CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Jonathan Orduna, Community Development Director
DATE: December 5, 2023
SUBJECT: Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-225 Adopting Zoning Objective Development and Design Standards for Projects that Qualify for Streamlined Ministerial Review Under State Law
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a second reading, by title only, and adopt 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 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)
BACKGROUND
On November 7, 2023, as a part of a duly held public hearing, the City Council introduced and conducted the first reading on Ordinance No. 2023-225 (Attachment A). This ordinance amends 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"). 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. At its November 7th meeting, the Council unanimously introduced Ordinance No. 2023-225 with amendments to the Manual to eliminate three allowable architectural styles (Spanish Colonial Revival, Tuscan, and Modern). The revised Manual, with the three eliminated styles, is included as Exhibit 1 to
Attachment A. The City Council further directed that Ordinance No. 2023-225 be placed on the December 5, 2023, City Council agenda for second reading and adoption.
ANALYSIS
The proposed Manual establishes objective standards for new multifamily and mixed-use residential projects that qualify for streamlined ministerial review under state law. These objective standards are intended to yield attractive projects consistent with the character and quality of design within the City, all while facilitating the construction of new housing production by streamlining the approval of housing development for qualifying projects.
Should a prospective applicant desire design flexibility beyond the Manual's objective requirements, 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 between two paths: (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.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of ZCA 23-02 (i.e., Ordinance No. 2023-225) 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)).
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The City Council may:
1. Decide not to adopt Ordinance No. 2023-225. Staff does not recommend this course of action as adoption of the ordinance provides the City with greater ability to review residential projects that qualify for streamlined ministerial review under state law for design and architecture.
2. 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 adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-225.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed and approved this report and corresponding Ordinance as to form and content.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a second reading, by title only, and adopt 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 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)
Jamas truso let Knif
Tamara S. Letourneau Scott C. Smith
City Manager City Attorney
Atlea
Jonathan Orduna John Morgan
Community Development Director Deputy Community Development Director Crica Roess S. Tomaint
rica Roess Stephanie Tomaino
Senior Planner Contract Planner
Attachments:
A. Ordinance No. 2023-225
Exhibit 1 - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual 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.
4. 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 all evidence presented by City staff and other interested parties.
Ordinance No. 2023-225 Page 2
7. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 23-11 recommending that the City Council adopt the Ordinance.
8. 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.
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 that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. The Ordinance 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, 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.
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.
Ordinance No. 2023-225 Page 6
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Niguel this 5th day of December, 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 that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2023-225 was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Niguel, California, on November 7, 2023, and thereafter, said ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a regular meeting of the City Council on December 5, 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
Marissa Asistin, City Clerk
Exhibit 1
Objective Development and Design Standards Manual
Laguna Niguel
CALIFORNIA
OBJECTIVE DEVELOPMENT &
DESIGN STANDARDS MANUAL
November 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
SECTION 2. GENERAL & SITE DESIGN
2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS..
2.2 SITE PLANNING AND ORIENTATION...
2.3 VEHICULAR ACCESS AND PARKING
2.3.1 ACCESS AND DRIVEWAYS...
2.3.2 SURFACE PARKING.....
2.3.3 RESIDENTIAL GARAGES..
2.3.4 PARKING STRUCTURES..
2.4 COMMON AND PRIVATE OPEN SPACE....
2.4.1 COMMON OPEN SPACE
2.4.2 PRIVATE OPEN SPACE.
2.5 LANDSCAPING......
2.6 OUTDOOR LIGHTING 14
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 CRAFTSMAN.. ..25
4.2 MODERN FARMHOUSE/RANCH..... ...31
4.3 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE DEFINITIONS... ...37
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 feature 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 • Craftsman quantifiable and can be measured as opposed to • Modern Farmhouse/Ranch subjective standards, which require interpretation.
Eligible residential projects are required to meet these objective standards. Alternatively, applicants continue to 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 (November 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 a. In addition to complying with this Manual, eligible remainder of the project frontage shall consist of 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 arking areas, bicycle parking areas, common oper greater of (1) whatever affordability requirement is pace, waste and recycling enclosures, and othe 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 (November 2023) Page | 4 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
9. 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 c. 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. e. Entry driveways connecting public streets to the interior of the site shall use enhanced paving
h. Exterior stairwells shall not be directly visible from treatment with patterned and/or colored pavers, the street. Exterior stairwells shall be oriented to brick, or decorative colored and scored concrete, a interior spaces, such as plazas and gathering areas,
parking areas, and pedestrian pathways. The drivewa 12 tet dep, and spanning the with of 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 (November 2023) Page | 5 f. Where a pedestrian walkway intersects with a vehicle 2.3.2 SURFACE PARKING accessway, enhanced paving treatment using Parking lots shall be placed to the side or rear of a.
patterned and/ or colored pavers, brick, or 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
paving with a minimum width of five (5) feet, and residential units. span the length of the intersecting drive area. b. A minimum of one (1) landscaped finger island shall Gated or other controlled entrances to parking be provided per every 10 uncovered spaces.
