Fair Oaks/Orange Grove
Specific Plan
RECOMMENDED
September 2026
RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Acknowledgements
The following individuals and entities contributed to the preparation of the Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan:
CITY COUNCIL
Victor Gordo, Mayor
Jess Rivas, Vice Mayor, District 5
Tyron Hampton, District 1
Rick Cole, District 2
Justin Jones, District 3
Gene Masuda, District 4
Steve Madison, District 6
Jason Lyon, District 7
CITY COMMISSIONS
Design Commission
Northwest Commission
Planning Commission
Carol Hunt Hernandez, Chair, At Large/District 5
Lambert Giessinger, Vice-Chair, District 4
Jennifer Higginbotham, Secretary, District 7
Mic Hansen, Commissioner, Mayor
Beverly Sims, Commissioner, District 1
Julianna Delgado, PhD, FAICP, Commissioner, District 2
Jay Walters, Commissioner, District 3
Philip Burns, AICP, Commissioner, District 5
Michael Albrecht, Commissioner, District 6
Steven Olivas, Commissioner (Former)
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Matthew Hawkesworth, Interim City Manager
Nicholas Rodriguez, Assistant City Manager
Jennifer Paige, AICP, Acting Assistant City Manager
Phillip Leclair, Acting Assistant City Manager
DIVISION AND PROGRAMS
Dave Klug, Director, Economic Development
Teresa Garcia, Senior Project Manager
Deborah Membreno, Project Manager
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Greg de Vinck, Director
Brent Maue, City Engineer
Yannie Wu-Bowman, Principal Engineer
Michael King, Forestry Program Coordinator
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Joaquin Siques, Director
Jenny Cristales-Cevallos, Deputy Director
Scott Johnson, Senior Planner
Genevieve Chacon, Assistant Planner
PLANNING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Israel Del Toro, Acting Director
Jason Mikaelian, AICP, Deputy Director
Luis Rocha, Planning Manager
Rochelle Branch, Manager, Cultural Affairs
Corey Dunlap, Program Coordinator III, Community Affairs (Former) Kevin Johnson, Principal Planner
PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Our Pasadena PROGRAM
Anita Cerna, Principal Planner, Community Planning
Martin Potter, Principal Planner, Community Planning
David Sinclair, Senior Planner, Community Planning
Ani Garibyan, Planner, Community Planning
CONSULTANTS
AECOM – Urban planning, urban design, environmental review, outreach MIG, Inc. – Outreach
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Transit Oriented Planning Grant Program Round 4 supported the Specific Plan Update Program.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED
Table of Contents
1. Introduction..........................3
1.1 Specific Plan Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2 Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 Relationship to Other Documents . . . . . . . . 5
1.4 Planning Process and Outreach. . . . . . . . . .12
1.5 Specific Plan Organization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
2.Background........................ 19
2.1 Community and Historic Context. . . . . . . . .21
2.2 Existing Land Uses, Urban Form,
and Public Realm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.Vision, Goals and Policies..37
3.1 Vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
3.2 Goals and Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
4. Zoning and Land Use....... 59
4.1 Applicability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
4.2 Zoning Districts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
4.2 Allowable Land Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
5. Public Realm Standards... 69
5.1 Sidewalks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
5.2 Parkways and Street Trees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
6. Private Realm Standards . 87
6.1 Scale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
6.2 Frontage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
6.3 Open Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
6.4 Parking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
7. Implementation and
Administration .................. 113
7.1 Implementation Actions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
7.2 Citywide Implementation Overview. . . . . .123
7.3 Funding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132
7.4Infrastructure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
7.5 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 A. Appendices ......................141
A.1 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 A.2 Design Guidance for Tree Selection . . . . 145
iv
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1 Ch. 1
Introduction
Introduction 3
1.1 Specific Plan Area 4
1.2 Purpose 5
1.3 Relationship to Other Documents 5
1.4 Planning Process and Outreach 12
1.5 Specific Plan Organization 18
2 Placeholder for photo
Fair Oaks Orange/Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 3
Introduction
The Fair Oaks/Orange Grove (FOOG) Specific Plan area
features the prominent north/south corridor of Fair Oaks Avenue and east/west corridor of Orange Grove Boulevard, with a diverse spectrum of uses and development types.
The dual corridors of the plan area feature a unique
concentration of multi-family housing, institutional housing, and neighborhood commercial uses. It serves a gateway
to the city, linking Altadena and surrounding residential neighborhoods to the Central District. Pasadena Transit’s Route 20, which runs along Fair Oaks Avenue, has the
highest ridership numbers in the City.
In the FOOG area, Fair Oaks Avenue has medical uses,
care facilities, parks and recreation centers, a mix of single and multifamily housing, and a variety of small offices and storefronts. Orange Grove Boulevard features multi-family residences, neighborhood-serving commercial uses, a large United States Postal Service (USPS) facility, and Fair Oaks Renaissance Plaza, and a large shopping center anchored by a Vallarta supermarket. Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange
Grove Boulevard generate a cohesive neighborhood feel
with a balance of mixed-use development, retail, residential, and employment uses within walking distance of one
another.
The 2015 General Plan for Pasadena guides development
in the area and provided direction to update the FOOG
Specific Plan. This Plan establishes the following vision statement for the Fair Oaks/Orange Grove area, which
reflects ideas and feedback from a multi-phase community engagement effort between 2018 and 2021:
“Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard will offer a variety of housing options and flexible commercial, recreational, and community-building services around active, people-oriented corridors that celebrate the neighborhood’s rich history.” The plan presents an opportunity for this vision to be
grounded in policy and practice, and for the City and
community to work together in confronting planning
challenges and envisioning the future of the Fair Oaks/ Orange Grove area. In addition to an extensive public
outreach and visioning process, the FOOG Specific Plan
represents the outcome of a robust outreach process and technical planning and design effort, directly informed by the perspectives and expertise of community members,
City staff, the Planning Commission, Design Commission, Northwest Commission, and the City Council.
INTRODUCTION WHAT IS A SPECIFIC PLAN?
In the State of California, a Specific Plan is a
regulatory tool that local governments use to
implement their General Plan and to guide
development in a localized area. The General Plan
is the primary guide for growth and development
in a community, and a Specific Plan focuses
on the unique characteristics of a special area
by customizing the land use regulations and
development standards for that area. A Specific
Plan establishes a link between the policies and
implementation programs in the General Plan and
individual development proposals in a defined area
within the City.
Chapter Overview
This chapter is organized into the following sections:
» 1.1 Specific Plan Area
» 1.2 Purpose
» 1.3 Relationship to Other Planning Documents
» 1.4 Planning Process and Outreach
» 1.5 Specific Plan Organization
4 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Introduction
Altadena
Pasadena
1/4 MILE1/4 MILE
1/2 MILE1/2 MILE
R AY M O N D
M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
210
1.1 Specific Plan Area The Specific Plan area is located along Fair Oaks Avenue between Montana Street to the north and Maple
Avenue to the south and along Orange Grove Boulevard
between Lincoln Avenue to the west and Los Robles/
Oakland Avenues to the east. While the plan primarily
regulates development along the Fair Oaks Avenue and
Orange Grove Boulevard corridors, the standards and
policies are influenced by and will benefit the surrounding neighborhoods outside the plan area. These neighborhoods include Normandie Heights, Garfield Heights, Banbury
Oaks, and North Central. While outside of the FOOG
Specific Plan Area, the Metro A Line runs along the 210 Freeway and is located within a half mile of the Memorial Park Metro Station.
Map 1.1-1: Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan Area
Residential complex, Kings Villages, located on Fair Oaks Avenue
A business with landscaped setbacks along Fair Oaks
Avenue
FOOG Area
Parcel Lines
City Boundary
° 0 250 500 1,000
feet
1/2-mile Station Radius
1/4-mile Station Radius
Metro A Line
N
Fair Oaks Orange/Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 5
Introduction
1.3 Relationship to
Other Documents
SUMMARY OF 2015 GENERAL PLAN GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1. Growth will be targeted to serve community needs and enhance the quality of life.
2. Pasadena’s historic resources will be preserved.
3. Pasadena will be an economically vital city by providing jobs, services, revenues, and opportunities.
4. Pasadena will be a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable community.
5. Pasadena will be a city where people can circulate without cars.
6. Pasadena will be a cultural, scientific, corporate, entertainment and education center for the region.
7. Community participation will be a permanent part of achieving a greater city.
8. Pasadena is committed to public education and a diverse educational system responsive to the broad needs of the community.
General Plan Land Use Element, 2015
1.2 Purpose
The FOOG Specific Plan sets out a plan to facilitate
development and improvements to the Plan area that
will ultimately help realize the community’s vision for Fair/ Oaks Orange Grove. It optimizes land uses to increase
opportunities for financially feasible commercial and
residential developments and helps ensure that new
development, sidewalk improvements, and added amenities contribute positively to the pedestrian experience. The plan includes standards to protect historic resources and support existing elements of the area that provide a sense of place and distinct character, and adds contextual standards for new development.
Future redevelopment opportunities will focus on infill projects and incremental changes to the area’s built
environment and land use mix. The plan will be used by
property and business owners, grant-seeking nonprofits, developers, decisionmakers, and City staff as the
regulations that will guide private development and public infrastructure projects. While the Specific Plan introduces a framework and toolkit for designing and implementing
future developments, it does not mandate or accelerate
any specific projects or immediate changes to the built environment.
General Plan
The FOOG Specific Plan is one of eight Specific Plans that serve to implement the City’s 2015 General Plan Land Use and Mobility Elements. The General Plan contains eight
Guiding Principles and a series of goals and policies that demonstrate the relationship between land use and highquality design, arts and culture, sustainable infrastructure, a vital economy, exemplary public services, and public
involvement and participation.
The plan mirrors and builds upon the General Plan’s policies to achieve consistency with the General Plan’s vision and guidance. It seeks to create a unified visual and physical identity punctuated by a vibrant corridor and distinct
neighborhood-serving nodes at key intersections. Projects that are consistent with the Specific Plan’s policies and development standards will in turn be consistent with the General Plan Guiding Principles, goals, and policies.
While the plan establishes an overall vision for Fair Oaks/ Orange Grove, the policies and standards herein apply
specifically to private development and adjacent sidewalks.
The Plan serves as one of many complementary tools the
City uses to implement the General Plan, and to meet
sustainability goals through prioritization and guidance for private and public investments.
6 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Introduction
GENERAL PLAN GOAL 34:
FAIR OAKS AND ORANGE GROVE
“Distinct pedestrian-oriented villages
containing a mix of commercial and housing”
GENERAL PLAN POLICIES
» 34.1 Economic Vitality. Transform North
Fair Oaks Avenue from a low-density strip
commercial corridor to a series of distinctive
low- to medium-density, pedestrian
oriented, mixed-use villages where residents
and visitors can live, shop, work and be
entertained.
» 34.2 Pedestrian-Orientation. Promote
the inclusion of pedestrian-oriented plazas
and amenities establishing a “village like”
environment where people shop, dine, meet
friends, and actively use public places.
» 34.3 Development Scale and Transitions.
Require that the types of uses, densities,
building massing and heights, and design
development along Fair Oaks Avenue and
Orange Grove Boulevard assure compatibility
and accessibility with adjoining residential
neighborhoods.
» 34.4 Business Expansion and Growth.
Preserve existing and create a variety of new
job opportunities through catalytic projects
that create interest, identity and a focal point
and neighborhood serving businesses located
within large Neighborhood Villages.
» 34.5 Special Study Area. Conduct a
planning process involving local residents
for the reuse of the Matthew “Mack”
Robinson postal facility should the facility
be vacated to consider potential uses,
amenities, and design standards that assure
compatibility with adjoining residential
neighborhoods.
» 36.6 Linkages to the Central District.
Establish and maintain pedestrian walkways
that provide access between the Central
District and the Fair Oak and Orange Grove
area to encourage people to move freely
between the two areas.
Previous Fair Oaks/Orange Grove
Specific Plan
The updated FOOG Specific Plan builds on many of
the objectives from the original 2002 Fair Oaks/Orange
Grove Specific Plan with updated goals, policies, land
use regulations and development standards that address
current and future current needs, opportunities, and
challenges. The previous Plan’s aspirations for the Fair Oaks/Orange Grove area were guided by the 1985
Northwest Pasadena Community Plan that included
fostering a neighborhood that balances mixed-use
development with retail, residential, and employment within walking distance of one another, stabilizing neighborhoods with affordable housing opportunities and providing for the adaptive reuse of existing residential and commercial buildings to emphasize the historic uniqueness of the area and to foster a greater sense of community.
Zoning Code
The Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) is one of the primary tools for implementing the City’s General Plan. Specifically, Title 17 of the PMC, or the Zoning Code Section, describes allowable land uses, development standards, and permit
requirements for each zoning district in the city. The City’s new Objective Design Standards for High-Density Housing were added to the code in 2026. The zoning districts
and associated land use regulations and development
standards established by the Specific Plan will be codified in the Zoning Code.
Design Guidelines for Neighborhood
Commercial and Multi-family Districts
The Design Guidelines for Neighborhood Commercial and
Multi-Family Districts (October 2009) supplement the
design-related goals and policies of the General Plan Land Use Element and offer more direction for proceeding with the design of a project. The guidelines illustrate options, solutions, and techniques to achieve the goal of excellence in new design specifically for commercial, residential, and mixed-use buildings that are subject to design review.
The guidelines are not zoning regulations or development standards, but rather performance goals that apply to
areas within the City that do not have detailed guidelines or supplement existing guidelines, including those in the FOOG Specific Plan.
Sign Design Guidelines
The Sign Design Guidelines provide guidance in the way
signs are designed, constructed, and placed in order to further implement the purposes of Chapter 17.72 (Sign
Regulations) of PMC. The guidelines are intended to
provide good examples of techniques that should be used in order to meet the City’s expectations for quality business signage to be applied during the City’s design review
process or the approval of a discretionary land use permit. General Plan Land Use Element, 2015 Fair Oaks Orange/Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED
7 Introduction
Mobility Element
The Mobility Element guides the continuing development
of the transportation system to support planned growth.
The anticipated development pattern, as identified in
the Land Use Element, will increase the use of the City’s transportation systems, including demand for local and
regional roadways.
The element contains measures for the implementation of the City’s Guiding Principle related to mobility – Pasadena will be a city where people can circulate without cars. It also addresses the requirements of California state law designed to evaluate the transportation needs of the
community within the context of the region and to present a comprehensive plan to meet those needs.
Housing Element
The Housing Element allows each city to prepare a
community-specific approach to “how” and “where”sing
will be addressed to meet the needs of the community. The detailed statutory requirements for preparing a housing element are contained in the California Government
Code (sections 65580-65589.8). At a minimum, a
jurisdiction’s Housing Element must include: an assessment of current and future housing needs; an analysis of potential constraints that affect the development, maintenance, and improvement of housing; an inventory of resources available to address the City’s housing need; an evaluation of current housing programs and accomplishments; and a series
of goals, policies, and scheduled programs to further the development, improvement, and preservation of housing.
Pasadena Street Design Guide
The Department of Transportation’s Pasadena Street
Design Guide (March 2017) implements the 2015 General
Plan Mobility Element Complete Streets Policy, including the following goals and objective: (1) Streets should reflect neighborhood character and accommodate all users; (2)
Complete Streets should accommodate all users such
as pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit, skateboarders and scooter; and (3) Streets should reflect individual
neighborhood character and needs, and support healthy
activities such as walking and bicycling. The FOOG
Specific Plan references the Street Design Guide as it
applies to sidewalks, parkways, and street trees, which fall under Chapter 5 (Public Realm) of the plan.
Pasadena Short Range Transit Plan
The City’s Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) is intended
to provide a guide to short range programming of transit services and an outline for future operating programs and capital projects. The SRTP includes an overview of the
existing transit system, an evaluation of Pasadena Transit and Pasadena Dial-A-Ride existing performance, an
Street Design Guide
Housing Element
Short Range Transit Plan
8 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Introduction
assessment of unmet needs, consideration of alternatives to improve system performance, and a recommended
operating and capital plan. Recommendations include
implementation of additional service times and extended hours, modifications to particular transit routes, and
updates to the Dial-A-Ride system.
Pasadena Pedestrian Plan
The Pasadena Pedestrian Plan aims to make walking in the City safer, more comfortable, convenient and accessible for pedestrians of all ages and abilities. The plan’s goals are to improve conditions for people walking, increase
the percentage of walking trips, improve connections to surrounding destinations, and reduce the environmental
impacts of driving and the number of miles traveled by
people who drive.
Bicycle Transportation Action Plan
The Department of Transportation’s Bicycle Transportation Action Plan (BTAP) (August 2015) provides specific
goals, objectives, actions, and timelines for creating an environment (1) where people circulate without a car, (2) that significantly increases the number of people who
commute by bike, (3) that increases the number of people who use a bike for utilitarian trips, fitness and recreation, and (4) that provides business and economic benefits
for the City. The BTAP provides details for a network of bikeways so that every neighborhood is within ¼ mile of an effective bicycle route and funding strategies to implement the plan. The FOOG Specific Plan area contains a portion of the BTAP’s Orange Grove Boulevard buffered bike lane or cycle track route that stretches from Columbia Street to Sierra Madre Villa Avenue.
Active Transportation Plan
The Department of Transportation’s Active Transportation Plan would integrate, complement, and update previous
City planning documents, including the City’s 2024
Pedestrian Transportation Action Plan, 2021 Greenways
Feasibility Study, City’s 2015 Bicycle Transportation Action Plan, and 2006 Pedestrian Plan to create a comprehensive action plan for safe and accessibility walking, biking, and rolling in the City. The community-driven plan will focus on four key areas: implementation strategy development, prioritization and planning for future active transportation infrastructure improvements, consistency with the Mobility Element of the City’s General Plan and incorporating the latest best practices in active transportation.
Local Roadway Safety Plan
Bicycle Transportation Action Plan
Pedestrian Plan
Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) identifies roadway
safety solutions by analyzing citywide collision data and prioritizing them based on cost-benefit and efficacy
analysis. The LRSP was prepared in August 2022, consistent with California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) program guidelines. This program and subsequent analysis provide a uniform set of criteria for the state of California to evaluate and provide funding to local agencies for local roadway safety improvements.
Fair Oaks Orange/Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 9
Introduction
Local Roadway Safety Action Plan
Local Roadway Safety Action Plan (LRSAP) is a traffic
safety plan that incorporates inclusive public and
stakeholder engagement into the detailed collision analysis of the 2022 Local Roadway Safety Plan as a prerequisite for a United States Department of Transportation
(USDOT) federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)
Implementation Grant Program. The LRSAP identifies and
prioritizes projects from various City traffic safety plans, such as the Bicycle Transportation Action Plan, Pedestrian Transportation Action Plan, Capital Improvement Program, and Local Roadway Safety Plan, on a uniform set of metrics for future USDOT SS4A Implementation Grant funding
opportunities.
Pasadena Climate Action Plan
The Pasadena Climate Action Plan (CAP) (March 2018)
provides a strategic framework measuring, planning,
and reducing the City’s share of greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions with the goal of reducing emissions by more than half by the year 2035. The FOOG Specific Plan supports
the CAP and the identified strategies to reduce GHG
through sustainable land use and pedestrian infrastructure as well as urban greening, which are addressed in Chapter 4 (Land Use), Chapter 5 (Public Realm), and Appendix
A.2 (design Guidance for Tree Selection).
Master Street Tree Plan
The Department of Public Works’ Master Street Tree
Plan serves as the guiding document that designates the official tree species to be planted on a block-by-block basis throughout the City and was recently amended in 2026.
The FOOG Specific Plan references the Master Street Tree Plan in Appendix A.2 (Design Guidance for Tree Selection) to guide discussions between the City and community when updating the Master Street Tree Plan for the area. Appendix A.2 includes a description of the existing street trees along Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard within the
plan area, followed by recommendations for potential new species.
Greenways Feasibility Study
Building upon the efforts of the 2015 Mobility Element and associated Bicycle Transportation Action Plan, the City of Pasadena commissioned a detailed feasibility study to further develop improvements on four north-south bicycle boulevard corridors, or Greenways. The study evaluates
traffic calming features based on existing traffic conditions, bicycle level of traffic stress, vehicle level of service, and cost of corridor improvements, and proposes planning level concept plans for each Greenway.
Climate Action Plan
Local Roadway Safety Plan
Master Street Tree Plan
10 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Introduction
Northwest Community Plan Priorities
Land Use and Zoning
» Foster compatible land uses
» Redevelopment opportunities that benefit
community revitalization
» Retention of existing institutional land uses
» Lower densities
Environmental Quality
» Create coordinated streetscape design
with public rights-of-way and streetscape
treatments
» Enhance sense of place and neighborhood
identity
» Increase availability of local transit service
» Enhance traffic safety
Housing
» Encourage and promote development of
new housing units, specifically utilizing
vacant lots
Economic Development
» Attract commercial and industrial
developments to generate employment
opportunities
» Retain and expand employment
opportunities
Human Services
» Institute a neighborhood-based approach
for City services
Public Safety
» Maintain community awareness of public
safety
Northwest Community Plan
The Northwest Community Plan was adopted in 1985
to support a variety of economic, housing, land use, and infrastructure updates in Northwest Pasadena, including the FOOG area. Ongoing efforts to update the Northwest
Community Plan, led by the Northwest Commission, aim to assess the plan’s implementation and impact and account for Northwest Pasadena’s demographic and economic
changes since the Plan’s adoption in 1985.
The plan is a targeted urban policy framework designed
to revitalize and support one of the city’s most historically diverse and economically complex regions. Bound generally by the 210 Freeway to the south and east, and the city limits to the north and west, the plan focuses on fostering healthy, safe, and economically viable neighborhoods. It serves as a roadmap for balancing the preservation of the area’s rich cultural heritage with the need for modern infrastructure and economic growth.
Central elements of the plan are economic development
and local empowerment. The city aims to attract new
businesses and upgrade commercial corridors—such as
Lincoln Avenue and Fair Oaks Avenue—while ensuring
that long-term residents aren’t displaced by rising costs.
By incentivizing mixed-use developments and supporting
small local enterprises, the plan seeks to create a “livework” environment that provides job opportunities within the community itself, reducing the reliance on commuting and bolstering the local tax base.
The plan emphasizes the rehabilitation of existing housing stock alongside the creation of new, affordable options.
Because Northwest Pasadena contains a high concentration of historic homes and landmark districts, the city prioritizes “compatible infill” development. This means new buildings are encouraged to match the scale and character of the
neighborhood, ensuring that growth doesn’t come at the
expense of the area’s architectural identity.
It also places heavy emphasis on public safety and
community wellness. This includes investments in
“greening” the neighborhood through park expansions,
tree planting, and the improvement of pedestrian and
bike safety. By upgrading lighting, repairing sidewalks, and enhancing public transit access, the city aims to
create a more walkable, interconnected environment. This holistic approach views physical infrastructure as a direct contributor to the social fabric and overall quality of life for the Northwest’s residents. The FOOG Specific Plan shares, incorporates and expands on these goals.
Fair Oaks Orange/Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 11
Introduction
NORTH FAIR OAKS AND LA PINTORESCA VISION PLANS
During the FOOG Specific Plan Update process, two groups presented their work in the Plan area:
North Fair Oaks Vision Plan
North Fair Oaks Vision Plan
The North Fair Oaks Vision Plan was published in
December 2023 and updated in February 2025. It
shares a vision developed by Northwest Pasadena
community members for Fair Oaks Avenue between
Washington Boulevard and the northern city limits – the northern portion of the FOOG area. It was produced
by Making Housing and Community Happen, a local
faith-based housing advocacy organization, and the
Arroyo Group, a consulting firm.
Its vision calls for restoration of the corridor, which it describes as a middle road between gentrification
and disinvestment. Community-guided revitalization
would include the development of affordable housing,
community entrepreneurship, and tenant protections.
The plan also aims to promote restorative justice
by recreating the main street that once existed and
protecting what remains of Northwest Pasadena’s
African-American community.
The plan includes information about the area’s
background and history, existing conditions, and
a future vision for the corridor through chapters on
land use, streetscape, and culture, which includes
independent businesses, public art and historic
preservation. One of the primary findings of their
analysis is that lower densities and higher parking
requirements have helped cause further disinvestment
in the community. Some of the major objectives of the
plan include increasing density, reforming parking, and slowing traffic by reducing vehicle lanes.
La Pintoresca Vision Plan
The La Pintoresca Vision Plan was published in
December 2024 by a class of Cal Poly Pomona
Landscape Architecture students, led by lecturer Cheryl Lough. It highlights La Pintoresca Park and the park’s
surrounding neighborhood to the north and east,
including part of the FOOG Plan area.
The plan outlines suggested improvements to
streetscapes, parks, schools, churches, homes and
gardens that will create a resilient, inclusive and
healthy community. It uses case studies of existing
projects from both inside and outside the study area,
and analyzes data such as crash statistics to inform its recommendations. It makes the case for building green
infrastructure to solve immediate challenges and create a more sustainable future.
La Pintoresca Vision Plan
Ideas and inspiration from the students’ plan.
12 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Introduction
1.4 Planning Process and
Outreach
1.4.1 OUR PASADENA PROGRAM
The General Plan is a document that outlines the
community’s vision for Pasadena over the next 20 years.
As an overall visioning document, the General Plan’s goals and policies are implemented in various ways, including Specific Plans. Our Pasadena – Putting the Plan in Motion is the City’s General Plan implementation program. Focused on updating Pasadena’s Zoning Code and establishing
neighborhood-specific design and land-use goals for the City’s eight Specific Plans: Central District, East Colorado, East Pasadena, Fair Oaks/Orange Grove, Lamanda Park,
Lincoln Avenue, North Lake, and South Fair Oaks.
The FOOG Specific Plan is informed by a thorough
planning and public outreach process led by the City’s
Planning and Community Development Department, and
supported by a consultant team of urban planners, urban designers, outreach specialists, economists, architects, and landscape architects. The planning process also involved coordination with staff from Pasadewna’s department of
Public Works, Transportation and Economic Department,
as well as the Northwest Programs Office and the
Accessibility Coordinator.
2015
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
2018 2019
2020
2021-2026
COMMUNITY-WIDE
OPEN HOUSES
DRAFT SPECIFIC PLAN
VISION STATEMENTS
PRELIMINARY SPECIFIC
PLAN CONCEPTS ROUND TWO
WORKSHOPS
PRELIMINARY SPECIFIC
PLAN STANDARDS
ROUND THREE
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES
DRAFT & PROPOSED
SPECIFIC PLANS
RECOMMENDED
SPECIFIC PLANS
PLANNING COMMISION
STUDY SESSIONS &
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC HEARING
& PLAN ADOPTION
ROUND ONE
WORKSHOPS
ADDITIONAL
ENGAGEMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
DESIGN COMMISSION &
NORTHWEST COMMISSION
FEEDBACK SESSIONS
Fair Oaks Orange/Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 13
Introduction
Round 1 Workshop
Community Walking Tour
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Throughout the planning process, the City solicited input from residents, property owners, businesses, community
leaders, and other stakeholder groups through a variety of outreach events, public meetings, and online engagement tools. The following list provides a summary of public
outreach methods, workshops, meetings, and hearings,
and an overview of key recurring feedback themes from the outreach process.
Community-Wide Open Houses
March 2018
In 2018, the City initiated the Our Pasadena Program
to review and update the City’s eight specific plan
areas. The program’s primary objective was to establish neighborhood-specific goals and policies resulting in a refined set of permitted uses, residential densities, and development standards and guidelines that will shape
the built environment along the City’s major commercial and mixed-use areas within the eight planning areas in
accordance with the City’s General Plan and Guiding
Principles. The program kicked-off with a series of open houses to introduce the program and solicit feedback on the general vision on each of the eight specific plan areas, including FOOG.
Round 1 Workshop
June 12, 2018
In the Round 1 Workshop, the Planning and Community
Development Department facilitated a listening and
learning session to find out more about participants’
experience living and/or working in, or visiting the FOOG area, and their ideas for how the plan could improve the area. The workshop began with a brief interactive visioning activity, an introductory presentation on the Specific Plan update program, the General Plan vision for the FOOG
area, and background information. For the majority of
the workshop, participants were divided into small groups with facilitated discussions on specific topics such as appropriate land uses and housing types, streetscape and public amenities, and mobility and parking. This workshop was followed by a second online survey.
Round 2 Workshop
April 11, 2019
The Planning and Community Development Department
hosted a second community workshop to present
preliminary land use and urban form concepts that
incorporated community feedback received since the first workshop. Input received at this workshop helped to refine these concepts and guide the drafting of goals, policies, and development standards. In an opening icebreaker activity, participants were able to reaffirm what we heard so far from the community by placing stickers next to those comments.
Next, City staff gave a PowerPoint presentation covering background information on the program, an overview of
the existing Specific Plan area, emerging themes and draft vision, and preliminary concepts. Lastly, participants broke out into small groups to discuss the preliminary concepts.
Each table reported back to the large group with a summary of the main points.
Community Walking Tour
July 20, 2019
The Planning and Community Development Department,
along with then-District 3 Councilmember Kennedy and
District 5 Councilmember Gordo, hosted an interactive
walking tour of the Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan area. Tour participants were asked about their thoughts on mixed-used development, opportunities to improve
the walking environment, parking accessibility, existing 14 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Introduction
and future uses, and their overall pedestrian experience.
The walking tour started at a coffee shop in the Fair
Oaks Renaissance Plaza and ended at Heritage Housing
Senior Apartments. Participants wrote comments on
tour worksheets as they walked east along Orange Grove
Boulevard and the north up Fair Oaks Avenue. At the
end of the tour, participants identified specific locations on large maps with image cards depicting desired uses.
Major themes of interest to the participants that emerged during the walking tour included mixed-use Development, key intersections, active sidewalks and storefronts, and pedestrian experience.
Youth Summit
October 19, 2019
The Planning and Community Development Department
hosted an Our Pasadena Youth Summit for students at
the Robinson Recreation Center, located within the FOOG area. Through the use of multi-media tools and interactive activities, including a virtual reality tour through parts of the city, the event introduced City Planning to youth and allowed participants to share their unique perspective on what they think will make Pasadena a better place now and in the future.
Round 3 Virtual Open House
October 2020 - March 2022
(Live Webinar: October 8, 2020)
For the third and final round of community workshops,
the Planning and Community Development Department
hosted an interactive virtual open house website and
live webinar. Through an introductory presentation and
a series of informational materials, staff presented the refined the Specific Plan’s vision and concept, along with full draft standards for the Land Use, Public Realm, and Development and Design chapters of the plan. Participants were encouraged to provide detailed input through an
online survey, and to submit questions in the questions and answers portion of the live webinar event. While the community was unable to gather in person due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, the virtual platform was available
24/7 for an extended period of time, allowing participants to visit and provide feedback at their pace and convenience, as well as download materials and share the open house
site with family, friends, and neighbors.
Round 3 Virtual Open House
Youth Summit
Youth Summit
Fair Oaks Orange/Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 15
Introduction
WHAT WE HEARD
Participants shared a wide range of input throughout the outreach process, including the following recurring themes:
Increase densities appropriately
to encourage a range of housing
types and development that
aligns with the look and feel of
the area:
» Support for a variety of housing
types including affordable,
senior, workforce, and multifamily
» Encourage development
emphasizing human-scale
features and range from two to
five stories, depending on the
area. Support for residential use
on the ground floor
» Embrace the unique and
historical built environment of
the specific plan area through
compatible sizes, setbacks,
massing, and improvements to
building facades
» Existing institutional uses such
as convalescent and residential
care facilities in the area should
be rehabilitated and/or improved
by incorporating gardens and
native landscaping to benefit
residents; continue prohibition on
new Institutional Uses to address
the overconcentration of this use
in the Northwest area
» Cluster higher density uses in
the southern portion of the plan,
closer to the freeway
» Ensure that new development
and density will not impact
municipal services such as police
and fire
Foster support for economic
development and job creation
and enhance local community
amenities and services:
» Encourage neighborhood
serving uses that support youth
and cater to families such as
translation services or day care
facilities
» Desire for more entertainment
uses such as restaurants, movie
theaters, go-kart, outdoor cafes,
and ice cream shops
» Support new community spaces
for people to gather, especially
in the area near Mountain Street
and Maple Street
» Preserve existing industrial
uses for local job creation and
employment opportunities,
consider re-use of industrial sites
including for clean tech
» Buffer existing and new industrial
uses from adjacent residential
neighborhoods
» Encourage mixed-use
development with neighborhoodserving retail, sit-down
restaurants, and cafes
» Consider incentives for upgrades
to existing buildings
» Designate Orange Grove
Boulevard as the primary
frontage, with support
for commercial use at key
intersections throughout the plan
area
Support streetscapes and
mobility enhancements for a
walkable, pedestrian-friendly
public realm:
» Improve accessibility and overall
pedestrian experience through
the addition of shade trees,
benches, pathways, places
to rest, improved lighting,
landscaping, and public art
» Install gateway features at key
intersections such as North Fair
Oaks Avenue and Montana
Street
» Improve pedestrian safety,
particularly at key intersections,
and overall circulation in the plan
area, consider strategies such as
a circular shuttle bus
» Encourage bike-related
infrastructure and amenities
» Consider flexible parking
options such as lots located
behind buildings, underground,
or consider shared parking
opportunities
» Encourage public realm
improvements for new
developments including outdoor
dining, landscaping, setbacks,
and building articulation
» Activate corners with building
entrances that face the street
and provide easier pedestrian
access
» Improve landscaped streetscapes
along North Fair Oaks Avenue
16 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Introduction
Northwest Commission and
Design Commission Meetings
Northwest Commission: April 13, 2021 and November
13, 2025
Design Commission: May 18, 2021
Following the Round 3 Webinar, the Planning and
Community Development Department presented at the
Northwest Commission and Design Commission in spring of 2021 to solicit feedback on the preliminary draft of the plan, respond to clarifying questions from commissioners, and discuss various issues to be considered in the development of standards, policies, and implementation strategies for the next draft of the plan.
