Resolution — Santa Clarita City Council, August 25, 2026

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RESOLUTION NO. 26-__

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,

CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING CITY-WIDE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS (ODS)

FOR QUALIFIED MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

PROJECTS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA LAW
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita (City) periodically prepares updates to the Santa Clarita Municipal Code (SCMC), including the subdivision regulations (Title 16) and zoning regulations (Title 17), as well as amendments to various City Council-approved guidelines and policies; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the Community Character and Design Guidelines (CCDG) in 2002 and updated them in 2009 to provide direction for site planning and building design for new developments; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the 6th Cycle Housing Element on June 27, 2023, and the Department of Housing and Community Development certified the Housing Element on August 22, 2023. The Housing Element included Program HP-2.1: Zoning Code Changes for Consistency with state Law and Program HP-2.2: Updates to Administrative Procedures; and WHEREAS, various California legislation, including Senate Bill (SB) 330, SB 35, and Assembly Bill (AB) 2011, prevents the City from enforcing subjective design guidelines on qualifying multifamily and mixed-use housing projects; and WHEREAS, to implement the Housing Element’s Program HP-2.1, the City seeks to amend the CCDG to convert multifamily and mixed-use design guidelines to Objective Design Standards (ODS) (Project); and
WHEREAS, to accommodate changes to the CCDG and design process, as well as to implement HE Program HP-2.2, SCMC §§ 17.06.130, 17.11.020, 17.23.100, and 17.37.030 must be amended; and
WHEREAS, the Project was duly noticed in accordance with the public hearing noticing requirements of the SCMC, and a one-eighth page advertisement was placed in The Signal Newspaper on May 26, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City reviewed the Project’s environmental impacts pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq.) and the CEQA Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations §§15000, et seq.; collectively, “CEQA”); and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission meeting on June 16, 2026 was cancelled due to a lack of Quorum; and

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WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on the Project commencing on July 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., or later, at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California; and
WHEREAS, at the public hearing, the Planning Commission considered the entire administrative record, including, without limitation, the staff presentation, staff report, and public testimony. This resolution, and its findings, are made based upon the evidence presented to the Commission at its July 7, 2026 hearing, including, without limitation, the staff report submitted by the Community Development Director; and
WHEREAS, the Project was duly noticed in accordance with the public hearing noticing requirements of the SCMC, and a one-eighth page advertisement was placed in The Signal Newspaper on August 4, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly noticed hearing on Master Case 26-038 on August 25, 2026. This resolution, and its findings, are made based upon the evidence presented to the City Council at its August 25, 2026, hearing including, without limitation, the staff report submitted by the Community Development Director.

NOW THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1: Purpose. This resolution is intended to implement California law and the Santa Clarita Municipal Code (SCMC), as amended by Ordinance No. 26-___, by establishing Objective Design Standards (ODS) for qualified multifamily and mixed-use residential development projects throughout the City of Santa Clarita (City).

SECTION 2: Definitions. Unless the contrary is stated or clearly appears from the context, the definitions in the SCMC, as amended, and within the ODS govern the construction of the words and phrases used in this resolution.

SECTION 3: Environmental Assessment. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings, the City Council finds, that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3), the common-sense exemption. The activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. A Notice of Exemption for this project was prepared in compliance with the CEQA.

SECTION 4: The ODS attached as Exhibit “A,” and incorporated by reference, are established as the ODS for the City. They may be amended by subsequent City Council resolution.

SECTION 5: Delegation of Authority; Ratification of Previous Actions. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to promulgate administrative policies and procedures (AP&P) that implement this resolution and Ordinance No. 26-__. Nothing in such AP&P can

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substantively alter this resolution; the AP&P must be reconciled with the intent of Ordinance No. 26-___ and this resolution. All previous actions exercised by the City Manager, or designee, to implement the ODS as set forth in this resolution are ratified by the City Council.

SECTION 6: Severability. If any part of this resolution or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provision or application, and, to this end, the provisions of this resolution are severable.

SECTION 7: The Mayor, or presiding officer, is authorized to sign this resolution signifying its adoption by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita and the City Clerk, or her duly appointed deputy, may attest thereto.

SECTION 8: This resolution will become effective immediately upon adoption and will remain effective unless repealed or superseded.

SECTION 9. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this __ day of ________ 2026. ______________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
_______________________________

CITY CLERK
DATE:__________________________

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.

CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, Melody Bartlette, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 26-__ was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the __ day of ________ 2026, by the following vote:

AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:

ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
______________________________

CITY CLERK
Exhibit A
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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Santa Clarita Community Character and Design Guidelines document is to guide the creation of new residential, commercial, mixed-use, and industrial developments and give clear direction for the renovation and redevelopment of built areas. This document supersedes the Santa Clarita Architectural Design Guidelines (adopted in 2002) and includes up-to-date planning trends and guidelines written to promote the high quality standards that the City and the community value. The intent of these guidelines is to retain and encourage architectural variety, promote quality development, and ensure that both existing and new development: • Is compatible in size, scale, and appearance with the character of Santa Clarita.
• Is attractive and an asset to the community. • Preserves and enhances natural features of a site. • Incorporates quality articulation, community character features, multiple building forms, desirable building details, and other elements that display excellence in design.
• Provides pedestrian-oriented design to enrich the pedestrian experience. • Includes pedestrian friendly amenities such as pedestrian connections, plazas, seating, bike racks, fountains, and other similar features, for the enjoyment of the community and visitors.
• Promotes the use of high quality materials.
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1 - PURPOSE
• Promotes well-landscaped parking lots with efficient pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
• Provides suggestions for ways to improve the environmental performance of projects through the strategic incorporation of green building components.

The guidelines have been written to make it easy for a property owner, architect, developer, City staff, and members of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council to use. The guidelines describe the design review process, citywide goals and objectives, site planning concepts, and architectural design guidelines for residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects. Specific guidelines have been drafted to ensure that architectural quality and character is preserved within each of the four communities of the City - Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, and Valencia. In essence, the purpose of this document is to provide clear and concise direction through a user-friendly document that is easy to administer.

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2. GOALS
The overarching objective of this Community Character and Design Guidelines document is the desire to establish communities that possess unique qualities that make them special and memorable. How the distinct communities are integrated within the overall fabric of the City is essential to each community’s success. The following goals guided the development of the design guidelines in this document.

A. Sense of Timelessness
A sense of timelessness is a feeling that the design and quality of development in the community will neither be frozen in time nor look like it was built yesterday. The community should have characteristics that suggest long-term value. The physical fabric of a community should reflect cultural, aesthetic, and historic character and yet be adaptive to functional changes.

B. Sense of Ownership
Each sector of the community must have a sense of ownership and a belief that they will benefit from the economic health and quality of life within the community. There should be a feeling that the attributes of the community command an economic premium. Whether or not there is individual property ownership, there must be a sense that everyone has a stake in the overall well being of the community. 2 - GOALS
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C. Sense of Place and Identity
The built and natural environment must be interwoven and should express a special sense of place. The community character should create a feeling of an original, and not duplicated, place. There should be a perception that the community has a unique identity and attributes that differentiate it from other urban neighborhoods.

D. Sense of Community
A sense of community is a belief that each individual has a responsibility and obligation to work toward the well being of the community. An acknowledgment of that community is the interconnectedness within the neighborhood and with other sectors of the community and linkage to surrounding neighborhoods.

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3. GUIDELINE USERS
The guidelines are designed for a variety of user groups. A description of how each type of user can benefit from the guidelines is described below.

A. Property Owners:

The guidelines provide property owners with a clear and simple design review process. This document works in conjunction with the General Plan, Unified Development Code, and Uniform Building Code for the City of Santa Clarita and provides a clear set of expectations and responsibilities for property owners. This document broadens the scope of the design process beyond basic code requirements and takes the attention to detail, quality, and character to the next level.

B. Design Professionals and Developers:

The guidelines provide a clear and graphic direction for renovation and new construction. The guidelines serve as an information tool that can provide a link between the property owner and the designer or developer and will clarify the aspects of quality design.

C. City Staff:

City staff uses the guidelines in assisting applicants and their representatives with all aspects of project development including site planning, building orientation, building massing and articulation, architectural themes, and other amenities that work together to create a sense of place. The guidelines serve as the basis for evaluating proposals for quality of design. City staff will also use these guidelines when working with the Planning Commission and the City Council.

D. Review Bodies:

The guidelines provide the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission, Planning Commission, City Council, and other reviewing agencies with a basis for evaluating proposals for quality of design. 3 - GUIDELINE USERS
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4. CONTENTS AND ORGANIZATION
No single architectural theme is being promoted, but rather the emphasis is to promote variety. With exception of those styles provided in Chapter 2, many of the styles and patterns shown in the following pictures and graphic illustrations represent a concept of recommended building elements and details as opposed to thematic images. Caution should be exercised when considering architectural styles that have recently become popular (i.e. “trendy”) but have not yet stood the test of time. In addition, historic styles that cannot be faithfully replicated should be avoided.

Sustainable planning and design concepts were used as a foundation from which the guidelines in this document were drafted. The core principles of Smart Growth and New Urbanism as well the key components of LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which are defined in Chapter 2, were integrated throughout this document to ensure that proposed developments are planned and designed to reduce impacts on the surrounding environment. Conventional design and construction methods can produce buildings that contribute to excessive resource consumption, that generate waste, and that are expensive to operate. Sustainable principles that can improve the environmental performance of a project without forcing excessive costs on builders or developers have been marked with a white bar throughout the document.

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This document is organized as follows:

Chapter 5 (Multi-Family Residential and Mixed-Use) this chapter, unlike any of the other chapters, contains both design guidelines and objective design standards for multi-family residential and mixed-use commercial developments.

