence to soften the structure's
appearance. • The enclosure shall incorporate the same
materials and colors of the primary building
h. Walls/fences defining the front yard (for ground- design. evel multifamily units within 15 feet of a proper
ne) shall not exceed three (3) feet in height fro • A minimum five (5)-foot wide landscape the adjacent sidewalk. planter area shall surround detached enclosures on three (3) sides. In addition to
i. Walls/fences facing an inner courtyard, that are not shrub planting, vines shall be planted at the
oriented toward a public right-of-way, shall have
base of the enclosure to deter graffiti and to
greater flexibility for enclosure, but shall not exceed blend the structure into the landscape. six (6) feet in height.
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2.9 UTILITIES
b. A minimum five (5)-foot wide landscape planter area Utilities shall meet the following standards:
shall surround enclosures that are attached on one
(1) side to a building. In addition to shrub planting, a. Ground-mounted mechanical, electrical, and utility vines shall be planted at the base of the enclosure to equipment (including electrical transformers) shall deter graffiti and to blend the structure into the be concealed within buildings or placed in landscape. subsurface vaults. If a utility room or vaulting is not feasible, then all utility equipment shall be
Trash and refuse areas shall be accessible for trash
purposefully screened from public view and placed
collection but shall not block circulation drives near
adjacent to alleyways (internal streets), within
loading areas or conflict with parking.
parking areas, or along a secondary street a
Individual Unit Trash and Refuse minimum of 100 feet from any corner intersection with the primary street frontage.
a. Individual trash containers for use by a single unit (i.e., townhouse/multi-plex) shall be stored as Roof-mounted equipment, including heating, follows: ventilation, and air conditioning units, exhausts, or other utilities shall be completely screened from a
• Incorporated within garage areas while still horizontal line-of-sight from surrounding roadways maintaining minimum garage dimensions, and properties. If the building roof is visible from • Within a cabinet enclosure designed within surrounding hillside areas, equipment shall be the footprint of the home with exterior screened from above. Roof screening shall consist of access, or architectural materials per the architectural style selected by the applicant for the building(s). Refer to • Within a side yard of the home behind a six Manual Sections 4.1-4.5 for the list of approved (6)-foot tall wall or fence. materials that correspond to architectural style. For flat roofs, a screen enclosure behind the parapet wall
may be used if it is made to appear as an integral
part of the building design.
Utilities, including heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning units are prohibited from being located
on exterior building walls.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 16 SECTION 3. BUILDING
FORM & DESIGN
Building form and design, including, massing, and façade Mid-Rise: Mixed-Use articulation facilitates the distinction of individual units, or groups of units, through varied heights, projections, Projects that exceed three (3)-stories, or that exceed 35 feet setbacks, and recesses. Materials and colors emphasize in height, as permissible by state law or the underlying changes and hierarchy in form. Multifamily and mixed-use zoning designation, shall be mixed-use. Mixed-use projects developments subject to this Manual shall be consistent shall consist of a combination of multifamily residential with one of the following building types and related units and one-half of the ground floor of the development standards. to be dedicated to commercial uses (i.e., restaurants and retail businesses).
Low-Rise: Mixed-Use or Multifamily
• Permissible Building Types:
Projects that do not exceed three (3)-stories, and that do not exceed 35 feet in height, are permissible as mixed-use • Wrap. or exclusively multifamily developments.
• Podium.
• Permissible Building Types:
• Allowable Architectural Styes: Spanish Colonial
• Townhome/Multi-Plex (3-Plex and 4-Plex). Revival, Craftsman, Tuscan, Modern Farmhouse/Ranch, and Modern. See Section 4 of
• Garden-Style (multiple side-by-side and/or this Manual. stacked dwelling units oriented around a
courtyard or series of courtyards).
• Allowable Architectural Styes: Spanish Colonial
Revival, Craftsman, Tuscan, Modern
Farmhouse/Ranch, and Modern. See Section 4 of
this Manual.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 17 TOWNHOME BE 3 BE
MULTI-PLEX (3-PLEX & 4-PLEX)
TOWNHOME
GARDEN-STYLE
MULTI-PLEX
GARDEN
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 18 WRAP
PODIUM
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 19
3.1 BUILDING TYPES: LOW-RISE
TOWNHOME/MULTI-PLEX AND GARDEN
Low-rise townhome/multi-plex and garden mixed-use or h. All building masses greater than 20 feet in length multifamily shall meet the following standards: shall provide a minimum of three (3) of the following features for articulation:
a. Building Height Maximum: 35 feet. Architectural
features (e.g, towers) not containing habitable/usable • Balconies, minimum depth of five (5) feet. pace that enhance the building design are permitte
o extend 10 feet above the maximum structure heigh • Bay windows (project at least 24 inches but and shall not occupy more than 20% of the front no more than 36 inches). façade. • Canopies, awnings, or trellises above doors
b. Story Limit: Maximum of three (3) stories. and windows, minimum depth of three (3) feet.
c. Maximum Upper Floor Massing (% of First Story
Footprint): Second Story - 90%, Third Story - 80%. • Color and/or material change, consistent with prescribed architectural style.
d. For townhome/multi-plex projects, each unit shall
include an attached two-car garage (e.g., tucked Roof height change, minimum of two (2) feet. •.
under the units) that is accessible by way of an alley. Window detail, of either lintels, sills, trims, or Driveways lined with garage doors shall not be wall plane change, a minimum of (4) inches in oriented to public right-of-way streets. depth.
e. Any development that includes 10 or more units i. Individual entrances for each townhouse/multi-plex shall provide a minimum of 20% of the total number unit shall have weather protection, either in the of units as three (3) bedroom dwelling units. form of a covered porch projection or covered recessed entry. The projection or recess shall have a
f. Each residential building shall include a minimum of three (3) units. The maximum building length shall minimum depth of four (4) feet. be 150 feet or six (6) units, whichever is less. j. As prescribed by the architectural styles of this For every 40 feet of building length, there shall be a Manual (Sections 4.1-4.5), rooflines shall not extend g.
wall depth change of a minimum of 24 inches that horizontally more than 50 feet in length without at extends vertically for a minimum of one (1) story. least one of the following prominent changes:
variation in roof height of at least 18 inches (as
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 20 measured from the highest point of each roofline), 60% transparent or translucent glazing measured variation in roof form (e.g., hipped, gable, shed) from finished floor to finished floor (opaque or and/or variation in architectural elements (e.g., reflective glass is not permitted). At least 25% of the parapets, varying cornices, or chimneys) surface area of the upper floor façades shall be k. Along any exterior building walls, material transitions occupied by windows. shall only occur on the inside corner of plane change
c. The sill height of a storefront window shall be no
or when material changes occur in same plane, trims,
cornices, or other architectural elements shall be more than 30 inches high measured from the adjacent finished sidewalk.
used to create a corner for material transition.