9. facilities (gates, doors, etc.) shall be designed in Landscape planters shall be not less than five (3) teet in width. This standard shall not apply to th
accordance with LNMC Section 9-1-35.25.
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 d. 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 ive (5) uncovered spaces. Trees may be planted I
andscape planters (see provision a. above) or diamon
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).
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 6
2.3.3 RESIDENTIAL GARAGES
g. When trees are required, canopy trees shall be used a. Garages shall be accessed internally to the site by an access driveway. Garage doors shall be oriented
in parking areas to reduce the impact of large
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- b. 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 which does not extend onto the apron or drive aisle.
h. Parking stalls shall be marked by double or hairpin
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 d. 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 details, a archies tral sty graising 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.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 7
2.3.4 PARKING STRUCTURES
Parking structures shall comply with the LNMC 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 Wrap Building Types: Residential units or retail tenant building(s), as selected by the applicant per a.
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 (November 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
lighting is fully shielded and automobile headlamps
elevation of the parking structure to further
within the structure are not visible from adjacent
soften its appearance. A wire cable or metal
buildings, parcels, or streets. The minimum height of
trellis shall be affixed to the full height of this
screening for automobile headlights shall be 42
portion of the structure's façade to
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
e. 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.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 9
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: g. 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. b. Minimum of 150 square feet of common open space • Outdoor structures associated with the on-site per unit. Minimum setback areas shall not be useable open space, such as trellises and shade structures shall not exceed the
used to satisfy common open space requirements.
building height limit.
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 vith 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 h. 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.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 10
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. 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.
c. For stand-alone multistory residential units (e.g.,
ferot preten perspace leg, yard, desos patio).
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
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
height.
f. Minimum setback areas shall not be used to satisfy
private open space requirements.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 11
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. 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 consistent with the existing street tree theme or guidance that provides direction on tree selection esianated street tree, if any. Street trees that dro based on specific issues, e.g., fire resistance and ods or other fruit shall be prohibited alona th 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 (November 2023) Page | 12 I. 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.
s. 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.
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.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 13
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, a. 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 Wall caps are to be incorporated as a horizontal maintained such that the maximum intensity of
design element at the top of walls and should not
illumination, measured 20 feet beyond the project
exceed four (4) inches vertical.
boundary does not exceed 0.2 footcandle more than
ambient conditions. C. Wrought iron or tubular steel fencing, or other transparent types of fencing shall be included within
b. All light sources shall be shielded or recessed so that projects where there is a viewshed from the project
direct glare and reflections are contained within the
site.
boundaries of the parcel, and shall be directed
downward and away from adjoining properties and d. Walls/fences (including retaining walls, inclusive of public rights-of-way. Exposed lamps or light sources any required guardrails) located within 10 teet of that are visible offsite are prohibited. boundary property line shared with the public right of-way shall not exceed four (4) feet in height.
Low voltage accent lighting may be used to highlight Walls/fences (including retaining walls, inclusive of trees and similar features within plazas, courtyards,
ny required guardrails) located anywhere else or
walkways, and other similar outdoor areas, as long as ite shall not exceed six (6) feet in heiah the exposed lamps or light sources are not visible
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.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 14
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 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 han 100 feet in length shall incorporate landscapin
at a minimum width of 24 inches on each side of the walls at least six (6) feet high and be covered 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. level multifamily units within 15 feet of a property
line) shall not exceed three (3) feet in height from • 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.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 15
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
C. 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.
arking areas, or along a secondary street
Individual Unit Trash and Refuse. inimum of 10 feet from any corner intersectic with the primary street frontage.
a. Individual trash containers for use by a single unit (i.e., townhouse/multi-plex) shall be stored as b. 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.
C. 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 (November 2023) Page | 16 SECTION 3. BUILDING
FORM & DESIGN
Mid-Rise: Mixed-Use
Building form and design, including, massing, and façade Projects that exceed three (3)-stories, or that exceed 35 feet articulation facilitates the distinction of individual units, or in height, as permissible by state law or the underlying groups of units, through varied heights, projections, zoning designation, shall be mixed-use. Mixed-use projects setbacks, and recesses. Materials and colors emphasize shall consist of a combination of multifamily residential changes and hierarchy in form. Multifamily and mixed-use units and one-half of the ground floor of the development developments subject to this Manual shall be consistent to be dedicated to commercial uses (i.e., restaurants and with one of the following building types and related retail businesses). standards.
• Permissible Building Types:
Low-Rise: Mixed-Use or Multifamily
• Wrap.
Projects that do not exceed three (3)-stories, and that do not exceed 35 feet in height, are permissible as mixed-use • Podium. or exclusively multifamily developments.
• Allowable Architectural Styes: Craftsman and
• Permissible Building Types: Modern Farmhouse/Ranch. See Section 4 of this Manual.
• Townhome/Multi-Plex (3-Plex and 4-Plex).