Objective Design Standards are required by the State of California and are defined by California Government Code, Section 65913.4; objective design standards are required to be clear and measurable. These are complimented by the design guidelines which promote community character and design continuity. The design guidelines maintain neighborhood character and scale while providing design direction and promoting quality design. All new multifamily and mixeduse projects in the City must comply with the objective standards set forth in Chapter 5 and must be consistent with the style, material and color guidelines outlined in Chapter 3.

Chapter 6 (Commercial) includes design guidelines for commercial development to ensure commercial components such as on-site parking, loading and service areas, trash enclosures, lighting, and signage are properly designed. Special design considerations are also addressed.

Chapter 7 (Industrial & Business Park) includes design guidelines for industrial development. If not designed properly, industrial facilities can diminish the visual quality of the surrounding areas and can become undesirable land uses. These guidelines address visual and functional aspects of industrial and business park developments and provide guidance to reduce environmental impacts.

Chapter 1 (Introduction) contains the purpose and goals of this document and sets the framework for the design review process.

Chapter 2 (Design Trends and Community Setting) reviews the latest and most influential trends in planning and design that promote efficient sustainable development practices and provide a foundation for the design principles and guidelines contained in this document.

Chapter 3 (Community Character) identifies the architectural details that define the architectural character prescribed for each one of the four communities of the City. Multifamily and mixed-use development must be consistent with the style, material and color guidelines outlined in this Chapter and must comply with the objective standards set forth in Chapter 5.

Chapter 4 (Single-Family Residential) depicts the specific site planning and design and building design guidelines that pertain to singlefamily neighborhood development. The focus here is the creation of a neighborhood that offers public spaces, lush landscaping and a closeknit neighborhood feel, rather than a sterile housing tract lacking variety and personality.
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5 - RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANNING DOCUMENTS

5. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANNING

DOCUMENTS
A. Consistency with the Unified Development Code and
General Plan:

This document is a tool for the implementation of the City of Santa Clarita’s Unified Development Code (UDC) and the General Plan. While the guidelines contained herein are not standards intended to supersede the requirements of the UDC, the guidelines should be considered “recommended practices” that both the Planning Commission and Planning Division consider important to the design of projects within the City.

B. Santa Clarita Beautification Master Plan:

The Community Character and Design Guidelines work hand in hand with the Santa Clarita Beautification Master Plan. The Beautification Master Plan focuses on improvements within the public rights-of-way.

These improvements include streetscape and landscape enhancements, fencing, gateways, monuments, and signage both on a regional and community scale. The Design Guidelines focus on private property improvements outside the public rights-of-way. Both documents contain design guidelines that help guide improvements and aid the City of Santa Clarita in accomplishing their long-term goal of city-wide beautification. The documents strive to maintain the identity of the individual communities, while at the same time unifying the City of Santa Clarita.

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C. Old Town Newhall Specific Plan (Adopted 2005, Updated 2022):

The quality and character of the architecture depicted in this Community Character and Design Guidelines document guides development throughout the entire City, which includes the community of Newhall. The Old Town Newhall Specific Plan, adopted in December of 2005, contains specific standards and guidelines for development within the 271-acre downtown area. The Old Town Newhall Specific Plan depicts specific zones and a variety of architectural types. The building form is further defined by a set of development standards. Therefore, the Old Town Newhall Specific Plan takes the architectural theme and character defined in this document a step further to fit the specific requirements in each of the zones in the downtown area as defined by that document.

D. 2026 Update to 2009 Community Character and Design
Guidelines:

This version of the Community Character and Design Guidelines document modernized the original document adopted in 2009 with updated imagery, graphics, and text.

Specific updates to individual chapters include: • Chapter 1 - Introduction had moderate changes made to the text to explain the updated processes in relation to the newly added objective standards. • Chapter 2 - Design Trends and Urban Form had select imagery updated but otherwise remains unchanged.
• Chapter 3 - Community Character was revised to provide better visual examples of desired community character.
• Chapter 4 - Single Family Residential Design Guidelines had select imagery updated but otherwise remains unchanged.
• Chapter 5 - Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Residential Objective Design Standards and Design Guidelines have been revised and reorganized. Multi-family and mixed-use content have been combined into Chapter 5, accompanied by newly developed objective design standards and graphics.
• Chapter 6 - Commercial Design Guidelines had select imagery updated but otherwise remains unchanged.
• Chapter 7 - Industrial and Business Park Design Guidelines had select imagery updated but otherwise remains unchanged. 1-9
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6 - APPLICATION PROCESS

6. APPLICATION PROCESS
All applications for development reviews, minor use permits, variances, conditional use permits, tentative tract maps, grading permits, or other entitlements that include physical alteration or construction, shall be reviewed to ensure consistency with these guidelines. The Director of Community Development and/or the Planning Commission or City Council will decide if a proposed project is consistent with the overall intent of this document.

The adjacent diagram depicts the application and approval process. • CONSTRUCTION •• FINAL PLANNING • INSPECTION
• BUILDING • PERMIT
• SUBMIT • PLANS
• plan • check • revisions
• DESIGN • REVIEW • PREPARE • CONSTRUCTION • DOCUMENTS
• approval • approval
• revisions • revisions
• SUBMIT • /PREPARE • PLANS
• DEVELOPMENT • REVIEW • COMMITTEE
• INITIAL
• ONESTOP
• PUBLIC • MEETINGS
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6 - APPLICATION PROCESS
A. Initial Meeting
The purpose of the initial meeting is to advise the project applicant of applicable design guidelines (such as this document), design review policies, and other specific design criteria that may affect the project’s design. During the initial meeting, the City will provide the applicant with all of the application information, including the following:

1. Entitlement application.

2. Application requirement checklists for all necessary entitlements.

3. Copies of the relevant sections of the Community Character and Design Guidelines document.

4. Design questionnaire – to help the developer demonstrate that the guidelines set forth in this document have been reviewed and incorporated into the project design.

5. Environmental questionnaire - to determine the environmental impacts of the project.

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B. One Stop
In many instances, an applicant may want to obtain more detailed information regarding the feasibility of a potential development without committing the required application fees. In order to provide preliminary comments without the financial commitment required by a formal application submittal, the City has developed a preliminary One Stop review process. The One Stop process described below is encouraged as an initial review of a project to ensure all the required components of a development package are provided by the applicant before continuing on with the formal review process.

In order to ensure a proper review of a project during the One Stop process, the applicant should provide at minimum the following material:

1. Conceptual Site Plan.

2. Elevations (color with material callouts).

3. Conceptual Floor Plan.

4. Aerial Photograph of the Site (depicting the project site and surrounding uses).

5. Photographs (of the project site and surrounding uses).

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In addition to the materials previously listed, the applicant should also demonstrate how the proposed project will relate to the surrounding environment and how the landscape design is to be incorporated as an integral part of the project. An analysis of the existing site conditions should include a review of a site’s physical properties, amenities, special issues, and neighboring environment. Specific design considerations that should be examined include the following:

1. Existing Conditions Analysis
a. Basic Site Data: Boundaries and dimensions; location of adjacent streets, sidewalks, and rights-of-way; location of setback lines and easements; existing structures and built improvements.
b. Existing Natural Features: Location, size, and species of mature trees; topography; patterns of surface drainage; and other important natural features that are either amenities or potential hazards in development.
c. Neighboring Environment: Analysis of the site and project impacts; land use, the site design, form, character, age and important site details on neighboring properties.
d. Locale: Available services and facilities including local parks, shopping centers, bus stops, bike lanes, and parking.

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C. Site Design Objectives

1. Develop compatible relationships among the topography, building placement, and existing open spaces.

2. Provide a transition from existing to new development by careful placement and massing of buildings, well-designed and strategically located landscaping, and other appropriate methods.

3. A conceptual landscape plan, prepared by a licensed landscape architect, should be submitted with the One Stop pre-application package to demonstrate that the site plan includes plantings that are effectively integrated with the surrounding topography, site design, and architectural design of the project. The conceptual plan should have a preliminary plant list with plant genuses, species, and common names. Plantings should be complementary to the characteristics of the project’s surrounding area and suitable for the environmental conditions of Santa Clarita.

D. Application Submittal
Upon submittal of a One Stop application, the various City departments that are part of the Development Review Committee provide preliminary comments regarding the submittal requirements and comments regarding the potential development. If the developer decides to formally submit a project after going through the One Stop process, the applicant will receive a credit for the cost of the One Stop toward the required processing fees.

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6 - APPLICATION PROCESS
Following the initial meeting or One Stop, plans are produced and submitted as part of the application process to the City. Specific submittal requirements vary by project type and should be obtained from the City during the Initial Meeting. All applicants must complete a Design Questionnaire as part of the formal submittal. In addition to the required application materials, developers are encouraged to provide before and after photo simulations and renderings in order to demonstrate that the design of the project meets the requirements of these guidelines. Design review is implemented by City staff and the City’s architectural consultant.

Depending upon the level of permit, a project may be approved by staff, the Planning Commission, the Redevelopment Agency, or the City Council. If a public hearing is necessary, the project goes to the Planning Commission and/or to City Council for approval.

E. Design Questionnaire
In an effort to ensure that projects conform to adopted design and architectural guidelines, the City has created a form that will be used in the development review process. The applicant is required to fill out this form completely and submit it as part of the application process. Refer to the City’s website for the Design Questionnaire Form.

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
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CHAPTER 3

COMMUNITY CHARACTER

INTRODUCTION
The City of Santa Clarita is the third largest city in Los Angeles County and encompasses approximately 73 square miles. The City contains four main communities: Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, and Valencia, as well as several smaller communities such as Sand Canyon and Placerita Canyon. Each one of these individual communities has its own identity and character. While it is important to create a “citywide” identity, it is equally important to preserve and enhance the individual community identities. Although specific architectural character exists within each community, it is important to recognize that quality design satisfies basic guiding design principles regardless of the building’s architectural style.

For example, mechanical equipment should be screened, buildings should be well proportioned, and massing should be modulated regardless of whether the architectural style is Mission Revival or Victorian. Thus, general design guidelines have been provided in Chapter 4 - Chapter 7 to guide design, while this chapter supplements the other chapters by providing direction for architectural style and character for projects within each community. In addition to the guidelines provided here, special standards are located in the UDC for Sand Canyon and Placerita Canyon.