I. Exterior entrances to individual units on upper floors d. The ground floor shall have a clear floor-ceiling are permitted. However, no exterior access corridor height of at least 12 feet. providing access to upper-floor units shall be longer
Ground floor commercial tenant spaces shall have
than 40 horizontal feet to avoid a "motel-style"
storefront entrances oriented on the façade tronting
appearance.
the primary street.
m. For row-type townhouse/multi-plex developments,
individual units shall be distinguished from each f. Residential dwelling units shall not be located within other. This may be accomplished through the use of the ground floor space and within 20 feet of the at least two (2) of the following: building frontage along the primary street. • Change in wall plane (24 inches minimum). g. The ground between the curb/sidewalk and the building face of commercial storefronts shall be
• Change in color. paved with hard surfaces to maximize the walkable • Change in roof form or height. area and provide flexible spaces to accommodate Supplemental Standards for Low-Rise Mixed-Use commercial uses (e.g., restaurants with outdoor seating). 24 inch box size street frontage trees shall
a. Entrances to ground floor units that have street still be required in planter areas with tree grates frontage may be provided through a common lobby spaced at a maximum average of 30 feet. entrance and/or by private entrances from the
adjacent sidewalk. h. Doors and entryways to stores shall be recessed a minimum of 24 inches to articulate the entrance.
b. All ground-floor facades with a commercial or retail use facing onto a primary street shall be a minimum
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 21
3.2 BUILDING TYPES: MID-RISE MIXED-USE
WRAP AND PODIUM • Podium Building Types: Parking structures shall be subterranean below ground floor
Mid-rise wrap and podium projects shall be mixed-use residential and commercial units; garage (combination of ground floor commercial uses and walls shall not extend above finished grade. multifamily units) and shall meet the following standards: No portion of the parking structure shall be Building Height Maximum: 45 feet. Architectural visible from beyond the project boundary. a.
features (e.g., towers) not containing f. Any development that includes 10 or more units habitable/usable space that enhance the building shall provide a minimum of 20% of the total number design are permitted to extend five (5) feet above of units as three (3) bedroom dwelling units. the maximum structure height and shall not occupy
more than 20% of the front façade. For every 100 feet of building length, there shall be a najor wall depth change of a minimum of five (5
b. Story Limit: Maximum of four (4) stories. eet for a minimum length of 25 feet. The offset sha Maximum Site Coverage: Not more than 70% of the extend from grade to the highest story.
C.
total project area shall be occupied by a building(s). h. For every 40 feet of building length, there shall be a For purposes of this Section, "project area" means wall depth change of a minimum of 24 inches that the horizontal area within the boundaries of a extends vertically for a minimum of one (1) story. development project, less slope areas with a ratio of
2:1 or steeper. i. All building masses greater than 20 feet in length shall provide a minimum of three (3) of the following
d. Maximum Upper Floor Massing (% of First Story features for articulation:
Footprint): Second Story - 90%, Third Story - 80%,
Fourth Story - 75%. • Balconies, minimum depth of five (5) feet. e. Parking Structure: Awnings, canopies, or trellises above doors and windows, minimum depth of three (3)
Wrap Building Types: Residential units or feet.
retail tenant spaces (mixed-use) shall "wrap"
around an above-grade parking structure on • Color and/or material change, consistent with all sides. No portion of the parking structure prescribed architectural style. shall be visible from beyond the project • Roof height change, minimum of two (2) feet. boundary.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 22 • Window detail, of either lintels, sills, trims, or Entrances to ground floor units that have street wall plane change, a minimum of (4) inches in trontage may be provided through a common lobby depth. entrance and/or by private entrances from the
adjacent sidewalk.
j. Buildings over three (3) stories shall be designed
with a horizontal stepback, at a minimum depth of p. All ground-floor facades with a commercial or retail five (5) feet deep, from the front façade above the use facing onto a primary street shall be a minimum third floor. The stepback area may be used for 60% transparent or translucent glazing measured residential terraces. Towers or other similar from finished floor to finished floor (opaque or architectural features do not require a stepback, but reflective glass is not permitted). At least 25% of the shall not occupy more than 20% of the front façade. surface area of the upper floor façades shall be occupied by windows.
Along any exterior building walls, material transitions shall only occur on the inside corner of plane change q. The sill height of a storefront window shall be no or when material changes occur in same plane, trims, more than 30 inches high measured from the cornices, or other architectural elements shall be adjacent finished sidewalk. used to create a corner for material transition.
r. The ground floor shall have a clear floor-ceiling
I. As prescribed by the architectural styles of this Manual height of at least 15 feet. (Sections 4.1-4.5), rooflines shall not extend horizontally s. Projecting architectural elements on upper floors
more than 50 feet in length without at least one of the may project up to three (3) feet from the façade and
following prominent changes: variation in roof height of at into the setback. least 24 inches (as measured from the highest point of each roofline), variation in roof form (e.g., hipped, gable, shed) t. Ground floor commercial tenant spaces shall have and/or variation in architectural elements (e.g., parapets, storefront entrances oriented on the façade fronting varying cornices, or chimneys). the primary street.
u. Residential dwelling units shall not be located within m. At least one elevator shall be provided in each the ground floor space and within 20 feet of the multifamily building containing 20 or more units, building frontage along the primary street. where some of those units have primary access only
to the third story or higher stories. v. The ground between the curb/sidewalk and the uilding face of commercial storefronts shall b
n. For buildings over 35 feet tall, downspouts shall be aved with hard surfaces to maximize the walkabl incorporated into the interior design of the wall. area and provide flexible spaces to accommodate commercial uses (e.g., restaurants with outdoor
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 23 seating). 24 inch box size street frontage trees shall A building stepback of at least three (3) feet still be required in planter areas with tree grates from the main wall plane of the story below. spaced at a maximum average of 30 feet.
• A change in exterior cladding material at the
w. Doors and entryways to stores shall be recessed a top story that is different than the story minimum of 24 inches to articulate the entrance. below, effectively using the top story as a wall cap.
x. No more than 25% of the ground level wall area
directly visible from the street shall be left blank.
y. The ground floor elevation shall consist of at least one (1) of the following:
• A line of awnings or canopies over ground
floor storefronts or amenity space windows
extending at least 75% of the elevation width.
• A different exterior cladding material than
the middle/ body separated from the
middle/body above with either an overhang
or recess of two (2) feet or more, or a
horizontal belt course with a dimension of at
least 12 inches, consisting of a different color
and material separating the base from the
middle section.
The cap is at the top of the building and shall
include at least one (1) of the following:
If the building has a parapet wall, add a
cornice feature, consisting of a different
material and a depth of at least 12 inches
over the wall below.
• If a building has a pitched roof, an eave
overhang of at least two (2) feet.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 24 SECTION 4. ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
4.1 SPANISH COLONIAL REVIVAL
Derived from Spanish/Mediterranean and early Californian influences, the Spanish Colonial Revival styles emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These styles project a visually rich environment with allusions to regional history. Generally, Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings are asymmetrically arranged. The style features low-pitched roofs with little or no overhang-covered clay red roofing tiles at rake. These buildings were almost always wood framed with stucco siding. The use of the arch was common, especially for doors, porch entries, and main windows.
ARCHED WINDOWS
LOW PITCHED GABLE ROOF TALL, DOUBLE-HUNG
WINDOWS
OVERHANGING EAVES WITH
EXPOSED RAFTER TAILS
RED CLAY TILE ROOFS
DO 000! BALCONY
DECORATIVE IRON GRILLES
ARCHED ENTRIES SMALL PORCH
RECESSED ENTRANCES
DECORATIVE LIGHT FIXTURES
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 25
FORM & MASSING
Required Elements
a. Asymmetrical façade/elevations.
b. Three or more roof planes.
C. At least 50% of the units shall have
balconies or window treatments (such as
shutters or awnings).
d. Entrances are recessed at least 12".
Supplemental Required Elements (at least 1):
a. Projections, such as verandas, arcades,
balconies.
b. The ends of building masses shall be
stepped down to create a more
pedestrian scale.
c. Focal feature, such as courtyard,
tower, or fountain.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 26 ROOF
Required Elements
a. Low pitched (4:12 maximum) cross- or side-
gable roofs. The pitch shall remain constant
except for a veranda or arcade.
b. Roof tiles shall consist of two-piece clay or
concrete barrel tile (Mission-half-cylinder).
c. Roof tiles shall use terra cotta, brown earth
tones, or rustic red color palette.
d. Roof tiles shall be stacked, i.e., doubled,
tripled, and quadrupled, at the eaves and
randomly elsewhere over the roof surface to
add texture and richness.
e. Mud grouting shall be placed between the
stacked tiles.
f. Overhanging eaves (minimum of 24" on
elevations that face a public street) with
exposed rafter tails or beams.
g. Hipped roofs shall only be used in
combination with gables or on a tower
element.
h. Shed roofs shall only be used in conjunction
with verandas.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 27
MATERIALS & COLORS
Required Elements
a. White, cream, or light colored stucco
wall with smooth finish (i.e., hand
troweled).
b. Re-sawn wood shall be used as
secondary wall material for the
following elements:
• Posts and exposed beams.