• Garden-Style (multiple side-by-side and/or
stacked dwelling units oriented around a
courtyard or series of courtyards).
• Allowable Architectural Styes: Craftsman and
Modern Farmhouse/Ranch. See Section 4 of this
Manual.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 17
TOWNHOME
MULTI-PLEX (3-PLEX & 4-PLEX) TOWNHOME
GARDEN-STYLE
MULTIPLE
GARDEN
Laguna Niguel - Objective Development and Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 18 WRAP
PODIUM
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (November 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. space that enhance the building design are permitted
to extend 10 feet above the maximum structure height • Bay windows (project at least 24 inches but no more than 36 inches).
and shall not occupy more than 20% of the front
façade. • Canopies, awnings, or trellises above doors
and windows, minimum depth of three (3)
b. Story Limit: Maximum of three (3) stories.
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 shail
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 Each residential building shall include a minimum of recessed entry. The projection or recess shall have a 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
measured from the highest point of each roofline),
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 20 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 Along any exterior building walls, material transitions occupied by windows.
K.
shall only occur on the inside corner of plane change 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
used to create a corner for material transition. adjacent finished sidewalk. d. The ground floor shall have a clear floor-ceiling
I. Exterior entrances to individual units on upper floors are permitted. However, no exterior access corridor height of at least 12 feet. providing access to upper-floor units shall be longer e. Ground floor commercial tenant spaces shall have than 40 horizontal feet to avoid a "motel-style"
storefront entrances oriented on the façade fronting
appearance.
the primary street.
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 commercial uses (e.g., restaurants with outdoor
Supplemental Standards for Low-Rise Mixed-Use
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
Doors and entryways to stores shall be recessed a
adjacent sidewalk.
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
60% transparent or translucent glazing measured
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (November 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 major wall depth change of a minimum of five (5)
b. Story Limit: Maximum of four (4) stories.
feet for a minimum length of 25 feet. The offset shall
c. Maximum Site Coverage: Not more than 70% of the extend from grade to the highest story. 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
the horizontal area within the boundaries of a wall depth change of a minimum of 24 inches that development project, less slope areas with a ratio of extends vertically for a minimum of one (1) story. 2:1 or steeper. i. All building masses greater than 20 feet in length shall provide a minimum of three (3) of the following
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:
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
boundary. • Roof height change, minimum of two (2) feet.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 22 • Window detail, of either lintels, sills, trims, or o. 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 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.
k. Along any exterior building walls, material transitions shall only occur on the inside corner of plane change 9. 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
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 building face of commercial storefronts shall be
For buildings over 35 feet tall, downspouts shall be
incorporated into the interior design of the wall. paved with hard surfaces to maximize the walkable are and provide feeble spares to account one
restaurants with outdoo
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (November 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.
z. 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 (November 2023) Page | 24 SECTION 4. ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
4.1 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
WOOD SIDING
AND DIVIDED LITES
ENTRANCE PEDIMENTS
DECORATIVE BRACKETS
SQUARE OR TAPERED
COLUMNS
FRONT PORCH UNDER
THE ROOFLINE
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 25
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 (November 2023) Page | 26 ROOF
Required Elements
a. Low- to moderate-pitched gable or
hipped roofs (typically from 6:12 to
8:12).
b. Overhanging eaves (minimum 24"
along primary elevation) with exposed
rafter tails or beams.
C. 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 (November 2023) Page | 27
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 (November 2023) Page | 28
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.
e. Window and door trim color shall
contrast with color of walls. For example,
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 (November 2023) Page | 29
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
571
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 (November 2023) Page | 30
4.2 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 (November 2023) Page | 31
FORM & MASSING
Required Elements
a. Asymmetrical massing with clean
and straight exterior lines.
b. 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 (November 2023) Page | 32 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 (November 2023) Page | 33
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.
d. Combine contemporary design with
rustic unadorned materials, such as
metal, wood, and stone.
e. Stucco is prohibited.
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 34
DOORS & WINDOWS
Required Elements
At least 60% windows shall be tall and
narrow double hung windows with a
proportion of 2 or 2.5 times taller than
wide.
b. Groupings of two or three double hung
units shall comprise at least 10% of the
total window openings.
c. 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 (November 2023) Page | 35
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 (November 2023) Page | 36
4.3 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 (November 2023) Page | 37 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.
Stucco Stone Vinyl
Bracket
Cornice. A horizontal molding projecting along the top of a wall, building, etc.
Cornice
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 38 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.
Corbel Divided Lites
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.
Dormer
Decorative Gable Vents. A non-venting louver mounted in the top of the gable.
Gable Vent
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 39 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, threshold or sill, having the appearance of a balcony when the Gable Roof. A roof having a gable at one or both ends; a roof 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
Half Loo Bon To n
Rabout Joine
Laguna Niguel - Objective Design Standards Manual (November 2023) Page | 40 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.
SIDEJAMB
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
CASING SASH SILL. 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 (November 2023) Page | 41 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 (November 2023) Page | 42 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.
DRAS
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 (November 2023) Page | 43