The Northwest Commission also met on November 13,
2025, where the meeting focused on the draft vision, street safety improvements, housing density and development
standards. They also discussed how the plan relates to
restorative and environmental justice.
Planning Commission Meetings
Study Sessions: March 12, 2025 and October 22, 2025
Hearing: April 22, 2026
The Planning Commission held two Study Sessions to
discuss the FOOG Specific Plan between March 2025 and
October 2025. During the March 12, 2025 Study Session,
Staff provided the Planning Commission and the public an opportunity to provide comments on topics such as the plan area, vision, and subarea concepts. Comments included
allowing for additional dwelling units per acre north of Washington Boulevard, safer streets, faster bus intervals and more street trees. The October 22, 2025, the Study
Session focused on how feedback will be incorporated in the draft FOOG Specific Plan.
Following the Study Sessions, staff made changes to the FOOG Specific Plan incorporating the comments of the
Commission. Staff brought the Plan back for a hearing
in Spring 2026, where the public was invited to share
feedback, the Commission discussed the proposed Plan,
and voted to recommend approval to the City Council, with eight recommended changes.
A community member speaks during public comment at
the March 2025 Planning Commission study session
The plan was discussed at two Northwest Commission
meetings during its development
Fair Oaks Orange/Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 17
Introduction
City Council Hearing
TBD
Section to be completed after City Council Hearing.
Summary of Promotional Materials
In addition to these public outreach events and workshops, the Planning and Community Development Department
has advertised the FOOG Specific Plan and provided
updates through the following platforms and publications:
» Mailers to property owners, occupants, and renters
within the FOOG Specific Plan area and within 500
feet of the FOOG Specific Plan area boundaries
» E-mailing list for program newsletter subscribers
» OurPasadena Program website
» OurPasadena and Citywide social media accounts
» Council District Newsletters
» City of Pasadena InFocus
» Local press coverage
1.4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE
In the 2015 Pasadena General Plan update, the City
prepared a programmatic General Plan Environmental
Impact Report (GP EIR) to analyze potential citywide
impacts, broad policy alternatives, and programmatic
mitigation measures associated with the update of the
General Plan and specific plan amendments. An Addendum
to the GP EIR was prepared to address potential sitespecific environmental impacts associated with the update to the FOOG Specific Plan.
Per the GP EIR, future discretionary review may rely on the analysis provided in the GP EIR for the purpose of tiering and/or streamlining. The purpose of tiering is to use the analysis of general matters contained in a broader EIR
(such as the GP EIR) with later California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents on narrower or more sitespecific projects. Tiering serves to reduce repetitive analysis and provide subsequent site-specific analysis at a time when it is meaningful.
18 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Introduction
1.5 Specific Plan
Organization
The FOOG Specific Plan is organized into seven chapters and multi appendices, as described below
Ch. 1 - Introduction
This chapter presents the purpose of the plan and outlines the planning outreach process. It also discusses the
relationship of the plan to other planning documents and introduces the 2015 General Plan Guiding Principles, goals, and policies that inform the plan.
Ch. 2 - Background
This chapter provides additional historical context for the FOOG Specific Plan area and identifies challenges and
opportunities within the plan area’s existing conditions.
Ch. 3 - Vision, Goals and Policies
This chapter establishes the overall vision for the FOOG area, and specific visions for the subareas. The vision is followed by goals and policies by subarea and topic.
Ch. 4 - Zoning and Land Use
This chapter introduces the zoning districts for the Plan area and establishes the types of land uses allowed for potential new development within each zoning district.
Ch. 5 - Public Realm Standards
This chapter presents standards and guidelines for the
public realm adjacent to new development, including
sidewalks, parkways, and street trees.
Ch. 6 - Private Realm Standards
This chapters presents standards and guidelines for
development of private property, including allowable
densities and heights, as well as required setbacks, open space, and parking standards.
Ch. 7 - Implementation and
Administration
This chapter presents implementation actions and
responsibilities, and potential programming and funding opportunities to bring the plan vision to life.
FOOG Area
Appendix
The FOOG Specific Plan includes two appendices:
A.1 – Definitions provides a glossary of land use planning and urban design terminology used throughout the
document.
A.2 – Design Guidance for Tree Selection supplements
the public realm standards and guidelines introduced in Chapter 5 with a detailed overview of existing street tree conditions, and recommendations for tree species to be
incorporated in future updates to the Department of Public Works’ Master Street Tree Plan.
N
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 19
Ch. 2
Background
2.1 Community and Historic Context 21
2.2 Existing Land Uses, Urban Form,
and Public Realm 28
20 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Background
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 21
Background
The Fair Oaks/Orange Grove (FOOG) Specific Plan area
is a predominantly residential and commercial part of the City of Pasadena. The area is home to some of the earliest subdivisions in the city and contains the site of the first house built in the city, that was located at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue (formerly known as Fair Oaks) and
Orange Grove Boulevard. In the late 1800s, the area
was characterized by a mix of citrus groves, farmland,
and homesteads and was part of Pasadena’s burgeoning
tourism industry for wealthy visitors, drawn to the area by the warm winters. Throughout the late 1800s and early
1900s, the area’s population grew with local neighborhood businesses serving most of the needs of area residents.
These small retail and service-oriented businesses such as grocers, tailors, and hardware suppliers, made up a thriving commercial district along Fair Oaks Avenue at Villa Street.
By the early 1900s, several churches and small businesses were established in the northern portion of the FOOG
area, which provided for a self-sustaining community.
Although the businesses have changed, these mixed-use
corridors continue to function as important locations of neighborhood services and amenities to this day.
In the early twentieth century, the area was a flourishing working-class neighborhood with a racially and ethnically diverse population, including Latino, Asian, and Black
residents. While early residents were primarily farmers and farmworkers, the workforce expanded in the 1910s to include a variety of labor and service jobs. Many Black-owned
and Black-serving businesses and institutions opened in
2.1 Community and
Historic Context
the plan area during the early 1910s and 1920s including Berry and Sweeney Pharmacy, which is still operating in the neighborhood. The neighborhood’s civic institutions also expanded during this time, including the establishment of La Pintoresca Library and Park on a site formerly occupied by a local hotel, the Painter Hotel (later renamed the La Pintoresca Hotel).
During the Great Depression, the neighborhood faced
challenges due to difficult economic conditions, dwindling homeownership opportunities, and deficiencies in City
services. However, the 1920s and 1930s also marked the
continuance of an important Black community in Pasadena with Fair Oaks Avenue as its main commercial corridor,
home to neighborhood-serving uses such as a cooperative (co-op), movie theater, doctors’ offices, and churches, such as St. Barnabas Episcopal.
In 1939, the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC)
investment risk-grading documents “redlined” much of
the area around Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove
Bouledvard, thereby systemically blocking residents from mortgage or home improvement loans. The explicitly racist and discriminatory HOLC documents identified, mostly
communities of color, as “high risk” and caused longterm impacts on housing, policing and access to services including banking, insurance, and healthcare with racially and economically marginalized communities throughout
the United States.
In the 1960s and1970s, parts of the area were razed due to “urban renewal” and related efforts, displacing many residents. A large portion of this displacement occurred following the passing of the National Defense and Interstate Highway Act of 1956, which prompted the construction of Interstate 210 (I-210), known as the Foothill Freeway. The Fair Oaks Avenue looking north from Colorado Boulevard towards the plan area in the late 1800s 22 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Background
construction of the freeway resulted in the forced relocation of thousands of residents. Although alternative route
proposed would have impacted far fewer residents, it was rejected. At the time, the choice of this route was attributed to its alignment with the City’s General Plan.
HOLC and the construction of the freeway heavily
impacted the community beyond just the immediate
displacement of residents from the construction of I-210.
Thousands of homes and neighborhood-serving businesses
were demolished, and home values close to the freeway
dropped (although residents whose homes or businesses
were demolished were compensated, the calculated
reimbursement value was negatively impacted by HOLC
documents). Additionally, those now living close to the freeway experienced negative health impacts.2
Due in part
to these factors, the population of the FOOG area began to drop.
In the 1960s, the City instituted a “Redevelopment Plan” prompted by the California Redevelopment Act of 1945,
which assisted local governments in “urban renewal”
efforts to “eliminate blight.”3
The resulting redevelopment
plan implemented in the FOOG area was aligned with
the overarching policy landscape that also led to the
construction of the freeway, contributing to additional displacement in the FOOG area. The initial redevelopment plan, or the “Redevelopment Plan for the Fair Oaks
Redevelopment Project Area” (also known as the “Pepper
Street Redevelopment Project”) was not supported by
residents. Despite their decade-long resistance, the plan moved forward in 1968 with the construction of Kings
Villages (313 units, constructed in 1971). Additional housing complexes such as La Pintoresca Housing Complex
(64 units) were constructed throughout the 1970s. The
The first house in Pasadena, located at Orange Grove and Lincoln (formerly known as Fair Oaks), 1874
The Painter Hotel, 1888
construction of these complexes caused the displacement of many Black, Asian, and Latino residents and closure of local businesses.4
Although new commercial development
followed, these redevelopment efforts had significantly impacted the existing community.
Beyond freeway development and redevelopment projects,
the population of the area was further impacted in the
mid-twentieth century, particularly in the late 1960 and 70s following the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which prohibited housing discrimination based on race,
religion, sex, national origin, family status or disability.
Residents of the FOOG community that had previously
experienced housing discrimination and who were barred
from living in particular areas due to racist housing
restrictions such as racial covenants, were able to relocate to other areas. As a result, some residents chose to move to other areas of Pasadena and Altadena, further decreasing the FOOG area’s population. The declining population
and disinvestment helped lead to decreased access to
economic opportunity and decimated housing stock. The
neighborhood was also heavily impacted by the drug
epidemic, including gang violence throughout the 1970s
and 1980s.
However, new neighborhood gathering places and
businesses continued to open throughout the 1970s and
1980s. The Jackie Robinson Community Center and
Robinson Park opened on Fair Oaks Avenue in 1974,
named for Jackie and Mack Robinson, who grew up on
Pepper Street within the FOOG Plan area. The Park and
Community Center continue to serve as gathering places
and spaces for community services. In 1975, King’s Plaza opened with a Boys Market as its anchor. In these decades development continued along the Fair Oaks corridor, as the City identified the intersection of Orange Grove Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue to be a critical center of commercial activity and a “gateway” into the area. A slate of planning and policy documents were implemented in the 1980s
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 23
Background
and 1990s focused on the FOOG Specific Plan area and
surrounding areas of Northwest Pasadena. In 1985, the
Northwest Community Plan was adopted and intended
to “improve streets, parks and lighting, repair homes, and spur business development” and address disparities facing Northwest Pasadena communities. The City developed a
Master Plan in 1991 focused on reinvigorating the shopping center on the southwest corner of the Fair Oaks/Orange
Grove intersection and further identified the need to
improve the design and façades of buildings in the area.
The Master Plan included the creation of the Fair Oaks
Renaissance Plaza anchored by a large commercial grocery store and established a ‘town square’ concept for the Fair Oaks/Orange Grove intersection, supported by urbanscaled and pedestrian-friendly development.
Pasadena’s 1994 General Plan identified the FOOG
Specific Plan, based on the boundaries of the Fair Oaks/ Orange Grove Master Development Plan and extended
along Fair Oaks Avenue from Mountain Street to Maple
Street and Orange Grove Boulevard from Lincoln Avenue
to Los Robles Avenue. In 2002, the City Council approved the FOOG Specific Plan, which framed the area by three
key themes: economic development, quality of life, and
neighborhood beautification. The plan sought to restore the area’s sense of place and reestablish the neighborhood as an important residential and business corridor in the city.
The 2015 General Plan Update reaffirmed the 2002
Specific Plan as a tool to create a plan area that has unified its visual and physical identity. The intent was to transform North Fair Oaks Avenue from a low-density strip commercial corridor to a series of distinctive low-to-medium density, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use neighborhoods and to
allow higher densities of housing and jobs and more mixing of uses in the south, with lower densities to the north. Within the last several decades, new affordable, multi-family, infill housing developments have been constructed, especially
in the southernmost subareas of the FOOG area such as
the 456 Flats, Orange Grove Gardens, Heritage Square,
Summit Grove Condominiums, and Heritage Square South.
Today, the area continues to be home to many communityfocused organizations including local churches and places of worship, community-serving locally owned businesses, and longstanding community gathering places including
the Boys and Girls Club, La Pintoresca Library, the Robinson Park Recreation Center, and Jackie Robinson Community
Center. Additionally, several historical businesses are still operating in the area including Woods Valentine Mortuary, Zum Yaap Thai Kitchen, and Berry and Sweeney Pharmacy.
North Fair Oaks Avenue is an important transit corridor, with multiple bus routes that facilitate connections
between the Plan area and the rest of the City and region.
Pasadena’s most-used bus line, Route 20, in part, runs
along Fair Oaks Avenue connecting to multiple Metro
A Line stations including Memorial Park, Fillmore, and
Lake Stations, providing broader connectivity to the City, including the North Lake and Central District Specific Plan areas. The Metro 660 bus runs along Fair Oaks Avenue
between the Del Mar A Line Station and the intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Loma Alta Drive, providing car-free access to regional transit networks.
REFERENCES
1 Freeways, Redlining, and Racism (UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies) https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c72eba7de6bd4c6aa63286e82963d0f8 2 Redevelopment Agency History (Auditor-Controller Los Angeles County) https:// auditor.lacounty.gov/redevelopment-agency-history/
3 Kings Villages: A Case of Urban Renewal in Pasadena (Biery, Brian), Colorado Boulevard Newspaper https://www.coloradoboulevard.net/kings-villages-a-case-ofurban-renewal-in-pasadena/ 4 The Fair Housing Act (U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Divison) https:// www.justice.gov/crt/fair-housing-act-1
5 Cal Poly “La Pintoresca Vision Plan” document
24 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Background
Map 2.1-1: Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan Historic Resources The FOOG Specific Plan
area lies north of the Central
District specific plan area.
The FOOG Specific Plan
area is surrounded by a
number of landmark districts
including Craftsman Heights,
Garfield Heights, and
Normandie Heights.
Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan
* Other historic resources, such as eligible resources, are not mapped Historic Resources and Landmark Buildings
R AY M O N D
M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E RS U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
N O RT H L A K E
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
GARFIELD HEIGHTS
WASHINGTON
SQUARE
NORMANDIE
HEIGHTS
ORANGE
HEIGHTS
RAYMONDSUMMIT
BRISTOLCYPRESS
RAYMONDESTHER
BANBURY
OAKS
NEW FAIR
OAKS
WASHINGTON MIDDLE
SCHOOL
Landmark District
National Register Historic District
N
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 25
Background
Table 2.1-1: Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan Area Historic Resources Locally Designated Historic Property
1655 N Fair Oaks Avenue Decker House (moved to current location in 2019) 840-842 N Fair Oaks Avenue Doane and Pinney Houses
21 E Howard Street Pasadena Motorcycle Club Quonset Hut 1355 N Raymond Avenue La Pintoresca Library
317 E Orange Grove Boulevard Commercial building
445 E Orange Grove Boulevard Orange Grove Shopping Center Signboard Ethnic History Property
891 N Fair Oaks Avenue Edna Griffin Medical Office
1062 N Fair Oaks Avenue St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
595 Lincoln Avenue Japanese American Cultural Center
379 E Orange Grove Boulevard St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Appears to be individually eligible for listing or designation 259 E Orange Grove Boulevard House
379 E Orange Grove Boulevard St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 415 E Orange Grove Boulevard Lamb Funeral Home
524 N Fair Oaks Avenue House
45 E Washington Boulevard La Pintoresca Park
1561-1569 N Fair Oaks Avenue 1940s pre-fab gas station
8 Esther Street Villa Maria Apartments
Contributor to a district that appears eligible for local listing or designation 104 E Orange Grove Blvd 24 E Peoria Street 44 E Peoria Street 6-12 E Peoria Street 14-22 E Peoria Street 24-26 E Peoria Street 36 E Peoria Street 9 Esther Street 33 Esther Street
38 Esther Street 41 Esther Street 46 Esther Street
15-17 Esther Street 584 N Fair Oaks Avenue 590 N Fair Oaks Avenue 599 N Fair Oaks Avenue 600 N Fair Oaks Avenue 604 N Fair Oaks Avenue 612 N Fair Oaks Avenue 566-772 N Fair Oaks Avenue 574-578 N Fair Oaks Avenue NOTE
The eligibility determinations in this table were made in the 2001 survey of the FOOG Specific Plan area. At the time of publication, a citywide historic resources survey that will re-evaluate undesignated properties, including those in the Specific Plan area, is underway. Those findings will be published separately. 26 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Background
FAIR OAKS-ORANGE GROVE TIMELINE
1930s-1960s
» 1930 – The City establishes the La Pintoresca
Library
» 1930s – HOLC “redlining” maps are created,
informing planning and policy decisions for the
area
» 1946 – The Pasadena Motorcycle Club
Quonset Hut, a locally designated landmark, is
constructed at 21 E Howard Street
» 1950s – The La Pintoresca Library expands its
services and becomes a community gathering
place
» 1950s and 1960s – The National Defense
and Interstate Highway Act of 1956 fuel the
construction of the Foothill Freeway (I-210)
» 1963 – The Wood-Valentine Mortuary relocates
to 1455 N Fair Oaks Avenue and has been
operating since
» 1964 – The City institutes the Fair Oaks
Redevelopment Project
1880s-1920s
» 1880 – First Citrus Fair
» 1881 – John H. Painter and Benjamin Ball
purchase 2,000 acres of land originally known as
“Monks Hill”
» 1887 – FAME Methodist Church is established at
565 N Fair Oaks Avenue
» 1888 – The Painter Hotel opens at the current
site of La Pintoresca Library
» Early 1900s – A grouping of small businesses
establishes a commercial district in the Northwest
region of Pasadena
» 1907 – Pasadena Motorcycle Club established
(originally located outside of the FOOG area, the
Club relocated in 1947)
» 1910 – Most residents moving to the area are
employed in service and labor jobs
» 1918 – Berry and Sweeney Pharmacy is
established at 1377 North Fair Oaks Avenue
» 1919 – The NAACP Pasadena Branch is
established
» 1925 – La Pintoresca Park is constructed on the
former site of the Painter Hotel
» 1928 – 317 E Orange Grove Boulevard, an
example of a masonry structure with some
features characteristic of Mission Revival
architecture is built
Pasadena Motorcycle Club Quonset Hut (21
Howard Street) was constructed in 1946
La Pintoresca Library was built in 1930
Berry and Sweeney Pharmacy opened in 1918
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 27
Background
1970s-1990s
» 1970s – Kings Villages, Community Arms, and La
Pintoresca Housing complex open
» 1974 – Jackie Robinson Community Center and
Robinson Park open
» 1975 – King’s Plaza opens with Boy’s Market as
its anchor
» 1985 – Northwest Pasadena Community Plan is
adopted
» 1991 – The Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Master
Plan proposes a town center treatment of the
intersection
» 1998 – Fair Oaks Renaissance Plaza opens at
the southwest corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and
Orange Grove Boulevard
2000s-present
» 2002 – The Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific
Plan is adopted
» 2003 - The Gold Line (A Line) opens, connecting
Pasadena and Los Angeles
» 2000-2023 –Several new affordable/multifamily
housing developments are constructed including
the 456 Flats (2006), Orange Grove Gardens
(2006), Heritage Square (2016), Summit Grove
Condominiums (2018), Lincoln at Orange Grove
(2023) and Heritage Square South (2023)
» 2018 – Our Pasadena Specific Plan Update
process begins.
Kings Villages, one among many housing
complexes to open in the 1970s
The Jackie Robinson Recreation Center still
serves as a vibrant community gathering place
28 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Background
LAND USE
Land use is a characterization
of how a property or building is
used and describes the general
activity occurring on a site, such as
commercial retail, office, residential,
industrial, or open space. Land uses
influence the surrounding environment
in a variety of ways; for example, some
uses, like retail stores and restaurants,
may draw pedestrians to an area
and create a more active sidewalk
environment, while other uses, like
industrial, are generally more autooriented in nature.
URBAN FORM
Urban form refers to the physical
form of a building, both individually
and collectively within a district, and
its placement within a specific site.
Elements of urban form such as a
building’s scale and height help to
determine the overall character of an
area. Urban form is influenced by a
combination of planning regulations
and development standards,
architectural design, and site-specific
factors such as lot size.
PUBLIC REALM
The public realm refers to spaces that
are publicly owned and/or publicly
accessible. The FOOG Specific Plan
regulates the portion of the public
realm between private development
and the roadway, typically comprised
of sidewalks, parkways, street trees,
and other amenities such as seating,
bicycle parking, bus shelters, and trash
receptacles. Other portions of the
public realm such as the roadway are
designed, regulated, and maintained
by various other City departments and
planning documents.
2.2 Existing Land Uses, Urban Form, and Public Realm
Map 2.2-1: Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan Subareas R AY M O N D M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E RS U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
Black Legacy District
Robinson District
Arboleda District
Robles District
N
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 29
Background
BLACK LEGACY DISTRICT
Land Use and Urban Form
The Black Legacy District acts as the northern entrance to the City of Pasadena and the FOOG area, extending
along Fair Oaks Avenue from the FOOG area’s northern
boundary at the Altadena/Pasadena border (Montana
Street) to Washington Boulevard. The subarea contains
many community-serving uses that reflect the area’s history, including places of worship, community gathering places such as La Pintoresca Park and Library and the Boys
and Girls Club of America, and historic, locally owned
businesses such as Berry and Sweeney Pharmacy. There is a high concentration of medical and institutional uses along North Fair Oaks Boulevard including offices, clinics, assisted living facilities, and transitional and supportive housing.
Building typologies throughout the subarea are mixed
depending on the land use and parcel size. In the northern section of the subarea, parcels on the east side of Fair Oaks Avenue are generally very narrow, several with onestory single-family structures facing Fair Oaks Avenue and additional structures in the rear, possibly indicating additional units. Multifamily developments, office and
medical buildings are mostly 1-2 stories and include an eclectic mix of architectural styles popular at the time of their construction. The subarea features some threestory buildings, such as Rosewood Court, an affordable senior housing community at the corner of Tremont Street and Fair Oaks Avenue. Buildings were predominantly
constructed between the 1920s and 1970s, although some
more recently constructed buildings include Craftsmanstyle condos built in the early 2000s and Gill Court, an affordable condominium development.1
These newer
developments are designed to mesh with the subarea’s
historical architectural styles and typically include consistent street trees, landscaped parkways, and pedestrian-friendly The Boys and Girls Club is a community gathering space in the northern portion of the area
The Woods-Valentine Mortuary is one of the oldest Blackowned businesses in Pasadena. Founded in 1928, it has been operating at its current location at 1455 N Fair Oaks Avenue since 1963
Places of worship can be found throughout the subarea,
including in former single-family homes
The Gill Court apartments are among recently constructed affordable condominium units in the FOOG area
30 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Background
entrances. The La Pintoresca Library is a notable structure in the subarea—constructed in 1930 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and now a City historic landmark, this twostory branch library sits within La Pintoresca Park.
Site configurations vary throughout the subarea. In some cases, medical services, institutional uses, and commercial developments front Fair Oaks Avenue with rear surface
parking lots, while others have street-fronting surface lots.
Commercial development in the subarea is inconsistent
and not pedestrian-oriented, partially due to street-facing surface parking lots, rear entrances, and blank walls.
Setbacks are inconsistent with some buildings built to the sidewalk line and others with larger setbacks, including front yards of single or multi-family homes.
Public Realm and Open Space
Public realm conditions are generally pedestrian-friendly throughout the subarea with relatively consistent trees and shading, even sidewalks, and pedestrian-scaled lighting and amenities. Sidewalks are generally 12 feet wide that sometimes include five to six-foot parkways. Parkways
conditions vary between blocks with some adequately
maintained and landscaped parkways and others without
maintenance or landscaping. Although there are a
variety of pedestrian amenities, the corridor is busy with automobile traffic, contributing to a generally vehicularlyfocused public realm. However, signalized pedestrian crosswalks located at major intersections such as Montana Street, Howard Street, and Washington Boulevard and
one signalized crosswalk with a wheelchair-accessible
ramp at 1790 N Fair Oaks Avenue support the pedestrian
experience and facilitate access from one side of the street to the other. The FOOG area is home to Pasadena Transit Route 20, the City’s most-used bus route, and there are regular stops many of which include a mix of amenities
La Pintoresca Park and Library, located at the southern end of the subarea acts a community gathering space
Although bus stops have some amenities, others lack
shading
Signalized pedestrian crossing are located at major
intersections
such as benches (often without shelters), bicycle racks, and trash receptacles. There are also intermittent amenity zones including active transportation infrastructure, such as bike racks, throughout.
Street trees provide relatively consistent shade coverage along Fair Oaks Avenue, though there are portions lacking street trees or a sufficient shade canopy due to frequent curb cuts for parking lot access, and the prevalence of Palm trees along the corridor, which add visual appeal but offer no shade. At the southern end of the subarea, La Pintoresca Park serves as a popular three-acre public open space with a skatepark, splash pad, basketball court, walking pathways, playgrounds, and the La Pintoresca Branch Library.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 31
Background
ROBINSON DISTRICT
Land Use and Urban Form
The Robinson District subarea is bounded by Washington
Boulevard to the north, Sunset Avenue to the west,
Raymond Avenue to the east, and Mountain Street to the
south. The northern portion of the subarea is characterized by multifamily residential developments and commercial
developments built between the 1960s and 1990s as a
part of the Fair Oaks Redevelopment Plan, including Kings Villages Apartments, La Pintoresca Apartments, and
Fair Oaks Business Park. Between Hammond Street and
Mountain Street, a grouping of neighborhood-serving
recreational and educational facilities surround Robinson Park and Recreation Center, including the Jackie Robinson Community Center and the Families Forward Learning
Center. The subarea also includes Pasadena Fire Station 36, along with several other institutional, recreational, research and development office uses.
Buildings in the subarea are all one to two stories in height, with predominantly vehicle-oriented site design. Kings
Villages and La Pintoresca Apartments include a variety of smaller building forms generally set back from Fair
Oaks Avenue behind fencing and oriented toward interior courtyards, walkways, and parking areas. The communityserving facilities along a 1,300-foot block of Fair Oaks Avenue between Hammond Street and Mountain Street
consist of large single-story buildings, with some building entryways oriented toward the sidewalk. However, most
of the block is fronted by the Robinson Park field, large setbacks, fences, and surface parking lots, creating a
sense of separation between these activity centers and the sidewalk.
Kings Villages, affordable housing built in the 1970s takes up a large footprint in the subarea and contributes to
residential character along the northern portion of N Fair Oaks Avenue
Commercial and light industrial businesses in the subarea are generally vehicle-oriented, accompanied by large
street-fronting surface parking lots screened by fences and landscaping. These buildings often lack façade treatments and include large blank walls fronting the sidewalk, such as at 1100 North Fair Oaks Avenue and 950 North Fair
Oaks Avenue. Other buildings or commercial complexes
include fencing and landscaping along the sidewalk, which provides some screening benefits but also contributes to a lack of visual character throughout the subarea.
Fire Station 36 is located at the southern end of the
subarea
Institutional uses, such as churches, can be found
throughout the FOOG area
The Pasadena Business Park and its parking lot takes up a significant footprint in the subarea
32 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Background
Public Realm and Open Space
The pedestrian experience varies between the east and
west sides of North Fair Oaks Avenue. The west side of Fair Oaks Avenue is generally more pedestrian-oriented due to entryways and courtyards of residential uses and Robinson Park Recreation Center and the Jackie Robinson Community Center. Along the sidewalk adjacent to Kings Villages, there are infrequent vehicle driveways, allowing for consistent walkability with minimal interruption to sidewalks. On
the east side of the street, there are large surface parking lots and wide entrances, including a large parking lot for the Fair Oaks Business Park. Despite these differences, sidewalks throughout the subarea are generally consistent at about 10-12 feet, providing comfortable width for
pedestrians. Street trees along the corridor are frequent and mature enough to provide shade and visual enhancement.
Landscaped street-facing building setbacks are adjacent to residential developments north of Hammond Street. Street furniture such as benches, trash receptacles, and bike racks can commonly be found near bus stops, although not all
bus stops provide the same amenities.
Robinson Park Recreation Center and the Jackie Robinson Community Center are important community gathering
places including expansive recreational facilities such as sports fields, picnic areas, a fitness center, a large gymnasium, and additional spaces for hosting community
events and a wide range of recreational activities for all ages. A signalized crosswalk connects the two spaces. The public realm between Hammond Street and Mountain
Street includes more pedestrian-friendly entrances,
landscaped setbacks, and consistent street trees in part because of the Jackie Robinson Community Center and
associated spaces located along the block.
Robinson Park provides recreation and open space for the community
Street furniture can be found in some areas, such as bus stops with a shelter, bench and trash receptacle
A signalized crosswalk connects the Robinson Recreation and Community Centers
The Robinson Recreation Center provides an open space
and a variety of community programming
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 33
Background
ROBLES DISTRICT
Land Use and Urban Form
The Robles District subarea comprises parcels surrounding the Orange Grove Boulevard corridor between Wheeler
Lane to the west and Los Robles Avenue to the east. The subarea is characterized by a mix of commercial uses and residential uses including affordable housing, moderate/ low-income multi-family housing, and condominiums.
Buildings reflect various eras of development, with some clusters built in the early and mid-20th century, and more recent developments built in the early 2000s and 2010s.
Residential and commercial buildings are predominantly
one to two stories with some buildings reaching three or four stories. Residential uses include larger, more recent, infill, affordable, and mixed-use developments such as
Summit Grove, an affordable condominium complex and
other affordable developments including the 456 Flats and Orange Grove Gardens, which are all three stories.
Orange Grove Boulevard is an important commercial
corridor characterized by many long-time neighborhoodserving Latino-owned businesses including restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, and barber shops,
some of which are located in former single-family homes.
Although many of these small businesses and commercial
properties feature sidewalk-fronting surface parking
lots, they are generally more pedestrian-oriented with
windows facing the street and individualized touches such as murals on blank walls. Commercial shopping centers
in the subarea are vehicle-oriented with large surface
parking lots, including the shopping center at the corner of Orange Grove Boulevard and Garfield Avenue,
and the Orange Grove Shopping Center at the
intersection of Orange Grove Boulevard and Los Robles
Avenue. Long-time neighborhood businesses housed in
historic buildings, such as Joe’s Ice (established in the 1940s) are interspersed with more recently constructed
commercial buildings and housing.
The Orange Grove Shopping Center on the corner of
Orange Grove Boulevard and Los Robles Avenue
Neighborhood-serving commercial uses along Orange
Grove Boulevard
Restaurant located at the corner of Orange Grove
Boulevard and Garfield Avenue
34 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Background
A blank parking lot wall with a mural at Orange Grove
Boulevard and Worcester Street
Older commercial building featuring a large surface
parking lot
Consistent street tree canopy coverage along Orange
Grove Boulevard
Public Realm and Open Space
Consistent street trees, sidewalks, and
signalized intersections facilitate an overall
pedestrian-friendly atmosphere along Orange
Grove Boulevard. Newer developments, such as
Orange Grove Gardens often have the most pedestrianfriendly sidewalk conditions including landscaped parkways, and consistent street trees, while sidewalk
conditions in front of older developments or
commercial buildings often lack parkways and consistent shading, although sidewalks are generally nine to 12
feet throughout the subarea. The shade canopy
between Los Robles Avenue and North Oakland Avenue
is particularly robust even while other portions of the subarea lack trees, including the northern side of the
block between North Marengo Avenue and Worcester
Avenue.
Generally, Orange Grove Boulevard prioritizes vehicle
travel over other modes, with large intersections and
frequent curb cuts allowing for access into surface
parking lots. Signalized pedestrian crossings at major
intersections facilitate north/south connectivity,
although some of the smaller intersections lack
pedestrian crossings. The subarea includes little bike
infrastructure, although there is a Class II bike lane running north/south along Marengo Avenue.
Older commercial buildings are generally built with little to no setbacks and often feature large surface lots alongside the building while residential buildings often feature wide setbacks, including front lawns or yards. Amenity zones, including seating, bike racks, and trash receptacles are found throughout the subarea. Although some bus stops
include seating and trash receptacles such as the stop at the corner of Los Robles Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard, others such as the stop at Marengo Avenue and Orange
Grove Boulevard, lack amenities.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 35
Background
Single and multi-family residential uses along Orange
Grove Boulevard
ARBOLEDA DISTRICT
Land Use and Urban Form
The Arboleda District subarea is the southernmost subarea in the FOOG Specific Plan, bounded by Mountain Street
to the north, Maple Street to the south, Wheeler Avenue to the east, and Cypress Avenue to the west. The subarea is adjacent to the Central District Specific Plan area, though the connection between the two areas is not pedestrianfriendly.
The subarea is comprised of commercial and industrial
uses, concentrated along Fair Oaks Avenue and residential uses interspersed along Orange Grove Boulevard. The
largest commercial development in the subarea is in the Fair Oaks Renaissance Plaza, which is anchored by a
Vallarta supermarket and a variety of smaller commercial uses. Adjacent to the west is the Mack Robinson Branch
US Post Office. Combined, they have 500 feet of frontage along Fair Oaks Avenue and 1,400 feet of frontage along Orange Grove Boulevard. Conditions along the block are
not pedestrian-friendly and include blank walls and multiple large parking lots, creating a lack of visual character.
In addition, there is only one pedestrian crossing along Orange Grove Boulevard between Lincoln Avenue and
Fair Oaks Avenue, creating a challenging pedestrian
atmosphere.
In contrast, along Orange Grove Boulevard, blocks are
smaller, contributing to a more residential and walkable environment. Multifamily residential complexes and a
limited number of single-family residential, commercial, and religious institutions are present; these buildings are generally one to two-stories with varying architectural styles.
More recently constructed multifamily, commercial, and
mixed-use developments are found along this corridor. The multifamily mixed-use building located at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard is an example of a new development contributing to neighborhood
character with pedestrian-oriented entrances and retail space for local businesses.
The intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove
Boulevard serves as a key nexus of activity in the specific plan area and includes new, infill affordable housing complexes Heritage Square, an affordable senior housing complex,
and Heritage Square South, permanent supportive senior
housing. These newer developments are generally three
stories tall with landscaped setbacks and pedestrianfocused entrances.
Although many commercial storefronts and office uses
within the subarea are pedestrian-oriented with expansive Heritage Square South apartments offers permanent
supportive units in the subarea
Large shopping center at Fair Oaks Renaissance Plaza
36 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Background
windows, recessed entrances, and entrances that open to the street, some feature street-facing parking lots and blank walls, such as at Fair Oaks Avenue and Painter Street and on Orange Grove Boulevard at the rear of the Post Office.
Public Realm and Open Space
The public realm of both North Fair Oaks Avenue and
Orange Grove Boulevard prioritizes of vehicle movement
over the pedestrian experience, leading to inconsistent conditions. Existing landscaping techniques like setbacks, parkways, and street trees create visual interest and shade.
Sidewalks along Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain
Street and Orange Grove Boulevard are generally 12 feet, with sporadic parkways in front of older developments.
Sidewalks along Fair Oaks Avenue south of Orange
Grove Boulevard are generally 10 to 12 feet wide with
inconsistent, narrow parkways. Sidewalks along Orange
Grove Boulevard are generally 12 feet wide with inconsistent five-foot wide parkways with some landscaped and others with tress or grass. The street tree canopy along Fair Oaks Avenue is relatively consistent with a few gaps. The canopy along Orange Grove Boulevard is consistent in front of
residential buildings with most of the trees mature enough to provide some intermittent shade.
Bus stops on North Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove
Boulevard generally contain street furniture such as
benches and trash receptacles, though these amenities are not provided at all bus stops along the corridor. Specifically, there is a notable lack of these amenities at bus stops along the western portion of Orange Grove Boulevard. Other
pedestrian-oriented streetscape amenities in the subarea include marked street crossings and signalized intersections along Fair Oaks Avenue at Painter Street, Peoria Street, Villa Street, Orange Grove Boulevard, and Maple Street.
Only one pedestrian crossing breaks up the blocks between Orange Grove Boulevard and Peoria Street
Bus stop along Orange Grove Boulevard provides a bench, but no shade covering
Ch. 3
Vision, Goals and
Policies
Vision, Goals and Policies 39
3.1 Vision 40
3.2 Goals and Policies 42
38 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Vision, Goals and Policies
Illustrated rendering of an expanded pedestrian realm at the corner of Fair Oaks and Orange Grove with new development.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 39
Vision, Goals and Policies
Vision, Goals and Policies
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
The FOOG Specific Plan vision, goals, and policies establish the desired outcomes of the plan and provide general
direction for achieving these outcomes.
VISION
» The vision characterizes the intended future of the
FOOG area, as shaped by both the General Plan and
extensive community input during the Plan update
process. The plan’s vision contains an overarching
vision statement and seven supporting vision objectives.
GOALS
» A goal is a statement that describes a desired future condition or “end” state. Goals are change and
outcome oriented, achievable over time, though not
driven by funding.
POLICIES
» A policy is a clear statement that guides a specific
course of action for decision-makers to achieve the
associated goal.
The vision, goals, and policies in this chapter are presented in the following pages as follows:
» 3.1 Vision
» 3.1.1 Vision Statement
» 3.1.2 Vision Objectives
» 3.2 Goals and Policies
» 3.2.1 Plan Area Goals and Policies
» Public Realm
» Development and Design
» Economic Development
» 3.2.2 Subarea Goals and Policies
» The Legacy District
» Robinson Recreation District
» East Orange Grove
» West Orange Grove
40 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Vision, Goals and Policies
3.1 Vision
3.1.1 VISION STATEMENT
3.1.2 VISION OBJECTIVES
Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard will offer a variety of housing options and flexible commercial, recreational, and community-building spaces around active, people-oriented corridors that celebrate the neighborhood’s rich history.
1. Complete Neighborhood
A mix of diverse uses that provide residents
with their daily needs and convenient connections
around the community and region.
2. A Sense of Place
Placemaking through new and existing
gathering spaces, public art and community
events that build on the area’s history and identity.
3. New and Affordable Housing
High-quality housing that works for modern
households, affordable to people at various
income levels and sized to fit different families.
4. Walkable Streets
Safe and comfortable mobility options for
those getting around without a car, with streets
shared by all modes of transportation.
5. Local Businesses
Locally owned and operated businesses that add
to the economic vibrancy as well as the historic
character of the neighborhood.
6. Activity Centers
Lively intersections along the primary boulevards
with neighborhood destinations, including retail,
restaurants and public green space.
7. Green Community
A lush public realm with mature shade trees
and landscaping that fosters sustainability,
cooling, and climate resilience.
8. Environmental Justice
Equal access, fair treatment and meaningful
involvement for all people, especially minority
populations and vulnerable communities.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 41
Vision, Goals and Policies
Map 3.1. Vision Concept Map
DNOMYAR
OGNERAM OGNERAM
DRAWOH
EKRAP
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
RETNIAP RETNIAP
RADEC
REHTSE TIMMUS NNEP
NOTROM
RELEEHW RELEEHW
TIMMUS
DNALKAO DNALKAO
ELAY
AWOI
C A R LT O NC A R LT O N
AIROEP
RETSECROW
DLEIFRAG DLEIFRAG
TESNUS
TESNUS
ONERES LE ONERES LE
ACSEROTNIP AL
REPPEP
M O N TA N A
NE L G WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
SELBOR SOL
EKAL HTRON EKAL HTRON
SKAO RIAF
L I N C O L N
La Pintoresca
Neighborhood node,
park & library
• Active storefronts and
streetscape improvements
to create a neighborhood
center for nearby residents
• Higher density mix of uses
close to Central District and
high-quality transit
• Context-sensitive infill development
that fits the scale of the boulevard
• Overall greening of the public realm
and improved walkability
• Local hub for outdoor activity, community
gathering, creativity and culture
• Flexible commercial spaces for a wide range
of businesses both small and large
• Enhanced sidewalks with landscaping to promote
walking and safer streets with slower speeds
• Medium-density mixed-use neighborhood corridor
with local shopping and family housing
Renaissance
Center
Neighborhood
node &
commercial
center
USPS Villa
Parke
To Arroyo &
Rose Bowl
Robinson
Park
Jackie Robinson Community Center
LINCOLN
GARFIELD HEIGHTS
WASHINGTON
SQUARE
NORMANDIE
HEIGHTS
ORANGE
HEIGHTS
RAYMONDSUMMIT
BRISTOLCYPRESS
RAYMONDESTHER
BANBURY
OAKS
NEW FAIR
OAKS
ONILO
ML E Proposed
El Molino
Greenway
Maple St Bike Lane
Glen
Roseway
Howard
Roseway
H A M M O N D
Octavia Butler
Middle School
&
Washington
Elementary
School
Hammond
Roseway
DRAWOH
Claremont
Roseway C L A R E M O N T
Raymond Ave
Bike Lane
V I L L A
Lorem ipsum
BLACK LEGACY DISTRICT
ROBINSON DISTRICT
ARBOLEDA DISTRICT
ROBLES DISTRICT
N
42 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Vision, Goals and Policies
3.2 Goals and Policies
The goals and policies in this
section provide policy direction
for implementing the vision for the
FOOG Specific Plan and achieving
the desired outcomes based on
community input and General
Plan guidance. Goals and policies
also provide guidance to decision
makers such as City staff, City
Commissions, or City Council when
reviewing development projects, and
they can also help support grant
funding efforts to supplement the
City budget for public improvement
projects.
The FOOG Specific Plan includes
goals and policies that are
applicable to specific subareas, as
well as the entire plan area. The
goals and policies for the entire plan
area are organized by topic:
» Public Realm
» Development and Design
» Economic Development
» Subareas
Map 3.2-1. Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan Subareas Black Legacy District
Robinson District
Arboleda District
Robles District
R AY M O N D
M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E RS U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
N
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 43
Vision, Goals and Policies
Pasadena Private Development
Public Art Program
The City’s Private Development Public Art
Program requires provisions for the arts and
other cultural resources in new development, per
the General Plan and Zoning Code 17.40.100.
Administered through the Private Development
Public Art Program Guidelines, the Public Art
Ordinance applies to projects over 25,000 square
feet and with a valuation of $500,000 or more in
certain geographies, along with other eligibility
requirements. To be in compliance, projects
must allocate one percent (1%) of the Building
Permit Valuation to either an on-site public art
component or pay the equivalent amount as an
in-lieu public art fee to the Cultural Trust Fund.
Goal 1. An enhanced public realm, reflecting the history and identity of the community through public gathering spaces, art, and pedestrian-serving amenities contributing to the area’s sense of place.
Policies:
1.a. Walkability. Support people-oriented
neighborhoods by providing an unobstructed path
of travel for pedestrians along major thoroughfares
Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard.
1.b. Public Amenities. Allocate a portion of the
sidewalk for amenities such as bus shelters, trash
receptacles, bicycle parking, parkways, tree wells, or
other stormwater management features, the specific
design of which can vary along the corridor allowing
for the distinction of individual subareas.
1.c. Publicly Accessible Open Space. Encourage new
developments to provide publicly accessible open
space to generate new community gathering places
and increase overall access to neighborhood green
space.
1.d. Community Recreation. Support the creation of
new - and the expansion of existing - community
spaces to facilitate a range of activities including
skating, walking, and sports.
1.e. Activated Places. Promote the creation of new
gathering places and activation of existing ones to
support a vibrant public realm, with amenities such
as landscaping, seating, and space for community
programming.
1.f. Public Art. Encourage collaboration between City
departments, the Arts and Culture Commission,
the Northwest Commission, and local businesses
to identify locations for public art installations
and other aesthetic improvements that reflect and
build upon the character and identity of the local
community.
1.g. Enhanced Gateways. Incorporate gateway
features such as art, signage, and native
landscaping on the northern and southern entry
points to the Plan area that reflect the area’s culture and history and provide a sense of place.
3.2.1 PLAN AREA GOALS AND POLICIES
Public realm with amenities, open space, and public art can support community gathering and the FOOG area’s
sense of place
PUBLIC REALM
44 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Vision, Goals and Policies
Goal 2. A comfortable and well-connected neighborhood that encourages sustainable modes of travel such as walking, biking, rolling, and public transit.
Policies:
2.a. Multi-Modal Environment. Encourage
non-driving modes of travel and multi-modal
connections by providing sufficient space for
amenities such as bus shelters, benches, lighting,
and bicycle racks.
2.b. East-West and North-South Mobility. Support
the addition of safe and accessible east-west
pedestrian crossing opportunities along Fair Oaks
Avenue and north-south crossing opportunities
along Orange Grove Boulevard.
2.c. First/Last Mile Connections. Expand first/last
mile connectivity to transit by facilitating safe,
comfortable, and convenient access through
multimodal improvements. Strategies may include
active transportation and shared mobility options,
enhanced pedestrians crossings and wayfinding,
and traffic calming measures that reduce vehicle
speeds near transit.
2.d. Pedestrian Environment. Improve pedestrian
connections throughout the Plan area through
improved sidewalk conditions, more streetscape
amenities and shade, and pedestrian-oriented
design to enhance walkability.
2.e. Active Transportation Streets. Encourage
streetscape improvements that facilitate
active transportation usage such as sidewalk
enhancements, bulb outs, and crosswalk updates.
2.f. Bus Stop Amenities. Support the implementation
of shading devices to shelter transit users from the
elements. Provide adequate lighting, comfortable
seating, and real-time transit information.
2.g. Welcoming Streetscape. Support street
configuration strategies such as angled parking
and tree islands to create a safer and more inviting
streetscapes.
A pleasant pedestrian experience can be fostered through enhanced pedestrian crossings and other active transportation improvements
PUBLIC REALM
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 45
Vision, Goals and Policies
Goal 3. A green district with sufficient landscaping and shade coverage to encourage pedestrian mobility and support sustainability objectives such as carbon sequestration, mitigating the urban heat island effect, and increasing stormwater capture.
Policies:
3.a. Street Trees. Encourage street tree planting
in amenity zones and “tree lanes” to provide a
substantial year-round shade canopy. Consider the
addition of accent trees at the northern and southern
gateways of the specific plan area along Fair Oaks
Avenue.
3.b. Street Tree Distribution. Increase the frequency
and consistency of canopy trees to cool the sidewalk
environment and make for a more comfortable
pedestrian atmosphere.
3.c. Parkways. Enhance parkway and median
landscaping throughout the plan area, prioritizing
native plantings, and improving permeability for rain
and stormwater capture.
3.d. Screening. Consider screening parking lots from
sidewalks with landscaping and greening to create
a more comfortable pedestrian atmosphere and
support sustainability.
3.e. Landscaped Setbacks. Incorporate thoughtful,
native landscaping with sustainable and native plant
materials where appropriate.
3.f. Resilient Plantings. Support the inclusion of
native, drought-tolerant and fire-resistant species
to increase urban resilience and create habitat for
insects and birds.
3.g. Tree Protection. Require the protection and
maintenance of mature and healthy trees which bring
aesthetic, environmental, and economic benefits to
the Plan area through the Citywide Tree Protection
Ordinance.
3.h. Water Conservation. Encourage low-impact
development (LID) and smart irrigation techniques
in all landscaping, incorporating permeable paving,
bio-swales, and other methods to control runoff and
capture stormwater for onsite reuse.
3.i. Air Quality. Reduce air pollution exposure and
monitor improvements to air quality through the use
of sustainable building techniques, landscaping, and
promotion of alternate modes of mobility.
PUBLIC REALM
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
At the heart of the FOOG Specific Plan is the belief that every community has the right to thrive. This means that all people receive fair access to environmental benefits, equal protection from environmental hazards, and real opportunities to participate in projects and processes that concern their own environment and public health. In city planning, it includes avoiding the concentration of pollution in vulnerable neighborhoods, reducing the cumulative impacts of climate change, expanding equitable access to clean air, parks, and other resources, and engaging communities in policy decisions that affect them. This approach supports healthier, more inclusive cities that respect diverse cultures, acknowledge historical injustices, resist systemic inequities, and provide resources for locally led community advocacy and decision-making.
46 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Vision, Goals and Policies
Parkways with permeability features can both contribute to a green, comfortable street sidewalk environment and also increase capacity for stormwater capture
Setbacks with native landscaping can be an important element to creating a green corridor and support sustainability goals Consistent distribution of street trees creates a tree canopy which can cool the environment and create a pleasant pedestrian atmosphere
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 47
Vision, Goals and Policies
Goal 4. Compatible building design that fits the scale of the neighborhood while providing for more flexible housing options, activity, and a sense of place.
Policies:
4.a. Compatibility. Reinforce the unique and historical built environment of the Plan area through
compatible sizes, setbacks, stepbacks, massing, and
improvements to building façades.
4.b. Scaled Transitions. Require higher-intensity new
development, such as at the intersection of Orange
Grove Boulevard/Fair Oaks Avenue, to provide
appropriate transitions to adjoining lower density
residential neighborhoods.
4.c. Architectural Diversity. Embrace the range
of architectural styles throughout the area and
encourage new development to reflect these styles.
4.d. Pedestrian Orientation. Support site planning,
façade design, and landscaping to support
pedestrian-oriented places that focus activity on the
street.
4.e. Parking Impacts. Employ design standards and
strategies such as rear parking or underground
parking to reduce the visual impacts of parking lots
and structures and minimize driveways along Fair
Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard.
4.f. Passive Design. Incorporate passive design
standards to both site and developments to
naturally stay cool.
4.g. Building Entrances. Promote sidewalk-facing
entrance design that facilitates pedestrian access
and connections between the private and public
realm.
4.h. Transparency. Require façade transparency to
improve visual interest, reduce the prevalence of
blank walls, and establish a connection between
ground floor commercial and the public realm.
Transparent and sidewalk-oriented front entrances contribute to a dynamic sidewalk environment
DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
48 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Vision, Goals and Policies
Goal 5. Ample access to open space for both passive and active enjoyment, with a range of well-designed private, common, and public spaces.
Policies:
5.a. Quality Design. Create usable and functional
open spaces for residents, employees, and visitors
alike.
5.b. Comfortable Setting. Create a pleasant climate
in open space areas, and public transit stops,
including shade from summer sun and access to
winter sunlight; locate seating with consideration to
noontime sun and shade.
5.c. Residential Open Space. Incorporate private and
common open space areas that correlate to the
building’s size and number of residents, including
sheltered places for people to sit and talk such as
porches, loggias, balconies, and arcades.
5.d. Commercial Open Space. Require large nonresidential or mixed-use projects to provide space that allows for flexible types of uses throughout the
day, including programming such as community
events.
5.e. Public Health Open Space. Encourage public
health facilties to provide usable and accessible
outdoor open sapce for patient use, supporting
physical well-being, mental health, and recovery.
5.f. Outdoor Sidewalk Dining. Encourage outdoor
dining along the street frontage that is protected
from vehicles through methods such as screening or
landscaping.
Sidewalk dining can promote community connectivity and
contribute to an active public realm
Private open spaces for new residential buildings could include shared courtyards
DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 49
Vision, Goals and Policies
Goal 6. A supportive environment both for existing small, locally owned businesses and new, community-serving businesses providing amenities within walking distance.
Policies:
6.a. Healthy Mix of Uses. Build upon convenient access
to transit, institutions, services that cater to families, and other amenities that will support retention of
current businesses and attract new neighborhoodserving businesses to open.
6.b. Local Economy. Preserve existing light industrial
use and consider the re-use of industrial sites for
clean tech and related uses leading to local job
creation and new employment opportunities.
6.c. Small Business Support. Leverage the Northwest
Programs, Economic Development and Planning
Offices to assist with new business siting, facilitate
permitting, provide training for entrepreneurs and
workers, and coordinate with City departments.
6.d. Joint Ventures. Facilitate joint ventures and various business structures including co-ops and incubators,
intentionally cultivating commercial districts that
can help support any displaced businesses.
6.e. Façade Improvements. Encourage and assist
existing owners to upgrade their properties flanking
the public right-of-way through building repair,
remodeling, repainting, and landscaping.
6.f. Low Barriers to Entry. Simplify parking standards
to allow greater flexibility when changing uses.
6.g. Adaptive Reuse. Support adaptive reuse of existing buildings, including existing institutional uses, to
encourage the establishment of neighborhoodserving uses and align with the existing character of the neighborhood.
Local neighborhood-serving uses provide important
services to the community
A number of new affordable developments offer a range of housing options for residents
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
RESTORATIVE APPROACH
The FOOG Specific Plan supports a restorative
approach to economic development, protecting
those who sustained the neighborhood through
periods of disinvestment. These policies focus
on anti-displacement measures and equitable
resource allocation so legacy shopkeepers
can afford to stay. In addition, public places,
art installations and creative hubs should be
treated as vital venues for cultural preservation
and historical truth-telling. Rather than merely
introducing new generic amenities that accelerate
gentrification, public art and open spaces should
celebrate the identity of the community, its longterm residents and local businesses. 50 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Vision, Goals and Policies
The Black History Parade and Festival is an annual event in the FOOG area (photo by Chris Mortenson, Pasadena Weekly The area has a number of existing community gathering
spaces, including the La Pintoresca Library and Park and the Robinson Recreation Center
Goal 7. A community anchored by cultural and creative uses that fosters public life in a robust slate of spaces for residents to engage with their neighborhood.
Policies:
7.a. Cultural Hub. Foster a creative and cultural hub
anchored by community-serving businesses and
spaces such as coffee shops, artist studios, and
bookstores.
7.b. Special Events. Support existing community events, such as the Black History Parade and Festival and
encourage new neighborhood-focused events and
activities to support local businesses and promote
connectivity throughout the area.
7.c. Community Gathering. Support the creation
of a range of community gathering space both in
and nearby the FOOG area at places of worship,
schools, community centers, community gardens,
and parks to accommodate a range of activities,
especially those serving youth and families.
7.d. Community Partnerships. Encourage
collaborative partnerships between neighborhood
institutions such as La Pintoresca Park and Library,
the Jackie Robinson Community Center, the
Robinson Recreation Center, the Boys and Girls
Club, and places of worship and local artists,
curators, and programmers to create events and
programs throughout the FOOG area that align
with community identity and priorities.
7.e. Housing Options. Encourage the development of a
variety of housing types including affordable, senior,
workforce, and multifamily to provide options to
community members.
7.f. Religious Land Housing. Promote affordable
multi-family housing on religious facility lots in
alignment with the City’s ordinance and SB-4.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 51
Vision, Goals and Policies
Goal 8. A northern gateway that reflects and celebrates Black history and the community’s intercultural heritage through public art, community activities, and creative economic and educational opportunities.
Policies:
8.a. Cultural Resources. Foster support of existing
community gathering spaces, resources, and events,
that celebrate and honor the neighborhood’s diverse
community and cultural identity.
8.b. Community Hubs. Leverage La Pintoresca Park
and Library as a gathering place and encourage
active uses in the nearby area to create a community
node.
8.c. Small Business. Support the development of local
and minority-owned businesses by exploring options
for technical assistance, grant funding, streamlined
permitting and similar strategies.
8.d. Artistic Communities. Support the area’s artists
and cultural businesses through co-working spaces
and creative economic opportunities such as food
halls or other collective business models.
8.e. Historical Wayfinding. Consider implementing a
comprehensive wayfinding and signage program
that integrates educational markers or interpretive
displays to share stories of the area’s history.
8.f. Publicly Accessible Open Space. Encourage
accessible open space with room for outdoor dining,
community gathering places, and public art to foster
community connection and reinforce the area’s
identity.
8.g. Public Art. Support artistic public realm
interventions including artistic shade coverings at
bus stops, installation of vertical banner artworks,
and rotating public artwork sites, that highlight local artists and reflect area’s unique history and identity.
8.h. Murals. Encourage the use of murals to enhance
blank walls, showcase local artists, and celebrate
local history and culture.
BLACK LEGACY DISTRICT
52 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Vision, Goals and Policies
Goal 9. A complete, walkable, mixed-use neighborhood with diverse housing, shops, and services connected by an enhanced public realm with high-quality amenities.
Policies:
9.a. Housing Choices. Support the generation of
a variety of new, affordable and mixed-income
housing that can accommodate families and is
compatible with the area’s existing character.
9.b. Commercial Clusters. Cluster commercial uses
around intersections including Montana Street,
Tremont Street, and Washington Boulevard to
facilitate a neighborhood with walkable amenities
and services anchored in mixed-use or commercial
buildings.
9.c. Institutional Uses. For existing uses, consider
creating green spaces through native landscaping
that provide healing environments for both residents
and staff, and consider adaptive reuse for facilities
that may cease operations.
9.d. Sensitive Transitions. Require that commercial
and residential developments along Fair Oaks
Avenue provide appropriately scaled transitions to
adjacent lower-density homes particularly on the
west side of Fair Oaks Avenue.
9.e. Engaging Ground Floor. Implement design
standards and guidelines relating to entrances,
transparency, and other elements that create an
active ground-floor commercial and residential
character and foster a comfortable and engaging
pedestrian environment, such as outdoor dining.
9.f. Active Streets. Create a safer pedestrian
environment through enhanced pedestrian
crossings, medians, bulb outs, improved lighting,
shading, and landscaping.
BLACK LEGACY DISTRICT
Illustrated rendering of a mixed-use building anchoring the intersection at Washington Blvd across from La Pintoresca Park Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 53
Vision, Goals and Policies
Goal 10. A thriving cultural and recreational core for Fair Oaks, featuring vibrant gathering places and walkable streetscapes that connect the neighborhood with a permier hub for innovation, research, and creative industries.
Policies:
10.a. Honoring History. Use existing community facilities to honor the area’s history and indigenous people
through educational resources, programming,
public art, and native landscaping.
10.a. Neighborhood Hub. Support existing community
gathering spaces such as Robinson Park Recreation
Center and the Jackie Robinson Community
Center as a center of civic life and neighborhood
programming
10.b. Multi-Family Housing. Continue to support the
development of flexible multi-family housing to
support a range of housing needs.
10.c. Creative Clusters. Allow for innovation,
technology, incubator, and creative office uses on
underutilized parcels to support job growth and the
local economy.
10.d. Ground Floor Design Standards. Require new
commercial development to support a visually
appealing pedestrian experience through entrance
design, transparency, landscaped setbacks, and
parking located behind buildings or screens.
10.e. Murals. Encourage the use of murals to enhance
blank walls, showcase local artists, and celebrate
local history and culture.
10.f. Active Public Realm. Promote active, comfortable, and safe pedestrian corridors through sidewalk
upgrades such as benches, street furnishings, and
opportunities for outdoor dining.
The Robinson Recreation Center includes a variety of
gathering spaces, including an outdoor picnic area
Landscaped parkways and other greening creates a
pleasant and comfortable pedestrian environment
ROBINSON DISTRICT
54 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Vision, Goals and Policies
10.g. Pedestrian Connections. Support the improvement
of existing pedestrian crossings through
infrastructure upgrades and artistic interventions at
locations including the crosswalk between the Jackie
Robinson Community Center and Recreation Center
and at Fair Oaks Ave and Hammond Street, to
facilitate connectivity and safety.
10.h. Greening. Foster greening of the corridor through additional shade trees and consistent, landscaped
parkways.
10.i. Public Art. Support artistic public realm
interventions including artistic shade coverings at bus stops, installation of vertical banner artworks, and
rotating public artwork sites, such as at the Jackie
Robinson Community Center, that highlight local
artists and reflect the area’s creative community.
Illustrated rendering of existing buildings with facade improvements and art for visual interest, along with a planned Roseway
ROBINSON DISTRICT
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 55
Vision, Goals and Policies
Goal 11. A higher-density, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood that celebrates its diverse, working-class identity and historic orange grove heritage; featuring a walkable commercial core and green streets with community gathering spaces that provide seamless connectivity to the rest of the Specific Plan area and Central Pasadena Policies:
11.a. Density. Enable higher-density development south
of Orange Grove Boulevard near Maple Street, to
help meet the neighborhood’s housing needs
11.b. Commercial Character. Concentrate commercial
uses at the Fair Oaks Avenue/Orange Grove
Boulevard intersection to create an activity node
with amenities and jobs within walking distance.
11.c. Fair Oaks Renaissance Plaza. Support the
redesign of Fair Oaks Renaissance Plaza’s large
surface parking lots with pedestrian-oriented
mixed-use development that provides public open
space and utilizes underground parking, while
retaining Vallarta Supermarket and other important
community-serving businesses.
11.d. Sensitive Transitions. Support compatibility
between new development and existing buildings
through design treatments including step downs in
height toward smaller-scale neighbors.
ARBOLEDA DISTRICT
Illustrated rendering of redevelopment at Fair Oaks and Orange Grove with an extended sidewalk at the northwest corner 56 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Vision, Goals and Policies
A new mixed-use development at Orange Grove Boulevard
and Lincoln Avenue
Large blocks can be broken down with landscaped
pedestrian paseos
11.e. Walkable Community. Enhance the walkability of
the area for residents and the greater community by
fostering connections to adjacent neighborhoods,
including Central Pasadena through improved
neighborhood networks and pedestrian and bicycle
amenities.
11.f. Pedestrian Connections. Support the addition of
marked pedestrian crossing infrastructure to improve
pedestrian connectivity on the long blocks of Orange
Grove Boulevard between Fair Oaks Avenue and
Lincoln Avenue.
11.g. Comfortable Streetscape. Foster a welcoming
streetscape through street trees, pedestrian-scaled
lighting, and sidewalk furniture, such as benches,
trash receptacles, and shaded bus stops.
11.h. Outdoor Dining. Encourage sidewalk cafes and
opportunities for outdoor dining along Orange
Grove Boulevard to facilitate a lively sidewalk
environment.
11.i. Greening. Improve sustainability and pedestrian
comfort through street trees, landscaped parkways,
and vertical green walls.
11.j. Publicly Accessible Open Space. Foster
opportunities for new public spaces to break down
block sizes and provide gathering spaces, including
paseos and community-serving plazas in larger
developments.
New and varied housing opportunities with landscaped
setbacks and street trees in parkways
ARBOLEDA DISTRICT
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 57
Vision, Goals and Policies
Goal 12. A residential corridor supported by vibrant local businesses and an active public realm, where public art and landscape design honor the area’s majestic oak grove heritage while celebrating the rich Latino culture that defines the neighborhood’s identity.
Policies:
12.a. Community Identity. Maintain long-standing
commercial uses and community landmarks that
represent the neighborhood’s diverse working-class
identity, past and present.
12.b. Residential Cohesion. Build on the success
of recent multi-family developments in the area
and support opportunities for new multi-family
developments to facilitate a lively multi-use
neighborhood with flexible housing options.
12.c. Proximity to Services. Expand the existing
environment of small business providing community
needs and amenities and facilitate new development
with neighborhood-serving uses.
12.d. Ground Floor Uses. Allow for ground floor
residential uses along Orange Grove Boulevard to
support an active and connected public realm.
ROBLES DISTRICT
Illustrated rendering of new development in the Robles District showing more greenery and bike lanes on Marengo Avenue 58 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Vision, Goals and Policies
12.e. Pedestrian Connections. Encourage design
that promotes walkability and greening including
landscaped setbacks and medians and active ground
floor design to encourage connections between the
street and local businesses.
12.f. Murals. Encourage the use of murals to enhance
blank walls, showcase local artists, and celebrate
local history and culture.
12.g. Walkability. Support a walkable, safe pedestrian
environment through enhanced pedestrian crossings,
shade, and pedestrian-oriented design
12.h. Welcoming Streetscape. Dedicate a portion of
the sidewalk for amenities such as street furniture,
pedestrian-scaled lighting, and creative signage and
public art.
12.i. Outdoor Dining. Support opportunities for outdoor dining along Orange Grove Boulevard to promote a
comfortable, lively neighborhood environment.
ROBLES DISTRICT
New multi-family developments offer a range of housing
options and can support neighborhood-serving shops
Commercial frontage featuring a public mural and
outdoor seating
Ch. 4
Zoning and Land Use
Zoning and Land Use 59
4.1 Applicability 61
4.2 Zoning Districts 62
4.3 Allowable Land Uses 64
60 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Zoning and Land Use
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 61
Zoning and Land Use
Commercial Service Use
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
The zoning and land use regulations in this chapter are intended to guide development and decision making to
achieve the vision of the FOOG Specific Plan. While broad land use categories are assigned in the General Plan, the FOOG Specific Plan establishes a detailed list of allowed land uses and permit requirements for each zoning district within the plan area.
This chapter is organized into the following sections:
» 4.1 Applicability
» 4.2 Zoning Districts
» 4.3 Allowable Land Uses
Zoning and Land Use
Residential Use
Commercial Flex Use
Institutional Use
4.1 Applicability
The applicability of FOOG Specific Plan land use
regulations and development standards are organized
by zoning district and plan chapters (Table 4.1-1).
Where the standards do not apply, the relevant section
of Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) is referenced.
Table 4.1-1: Applicable Specific Plan Chapters
Zone
Specific Plan Chapters
Vision, Goals and PoliciesZoning and Land UsePublic Realm StandardsPrivate Realm Standards 3 4 5 6
FG-CF
FG-MU-C
FG-MU-N
OS/PS/PD 17.26 17.26
62 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Zoning and Land Use
4.2 Zoning Districts
The purpose of the FOOG Specific Plan zoning districts (Map 4.2-1) is to implement the plan vision for each of the subareas as described in the FOOG Specific Plan document, and summarized below.
FG-MU-C
Mixed-Use Core
» Create a mixed-use activity center near
Old Pasadena and high quality transit that
accommodates a diverse range of retail and
services, prioritizing housing opportunities
where residents can walk to shops, restaurants,
jobs, and school
» Support projects that are a mix of residential
and commercial, integrated either horizontally
or vertically consistent with ground floor use
requirements
FG-MU-N
Mixed-Use Neighborhood
» Promote the development of a mixed-use,
pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with a broad
range of retail, services, and offices including
medical, as well as different types of multifamily
» Support projects that are a mix of residential
and commercial, integrated either horizontally
or vertically consistent with ground floor use
requirements
FG-CF
Commercial Flex
» Enhance the existing eclectic character with a
variety of commercial recreation, research and
development, artisanal production, and light
industrial uses
» Ensure that future uses are compatible with the
existing character of the surrounding district
OS
Open Space
» Provide opportunities for parks and recreation
to residents and visitors
PS
Public-Semipublic
» Provide for large public or semi-public land
uses that may not be appropriate in other base
zoning districts
PD
Planned Development
» Achieve a particular mix of uses and
appearance through a design review process
resulting in quality urban design on large sites
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 63
Zoning and Land Use
Map 4.2-1: Zoning Districts
FG-MU-C
FG-MU-N
FG-CF
OS
PS
PD
Altadena
Pasadena R AY M O N D
M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
210
N
64 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Zoning and Land Use
4.3 Allowable Land Uses
A. Definitions. Definitions of specific land uses are
found in PMC 17.80.020.
B. Permit Requirements. Table 4.3-1 identifies the
uses of land allowed, the land use permit required to
establish each use, and limitations that may apply for
a particular use.
C. Standards for Specific Land Uses. Additional
standards may apply to specific land uses; refer to the PMC Section noted in the table.
1. PMC 17.50.160 shall not apply to Mixed-Use
Projects.
2. PMC 17.50.350 shall not apply to Multi-Family
Housing.
D. Ground Floor Frontages. In Mixed-Use zoning
districts, additional commercial requirements and
residential unit restrictions on the ground floor shall apply per Section 6.2.1.
E. Major Construction. Conditional Use Permit
approval shall be required for new non-residential
construction exceeding 25,000 square feet. See PMC
17.61.050.J.2.
F. Prohibited Uses. Those uses not listed in Table
4.2-1 are prohibited by this Specific Plan, except as
otherwise provided by PMC 17.21.030.A.
G. Nonconforming Uses. Existing uses which are made
nonconforming by this Specific Plan shall be subject
to PMC 17.71.
H. Limited Hours of Operation. Uses listed in Table
4.3-1 shall comply with limited hours of operation as
required by PMC 17.40.070.