• Railing, spindles and grill work.
• Shutters, window frames and doors.
c. If windows have shutters, the shutter's
color shall match the accent color that
is used for doors or decorative trim.
i. At least one ironwork element (e.g.
railings, hardware, and gates) shall be
used.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page 1 28
DOORS & WINDOWS
Required Elements
a. Accent windows shall be less than 20% of
the total windows.
b. The primary facade shall include at least
one arched element.
c. At least 50% of the windows shall be
casement windows.
d. All entrance door surrounds shall be
banded with ceramic tile or molded
plaster.
e. All the casement windows and double
hung windows shall have wooden frame.
f. At least two types/shapes of windows
shall be used
g. A minimum 3" wide flat casing shall be
used on all non-recessed casement
windows.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 29
DECORATIVE DETAILS
Projects featuring Spanish Colonial Revival architecture shall include a at least six of the following decorative accents and details:
SMALL PORCHES DECORATIVE TILES CLAY TILE VENTS WOOD BRACKETS 49 WROUGHT IRON RAILING COURTYARDS RECESSED NICHES WINDOW GRILLES
DARK METAL OR WROUGHT IRON STUCCO FINISH CHIMNEY PAIRED WOOD GARAGE
FABRIC AWNINGS WITH
LIGHT FIXTURE WITH CURVING WITH ROUND OR DOORS WITH IRON
METAL SPEAR SUPPORTS
BRACKETS RECTANGULAR OPENINGS HARDWARE
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (Ocłober 2023) Page | 30
4.2 CRAFTSMAN
The Craftsman, or California Bungalow style, emerged in the early 20th century out of the Arts and Crafts movement. This style is deployed to create a visually rich residential environment with allusions to regional history. As indicated in the accompanying precedent images and illustrative diagram, recognizable elements include low-pitched gabled or hipped roofs, exposed rafters and beams under eaves, decorative brackets and fasteners, full- or partial-width porches, and large columns or piers. Period Craftsman residences often featured exterior cladding of wood shingles or clapboard siding and details such as extended lintels and decorative lighting with geometric detailing.
LOW-PITCHED, GABLED
ROOF
OVERHANGING EAVES WITH
EXPOSED RAFTER TAILS
- 4-OVER-1, OR 6-OVER-1
SASH WINDOWS
WINDOW WITH MULLION
AND DIVIDED LITES WOOD SIDING
ENTRANCE PEDIMENTS
DECORATIVE BRACKETS
SQUARE OR TAPERED
COLUMNS
FRONT PORCH UNDER
THE ROOFLINE
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 31
FORM & MASSING
Required Elements
a. Asymmetrical façade/elevations.
b. Three or more roof planes on the
primary façade.
c. Front-facing gable roofs.
d. At least 30% of the street-facing units
shall have balconies or porches.
e. Articulated facades with massing breaks
every 25' minimum.
f. The space between columns and piers
shall be either square or vertically
rectangle shape with a height to width
proportion ratio of no more than 3:1.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 32 ROOF
Required Elements
a. Low- to moderate-pitched gable or
hipped roofs (typically from 6:12 to
8:12).
b. Overhanging eaves (minimum 24"
long primary elevation) with exposec
after tails or beams
Brackets or knee braces at gabled ends.
d. Use of asphalt shingle (or fiber cement
imitation or imitation synthetic asphalt
shingles).
e. Optional: Chimneys visible at the exterior
and located on the side façade are
acceptable.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (Ocłober 2023) Page | 33
MATERIALS & COLORS
Required Elements
a. Primary walls shall consist of no more than
three materials along any vertical section of the
building, in addition to glazing and railings,
with no more than 90% of the total wall surface
in one material. If used, stucco shall be limited
to a maximum of 25% of the total wall surface.
b. Acceptable building materials include smooth
stucco, wood shingles and clapboard siding
(natural, cement fiber, or engineered) and
natural materials, such as arroyo stone or
bricks. Brick, stone, and concrete blocks are the
most common materials used in the base.
C. The building color palette shall consist of dark,
neutral, earth-toned (derived from natural
landscape) colors. Lighter earth-toned colors
shall be used for details (columns, rafter tails).
d. Upper floor exterior walls shall be clad as
single-plane expanse of wood, composite
wood, shingle, shake, or clapboard siding up to
the roof line.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 34
DOORS & WINDOWS
Required Elements
a. At least 50% of the windows shall be
casement windows.
b. 80% of the primary windows shall have
grilles.
c. At least two types/shapes of
windows shall be used.
d. Utilize flat wood trims (typically 4½" or 5½"
wide) around the primary windows and
entry doors.
е. Window and door trim color shall
contrast with color of walls. For example, a dample,
if the primary building color is a dark
color, the accent elements shall consist of
a lighter color scheme.
f. Window and opening compositions shall
be either square and/or vertically
rectangle shaped and shall be recessed a
minimum of 2" from the wall.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 35
DECORATIVE DETAILS
Projects featuring Craftsman architecture shall include a at least six of the following decorative accents and details:
KNEE BRACE
BARGEBOARD
EXPOSED
RAFTER TAILS STONE PIER AND BATTERED METAL FRAME WITH
WOOD SUPPORT GEOMETRIC PATTERN
DECORATIVE
ATTIC/GABLE VENT.
EXTENDED LINTELS
ABOVE WINDOWS
WRAPAROUND PORCH SECOND-STORY
WITH LOW WALL BALCONY
EXTENDED LINTELS
ABOVE DOORS
DORMERS ON FRONT RECTANGULAR
FAÇADE OR ROUND
DOWNSPOUTS
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 36
4.3 TUSCAN
Tuscan is an interpretation of traditional Mediterranean architectural style based on precedents found in the Spanish Colonial Revival style joined by rural Italian elements. As indicated in the accompanying precedent images and illustrative diagram, recognizable elements include the use of stone and stucco, light earth tones, and red tiled roofs. Classical elements such as columns and arches and decorative iron work add visual complexity. Squared towers and projections speak to Italianate references. Porches and porticoes are common, as are vertically oriented recessed windows.
RED CLAY TILES
WINDOW WITH FLAT LINTEL AND DIVIDED LITES
OVERHANGING EAVES
- VARIATION OF ROOF PLANES
EXPOSED RAFTER TAILS
VERTICALLY ORIENTED
RECESSED WINDOWS
SQUARED PROJECTION
REFERENCES ITALIANATE
PRECEDENTS
DECORATIVE METAL
LIGHT FIXTURE
RECESSED ENTRY
- USE OF STONE
ARCHED OPENINGS
Lagene Niguel - Objecifve Design Standerds Morol (October 2023) Page | 37
FORM & MASSING
Required Elements
a. Asymmetrical arrangement of windows
and design elements along primary
elevation.
b. Porches, porticoes and/or Juliet
balconies.
C. Recessed entries.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 38 ROOF
Required Elements
a. Flat or low pitched hip or gable roof
(maximum 6:12 slope).
b. Red-toned clay tiles.
c. Multiple roof levels, at least three.
d. Overhanging eaves (minimum 12" 28701
along primary elevation).
e. Shaped timber tiles at eaves.
400
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 39
MATERIALS & COLORS
Required Items
a. Incorporate rough-hewn stone as
accent feature (minimum of 25% of
exterior walls).
b. Smooth stucco walls in light-toned (low
saturation or chroma) colors.
The building color palette shall consist of
earth-toned (derived from natural
landscape) colors.
d. Use of brick, stone, or wood columns.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 40
DOORS & WINDOWS
Required Elements
a. Vertically oriented rectangular or
arched windows arranged in
asymmetrical patterns.
b. Casement or double-hung sash with
flat or arched lintels.
c. Windows shall be recessed 6" to 12"
from outer wall.
d. A minimum of 60% of casement windows
shall be paired with either four-pane
patterns for narrow windows and eight-
pane patterns for wider windows.