In contrast to the other chapters, Chapter 5 provides both objective standards and design guidelines for multifamily and mixed-use development. Unlike the design guidelines in Chapters 4 - 7, the objective standards in Chapter 5 are mandatory rather than advisory. All new multifamily and mixed-use projects in the City must comply with the objective standards set forth in Chapter 5 and must be consistent with the style, material and color guidelines outlined in Chapter 3.
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This chapter focuses primarily on Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, and Valencia and integrates input obtained from the public by participating in a Visual Preference Survey, stakeholder interviews, and several public workshops conducted during the Santa Clarita Beautification Master Plan process.

Recommendations from the Citywide Design Committee, the City’s General Plan, and the existing Santa Clarita Architectural Design Guidelines have also been incorporated. This chapter contains maps defining community boundaries as well as examples of building styles and desired materials specific to each community.

Excerpts from the Community Design Element and Land Use Element of the General Plan have been included to describe past and present design characteristics and architectural styles for each community. It is the intent of the Community Design Element and this document to provide design flexibility for urban design and architectural concepts in order to avoid architectural monotony and lack of design innovation.
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1 - CANYON COUNTRY

1. CANYON COUNTRY
A.Community Identity
Canyon Country has the largest population of any community in the City and comprises the eastern portion of the City. It contains a wide range of housing types, including large-lot single-family custom homes, single-family tract homes, multi-family development, and mobile home parks. Commercial and manufacturing activities have historically been concentrated along both sides of Soledad Canyon Road and along the northern portion of Sierra Highway. However, recent development has been focused in close proximity to Golden Valley Road, the eastern section of the City’s Cross Valley Connector. The Canyon Country area is home to the Centre Pointe Business Park, which includes a large retail development and the City’s Sports Complex and an industrial hub in the Honby area. The College of the Canyons has developed a second campus on the northern section of Sierra Highway to serve the continued growth of the Canyon Country area.

The landscape and terrain in this area is arid and rugged. The architectural style tends to reflect the rural character and desert atmosphere. The commercial and industrial developments incorporate a wide variety of architectural styles and uses. For example, along one section of Soledad Canyon Road there is an existing older mobile home park with a high density Cape Cod style condominium complex located directly to the south. Other new development includes medium-sized California ranch style homes, Santa Fe and Mediterranean style houses, and Contemporary styled townhomes, multifamily buildings, and commercial shopping center.

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1 - CANYON COUNTRY
Homes along the northern section of Sierra Highway are generally rural and of very low density. Many of the homes are on custom lots with a variety of architectural styles; however, near the Sierra Highway and Soledad Canyon intersection are multi-family developments.

Mediterranean and contemporary architectural styles are present. Some development has also encroached onto the hillsides and ridgelines.

The Santa Clara River is a prevalent feature in Canyon Country as it parallels large reaches of Soledad Canyon Road. The riverbed provides natural open space and presents a major opportunity for enhancement of the area and the ability to create a greenbelt connecting the community with other areas of the Valley.

The Sand Canyon Special Standards District, a sub-community of Canyon Country, is located in the southeastern part of Canyon Country and is comprised of predominantly low-density single-family residential and equestrian uses. The area is rural with extensive stands of oaks and is characterized by large, upscale single-family homes and lots. The community is accessible via Sand Canyon Road and Placerita Canyon Road and is bordered on the south and east by the Angeles National Forest.
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Canyon Country is a place full of community pride and rural character.

Surrounded by a series of mountains and canyons that also penetrate the community, the location contributes to community members’ appreciation for the natural environment. In addition to natural sensitivity, Canyon Country is a community that encourages economic and cultural diversity.

The following characteristics were used to describe Canyon Country during a public workshop.
• Family-oriented
• Rural
• Rustic
• Equestrian
• Country
• Mountainous
• River trails
• Outdoor-oriented
• Natural
• Best kept secret
• Small town feel
• Community involvement
• Friendly
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
1 - CANYON COUNTRY
B. Architectural Character & Specific
Community Needs
The desired architectural character for Canyon Country is a rustic, natural, and timeless style. Heavy timber and river rock or natural stone are materials that are strongly encouraged within the community. Residents would like to see projects that incorporate water features, trellises, special paving, and plaza spaces.

C.Exterior Building Materials
These guidelines are intended to complement the general guidelines provided in Chapter 4 - Chapter 7. The basic recommendations for color and material selection in the subsequent chapters must be reviewed in conjunction with this section when building in Canyon Country.

The following listings of appropriate and inappropriate materials were developed for the Canyon Country community. The materials listed as “appropriate” have generally stood the test of time as having desirable aesthetic qualities, while the materials listed as “inappropriate” have failed to withstand the test of time. Certain materials have been omitted because the success or failure of these materials has traditionally had more to do with the overall design than the materials selected.

These listings of materials are intended to provide general guidance and are not intended to be exhaustive; designers should not feel that they must limit their material palette to the following selections. New materials and refined fabrication methods are continually being introduced and Santa Clarita encourages designers to take advantage of these innovations. 3-6

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
1 - CANYON COUNTRY

1. Appropriate primary wall surfaces include, but are not limited to:
a. Native stone veneer.
b. Cement plaster stucco.
c. Smooth and hand-troweled stucco.
d. Tile.
e. Rough, split-face masonry.
f. Wood siding (vertical rough sawn board and batten siding and/or horizontal rough sawn lap siding) or wood shingles.
g. Cement/fiber siding (6-inch, 8-inch, or 12-inch horizontal siding). h. Brick.

2. Inappropriate primary wall surfaces include, but are not limited to:
a. Simulated materials such as cement brick.
b. T-111 siding (4-foot by 8-foot plywood with vertical grooves at 8-inch to 12-inch increments).
c. Metal siding.
d. Slump stone.
e. Precision block.
f. Highly polished materials.
g. Spray on “Spanish lace” or knock down stucco.
h. Mirror glass and heavily tinted glass.
i. Corrugated fiberglass.
3-7
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
1 - CANYON COUNTRY

3. Appropriate wall articulation and accents include, but are not limited to:
a. Accent tile.
b. Stucco corbels, lintels, and sills.
c. Timber lintels, sills, corbels, and trusses.
d. Heavy wood beams.
e. Exposed timber rafter tails.
f. Clay tile vents.
g. Wood vents.
h. Recessed niches.
i. Arches.
j. Colonnades.
k. Deep overhangs.
l. Wrought iron.
m. Wood trellises/shading devices.
n. Decorative knee bracing.
o. Wood casement or fixed windows (multi-lite).
p. Wood doors with wood trim.

4. Inappropriate wall articulation and accents include, but are not limited to:
a. Chrome.
b. Plastic.
c. Aluminum windows.
d. Highly polished materials.
3-8

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
1 - CANYON COUNTRY

5. Appropriate roofing materials include, but are not limited to:
a. Clay tiles.
b. Cement tiles.
c. Dimensional asphalt/composite shingles.
d. Standing seam/metal roofing.
e. “Cool roof” built-up roofing.
f. Traditional tapered barrel tiles.

6. Inappropriate roofing materials include, but are not limited to:
a. Simulated clay or concrete roofing tiles.
b. Wood shingles/shakes.
c. Corrugated metal/ fiberglass panels.
d. S-tiles.
3-9
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
1 - CANYON COUNTRY
D.Colors
The following guidelines are intended to promote well-coordinated color palettes that integrate with the other exterior features of a building.

1. Light, subtle earth tones such as tan, beige, sand, and cream, used in conjunction with bold, rich complementary accents, are appropriate color choices for Canyon Country.

2. Simple color schemes involving a maximum of three colors are recommended.

3. Bright colored and stark white walls are discouraged.

4. Certain materials, such as stone and brick, have distinct coloring in their natural state and should be thought of as an element of the color palette used. These materials should not be painted.

5. Brighter colors should be used as accents.
3-10

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
1 - CANYON COUNTRY
E. Design Considerations
Many existing shopping centers within the community are in need of renovation. Facade and character upgrades can make a dramatic difference in the attractiveness and desirability of a retail property. Simple cosmetic changes such as painting, incorporating appropriate signage and lighting, and installing shading devices can significantly improve the appearance of a building. The removal of unsafe and unsightly building components, such as deteriorated stucco and other materials, will also greatly enhance the aesthetics of the entire community. 3-11
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
2 - NEWHALL

2. NEWHALL
A.Community Identity
Newhall was the earliest permanent settlement in the Valley, established in 1876 in conjunction with the construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad. This area was a typical western town of oil, mining, and railroad workers. Many residents were first attracted to Newhall because of its rural environment and open space. Early rural ranch style homes built on large lots located south of Lyons Avenue reflect the community’s sporadic and independent growth. The architecture of the Newhall homes reflects a diversity of architectural styles. The newer homes, on smaller lots, reflect popular design styles from the 1950s to the present.

Much of the early commercial development in the downtown Newhall area occupies single-story older buildings and serves neighborhoods along Newhall Avenue. Commercial development along Lyons Avenue, with some exceptions, follows the common style of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s and includes numerous small and mid-sized wood and stucco strip centers. Recent attempts have been made to improve the aesthetics of the commercial area by building community shopping centers that incorporate historic elements of the area. Examples of building styles include Spanish buildings with terra cotta tile roofs, a Victorian-style shopping center, and western-theme buildings.