Symbol Description PMC Section
P Permitted use, Code Compliance Certificate required. 17.61.020 MC Conditional use, Minor Conditional Use Permit required. 17.61.050 AMC Conditional use, Administrative Minor Conditional Use Permit required.
C Conditional use, Conditional Use Permit required. 17.61.050 AC Conditional use, Administrative Conditional Use Permit required.
E Conditional use, Expressive Use Permit required. 17.61.060 T Temporary use, Temporary Use Permit required. 17.61.040 — Use not allowed.
Table 4.3-1: Allowable Land Uses
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 65
Zoning and Land Use
ZONING DISTRICT LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Land Use (1)
Permit Requirement
PMC Section / Notes
FG-CF FG-MU-C FG-MU-N
RESIDENTIAL USES
Accessory Dwelling Unit — P P
17.50.275
Accessory Dwelling Unit, Junior — P P
Boarding Houses (2) — P P 17.50.065
Caretakers Quarters P P P
Dormitories — P P
Fraternities / Sororities — P P
Home Occupations — P P 17.50.110
Mixed-Use Projects — P P
Multi-Family Housing — P P
Residential Accessory Uses and Structures — P P 17.50.250 Single-Room Occupancy — P P 17.50.300
Work/Live Units P P P 17.50.370
COMMUNITY CARE USES
Adult Day Care, Limited — P P
Child Day Care Centers P P P
17.50.080
Child Day Care, Large Care Homes, 9 to 14 persons — P P Child Day Care, Small Care Homes, 1 to 8 persons — P P
Emergency Shelters MC MC MC
17.50.105
Emergency Shelters, Limited P P P
Low Barrier Navigation Centers P P P 17.50.153
Residential Care Facilities, Limitied — P —
Supportive Housing — P P
Transitional Housing (3) — P P
RECREATION, EDUCATION AND PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USES
Clubs, Lodges, and Banquet Facilities C C C
Colleges, Nontraditional Campus Setting P P P
Commercial Entertainment E E E 17.50.130
Commercial Recreation, Indoor P P P
17.50.100
Commercial Recreation, Outdoor P — —
Cultural Institutions P P P
Park and Recreation Facilities P P P
66 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Zoning and Land Use
ZONING DISTRICT LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Land Use (1)
Permit Requirement
PMC Section / Notes
FG-CF FG-MU-C FG-MU-N
Religious Facilities C C C
17.50.230 with Affordable Housing P P P
with Columbarium MC MC MC
with Homeless Shelter MC MC MC
with Safe Parking MC MC MC 17.50.265
Schools, Public and Private C C C 17.50.270
Schools, Specialized Education and Training P P P
OFFICE, PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS SUPPORT USES
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) P P P 17.50.060
Banks and Financial Services P P P
with Walk-Up Services P P P 17.50.060
Offices, Administrative Business Professional P P P
Offices, Government P P P
Offices, Medical P P P
Offices, Ancillary Accessory P P P
Research and Development P P P 17.50.240
RETAIL SALES USES
Alcohol Sales, Restaurant, Beer and Wine AC AC AC
Alcohol Sales, Restaurant, Full AC AC AC 17.50.040
Alcohol Sales, Ancillary C C C
Alcohol Sales, Off-site, Beer and Wine C C C
Alcohol Sales, Off-site, Full C C C 17.50.040, 17.61.050.J Alcohol Sales, Off-site, Liquor Sales C C C
Animals, Retail Sales P P P
Bar / Taverns C C C 17.50.040
with Live Entertainment C C C 17.50.130
Commercial Nurseries C C C 17.50.180
Convenience Stores P P P
Food Sales P P P
Restaurants P P P
17.50.260
with Limited Live Entertainment (4) P P P
with Outdoor Dining (4) P/MC (5) P/MC (5) P/MC (5)
with Walk-Up Window (4) P/MC (6) P/MC (6) P/MC (6)
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 67
Zoning and Land Use
ZONING DISTRICT LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Land Use (1)
Permit Requirement
PMC Section / Notes
FG-CF FG-MU-C FG-MU-N
Restaurants, Fast Food P P P 17.50.260
Retail Sales P P P
Significant Tobacco Retailers C C C 17.50.330
Vehicles Sales/Leasing, Offices Only P P P
SERVICE USES
Animal Care Services P P P
with Outdoor Areas C C C 17.50.050
Animal Shelters, Limited C C C
Catering Services P P P
Charitable Institutions P P P
Donation Collection Facilities P P P 17.50.085
Laboratories P — P
Lodging, Bed and Breakfast Inns — — C 17.50.140
Massage Establishments — C C 17.50.155
Medical Services, Extended Care — MC MC
Mortuaries / Funeral Homes P — P
Neighborhood Gardens P P P
Personal Improvement Services P P P
Personal Services P P P
Printing and Publishing P C C
Printing and Publishing, Limited P P P
Public Safety Facilities C C C
Vehicle Services, Washing/Detailing, Small Scale P P — 17.50.290
INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING AND PROCESSING USES
Industry, Restricted, Small Scale P MC MC
Maintenance and Service Facilities C — —
Recycling Centers, Small Collection Facilities MC C — 17.50.220 Wholesaling, Distribution and Storage P — —
Wholesaling, Distribution and Storage, Small Scale P — —
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITY USES
Accessory Antenna Array P P P
68 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Zoning and Land Use
ZONING DISTRICT LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Land Use (1)
Permit Requirement
PMC Section / Notes
FG-CF FG-MU-C FG-MU-N
Alternative Fuels/Recharging Facilities C C C
Communications Facilities P C C
Transportation Terminals C C C
with Safe Parking MC MC MC 17.50.265
Utility, Major C C C
Utility, Minor MC MC MC
Wireless Telecom Facilities, Major C C C
Wireless Telecom Facilities, Minor MC MC MC 17.50.310
Wireless Telecom Facilities, SCL P P P
TEMPORARY USES
Filming, Long-term MC MC MC
17.61.090
Filming, Short-term P P P
Temporary Uses P/T (7) P/T (7) P/T (7) 15.50.320
NOTES:
(1) See PMC 17.80.020 for definition of the listed land uses. (2) Includes Co-living facilities, which may include more than one shared kitchen per building. Separation requirements of PMC 17.50.065 shall not apply.
(3) The maximum interior or exterior area in which support services are offered or located shall not exceed 250 square feet. (4) Includes restaurants and fast food restaurants.
(5) A Minor Conditional Use Permit shall be required when the outdoor dining area is in a parking lot and is located within 50 feet of a residential structure on an abutting lot in an RS or RM zoning district. (6) A Minor Conditional Use Permit shall be required when the walk-up window directly faces a residential structure on an abutting lot.
(7) See PMC 17.50.320 for uses that require a Temporary Use Permit.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 69
Public Realm Standards
Ch. 5
Public Realm Standards
Public Realm Standards 70
5.1 Sidewalks 74
5.2 Parkways and Street Trees 79
70 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Public Realm Standards
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
The public realm standards and design guidelines in this chapter serve to implement the General Plan vision for
the FOOG Specific Plan area and achieve objectives of
the Pasadena Street Design Guide, Pasadena Pedestrian
Plan, and Pasadena Master Street Tree Plan. To improve
the public realm for users of all abilities, and to provide enough space for simultaneous uses of the sidewalk, these standards and guidelines ensure that new developments
contribute to the safety, accessibility, and connectivity of their surrounding streetscape network.
Many features that are critical to walkability depend on the width and organization of the sidewalk. For example, consistent street trees provide shade and other aesthetic and environmental benefits, and sidewalk seating for
restaurants and cafés activate the public realm and boost business. However, the success of both relies on the sidewalk offering ample and well-organized space to prevent
conflicts with pedestrians.
Walkable neighborhoods also have convenient and
intuitive connections, and outdoor spaces to rest and
gather. Features such as mid-block pedestrian walkways
or “paseos” can reduce walking distance, while adding
public open space and additional amenities. Other public open spaces such as plazas create communal nodes in the A well-designed public realm provides comfortable and accessible space for people of all abilities Public Realm Standards
public realm to sit and enjoy amenities such as shading, landscaping, and public art. While these connections and spaces are integral to the public realm, the standards and guidelines for Paseos and Plazas are set forth in Chapter 6 (Section 6.3 - Open Space).
The public realm standards and guidelines in this chapter address and regulate pedestrian infrastructure and
amenities to support a safe, accessible, and comfortable pedestrian experience.
This chapter is organized into the following sections:
» 5.1 Sidewalks
» 5.2 Parkways and Street Trees
Each section includes rationale for the standard followed by sub-sections for individual standards, if applicable.
Each standard is introduced in text and/or table format with diagrams and images to illustrate regulations.
Supplementary text boxes are provided for additional
context on most standards and diagrams. Note that
diagrams are provided for the purposes of communicating measurements and images are included to illustrate
potential outcomes of the standards; neither are suggestive of regulated architectural styles.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 71
Public Realm Standards
Figure 5.1-1: Sidewalk Zones
Amenity Zone Walk Zone Frontage Zone
PASADENA STREET DESIGN GUIDE
Pasadena’s Street Design Guide provides a
framework for understanding the way sidewalks
are used, and organizes sidewalks into zones
to avoid conflict between various uses and
amenities. Requirements vary based on the level
of activity, land uses, intensities, and densities, as
well as special conditions. Through designating
specific zones, the FOOG Specific Plan can help
enhance the pedestrian experience by increasing
sidewalk widths, enabling more shade coverage
and opportunities for amenities such as seating
and landscaping.
The Street Design Guide organizes sidewalks into
the following three zones (see Figure 5.1-1), which
provide a basis for standards in the Specific Plan:
» The Amenity / Curb Zone (Amenity Zone)
is the portion of the sidewalk directly adjacent
to the street right-of-way. This zone typically
includes street trees, street lights, parkways,
street furniture, bicycle parking, bus shelters,
and other utility facilities.
» The Walk Zone is the portion of the sidewalk
dedicated to pedestrian travel and shall be free
of obstructions.
» The Building Frontage Zone is adjacent
to private property and allows for outdoor
furniture and shade structures.
72 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Public Realm Standards
Creating Streets for People
Cities are reimagining streets not just as routes for
vehicles, but as essential public spaces that shape how people live, move, and connect. The "Streets for People" approach challenges the idea that streets exist solely for transportation efficiency and instead embraces their role as vibrant, multifunctional places. Through strategies that prioritize safety, mobility, sustainability, and equity—and by applying placemaking principles that invite community life— this approach transforms streets into spaces where people feel welcome, engaged, and empowered.
Safety is at the heart of this vision. Streets designed with people in mind reduce traffic injuries and fatalities by calming vehicle speeds, improving visibility, and providing dedicated space for walking and biking. Features such as curb extensions, protected bike lanes, and well-marked
crosswalks help prevent collisions and support vulnerable users, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities. A safe street is one where everyone feels comfortable moving through it, whether on foot, on wheels, or using public transit.
Equity is another foundational goal of people-centered
street design. Historically, low-income neighborhoods and communities of color have borne the brunt of disinvestment and harmful infrastructure decisions, often facing unsafe conditions, limited transit access, and poor air quality. A more equitable street strategy actively works to reverse these patterns by prioritizing investment in historically marginalized areas, engaging community voices in the
design process, and ensuring that the benefits of safe, green, and vibrant streets are shared by all. Equity means not only fair access to transportation options but also creating spaces that reflect and respect the identities of the people who live there.
Sustainability can be a key outcome of designing streets for people. By incorporating natural elements such as trees, rain gardens, and permeable paving, streets can manage
stormwater, lower urban heat, and improve air quality.
Encouraging walking, biking, and transit use helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, supporting broader climate
goals. These green and active design strategies not only address environmental challenges but also create healthier and more attractive public spaces.
Mobility is equally important. A "Streets for People"
approach promotes freedom of movement by offering real
choices beyond the car. Reliable transit access, inviting pedestrian environments, and connected cycling networks support more equitable transportation options and reduce dependency on private vehicles. These multimodal networks increase access to jobs, services, and recreation for all residents, particularly those in underserved communities, while also reducing traffic congestion and travel time for everyone.
Ultimately, “Streets for People” is about transforming streets into places where communities can thrive. It’s a holistic framework that uses tools like complete street design, green infrastructure, and placemaking not as isolated strategies, but as interconnected ways to achieve safer, more mobile, and more sustainable cities. As urban challenges grow
more complex, the street remains a powerful starting point for building healthier, more inclusive communities.
Plaza with a vibrant marketplace serving as a lively,
pedestrian hub for the community
Al fresco dining in front of a restaurant offers a casual, charming atmosphere
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 73
Public Realm Standards
Curb extensions (or bulb-outs)
increase sidewalk width and can
contribute to traffic calming
CURB EXTENSIONS
Neighborhood Street Design
Crosswalk art can highlight
neighborhood identity while
improving pedestrian safety
Signalized crossings in-between major intersections can improve pedestrian safety and facilitate connectivity by breaking up long blocks
Bike racks, corrals, lockers create an environment where people feel encouraged to use alternative modes of
transportation (and confident in the security of their bike)
ARTISTIC CROSSWALKS
MID-BLOCK CROSSINGS BIKE FACILITIES
Tree islands, or space for trees in
mid-block curb extensions, provide
additional opportunities for shade
TREE ISLANDS
Creative signage and public art can
provide a unique, welcoming entry
point to different neighborhoods
GATEWAY ELEMENTS
Landscaped medians provide a
variety of benefits including visual
interest, stormwater capture, and
traffic calming
MEDIANS
Street lamps and other forms of
lighting play a major role in the safety
and identity of a street after dark
LIGHTING
74 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Public Realm Standards
5.1 Sidewalks
These standards are intended to: Map 5.1-1: Sidewalk Widths » Ensure a minimum sidewalk width is achieved,
appropriate to support future densities, intensities,
uses, and pedestrian volumes;
» Provide sufficient space to support dedicated
Amenity and Walk Zones; and
» Increase shade, carbon sequestration, and
stormwater capture by allowing adequate space
for street trees and parkways.
5.1.1 SIDEWALK WIDTH
A. Dimension. Projects shall provide sidewalks that
meet the required widths per Map 5.1-1. Where
the existing sidewalk right-of-way is less than the
required width, the difference shall be provided
through a private property dedication.
1. Sidewalks are measured from the Primary
Curb Line of each block to the sidewalk
line, as illustrated in Figure 5.1-2.
2. This area shall be paved for general use to
the standards specified by Public Works,
except for landscaped parkways per
Section 5.2.
3. Within the sidewalk width, sidewalk zones
shall be provided to the dimensions set in
Figure 5.1-3.
4. Where the curb deviates (i.e. bulb-outs),
exceptions in zone width are allowed and
shall be determined by Public Works.
5. Driveways are allowed per Section 6.4.2.
B. Maintenance. Sidewalk improvements shall
be installed and maintained by the abutting
property owner.
12 ft
10 ft
15 ft
Altadena
Pasadena R AY M O N D
M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
210
N
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 75
Public Realm Standards
Frontage zones may be used to accommodate
outdoor dining
Grass or turf parkways with shade trees are
appropriate for residential areas
Walk zones of 5 feet allow two people to walk together
comfortably
Walk zones may extend into frontage zones if desired
by the property owner
Frontage zones may include planters or in-ground
landscaping to enhance the ground floor
Amenity zones may include street furniture, such as
seating and pedestrian lighting
The images below reflect examples of appropriate conditions for the three sidewalk zones. These examples are illustrative and may not reflect all applicable development standards.
BUILDING FRONTAGE ZONE
WALK ZONE
SIDEWALK ZONES
AMENITY/CURB ZONE
76 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Public Realm Standards
A. Amenity Zone. Sidewalks shall provide
an Amenity Zone consistent with the width
illustrated in Figure 5.1-3, including the curb.
1. Projects shall meet minimum parkway and
street tree requirements per Section 5.2.
2. The following elements are permitted in
the Amenity Zone at the discretion of the
Director of Public Works and with public
works permits (if applicable):
a. Paved area for pedestrian mobility,
b. Parkways and street trees,
c. Seating/furniture,
d. Outdoor dining,
e. Planters,
f. Bicycle parking,
g. Bus shelters, and/or
h. Other utility facilities including
streetlights, signals, meter/sign poles,
and pullboxes, etc.
B. Walk Zone. Sidewalks shall maintain a
Walk Zone as a continuous path of travel for
pedestrians at the width illustrated in Figure
5.1-3. This area shall be free of all furnishings,
landscaping, or obstructions.
Figure 5.1-2: Sidewalk Width Measurement
Parcel Parcel Parcel Parcel
Property line
Curb face Primary Curb Line
Sidewalk Line
Required sidewalk width
The sidewalk line is the line created by measuring the
required sidewalk width (as shown in Figure 5.1-2)
from the primary curb line. The primary curb line is
the predominant face-of-curb of a given block at the
discretion of Public Works, and shall not include “bulbouts” or reductions in sidewalk width at intersections.
As illustrated here, some parcels may not currently
provide sufficient width to meet the sidewalk
requirement. In these cases, the property owner must
provide additional paved area through a dedication
to meet the required sidewalk width.
IMPORTANCE OF SIDEWALKS
Sidewalks play a multi-faceted role in the
built environment, serving as spaces for
pedestrian travel, entryways, outdoor dining,
landscaping and trees, as well as containing
a variety of amenities, such as benches, bus
shelters, bicycle racks, and trash receptacles.
Sidewalk standards correlate to the level of
surrounding densities, intensities, and uses.
Having sufficient widths and establishing
distinct zones ensure that the sidewalk can
support activities of all kinds.
5.1.2 SIDEWALK ZONES
C. Frontage Zone. Sidewalks may include a
Building Frontage Zone between the Walk Zone
and the sidewalk line. A maximum width is
illustrated in Figure 5.1-3.
1. The following elements are permitted in the
Frontage Zone:
a. Paved area for pedestrian mobility,
b. Seating/furniture,
c. Outdoor dining (with a Public Works
permit),
d. Planters, and/or
e. Shade structures per Section 6.2.4.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 77
Public Realm Standards
Figure 5.1-3: Sidewalk Zone Requirements
Example setback conditions illustrated.
Refer to Section 6.1.4 for required setback dimensions.
Diagram 1: 10’ Sidewalks
5’ 5-10’ min 5’
min
10’ minimum sidewalk
Roadway Amenity Zone Walk Zone Setback
3’
max
0-10’
Setback Roadway Amenity Walk Zone Zone Frontage
Zone
7’
min
5’
min
15’ minimum sidewalk
Diagram 3: 15’ Sidewalks
1’
max 6’ 5-10’ min 5’min
12’ minimum sidewalk
Roadway Setback Amenity
Zone Walk Zone
Frontage
Zone
Diagram 2: 12’ Sidewalks
78 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Public Realm Standards
Example of approximately 10’ sidewalk Example of approximately 12’ sidewalk Example of approximately 15’ sidewalk
SIDEWALK WIDTHS
Sidewalk widths of at least 10’ are required throughout the FOOGSP area to provide space for a clear walk zone and basic amenities such as landscaping, lighting, signage, and bicycle parking. Sidewalks of 12’ to 15’ are required in certain areas to increase flexibility of amenity placement and clear paths of travel. 10’ SIDEWALK
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 79
Public Realm Standards
IMPORTANCE OF PARKWAYS
Parkways are landscaped or permeable areas
within the sidewalk that play an important role
in the urban landscape by improving pedestrian
comfort, increasing sustainability, and enhancing
the aesthetic character of the public realm. By
expanding the permeable area around street
trees, parkways increase rain and stormwater
capture, leading to improved street tree health
and larger tree canopies, which creates cooler
temperatures for pedestrians, helps to sequester
carbon from the atmosphere, and reduces
pollution in our nearby waterways.
Parkways also provide a visual buffer between the
pedestrian and moving or parked vehicles, which
further improves pedestrian comfort and creates
a more attractive sidewalk environment. Typically
residential neighborhoods can accommodate
long, uninterrupted areas of parkways within the
sidewalk. In commercial and mixed-use areas,
available space for parkways may be constrained
by bus shelters, street lights, and the need to
accommodate higher levels of pedestrian traffic.
5.2 Parkways and Street Trees
These standards are intended to:
» Enhance pedestrian conditions through increased
landscaping at sidewalk level;
» Provide a visual buffer between parking lane and
sidewalk;
» Improve stormwater capture and increase
permeability of sidewalk zone; and
» Improve street tree health and support the process of carbon sequestration.
5.2.1 PARKWAYS
A. Required Parkways. Projects shall include parkways
within the Amenity Zone as follows; see Figure 5.2-1.
1. For residential-only projects, parkway length
shall be no less than 60 percent of street
frontage, unless approved by the Director of
Public Works.
2. For all other projects, parkway length shall
be no less than 30 percent of street frontage,
unless approved by the Director of Public
Works.
Parkway width
must equal required
Amenity Zone width
Non-vegetative groundcover permitted
for up to 20% of total parkway area
Planted areas may be comprised of shrubs,
groundcover, or turf less than 2 feet in height
Access Way of at least 4 feet in width
required for every 20 feet of parkway
Figure 5.2-1: Parkway Design Standards
80 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Public Realm Standards
B. Dimensions. Parkways shall be constructed at the
same width as the Amenity Zones illustrated in Figure
5.1-3, minus the 6-inch width required for the curb.
1. When street parking is adjacent to the curb, a
paved buffer with a minimum width of 18 inches
is required, in addition to the 6-inch curb, except
where tree grates are adjacent to the curb.
2. Barriers up to 24 inches high, such as low walls
or fences, are permitted at the interior edge of
the parkway but are not required.
C. Access Ways. Where on-street parking is permitted,
access ways shall be provided at a minimum frequency
of one per every 20 feet of continuous parkway.
1. Access ways shall be a minimum of 4 feet in
width and provide a firm, uniform walking
surface in all weather conditions from the curb
to the Walk Zone.
2. The finished surface of access ways shall be in
plane with both the adjoining top of curb and
sidewalk.
3. Access ways shall be constructed of pavers,
concrete, or stabilized decomposed granite.
MATERIALS AND ACCESS GUIDELINES
» In areas with high pedestrian traffic, plant
material should have a minimum height of
18 inches to discourage pedestrians from
stepping on the parkway. Groundcover is
discouraged unless it can withstand heavy
foot traffic.
» Plants which require little or no irrigation are
preferred.
» Plants are not recommended to be planted
within 4 feet of a tree trunk.
Parkway with street trees and low perennial plantings
D. Planted Area. A minimum of 80 percent of the total
required parkway area for a given project shall be
comprised of plant material.
1. Permitted materials include groundcovers, turf
or turf substitutes, and shrubs or low perennials
that are lower than 24 inches in height at full
maturity.
a. All plant material shall be native or climate
appropriate and have a water use rating
of Moderate, Low or Very-Low as defined
by Water Use Classification of Landscape
Species (WUCOLS) for the region. Plant
water use requirements may be relaxed
to maximize the efficiency of parkway
stormwater capture systems subject to
approval by the Director of Public Works.
b. Plants with spines or thorns shall not be
planted adjacent to any walkways or curbs.
c. Edible plants are not permitted in
parkways.
d. Artificial turf is not permitted in parkways.
2. When removing existing plant material like turf
grass from a parkway, there shall be no damage
to the street tree roots. Parkway improvements
involving excavation within an existing tree’s
root zone must be consistent with the City’s
Tree Protection Guidelines. Root pruning, if
required and approved by Public Works, must
be overseen by a Certified Arborist. Excavation
within a tree’s root zone must be replanted
immediately to prevent the tree roots from
exposure and undue harm.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 81
Public Realm Standards
STORMWATER AND IRRIGATION
GUIDELINES
» Parkways should be designed to treat and/
or capture stormwater run-off from the
adjacent to the greatest extent feasible given
soil conditions.
» Suspended pavement systems are
encouraged as a means of controlling runoff
volume and should be implemented under
and adjacent to large pedestrian walkways.
» If impermeable surfaces are used within
parkways, they shall be constructed to drain
to permeable areas.
» Low-volume, sub-surface/drip irrigation or
other non-spray irrigation systems or handwatering is preferred where irrigation is needed.
E. Non-planted Area. A maximum of 20 percent of the
parkway area may be organic or inorganic cover.
1. Permitted materials include permeable pavers,
decomposed granite, gravel, rocks, or mulch.
a. Pavers are not allowed within 3 feet of any
public streetlight pole or pull box or other
utility facilities.
F. Stormwater Management. Parkways shall either
meet the following basic stormwater standards, or
propose a biofiltration planter or swale design based
on local conditions subject to the approval of the
Director of Public Works.
1. The parkway shall be at the same grade as the
adjacent hardscape surface at the outer edge
of the parkway and slope at a minimum of 1
percent towards the center of the parkway.
2. For parkways with a width greater than 5
feet, the center 2 feet of the parkway shall be
depressed 3 to 4 inches to form a shallow swale
to collect sidewalk stormwater. Alternative
means of storing runoff, such as gravel sumps
within the parkway, may be provided with
review authority approval.
G. Irrigation. Irrigation systems in parkways shall be
designed and constructed in a manner that will
eliminate surface runoff onto any impermeable
surface, public or private, under any condition.
1. Design of irrigation systems in parkways shall be
in accordance with all local, state, and federal
laws and regulations for water conservation.
2. Street tree roots shall not be damaged during
the irrigation installation process.
H. Maintenance. Abutting property owner shall
maintain the parkway in a condition so as not to
endanger persons or property, and not to interfere
with the public convenience.
82 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Public Realm Standards
5.2.2 STREET TREES
A. Species.1 Street tree species shall be selected
according to the Master Street Tree Plan at the
discretion of the Director of Public Works. Trees may
be planted within parkways or tree wells.
B. Spacing. Street trees shall be planted at a spacing
of one per 30 feet. Exceptions can be made by the
Director of Public Works due to conflicts with street
lights, bus shelters, utility boxes, other street amenities or species type. Closer spacing is encouraged where
feasible/when appropriate for a particular tree type.
C. Well Dimension. Tree well width shall be equivalent
to the required Amenity Zone, minus the 6-inch width
required for the curb.
1. If a paved buffer zone is required due to
adjacent street parking, the tree well width may
be reduced to accommodate this buffer strip.
The minimum length of a tree well shall be 6
feet.
2. Street trees planted within tree wells must be
installed according to the Department of Public
Works Tree Planting in Tree Well Standard Plan.
D. Well Frames. Tree well frames, or tree grates, may
be installed according to the Department of Public
Works Tree Well Frame Installation Standard.
E. Expanded Root Zone Cell. Each street tree shall be
provided with an uncompacted root zone volume of
800 cubic feet minimum. The root zone volume depth
shall be 2 feet minimum and 3 feet maximum.
1. Where this root zone volume cannot be
provided within the parkway area, an expanded
root zone cell volume shall be provided below
adjacent pavement using a strategy such as
structural soil or a suspended pavement system
to provide an uncompacted soil area suitable
for tree root growth.
2. The root zone volume per tree requirement may
be reduced by 10 percent where two or more
trees share a contiguous root zone cell.
F. Maintenance. All street trees shall be maintained by the Department of Public Works.
IMPORTANCE OF STREET TREES
Street trees play an important role in keeping
cities livable, sustainable and resilient. Trees
improve air quality, increase urban biodiversity,
and help reduce carbon emissions. In addition
to environmental benefits, trees provide health,
social, economic, and aesthetic benefits to
communities. Requirements based on guidance
from the City’s Master Street Tree Plan will
increase street tree coverage and require the
preservation or introduction of certain tree species.
In adherence with these street tree standards and
guidelines, new development will contribute to
an enhanced shade canopy that helps to reduce
the urban heat island effect, decrease sidewalk
temperatures, enhance pedestrian comfort, and
improve the visual experience of the street.
1 See Appendix A.2 Design Guidance for Tree
Selection for detailed recommendations to
better align Fair Oaks Orange Grove street tree
species with the vision, goals, and policies in this
Specific Plan related to shade, climate resilience,
stormwater capture, and supporting a vibrant
public realm. Street tree with healthy canopy
Camphor trees with a sufficient parkway size
Ch. 6
Private Realm Standards
Private Realm Standards 85
6.1 Scale 88
6.2 Frontage 96
6.3 Open Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
6.4 Parking 110
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 85
Private Realm Standards
Private Realm Standards
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
The development and design standards in this chapter
serve to implement the vision, goals, and policies of the FOOG Specific Plan, described in Chapter 3.
In addition to the requirements of the FOOG Specific Plan, all projects shall comply with the Pasadena Municipal
Code (PMC) requirements below. In the event of conflict between the Zoning Code and the FOOG Specific Plan,
the requirements of the specific plan shall control (PMC
17.12.020.D).
» PMC 17.40 General Development
» PMC 17.42 Inclusionary Housing
» PMC 17.43 Density Bonus
» PMC 17.44 Landscaping
» PMC 17.46 Parking and Loading
» PMC 17.48 Signs
» PMC 17.50 Specific Land Uses
Per Section 4.1, development standards for the OS and
PS zoning districts are not included in the FOOG Specific Plan. In those zones, development shall be subject to a Conditional Use Permit or Master Plan per PMC 17.26.
Guidelines, incorporated as part of this plan in shaded text boxes, are intended to encourage quality architecture that enhances the community’s unique character. Projects should also consult Pasadena’s Design Guidelines for Neighborhood Commercial and Multi-Family Districts for further guidance on building form and relationship to the surrounding
neighborhood. Projects required to go through Design
Review will be assessed based on the project scope and the standards and guidelines of the FOOG Specific Plan, as well as the Design Guidelines for Neighborhood Commercial and Multi-Family Districts.
This chapter is organized into the following sections:
» 6.1 Scale.
» 6.1.1 Density (du/ac)
» 6.1.2 Intensity (FAR)
» 6.1.3 Height
» 6.1.4 Setbacks
» 6.1.5 Stepbacks
» 6.1.6 Historic Adjacency
» 6.1.7 Modulation
» 6.2 Frontage.
» 6.2.1 Ground Floor Frontages
» 6.2.2 Ground Floor Design
» 6.2.3 Transparency
» 6.2.4 Shade Structures
» 6.2.5 Arcades and Galleries
» 6.2.6 Walls and Fences
» 6.2.7 Balconies and Roof Decks
» 6.3 Open Space.
» 6.3.1 Minimum Area
» 6.3.2 Private Open Space
» 6.3.3 Common Open Space
» 6.3.4 Publicly Accessible Open Space
» 6.3.5 Paseos
» 6.4 Parking.
» 6.4.1 Minimum Parking
» 6.4.2 Vehicle Access
» 6.4.3 Layout and Design
86 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
Standard FG-CF FG-MU-C, FG-MU-N
Scale
Allowable Density Section 6.1.1
Dwelling Units per Acre N/A Map 6.1-1
Allowable Intensity Section 6.1.2
Floor Area Ratio Map 6.1-2
Building Height
Height Map 6.1-3
Required Setbacks Section 6.1.4
All streets Map 6.1-4
Adjacent to RM/RS 15' min.
Other interiors None required
Required Stepbacks Section 6.1.5
Adjacent to RM/RS Figure 6.1-2
Historic Adjacency Section 6.1.6
Setbacks and Stepbacks Figure 6.1-3
Modulation Section 6.1.7
Length 10% or 20’ break required for buildings exceeding 150' street frontage Area 25% for buildings over 50’ in length
Frontage
Ground Floor Frontages Section 6.2.1
Required Uses Table 6.2-1 and Map 6.2-1
Commercial Depth 35' average, 20' min.
Ground Floor Design Section 6.2.2
Height 15' min.
Residential Elevation -2' to 6’ max.
Transparency Section 6.2.3
Ground Floor 30% 60%
Overall Façade 15% 30%
Residential Units N/A 15%
Shade Structures Section 6.2.4
Table 6-1 provides abbreviated development and
design standards by zoning district for the FOOG
Specific Plan. Where the plan defers to the Pasadena
Municipal Code (PMC) for a particular standard,
the relevant code section is provided; however, the
City's code is updated periodically and exact code
references may change. Complete standards shall be
referenced within the relevant sections of Chapter 6.
Table 6-1: Summary of Development Standards
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 87
Private Realm Standards
Standard FG-CF FG-MU-C, FG-MU-N
Arcades and Galleries Section 6.2.5
Walls and Fences Section 6.2.6
Balconies and Roof Decks Section 6.2.7
Open Space
Minimum Open Space
Non-residential 5% of Non-residential Gross Floor Area for projects over 40,000 sf Residential 125 sf per studio, 150 sf per 1-bed, 200 sf per 2-bed, 250 sf per 3+bed Publicly Accessible Table 6.3-2 and Map 6.3-1 for projects over 60,000 sf; none required otherwise Private Open Space Section 6.3.2
Common Open Space Section 6.3.3
Publicly Accessible
Open Space Section 6.3.4
Paseos Section 6.3.5
Parking
Minimum Parking Section 6.4.1
Vehicle Access Section 6.4.2
Layout and Design Section 6.4.3
Other Applicable Standards1
General Development PMC 17.40
Inclusionary Housing PMC 17.42
Density Bonus PMC 17.43
Landscaping PMC 17.44
Parking and Loading PMC 17.46
Signs PMC 17.48
Specific Land Uses PMC 17.50
1 Projects shall follow all requirements listed except where modified by this Specific Plan. In the event of conflict between the Zoning Code and this Specific Plan, the requirements of this Specific Plan shall control, per PMC 17.12.020.D. 88 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
6.1 Scale
These standards are intended to:
» Implement the General Plan density (du/ac) and
floor area ratio (FAR) values;
» Shape development in a manner that creates a
defined public realm and appropriate scale of
buildings for a visually appealing community;
» Reduce building massing through setback and
stepback requirements that create appropriate
transitions to residential neighborhoods;
» Support high-quality architecture and urban
design through modulation requirements and a
varied roof lines incentive; and
» Require appropriate transitions to designated
historic resources.
6.1.1 DENSITY
A. Residential Density. Projects that include
residential dwelling units shall not exceed the
allowable dwelling units per acre (du/ac) set in
Map 6.1-1.
1. Fractions shall be rounded to the nearest
whole number; those at 0.50 may be
rounded up.