Supplemental Required Elements (at least 1)
a. Pediment or framed windows.
b. Paired decorative shutters.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 41
DECORATIVE DETAILS
Projects featuring Tuscan architecture shall include a at least six of the following decorative accents and details:
RAFTER EXTENSIONS AND STONE OR STUCCO WINDOW /
SHALLOW JULIET BALCONIES BRACKETS DOOR TRIM
STUCCO OR STONE
RECTANGULAR OR ARCHED DOOR LIGHT /DARK WOOD CHIMNEYS DEEP OVERHANGS
USE OF BRICK, STONE OR WOOD DECORATIVE IRONWORK (WINDOW GRILLES,
ARCADE OR PORCH AT ENTRY COLUMNS
RAILINGS, LIGHT FIXTURES, DECORATIVE
PLANTERS)
Loguno Niguel - Objeclive Design Stondards Manual (October 2023) Poga | 42
4.4 MODERN FARMHOUSE/RANCH
Modern Farmhouse/Ranch is a contemporary interpretation of traditional rural residential forms and materials. This style reflects Orange County's agricultural and ranching history and regional context. As indicated in the accompanying precedent images and illustrative diagram, the style utilizes elements such as vertical or horizontal wood siding, monochrome colors with contrasting accents and sparse or simple ornamentation. Roofs are typically medium to high-pitched. Minimal detailing often includes awnings, porches and wall mounted gooseneck lights.
HIGH PITCHED ROOF - ACCENTUATED
VERTICAL ORIENTATION
HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL WOOD -
BOARD AND BATTEN SIDING
MULTIPLE ROOF PLANES DORMERS
CASEMENT WINDOWS
WITH MUNTINS
FIXED AWNING
WITHOUT SIDES
MONOCHROME COLOR WITH
CONTRASTING ACCENTS
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 43
FORM & MASSING
Required Elements
a. Asymmetrical massing with clean
and straight exterior lines.
Repeating shapes and lines.
C. Incorporate farm and ranch forms
inspired by barns, silos, sheds, tank
houses, and granary towers.
d. Multiple gable and shed roof planes.
e. Covered porches and awnings to break up
volumes between lower and upper floors.
f. Three or more wall planes.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 44 ROOF
Required Elements
a. High-pitched gabled roof or shed roof
(minimum 6:12 slope).
b. Intersecting gable roofs.
C. Dark asphalt shingle, metal roofs, or
synthetic slate shingles.
d. Triangular rooflines emphasizing the
height of the unit.
e. Large overhangs (minimum 24" in
length) above the patio and garage.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 45
MATERIALS & COLORS
Required Elements
a. Utilize board and batten siding,
corrugated panels to give texture and
variation to exterior walls.
b. Siding materials include wood,
engineered wood, steel, fiber cement.
c. The building color palette shall
consist of light-toned (low
saturation or chroma) colors.
Combine contemporary design with
rustic unadorned materials, such as
metal, wood, and stone.
e. Stucco is prohibited.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 46
DOORS & WINDOWS
Required Elements
a. At least 60% windows shall be tall and
narrow double hung windows with a
proportion of 2 or 2.5 times taller than
wide.
Groupings of two or three double hung
units shall comprise at least 10% of the
total window openings.
Accent windows shall comprise no more
than 20% of total window openings.
d. 60% windows shall have grilles.
e. Minimal molding around window and
door openings.
f. Double hung or casement windows with
muntins.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 47
DECORATIVE DETAILS
Projects featuring Modern Farmhouse/Ranch architecture shall include a at least six of the following decorative accents and details:
WIDE FRONT PORCH OR BALCONY WITH SIMPLE COLUMNS IRON-INSPIRED BARN-STYLE LIGHTING
PORCHES WITH ARCHITECTURALLY
CARRIAGE-STYLE GARAGE DOORS METAL AWNING WITHOUT SIDES
COMPATIBLE CEILING FANS
DARK SHUTTERS AND WINDOW SHED DORMERS SIMPLE GABLE BRACKETS, SANS SERIF FONT
SASHES VENTS AND TRIM HOUSE NUMBERS
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 48
4.5 MODERN
Modern is a contemporary style derived from utilitarian precedents, utilizing block forms, contrasting colors and eclectic combinations of materials in modern compositions. This style projects a minimalist, clean aesthetic. Simple rectangular shapes and forms are combined within horizontal and vertical planes to create dynamic lines. Flat roofs reinforce the rectangular shapes and provide an opportunity for outdoor deck areas. Accents are simple and modest, usually taking the form of trellis elements. Modern design also favors strong horizontal and vertical elements, creating a sense of hierarchy while somehow both standing out in stark contrast and blending in with the natural surroundings of the landscaping and neighborhood.
FLAT ROOFS, EMPHASIS ON
HORIZONTAL PLANES AND
BROAD ROOF OVERHANGS
CLEAN AESTHETIC WITH
LARGE WINDOWS AND OPENING MINIMAL ORNAMENT
IN HORIZONTAL BANDS AND MOULDINGS
USE OF MATERIALS LIKE
WOOD, IRON, STONE, STEEL
RECTANGULAR AND COMPOSITES
SHAPE EMPHASIS ON
HORIZONTAL AND
VERTICAL LINES
EXPANSIVE GLASS FROM
- FLOOR TO CEILIN
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 49
FORM & MASSING
Required Elements
a. An asymmetrical composition with geometric shapes
and clean lines.
b. Articulate the facade using design elements that are inherent to the building. For example, break up
building mass by providing vertical and horizontal
articulation of facades with step-backs, recesses,
projections, and broad roof overhangs to add detail and variety as a byproduct of massing.
c. Break up the building mass by incorporating
elements that define a building's base, middle, and
top.
d. Lack of ornament or moldings. Arches, ornate columns, or window shutters shall be avoided.
e. Repeating lines and elements.
f. Three or more wall planes.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 50 ROOF
Required Elements
a. Well-articulated flat or low-pitched shed
roofs as the primary roof form (4:12 slope max).
b. Broad roof overhangs with exposed wood or
steel frame encouraged
Deep overhangs (over 24") on
sloped roofs are encouraged.
d. Tile roof shall be prohibited
e. May have roof decks or gardens.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 51
MATERIALS & COLORS
Required Elements
a. Use of traditional materials, such as stone,
brick, metal, expansive glass, and wood to
display the natural features of the building.
b. At least three distinctive building materials shall
be used on any exterior building wall, in addition
to glazing and railings. Any one material must
comprise at least 20% of any exterior building wall
excluding windows and railings. Distinctive
building materials include decorative tile, smooth
stucco, brick, stone, wood, fiber cement, or
composite wood or stone.
C. Use of color blocks to accentuate geometric
forms and break down massing elements.
Use of neon or fluorescent colors are
prohibited.
d. Vinyl siding, large areas of stucco, and
imitation stone/rock shall be avoided.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 52
DOORS & WINDOWS
Required Elements
30% units in each building shall include at least one
large window (i.e., floor-to-ceiling window, sliding
windows, picture window) or unadorned glass door.
b. Rectangular shape windows and doors.
Window or balcony wrapping around a corner of
the building.
d. Narrow aluminum window frames with square
sticking.
e. Window openings that are recessed or protruding a
minimum of 6".
BAR • KITCHE
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 53
DECORATIVE DETAILS
Projects featuring Modern architecture shall include at least six of the following decorative accents and details:
AWNINGS USABLE ROOF DECK TRELLIS SHADE STRUCTURE
DECORATIVE BALCONY METAL BROAD ROOF OVERHANG WITH
RAILINGS EXPOSED WOOD OR STEEL FRAME
FLOOR-TO-CEILING
PICTURE WINDOW(S)
STOREFRONTGLASS
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 54
4.6 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE DEFINITIONS
Accent Window. Accent windows are supplement. It provides Awning. An architectural fabric or metal projection that provides aesthetics value and variance to the building. Window types include weather protection, building identity, or decoration, and is wholly transom windows, dormer awning windows, picture windows, arch supported by the building to which it is attached. An awning is and circle windows, and art glass. comprised of a lightweight frame structure over which a cover is attached.