WHITTAKER

BERMITE
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STEVENSON RANCH PKWY

MAIN ST

MCBEAN PKWY

NEWHALL RANCH RD

LYONS AV

SAND CANYORND

THEOLD RD

RAILROAD AV

PICO CANYON RD

NEWHALL AV

MAGIC MOUNTAIN PKWY

THE OLD RD

SOLEDAD CANYON RD

THE OLDRD

VALENCIA BLV D

SIERRA HWY

BOUQUET CANYONRD
NORTH

VALENCIA
SAND
CANYON

FRIENDLY
VALLEY

PLACERITA
CANYON

NORTHBRIDGE

NEWHALL
Q:\PROJECTS\CD\080705k1\mxd\newhall.mxd
The City of Santa Clarita does not warrant
the accuracy of the data and assumes no
liability for any errors or omissions.
´ 0 0.5 1
Miles
City of Santa Clarita
Newhall
3-12

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
2 - NEWHALL
Along the southern end of Newhall Avenue are several small, one-story, older neighborhood commercial uses. Further to the north, along Newhall Avenue adjoining the railroad tracks, are older industrial developments. Many of the industrial and commercial land uses along this strip of road are surrounded by vacant lots.

Newhall has developed very much on its own, without regard to any particular architectural style, street development standards, or consistent streetscapes.

Large stands of oak trees are scattered throughout the community. Prior to the completion of the interstate system, Newhall Avenue, formerly known as San Fernando Road, was a principal link in the historic circulation system between the San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles Basin. The roadway still serves as one of the key traffic arteries within the City.

The Old Town Newhall Specific Plan, adopted in December of 2005 and revised in May of 2022, sets design parameters for sub-areas throughout the downtown area that complement the following Newhall-wide design guidelines. The Old Town Newhall Specific Plan document goes into greater detail by identifying specific forms and details that fit the architectural types that are prescribed for the downtown area. The quality of architecture, however, must meet the directives of this Community Character and Design Guidelines document.
3-13
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
2 - NEWHALL
Placerita Canyon Special Standards District, a subcommunity of Newhall, is a rural and oak-studded residential area northeast of downtown Newhall.

Equestrian-oriented residential areas placed among oak woodlands typify most of the development in the area. A substantial amount of new home construction has occurred in recent years. Historically, the area contained scattered ranches, some of which remain today. Newer homes include Tudor, Ranch, French Country, Victorian, and other styles on larger lots of one-half acre or greater. Oil fields are located in the eastern portion of the canyon, west of SR-14. East of the freeway, Placerita Canyon Special Standards District is predominantly undeveloped, with much of the land as part of the Angeles National Forest. The Placerita Canyon Special Standards District is also home to the Master’s University and Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio.

Newhall is a community rich in history. Evolving from an Indian trading center to an important destination in the quests for gold and then oil, it soon became a railroad flag stop of general stores, saloons, and churches. As the film industry grew, Newhall became the home of early western silent screen movies.
3-14

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
2 - NEWHALL
These strong roots are still very important to the residents of Newhall. The passion for history and love of the old film stars help to identify the essence of Newhall.

The following characteristics were used to describe Newhall during public workshops.
• Western movies
• William S. Hart
• Passion for history
• Cowboys
• Melody Ranch – filming
• Rich cultural heritage
• Oak of the Golden Dream
• Oil fields (Mentryville)
• Community involvement
3-15
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
2 - NEWHALL
B. Old Town Newhall
The Old Town Newhall Specific Plan regulates the downtown area and establishes a direction for architectural styles and character in the area.

Any project within the Old Town Newhall Specific Plan area will be required to comply with the Old Town Newhall Specific Plan in-lieu of these guidelines.

C.Architectural Character & Specific Community
Needs
Newhall’s downtown core possesses a historic feel consisting primarily of Victorian, Western, and Mission Revival architecture. Outside of the downtown core the architecture takes on a variety of styles, but the historic flavor influences new development. Residents feel that outside of the district, quality materials and good site and building design are more important than theme architecture. Developers should be encouraged to capture the essence of Newhall without being tied to a specific architectural style.
3-16

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
2 - NEWHALL
D.Exterior Building Materials
These guidelines are intended to complement the general guidelines provided in Chapter 4 - Chapter 7. The basic recommendations for color and material selection in the subsequent chapters must be reviewed in conjunction with this section when building in Newhall.

The following listings of appropriate and inappropriate materials were developed for the Newhall community. The materials listed as “appropriate” have generally stood the test of time as having desirable aesthetic qualities, while those listed as “inappropriate” have failed to withstand the test of time. Certain materials have been omitted because the success or failure of these materials has traditionally had more to do with the overall design, rather than the materials selected.

These listings are intended to provide general guidance and are not intended to be exhaustive; designers should not feel that they must limit their material palette to the following selections. New materials and refined fabrication methods are continually being introduced, and Santa Clarita encourages designers to take advantage of these innovations. 3-17
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
2 - NEWHALL

1. Appropriate primary wall surfaces include, but are not limited to:
a. Native stone veneer.
b. Cement plaster stucco.
c. Smooth and hand-troweled stucco.
d. Tile.
e. Horizontal siding of wood or fiber cement board (6-inch, 8-inch, or 12-inch exposures).
f. Cement/fiber siding (6-inch, 8-inch, 12-inch horizontal siding).

2. Inappropriate primary wall surfaces include, but are not limited to:
a. T-111 siding (4-foot by 8-foot plywood with vertical grooves at 8-inch to 12-inch increments).
b. Highly polished materials.
c. Mirror glass and heavily tinted glass.
d. Corrugated metal/fiberglass panels.
e. Metal siding.
f. Spray-on or knock-down stucco.
g. Exposed steel framing.
3-18

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
2 - NEWHALL

3. Appropriate wall articulation and accents include, but are not limited to:
a. Accent tile.
b. Stucco corbels, lintels, sills.
c. Timber lintels, sills, corbels.
d. Clay tile vents.
e. Wood vents.
f. Recessed niches.
g. Arches.
h. Colonnades.
i. Wrought iron.
j. Canvas awnings, wood porches, and balconies/shading devices.

4. Inappropriate wall articulation and accents include, but are not limited to:
a. Plastic.
b. Chrome.
c. Aluminum windows.
d. Highly polished materials.
3-19
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
2 - NEWHALL

5. Appropriate roofing materials include, but are not limited to:
a. Clay tiles.
b. Cement tiles.
c. Dimensional asphalt/composite shingles.
d. Metal roofing.
e. “Cool roof” built-up roofing.
f. Traditional tapered barrel tiles.

6. Inappropriate roofing materials and colors include, but are not limited to:
a. Maxitile (simulated clay or concrete roofing tiles). b. Corrugated metal/ fiberglass panels.
c. Bright or dark-colored roofing.
d. S-tiles.
3-20

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
2 - NEWHALL
E. Colors
The following guidelines are intended to promote well-coordinated color palettes that integrate with the other exterior features of a building.

1. Given the Victorian architectural influence, a broader spectrum of colors is desirable in Newhall.

2. Muted shades of virtually any color is appropriate.

3. Certain materials, such as stone and brick, have distinct coloring in their natural state and should be thought of as an element of the color palette used. These materials should not be painted.

4. Brighter colors should be used as accents.

F. Design Considerations
Although a variation in architectural style is encouraged throughout the community, San Fernando Road warrants special consideration. The Santa Clarita Beautification Master Plan identifies it as a primary corridor within the community and, consequently, projects should be designed to prominently address the street edge. Projects should incorporate a landscaped parkway and, where possible, a split rail fence. Buildings should be placed at the street edge with parking located behind. 3-21
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
3 - SAUGUS

3. SAUGUS
A.Community Identity
Established in 1887, Saugus is named for the Massachusetts birthplace of founder Henry Mayo Newhall and owes its existence to the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Similar to Newhall in its early development, Saugus began as a rural community with large residential lots and open spaces. The residential areas of Saugus are located in Seco Canyon and Bouquet Canyon, with townhouses located on the heights above the junction of the two canyons. Much of the development in Saugus has moved into the canyon and hill areas in a series of suburban tracts. Many of the older homes are California ranch style. Strip commercial centers, prevalent in Saugus along Soledad Canyon Road and Bouquet Canyon Road, consist primarily of stucco, wood, and Spanish styles with terra cotta tile roofs.

The natural areas remaining in the center of the City known as the Whittaker-Bermite property present a major opportunity for enhancement of the area and the ability to create a greenbelt connecting the community with other areas of the Valley. The northern part of Saugus is hilly, the streets are tree-lined, and much of this area is covered with natural vegetation. The Saugus area is home to Central Park, the City’s largest park and outdoor recreation facility, which includes numerous multi-purpose fields and amenities.

WHITTAKER

BERMITE
!"^$ ?ßE

STEVENSON RANCH PKWY

MAIN ST

MCBEAN PKWY

NEWHALL RANCH RD

LYONS AV

SAND CANYORND

THEOLD RD

RAILROAD AV

PICO CANYON RD

NEWHALL AV

MAGIC MOUNTAIN PKWY

THE OLD RD

SOLEDAD CANYON RD

THE OLDRD

VALENCIA BLV D

SIERRA HWY

BOUQUET CANYONRD
NORTH

VALENCIA
SAND
CANYON

FRIENDLY
VALLEY

PLACERITA
CANYON

NORTHBRIDGE
SAUGUS
Q:\PROJECTS\CD\080705k1\mxd\saugus.mxd
The City of Santa Clarita does not warrant
the accuracy of the data and assumes no
liability for any errors or omissions.
´ 0 0.5 1
Miles
City of Santa Clarita
Saugus
3-22

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
3 - SAUGUS
Residents of Saugus think of themselves as a family-oriented, rural community.

