RESOLUTION NO. 04 - 21
A RESOLUTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION, CITY OF
PLEASANT HILL, RECOMMENDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY
COUNCIL, ADOPT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES AND OBJECTIVE DESIGN
STANDARDS, CITY-WIDE
WHEREAS, the City of Pleasant Hill staff initiated amendments to adopt City-Wide Residential Design Guidelines and Objective Design Standards; and WHEREAS, in light of the state legislature's adoption of several bills signed into law by le governor to address the state-wide housing crisi
3890, 510310 S835, the 117, Vi housin A risis in hiding but not limited so, Senate Bill l need for the City to adopt additional residential objective esidential development standards applicable to projects that qualify for expedited and streamlined review pursuant to state law; and WHEREAS, adoption of City-Wide Residential Design Guidelines and Objective Design Standards would provide clear direction to design professionals, property owners, and homeowners, when making design and land use applications; and WHEREAS, City staff has proposed Objective Design Standards and include it within the existing City-Wide Design Guidelines applicable to all residential projects throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission held a study sessions on July 1, 2021, to consider the proposed design and development standards; and WHEREAS, after notice thereof having been duly, regularly and lawfully given, a public hearing on the proposed Objective Design Standards was held by the Architectural Review Commission on November 18, 2021, where all interested persons might appear and be heard; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Architectural Review Commission of the City of Pleasant Hill recommends that the Planning Commission and City Council approve the Residential Design Guidelines and Objective Design Standards as noted in Exhibit A and based on the following findings:
1. The Architectural Review Commission finds that the proposed Residential Design Guidelines and Objective Design Standards will preserve and enhance residential neighborhoods.
2. The Architectural Review Commission finds that the proposed Residential Design Guidelines and Objective Design Standards will promote variety, excellence and compatibility with existing development for new residential developments.
3. The Architectural Review Commission finds that the proposed Residential Design Guidelines and Objective Design Standards will ensure high quality residential development throughout the City that reflect the design preferences of the City.
4. This Project is categorically exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, as amended, the lead agency has determined with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed project could have a significant impact on the environment as the Objective Residential Design and Development Standards would be applied to projects that would still require CEQA review when development projects are proposed.
5. The Architectural Review Commission recommended edits related to the following proposed Design Standards:
Single-Family Standards
a. Site Planning - Remove porch size & reduce garage recess to 18 inches; b. Building Architecture - Remove provisions for architectural features, except for shutters;
c. Landscaping - Remove live plantings standard.
Multi-Family Standards
a. Open Space Amenities - Modifications to amenities;
b. Fences and Walls - Remove spacing for fence pickets; c. Lighting - Clarify provisions on accent lighting and allow lighting for safety purposes;
d. Circulation & Parking - Remove screening of parking areas and orientation of parking areas;
e. Service Facilities and Utilities - Remove reference to fence pickets.
ADOPTED by the Architectural Review Commission, City of Pleasant Hill, on the 18th day of November, 2021, by the following vote:
AYES: Johanson, Miller, Nelson
NOES: Stanton
ABSENT: Moseley
ABSTAIN: None
TROY FUJIMOTO,
Zoning Administrator
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