Accent
Window Awning
Accent
Window
Accent
Window Accent
Window
Arcade. A roofed passageway or lane. A series of arches supported Bay. Any division of a building between vertical lines or planes. by columns, piers, or pillars, either freestanding or attached to a wall to form a gallery.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 55 Board and Batten. A form of sheathing for wood frame buildings Building Mass (Massing). Mass refers to the general shape and consisting of wide boards, usually placed vertically, whose joints are form as well as size of a building. covered by narrow strips of wood over joints or cracks.
Batten
Board
Cladding. Building cladding is the application of one material over another to add an extra skin or layer to the building. Commonly used exterior wall cladding materials include brick, vinyl, wood, Bracket. A projection from a vertical surface providing structural stone, fiber cement, metal, concrete, and stucco. or visual support under cornices, balconies, windows, or any other overhanging member.
Stuci Stone Vinyl
- Bracket
Cornice. A horizontal molding projecting along the top of a wall, building, etc.
Cornice
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 56 Corbel. A structural piece of stone, wood, or metal jutting from Divided Lite: Individual panes of glass held in place by wood or a wall to carry a super-incumbent weight, a type of bracket. synthetic material to create a pattern.
Divided Lites
Corbel
Cornice Return. Also called an eave return, a cornice return is a graceful way to transition the eave and the main fascia board around the gable end of a house.
Dormer: A structure projecting from a sloping roof usually housing a vertical window that is placed in a small gable, or containing a Cornice return ventilating louver.
Decorative Gable Vents. A non-venting louver mounted in the top Dormer of the gable.
- Gable Vent
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 57 Front-gabled Roof. A gabled-roof that faces the road or main Juliet Balcony. A pseudo balcony; a low ornamental railing to a entrance. window, projecting but slightly beyond the plane of the window, Gable Roof. A roof having a gable at one or both ends; a roof threshold or sill, having the appearance of a balcony when the window is fully open.
sloping downward in two opposite directions from a central ridge, so as to form a gable at each end.
Hipped Roof. A roof which slopes upward from all four sides of a building, requiring a hip rafter at each corner.
- Juliet Balcony
Mansard Roof. A type of roof with two slopes on each side.
Gable Hip
Mission Parapet. A low protective wall or railing along the edge Side-Gabled Front-Gabled of a roof, balcony, or similar structure; in an exterior wall, the part Joinery. It is a part of woodworking that involves joining pieces entirely above the roof. of wood, engineered lumber, or synthetic substitutes (such as laminate), to produce more complex items.
Types of Wood Joinery
Mission Parapet
Mierred Butt
Base Buer
Rosand
Hat-Lac
Robbet Joint
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 58 Mullion. A dividing piece between the lights of windows, usually Pediments. A low-pitched triangular gable above the doorway taking on the characteristics of the style of the building. or above a window; a triangular gable end of the roof above the horizontal cornice, often with sculpture.
Muntin. A secondary framing member to hold panes in a window, window wall, or glazed door; an intermediate vertical member that divides panels of a door.
SIDE JAMB
MULLION
HEAD JAMB
MUNTIN MUNTIN
I CHECK RAIL
Primary Window. Windows that are commonly used and have an independent function. Primary windows shall be able to open from the inside. Window types include casement windows, single-hung, double-hung, slider windows, and bay windows.
Examples of Primary windows
I CASING SASH I SII.1. DIVIDING LITES
PARTS OF A WINDOW
Overhanging Eaves. The projecting overhang at the lower edge of a roof that sheds rainwater.
Casement Window Double Hung Bay Window
Examples of Accent windows
Rake
Overhanging
Eave
Overhanging
Circle window Dormer awning window Transom
Overhanging Eaves
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 59 Rafter Tails. The portion of the rafter that hangs over the wall. Shutter. Each of a pair of hinged panels, often louvered, fixed inside or outside a window that can be closed for security or privacy or to keep out light.
- Rafter Tails
Roof Plane. The surface of the roof. It could be flat, pitched or at an angle. It is also called the field of the roof.
These are decorative.
features not roof planes. 4 Roof Planes
Side-gabled Roof. A gabled roof that faces either side of the main entrance.
Sill. The horizontal exterior member at the bottom of a window or door opening, usually sloped away from the bottom of the window or door for drainage of water and overhanging the wall below.
Shingle. A small thin piece of building material often with one end — Sill thicker than the other for laying in overlapping rows as a covering for the roof or sides of a building.
Transom Window. A transom window used above the entry door but can't not open. They are usually as wide as the door (or as wide as the door and the sidelights). They can come in square (rectangular), round top, or elliptical.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 60 Valance Grids. Valance grids are similar to the Standard grids but Wingwall. A smaller wall attached or next to a larger wall or structure. are only across the top of the window or door.
Verandas. A raised, covered, sometimes partly closed area, often made of wood, on the front or side of a building.
Window Sash. The movable part of a window made up of the vertical and horizontal frame that holds the glass.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (October 2023) Page | 61
ATTACHMENT B
October 10, 2023, Planning Commission Resolution
No. 23-11
RESOLUTION NO. 23-11
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ZONING CODE AMENDMENT (ZCA) 23-02 AMENDING LAGUNA NIGUEL MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 9-1-95 TO ESTABLISH
MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE
DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN STANDARDS FOR PROJECTS THAT QUALIFY FOR STREAMLINED MINISTERIAL REVIEW UNDER STATE LAW; AND DETERMINING
THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061(B)(3)
WHEREAS,
By the authority granted to the City of Laguna Niguel ('City") by Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution, the City has the police power to regulate the use of land and property within the City in a manner designed to promote public convenience and general prosperity, as well as public health, welfare, and safety;
2. Existing state law allows for streamlined ministerial review of qualifying multifamily and mixed-use housing projects. Additionally, it allows local agencies to adopt objective design and development standards for qualifying projects; and
3. The proposed Zoning Code Amendment 23-02 (hereafter "ZCA 23-02") would amend Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1-95 to establish objective development and design standards for qualifying multifamily and mixed-use projects; and
4. In accordance with Government Code Section 65091(a)(4) for projects affecting over 1,000 property owners, a one-eighth (1/8"h) page notice of the public hearing describing the project, date, time and location of the hearing was advertised in the Orange County Register - Laguna Niguel News at least 10 days prior to the October 10, 2023 hearing date. A notice was also posted at City Hall and was made available on the City's website.
On October 10, 2023 the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on ZCA 23-02, at which time the Planning Commission considered all evidence presented by City staff and other interested parties.
NOW THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The Planning Commission of the City of Laguna Niguel, California, hereby finds that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein as substantive findings of the Commission.
Resolution No. 23-11 2
SECTION 2. CEQA. The Planning Commission finds, and recommends that the City Council find, that the adoption of ZCA 23-02 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ('CEQA") because it is an administrative activity that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment and is thus not a "project" under State CEQA Guidelines 15378 (see State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15060(c)(2) and (3)). Alternatively, even if the adoption of ZCA 23-02 did qualify as a project under CEQA, it would be exempt from CEQA under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), which provides that a project is exempt from CEQA 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. Adoption of ZCA 23-02 will not have a significant effect on the environment as it simply establishes objective design review standards for certain multifamily and mixed-use projects in accordance with state law; it does not authorize any construction or development. Therefore, it is exempt from CEQA. Projects that are subject to discretionary review will be reviewed in accordance with CEQA, and projects that are subject only to ministerial approval are exempt from CEQA (under Government Code Section 21080(b)(1)).