2. For projects utilizing state density bonus,
refer to Government Code 65915.
3. The maximum is based on site area. If a
street dedication or easement is required,
density shall be calculated using the size
of the lot prior to the street dedication or
easement.
Map 6.1-1: Residential Density
Altadena
Pasadena R AY M O N D
M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
210
32 48
64 87
Specified by PD
N/A
N
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 89
Private Realm Standards
6.1.2 INTENSITY Map 6.1-2: Floor Area Ratio
A. Floor Area Ratio. Projects that include nonresidential space, including mixed-use, shall not exceed the allowable floor area ratio (FAR) set in
Map 6.1-2.
1. In mixed-use projects, residential floor area
is included in FAR.
2. Areas used exclusively for vehicle and
bicycle parking and loading are excluded
from FAR.
3. The maximum is based on site area. If a
street dedication or easement is required,
FAR shall be calculated using the size of
the lot prior to the street dedication or
easement.
Altadena
Pasadena R AY M O N D
M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
210
1.0 1.25
1.75 2.0
2.25 Specified by PD
N/A
N
90 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
6.1.3 HEIGHT Map 6.1-3: Building Height
A. Building Height. Projects shall not exceed the
height limits set in Map 6.1-3.
1. Height is measured per PMC 17.40.060.
2. For the purposes of this standard, the
maximum height of each building on a site
shall be measured independently, even if
connected by structured parking.
3. Exceptions allowed for Height Averaging
(6.1.3.B) and projecting features such
as appurtenances and railings per PMC
17.40.060.
B. Height Averaging. With approval of Design
Commission, height limits may be exceeded for up
to 30% of the building footprint to the maximum
set in Map 6.1-3, provided that the average height
over the entire footprint does not exceed the
allowable height; see Figure 6.1-1.
1. The intent is to counterbalance additional
height with lower heights elsewhere onsite to achieve an economically-feasible development that protects view corridors
and contributes to a more visuallycompelling skyline.
2. Averaging is not applicable to other
development standards relating to
building scale such as stepbacks. It
may not be used in combination with
a concession for building height when
utilizing PMC 17.43.
Altadena
Pasadena R AY M O N D
M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
210
36'
39'
51' (63')
Specified by PD
Figure 6.1-1: Height Averaging
A building may exceed its height limit for up to 30%
of its footprint if another area is lowered so that
the average height is at or below the height limit.
Note: Diagrams used for illustrative purposes only.
Maximum Height (Height Averaging)
N/A
N
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 91
Private Realm Standards
6.1.4 SETBACKS
A. Street Setbacks. Buildings shall comply with the
street setbacks set in Map 6.1-4. Setback ranges
establish a minimum and maximum for the
specified percentage of linear street frontage.
1. Street setbacks are measured from the
sidewalk line; see Figure 5.1-2.
2. Minimum setbacks shall apply to all
stories of a building; setbacks less than
the minimum are prohibited. Maximum
setbacks shall apply only to the ground
floor.
3. Where ground floor residential units are
elevated between 4 and 6 feet above
sidewalk elevation, a minimum setback of
8 feet shall be required.
4. Exceptions allowed per PMC 17.40.160
(Table 4-1) and the following:
a. Arcades and recessed ground floors up
to 15 feet in depth, as well as parking
entrances per Section 6.4.2, are
allowed when a second story meets the
specific setback.
b. The specific frontage percentage
may be reduced for the provision of
Publicly Accessible Open Space facing
the street through the Design Review
process with Design Commission
approval.
5. For buildings set back from the sidewalk
line 5 feet or more, a minimum percentage
of the setback area shall be landscaped
with trees, shrubs, and/or groundcover,
either in the form of in-ground landscaping
or planters; see Table 6.1-1.
Table 6.1-1: Required Landscape Setbacks
Frontages with shared entrances to
internal circulation
50%
Frontages with individual residential unit
entrances
30%
with a stoop taller than 30 inches 10%
Frontages with individual commercial
tenant entrances
30%
with outdoor dining 10%
Map 6.1-4: Street Setbacks
5' min.
5-10' for 50%
Altadena
Pasadena R AY M O N D
M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
210
25' min.
N
92 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
SETBACKS TO SUPPORT A HEALTHY TREE CANOPY
Employing an increased street setback within the established range can support street trees by creating additional space for tree canopies to grow. Street setbacks can encourage sensitive building design to accommodate both existing and new street trees, leading to healthy tree growth, additional shade, and greenery.
6.1.5 STEPBACKS
A. Interior Stepbacks. Adjacent to RM/RS zoning
districts, buildings shall not be located within the
encroachment plane sloping upward and inward
at a 45-degree angle measured from the vertical,
commencing 25 feet above the existing grade along
the shared property line; see Figure 6.1-2.
1. Exceptions allowed per PMC17.40.160 (Table
4-2.1).
6. Features allowed within the street setback
include:
a. Landscaping and planters per PMC 17.44;
b. Hardscape (e.g. stoops, patios);
c. Shade structures per Section 6.2.4;
d. Arcades and galleries per Section 6.2.5;
e. Walls and fences per Section 6.2.6;
f. Seating and furniture;
g. Outdoor dining; and/or
h. Other open space
amenities per review
authority approval.
B. Interior Setbacks. Projects shall
have a minimum setback of 15 feet
from an interior property line that is
adjacent to a PS, RM or RS zoning
district. No setback is required when
adjacent to other districts or alleys.
1. Interior setbacks are those
abutting other parcels
along non-street side and
rear property lines and are
measured from the shared
property line.
2. Exceptions allowed per
PMC17.40.160 (Table 4-1).
Figure 6.1-2: Interior Setbacks and Stepbacks
Adjacent to RM/RS Zoning Districts
REAR
Property line
RM/RS
Zone
45º
25’
Encroachment plane
rear/side setback varies by district
FG
Zone
15’ setback
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 93
Private Realm Standards
6.1.6 HISTORIC ADJACENCY
A. Landmark Properties. Projects on parcels with
a historic resource shall be subject to review for
consistency with the Secretary of the Interior’s
Standards.
B. Transition Massing. Projects sharing a property line with a designated historic resource shall be subject to the following modified standards; see Figure 6.1-3.
1. Street Setbacks: The minimum street setback
shall be an average of the minimum setback
in Map 6.1-4 and that of the resource for a
minimum of 20 feet from the shared property
line. If between two resources, the street setback
shall be an average of the setbacks of the two
resources.
2. Interior Setbacks: The minimum interior setback
shall be equal to that of the historic resource or
15 feet, whichever is less. No setback is required
where the resource is built to the shared property
line.
3. Streetwall Height: A maximum streetwall
height shall not exceed the height of the
historic resource for a minimum of 20 feet from
the shared property line. A stepback with a
minimum depth of 10 feet is required above this
height, measured from the modified minimum
street setback.
4. Interior Stepbacks: Projects shall not be located
within an encroachment plane sloping upward
and inward at a 30-degree angle measured
from the vertical, commencing 15 feet above the
existing grade at the property line. This plane
is not applicable if the resource is built to the
shared property line.
6.1.7 MODULATION
A. Façade Length. Each street-facing facade shall not
exceed 150 feet in length before a minimum break of 10
percent of the building length or 20 feet, whichever is greater. This break shall be a minimum of 10 feet deep, open to the sky; see Figure 6.1-4.
B. Façade Area. Each street-facing façade exceeding 50
feet in length shall modulate a minimum of 25 percent
of the area above the ground floor between 2 feet and
12 feet in depth from the primary façade plane; see
Figure 6.1-5. Buildings with a total of 2 stories or less are exempt.
1. The primary façade plane is defined as the
vertical plane with the greatest surface area
above the ground floor.
2. Planes that are separated by a break of at least
20 feet in width and 10 feet in depth shall be
considered separate facades for the purposes of
this standard. `
3. Modulation is not required to be continuous
or open to the sky, and may be recessed or
projected, but not beyond the sidewalk line.
4. Required stepbacks (6.1.5.A), required façade
breaks (6.1.7.A), and projected balconies
(6.2.7.A) shall not count toward the modulation
requirement; balconies that are recessed a
minimum of 2 feet shall qualify.
5. Exception to Façade Area requirement
permitted if the street-facing façade meets all of
the following standards:
a. The maximum façade length shall be 100
feet.
b. All windows shall be recessed at least 4
inches.
c. The façade shall use a textural material
comprised of brick, stone, precast concrete,
Venetian plaster, hand-troweled stucco,
or porcelain tiles at least 12 by 4 inches.
Ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles less than 12 by
4 inches, standard stucco, or flat, polished
stone shall not qualify.
d. The façade shall employ a tripartite division
in which the façade is organized into three
horizontal sections with a base, middle, and
top.
i. The middle section shall be differentiated
from both the base and the top through
a change in façade plane of at least 4
inches, or a consistent horizontal band
that projects at least 4 inches from the
façade.
ii. The top section shall use a cornice that is
at least 1 foot in depth.
94 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
Figure 6.1-3: Historic Adjacency Transition Massing
Street
setback
range (A-B)
20 ft
Historic
resource
Sidewalk
Street
Sidewalk Line
E
F
B
D
A
C
Project
buildable area
Interior
property line
Existing grade
20 ft
Historic
resource
Project
buildable
area
G H
15 ft
30º
Interior
property line
Note: Diagrams used for illustrative purposes only.
A: Minimum street setback from setback range
B: Maximum street setback from setback range
C: Street setback of historic resource
D: Modified minimum street setback (average of A and C) within 20’ of Interior property line
E: Interior setback of historic resource
F: Interior setback of project
G: Height of historic resource
H: Maximum height before stepback of 10’ in depth
within 20’ of Interior property line
PLAN VIEW ELEVATION VIEW
Sidewalk Line
Sidewalk
Modified Setback Range
Encroachment Plane
Street
C
F
E
B D
A
G
H
20’
30º
15’
10’
Interior
property line
Historic resource
Project buildable area
The 30 degree historic adjacency encroachment plane is an imaginary inclined plane that slopes inward and extends along the length of the shared property line.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 95
Private Realm Standards
C. Alternative Compliance.
1. Eligibility. Modulation standards may be
reduced or otherwise modified through the
Design Review process if:
a. A minimum of 90 percent of the provided
parking is fully or partially subterranean;
b. A minimum of one publicly accessible open
space is provided at the ground level, visible
and accessible from the sidewalk;
c. No other concessions, waivers, or incentives
have been requested, including those
associated with PMC 17.43 (Density Bonus),
unless the project is designed to achieve
LEED Gold certification; and
d. The review authority makes all of the
following findings.
2. Required Findings.
a. The building design provides modulation
on each street-facing façade in a manner
consistent with the project’s architectural
style and/or immediate context, including
adjacent historic resources.
b. The building design does not cause an
adverse impact on the quality of the ground
floor and public realm.
c. The ground level open space is of adequate
size and integrated with the building in a
functional way that ensures the space will
be actively utilized.
d. The modification will not be detrimental to
the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
e. The building design is consistent with the
objectives and policies of the General Plan
and FOOG Specific Plan, as well as all other
standards of the FOOG Specific Plan.
Figure 6.1-4: Modulated Façade Length
Note: Diagrams used for illustrative purposes only.
Façades over 150 feet in length shall include a break at least 10% of the façade length or 20 feet wide (whichever is greater), and 10 feet deep, open to the sky.
Façades shall modulate a minimum of 25% of
the area above the ground floor 2 to 12 feet in
depth from the primary façade plane.
Facade Length
Unbroken
façade length Façade break
Articulation
Modulation
depth
Primary
façade plane
Modulated
façade area
Modulated
façade length
Figure 6.1-5: Modulated Façade Area
96 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
6.2 Frontage
These standards are intended to:
» Promote an active, accessible, and attractive
pedestrian environment at the ground level;
» Activate the pedestrian street experience through
design and use standards;
» Enable flexibility and adaptability over time through quality design; and
» Support a livable urban setting comprised of a range
of uses in a comfortable pedestrian environment.
Table 6.2-1: Allowable Ground Floor Building Frontages in Mixed-Use Zones Type Commercial
Uses
Residential
Common Space
Residential
Units
1 80% minimum 20% maximum Prohibited within 35
2 20% minimum 80% maximum feet of sidewalk line
3 Allowed, no percentage requirements
6.2.1 GROUND FLOOR FRONTAGES
In Mixed-Use zoning districts, ground floor use requirements are regulated by frontage type per Map 6.2-1 and Table
6.2- 1. Use requirements are regulated as a percentage of the building frontage; see Figure 6.2.1.
A. Commercial Uses. Frontage Types 1 and 2 shall
require a minimum amount of the building frontage to
be comprised of, and designed for, commercial uses per
Table 6.2-1 and Map 6.2-1. Permitted commercial uses
by zoning district are found in Table 4.3-1.
1. Entrances to non-ground floor uses, and/or
entrances to uses prohibited within 35 feet
of the sidewalk, shall not qualify toward the
minimum commercial use percentage
2. Commercial uses shall have an average interior
depth of at least 35 feet and a minimum depth
of 20 feet, measured wall-to-wall.
B. Residential Uses. Frontage Types 1 and 2 per Table
6.2-1 and Map 6.2-1 set limitations on ground floor
residential uses facing the street. Permitted residential uses by zoning district are found in Table 4.3.1.
1. Types 1 and 2: Residential units on the ground
floor shall be prohibited within 35 feet of the
sidewalk line, inclusive of setbacks, per Table
6.2-1; see Figure 6.2-2.
2. Type 3: Residential units on the ground floor
shall be permitted with direct access to the
street.
3. Residential common
space on the ground floor
shall be permitted per
Table 6.2-1.
Note: Diagrams used for
illustrative purposes only.
GF Depth
35' average interior
commercial depth
Ground floor
Commercial requirement GF Depth
Types 1-2 residential
units prohibited
Figure 6.2-1: Ground Floor Commercial Uses
Figure 6.2-2: Ground Floor Residential Units
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 97
Private Realm Standards
Type 1 Mixed-Use Zoning
Type 2
Map 6.2-1: Ground Floor Frontage Types FRONTAGE TYPES
Type 1 frontages are required in high activity,
commercially focused corridors and require new
development to include commercial uses for at least
80% of the building frontage. A limited amount
of residential common space (up to 20%) facing
the street is permitted to accommodate entrances
to upper floor residential. Dwelling units are not
allowed.
Type 2 frontages apply to areas where commercial
activity is not as concentrated but where “corner
commercial” helps bring amenities within walking
distance of residents. Type 2 requires that new
development dedicate at least 20% of the building
frontage to commercial uses, while the remainder
(up to 80%) may be used for residential common
spaces like lobbies, community rooms, and gyms.
Dwelling units are not allowed.
Type 3 frontages apply in areas where a maximum
amount of flexibility is desired. Ground floors can
be a mix of commercial and/or residential uses,
including both common spaces and dwelling units
with direct access to the sidewalk. These areas
generally have a horizontal mix of residential and
commercial on the ground floor. No percentage
requirements apply.
Type 3
Altadena
Pasadena R AY M O N D
M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
210
N
98 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
GROUND FLOOR FRONTAGES
A vibrant street-level atmosphere is created through pedestrian-oriented ground floors and well-designed frontages.
Creating a comfortable and inviting pedestrian environment is essential to promote other means of transportation such as walking. This experience is directly influenced by design treatments and ground floor uses working together to create a visually-engaging sidewalk environment. To accomplish this, ground floor use standards are established for each block that are complementary to the land use permissions in Chapter 4, Section 4.3. Successful ground floor design creates an inviting, visually engaging, shaded sidewalk and pedestrian environment that supports the intended commercial, residential, or mixed use character of each district.
Ground floor frontage with commercial use, shade awnings, and a transparent entrance
Ground floor commercial use with outdoor dining
Residential units on the ground floor accessible from the sidewalk
Ground floor frontage with combination of commercial and gym for occupants of residential building
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 99
Private Realm Standards
6.2.2 GROUND FLOOR DESIGN
A. Entrances. A minimum of one primary entrance shall
be located on the primary frontage of each building
and open onto a sidewalk or other public space.
1. Primary entrances shall be distinguished by
architectural features or overhead projections,
such as an awning or canopy.
2. All entrances shall be recessed a minimum of
30 inches from the sidewalk line.
B. Minimum Height. Buildings shall have a minimum
ground floor height of 15 feet, measured from the
sidewalk elevation closest to the primary entrance to
the second story floor or roof of a one-story building; see Figure 6.2-3.
1. For non-residential and residential common
space uses, the primary entrance of the first
habitable floor shall be located at existing
grade along the sidewalk line.
2. For residential units, the first habitable floor
shall be located between 6 feet above and 2
feet below sidewalk elevation.
Residential ground floor elevated above the sidewalk
Commercial ground floor of at least 15 feet in height
Note: Diagrams used for
illustrative purposes only.
Ground floor height is measured from sidewalk
elevation. Ground floor residential units may be sunken or elevated but the second story must start at least 15 feet above sidewalk elevation.
Residential Ch. 6
15' min.
to roof
15' min.
to secondstory floor
Figure 6.2-3: Ground Floor Height
100 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
Recessed entrance with ground floor transparency
Recessed entrance with overhead awnings
6.2.3 TRANSPARENCY
A. Windows and Doors. Street-facing facades shall
incorporate glass providing views into work, display,
sales, lobby, or similar active areas. Minimum
transparency for street-facing façades is set in Tables
6.2-2 and 6.2-3 based on use.
1. For non-residential and residential common
space uses, ground floor transparency is
measured as the percentage of building
frontage that consists of transparent openings
between a height of 2 feet and 10 feet above
sidewalk elevation.
2. All other transparency is measured as the
percentage of building frontage area, viewed in
elevation.
3. Windows shall be recessed by a minimum
of 2 inches from the facade, measured from
the outside wall to the frame of the window
(mullion, muntin, or similar element); flush
windows shall be permitted where exterior
shading devices cover a minimum of 25 percent
of the window surface area or per review
approval.
4. The use of color-tinted, mirrored or highly
reflective glazing is prohibited.
5. Blinds, drapes, posters, and shelving for
product displays visible to the public right-ofway shall obscure a maximum of 10 percent of the transparent areas of each respective
storefront or 50 percent for medical office uses.
6. For the purposes of this standard, primary
frontages shall be those facing either Fair Oaks
Avenue or Orange Grove Boulevard. All other
frontages shall be considered secondary.
B. Blank Walls. Windowless expanses of street-facing
walls shall not exceed 20 feet in length.
C. Security Bars. Any exterior or interior security bars shall be designed to be fully hidden from view during
business hours with devices such as concealed side
pockets and ceiling cavities.
Table 6.2-2: Transparency for Non-residential and
Residential Common Space Uses
CF MU
Ground Floor
(primary frontage) 30% 60%
Ground Floor
(secondary frontage) 30% 30%
Overall Façade 15% 30%
MU
Ground Floor 15%
Overall Façade 15%
Table 6.2-3: Transparency for Residential Units
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 101
Private Realm Standards
TRANSITIONAL OUTDOOR SPACES
Arcades create a shaded outdoor space between
the public realm and ground floor interior. Shade
structures contribute to a comfortable pedestrian
experience and serve as inviting design features
for ground floor uses.
6.2.4 SHADE STRUCTURES
A. Shading. Shade structures may project up to twothirds of the sidewalk width.
1. Shade structures shall allow a minimum of
8 feet of vertical clearance from sidewalk
elevation.
2. Shade structures shall not conflict with existing
trees; exceptions to the depth requirement shall
be subject to review authority approval.
6.2.5 ARCADES AND GALLERIES
A. Arcades. Any arcades shall be located behind the
minimum setback.
1. Arcades shall be a minimum of 8 feet from back
of column to building façade.
2. The distance between columns shall be equal to
or greater than the arcade depth dimension, as
measured from the column center.
3. The façade within the arcade shall meet the
ground floor transparency set in Section 6.2.3.
4. Uses allowed within arcades include:
a. Pedestrian travel,
b. Seating/street furniture,
c. Outdoor dining,
d. Landscape planters, and/or
e. Bicycle parking.
B. Galleries. Any galleries shall be located behind the minimum setback.
1. Galleries shall be limited to one-story and 50
percent of the building frontage.
2. Galleries shall allow a minimum of 10 feet of
vertical clearance from sidewalk elevation.
Arcades provide shaded space for pedestrians
Shade awnings, lighting, and ground floor
transparency all contribute to a comfortable
pedestrian experience
Galleries cover the sidewalk, but unlike arcades, the
space above is not enclosed
102 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
Appropriate residential fence height and placement
6.2.6 EXTERIOR FEATURES
A. Façades. Lighting shall be located on façades facing streets and public open spaces at a frequency of every
30 feet or less.
1. Façade lighting shall be full cutoff (directing
light downward and outward).
2. Fixtures shall be located between 8 and 15 feet
above the sidewalk elevation, and shall not
project more than 30 inches from the façade.
3. Ground floor residential units shall be able to
operate façade lighting attached directly to
their unit.
4. Façade lighting shall not be required on
buildings located on designated historic
resources and districts.
6.2.7 WALLS AND FENCES
A. Walls and Fences. Walls and fences shall be subject to PMC 17.40.180 with the following exceptions for those
located within the street setback.
1. Walls and fences shall have a maximum height
of 48 inches above sidewalk elevation.
2. Walls and fences taller than 30 inches shall be
a minimum of 50 percent transparent and set
back a minimum of 18 inches from the sidewalk
line, separated by planted area. Walls and
fences 30 inches or less in height do not have a
transparency or setback requirement.
3. Walls and fences used to enclose outdoor
dining may be located at the sidewalk line and
are not required to provide a planted area if the
wall or fence is 36 inches or less and more than
50 percent transparent.
4. Guardrails may exceed the maximum height to
the extent required by the Building Code. The
guardrail shall be a minimum of 50 percent
transparent.
B. Stoops and Patios. The side of a patio or stoop (when parallel to a sidewalk) taller than 30 inches in height shall be set back a minimum of 18 inches from the
sidewalk line, separated by planted area.
6.2.8 BALCONIES AND ROOF DECKS
A. Balconies. Balconies may project a maximum of 4 feet from the building façade but shall not extend beyond
the sidewalk line or within 6 feet of any interior property line.
B. Roof Decks. The sum of all roof decks on a single
building shall not exceed a maximum coverage of 50
percent of the roof area.
1. Roof deck railings on the uppermost two stories
shall be set back a minimum of 5 feet from the
façade.
The side of a stoop set back from the sidewalk line by a planted area Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 103
Private Realm Standards
6.3 Open Space
These standards are intended to:
» Provide a variety of open space types for gathering,
recreation and respite that contribute to enhanced
livability within an urban setting;
» Give residents access to natural light and fresh air in and around their living spaces;
» Improve building design and site planning through
the integration of open space throughout the
development; and
» Correlate open space requirements with number of
residents and size of buildings.
TYPES OF OPEN SPACE
Private. Private Open Spaces (e.g. patios and
balconies) adjoin a dwelling unit and are reserved for
the exclusive use of the resident and their guests.
Common. Common Open Spaces are usable spaces
shared among tenants of a building and often take the form of courtyards and pool areas. It can also include shared indoor spaces, such as lounges, community kitchens, and gyms.
Publicly Accessible. Publicly Accessible Open Spaces (e.g. plazas, pocket parks, and paseos) are privately owned but open to the public and typically include amenities such as seating, landscaping, fountains, and public art.
IMPORTANCE OF OPEN SPACE
A variety of high quality, usable and
accessible open space contributes to
an active public realm and successful
building design. A combination of Private,
Common, and Publicly Accessible Open Space
serves a range of purposes, including spaces for
relaxation and community gathering for residents,
employees, and visitors within an urban setting.
Open spaces either on the ground floor or on
upper level stories, correlated to the building
use and size, can also help to break up building
massing creating effective site and building design.
104 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
Table 6.3-1: Residential Open Space by Unit Type
6.3.1 MINIMUM OPEN SPACE
A. Private and Common Open Space. Projects shall
provide the minimum Open Space based on use
and size. Areas used regularly for parking, loading or
storage shall not count towards minimum Open Space
requirements.
1. Residential. Projects with dwelling units shall
provide the minimum Open Space per Table
6.3-1 as a combination of Private and/or
Common Open Space.
2. Non-residential. Projects with more than
40,000 square feet of non-residential floor
area shall provide a minimum of 5 percent of
the gross non-residential floor area as Common
Open Space.
3. Mixed-use. Projects shall comply with
requirements applicable to each type of use.
Number of Bedrooms 0 1 2 3+
Per Unit, sq ft 125 150 200 250
Private Open Space (Patio)
B. Publicly Accessible Open Space (PAOS). Projects
with more than 120,000 square feet of gross floor area
(GFA) shall provide 3 percent of GFA as PAOS.
1. PAOS shall be provided in addition to Private
and Common Open Space requirements.
2. Projects that are required to provide PAOS per
6.3.1.B and are selected for paseo development
on Map 6.3-1, are required to meet the minimum
area requirement by providing a Paseo, defined
as a pedestrian passageway that connects a
public street to another public street, alley, or
internal public space.
a. No additional Paseo shall be required in
opportunity areas where a Paseo exists.
The existing paseo shall be subject to the
standards in Section 6.3.5. The standards
may be modified through the Design Review
process, if the review authority finds that the
modified design continues to be accessible
to the public, functional, and includes
features such as landscaping, trees, and
outdoor seating.
3. Projects shall comply with PAOS standards
per Section 6.3.4 and Paseo standards per
Section 6.3.5 where relevant.
a. PAOS and Paseo standards may be
modified through the Design Review
process, if the review authority finds
that the modified design continues
to be accessible to the public,
functional, and includes features such
as landscaping, trees, and outdoor
seating.
4. Research and Development uses may
reduce Common Open Space area
requirements by a maximum of 50 percent.
Research and Development projects (or
the Research and Development portion of
a project with multiple uses) shall exclude
mechanical space from floor area for
required Open Space.
6.3.2 PRIVATE OPEN SPACE
A. Dimensions. A minimum area of 40 square
feet with a minimum dimension of 5 feet in each
direction shall be required for Private Open Space.
B. Distribution. A maximum of 40 percent of the
required residential Open Space set in Table 6.3-1
shall be Private Open Space.
1. All Private Open Space shall be outdoors.
2. Private Open Space may be located within
a required setback.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 105
Private Realm Standards
6.3.3 COMMON OPEN SPACE
A. Dimensions. A minimum area of 400 square feet with
a minimum dimension of 15 feet in each direction shall
be required for Common Open Space.
B. Distribution. A minimum of 60 percent of the required residential Open Space set in Table 6.3-1 shall be
Common Open Space shared among tenants.
1. A minimum of 70 percent of Common Open
Space shall be outdoors, and a minimum of 80
percent of outdoor Common Open Space shall
be open to the sky.
2. A maximum of 30 percent of Common Open
Space may be indoors. Indoor Common Open
Space shall not include spaces used primarily
for circulation.
C. Access. Common Open Spaces may be accessible to
the public.
D. Hardscape. A maximum of 25 percent of Common
Open Space may be paved in standard concrete.
Remaining areas shall use one of the following
enhanced paving techniques: brick, natural stone, unit
concrete pavers, textured and/or colored concrete,
concrete with exposed or special aggregate. Alternative paving may be allowed per review authority approval.
CREATING COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACES
Common Open Spaces provide areas for gathering, recreation, and respite within a development.
E. Landscape. A minimum of 25 percent of Common
Open Space shall be planted area with a minimum
dimension of 30 inches in each direction. Landscaping
shall comply with PMC 17.44.050.
F. Trees. A minimum of one 24-inch box tree per project or for every 750 square feet of outdoor Common Open
Space, whichever is greater, shall be planted within
the Common Open Space. For projects with 2 or more
trees, a minimum of 50 percent of trees planted shall
be shade trees.
1. Trees planted in pots on the ground floor shall
not be counted towards the tree requirement.
G. Water Features. A maximum of 5 percent of the
required Common Open Space shall be fountains,
reflecting pools, or other decorative water features.
Swimming pools are not considered water features for
the purposes of this standard.
Communal picnic area with moveable seating options Enhanced paving, seating, and landscaping 106 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
6.3.4 PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE OPEN SPACE (PAOS)
A. Area. Minimum PAOS requirements are set in Section
6.3.1.B, and may be contiguous or noncontiguous,
subject to the dimension and elevation standards below.
B. Dimensions. A minimum area of 400 square feet with
a minimum dimension of 20 feet in each direction shall
be required for PAOS.
C. Access. A maximum of 20 percent of the PAOS may be
used as outdoor dining for a restaurant subject to review authority approval; a minimum of 80 percent of the
PAOS shall be accessible to the general public.
D. Signage. PAOS shall have signage visible from the
adjacent sidewalk identifying the space as a publiclyaccessible amenity and listing accessible hours.
E. Hours. At a minimum, PAOS shall be open to the
general public from 8am to 8pm. Any gated ingress or
egress points shall not be closed or locked during these hours.
F. Elevation. A minimum of 3,000 square feet of PAOS
shall be at sidewalk elevation. If less square footage is required, then all required PAOS shall be at sidewalk
elevation.
G. Hardscape. A maximum of 25 percent of PAOS shall be
paved in standard concrete. Remaining areas shall use
one of the following enhanced paving techniques: brick, natural stone, unit concrete pavers, textured and colored concrete, concrete with exposed or special aggregate.
Alternative paving may be allowed per review authority
approval.
H. Seating. Seating shall be provided at a minimum of 1 seat per 300 square feet of required PAOS. Fractions
shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number.
1. Benches shall be calculated as 1 seat per 24
linear inches.
I. Landscape. A minimum of 25 percent of PAOS shall be
planted area with a minimum dimension of 30 inches in
length and width. Landscaping shall comply with PMC
17.44. J. Trees. A minimum of one 24-inch box tree per project or for every 750 square feet of PAOS, whichever is greater, shall be planted. For projects with 2 or more trees, a
minimum 50 percent of trees planted shall be shade
trees.
1. Trees planted in pots, on the ground floor, shall
not be counted towards the tree requirement.
K. Common Open Space Credit. PAOS in excess of the
minimum may count towards a maximum of 30 percent
of the Common Open Space requirement at a 1:1 ratio.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 107
Private Realm Standards
Map 6.3-1: Required Publicly Accessible Open Space
A publicly accessible corner plaza creates a space to gather or rest, including amenities such as seating, landscaping, shade trees, and public art
Paseo opportunity area Opportunity areas show a range of siting options and are not representative of the scale of open space required; see Sections 6.3.4 and 6.3.5 for minimum dimensions. Exact siting and shape of paseos and plazas subject to the discretion of the Planning Director. Paseos shall satisfy the intent of through-block connectivity.
N
108 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
6.3.5 PASEOS
A. Dimensions. Paseos shall have an average width of 20 feet, minimum width of 15 feet, and be a minimum of 75
percent open to the sky. Paseos shall have a walk zone
with a minimum width of:
» 10 feet for commercial / mixed-use paseos.
» 8 feet for residential-only paseos.
B. Access. Paseos shall be physically and visually
accessible from the connecting public sidewalk.
1. Fences, walls, and/or entry gates are permitted;
however, these features shall not block passage
through the paseo during public hours.
2. Bollards (fixed or removable) shall be provided
at all entry points of paseos to restrict vehicular
access during public hours.
3. Emergency vehicular access shall be provided.
C. Signage. Paseos shall have signage visible from the
adjacent sidewalk identifying the space as a publiclyaccessible amenity and listing public hours. In paseos that have commercial frontages, a directory shall be
provided at each entry. Specific sign guidelines shall
be created for all properties with building facades
immediately adjoining the paseos.
D. Hours. At a minimum, paseos shall be open to the
general public from 8am to 8pm. Commercial loading
shall be limited to non-public hours.
E. Elevation. Paseos shall be at ground level and ADA
accessible.
F. Programming. A maximum of 10 percent of required
paseo area may be used by adjacent restaurants or
food sales uses as a space restricted to customers
only. Any additional programming must be nontransactional and without financial barriers to entry.
1. Exception: Paseos may be closed to public
access for private events no more than one day
per month.
G. Hardscape. A maximum of 25 percent of paseos shall
be paved in standard concrete. Remaining areas shall
use one of the following enhanced paving techniques:
brick, natural stone, unit concrete pavers, textured and colored concrete, concrete with exposed or special
aggregate. Alternative paving may be allowed per
review authority approval.
H. Stormwater Management. A minimum of 25 percent
of the total paved area shall be permeable paving to
allow for stormwater infiltration. Depending on soil and site conditions, infiltration and/or flow-through planters shall be installed to capture and treat 100 percent of
the stormwater run-off on-site.
I. Seating. Seating shall be provided within the paseo
at a minimum of 1 seat per 300 square feet of required
space. Fractions shall be rounded down to the nearest
whole number.
J. Landscape. A minimum of 25 percent of paseo area
shall be planted area a minimum of 30 inches in length, width, and depth. Landscaping shall comply with PMC
17.44. K. Trees. A minimum of one 24-inch box tree per project or per each 750 square feet of paseo area, whichever
is greater, shall be planted. For projects with 2 or more trees, a minimum 50 percent of trees planted shall be
shade trees.
1. Trees planted in pots, on the ground floor, shall
not be counted towards the tree requirement.
L. Blank Walls. Paseos shall adhere to the blank wall
standards defined in Section 6.2.3, or provide one of
the following mitigations:
1. Green wall, vines, or other vertical landscaping
element that covers a minimum of 75 percent of
non-conforming blank wall area.
2. Public art including, but not limited to, murals.
Paseo with enhanced paving, landscaping, and seating
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 109
Private Realm Standards
PASEO GUIDELINES
Framing and Dimensions
» Walls facing the paseo should adhere to façade
modulation standards defined in section 6.1.7.
» In addition to meeting the parking standards
defined in section 6.4, parking lots or structures
facing a paseo should be screened with
landscaping or creative, pedestrian-friendly
architecture.
» Storefronts (commercial), and unit entries or
stoops (residential) should front onto the paseo
when possible.
» Design paseos to maintain direct sight lines
between opposite entrances, where possible.