They value the surrounding canyons, the abundance of cottonwoods, and the rustic and ranch character of the community. Local residences used the following characteristics to describe Saugus during a public workshop. • Old mining community
• Ranching community
• Community of homes
• Family-oriented
• Hillside community
• Open space
• Canyons
• Middle of the valley
• Small business
• Cottonwoods
• Natural wildlife
• Gateway to natural forest
• Large lots
• Rustic
• Home to the road runner
• Sycamore and oak trees
• Soft natural green look rather than clipped manicured look 3-23
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
3 - SAUGUS
B. Architectural Character & Specific Community
Needs
Saugus is one of the oldest communities within the City and for the most part is completely built-out. For this reason, the majority of the future projects within this community will be commercial building and shopping center rehabilitation. Members of the Saugus community have expressed a desire to see the existing stark white commercial architecture that lacks detail and overhangs updated in order to create aesthetically pleasing and well designed shopping areas. Renovation and/or expansion raises property values, reinforces or improves the character of the community, and inspires other property owners and designers to make improvements to their properties, which in turn enhances the entire community. 3-24

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
3 - SAUGUS
C.Exterior Building Materials
These guidelines are intended to complement the general guidelines provided in Chapter 4 - Chapter 7. The basic recommendations for color and material selection in the subsequent chapters must be reviewed in conjunction with this section when building in Saugus.

The following listings of appropriate and inappropriate materials were developed for the Saugus community. The materials listed as “appropriate” have generally stood the test of time as having desirable aesthetic qualities, while those listed as “inappropriate” have failed to withstand the test of time. Certain materials have been omitted because success or failure of these materials has traditionally had more to do with the overall design than the materials selected.

These listings are intended to provide general guidance, and are not intended to be exhaustive; designers should not feel that they must limit their material palette to the following selections. New materials and refined fabrication methods are continually being introduced, and Santa Clarita encourages designers to take advantage of these innovations. 3-25
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
3 - SAUGUS

1. Appropriate primary wall surfaces include, but are not limited to:
a. Natural stone veneer.
b. Float finished stucco.
c. Tile.
d. Flash fired brick.
e. Precast concrete.
f. Concrete.
g. Wood shingles/shakes.
h. Smooth sand finished hand troweled stucco.
i. Hand troweled plaster surfaces.

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
3 - SAUGUS

3. Appropriate wall articulation and accents include, but are not limited to:
a. Ornamental tile for accent.
b. Build up stucco relief.
c. Prefabricated molding forms.
d. Inlaid tile.
e. Painted wainscoting.
f. Natural stone.
g. Wrought iron.
h. Clay tile vents.
i. Wood attic vents.
j. Timber lintels.
k. Recessed niches.

4. Inappropriate wall articulation and accents include, but are not limited to:
a. Plastic.
b. Chrome.
c. Aluminum windows.
d. Highly polished materials.
3-27
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
3 - SAUGUS

5. Appropriate roofing materials include, but are not limited to:
a. Clay tiles.
b. Concrete roof tiles.
c. Dimensional asphalt/composite shingles.
d. Traditional tapered barrel tiles.

6. Inappropriate roofing materials include, but are not limited to:
a. Simulated clay or concrete roofing tiles.
b. Wood shingles/shakes.
c. Built-up flat roofing.
d. Fiber cement units that imitate slate, wood shakes, or mission tile. e. S-tiles.
3-28

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
3 - SAUGUS
D.Colors
The following guidelines are intended to promote well-coordinated color palettes that integrate with the other exterior features of a building.

1. Light, subtle, earth tones such as tan, beige, sand, and cream, used in conjunction with bold, rich complementary accents, are appropriate color choices for Saugus.

2. Simple color schemes involving a maximum of three colors are recommended.

3. Certain materials, such as stone and brick, have distinct coloring in their natural state and should be thought of as an element of the color palette used. These materials should not be painted.

4. Dark blue and brightly colored roofing is expressly discouraged, as are vibrantly colored and stark white walls.

E. Design Considerations
Existing parking lots lack shade trees, landscaping, and pedestrian amenities. Community members feel that the addition of these site features would improve the shopping experience and encourage shoppers to stay within the community to make their purchases. 3-29
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
4 - VALENCIA

4. VALENCIA
A.Community Identity
The community of Valencia is part of the original 37,500 acre Newhall Ranch. Named after a city in Spain, Valencia was dedicated in 1965 and developed as a planned community. Residential, commercial, and industrial developments form the basic community structure and are supported by additional shopping centers, recreational facilities, schools, colleges, a hospital, golf courses, professional offices, and other support services that are connected by a system of walkways called “paseos”. The community is home to the local Los Angeles County Civic Center, College of the Canyons, and California Institute of the Arts.

WHITTAKER

BERMITE
!"^$ ?ßE

STEVENSON RANCH PKWY

MAIN ST

MCBEAN PKWY

NEWHALL RANCH RD

LYONS AV

SAND CANYORND

THEOLD RD

RAILROAD AV

PICO CANYON RD

NEWHALL AV

MAGIC MOUNTAIN PKWY

THE OLD RD

SOLEDAD CANYON RD

THE OLDRD

VALENCIA BLV D

SIERRA HWY

BOUQUET CANYONRD
NORTH

VALENCIA
SAND
CANYON

FRIENDLY
VALLEY

PLACERITA
CANYON

NORTHBRIDGE

VALENCIA
Q:\PROJECTS\CD\080705k1\mxd\valencia.mxd
The City of Santa Clarita does not warrant
the accuracy of the data and assumes no
liability for any errors or omissions.
´ 0 0.5 1
Miles
City of Santa Clarita
Valencia
3-30

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
4 - VALENCIA
The southern section of Valencia was first developed in the late 1960s and reflects the architectural style of that period. These neighborhoods include the areas along Orchard Village Road, Wiley Canyon Road, and McBean Parkway, which feature relatively homogeneous suburban tract housing. The homes are on medium-sized landscaped lots. The streets were designed and planned for residential uses and landscaped to create a community atmosphere.

Recent residential development has occurred in the hilly section of Valencia north of Newhall Ranch Road. These homes reflect several different modern architectural styles. The neighborhoods are planned with paseos, parks, and other amenities.
3-31
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
4 - VALENCIA
Commercial uses in Valencia were planned and located in centers such as the regional mall, Town Center Drive, auto row, and smaller neighborhood centers. These centers incorporate a Spanish and Mediterranean architectural style.

Industrial land use in the area is located in a business and industrial center in the northern section of the area near Rye Canyon Road. The area contains wide streets with generous landscaped setbacks and one to three-story buildings.

Although it is probably the most urban community in Santa Clarita, Valencia still has a touch of rural character. It is the combination of lush landscaping, urban architecture, and sophistication in a suburban setting that defines Valencia’s character. The following characteristics were used to describe Valencia during a public workshop. • Family • High quality of life • Cleanliness • Paseo system • Safe and secure • Lush landscaping • Pedestrian friendly • Well lit • Tight knit community • Stability of real estate values • Community pride • Pristine marketing corridor 3-32

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
4 - VALENCIA
B. Architectural Character & Specific Community
Needs
Much of the desired architectural character for Valencia is established by the currently existing buildings. The mixture of bright colors, natural materials, and contemporary design create a favorable array of architectural style within the community. The area with the most potential for new development is the industrial center. Architects are encouraged to provide innovative designs with unique forms and articulation on all sides of the building. Careful planning for employee break areas and outdoor seating is also a concern. These spaces should be designed, not just created within left over areas, and should include special paving and furnishings.

The following listings of appropriate and inappropriate materials were developed for the Valencia community. The materials listed as “appropriate” have generally stood the test of time as having desirable aesthetic qualities, while the materials listed as “inappropriate” have failed to withstand the test of time. Certain materials have been omitted because the success or failure of these materials has traditionally had more to do with the overall design than the materials selected.

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
4 - VALENCIA

1. Appropriate primary wall surfaces include, but are not limited to:
a. Native stone veneer.
b. Cement plaster stucco.
c. Smooth and hand-troweled stucco.
d. Tile.
e. Wood siding/shingles.
f. Cement/fiber siding (6-inch, 8-inch, or 12-inch horizontal siding).

2. Inappropriate primary wall surfaces include, but are not limited to:
a. T-111 siding (4-foot by 8-foot plywood with vertical grooves at 8-inch to 12-inch increments).
b. Highly polished materials.
c. Mirror or heavily tinted glazing.
d. Corrugated metal/ fiberglass panels.
e. Metal siding.
f. Spray-on or knock-down stucco.
g. Exposed steel framing.
3-34

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
4 - VALENCIA

4. Inappropriate wall articulation and accents include, but are not limited to:
a. Plastic.
b. Chrome.
c. Aluminum windows.
d. Highly polished materials.
3-35
Chapter 3 Community Character

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
4 - VALENCIA

5. Appropriate roofing materials include, but are not limited to:
a. Clay tiles.
b. Cement tiles.
c. Dimensional asphalt/ composite shingles.
d. Metal roofing.
e. “Cool roof” built-up roofing.
f. Traditional tapered barrel tiles.

6. Inappropriate roofing materials include, but are not limited to:
a. Simulated clay or concrete roofing tiles.
b. Wood shingles/shakes.
c. Corrugated metal/ fiberglass panels.
d. S-tiles.
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Chapter 3 Community Character
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 29, 2026
4 - VALENCIA
D.Colors
The following guidelines are intended to promote well-coordinated color palettes that integrate with the other exterior features of a building.

1. Bold, rich colors such as rust, ocher, and olive greens are appropriate in Valencia.

2. Simple color schemes involving a maximum of three colors are recommended.

3. Stark white walls are discouraged unless used where authentically appropriate, such as on a Mission style building.

4. Certain materials, such as stone and brick, have distinct coloring in their natural state and should be thought of as an element of the color palette used. These materials should not be painted.