SECTION 3. Additional Findings. The Planning Commission finds, and recommends that the City Council find, that ZCA 23-02 meets the findings required for zoning code amendments in accordance with Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1- 117.4(d). The proposed objective development and design standards ("ODDS") are consistent with and implement the goals and policies of all elements of the Laguna Niguel General Plan and exercise the City's land use powers to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Furthermore, the proposed ODDS is consistent with the following Laguna Niguel General Plan Policies:
• Goal 4, Intent: "Laguna Niguel desires to have attractive urban design reflected in development projects which also contribute to more efficient and productive use of land." The proposed ODDS creates a standardized set of design criteria that promotes high-quality architectural projects that are reflective of the community's aesthetic. • Policy 4.1: "Emphasize attractive and functional urban design in new development." The proposed ODDS standardizes the City's design guidelines and other architectural principles intended to yield attractive projects by providing clear direction on building form, massing, and articulation. Standards are included on materials, colors, roofs, doors, windows, and decorative details to ensure quality architecture for multifamily residential and mixed-use development projects.
• Action 3.3.5: "Enact development standards and design guidelines to ensure land use within a mixed-use project complement one another." The proposed ODDS requires mixed-use developments to incorporate site design and architectural elements to complement the coexistence of commercial and multifamily uses within a community.
For the above reasons, the adoption of ZCA 23-02 is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the Laguna Niguel General Plan. The Planning Commission also finds ZCA 23-02's amendments to the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City in that they will establish Resolution No. 23-11 3
appropriate design and development standards that are consistent with the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and other regulations. The proposed ODDS provides a clear set of architectural and site design requirements for new multifamily residential, including mixed- use developments. The standards are numeric and/or quantifiable and can be measured as opposed to subjective standards, which require interpretation. These standards will ensure development maintains the character and quality of design within the City and support the construction of new housing production by streamlining the approval of housing development for qualifying projects. Therefore, the proposed zoning code amendments will not adversely affect public health, safety, or general welfare.
SECTION 4. Recommendation to City Council. Based on the entire record before the Planning Commission, all written and oral evidence presented to the Planning Commission, and the findings made in the staff report and this Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Laguna Niguel hereby recommends that the City Council adopt ZCA 23-02 as follows:
Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1-95. - Multifamily and mixed-use residential objective development and design standards
(a) Purpose and Intent. The purpose of the objective development and design standards of this section is to provide the development community, design professionals, general public, and City personnel with objective criteria for eligible new multifamily and mixed- use residential development in the City. These criteria include, for example, objective standards related to site planning, building form, landscaping, and architectural design based on Laguna Niguel's character, aesthetics, and the quality of the built environment. Consistent with existing state law, objective standards are those that involve no personal or subjective judgment by a public official and are uniformly verifiable by reference to an external and uniform benchmark or criterion available and knowable by both the development applicant and the public official prior to submittal.
The intent is to promote the construction of new housing and further City goals in yielding development projects that feature elevated design and architecture and foster an enhanced quality of life through the built environment. (b) Applicability and Review. The provisions of Section 9-1-95 apply to all new multifamily and mixed-use residential projects that qualify for streamlined ministerial review unde tate law. If a project is subject to development and design review and is not require by state law to be reviewed only against objective standards, it is subject to discretionary design review and findings, as prescribed in Subarticle 9 and Subarticle 11 of this Code.
(c) Relationship to Other Regulations. Eligible housing projects that qualify for streamlined ministerial review under state law must comply with these objective development and design standards and with all applicable development standards in the City's gulatory documents, including but not limited to the Laguna Niguel Municipal Cod nd applicable Soecific Plans. Where standards conflict. the more restrictive sh apply
Resolution No. 23-11 4
(d) Objective Development and Design Standards Manual. The City of Laguna Niguel's Objective Development and Design Standards Manual ("the Manual) is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference into this Section 9-1-95 as if fully set forth herein. If a provision is inconsistent with state law, it does not impact any other standards.
(1) Accessibility. The Manual shall be maintained on file with the City of Laguna Niguel Community Development Department ("Department"). Additionally, the Manual shall be made freely accessible to the public and shall be posted on the official City of Laguna Niguel website.
(2) Amendments. The Manual may be amended in accordance with the following:
a. The Director may initiate amendments to the Manual. All proposed amendments shall be reviewed for compliance with state law and any amendment determined to be in violation of state law shall be rejected. b. If a change in state law renders an existing portion of the Manual noncompliant, state law will govern and the Director shall initiate an amendment to bring the Manual into compliance as expeditiously as possible.
• No ani in ant to the at a helle elective set tris in even -1-1 (Zoning Code Amendments).
d. All amendments shall be properly documented, and a revision history shall be maintained by the Department. The most current version of the Manual, along with its revision history, shall be available to the public through the City's website and upon request at the Department.
SECTION 5. Certification. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
Resolution No. 23-11 5
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the members of the City of Laguna Niguel Planning Commission on this 10th day of October, 2023.
AYES: Green, Savage-Lebhart, Ferlauto, Hayes, Vahid
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
sita flem
Jonathan Orduna
Community Development Director
Yig Dece
Roger Green
Chairman of the Planning Commission
ATTACHMENT C
October 10, 2023, Planning Commission Meeting
Minutes
THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
1989 OCTOBER 10, 2023
CALL TO ORDER By Chair Green at 7:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Voting Members Present: Chair Roger Green
Vice Chair Savage-Lebhart
Commissioner Karen Ferlauto
Commissioner Kathleen Hayes
Commissioner Pedram Vahid
Voting Members Absent: None
Advisory Members Present: Community Development Director Jonathan Orduna
Staff Present: Deputy Director John Morgan
Associate City Attorney Ryan Stager
Senior Planner Erica Roess
Contract Planner Stephanie Tomaino
Management Analyst Hannah Tamaddor
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Commissioner Ferlauto
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - May 9, 2023
It was moved by Commissioner Hayes and seconded by Commissioner Vahid to approve the Minutes of the May 9, 2023, Planning Commission meeting. The motion carried 4-0-1.
AYES: Green, Ferlauto, Hayes, Vahid
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Savage-Lebhart
ABSENT: None
Planning Commission Minutes Page 1 of 7 October 10, 2023
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Public Communications.
NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 23-02 (Objective Development and Design Standards) - PUBLIC HEARING - An amendment to Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1-95 to establish multifamily and mixed-use residential objective development and design standards for projects that qualify for streamlined ministerial review under state law; and determining the action to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
Recommended Action: That the Planning Commission open the public hearing, take public testimony, close the public hearing, and then take the following actions:
A. Find that adoption of Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 23-02 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because it is an administrative activity that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment and thus is not a "project" under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 (see State CEQA Guidelines, , Section 15060(c)(2) and (3)). Alternatively, even if adoption of ZCA 23-02 did qualify as a project under CEQA, find that it is exempt from CEQA pursuant State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), which provides that a project is exempt from CEQA 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.
B. Adopt Resolution No. 23-11 (Attachment A) recommending that the City Council approve Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 23-02 amending Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1-95; and determining the action to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
Contract Planner Tomaino provided a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the proposed Zoning Code Amendment, consisting of a proposed Objective Development and Design Standards (ODDS) Manual (Manual) to be adopted by reference in the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code. She noted for the record that there was a comment letter submitted subsequent to the agenda packet by the California Housing Defense Fund (CalHDF). Copies of this letter were provided to the Planning Commission on the dais. She explained that in consultation with the City Attorney's office, staff would be reviewing the comment letter to determine if any Manual changes were necessary prior to consideration by the City Council (decision-making authority).
Vice Chair Savage-Lebhart confirmed with Associate City Attorney Stager that the Manual would apply to affordable multi-family housing projects that qualify under special treatment in state law, specifically SB 35, AB 2011, and SB 6.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 7 October 10, 2023 Vice Chair Savage-Lebhart asked if there was an estimate for how much of Laguna Niguel would be affected by these laws. Deputy Director Morgan answered that they would apply citywide; however, each of the state statues have mandatory requirements to qualify, depending on the level of affordability, and other factors. Given the City's current land values to date, staff had not yet seen anyone exercise state laws to build a project that would qualify for ministerial review.