If paseos are required to jog due to project
constraints, maintain angled views to indicate
it is not a dead end, or manage jogs through
wayfinding and lighting to increase safety.
» A mix of direct sunlight and shade should be
provided through shade structures, landscaping,
and building massing.
» The design of connector paseos should consider
the width of the paseo to height of the building to
manage pedestrian scale and a sense of enclosure.
Recommended proportion is 1:2.5 (width: adjacent
building height), where possible.
Accessibility and Safety
» Paseos should include a sufficient amount of
lighting for night-time use.
• Lighting should be an integral component of
the overall paseo design and is encouraged to
be incorporated in public art.
• Lighting should be pedestrian scaled, including
both low-level pathway lighting and overhead
wall mounted fixtures.
» Paseo entrances, storefronts, unit entries, and
stoops facing the paseo should be designed and
illuminated to prevent hiding spaces.
Amenities and Programming
» Paseos should include at least one special feature
such as a public art piece or water feature.
» Bike racks and scooter parking areas should be
provided near entrances, without obstructing
walkways.
» Non-transactional programming should be
encouraged to activate the space without financial
barriers to entry.
Public paseos provide walkable connections, and can
offer opportunities for outdoor dining. Landscaping
and trees provide shade and improve aesthetics
Example of paseo-facing retail façade with
pedestrian-scale lighting
110 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
6.4 Parking
These standards are intended to:
» Reduce the visual impacts of parking;
» Regulate appropriate parking supply and location in
a manner that prioritizes pedestrian access and multimodal activity; » Encourage change of use and adaptive reuse of
existing buildings through parking reductions and
exemptions;
» Promote a more efficient use of space through shared
parking among multiple uses within a project; and
» Increase design standards for parking structures by
ensuring habitable floor area and screening between
parking and street frontage.
IMPORTANCE OF PARKING
Vehicle parking access, location and supply
influences the street environment, multi-modal
travel and overall development. Managing the
location of vehicular access, such as entries
and driveways, can help to promote continuous
sidewalk activity and safer travel across modes.
Similarly, minimizing surface parking lot size and
locations (such as placing lots behind buildings or
a landscaped open space), supports the success
of street-fronting activity, such as pedestrian
travel and commercial frontages. The number of
required parking spaces is another defining factor
that shapes urban travel and development. By
establishing an appropriate number of parking
spots by land use and size of development,
residential and commercial activity can be
supported while also attracting a variety of new
development. Through tailored standards as well
as parking reductions and exemptions for certain
uses and conditions, space efficiency and cost
savings are promoted.
6.4.1 MINIMUM PARKING
A. Number of Spaces. Projects shall provide off-street
automobile parking spaces per Table 6.4-1 based on
general use classifications.
1. For projects within one-half mile of a Metro
station, reductions in parking and a maximum
number of parking spaces shall apply per PMC
17.50.340.
2. Bicycle parking shall be required per PMC
17.46.320.
B. Shared Parking. Parking may be shared among
multiple uses per PMC 17.46.050.
C. Unbundled Parking. For any building with new
residential units, off-street automobile parking spaces shall be leased or sold separately from the unit rental or purchase fees, such that renters or buyers have the
option of renting or buying the residential unit at a
lower price than if the parking was included.
1. For deed-restricted affordable units, one parking
space shall be included in the base rent of each
unit. The tenant may choose to receive the parking
space or receive a rent discount equivalent to
half the amount charged for monthly lease of a
parking space. Tenants of affordable units shall
not sublease their parking spaces.
2. Renters or buyers have the right of first refusal to parking built for their unit. Any remaining spaces
may be leased to other users on a month-to-month
basis. New occupants shall have the opportunity
to lease or purchase parking built for their unit.
3. Unbundled parking is not required for a
residential property or unit with an individual
garage that is functionally a part of the
property or unit (e.g., certain townhome and
row houses).
6.4.2 VEHICLE ACCESS
A. Driveways. For Projects with less than 200 feet of
primary street frontage, a maximum of 1 two-lane
driveway shall be permitted. For sites with more than
200 feet of primary street frontage, a maximum of 2
two-lane driveways shall be permitted.
1. Driveways shall be prohibited on primary
frontages of 200 feet or less where there is
access from a secondary street or alley.
2. The Zoning Administrator shall determine the
primary frontage for purposes of compliance
with this subsection.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 111
Private Realm Standards
Entrances to structured parking should be integrated into façade design and screen upper portions of the entrance not required for vehicle clearance
B. Gates. Controlled entrances to parking shall be
located a minimum of 20 feet from the property line to
allow for a queuing vehicle without blocking the public right-of-way.
1. Gates at parking entrances shall be designed
to conceal associated mechanical equipment
from the public right-of-way in compliance with
PMC 17.40.150.
Table 6.4-1: Minimum Parking by Land Use
Use Classification1 Number of Spaces Exceptions
Residential (excluding uses below) PMC 17.46.040
Multi-Family Residential
≤1-bed: 1 per unit
≥2-bed: 1.5 per unit
Guest: 1 per 10 units
Guest parking may be shared with
commercial parking in mixed-use projects2
Work/Live Units 1.5 per unit
Community Care Uses PMC 17.46.040
Recreation, Education and Public Assembly
Office, Professional and Business Support
Retail Sales (including Restaurants) 2 per 1,000 sf
None required for first 500 sf of outdoor
dining per tenant
Services (excluding uses below)
Donation Collection Facilities, Neighborhood
Gardens, Vehicle Washing/Detailing None required
Lodging 0.5 per room
Plus 5 per 1,000 sf for assembly, banquet or
meeting space; none required for first 10,000
sf of banquet facility
Medical Service, Mortuaries, and Public Safety
Facilities PMC 17.46.040
Industry, Manufacturing and Processing 2 per 1,000 sf Plus 1 space per bin for Recycling Centers Transportation, Communications and Utility PMC 17.46.040 Other Exceptions
PMC 17.50.030 for Adaptive Reuse Project.
For other changes of use within designated historic resources and structures greater than 50 years old, no new parking shall be required except for the following:
• Additional parking shall be required for Recreative, Education and Public Assembly Uses (i.e., difference in required parking).
• Additional parking shall be required for building additions, except when required to meet building and fire safety requirements (i.e., the parking required for the added square footage). 1 Use classifications correspond to general use categories in Table 4.3-1. The number of spaces listed above shall apply to all uses listed under these general categories, with the exception of specific uses where the parking requirement is lower per PMC 17.46.040.
2 No shared parking agreement is required; each guest space shall count as 1 commercial space. 112 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Private Realm Standards
6.4.3 LAYOUT AND DESIGN
A. Surface Parking. Parking lots shall comply with PMC
17.46.230 with the following exceptions:
1. Parking lots shall be set back a minimum of 30
feet from the primary frontage, a minimum of
10 feet from any secondary frontage, and a
minimum of 5 feet from RM/RS zoning.
2. Parking lots shall be buffered by permitted nonparking uses or a landscaped setback adjacent to the sidewalk line, except for driveways or
pedestrian access to the parking area.
a. Landscaped setbacks shall include a row
of hedges or shrubs with a minimum height
of 3 feet at the time of planting that form
a continuous visual screen to block vehicle
headlights.
B. Entrances to Structured Parking. For structured
and subterranean parking, vehicular entrances shall
employ the same materials and architectural style as
the primary building.
1. Exterior building materials shall wrap into
parking entrances/exits for a minimum of 20
feet from the building façade, except areas not
visible from public streets.
2. Entrances shall not be larger than the necessary
clearance area.
C. Structured Parking. The following standards apply to structured parking, including podium parking.
1. Along the primary frontage, all floors of
structured parking shall be lined with building
floor area (e.g. commercial or residential uses)
for a minimum of 35 feet in depth. Pedestrian
access and driveways in and out of the structure
are excluded from this requirement.
2. Parking structure façades visible from public
streets, excluding alleys, shall employ the same
materials and architectural style as the primary
building.
3. Open areas on the façade shall be designed as
windows or screened using heavy-gauge metal,
precast concrete panels, laminated glass, green
walls, photovoltaic panels or other material per
review authority.
4. A parking structure shall not exceed the height
of the tallest building it serves.
D. Underground Parking. Subterranean parking shall
be set back a minimum of 5 feet from all street property lines (excluding alleys) and RM/RS zoning districts.
Materials do not change at this parking entrance; the same architectural style should be employed throughout
South Fair Oaks Specific Plan 113
Ch. 7
Implementation and
Administration
Implementation and Administration 115
7.1 Implementation Actions 116
7.2 Citywide Implementation Overview 123
7.3 Funding 132
7.4 Infrastructure 137
7.5 Administration 140
Implementation and Administration
114 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 115
Implementation and Administration
Implementation and Administration
CHAPTER OVERVIEW
The FOOG Specific Plan will be primarily implemented
through the adoption of the plan’s new Land Use, Public Realm, and Development regulations, which align private sector investment with the plan’s vision, goals, and policies.
In addition, public sector improvements and programs
funded through the City and outside sources, can further implement the plan, particularly where redevelopment is less likely to occur.
This chapter includes targeted implementation actions
intended to help guide and prioritize the implementation of the plan. It also provides an overview of existing services, plans, and programs, all of which can be leveraged to help implement the plan. A summary of funding sources is also included to guide the City in understanding and selecting available funding sources to implement the improvements and programs identified in the FOOG Specific Plan.
Infrastructure facilities for transportation and traffic, wastewater, water supply, solid waste, stormwater, and
electricity are also identified in this chapter for the purposes of meeting the anticipated growth. This chapter concludes with plan administration. This chapter is organized into the following sections:
» 7.1. Implementation Actions
» 7.2. Citywide Implementation Overview
» 7.3. Funding
» 7.4. Infrastructure
» 7.5 Administration
Implementation and Administration
116 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
7.1 Implementation Actions
Specific plans are used by various City departments to
review projects, seek funding, and to understand the vision, goals, and policies of specified geographic areas to guide improvements and programming. Implementing specific
plans requires collaboration across City departments
and coordination with existing citywide implementation
programs, plans, and efforts. See Section 7.2 for an
overview of Citywide programs that may intersect with
implementation of this Specific Plan.
The following implementation actions are intended to guide the City in implementing the FOOG Specific Plan over time with generalized timeframes as follows:
» Ongoing: Periodic or on a continuing basis
» Immediate: Upon adoption of the Specific Plan
» Near-Term: 0-5 years
» Medium-Term: 5-10 years
» Long-Term: 10+ years
As changes in City priorities, economic conditions, and market trends occur over time, the City may need to revisit and reprioritize the implementation actions. Table 7.1-1 and the following sections outline implementation actions for the FOOG Specific Plan, including description, timeframe, and responsible parties for each action. Information included for each action is intended to help guide the City in taking next steps, which will include additional planning, coordination, community input, and public processes.
FUNDING SOURCES:
» AHSC: Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program (State) » ARPA: American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Federal)
» ATP: Active Transportation Program (State)
» BID: Business Improvement District
» CIP: Pasadena Capital Improvement Program
» MTA: LA County Metropolitan Transit Authority
» TDA: Transportation Development Act (State)
RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENTS:
» PCDD: Planning and Community Development Department
» DOT: Department of Transportation
» PWD: Public Works Department
» ACAD: Arts and Cultural Affairs Division
» EDD: Economic Development Department
» PRCS: Parks, Recreation and Community Services
» PWP: Pasadena Water and Power
Table 7.1-1: Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan Implementation Actions Action Description Timeframe Departments
Amendments (A)
A-1: General Plan
Map and Text
Amendment
Amend General Plan Land Use Diagram to adjust FOOG
Specific Plan boundary and update land use designations per Chapter 4 (Land Use).
Immediate PCDD
A-2: Zoning Code
Map and Text
Amendment
Amend the Zoning Code to replace existing development
standards with the development standards provided in
Chapters 4-6 of this Specific Plan.
Amend Zoning Map to replace zoning district designations indicated on the Zoning Map with the new FOOG Specific
Plan zoning districts.
Immediate PCDD
A-3: Specific Plan
Amendment
Amend the FOOG Specific Plan including new goals and
policies, as well as land use and development standards. Immediate PCDD Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 117
Implementation and Administration
Action Description Timeframe Potential Funding Sources/ Relevant CIP Programs Depts.
Infrastructure, Mobility, and Sustainability (IMS)
IMS-1:
Complete
Streets
Program
Improvements
Identify opportunities for safety and
mobility improvements consistent with
DOT’s Complete Streets Program,
such as signalized pedestrian
crosswalks and bulb-outs with
sustainable elements like bioswales.
Projects should incorporate cooling
strategies, such as green infrastructure,
cool pavements, shade trees, and
cooling amenities aligned with the
Pasadena Climate Action Plan.
NearTerm
Gas Tax
DOT
PWD
PCDD
Traffic Reduction Fee
CIP:
• Citywide Complete Streets
Program FY 2025-20292
• ADA Improvements
Programs and Miscellaneous
Sidewalk Repair Program
(73937, 73944, 73948,
73950)3
• Citywide Leading
Pedestrian Interval/
Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Implementation Program FY
2025-20294
• Citywide Continental
Crosswalk Implementation
(75917)5
IMS-2:
Streetscape
Program
Explore opportunities to develop
Streetscape Programs, with
improvements that address pedestrian
safety, comfort and amenities for Fair
Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove
Boulevard. Plans should complement
surrounding areas and include
gateways to the plan area.
MediumTerm
Commercial Development
Fee
DOT
PWD
PCDD
Community Development
Block Grant
CIP:
• Citywide Complete Streets
Program FY 2025-20292
IMS-3:
Mobility
Element
Update
As a part of the next Mobility Element
update, reconsider the Street Type
designation for Fair Oaks and Orange
Grove to evaluate their function as a
Crosstown Connector and impact on
surrounding neighborhoods and streets.
MediumTerm To be determined PCDD
DOT
IMS-4:
Pasadena
Local
Roadway
Safety Action
Plan (LRSAP)
Utilize the Local Roadway Safety
Action Plan to advance streetscape
improvements to promote safety
including signal crossing improvements
at Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange
Grove Boulevard and Fair Oaks
Avenue and Washington Boulevard.
NearTerm LRSAP DOT
Action Description Timeframe Departments
A-4: Annual Report
The Planning Department will present an annual report to the Planning Commission on the implementation actions
in Table 7.1-1 to inform the Capital Improvement Program and the overall progress of the plan.
Ongoing
PCDD
DOT
PWD
Implementation and Administration
118 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Action Description Timeframe Potential Funding Sources/ Relevant CIP Programs Depts.
IMS-5:
Citywide
Active
Transportation
Plan (ATP)
Analyze bike facilities that are
balanced with the street function of
Fair Oaks and Orange Grove. Identify,
evaluate, and prioritize walking and
biking routes and improvements to
major transit stops including the Metro
A Line Memorial Park Station and high
ridership Pasadena Transit bus stops.
Key bicycle lane transit connections
to be considered for enhancements
are the existing standard bicycle
lanes on Maple Street and Corson
Street which will be evaluated for the
appropriateness of upgrading the bike
lanes to either Class II bicycle facilities
with a buffer or Class IV protected
bicycle facilities. High traffic stress
pedestrian crossings will be identified
for enhancements with a focus on
creating safe comfortable access to
transit, parks, and schools.
MediumTerm ATP DOT
IMS-6: Short
Range Transit
Plan and
Bus Stop
Improvement
Program
Identify bus stop enhancements and
amenities along Fair Oaks Avenue
and Orange Grove Boulevard, with
a prioritized focus on upgrading bus
shelters to improve the pedestrian and
transit-rider experience. Improvements
should prioritize modern bus shelters
that feature expanded shade canopies,
seating and integrated lighting for
comfort and safety. Designs should
complement the local architectural
character while supporting off-grid
solar panels to power real-time digital
transit displays and wayfinding.
Concurrently, study the operational
feasibility of increasing frequency
intervals and expanding service hours
for Pasadena Transit Route 20 to
maximize the utility of these capital
improvements.
MediumTerm
CIP:
• Bus Stop Improvement
Program (75900)8
DOT
PCDD
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 119
Implementation and Administration
Action Description Timeframe Potential Funding Sources/ Relevant CIP Programs Depts.
IMS-7:
Pedestrian
Transportation
Action Plan
(PTAP)
Utilize the PTAP to advance
pedestrian-oriented public realm
enhancements such as pedestrian
refuges, high-intensity activated
crosswalks (HAWKs)or pedestrian
traffic signals (where appropriate)
along North Fair Oaks Avenue and
Orange Grove Boulevard. Study North
Fair Oaks Avenue and Washington
Boulevard as priority corridors
identified in the PTAP for pedestrian
safety and accessibility improvements.
NearTerm
CIP:
• Citywide Complete Streets
Program FY 2025-2029 2
• ADA Improvements
Programs (FY 2025, FY
2026-2030, 73944, 73937,
73948)3
• Citywide Leading
Pedestrian
Interval/Accessible
Pedestrian Signals
Implementation Program FY
2025-20294
• Pasadena Transportation
Action Plan - Outreach and
Conceptual Design (75511)6
• Citywide Continental
Crosswalk
Implementation (75917)5
PWD
DOT
PCDD
IMS-8: Bicycle
Transportation
Action
Plan (BTAP)
Support DOT implementation of
bicycle infrastructure in alignment
with the BTAP, including Greenways
along Villa Street, El Molino Avenue,
and Wilson Avenue. Features for
the Greenways to improve access
and safety for walking and biking
include traffic calming treatments
such as speed tables, curb extensions,
and traffic circles. The community
will select the specific type of
traffic calming features that would
be the most appropriate for the
neighborhood context. Also, explore
future facilities to provide connections
to existing bicycle facilities with
a specific focus on the Roseway
connections crossing N. Fair Oaks
Avenue at Howard Street, Claremont
Street, and Hammond Steet.
Opportunities to enhance Orange
Grove Boulevard will be evaluated
with the community. When funding
becomes available, use concept
corridor plans to develop design
packages for construction bidding to
implement the improvements.
MediumTerm
ARPA
DOT
PCDD
ATP
Gas Tax
Measure R
Transportation Fund
MTA Grant
Sewer Fund
Surface Transportation
Program
TDA Article 3
Traffic Reduction Fee
CIP:
• Citywide Complete Streets
Program FY 2025-20292
• Pasadena Bicycle Program
FY 2026-20307
IMS-9:
Recreation
and Parks
Facilities
Evaluate locations for future
recreational and park facilities in
and around the FOOG Specific Plan
area as part of an updated citywide
recreation and park facilities needs
assessment to align facilities with
future population.
MediumTerm
CIP:
• Citywide Parks Improvement
Program FY 2025 - 2029
(78092)9
• Jackie Robinson Community
Center Improvements
(78961)10
PRCS
Implementation and Administration
120 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Action Description Timeframe Potential Funding Sources/ Relevant CIP Programs Depts.
IMS-10:
Decorative
Crosswalks
Consider artistic, decorative crosswalks
incorporating colors, patterns, and
textures along Fair Oaks and Orange
Grove to enhance the pedestrian
realm and help calm traffic. Locations
may include Fair Oaks and Montana,
Fair Oaks and Penn, Fair Oaks and
Claremont, Fair Oaks between
Robinson Park and Jackie Robinson
Community Center, Fair Oaks and
Orange Grove, Fair Oaks and the
Maple (along the 210 Freeway),
Orange Grove and Los Robles, and
Orange Grove and Lincoln.
NearTerm
CIP:
• Citywide Complete Streets
Program FY 2025-20292
DOT
PWD
PCDD
IMS-11:
Connection to
Central District
Area
Coordinate with California
Department of Transportation
(Caltrans) to improve the Pedestrian
Link between the FOOG Specific Plan
area and Central Pasadena; this may
include installation of shading devices
over one or both sidewalks as they
cross the expanse of the 210 Freeway.
LongTerm
Transportation Fund
DOT
PWD
Caltrans
MTA Grant
Public Art Program
Community Identity, Programming and Public Art (PA)
PA-1:
Placemaking
Program
Establish a placemaking program
to work with residents, businesses,
and private investors, and other
City departments to support the
development and installation of
capital improvements and public
realm improvements and their viability
over time. Work with the Housing and
Economic Development departments
to support housing opportunities and
community-serving retail to support
residents.
MediumTerm General Fund TBD
PA-2: Citywide
Rotating
Public Art
Program
Consider placing temporary public
art within the plan area as part of the
Citywide Rotating Public Art Program.
Ongoing
–
MediumTerm
Rotating Public Art Exhibition
Program
ACAD
Cultural Affairs Annual
Grant Program
PA-3: Historic
Resources
Survey
Conduct a historic resources survey
in the FOOG SP area to identify and
evaluate potentially eligible historic
resources, including buildings, districts,
structures, objectives, and sites.
NearTerm General Fund PCDD
PA-4:
PedestrianOriented Art in
Public Realm
Explore opportunities for pedestrianoriented art on commercial and mixeduse portions of streets in the plan area through artist-designed crosswalks,
utility boxes, and murals, as well as
enhancements to blank facades, light
poles, medians, and parking strips.
NearTerm Public Art Program ACAD
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 121
Implementation and Administration
Action Description Timeframe Potential Funding Sources/ Relevant CIP Programs Depts.
PA-5:
Temporary Art
Installations
in Empty
Storefronts
Connect building owners with
arts organizations to develop new
temporary art installations in empty
storefronts along streets in the plan
area.
MediumTerm
BID Membership Fees
ACAD
Cultural Affairs Annual
Grant Program
PA-6:
Robinson Park
Recreation
Center Public
Art Project
Support the installation of permanent
public artworks at the Robinson Park
Recreation Center.
NearTerm Public Art Program ACAD
PA-7: Business
Association
Formation
Support the formation of an equitable,
community-led business and/or
property-owner association such as a
Business Improvement District (BID)
to repair historical underinvestment
and strengthen opportunities for
inclusive placemaking, cultural
preservation, branding and marketing,
district signage, public art, parking
management, and non-extractive
façade improvement programs along
Fair Oaks Avenue. Consider the
preparation of an economic analysis of
Fair Oaks Avenue to assist in guiding
City and BID investments that prioritize
local wealth-building and prevent the
displacement of legacy businesses.
MediumTerm BID Membership Fees EDD
PA-8:
Gateway to
the FOOG
Specific Plan
Area
Explore opportunities for creating
signage, such as a monument, that
would act as a gateway to the FOOG
area.
NearTerm To be determined
DOT
PCDD
PWD
PRCS
PA-8: Parking
Program
Explore establishing a Parking District,
use of parking meters, or other
financing mechanisms and sources to
plant and maintain street trees.
MediumTerm BID Membership Fees EDD
Implementation and Administration
122 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
1 This project will provide for updating the City’s Street Tree Master Plan and the street tree inventory.
2 The Citywide Complete Streets Program is focused on developing projects that enhance major corridors and collector streets to increase multimodal options and reduce reliance on passenger vehicles.
Enhancements are intended to increase safety for persons walking, rolling (bicycles and scooters), and transit riders.
3 These projects include the Annual Citywide Street Resurfacing and ADA Improvement Program FY 2025 (73944), the Annual Citywide Street Resurfacing and ADA Improvement Program FY 2026 (73948), the Curb Ramp ADA Improvements Program FY 2022 - 2026
(73937), and the Miscellaneous Sidewalk Repair Program (73950).
The ADA Improvement Program provides for the systematic annual rehabilitation of streets throughout the City including reconstruction, resurfacing and/or slurry of asphalt pavement; improvements to concrete curbs and gutters; improvements to sidewalks; and, installation of ADA-compliant ramps along renovated streets. The Curb Ramp ADA Improvements Program provides for the installation of new curb ramps along arterial, residential, and collector streets that currently lack curb ramps in order to eliminate the City’s backlog of over 600 high priority locations. The Miscellaneous Sidewalk Repair Program FY 2026-2030 provides for the replacement of damaged sidewalks along property frontages where property owners elect to pay the City at the time of building permit issuance or sale of property. This project started combining the Miscellaneous Sidewalk program work with the Annual ADA Sidewalk program (73913) in FY 2024. The Annual ADA City Sidewalk Improvement Program provides for annual concrete sidewalk improvements citywide, prioritized by the City’s Accessibility and Disability Commission’s criteria. 4 This project provides for the installation of leading pedestrian interval and Accessible Pedestrian Signals at all eligible traffic signals in the City.
5 This project provides for the systemic replacement of existing marked crosswalk striping with continental style crosswalks at approximately 340 signalized intersections and 70 marked uncontrolled crosswalks citywide.
6 This project provides for public outreach and conceptual design for corridors identified in the Pedestrian Transportation Action Plan (PTAP).
7 This project provides for the implementation of the Bicycle Transportation Action Plan, additional on-street bike parking, the retrofit of existing bikeway facilities to meet current Caltrans standards, and the implementation of a bicycle safety and outreach program. The project will also look at closing gaps in the bike lane network and improving existing facilities.
8 This project provides for the installation of new bus benches, bus stop amenities, and concrete paving at various bus stops throughout the City.
9 This project provides for a program to address and ensure maintenance and repairs are regularly scheduled and performed on various park amenities. Phase I of the program includes artificial turf grooming at Robinson Park.
10 This project provides for tenant improvements to the Jackie Robinson Community Center including the replacement of interior lighting, damaged building finishes, cleaning of the HVAC system, refurbishment of employee kitchenettes, replacement of furniture and equipment, exterior site improvements, and improvements to the auditorium.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 123
Implementation and Administration
7.2 Citywide Implementation Overview
The City of Pasadena currently provides a wide variety
of services and programs either directly or through
partnerships with local non-profits, many of which can
support the implementation of Specific Plans. Services
and programs relevant to the FOOG Specific Plan that are implemented through citywide methods are listed in the
following section. Learn more about the organization of the City of Pasadena, including how various City departments are structured and connected in Figure 7.2-1.
EQUITABLE IMPLEMENTATION
Today’s cities have a responsibility to acknowledge the harm of redlining and other discriminatory policies,
and plan for future development with consideration
to the persisting impacts of historic disinvestment.
Such implications may include displacement through
prohibitive increases in housings costs or commercial
rents, or discriminatory leasing practices in response to new interest and investment from higher-income and
non-minority populations.
While the Specific Plan cannot directly implement
affordability requirements or tenant protection policies, the land use and design standards in this document
intend to benefit all community members by allowing
a variety of housing types, restricting inappropriate
uses, providing more parking flexibility to support
small business, and requiring developers to implement
more public realm improvements. The Specific Plan
will supplement other City policies and initiatives to
help maintain affordability and strengthen existing
community resources.
Implementation and Administration
124 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
1. General Fund
2. Capital Improvement Program
WHO: Mayor and City Council
WHO: Department of Public Works
WHAT: Primary fund of the City that is used
to account for all general revenues of the City
not specifically levied or collected for other
City funds and for expenditures related to
the rendering of general services by the City.
Operating and capital budgets are created
using guiding principles to determine budget
priorities.
WHAT: The City appropriates annual capital
funds by department and project category
through the Capital Improvement Program
(CIP). The CIP budget consists of projects aimed
at improving the city’s public infrastructure such
as streets, transportation issues, street lights,
traffic signals, parks, public buildings, sewer
and storm drains, the Rose Bowl, the Pasadena
Convention Center, technology, and water and
power projects. Projects can be short, medium,
or long-term.
WHEN: Every year the City Council adopts an
Operating Budget allocating resources to fund vital
public services and programs for everyone who
lives, works and plays in the City of Pasadena.
WHEN: The CIP Budget is submitted annually to
the City Council as a separate budget document in
order to provide more detailed descriptions of City
Capital Improvement Projects scheduled to take
place over the course of the 5-year lifetime of the
document.
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/finance/generalfund/
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/publicworks/engineering-and-construction/capitalimprovement-program/ Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 125
Implementation and Administration
4. Tree Protection Ordinance
WHO: Urban Forestry Program, Department
of Public Works
WHAT: The City Trees and Tree Protection
Ordinance was adopted as Chapter 8.52 of
the City’s Municipal Code in 2002. The Tree
Protection Ordinance includes measures to
protect four categories of trees including (1)
public trees, (2) landmark trees, (3) native
trees, and (4) specimen trees in certain areas
of the City. The process for designating
landmark trees is included in the ordinance,
in addition to requirements for removal and
pruning of protected trees. The ordinance also
includes Tree Protection Guidelines that seek to
avoid negative impacts to protected trees that
may occur during construction. If provisions are
violated, the ordinance outlines penalties and
administrative proceedings.
WHEN: Ongoing
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-works/
urban-forestry/#pasadena-tree-ordinance
3. Master Street Tree Plan
WHO: Urban Forestry Program, Department
of Public Works
WHAT: Serves as the guiding document
that designates the official tree species to be
planted on a block-by-block basis throughout
the City. The goal of the Master Street Tree
Plan (MSTP) is to promote a uniform urban
design on a neighborhood scale, while also
promoting species diversity city-wide. With
the development and expansion of the City,
and with changes in arboricultural practices,
the MSTP has been revised and amended
accordingly.
WHEN: Periodically
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-works/
urban-forestry/#master-street-tree-plan
Implementation and Administration
126 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
5. Complete Streets Program
WHO: Department of Transportation
WHAT: Implements Assembly Bill 1358,
known as the Complete Streets Act, enacted
in 2008, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
make the most efficient use of urban land and
transportation infrastructure, and improve
public health through shifting short trips from
automobiles to biking, walking and use of
public transit. The Mobility Element (2015) of
the City’s General Plan guides the Department
of Transportation (DOT) through goals and
objectives that address complete streets. DOT
implements Complete Streets through the
Pasadena Street Design Guide (2017), and
the Bicycle Transportation Action Plan (2015).
DOT is working on several transportation and
safety projects to address complete streets
and eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on
streets.
6. Water Conservation, Recycling, Stormwater Management WHEN: Ongoing
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/
transportation/
WHO: Department of Water and Power
WHAT: Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) is
a community enterprise that provides electricity
and water to the Pasadena community. The
PWP General Manager reports to the City
Manager and is governed by the City Council.
The Urban Water Management Plan (2021)
provides an analysis of long-term water supply
and demand planning for PWP, including
system analysis, reliability assessment, wateruse targets, water shortage contingency planning, demand management and climate
change impact.
WHEN: Prepared every five years in compliance
with the Urban Water Management Planning
Act (California Water Code Sections 10610
through 10656).
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/water-andpower/uwmp/
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 127
Implementation and Administration
8. Climate Action Plan
WHO: Planning and Community Development
Department, Department of Public Works,
Department of Transportation and Department
of Water and Power
WHAT: Provides a strategic framework for
measuring, planning, and reducing the City’s
share of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a
goal of reducing emissions by more than half by
the year 2035. The City is working on a variety of
programs and projects to address climate change
and reduce GHG emissions to implement the
CAP, including the Cooling Pasadena Program,
which is currently under development to prepare a
toolkit and to identify strategies to cool Pasadena’s
streets, the Complete Streets Program, and the
Save Water Program.
WHEN: Ongoing
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/
planning-division/community-planning/climateaction-plan/
7. Energy and Energy Efficiency
WHO: Department of Water and Power
WHAT: Through the Power Integrated
Resource Plan (IRP), Pasadena Water and
Power (PWP) sets steps for upholding local,
state and federal mandates and internal power
supply goals, including having a balanced and
sustainable mix of sources towards a green
portfolio in the future. Renewable energy
sources include solar, wind, geothermal,
landfill gas, and hydropower. As part of energy
efficiency and sustainability, PWP also has
several programs and initiatives including
electric vehicles, solar, green power, greywater,
drought-tolerant landscaping, and enhancing
Pasadena’s watershed.
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/water-andpower/power
https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/water-andpower/sustainability WHEN: Ongoing
Implementation and Administration
128 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
9. Development Impact Fees
WHO: Planning and Community
Development Department
WHAT: The City charges development impact
fees on new development to offset the cost of
public facilities related to the development, in
turn helping to fund implementation actions
such as improvement projects. While impact fees
associated with new development are updated
periodically, current fees include Public Works’
Residential Impact Fee to fund affordable
housing, Department of Transportation’s Traffic
Reduction and Transportation Improvement fee,
Public Works’ Sewer Facility Charge, and Arts
and Cultural Affairs Division’s fees to fund public
WHEN: Ongoing
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/
permit-center/fee-schedules/
art. Pasadena’s development impact fees are
calculated based on the number of bedrooms
or gross built area (for the residential and
transportation fees) or estimated project value
(for public art fees). Impact fees are directed
to the General Fund, which funds initiatives in
the associated fee categories.
10. Parks, Recreation and Community Services
WHO: Parks, Recreation and Community
Services
WHAT: Provides the City with recreational
and human service programs focused on
preserving and improving the physical,
social, and economic health of Pasadena
neighborhoods. The parks and recreation
portion of the Department is guided by the
City’s General Plan Green Space, Parks and
Recreation Element and Master Plan (2007),
which work together to assess existing facilities
and programs, identify additional needed
parking facilities or recreation programs, and
recommend best methods to meet needs. New
park projects, including planning and design
studies for new parks and the construction of
green spaces, facilities, and community centers
are funded in part through the CIP, in addition
to other funding sources.
WHEN: Ongoing
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/parks-and-rec/
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 129
Implementation and Administration
11. Public Art Program
WHO: Arts and Cultural Affairs Division
WHAT: The Public Art Program focuses
on building a publicly available collection
of contemporary art. The Cultural Nexus
Plan (2004) and the Public Art Master
Plan (2014) guide the Public Art Program
through established cultural policies and
a vision for new public art development in
Pasadena, supported by goals and objectives
with strategies for implementation. The
City’s Public Art Program includes Public Art
Requirements that focus on two areas: new
private development and City construction
(CIP) projects. The requirements may be
satisfied by the creation of a site-specific
public art or by payment in-lieu of artwork.
In addition, the Public Art Program includes
a Rotating Public Art Exhibition Program
that complements the permanent artworks
commissioned by the City’s Public Art
Requirements by temporarily installing
contemporary sculptures in each of
Pasadena’s seven Council Districts.