E. Design Considerations
Valencia has become a community that supports progressive thinking and creativity through the built form. In addition to showcasing successful contemporary architecture, Valencia has become a street-side gallery for public art. To continue the infusion of art throughout the community, each project should consider what is appropriate to their location and scale and design an integrated place to exhibit public artwork. The public art for each project, regardless of size or visual impact, will, in time, significantly contribute to the richness of Valencia.
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
CHAPTER 5

MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL & MIXED-USE

OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS & GUIDELINES

INTRODUCTION
Multifamily developments are higher density residential buildings such as apartments, condominiums, and townhomes. Similarly, mixed-use developments combine two or more different uses, such as residential, commercial, or office, within a single building or connected series of buildings. These types of development are typically comprised of attached units with common facilities such as parking, open space, and recreation areas. This chapter provides general standards and guidelines for the design of multi-family and mixed-use development in all areas of the City. The standards are mandatory and written to be objective and measurable. In contrast, the guidelines are not objective, and applicants are encouraged to incorporate applicable guidelines where feasible to achieve higher-quality outcomes. The design guidelines and objective standards apply to any addition, remodeling, relocation, or construction requiring a building permit within the City. Additionally, multifamily and mixed-use housing projects must also include community specific exterior building materials, colors and design considerations of Chapter 3. If a new project falls within either the Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, or Valencia neighborhood, the exterior building materials, colors, and design considerations of Chapter 3 must be applied in addition to the standards and guidelines listed in this chapter. The following text in Section 1 (Site Planning and Design), Section 2 (Building Design), and Section 3 (Utilitarian Aspects) of this chapter apply to all projects. Standards provided in Section 4 (Mixed Use) are strictly for mixed-use projects. The following topics are addressed:

1. Site Planning and Design

2. Building Design

3. Utilitarian Aspects

4. Mixed Use
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
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Revised: June 30, 2026

PROCESS
Applicants may opt-out of using one or more of the following objective design standards (ODS) via an Administrative Permit. In these instances, projects will proceed under the City’s standard Architectural Design Review Permit process.

In an opt-out scenario, the Applicant must:
• Apply for an Administrative Permit for staff level review at no fee. Included in the application, the Applicant must state in writing their intent to not satisfy the City’s ODS requirements;
• Apply for an Architectural Design Review Permit.
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
1 - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN

1. SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN
A.Site Layout
The primary project objective must be constructing a high-quality residential environment. Multifamily residential and mixed-use developments surrounded by high walls, parking lots, and rows of carports and/or garages along public streets should be avoided while pedestrian circulation, appropriate landscaping, and functional public and private common areas should be prioritized.

1. Objective Standards
a. Projects along Collector or Local streets as defined in the City of Santa Clarita General Plan and adjacent to pedestrian oriented development, must be located adjacent to the primary street.

Parking lots must be located in the rear of the site, away from the primary street frontage. Where the lot configuration does not permit rear access due to the absence of a rear or side alley, easement, or secondary street providing vehicular access, vehicular access and parking lots must be located to the side of the primary structure, provided parking lots are set back a minimum of 10 feet from the primary street property line and adequately screened in alignment with Parking Lot Area Screening Objective Standards.
b. Multifamily and mixed-use projects must not feature street facing building frontages that extend horizontally along a public sidewalk for more than 100 feet without incorporating at least one (1) of the following design methods in order to provide natural ventilation and usable outdoor space:
i. Outdoor courtyards adjacent to the public right-of-way which provide ventilation and outdoor space.
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See Objective Standard A(1)(a).

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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
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09 ii. Arcades a minimum of six (6) feet deep.
iii. Separation of buildings into two individual buildings with an incorporated courtyard/entrance providing access to
internal uses such as residential dwellings, commercial uses, or private open space areas.

2. Design Guidelines
a. The design of multifamily and mixed-use developments should consider compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. b. Intensified landscaping, increased setbacks, and building orientation should be utilized as a means of providing adequate separation between such land uses.
c. Multifamily and mixed-use structures should be clustered.

Clustering creates plazas or pedestrian malls and prevents long “barrack-like” or continuous rows of structures.
d. Natural amenities such as views, mature trees, creeks, riparian corridors, and similar features unique to the site should be preserved.
e. Building placement should not limit solar access by shading adjacent rooftops.
f. Orient buildings on an east/west axis to maximize the use of natural daylighting.
g. Narrow floor plan depths should be used to maximize daylight, exterior views, and natural ventilation. Use a courtyard atria to bring light and air into interior spaces.
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
1 - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN
B. Vehicular Access, Circulation and Parking Lot
Areas
Site plans should balance the need to provide adequate vehicular access with the need to eliminate unnecessary driveway entrances and should provide access points that are coordinated with other properties.

1. Objective Standards
a. Projects requiring more than 100 parking spaces must break up parking areas into a series of smaller connected parking areas of no more than 75 parking spaces.
b. Projects of over 20,000 square feet or more must include a primary vehicular access into the project incorporating at least two of the following accent features:
i. Brick, pavers, colored, patterned, textured, and/or permeable paving treatments a minimum of 12 feet deep from back of sidewalk.
ii. Landscaping on both sides of the project entry consisting of a minimum of two trees (minimum 24-inch box), four shrubs (minimum 5-gallon), and ground cover plantings, within a landscaped area a minimum of 10 feet wide by 10 feet deep. iii. Landscaped medians (minimum width of at least seven (7) feet.
iv. Where permissible, architectural monument signs.
v. Masonry or wrought iron walls or gates, a minimum of 36 inches in height.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Project entry features should reflect the overall architectural identity or character of the development.
b. Projects that include more than one vehicular drive access should feature at least one decorative entry drive. 5-5 See Objective Standard B(1)(b)(i.).

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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
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C.Parking Lot Area Screening
Screening should be provided at the edge of all parking areas.

1. Objective Standards
a. A 36-inch to 42-inch tall berm, hedge, or masonry wall must be used to screen any parking at the street periphery. Breaks must be provided to allow pedestrian circulation at least every 100 feet or as required by the California Building Code. If the parking lot elevation is 36-inches or more below the adjacent street, then no berm, hedge, or masonry is required.
b. Both sides of all perimeter walls or fences must include at least one (1) of the following treatments:
i. Application of a cap or ledge at the top of the wall, projecting a minimum of two inches.
ii. A pattern of reveals, recesses, or pilasters at intervals of no more than 15 feet. Long expanses of fence or wall surfaces must be offset a minimum of 18 inches at least every 50 feet.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Where topography allows, parking lots could also be located above or below the adjacent street grade to effectively screen parking without the addition of substantial screen walls or landscaping. b. Landscaped buffer area provided between parking areas and public rights-of-way should not be included in the minimum five percent landscaping within the parking lot interior calculation required by the UDC. This buffer should be designed to provide stormwater retention through swales, sumps, etc.
c. Transitioning between walls, berms, and landscape materials is highly recommended in locations where parking lot screening is required.
d. Fences and walls placed adjacent to parking lot areas should feature styles that are complementary to the primary structure. 5-6 See Design Guideline C(1)(b).

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
1 - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN
D.Pedestrian Access
Adequate pedestrian circulation should be provided to all pedestrians for safe passage throughout the internal site.

1. Objective Standards
a. Dedicated pedestrian access must be provided to each building primary entrance, vehicle parking area, private open space area, trash and recycling enclosure, and adjacent residential, recreational, and commercial uses. Such pedestrian access must include:
i. A minimum of one (1) directional sign at each primary pedestrian decision point;
ii. A change in paving material, paving color, or paving pattern from the adjacent vehicular circulation surface (e.g. use of brick, stamped concrete, or painted/striped surfaces where the vehicular surface is standard asphalt or broom-finished concrete). The on-site pedestrian circulation system must be directly connected to off-site public sidewalks..
b. Enhanced paving treatment, such as brick, textured/colored concrete, or asphalt, or clearly delineated crosswalks, such as painted or striped crosswalks, must be used where primary pedestrian paths cross vehicular drive aisles.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Meandering paths are generally preferred over long straight path alignments.
b. Paths made from permeable materials, such as decomposed granite, should be limited to private open space areas to create a more park-like setting and allow for stormwater percolation. c. Projects should provide internal and/or public pedestrian connections that are direct, convenient, and pleasant and that have appropriate amenities such as decorative paving treatments or benches. 5-7
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
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d. Pedestrian connections and/or plazas should be provided with adequate weather protection (awnings or canopies) and appropriate pedestrian amenities, such as street tree grates, outdoor seating, bus waiting areas, trash cans, mail boxes, sidewalk displays, public art.

E. Paving Treatment
Specialty paving should be provided adjacent to building entries or facades, in plazas and courtyards or seating areas, at intersections, at mid-block between buildings, and adjacent to parks.

1. Objective Standards
a. Building entrances must be clearly indicated through the use of patterns and colors. At least one (1) of the following must be installed at each building entrance onsite: tile, brick, textured or colored concrete, in order to provide clear identification of access points into buildings.
b. At least one (1) of the following permeable pavement materials must comprise a minimum of 50% of the hardscape materials used in common amenity spaces of multi-family and mixed use projects:
i. Porous asphalt.
ii. Paver blocks.
iii. Lattice blocks.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Reuse of materials such as brick and flagstone is encouraged where possible.
b. Light colored paving should be incorporated near buildings to reduce the amount of heat radiating onto buildings and people. 5-8

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
1 - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN
F. Garages and Accessory Structures
Garages, carports, and other accessory structures should be designed as integral parts of the development.

1. Objective Standards
a. Garages must not be placed along the primary street unless the site lacks any alternative driveway access for residential parking. b. Garage doors must be recessed at least four (4) inches from the exterior wall.
c. Detached garages and accessory structures must incorporate at least two of the same exterior cladding materials used on the primary structure (e.g., if the primary structure uses stucco and stone veneer, the detached garage must use stucco and stone veneer) and must use at least one (1) exterior color found on the primary structure.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Garages should be located to have the least amount of visual impact on the street.
b. When viewed from the street, garages should be subordinate to the main living area. Where possible, the garage should be recessed behind the dwelling unit and not located between the main living area and the street.
c. Garages should be located along alleys and/or secondary streets when available.
d. Flat roofs are discouraged on detached garages and accessory structures.
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
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1 - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN
G.Public Space, Common Amenities, Park Land
and Trails
Public or private common amenity space designated for onsite residents, as well as pedestrian connections to such spaces, should be provided to enhance the living environment and contribute to a walkable neighborhood character.