Commissioner Ferlauto confirmed with Associate City Attorney Stager that any substantive future amendments to the Manual would first be presented to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation to the City Council.
Commissioner Vahid echoed Contract Planner Tomaino's comment during her presentation that the selection of the architectural styles was based on existing architecture in Laguna Niguel.
Commissioner Hayes inquired about the letter submitted by CalHDF this afternoon and asked if staff expected changes to be made to the Manual. Deputy Director Morgan answered that given the late submission of the letter, staff and the City Attorney's office had not yet completed their thorough review. He added that potential changes may entail finessing some of the language used regarding colors or material choices. He continued that in the case that the Manual was adopted, and a point was later raised regarding subjectivity, the standard would not be applied.
Chair Green confirmed with Contract Planner Tomaino that the Manual would be utilized for projects exempted from City discretionary review by state law. Contract Planner Tomaino added that in addition to the municipal code, staff would ensure compliance with the Manual prior to issuance of a building permit.
Chair Green confirmed with Contract Planner Tomaino that there were existing design review standards as part of the discretionary review process.
Chair Green confirmed with Contract Planner Tomaino that this Manual would allow staff to review development projects that the state has determined must be approved ministerially to ensure they are designed to the high-quality standards we expect in Laguna Niguel.
Chair Green opened and closed the Public Hearing at 7:27 p.m.
Commissioner Ferlauto explained she had spoken to about 15-20 residents and architects in Laguna Niguel, who all concurred that the five architectural styles in the Manual were representative of the community. She added that the architects were very complimentary of the Manual, and congratulated staff for their work.
Commissioner Ferlauto had two suggestions for the Manual. Her first suggestion was on page 32 regarding acceptable roofing material. The Manual currently includes wood as an acceptable roofing material for the Craftsman architectural style. However, due to recent fire concerns, she suggested that "wood" be removed. Commissioner Ferlauto's second suggestion was on page 42 of the Manual currently titled "Farmhouse/Ranch" to add the word "modern" to the title, clarifying that this should be a modern style rather than an old- Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 7 October 10, 2023 fashioned rural farmhouse/ranch style, which was not appropriate for Laguna Niguel.
Deputy Director Morgan thanked Commissioner Ferlauto for her suggestions and agreed that her first suggestion to remove "wood" was consistent with the Building Code. He added that staffs recommendation would be to update the Manual to the following: "Use of wood or asphalt shingle (or fiber cement imitation or imitation synthetic asphalt shingles." For the second suggestion, Deputy Director Morgan noted that the Manual describes the farmhouse/ranch style as a contemporary interpretation, but if there was concern from the Planning Commission to emphasize the term modern, the Manual could be updated accordingly.
Vice Chair Savage-Lebhart commented that adding modern with farmhouse/ranch better explained what it was and would be very logical, in terms of the keynote designs in Laguna Niguel, such as the recently approved City Center project.
Commissioner Ferlauto thanked staff for their hard work in completing an excellent Manual that would be used going forward for local development. She noted that as the state continues to enact laws and regulations that reduce local control over development, it is important that Laguna Niguel have in place quantifiable design standards to ensure architectural integrity and defined continuity for the community. Also, she believed developers would welcome direction about what architectural styles would work best in the City. Commissioner Ferlauto concluded that she supported additional affordable housing, and this Manual provides the opportunity for appropriate building in the community.
Vice Chair Savage-Lebhart asked if the listed designs were prescriptive or proscriptive, and if builders were prohibited from using other designs. Contract Planner Tomaino answered that if applicants would like more flexibility beyond what was provided in the Manual, they could request the standard discretionary review process.
Vice Chair Savage-Lebhart commented that the history of this country was filled with resisting centralized government. The trend of increased centralized government at the federal level has mirrored to the state level. In order to overcome nimbyism and other human practices that have slowed development, the state legislature has moved to increasingly broader attempts to control what happens at the local level. Conversely, local governments have tried to maintain as much control as they can. Vice Chair Savage-Lebhart believes the Manual is an excellent response for the time they were in. She was quite impressed with the quality and how easy it was to read and understand. Overall, she endorsed the Manual.
Commissioner Vahid suggested for page 26 to add the word "clay" to red tiled roofs to make it clearer, unless red tile was specific enough. Director Morgan answered that page 38 did specify it to be clay tiles, but if there was interest by the Planning Commission to include this in the opening description of page 26, staff does not have a strong opinion on it.
Commissioner Vahid inquired about the title of the Manual, noting that the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) toolkit and the City of Temecula had "multi-family" and "mixed use" in the title, and asked if it would be beneficial to include these terms. Community Development Director Orduna answered that the Manual as it currently exists is intended to address a framework that was created by state legislation. With streamlining bills continuously under consideration at the state level, staff anticipates that the scope of projects Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 of 7 October 10, 2023 that will be subject to ministerial review is likely to expand. He noted that if a developer were looking to do a project like this, they would be an experienced, practiced developer who is very familiar with state law. The key language in this instance will be in the zoning code itself that links to the Manual. From that regard, the title of the Manual was not so much important.
The Manual title was intentionally left more broad in anticipation of future changes.
Commissioner Hayes asked what staff expected to be coming down the pipeline from the state. Director Orduna answered that he would be happy to discuss outside of the Planning Commission meeting.
Chair Green inquired about the process if a developer opted to change the project design during the plan check process in a manner that conflicted with the Manual. Deputy Director Morgan answered that staff would deem the project noncompliant and unable to proceed.
The City would require the applicant to rescind their application and go through the discretionary review process or amend their design to be consistent with what was originally reviewed and consistent with the Manual. Associate City Attorney Stager added that under the Housing Accountability Act, the City has a certain number of days to notify the applicant whether the project was consistent with the Manual. If the project was inconsistent, the City will identify the standards they were not consistent with and from there, it would be a judgement call from the applicant to redesign their project to be consistent with City standards, or pivot and go through the City's discretionary review process to explore other options. Chair Green clarified with Associate City Attorney Stager that the Manual is meant to be clear and objective in what the City would approve without discretionary review. Chair Green noted that they were trying to encourage multi-family affordable housing and he would hate to have a project get stuck in the process. Associate City Attorney Stager explained that the applicant had the option to appeal staff's decision or change their approach and apply for discretionary review. Director Orduna added that discretionary review was always an option for applicants.
Chair Green noted that the Manual outlines a requirement of six decorative details provided as part of the architectural design, and asked if staff could explain where this number came from. Contract Planner Tomaino answered that six was the number recommended by the OCCOG Toolkit.
It was moved by Commissioner Ferlauto and seconded by Commissioner Hayes to A) find that adoption of Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 23-02 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because it is an administrative activity that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment and thus is not a "project" under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 (see State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15060(c)(2) and (3)). Alternatively, even if adoption of ZCA 23-02 did qualify as a project under CEQA, find that it is exempt from CEQA pursuant State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), which provides that a project is exempt from CEQA 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; and, B) adopt Resolution No. 23-11, recommending that the City Council approve Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 23-02 amending Laguna Niguel Municipal Code Section 9-1-95; and determining the action to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 7 October 10, 2023 Associate City Attorney Stager confirmed for the record that this recommendation included amending the Manual to remove the "wood" on page 32 and add "modern" to the title on page 42, as outlined below:
synthetic asphalt shingles."
The motion carried 5-0.
AYES: Green, Savage-Lebhart, Ferlauto, Hayes, Vahid
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
OTHER BUSINESS
1. Cancellation of the November 28, 2023, and December 26, 2023, Planning Commission Meetings - When the regularly scheduled second Planning Commission meeting in the month of November occurs near the Thanksgiving holiday, the meeting has traditionally been canceled. The regularly scheduled second meeting in December occurs on a City holiday.
Recommended Action: That the Planning Commission cancel the November 28, 2023, and December 26, 2023, Planning Commission
meetings.