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/
permit-center/fee-schedules/
WHEN: Ongoing
Implementation and Administration
130 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
12. Economic Development Division
WHO: Economic Development Division
WHAT: The Economic Development Division
spurs and facilitates citywide economic
opportunities and strives to secure ongoing local
investment that sustains a healthy job market,
provides high quality commercial districts,
and creates stable tax revenues. The Division’s
strategic plan, completed in the summer of
2024, focuses on six guiding principles which
will guide the division’s priorities, programs, and
services for the next five years.
1. Build Systems And Partnerships For
Success
2. Champion Life Sciences and Cultivate a
Deep Tech Ecosystem
3. Invest in Neighborhoods and Small
Businesses
4. Reinforce Pasadena as a Destination for
Culture and Entertainment
5. Expand and Streamline Workforce
Opportunities
6. Prioritize Place and Accessibility
Investments
WHEN: Ongoing
LEARN MORE HERE:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/
economicdevelopment/
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 131
Implementation and Administration
Figure 7.2-1: Pasadena City Organization Chart
Mayor and
City Council
Pasadena
Community Access
Corporation
Pasadena Center
Operating
Company
Rose Bowl
Operating
Company
City Manager City Attorney /
City Prosecutor City Clerk
Assistant City
Manager
Human Resources
Water and Power
Police
Housing
Transportation
Planning and
Community
Development
Libraries and
Information
Services
Assistant City
Manager
Finance
Public Health
Parks, Recreation,
and Community
Services
Fire
Public Works
Information
Technology
Implementation and Administration
132 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
7.3 Funding
Funding Source
Category Funding Source
Improvement Category
Pedestrian
Enhancements Streetscape Public
Art
Affordable
Housing
Land-Secured
Financing
Business Improvement District
(BID)/Property-Based
Business Improvement District
(PBID)
Community Facilities Districts
(CFD, Mello-Roos)
Development
Private Sources
Development Agreement
(DA) and Disposition and
Development Agreement
(DDA)
Foundation and Corporate
Sponsorships
This section summarizes a variety of potential funding
sources and financing measures that may help the City and community to implement the actions outlined in Table 7.1- 1 and support the Specific Plan vision, goals, and policies.
While some implementation actions can be implemented
incrementally, others occur with development projects,
and some others will require capital funding from a variety of sources. It is helpful to have outside funding to expedite implementation of the FOOG Specific Plan improvements
as City revenues and fees summarized in the previous
section are limited.
Typical outside sources of funding for pedestrian
enhancements, streetscape improvements, public art, and affordable housing applicable to the FOOG Specific Plan are summarized in Table 7.3-1 and described in further detail in the following section including:
1. Land-Secured financing
2. Development and private sources
3. Regional and state programs
This list of sources is not exhaustive but is intended to provide a starting point for developing a funding strategy for South Fair Oaks improvements and programs. The programs
listed in this chapter are relevant as of the time of Plan adoption, and funding programs are subject to change.
As noted in the following section, grant applications for Table 7.3-1: Summary of Funding Sources and Financing Measures by Category projects in the FOOG Specific Plan may be more successful if “bundled” with projects in other parts of the city.
7.3.1 LAND-SECURED FINANCING
Land-secured financing tools in California include the
formation of benefit assessment districts, business or
property-based business improvement districts, community facilities districts (CFDs), and others described below.
Assessment tools and CFDs leverage the value of new
development to capture additional tax revenues to finance infrastructure. The assessments can either be used to pay for improvements over time as the funds are collected, or can be bonded to make larger, up-front investments. One advantage of land-secured financing tools is that they
can be applied toward district-wide improvements and
are designed to ensure that properties benefiting from
improvements also contribute to those public investments.
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)/
PROPERTY-BASED BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT (PBID)
A BID is formed through assessments on businesses within the district, and a PBID is formed through assessments of property owners alone. Both BIDs and PBIDs are public/
private partnerships created to support the revitalization of commercial neighborhoods. Establishing a BID is voluntary and subject to a majority vote of the area businesses
or property owners. BIDs are somewhat limited in their
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 133
Implementation and Administration
Funding Source
Category Funding Source
Improvement Category
Pedestrian
Enhancements Streetscape Public
Art
Affordable
Housing
Regional, State,
and Federal
Programs
Affordable Housing and
Sustainable Communities
Program
Sustainable Communities
Competitive Grants
Active Transportation
Program (ATP)
Urban Greening Program
Environmental Enhancement
and Mitigation (EEM)
Program
California Infrastructure and
Economic Development Bank
(I-Bank)
Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Metropolitan Transportation
Authority (Metro) Call for
Projects
New Markets Tax Credit
(NMTC)
ability to leverage funding and therefore typically provide a narrow scope of services. These may include marketing (e.g., signage, advertising), programming (e.g., street fairs), security (to supplement local police), and sanitation (to supplement local services). The four existing PBIDs in Pasadena are in the Central District Specific Plan area, and each is organized around an established commercial area:
Old Pasadena, Pasadena Playhouse District, South Lake
Property Business Improvement District, and the Pasadena Tourism Business Improvement District.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICTS
(CFD, MELLO-ROOS)
Mello-Roos financing is a discretionary financing
mechanism that applies to real property owners within a Mello-Roos District, which is also known as a Community Facilities District (CFD). A CFD may be enacted by a twothirds majority approval of residents living within the district boundaries or by two-thirds majority vote of landowners when there are fewer than 12 residents. A special tax, which is separate from property taxes, is imposed on real property in an area that benefits from the public improvement. The amount of the tax is determined by the real property owners and is usually less than one percent of the home value at the time the home value was assessed for CFD funding. The newly formed district then seeks public financing through the sale of tax-exempt bonds that are serviced using the special taxes paid by homeowners over the course of the bond’s term (typically 20 to 30 years). Through MelloRoos, a project developer or property owner can access capital to build infrastructure and public improvements at below-market rates. The debt associated with those capital investments recourses back to the property owners rather than to the City.
Table 7.3-1: Summary of Funding Sources and Financing Measures by Category (continued) Implementation and Administration
134 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
7.3.3 REGIONAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL
PROGRAMS
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
(AHSC)
The AHSC Program funds land use, housing, transportation, and land preservation projects to support infill and compact development that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Administered through the California Department of
Housing and Community Development (HCD), funding for
the AHSC Program is provided from the Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Fund, an account established to receive Capand-Trade auction proceeds. AHSC funds are split between Affordable Housing Developments or Housing Related
Infrastructure and Disadvantaged Communities. The Plan
area may qualify for Affordable Housing Developments or Housing Related Infrastructure funding. A contiguous area with at least one transit station/stop must be established for eligibility, including a flexible transit service route.
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
COMPETITIVE GRANTS
The Sustainable Communities Competitive Grants fund
transportation planning activities such as planning for active transportation, safe routes to schools, transit services, vision zero, complete streets, freight corridors, social equity, and integrated land use and transportation planning.
Grants are available on an annual basis and through a
competitive application process managed by Caltrans.
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
(ATP)
The ATP funds projects that encourage increased use of
active modes of transportation to increase the proportion of trips accomplished by biking and walking, increase
safety and mobility for non-motorized users, advance
the active transportation efforts of regional agencies to achieve Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction goals, enhance
public health, ensure that disadvantaged communities
fully share in the benefits of the program, and provide a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of active transportation users. ATP consolidates existing federal and state transportation programs, including the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Bicycle Transportation
Account (BTA), and State Safe Routes to School (SRTS),
into a single program.
7.3.2 DEVELOPMENT AND PRIVATE
SOURCES
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) AND
DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT (DDA)
A DA is a voluntary but binding contract between a
property owner and the jurisdiction in which the property is located that lays out the rules and conditions for
development. A DA can give the jurisdiction greater control over the development process to define the form and nature of the development and to specify provision of community benefits such as affordable housing or off-site infrastructure improvements. For the developer, a DA may provide a
level of certainty about the land use requirement and
assurance the project will be exempt from future changes in the regulatory code. Benefits to both public and private parties include greater latitude in approval methods for new and creative local land use and flexibility in meeting regulatory requirements. The complexity and time required to negotiate a DA makes it appropriate mainly for largerscale multi-phase projects.
A DDA is also a voluntary binding contract between a
developer and jurisdiction. Like a DA, it provides flexibility to tailor a project to meet both developer and jurisdictional needs. A DDA differs from a Development Agreement in
that it also entails the sale or lease of City-owned land. A DDA is necessary for disposition of former redevelopment properties held by successor agencies.
FOUNDATION AND CORPORATE
SPONSORSHIPS
Private funds may also be raised for a specific use that implements the vision for the Specific Plan. A variety
of foundations provide funding for community-based
planning, resilience and sustainability initiatives, art installations, and other programs, including the Kresge Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts,
Kaiser Permanente, Citi Foundation, and Bloomberg
Philanthropies.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 135
Implementation and Administration
CAP-AND-TRADE PROGRAMS
The State administers a growing number of grant
and loan programs, collectively known as the
California Climate Investments Program (CCIP),
that provide funding for projects and programs
that reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) and provide
health, mobility, economic, and other co-benefits to
communities throughout the state. Cap-and-Trade
provides funding in three primary areas:
1. Transportation and Sustainable Communities
2. Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Funding
3. Natural Resources and Waste Diversion
Funding
Under each of these funding areas are numerous
programs that have funding available for projects
and programs that would either be contained within
the FOOG Specific Plan area or benefit the Specific
Plan area and the City as a whole. Programs with
high applicability to the FOOG Specific Plan are
summarized in this section, including the AHSC and
Urban Greening programs.
URBAN GREENING PROGRAM
The Urban Greening Program funds a variety of
improvement projects, including urban heat island
mitigation and energy conservation efforts, green streets and alleyways, non-motorized urban trails that provide
safe routes for travel between residences, workplaces,
commercial centers and schools, and others. The program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
If several improvement projects were bundled together,
there is potential for the Urban Greening program to fund some FOOG Specific Plan area improvements if the project can demonstrate improved multi-modal safety or quality of life.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT AND
MITIGATION (EEM) PROGRAM
The EEM Program was established by the Legislature in
1989 to fund environmental enhancement and mitigation
projects directly or indirectly related to transportation projects. EEM Program projects must fall within one of three categories: highway landscape and urban forestry; resource lands; or roadside recreation. Projects funded under this program must provide environmental enhancement and
mitigation over and above that otherwise called for under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CALIFORNIA INFRASTRUCTURE AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK
(I-BANK)
The I-Bank finances public infrastructure and private
development through issuing tax-exempt and taxable
revenue bonds, providing financing to public agencies,
providing credit enhancements, acquiring or leasing
facilities, and leveraging State and federal funds.
The Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) Program
provides financing to public agencies and non-profit
corporations for 18 categories of infrastructure and
economic development projects. ISRF Program funding
is available in amounts ranging from $50,000 to
$25,000,000, with loan terms of up to 30 years.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
The CDBG Program funds revitalization of neighborhoods, expansion of affordable housing and economic
opportunities, and/or improvements of community facilities and services, principally to benefit low- and moderateincome persons or neighborhoods. Also eligible are the building of public facilities and improvements, such as streets, sidewalks, sewers, water systems, community and senior citizen centers and recreational facilities.
Operated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a federal program that
provides grants for economic development, public facilities, and housing rehabilitation. CDBG funds must provide
benefits to low- or moderate-income individuals, prevent or eliminate slums or blight, or may be used for other
emergency community needs, such as those related to a
natural disaster. CDBG funds can be used for development purposes within low- or -moderate income census tracts, or, if the development or activity is located outside of a low- or moderate-income census tract, funds must provide benefits to low- or moderate-income households.
Implementation and Administration
136 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY (METRO) CALL FOR
PROJECTS
Every other year, the Metro Call for Projects funds projects across seven modal categories, including pedestrian
improvements, which is applicable for the FOOG Specific Plan. Metro is responsible for allocating discretionary federal, state and local transportation funds to improve all modes of surface transportation. Metro also prepares the Los Angeles County Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP). A key component of TIP is the Call for
Projects program, a competitive process that distributes discretionary capital transportation funds to regionally significant projects. Local jurisdictions, transit operators, and other public agencies are eligible to submit applications proposing projects for funding.
NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT (NMTC)
The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC), a federal tax
initiative, could be used to stimulate investment in new development within the Plan area. The NMTC offers tax
credits to investors who finance development in low-income communities. These credits are intended to finance minor gaps in project funding and to increase the rate of return for investors. New Markets Tax Credits can fund up to 30 percent of eligible project costs. Projects must create new jobs in the service area and should provide community
benefits that would not otherwise be possible solely through private financing. Although residential development is not eligible for the program, commercial space in a mixeduse building or stand-alone commercial projects could be financed in part by the NMTC.
NEW AND FUTURE RESOURCES
As funding opportunities are realized and new funding
becomes available, the City can continue to identify,
monitor, and apply for other governmental funding sources that meet the City’s and respective agencies’ objectives over time. For example, recently established funding sources include:
» Cap-and-Trade Transformative Climate Communities
Local Partnership Program provides funding to
counties, cities, districts, and regional transportation agencies in which voters have approved fees or taxes
dedicated solely to transportation improvements or
that have imposed fees, including uniform developer
fees, dedicated solely to transportation improvements.
» HCD Infill Infrastructure Program provides grant
funding for infrastructure improvements for new infill
housing in residential and/or mixed-use projects.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 137
Implementation and Administration
7.4 Infrastructure
The City’s existing infrastructure systems and facilities are owned and operated by different departments and other
public agencies such as the City’s Departments of Public Works and Transportation, Pasadena Water and Power, the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. These City
departments and other public agencies have processes in place to evaluate existing resources, service area needs, and plan for system upgrades to support growth throughout the City, including the Plan area. The following section identifies how infrastructure facilities for transportation and traffic, wastewater, water supply, solid waste, storm water, and electricity will be provided to meet the anticipated growth.
The 2015 General Plan Update Environmental Impact
Report anticipated residential and commercial growth for the entire City through 2035, including the eight Specific Plan areas. Specific information on the analysis and
environmental determinations associated with the buildout of the General Plan within the Specific Plan area can be found in the FOOG Specific Plan Addendum to the General Plan.
7.4.1 TRANSPORTATION
The City has a well-developed transportation network of streets, sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and transit services.
Three freeways provide regional access to and through
the City: the Foothill Freeway (I-210), the Ventura Freeway (SR 134) and the Arroyo Seco Parkway (SR 110). The public transportation system that serves the City includes local bus services, regional bus routes, and light rail. Transit Services are provided by Pasadena Transit, Los Angeles
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), the
Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT)
Commuter Express, Foothill Transit and numerous other
local transit providers. The City also has Class II bikeways, Class III bike routes, and enhanced bike routes. Additionally, the City has a connected network of pedestrian facilities, designated pedestrian-friendly zones, and upgraded traffic signal technology.
Pasadena DOT helps to implement the Mobility Element
of the General Plan through the Bicycle Transportation
Action Plan (2015), DOT’s Complete Streets Program,
Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, Safety
Improvement Projects, and other programs and projects
to enhance the safety and mobility of all modes of
transportation. Land use as defined in the General Plan is included in the City’s travel demand model which is used to determine the potential impact of new projects and the City monitors traffic operations to identify areas of concerns and address safety and mobility needs.
7.4.2 WASTEWATER SYSTEM
The wastewater system in the Specific Plan area is owned and operated by the City of Pasadena’s Department of
Public Works and Pasadena Water and Power (PWP), which
consists of approximately 328 miles of gravity pipelines and conveys an annual average flow of approximately
14 million gallons per day (MGD).1
Wastewater from
individual services flows into the City’s collection system.
The City’s wastewater collection system conveys untreated wastewater to the Los Angeles County Sanitation District’s (LACSD) trunk sewer system for treatment via 92 separate connections.
The Water System and Resources Plan (WSRP) is PWP’s
25-year strategy, updated every five years, which includes planning related to the treatment of wastewater, primarily residential. LACSD is responsible for the treatment of
wastewater, primarily commercial, from the City. LACSD
prepares an annual report that speaks to their mission, core values and major projects for the year. The 2019 annual report notes LACSD is working to turn waste into electricity, compost and other recycling commodities. LACSD works
closely with cities to support them in compliance with state and federal regulations for solid waste, green energy, and wastewater.
The City updates the Sewer System Management Plan
(SSMP) annually to identify a list of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects that take into consideration the age of facilities, construction materials, current use, capacity, and its condition. The City has undertaken
several major projects to ensure sustained reliability of the sanitary collection system. Projects include sewer
system improvements and capacity upgrades as well as
modernization of pump stations, such as the Busch Garden and Rosemont Sewer Pump Stations.
Developments in the Specific Plan area are subject to
wastewater-related requirements and standard conditions of approval, such as payment of development fees and
implementation of site-specific Storm Water Pollution
Preventions Plan for construction. Development projects are required to comply with all applicable solid waste
regulations, including the California Integrated Waste
1 City of Pasadena Sewer System Management Plan
(2018) https://www.cityofpasadena.net/wp-content/
uploads/sites/29/Sewer-System-Management-PlanSSMP-Final-Report.pdf Implementation and Administration
138 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Management Act and the City’s Zoning Code Section
17.40.120 (Refuse Storage Facilities).
7.4.3 WATER SYSTEM
PWP, a community-owned utility and a not-for-profit public service owned and operated by the City, serves as the water service provider in the Specific Plan area. The PWP water system includes 14 reservoirs with total storage capacity of 110 million gallons, 17 active wells, 19 booster stations, and 1 treatment plant (Monk Hill Water Treatment Plant).2
PWP
obtains a portion of its water from the local Raymond Basin and purchases imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD).
PWP is responsible for evaluating the current and projected needs of customers for potable and non-potable water in the City. The WSRP provides screening of alternatives to meet future demands with necessary infrastructure within operational and financial constraints. PWP’s WSRP includes considerations for water quality, greater dependency
on local water, groundwater basin stability, reliability of the distribution system, affordability, climate change uncertainties, and legislative and regulatory requirements as well as the treatment of wastewater, primarily residential.
In addition, every five years the City updates its Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) as required by the California
State water code, which includes an analysis of long-term water supply and demand planning for PWP. The 2021
UWMP update included the population projections and
land use changes based on the most recent General Plan
Update and identified that supplies will exceed demands under all hydrologic scenarios with implementation of
additional supplies, such as recycled water and potable reuse, as well as with conservation measures.
7.4.4 SOLID WASTE SYSTEM
The Department of Public Works (DPW) collects solid waste from residences in Pasadena and competes with private
haulers for commercial collection. Refuse hauling companies providing commercial solid waste collection are listed
on the Department of Public Works Franchise List. Solid waste is disposed of at the following facilities: Calabasas Sanitary Landfill, Scholl Canyon Landfill, Puente Hills Material Recovery Facility, Southeast Resource Recovery Facility, Commerce Refuse-to-Energy Facility, Olinda Alpha Sanitary Landfill, and Frank Bowerman Landfill. All landfills are required to comply with numerous landfill regulations from federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and are subject to regular inspections from CalRecycle and the
local enforcement agency, the California Regional Water 2 City of Pasadena – PWP ‘Where our Water Comes
From’ Webpage https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/waterand-power/water/ Quality Control Board, and the South Coast Air Quality
Management District.
DPW Operations Section oversees waste management
in the City. The DPW is responsible for the solid waste collection and disposal for all residential properties within the City and private haulers compete for commercial
collection services in the City in conformance with the City’s Municipal Code Chapter 8.61. The Zero Waste Pasadena
2040 Plan (Zero Waste Plan) is DPW’s 25-year strategic
plan, to be reviewed and updated every three years, that seeks to reduce waste at the source and maximize diversion from landfills with the overall goal of striving for zero waste in the year 2040. The Zero Waste Plan identifies diversion potential, greenhouse gas reduction potential, and
materials management.
Developments within the Plan area would continue to be
accommodated by existing solid waste service providers
and facilities. Future development projects would be
subject to the California Green Building Code and solid waste reduction strategies under General Plan policies
that continue to encourage the reduction of solid waste through sustainable building practices. Additionally, the City seeks to reduce its solid waste and landfill greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the Climate Action Plan (CAP) that establishes a goal of reaching an 87% diversion rate by 2035. CAP implementation actions include the Zero Waste Plan, reporting annually on zero waste progress and optimizing waste diversion.
7.4.5 STORMWATER SYSTEM
The City provides storm drainage collection in the Specific Plan area and is responsible for operation and maintenance of the collection system. The system includes open channels, closed conduits, catch basins, laterals, manholes, and other associated facilities. The City has approximately 34 miles of storm drain pipes, over 13,000 basins and hundreds of culverts.
The City provides for the repair and replacement of the City’s storm drain system and improvements to the storm drain facilities throughout the City on an ongoing basis.
However, the City is proposing as part of the 2021-2025 CIP to develop a Storm Drain Master Plan (SDMP) that
would include a comprehensive analysis for stormwater
capture infrastructure, drainage areas, soil characteristics, and wellhead protection zones. Presently, the City relies on a complaint-driven process for storm drain repairs instead of a systematic program of preventative maintenance.
The SDMP would serve as a planning guide for locating
and sizing stormwater and drainage facilities. Adoption of a SDMP will assist in the self-reliance on the City’s water supply and the Los Angeles National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 139
Implementation and Administration
Developments within the project area would be required to adhere to applicable local, state, and federal regulations and standards, as well as implement site design measures, low-impact development, and best management practices
(BMPs), including infiltration features that contribute to groundwater recharge and minimize stormwater runoff,
erosion, siltation, and/or flooding. The City is one of the permittees under the NPDES municipal storm water permit which means that any new development in the Plan area is subject to the Los Angeles Standard Urban Storm Water
Mitigation Plan (SUSMP). The SUSMP addresses postconstruction storm water pollution from new development projects.
7.4.6 ELECTRIC SYSTEM
PWP provides electric services in the Specific Plan area with an energy system consisting of 16,58 linear miles of overhead and underground power line, 11,163 poles, and
11 substations.3
The City owns and operates the Glenarm
Power Plant that includes two power generating facilities.
The system meets the City’s power demand with 10 percent coming from PWP-owned generating facilities and the
rest purchased from varied sources, both conventional
and renewable, or through the wholesale energy market.4 Electrical infrastructure in the Plan area is located above ground on utility poles as well as below ground.
The Power Integrated Resources Plan (PIRP) is the
PWP’s guiding document for achieving internal power
supply goals while upholding local, state, and federal
mandates. The state requires that the PIRP be updated
on a regular basis in conformance with the California
Energy Commission regulations. The PIRP speaks to the
City’s commitment to shift the energy supply portfolio to low-carbon and renewable resources as well as exceeding state mandates for Renewable Portfolio Standard increase and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.5
The City
also has an adopted Climate Action Plan that continues
efforts to promote energy efficiency and reduce the City’s dependency on traditional energy sources.
New developments in the Plan area would be required
to comply with the California Energy Code, Part 6 of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24), CALGreen standards, the City’s CAP, and the City’s Green Building Standards Code, which collectively would increase efficiency and decrease consumption levels. Any new developments in the Plan area would require lateral connections to mainlines in coordination with existing utility service providers. 3 City of Pasadena – CIP Electric System (2021) https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-works/wp-content/uploads/ sites/29/14-Electric-Section.pdf
4 City of Pasadena – PWP ‘Where Our Power Comes From’ Webpage https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/water-andpower/power/ 5 City of Pasadena – Power Integrated Resources Plan (2018) https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/water-and-power/wpcontent/uploads/sites/54/2018/12/Pasadena-Water-and-Power-2018-IRP-Final.pdf
SOURCES
City Climate Action Plan (2018). Available: https://
www.cityofpasadena.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/
Final-Pasadena-Climate-Action-Plan_3.5.2018.
pdf?v=1619109098768 (Accessed May 2025).
City Power Integrated Resources Plan (2018).
Available: https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/wp-content/
uploads/2018/12/2018-12-10_PWP_2018_Power_IRP_
Attachment.pdf (Accessed May 2025).
City PWP ‘Where Our Power Comes From’ Webpage.
Available: https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/power/
(Accessed May 2025).
City Capital Improvement Program Fiscal Years 2026
- 2030 (2026). Available: https://www.cityofpasadena.
net/public-works/engineering-and-construction/capitalimprovement-program/#adopted-program (Accessed January 2026).
City Sewer Master Plan (2019). Available: https://www.
cityofpasadena.net/public-works/wp-content/uploads/
sites/29/Sewer-Master-Plan-Report.pdf (Accessed May
2025).
City Sewer System Management Plan (2019).
Available: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/wp-content/
uploads/sites/29/Sewer-System-Management-PlanSSMP-Final-Report.pdf (Accessed May 2025).
About PWP. Available: https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/
water-and-power/whoweare/ (Accessed May 2025).
Where our Water Comes From. Available: https://pwp.
cityofpasadena.net/water/(Accessed January 2026).
City Water System and Resources Plan (2020).
Available: https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/wp-content/
uploads/2021/09/WSRP-Final-Report-Dec-2020-
Rev-9.21.21.pdf (Accessed May 2025).
City Urban Water Management Plan (2015).
Available: https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/water-andpower/uwmp/ (Accessed May 2025).
Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts Fact Sheet
(2019). Available: https://www.lacsd.org/home/
showpublisheddocument/102/637619781703200000
(Accessed May 2025).
Implementation and Administration
140 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
7.5 Administration
7.5.1 GENERAL
The Specific Plan serves as the implementation tool for the General Plan and establishes the zoning regulations for the Specific Plan area. All development proposals within the Specific Plan area are subject to the procedures established herein, in addition to those procedures identified in Zoning Code Chapter 17.60.
The regulations and design guidelines in this Specific Plan subject to the Zoning Code and other City regulations
will not become effective until that amendment process
(by ordinance) is complete. Wherever the provisions
and development standards contained in the Specific
Plan conflict with those contained in the Zoning Code,
the provisions of the Specific Plan shall take precedence.
Where the Specific Plan is silent, the Planning Director or Zoning Administrator will interpret.
7.5.2 AUTHORITY
The City of Pasadena initiated and prepared the Central District Specific Plan pursuant to the provisions of
California Government Code, Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 3, Article 8 (Sections 65450 through 65457). The law
allows the preparation of specific plans as required for the implementation of the General Plan. Specific plans
act as a bridge between the general plan and individual development proposals. They combine development
standards and guidelines, capital improvement programs, and financing methods into a single document that is
tailored to meet the needs of a specific area. Jurisdictions may adopt specific plans by resolution or ordinance.
The Specific Plan is the regulatory document guiding land use and development within the boundaries of the Specific Plan area. Upon adoption by ordinance, this Specific
Plan will serve as zoning for the properties involved. It establishes the necessary plans, development standards, regulations, infrastructure requirements, design guidelines, and implementation programs on which subsequent
project-related development activities are to be based. It is intended that local public works projects, design review plans, detailed site plans, grading and building permits, or any other action requiring ministerial or discretionary approval applicable to this area be consistent with this Specific Plan.
7.5.3 APPLICABILITY
All development proposals within the Specific Plan area are subject to those procedures identified in Article 1 and Article 6 of the Zoning Code.
7.5.4 INTERPRETATION, CONFLICT AND
SEVERABILITY
A. Interpretation
In case of uncertainty or ambiguity to the meaning or
intent of any provision of this Specific Plan, the Director of Planning and Community Development and/ or the Zoning
Administrator has the authority to interpret the intent of the provision in a manner consistent with the goals, policies, purposes, and intent established in this Specific Plan. Refer to Zoning Code Chapter 17.12 of the Zoning Code.
The Director may, at their discretion, refer interpretations to the Planning Commission for consideration and action.
Such a referral shall be accompanied by a written analysis of issues related to the interpretation. All interpretations made by the Director may be appealed to the Planning
Commission in accordance with the appeal procedures in
the Municipal Code.
B. Conflict
In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the Specific Plan and the provisions identified in the Municipal Code, the Specific Plan shall prevail. For any other topical issue, development standard or design guideline, and/
or regulation not addressed or otherwise specified in the Specific Plan, regulation and approval shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal
Code, particularly Zoning Code Chapters 17.12 and 17.60.
The particular section of code shall be based on the most appropriate or closely matching land use type or procedure, as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
C. Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Specific Plan, or any future amendments or additions, is for any reason held to be invalid or
unconstitutional by the decision of any court or competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Specific Plan, or any future amendments or additions.
7.5.5 REVIEW AND APPROVAL
PROCESS
All projects proposed within the Specific Plan area shall substantially conform with the provisions of this Specific Plan. Article 6 of the Pasadena Zoning Code sets forth
development review requirements and processes for
approval of projects.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 141
Appendices
A.1 Definitions 143
A.2 Design Guidance for Tree Selection 145
142 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 143
A.1 Definitions
Amenity zone: the portion of the sidewalk located above and adjacent to the curb, providing space for amenities such as parkways, outdoor dining, seating, trees, lighting, bicycle racks, bus stops, etc.
Building frontage: The horizontal distance, measured at grade, of building wall facing the street.
Building frontage zone: The portion of the sidewalk
immediately adjacent to the building façade, providing
space for planters, outdoor dining, sidewalk signage, etc.
This zone may not be present on every street or block.
Curb zone: See ‘amenity zone’.
Façade: Any exterior wall plane of a building, ground level to top of roof.
Floor area ratio (FAR): Numerical value obtained by
dividing the above-ground area of a building or buildings located on a lot by the total area of the lot.
Footprint: The total ground floor area of the combined
structures on a site or project area defined by the perimeter of the building(s), including parking structures but excluding parking lots and non-occupancy structures.
Frontage zone: See ‘building frontage zone’.
Gross floor area (GFA): The total enclosed area of all
floors of a building measured to the inside face of the exterior walls including halls, stairways, elevator shafts at each floor level, service and mechanical equipment rooms and basement or attic areas having a height of more than seven feet, but excluding area used exclusively for parking or loading of vehicles or bicycles.
Ground floor: The first habitable floor of a building closest to sidewalk elevation.
Mixed-use project: The combination or commercial and
residential uses in the same structure, where the residential component is located either above (vertical mixed-use)
or behind (horizontal mixed-use) the non-residential
component. Non-residential uses are typically commercial uses.
Open space: For any form of open space (Common,
Publicly Accessible, Private, etc), see Section 6.3.
Parkway: landscaped or permeable areas located within
the amenity zone of the sidewalk.
Paseo: A publicly accessible open space that functions
as a pedestrian passageway connecting a public street
to another public street, alley, or internal public space.
Subject to minimum dimension and design requirements
established by the Specific Plan.
Plaza: A publicly accessible open space with access from a public street. Subject to minimum dimension and design requirements established by the Specific Plan.
Primary curb line: the face of the predominant curb of an individual block forming the edge of the street.
Project: Refer to PMC Section 17.80.020
Residential common space: Those portions of a
residential use building not dedicated to residential units that provide common services for residents. This may
include spaces such as, but is not limited to, lobby or common building entry, leasing center, gyms/exercise
space, shared kitchen, recreation center, screening or living room, business center, mail room, or library. These spaces/ portions of the building may be permitted on the ground floor where residential units are not permitted subject to Specific Plan standards.
Setback: The horizontal distance by which a structure,
parking area, or development feature is required to be
separated from the property line or the sidewalk line where applicable. In some cases superseded by Setback range.
Setback, interior: Non-street side or rear setback
measured at a right angle from the nearest point of
the property line abutting another parcel or alley to the nearest portion of the structure, excluding any porches.
Setback, street: Front or street-side setback measured
at a right angle from the nearest point of the sidewalk line to the nearest portion of the structure, excluding any porches.
Setback range: Minimum and maximum horizontal
distances by which a structure or development feature
is required to be separated from the sidewalk line. This measurement is similar to a “build-to” line.
144 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Sidewalk line: The line parallel the property line
accommodating the required sidewalk width, measured
from the curb face. Where a sidewalk width is not specified, the sidewalk line is the property line.
Sidewalk zones: The three portions of a sidewalk that
together comprise the public realm between a building
and the street. Sidewalk zones are defined by the Pasadena Street Design Guide and regulated by the Specific Plan.
Shared property line: The property line separating
adjacent parcels.
Stepback: The horizontal distance by which an upper story structure or development feature is required to be separated from the property line or the sidewalk line where applicable.
Regulated above a specified vertical distance.
Street frontage: The horizontal distance along the street, measured at grade, between property lines (or sidewalk line where applicable) that are perpendicular to the adjacent street.
Streetwall: Any building façade that faces a street within 10 feet of the minimum sidewalk line.
Streetwall height: The portion of the street-facing building façade that rises from the sidewalk level to the required height without an additional setback or stepback.
Subterranean: The level of a building, inclusive of parking or habitable space, located primarily below the ground level with a top plate of two feet or less above sidewalk elevation.
Transparent openings: Building openings (windows or
doors) or transparent glazing that provide visual access into the structure.
Unbundled parking: Parking spaces, in any permitted
configuration, rented or sold separately from the lease or purchase price of a residential unit.
Walk zone: The portion of the sidewalk dedicated to
pedestrian movement, clear of any obstructions.
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 145
A variety of Oak species are found along Fair Oaks Avenue throughout the FOOGSP area A.2 Design Guidance for Tree Selection
While the City of Pasadena Department of Public Works’ Master Street Tree Plan ultimately determines what tree species is planted in public right-of-way, this appendix to the Fair Oaks Orange Grove Specific Plan (FOOGSP) is intended to guide discussions between the City and community when updating the Master Street Tree Plan for the area. During the Specific Plan update process, opportunities were identified to better align Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard street trees with the vision, goals, and policies in the Plan related to shade, climate resilience, stormwater capture, and supporting a vibrant public realm. This appendix includes a description of the existing street trees within the FOOGSP area, followed by recommendations for potential new species.