1. Objective Standards
a. Pedestrian pathways must connect to any onsite private parks and any adjacent offsite or connecting jogging or hiking trails, bicycle pathways, equestrian trails, or parkways. In the event the site is adjacent to public parks or neighborhood parks included within the community-wide park system, pedestrian pathways must be provided to connect to adjacent public parks.
b. Any common amenity space greater than 600 square feet dedicated to public and/or private use must contain shading provided through umbrellas, awnings, or trees and a trash and recycling receptacle, as well as incorporate at least two (2) of the following features:
i. Outdoor seating with at least two (2) benches or tables. ii. Dog relief area with a dog waste station.
iii. One (1) prominently located art feature.
iv. One (1) children play structure or tot lot.
v. Picnic area with at least two (2) tables and one (1) barbeque grill with shading provided.
vi. Gardening area with at least four (4) beds or raised vegetable boxes.
vii. One (1) improved outdoor game area such as bocce, shuffle board, or similar amenity.
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
1 - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN

2. Design Guidelines
a. Private outdoor space should focus on areas that are usable to the residents and not remainder parcels with marginal utility. b. A transition area should be provided between new development and adjacent open space to preserve the rural feel of the Valley. c. A river-oriented recreational greenbelt and trails system should be constructed along the Santa Clara River to tie together the communities of Santa Clarita.
d. Bicycle and pedestrian pathways should access a project at visually pleasing locations rather than service areas.
e. Buildings, parking areas, and open space should be arranged to minimize the use of sound walls next to freeway, arterial, and/or collector streets.
f. Public spaces should be clearly recognizable as “public” (e.g., a plaza within view of a street or other public space) and publicly accessible (i.e., a pedestrian accessible), and the space should be able to be occupied by people (i.e., a person can stand or sit in the area).
g. Public rooftop gardens, or viewing areas, should have street level signage directing access.
h. Where possible, larger public spaces should be located near the main pedestrian access to the development.
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
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Revised: June 30, 2026
1 - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN
H.Planting Design
Plants should be used to define building entrances, parking lots, and the edges of various land uses. Plants should also be used to buffer and screen neighboring properties and to enhance the quality and functional aspects of landscaping. Consider safety, environmental impacts, and accent elements when selecting and locating landscaping features..

1. Objective Standards
a. Landscaping and irrigation must comply with applicable Landscaping and Irrigation Standards within SCMC Section

17.51.030.
b. Landscaping must not obstruct solar access to adjacent solar collectors for water heating, space heating or cooling, or electricity generation.
c. The ultimate width of a trees canopy must be located no closer than ten feet to street lights.
d. Artificial or synthetic plants, except for turf, are prohibited.

The use of artificial and synthetic turf may count towards required landscaping but may not exceed 50% of the required landscaping and is not permitted in front or street side setbacks.

The installation of artificial and synthetic turf must meet the requirements of SCMC Section 17.51.030.C.3.
e. Irrigation plans must be provided for all onsite plants. Irrigation systems must incorporate water efficient technologies such as drip emitters, sub-grade capillary action irrigation for turf areas, evapotranspiration controllers, and moisture sensors. The use of recycled water must be used for irrigation when available. 5-12

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
1 - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN
f. Long-term soil stabilization must be considered when developing a landscape plan on sloped sites or projects with cut and fill slopes. See SCMC Section 17.51.020.C.4.a. Water runoff should be retained to reduce the risk of flooding. Stabilization must be achieved by methods such as planting native erosion control vegetation, including a mix of trees, shrubs, vines and/ or other ground covers with stabilizing mulch to naturalize the hillsides.
i. Cut and fill slopes less than five feet in height must be planted to cover the slopes completely within six months of planting.
ii. Cut and fill slopes exceeding five feet in vertical height must be planted in accordance of SCMC Section 17.51.030.C.2. g. Deciduous species, perennials, and grasses or grass-like plants must not be used for privacy screening.
h. Dense, evergreen trees, shrubs, and/or vines must be used to screen the following areas from public view: trash and recycling enclosures, surface parking areas, storage areas, loading areas, public utility equipment, and mechanical equipment. Screening plantings must be of a species and size sufficient to achieve a minimum 80% visual opacity within three years of planting, as demonstrated on the approved landscape plan.
i. All landscaping in areas designated as a very high fire hazard severity zone must be subject to the requirements of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Additional landscape design requirements may be required by the Fire Department for any project that is located within a fire sensitive area. The applicant, architect, and/or landscape architect are encouraged to consult with the Fire Marshall for “Interface Zone” requirements. j. Trees and shrubs must be placed to not interfere with vehicular sight lines located at driveways, parking lot entrances, vehicular intersections, etc. 5-13
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
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2. Design Guidelines
a. Landscape areas should contain a mix of plant sizes and materials to ensure variety.
b. 36-inch box trees or larger are strongly encouraged in front and side yard setback areas.
c. At least one mature specimen tree (I.e., 48-inch box or 60-inch box) should be prominently located at main focal areas and/or be visible from project frontages.
d. The clustering of trees is encouraged and trees should be used to shade streets, sidewalks, and parking areas and create an intimate scale, enclosure spaces, and frame views. However, tree placement should respect the long-range views and solar access of surrounding neighbors and prevent damage to adjoining property.
e. Seasonal shading from trees and shrubs on southern and western facades should be used when developing planting schemes for courtyards and streetscapes. Deciduous trees provide solar control during summer and winter while providing fall color, seasonal flower, and other desired effects. f. Accent planting should be used to emphasize primary building and site entries, key activity hubs, and main focal areas. In addition, the incorporation of decorative focal elements are encouraged to accentuate views (i.e. recirculating water elements and public art).
g. Vines and potted plants should be used to provide wall, column, and post texture and color, as well as to accentuate entryways, courtyards, and sidewalks.
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
1 - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN
h. Nuisance trees that drop flowers and fruit should not be located within the ultimate width of the canopy extending over pedestrian walkways, pools and play equipment areas, parking areas, public sidewalks.
i. Lawn areas should be planted to serve a functional purpose and not be located in areas that are difficult to irrigate or maintain.

Sod should be used for turf installation. Special permission should be obtained from the City to install lawns by seeding. j. Lineal root barriers should be installed at each tree trunk located within six feet of the curb or walk or building foundation and should not extend six feet to each side of the trunk of the tree.

Root barriers on the curb side should be 24 inches deep and root barriers on the walkway side should be 18 inches deep.
k. Plant materials should be primarily drought-tolerant and/or California native plant materials, and not include invasive plants listed by the California Invasive Plant Council, or other plants determined to be invasive by a qualified botanist or biologist.

Drought tolerant turf or warm season turf should be used for lawn areas where possible.
l. Drip irrigation systems should be used in all areas except for turf irrigation and small ornamental plantings. The irrigation systems should be designed to apply water slowly allowing plants to be deep watered.
m. Each street tree should be watered by two deep watering bubblers separate from all other irrigation.
n. Explore opportunities to reuse rainwater and/or grey water for irrigation.
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
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o. Plants located directly below the eaves or at a rain gutter outlet should be sturdy and have a subsurface matrix of roots to tolerate heavy sheet flow and periodic saturation consistent with the Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan. Urban runoff can be greatly reduced by diverting stormwater from impervious areas, such as concrete surfaces, to planted areas. Infiltration basins where water can seep into the ground should be used. p. Due to challenging soil conditions found throughout the Valley, extra care should be given to prepare and apply soil amendments prior to planting. “Structural soil” should be considered for tree planting in areas that might be subject to compaction, such as street edges, narrow medians, and parking lots.
q. Short lived plants, plants susceptible to disease, and large expanses of single plant varieties should be avoided due to an unchanging appearance and the potential for complete loss of landscaping if struck with disease.
r. Landscape screening should be located to obscure direct sight lines from communal areas such as parking areas, common mailboxes, and pedestrian walkways into dwelling units and private recreational space. Strategically located landscaping may be used in combination with walls, fencing, berms, and/ or trellises to provide screening.
s. Important natural resources on the project site should be retained when feasible (i.e. landmark, specimen or native trees).

Oak tree removals are subject to SCMC Section 17.51.040. 5-16

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
1 - SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN
I. Parking Lot Area Planting
Provide well-planted parking areas. Plants should create a functional and attractive parking environment.

1. Objective Standards
a. Parking spaces may overhang into a planted area a maximum of two (2) feet. However, the two feet encroachment and the required protective curb area must be counted only as a part of the length of the parking stall and must not be calculated as planted area or setback.
b. All planted areas must be bordered by a concrete curb adjacent to the parking surface that is a minimum of six (6) inches high.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Evergreen shade trees should be planted within parking lots to reduce the heat island effect. Parking lot trees with 30 to 40-foot canopies should be planted to shade parked cars and create a more attractive environment.
b. Consideration of plant materials adjacent to parking spaces should be a priority. Thorns, stickers, and shaper leaves should be avoided.
c. Parking lot area planting should comply with all local/ state Standard Urban Storm Water Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) requirements.
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
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2 - BUILDING DESIGN

2. BUILDING DESIGN
Building forms and facades influence cohesiveness, comfort, and aesthetic pride and can generate pedestrian activity and increase a sense of security. Any good design should take into consideration fundamental design principles including continuity, mass, scale, rhythm, and proportion. All new buildings and remodels should incorporate 360-degree architecture, which is the full articulation of all building facades, including variation in massing, roof forms, wall planes, and surface articulation.

The following standards and guidelines are intended to provide a general framework for design, and do not mandate specific architectural styles, themes, or details. Chapter 3 of this document should be consulted prior to developing building design drawings to ensure that the appropriate community character is incorporated into the building design. The City will be open to considering innovative, alternative design concepts that were not envisioned at the time that these guidelines were written; however an attempt should be made to comply with the general intent of the guidelines provided.
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
2 - BUILDING DESIGN
A.Building Massing and Articulation
Mass is defined as a three-dimensional form, such as a cube, box, cylinder, pyramid, or cone. The way the forms are sized directly relates to the way building elements are emphasized or de-emphasized. Voids or open spaces in the forms can change the form’s appearance and make the building more interesting and less imposing. Articulation refers to the way architectural design divides uniform building forms into smaller, visually distinct elements. Through transitions in materials, colors, textures, and the use of setbacks or projections, articulation clarifies how a building’s components relate to one another. When done correctly, articulation establishes human scale and adds visual richness. Building designers should incorporate 360-degree architecture in all buildings, which is the full articulation of all building facades, including variation in massing, roof forms, wall planes, and surface articulation. Acknowledging sensitivity to a budget, it is expected that the highest level of articulation will occur on the front facade and facades visible from public streets.