It was moved by Commissioner Ferlauto and seconded by Commissioner Vahid to cancel the November 28, 2023, and December 26, 2023, Planning Commission meetings. The motion carried 5-0.
AYES: Green, Savage-Lebhart, Ferlauto, Hayes, Vahid
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Planning Commission
Chair Green was pleased that he and Vice Chair Savage-Lebhart were invited to attend a tour by Jamboree Housing with Mayor Jennings and Mayor Pro-Tem Oddo.
They were very impressed with the work Jamboree Housing was doing in Anaheim, including the architectural style and design.
Vice Chair Savage-Lebhart added that she was very impressed with the organization and their commitment. Jamboree Housing has been doing work in Irvine for over 20 years. It shows that this work was their purpose, and they were very committed to Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 7 October 10, 2023 seizing opportunities and bringing them to fruition. She concluded that there was such a high need for affordable housing in Anaheim, so it was a great thing to witness.
2. Community Development Director and Staff
Community Development Director Orduna updated the Planning Commission regarding the Strategic Plan 5-Year Update and the community engagement phase of the Comprehensive General Plan Update. As part of this effort, a mailer was sent out citywide. This mailer packet included a survey, which will be used to guide staff in updating the Strategic Plan and the visioning effort of the General Plan Update. The packet also included information regarding the City hosting an Open House for the General Plan Update on Wednesday, October 18 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall. This event would be the third community outreach event, with more in the pipeline to conclude in mid-December. At this time, staff will begin drafting the visioning document to be presented to the community and City Council in Spring 2024. Director Orduna invited the Planning Commission to attend the Open House event.
Commissioner Ferlauto asked where the City Center project was in the pipeline.
Director Orduna answered that the developers were still working out details as part of their lease with the County of Orange and were regularly updating City staff on their progress. He added that their plans of being a part of the Laguna Niguel community have not changed and they were still very much committed to the project.
Vice Chair Savage-Lebhart inquired about the garage removal that violated setback rules. Associate City Attorney Stager answered that because this was not an agendized item, they were unable to discuss in detail. Director Orduna added that Code Enforcement actions were ongoing. Staff will keep the Commission updated if anything significant develops.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
ATTEST:
Jonathan Orduna
Community Development Director
Roger Green
Planning Commission Chair
Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 of 7 October 10, 2023
ATTACHMENT D
Public Comments
HDF
Oct 10, 2023
City of Laguna Niguel
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
By Email: [email protected], [email protected] CC: [email protected], [email protected] Re: Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 23-02: Objective Development and Design Standards Dear Laguna Niguel Planning Commission,
The California Housing Defense Fund ("CalHDF") submits this letter to remind the Commission of its obligation to abide by all relevant state laws when considering the proposed Objective Design Standards in Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 23-02 (the "proposed standards"), calendared as agenda item 1 at tonight's meeting. Specifically, the Council must comply with the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 (SB 330), Senate Bill 9 ('SB 9"), and other state housing laws. The proposed standards, as currently drafted, do not adhere to these laws:
many of them fail to articulate objective standards.
SB 330 bars cities from "lilmposing or enforcing design standards [..] that are not objective." (Gov. Code § 66300, subd. (b)(1)(C).) SB 9 allows cities to impose "objective zoning [..] subdivision [..] and [..] design" standards (but not subjective standards) on SB 9 projects. In addition, the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) renders non-objective standards unenforceable in most circumstances. (See California Renters Legal Advocacy and Education Fund v. City of San Mateo (2021) 68 Cal. App.5th 820, 839-44 (overturning city's denial of housing project based on design guidelines requiring "a transition or step in height" where a building is more than one story taller than its neighbors on the grounds that it was not objective).) SB 330, SB 9, and the HAA define "objective" as "being uniformly verifiable by reference to an external and uniform benchmark or criterion available and knowable by both the development applicant or proponent and the public official." (Gov. Code § 65589.5, subd. (h)(8); Gov. Code § 66300, subd. (a)(7); see also Gov. Code § 65852.21, subd. (i)(2) [similar language]; Gov. Code § 66411.7, subd. (m)(1) [similar languagel.) 360 Grand Ave #323, Oakland 94610
[email protected]
Unfortunately, several provisions in Zoning Code Amendment ZCA 23-02 fall short of this requirement. CalHDF urges the Commission to carefully review all the proposed standards for objectivity and specifically points out many egregious examples:
• Section 2.3.2 (f): "Trees shall be distributed relatively evenly throughout the parking area" The phrase "distributed relatively evenly" is not clearly defined or objective. This section is ambiguous and unenforceable without clarification as to that definition. • Section 2.3.3 (d): "Garages are to be designed consistent with the residential buildings in terms of architectural style and use of the same building materials, details, and colors." The phrase "designed to be consistent with the residential buildings" is not objective. Overall styles are not cleanly defined, and what counts as "consistent" or "inconsistent" with the building's style is in the eye of the beholder. An applicant cannot know ex ante and with certainty whether their proposed design will satisfy the ordinance, and thus the ordinance is unenforceable on this point. • Section 2.3.4 (c): "The exterior appearance of the parking structure shall be designed to be consistent with the architectural style of the primary building(s)." Compatibility within a style is not an objective standard, as it cannot be applied uniformly.
Architectural styles, and their materials and design details, are subjectively defined and therefore cannot be enforced by the City. Similar language appears in the following:
• Section 2.7 (d): "The style of the wall or fence shall be consistent with the architectural style of the project."
• Section 2.9 (b): "Roof screening shall consist of architectural materials consistent with the overall architectural style of the building." • Section 3.1 (i): "Rooflines shall be vertically articulated at least every 50 feet through the use of architectural elements such as varying roof height, material, and/or form, consistent with the prescribed architectural style." • Section 3.2 (I): "Rooflines shall be vertically articulated at least every 50 feet through the use of architectural elements such as varying roof height, material, and/or form, consistent with the prescribed architectural style." • Section 4.1 Materials and Colors (d): "At least one Spanish Colonial decorative ironwork or simulated material (e.g., railings, hardware, and gates)." The phrase "Spanish Colonial decorative ironwork" is not objective. It is not clear what counts as "decorative" or "Spanish Colonial" and the city might, under this language, reject applications based on subjective aesthetic preferences. That is not allowed • Section 4.2 Materials and Colors (c): "The building color palette shall consist of dark, neutral, earth-toned color palette, such as browns and greens. However, lighter earth-tones, such as off-white, beige, and light gray paint palettes may also be considered, particularly for details (columns, rafter tails)." It is not clear what counts as "earth-toned." The City must draft more specific language before it can impose such rules on applicants. Similar language appears in the following:
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• Section 4.3 Materials and Colors (c): "The building color palette shall consist of earth tone colors, including brown or beige window frames." It is not clear what counts as coloring "to match fascia or wall materials." • Section 4.4 Materials and Colors (d): "Monochrome accents of doors, windows or architectural features."
Section 4.5 Materials and Colors (c): "Use of color blocks to accentuate geometric forms and break down massing elements. Use of neon or fluorescent colors are prohibited."
• Section 4.4 Form and Massing (e): "Geometric forms, industrial materials, limited palette, and repetition." With the exception of repetition, these phrases are not clearly defined and cannot be treated individually. Therefore, this section is not objective and therefore unenforceable. The City must draft more specific language before it can impose such rules.
• Section 4.4 Form and Massing (g): "Facades emphasize verticality," Similarly, the term "emphasize verticality" is not clearly defined, and what counts as "emphasis" or "verticality" is unclear. The City may not enforce this language.
CalHDF appreciates Laguna Niguel's effort to establish objective development and design standards. We remind the City, however, that it must take care to follow the law in doing so.
The current proposal needs many revisions before it can be finalized and implemented in accordance with state law.
CalHDF is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission includes advocating for increased access to housing for Californians at all income levels, including low-income households.
You may learn more about CalHDF at www.calhdf.org.
Sincerely,
CalHDF Executive Director
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