146 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Map A.2-1: Master Street Tree Plan Designations R AY M O N D M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E RS U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
Pasadena Master Street Tree Plan
Species 1: Live Oak
Species 2: Mesa Oak
Species 3: Cork Oak
Species 1: Live Oak
Species 2: Cork Oak
Species 3: Southern Live Oak
Species 1: Live Oak
Species 2: Mesa Oak
Species 3: Cork Oak
Species 4: Southern Live Oak
Species 1: Live Oak
Species 2: Mesa Oak
Species 3: Southern Live Oak
Species 1: Crape Myrtle
N
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 147
A.2.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF
EXISTING STREET TREES
Bottle Tree (Brachychiton populneus)
The Bottle Tree is an evergreen tree that is known for its dense, glossy leaves. Native to Australia, the Bottle Tree can reach 50 feet in height with a canopy of 30 feet. It is commonly used as a street tree or screen. The Bottle Tree produces a white flower in spring and summer, as well as large brown fruit follicles in fall and summer. It can withstand temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera)
The California Fan Palm is an evergreen tree characterized by its long narrow leaves and can be found natively in desert oases and stream courses in the southeastern region of
California. The California Fan Palm can grow to be 80 feet in height with a tree canopy of 10-20 feet.
Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora)
The Camphor Tree is an evergreen that is known for its
fissured bark, stout branches, and pale green glossy leaves.
The tree produces camphor oil when distilled from wood
chips. These rounded trees can grow up to 70 feet with a canopy width of 50-60 feet. Camphor Trees are known to
lift sidewalks and curbs due to their strong branches and trunks.
Carrot Wood (Cupaniopsis anacardioides)
The Carrot Wood Tree is an evergreen tree is characterized by its rounded canopy and glossy green leaves. The Carrot Wood Tree is known for producing small flowers with bright orange, pumpkin-shape fruits in the warmer months.
Native to Australia, the Carrot Wood can thrive in warmer conditions. Once established, these trees can grow up to 40 feet in height with a tree canopy width of 30 feet. The Carrot Wood is an ideal choice for providing ample shade throughout the year.
Chinese Tallow Tree (Triadica sebifera)
The Chinese Tallow Tree is a deciduous tree characterized by its rounded tree canopy and oval shaped leaves. The
tree produces spectacular fall colors. Native to China and Japan, the Chinese Tallow Tree thrives in warm climates with adequate moisture. Once established, these trees can grow up to 40 feet in height with a tree canopy width of 30 feet.
When given ample amounts of moisture, the trees are taller and more upright. Once established, the Chinese Tallow
Tree can provide an expansive shade canopy for a portion of the year.
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)
The Coast Live Oak is an evergreen tree that is known for its large size often characterized by its rounded tree shape.
The Coast Live Oak is native to Central and Southern
California. The Coast Live Oak tree is protected as a native tree species under Pasadena’s local tree ordinance. The Coast Live Oak can grow up to 70 feet in height with a
tree canopy width of 70 feet. The Coast Live Oak tree can provide a large spreading canopy which is often greater than the total height.
Cork Oak (Quercus suber)
The Cork Oak tree is an evergreen tree characterized by its tree height and rounded canopy. The underside of the leaf is light gray. The Cork Oak tree is also known by its gray and fissured bark which can be utilized to produce wine bottle corks. Native to the Western Mediterranean region, the
Cork Oak can tolerate warm climates. Once established,
these trees can grow up to 70 feet in height with a tree canopy width of 70 feet. The Cork Oak is an ideal tree for providing year-round shade.
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
The Crape Myrtle tree is a deciduous tree native to China and Korea with showy magenta, pink or white flowers and dark green foliage that changes in fall to yellows, oranges, and reds. The species’ remarkably smooth bark adds an
additional visual interest to the tree. Once established, these can trees grow well in warm conditions with limited supplemental water, and are suitable for hot, sunny
climates. The Crape Myrtle is a pedestrian-scaled tree that can grow up to 25 feet in height with a tree canopy width of up to 25 feet.
Golden Trumpet (Tabeuia chrystotricha)
The Golden Trumpet is a semi-deciduous tree native to
Brazil and northeast Argentina. The tree is characterized by its bright yellow trumpet shaped flowers that bloom
during the early spring. Once established, these trees can grow up to 30 feet in height with a tree canopy width of 30 feet. When used as a street tree, the Golden Trumpet tree can create a beautiful visual throughout the seasons. The Golden Trumpet tree grows well in urban environments and can thrive in warm conditions.
148 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Holly Oak (Quercus ilex)
The Holly Oak tree is an evergreen tree characterized
by its prominent umbrella form. Native to the Western
Mediterranean Region it features spear shaped leaves.
Once established, these trees can grow up to 60 feet in height with a tree canopy width of 60 feet. In part due to the Holly Oak’s rounded shape it’s an attractive street tree that provides year-round shade.
Maul Oak or Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis)
The Maul Oak, or Canyon Live Oak, can be found widely
throughout the western United States. Once established, these trees can mature into one of the world’s largest oak species. The Maul Oak tree has a canopy of oval leaves of various sizes and shapes – some are spine-toothed while others are completely smooth. These trees can grow up to 70 feet with tree canopy widths of 30 feet. These evergreen trees can provide shade canopies year-round.
Mesa Oak (Quercus Engelmannii)
The Mesa Oak (also known as the Engelmann Oak or
Pasadena Oak) is generally evergreen, but sometimes
drought-deciduous tree that is known for its wide tree
crown. The Mesa Oak is native to the Southern California and Baja California regions. The Mesa Oak has long
elliptical leaves with a dull green/ blue-green sheen. Once established, the tree can grow up to 65 feet in height with a tree canopy width of 80-120 feet. Compared to the
Coast Live Oak, the Mesa Oak typically grows in a more
upright or columnar character in urban settings. When
given a sufficient planting area, the Mesa Oak can provide extensive shade for most of the year.
Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta)
The Mexican Fan Palm is an evergreen palm tree that is
native to northwest Mexico. The Mexican Fan Palm can
grow up to 100 feet with a canopy width of 5-10 feet. The fronds are typically dark green and the tree produces black pea shaped fruit.
Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
The Red Oak tree is a deciduous tree known for its red
foliage and large size - it can grow to 80 feet with a canopy width of 50-70 feet in favorable conditions. It is a successful shade tree with a round, wide canopy. These trees can
thrive in urban conditions and support local wildlife through its acorns and space for bird nests among its branches.
Southern Live Oak (Quercus Virginiana)
The Southern Live Oak is a semi-evergreen tree that is
known for its stunning large, rounded tree shape. The
Southern Live Oak is native to the Southern region of the United States and features leaves with a white colored
underside. Once established, the tree can adapt to most environmental conditions other than high elevations.
Southern Live Oaks can grow up to 80 feet in height and a tree canopy width of 100 feet. With such a large tree canopy, the Southern Live Oak can provide shade for most of the year.
Valley Oak (Quercus lobata)
The Valley Oak tree grows only in California – specifically in the Central Valley, Coast Ranges, and Sierra Nevada
foothills. One of the world’s largest oak species, these trees grow up to 70 feet with 50-foot canopies. Their
rounded canopies are made up of lobed, deciduous leaves and they have deeply checkered bark. Due to agricultural development throughout California, Valley Oak trees are less prevalent than they once were -- many of these trees have been displaced, with no younger trees to replace them.
The Valley Oak can provide an expansive shade canopy for a portion of the year.
The tree canopy in the northern portion of the subarea
along Fair Oaks Avenue
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 149
A.2.2 STREET SEGMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS
The following street segments have been analyzed for Design Guidance for Tree Selection. » Fair Oaks Avenue (Montana Street to Howard Street)
» Fair Oaks Avenue (Howard Street to Washington Boulevard) » Fair Oaks Avenue (Washington Boulevard to Mountain Street) » Fair Oaks Avenue (Mountain Street to Maple Street)
» Orange Grove Boulevard (Lincoln Avenue to North Fair Oaks Avenue) » Orange Grove Boulevard (Fair Oaks Avenue to Los Robles Avenue) An Oak tree in front of 1680 Fair Oaks Avenue.
FAIR OAKS AVENUE (MONTANA STREET TO HOWARD STREET)
Street Segment MSTP Designation(s) Existing Tree Species and Count North Fair Oaks Avenue (Montana Street to Howard Street) Montana Street to
Howard Street
Live Oak, Cork Oak,
Mesa Oak,
Southern Live Oak
Live Oak* 21
Holly Oak 20
Mexican Fan Palm 19
Bottle Tree 11
Mesa Oak 2
Maul Oak 2
Red Oak 2
Camphor Tree 1
Mesa Oak 1
*Note: For purposes of existing tree species and counts, Live Oak and Southern Live Oak are combined.
Between Montana Street and Tremont Street, the MSTP
currently designates the Live Oak, Cork Oak, andSouthern Live Oak tree species while from Tremont Street to Howard Street the MSTP designates Live Oak, Mesa Oak, and Cork Oak, which are partially reflected in existing plantings in this segment of North Fair Oaks Avenue. Existing street trees are typically mature with large canopies, however, there are areas where there is a noticeable lack of shade coverage, especially evident on the eastern side of North Fair Oaks Avenue.
150 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Live Oak
21 Live Oak trees (Quercus agrifolia/Quercus virginiana) are currently planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between
Montana and Howard Streets, with heights ranging from
10 to 40 feet and canopies ranging from 5 to 45 feet. As a large evergreen tree, the Live Oak Tree can provide
extensive street shade throughout the year. The Live Oak tree located at 1715 North Fair Oaks Avenue appears
healthy with a large, rounded canopy made possible by the spacious building setback which allowed for growth.
Bottle Tree
11 Bottle Trees (Brachychiton populneus) are currently planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Montana and
Howard Streets, with the heights ranging from 20 to 40
feet and canopies ranging from 15 to 35 feet. As a large evergreen tree, the Bottle Tree can provide ample street shade throughout the year. The Bottle Trees located along the corridor appear to be healthy. An example of healthy growth can be found on 1770 North Fair Oaks Avenue.
Holly Oak
20 Holly Oak Trees (Quercus ilex) are currently planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Montana and
Howard Streets, with tree heights ranging from 10 to 60 feet and canopies ranging from 5 to 65 feet. As a large evergreen tree, the Holly Oak provides consistent shade coverage throughout the year. A large canopy can be
achieved if allowed to fully grow unobstructed as the in the case with the Holly Oak tree located on 1730 North Fair Oaks Avenue.
Camphor Tree
One Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora) is planted
along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Montana and
Howard Streets, with a height of 35 feet and a tree canopy of 30 feet. As a large evergreen tree, the Camphor Tree can provide expansive shade coverage throughout the year.
The Camphor Tree located at 1661 North Fair Oaks Avenue appears to be healthy due to the spacious conditions that have allowed for the tree to mature.
Mexican Fan Palm
19 Mexican Fan Palm trees (Washingtonia robusta) are
planted in this section of North Fair Oaks Avenue. With tree heights ranging from 80 to 105 feet and tree canopies of 15 feet, the Mexican Fan Palms do not provide sufficient street shade coverage. The cluster of Mexican Fan Palms located at 1843 N Fair Oaks Avenue appear to be used as decorative street trees providing minimal shade.
The Holly Oak at 1730 Fair Oaks Avenue has an
established canopy that has grown without obstruction.
Maul Oak
Two Maul Oak (Quercus chrysolepis) are planted along this segment of North Fair Oaks Avenue, with a height of 15 feet and a canopy of 10 feet. As a young tree, the Maul Oak
located on 1953 N Fair Oaks Avenue appears to be healthy due to the spacious conditions that have allowed for the tree to mature.
Mexican Fan Palms provide a consistent visual character, but provide minimal shade along the northern portion of Fair Oaks Avenue
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 151
FAIR OAKS AVENUE (HOWARD STREET TO WASHINGTON BOULEVARD) Street Segment MSTP Designation(s) Existing Tree Species and Count North Fair Oaks Avenue (Howard Street to Washington Boulevard) Howard Street
to Washington
Boulevard
Live Oak, Cork Oak,
Southern Live Oak,
Mesa Oak
Holly Oak 17
Live Oak 13
Bottle Tree 10
Cork Oak 1
Out of the four street tree species currently planted
along North Fair Oaks Ave between Howard Street and
Washington Boulevard, the Holly Oak is the most prevalent.
The Holly Oak is complemented by other Oak species, such as the Live Oak and the Cork Oak. Existing conditions, such as building setbacks and most of the sidewalk segments, feature parkways with multiple street trees. While there is consistency in the overall shade coverage along the
segment, the presence of driveways and utility poles
contributes to occasional gaps in shade coverage.
Live Oak
13 Live Oak trees (Quercus agrifolia/ Quercus virginiana) are currently planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between
Howard Street and Washington Boulevard with tree heights ranging from 10 to 45 feet and tree canopies ranging from 5 to 55 feet. As a large evergreen tree, the Live Oak tree can provide extensive street shade throughout the year. The Live Oak tree located at 1504 North Fair Oaks Avenue has been able to grow to maturity with an expansive canopy.
Cork Oak
One Cork Oak tree (Quercus suber) is planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Howard Street and Washington
Boulevard, with a tree height of 10 feet and a tree canopy of 5 feet. As a large evergreen tree, the Cork Oak tree can provide expansive shade coverage throughout the year.
The Cork Oak tree located at 1471 North Fair Oaks Avenue appears to be healthy, and based on existing conditions, there is ample room for canopy growth as the tree matures.
Holly Oak
17 Holly Oak (Quercus ilex) are planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Howard Street and Washington
Boulevard, with tree heights ranging from 10 to 60 feet and tree canopies ranging from 5 to 65 feet. As a large evergreen tree, the Live Oak tree can provide extensive street shade coverage throughout the year. Given their
expansive canopies, Holly Oak trees located at 1515 North Fair Oaks Avenue appear healthy.
Bottle Tree
Four Bottle Trees (Brachychiton populneus) are planted
along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Howard Street and
Washington Boulevard, with tree heights ranging from 25 to 40 feet and tree canopies ranging from 20 to 40 feet.
As a large evergreen tree, the Bottle Tree can provide ample street shade throughout the year, making it a popular
choice as a street tree. The Bottle Trees located at 1411 N Fair Oaks Avenue are examples of successful plantings.
A Holly Oak at 1448 Fair Oaks Avenue.
152 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
FAIR OAKS AVENUE (WASHINGTON BOULEVARD TO MOUNTAIN STREET) Street Segment MSTP Designation(s) Existing Tree Species and Count North Fair Oaks Avenue (Washington Boulevard to Mountain Street) Washington
Boulevard to
Mountain Street
Crape Myrtle, Live Oak,
Mesa Oak, Cork Oak
Carrot Wood 46
Cork Oak 13
Live Oak 6
Of the three existing street tree species planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Washington Boulevard
to Mountain Street, only the Cork Oak and Live Oak are
consistent with the MSTP’s designations for this segment.
Notably, the Carrot Wood tree is the predominant street tree species. The Carrot Wood provides a uniform visual character along North Fair Oaks Avenue.
Carrot Wood
46 Carrot Wood trees (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) are
planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Washington Boulevard and Mountain Street, with tree heights ranging from 15 to 40 feet and tree canopies ranging from 15 to 45 feet. Conditions throughout this segment of North Fair Oaks Avenue appear to benefit from the numerous Carrot Wood
tree plantings. Current plantings of the tree appear healthy and can provide consistent shade coverage. An example of a successful planting can be found on 1163 North Fair Oaks Avenue.
Live Oak
Six Live Oak trees (Quercus agrifolia/ Quercus virginiana) are planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between
Washington Boulevard and Mountain Street, with tree
heights ranging from 5 to 15 feet and tree canopies ranging from 5 to 10 feet. Existing sidewalk conditions have allowed for plantings of the Live Oak tree to flourish and mature in a healthy manner. The Live Oak tree located at 980 North Fair Oaks Avenue is an example of a successful planting that has been able to grow to maturity with an expansive canopy.
Cork Oak
13 Cork Oak trees (Quercus suber) are planted along
North Fair Oaks Avenue between Washington Boulevard
and Mountain Street, with tree heights ranging from 15 to 40 feet and tree canopies ranging from 5 to 35 feet. The wide sidewalks on this segment of North Fair Oaks Avenue appear to benefit the Cork Oak trees. Current plantings appear healthy and can provide consistent shade coverage.
The Cork Oak tree located at 1147 North Fair Oaks Avenue appears to be healthy due to the spacious conditions that have allowed for the tree to mature.
One of the many Carrot Wood trees found along this
segment of Fair Oaks Avenue at 1140 Fair Oaks Avenue
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 153
FAIR OAKS AVENUE (MOUNTAIN STREET TO MAPLE STREET)
Street Segment MSTP Designation(s) Existing Tree Species and Count North Fair Oaks Avenue (Mountain Street to Maple Street) Mountain Street to
Maple Street
Crape Myrtle, Live Oak, Mesa
Oak, Cork Oak
Crape Myrtle 30
Bottle Tree 5
California Fan Palm 5
Live Oak 4
Cork Oak 4
Carrot Wood 3
Camphor Tree 2
Mexican Fan Palm 2
Chinese Tallow Tree 1
Mesa Oak 1
Golden Trumpet 1
Out of the 11 existing street tree species planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain and Maple Streets, all four MSTP-designated street tree species can be found. The Crape Myrtle is the predominant street tree species planted within this segment. Groups of the Crape Myrtle can be
frequently found south of Orange Grove Boulevard.
Crape Myrtle
30 Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) are planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain and Maple
Streets, with heights ranging from 10 to 35 feet and canopy widths ranging from 5 to 25 feet. The Crape Myrtle is
a smaller deciduous tree that has potential to provide
effective shade coverage, especially when grouped closely together. Crape Myrtles produce bright pink flowers in the early summer months, creating an attractive visual accent.
The Crape Myrtle tree located at 557 N Fair Oaks Avenue appears to be growing in a healthy manner.
Bottle Tree
Five Bottle Trees (Brachychiton populneus) are planted
along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain and
Maple Streets, with heights ranging from 30 to 40 feet and tree canopy widths ranging from 15 to 30 feet. As a large evergreen tree, the Bottle Tree can provide expansive shade coverage when allowed to grow. Large tree canopies can
be achieved if allowed to fully grow unobstructed as in the case with the Bottle Trees located at 444 North Fair Oaks Avenue.
Cork Oak
Four Cork Oak trees (Quercus suber) are planted along
North Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain and Maple
Streets, with heights ranging from 15 to 20 feet and tree canopy widths ranging from 10 to 15 feet. The group of Cork Oak trees located at 756 N Fair Oaks Avenue appear to be growing in a healthy manner.
Live Oak
Four Live Oak trees (Quercus agrifolia/ Quercus virginiana) are planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between
Mountain and Maple Streets, with heights ranging from
10 to 35 feet and tree canopy widths ranging from 20 to 35 feet. As a large evergreen tree, the Live Oak Tree can provide extensive street shade throughout the year. The Live Oak tree located at 789 North Fair Oaks Avenue has been able to grow to maturity and with an expansive canopy.
154 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
California Fan Palm
Five California Fan Palm trees (Washingtonia filifera) are planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain
and Maple Streets, with heights ranging from 60 to 65 feet and with a tree canopy width of 15 feet. The California Fan Palms do not provide sufficient street shade. The California Fan Palms planted at 848 North Fair Oaks Avenue, appear healthy but are used as decorative street trees providing minimal shade.
Carrot Wood
Three Carrot Wood trees (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) are planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain
and Maple Streets, with heights ranging from 15 to 30 feet and with tree canopy widths ranging from 15 to 35 feet. As an evergreen tree, the tree has potential to provide shade coverage year-round. Conditions throughout the North Fair Oaks Avenue corridor appear to benefit the Carrot Wood
trees. An example of a healthy Carrot Wood tree can be
found at 894 North Fair Oaks Avenue, where the tree has been able to grow to maturity with sufficient space for its canopy to outwardly grow.
Camphor Tree
Two Camphor Trees (Cinnamomum camphora) are planted
along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain and
Maple Streets, with heights ranging from 45 to 50 feet and with tree canopy widths ranging from 40 to 45 feet. The two Camphor Trees located at 572 North Fair Oaks Avenue have been allowed to mature but their canopy growth is
limited due to the adjacent development.
Chinese Tallow
One Chinese Tallow Tree (Triadica sebifera) is planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain and Maple
Streets, with a height of 40 feet and a tree canopy of 40 feet. As a large deciduous tree, it can provide seasonal street shade. The Chinese Tallow Tree produces brilliant colors during the Fall months. The Chinese Tallow Tree
located at 640 North Fair Oaks Avenue appears healthy
and its canopy has grown uninterrupted with sufficient
space.
Mesa Oak
One Mesa Oak tree (Quercus engelmannii) is planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain and Maple
Streets, with a height of 45 feet and a tree canopy of 40 feet. As a large evergreen tree, the Mesa Oak can provide year-round shade coverage. The Mesa Oak tree located at 888 North Fair Oaks Avenue has a rounded canopy and
appears to be thriving.
Mexican Fan Palm
Two Mexican Fan Palm trees (Washington robusta) are
planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain
and Maple Streets, with heights of 10 feet and a tree canopy of 5 feet. These two Mexican Fan Palms do not provide
sufficient shade, but like the Mexican Fan Palms located at 599 North Fair Oaks Avenue, they appear to be used for
decorative purposes.
Golden Trumpet
One Golden Trumpet tree (Tabebuia chrysotricha) is planted along North Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain and
Maple Streets, with a height of 5 feet and a tree canopy of 5 feet. As a smaller deciduous tree, the Golden Trumpet tree is used as an accent street tree with its showy bright yellow blossoms. The Golden Trumpet tree located at 444 North
Fair Oaks Avenue is fairly young and will need time to grow and mature. Based on existing conditions surrounding the tree, there is ample room for canopy growth as the tree matures.
The Crape Myrtle tree at 588 Fair Oaks Avenue provides
both shade and a unique visual character to the street
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 155
ORANGE GROVE BOULEVARD (LINCOLN AVENUE TO NORTH FAIR OAKS AVENUE) Street Segment MSTP Designation(s) Existing Tree Species and Count Orange Grove Boulevard (Lincoln Avenue to Fair Oaks Avenue) Lincoln Avenue to
Fair Oaks Avenue
Live Oak, Cork Oak,
Mesa Oak,
Southern Live Oak
Holly Oak 10
Live Oak 4
Mexican Fan Palm 1
Holly Oak trees are the most prevalent species planted
along Orange Grove Boulevard from Lincoln Avenue to
North Fair Oaks Avenue. Out of the four species planted, only the Live Oak and Southern Live Oak are consistent with the MSTP’s designations for the corridor. Notably, three of all the planted street trees are evergreen trees that can provide expansive shade coverage and visual consistency throughout this segment of Orange Grove Boulevard.
Holly Oak
10 Holly Oak trees (Quercus ilex) are currently planted along Orange Grove Boulevard from Lincoln Avenue to
North Fair Oaks Avenue, with tree heights ranging from 10 to 55 feet and canopy widths ranging from 10 to 55 feet.
As large evergreen tree, the Holly Oak provides consistent shade coverage throughout the year. A large canopy can
be achieved if allowed to grow fully unobstructed, as in the case of the Holly Oak tree located at 789 Orange Grove
Boulevard.
Live Oak
Four Live Oak trees (Quercus agrifolia/ Quercus virginiana) are currently planted along Orange Grove Boulevard from Lincoln Avenue to North Fair Oaks Avenue, with 10 to 15 feet, and canopy widths ranging from 5 to 20 feet. The Live Oak tree can provide ample shade coverage when allowed
to fully mature. The Live Oak tree located at 897 Orange Grove Boulevard appears to be growing in a healthy
manner and maintaining its rounded canopy shape.
Mexican Fan Palm
One Mexican Fan Palm (Washington robusta) is planted
along Orange Grove Boulevard from Lincoln Avenue to
North Fair Oaks Avenue, with a tree height of 5 feet and a canopy width of 5 feet. The Mexican Fan Palm planted
at 855 Orange Grove Boulevard appears to be used as a
decorative street tree providing minimal shade.
Holly Oaks form a canopy on the northern side of Orange Grove Boulevard
156 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
ORANGE GROVE BOULEVARD (FAIR OAKS AVENUE TO LOS ROBLES AVENUE) Street Segment MSTP Designation(s) Existing Tree Species and Count Orange Grove Boulevard (Fair Oaks Avenue to Los Robles Avenue) Fair Oaks Avenue to
Los Robles Avenue
Live Oak, Cork Oak
Mesa Oak
Holly Oak 46
Live Oak 14
Valley Oak 1
Existing street trees along Orange Grove Boulevard between North Fair Oaks Avenue and Los Robles Avenue generally
align with MSTP designations. The existing Live Oak trees align with the MSTP designations. The Holly Oak and
Valley Oak are not designated tree species, although Holly Oak is the most predominant street species. The overall tree canopy is consistent, but the presence of driveways contributes to occasional gaps in shade coverage.
Holly Oak
46 Holly Oak trees (Quercus ilex) are currently planted along Orange Grove Boulevard between North Fair Oaks
Avenue and Los Robles Avenue with heights ranging from
15 to 60 feet and canopy widths ranging from 10 to 60 feet.
As a large evergreen tree, the Holly Oak provides consistent street shade coverage throughout the year. The Holly Oak tree located at 41 Orange Grove Boulevard is an example of a large tree canopy that can be achieved if allowed to fully grow unobstructed.
Live Oak
14 Live Oak trees (Quercus agrifolia/ Quercus virginiana) are currently planted along Orange Grove Boulevard
between North Fair Oaks Avenue and Los Robles Avenue
with heights ranging from 10 to 25 feet and canopy widths ranging from 5 to 30 feet. When allowed to mature, the
Live Oak tree can provide consistent street shade coverage throughout the year. The Live Oak tree located at 140
Orange Grove Boulevard appears to be growing in a
healthy manner.
Valley Oak
One Valley Oak tree (Quercus lobata) is currently planted along Orange Grove Boulevard between North Fair Oaks
Avenue and Los Robles Avenue with a height of 20 feet and a tree canopy width of 15 feet. As a large semi-deciduous tree, the Valley Oak provides street tree coverage for part of the year. The Valley Oak tree located at 456 Orange Grove Boulevard appears to be growing in a healthy manner.
Holly Oaks along Orange Grove Boulevard showcase the
fully canopies that can be achieved if the trees are allowed to grow unobstructed
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 157
Street Segment Tree Species
» Fair Oaks Avenue (Montana Street to Howard Street) » Mesa Oak(Quercus engelmannii) » Maidenhair Tree (Gingko) (Gingko biloba)
» Fair Oaks Avenue (Howard Street to Washington
Boulevard)
» Mesa Oak(Quercus engelmannii)
» Maidenhair Tree (Gingko) (Gingko biloba)
» Fair Oaks Avenue (Washington Boulevard to
Mountain Street)
» Mesa Oak(Quercus engelmannii)
» Maidenhair Tree (Gingko) (Gingko biloba)
» Fair Oaks Avenue (Mountain Street to Maple Street) » Mesa Oak(Quercus engelmannii) » Maidenhair Tree (Gingko) (Gingko biloba)
» Orange Grove Boulevard (Lincoln Avenue to Fair
Oaks Avenue)
» Mesa Oak(Quercus engelmannii)
» Maidenhair Tree (Gingko) (Gingko biloba)
» Orange Grove Boulevard (Fair Oaks Avenue to Los
Robles Avenue)
» Mesa Oak(Quercus engelmannii)
» Maidenhair Tree (Gingko) (Gingko biloba)
Table A.2-1: Tree Species Recommendations by Street
A.2.3 GUIDANCE FOR FUTURE TREE SELECTION
Trees play an important role in the experience of a streetscape. Through physical character, type of shade, and seasonal variety in the form of flowers or changing foliage, trees have a significant influence on our perception of a streetscape corridor.
In addition to functional placemaking selection criteria, tree species selection should follow urban forestry best practices and take into consideration resilience and future climate change impacts. The planting environment for street trees is harsh, with trees often being subjected to limited root zone volumes, minimal supplemental irrigation, pollution from car exhaust, pet waste, and high temperatures from urban heat island effect as well as light reflected from nearby glazing. As climate change continues, we can anticipate generally warmer temperatures and more extreme heat days; therefore, the role of shade trees in urban environments will become increasingly valuable for urban heat island mitigation and pedestrian cooling. To meet this need, trees species should be suitable to warmer conditions and extreme heat. 158 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Map A.2-2: Recommended Street Trees
Note: Dots indicate recommended
tree species, but are diagrammatic
and do not reflect actual
recommended tree spacing.
R AY M O N D
M A R E N G O
H O W A R DH O W A R D
PA R K EPA R K E
C L A R E M O N T
T R E M O N T
PA I N T E RPA I N T E R
C E D A RC E D A R
E S T H E RE S T H E RS U M M I TS U M M I T
P E N N
M O R T O NM O R T O N
W H E E L E R
S U M M I TS U M M I T
O A K L A N D
YA L E
I O W A
C A R LT O N
P E O R I AP E O R I A
W O R C E S T E R
GA R F I E L DGA R F I E L D
S U N S E TS U N S E T
S U N S E TS U N S E T
E L S E R E N O
L A P I N T O R E S C A
P E P P E RP E P P E R
M O N TA N A
WA S H I N GTO N
H A M M O N D
M O U N TA I N
O R A N G E G R OV E
V I L L A
LO S R O B L E S
N O RT H L A K E
FA I R OA K S
L I N C O L N
GARFIELD HEIGHTS
WASHINGTON
SQUARE
NORMANDIE
HEIGHTS
ORANGE
HEIGHTS
RAYMONDSUMMIT
BRISTOLCYPRESS
RAYMONDESTHER
BANBURY
OAKS
NEW FAIR
OAKS
WASHINGTON MIDDLE
SCHOOL
Species 1: Mesa Oak
Species 2: Maidenhair Tree
(Gingko)
N
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 159
An example of Gingko (Maindenhair) trees
Mesa Oak at 888 Fair Oaks Ave
This northernmost portion of the FOOGSP area acts as
a gateway to the City between Pasadena and Altadena,
providing an opportunity to mark the entrance to the City with a statement tree. Maidenhair Trees also known as
Ginkgo trees (Gingko biloba), known for their resilience to urban conditions and for their brilliant golden-colored leaves, are recommended as a featured gateway tree at
the Pasadena/Altadena border as well as throughout the
FOOGSP area to create a cohesive visual identity along
both Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard.
The existing Fair Oaks Avenue streetscape between
Montana Street and Howard Street features a range of
nine species, with a predominance of Mexican Fan Palm
and Oak species. The Mexican Fan Palms which can be
found consistently planted along the east side of the street create a uniform visual character but provide little shade.
Future recommendations for this area focus on creation of a consistent shade canopy.
The various Oak species found along this segment exist
successfully. Although the MSTP designates Live, Cork, and Southern Live Oak for this segment, Mesa Oak (Quercus
engelmannii) are recommended for future plantings.
Given their nativity to the area, Mesa Oaks can thrive in the current conditions, work well with other Oak species planted along this segment to provide a consistent shade canopy, and offer a diversification of Oak species to protect against any species-specific diseases. Additionally, their columnar canopy shape can fit within area’s sidewalk and street constraints.
To provide an accent and pop of color throughout the
corridor, and to align visually with the recommended
gateway plantings, Gingkos are recommended to
accompany the Mesa Oak. Gingkos can thrive in urban
environments and will provide a unique visual character to the street. However, Gingko trees do not provide much shade, so new plantings would need to be interspersed with Oaks to ensure a consistent shade canopy.
FAIR OAKS AVENUE (MONTANA STREET
TO HOWARD STREET)
» Mesa Oak(Quercus engelmannii)
» Maidenhair Tree (Gingko) (Gingko biloba)
160 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan
Fair Oaks Avenue from Howard Street to Washington
Boulevard is populated nearly exclusively by Oak species, most predominantly the Holly Oak, accompanied by
a number of well-established Bottle Trees. The shade
canopy in this two-block stretch is relatively consistent, with only small gaps in coverage. In the segment between Washington Boulevard and Mountain Street, Carrot Wood
trees are predominant with a total of 46 trees. These
Carrot Wood trees provide a consistent canopy along with Cork and Live Oaks. Some gaps in shade coverage exist
at intersections, causing, in some cases, bus stops to lack shading.
To maintain and complement the canopy in this segment,
Mesa Oaks are recommended for future plantings as
an alternative to the existing Oak species. Diversifying the Oak species planted can help to protect against any species-specific disease. To maintain a consistent visual character throughout the FOOGSP area, Gingko trees are
recommended as accent trees in this segment, interspersed with existing species to ensure the shade canopy maintains its consistency.
FAIR OAKS AVENUE (MOUNTAIN STREET
TO MAPLE STREET)
In the southern-most portion of Fair Oaks Avenue, Crape Myrtle is the predominate species with a mix of established Crape Myrtle and newly planted trees. Gaps in shade
coverage are mostly found at intersections. As the southern boundary of the FOOGSP area, as marked by the entrance
to the 210 Freeway, Gingko trees are recommended to
create a gateway planting for consistency with the northern entrance to the area and to reinforce the area’s visual identity.
ORANGE GROVE BOULEVARD (LINCOLN
AVENUE TO LOS ROBLES AVENUE)
Holly Oak are the predominant species along Orange
Grove Boulevard in the FOOGSP area. Many of these Oaks
are thriving, providing a relatively consistent tree canopy.
However, in the long super block between Fair Oaks Avenue and Lincoln Avenue along Orange Grove Boulevard, there
is minimal shade coverage. In front of newer multi-family housing developments, newly planted trees are still growing to their full canopy potential, also contributing to a lack of shade in this area. Diversifying the Oak species planted in this area is highly recommended as the predominance
of Holly Oaks means that the shade canopy is at risk of species-specific impacts that could prove detrimental to the canopy overall. For future planting opportunities, Mesa Oaks are recommended for consistency with the rest of
the plan area and their ability to thrive in urban areas. For consistency, Gingko trees are recommended accent trees. » Mesa Oak(Quercus engelmannii)
» Maidenhair Tree (Gingko) (Gingko biloba)
» Mesa Oak(Quercus engelmannii)
» Maidenhair Tree (Gingko) (Gingko biloba)
» Mesa Oak(Quercus engelmannii)
» Maidenhair Tree (Gingko) (Gingko biloba)
FAIR OAKS AVENUE (HOWARD STREET
TO MOUNTAIN STREET)
Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan RECOMMENDED 161
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162 RECOMMENDED Fair Oaks/Orange Grove Specific Plan