1. Objective Standards
a. Buildings with a footprint greater than 4,000 square feet and two (2) stories or taller, must include massing elements at each story (for example a three-story building would have at least one (1) massing element on the first story, (1) massing element on the second story, and one (1) massing element on the third story). b. Building facades on all sides of the building must not extend more than 55 feet in length without the inclusion of one of the following:
i. A change in wall plane depth of at least two (2) feet (projected or recessed elements).
ii. A change in roof height of at least two (2) feet.
iii. Projecting or recessed building entrances or porches. iv. Balconies for each residential unit.
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See Objective Standard A(1)(a).

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v. Architectural detailing consisting of columns (minimum eight (8) inches in width and projecting a minimum of four (4) inches from the wall surface) or arcades (minimum six (6) feet of walking space between facade and arcade, and eight (8) feet in height at the lowest point). Use of columns and/ or arcades must be consistent with Chapter 3 - Community Character.
vi. Use of moldings, trim bands, or a change in exterior material at least once every 20 horizontal feet and at each floor transition.
c. Building facades must not include blank wall space (defined as an uninterrupted area of a single material with no windows, doors, projections, recesses, trim, or material changes) that is larger than 10 feet by 10 feet in size.
d. Buildings must be designed to differentiate uniformly between a defined base; a middle or body; and a top, cornice, or parapet cap through the use of contrasting materials, colors, or textures change.
e. Lower walls of buildings adjacent to a pedestrian-oriented street, from finished grade to a height of 12 feet, must incorporate at least one of the following design elements:
i. Arches;
ii. Trellises;
iii. Awnings (refer to Objective Standard C(1)(e) for awning dimensions).
iv. Recessed entries.
v. Display windows.
5-20
See Objective Standard A(1)(b).

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
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2 - BUILDING DESIGN
f. Multifamily and mixed-use projects on corner lots must include at least one (1) or more of the following features on both streetfacing facades within 25 feet of the intersection:
i. Vertical elements such as towers that extend a minimum of 3 feet above adjacent roof elements.
ii. A different roof style than the adjacent facades of the building.

Flat roofs are not permitted; slopes must be between 2:12 and 6:12.
iii. Building entrances on the ground floor within 25 feet of the street corner must include a massing break of at least 24 inches in depth by eight (8) feet in height.
iv. A variation of material, color, or fenestration pattern of windows and doors from the rest of the façade.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Several smaller, compact building footprints, rather than one large building, should be used to provide an intimate scale and a more efficient envelope for optimizing daylighting and passive solar heating and cooling functions. To accomplish this, large projects, such as twelve or more residential units, should be broken into smaller buildings with several different building heights proposed. b. Combination of one, one and one half, and two story units should be used to create visual interest and variation in the massing and building height.
c. Structures with greater height should include additional setbacks and steps within the massing to create a transition in heights from adjacent properties and to avoid dominating the character of the neighborhood.
d. Surface detailing should not serve as a substitute for wellintegrated and distinctive massing. e. Building elements and details should be consistent with the chosen architectural style. 5-21
See Objective Standard A(1)(f).

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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
2 - BUILDING DESIGN
B. Roof Forms
Roof forms should be in alignment with the selected architectural style through roof pitch and material selection.

1. Objective Standards
a. Roof lines must not extend horizontally more than 55 feet in length without a two (2) foot variation in height.
b. Where roofs exceed 60 linear feet, cross gables or accent roofs must equal a minimum of 30% of the roof façade.
c. Flat roofs must provide parapets around the perimeter of the roof with parapets extending at least six (6) inches above all rooftop equipment. Parapet design must comply with all County of Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Code Standards.
d. Rooftop equipment must not be visible to pedestrians and be located at least ten (10) feet away from the roof edge. e. Parapets must be adorned with precast treatment, banding, cornice or dentil details, or similar edge treatment (for example, parapet with a minimum of four (4) inches in height and a minimum of two (2) inch extrusion from the wall.
f. Eaves and rakes must include at least one (1) of the following:
i. Minimum 18 inch overhang.
ii. Corbel end beams or rafter tails at three (3) feet maximum spacing.
iii. Cornices with a minimum projection of at least four (4) inches.
iv. Scalloped stucco transition to roof tile edges.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Roofs covering the entire building, such as hips and gables should be used instead of mansard roofs. 5-22
See Objective Standard B(1)(a).

See Objective Standard B(1)(b).

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
2 - BUILDING DESIGN
C.Windows, Doors and Awnings
Windows and doors help to define the architectural style of a building while providing daylight to interior spaces and visual interest to building facades.

These features are sometimes accented through the use of awnings.

1. Objective Standards
a. Window and door type, material, and shape must be consistent on each elevation (with allowance for features or accent windows) and consistent with Chapter 3 - Community Character. Up to 20% of the total window area on any elevation may deviate from the primary window type(s) as feature or accent windows, provided such accent windows are identified on the submitted building elevations. b. Windows must be articulated with at least two (2) of the following:
i. Decorative lintels applied to all windows.
ii. Window trim on all windows, a minimum of three and a half (3.5) inches.
iii. One (1) feature window per façade (bay window, bow window, arched window, dormer window, or angled window).
iv. Shutters or awnings on 30% of windows.
v. Recessed from the outer wall plane a minimum of three (3) inches. vi. Non-white vinyl, or non-vinyl frame material on all windows. vii. Window sills projecting a minimum of one and a half (1.5) inches beyond the wall surface.
c. Unless offset by more than five (5) feet horizontally, to enhance privacy, windows for residential units on side elevations within 10 feet of adjacent structures, or private outdoor spaces serving adjacent units, must be designed with at least one (1) of the following:
i. Non-transparent glazing;
ii. Frosted/patterned glass; 5-23
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
2 - BUILDING DESIGN
iii. Permanent architectural screens or affixed louvers at windows;
iv. Or utilization of high or transom windows.
d. Awnings, weather protection coverings, or recessed doorways must be incorporated on multifamily and mixed-use primary building entries to clearly define the entrance and orient pedestrians.
e. Awnings must be made of metal, must feature a minimum depth of three (3) feet, and must be at least seven (7) feet off of the ground to accommodate pedestrian traffic.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Window distribution should assist in improving building scale. b. Maximize daylighting and views through window placement and design. Passive solar design can be used to reduce heating requirements by 30 percent to 50 percent, thus saving money and energy. For organization of the facade, primary upper and lower windows should stack vertically whenever possible. c. EPA “Energy Star” labeled windows with low-e coatings are encouraged.
d. Awnings should be used to add color, form, and relief to the building and enhance building articulation.
e. Awnings should not be wrapped around buildings in continuous bands. Awnings should only be placed on top of doors, windows, and other openings such as paseo entrances.
f. Consideration should be given to placing awnings and canopies on south-facing facades to provide aesthetic enhancement while assisting in cooling the building during the summer months. g. Any shutters should be proportionate to the adjacent windows to create the appearance of real and functional shutters. 5-24
See Objective Standard C(1)(e).

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
2 - BUILDING DESIGN
D.Residential Dwelling Unit Access and Building
Entrances
All entrances should be clearly identifiable and emphasized using lighting, landscaping, and architecture.

1. Objective Standards
a. Individual residential dwelling unit entrances located on the ground floor must be emphasized and clearly defined with at least two (2) of the following:
i. Porch or stoop that is at least six (6) feet wide and four (4) feet deep.
ii. Patio.
iii. Terrace.
iv. Weather protection covering in the form of an awning or recessed doorway. Recessed doorways must be a minimum
depth of two (2) feet.
v. Architectural detailing such as lighting features or decorative address lettering.
vi. Transition in color or material.
b. Building entrances must be oriented towards adjacent public sidewalks.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Access points to units should be clustered in groups of four or less. Long, monotonous access balconies and corridors that provide access to five or more units should be avoided. b. Every building should have at least one entrance that does not require passage through a parking lot or garage to gain access. 5-25
See Objective Standard D(1)(a).

Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
2 - BUILDING DESIGN
E. Materials and Colors
The selection and placement of building materials should provide visual interest at the pedestrian level. Heavier materials should be used to form the building base and as accents on upper stories and walls. Materials and colors should be used to enhance buildings and adjacent pedestrian spaces by adding color, shadows, and interesting forms. Materials and color selection must also align with the corresponding community identity found in the Community Character guidelines established in Chapter 3.

1. Objective Standards
a. Projects must include at least two (2) of the following materials:
i. Wood.
ii. Stone.
iii. Brick.
iv. Stucco.
v. Wood composite siding (for example Hardie siding).
vi. Stone veneer.
vii. Vertical board siding.
viii.Tile.
b. Projects must include at least one (1) primary color and at least one (1) accent color.
c. Accent materials or colors must make up at least 10% of facades facing the primary street.
d. Material changes on building facades must occur at a change in wall plane of at least two (2) inches in depth (projection or recess) or at an inside corner where two wall planes meet.

Material changes on a single, flat wall plane without a change in plane or inside corner are prohibited. 5-26
See Objective Standard E(1)(d).

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
2 - BUILDING DESIGN
e. Natural materials, such as brick, stone, copper, wood, must be left the natural color.
f. Stairways must be constructed of smooth stucco, plaster, or wood and be consistent with the approved materials of the corresponding neighborhood as defined in Chapter 3 - Community Character . Open metal, prefabricated stairs will not be allowed.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Materials selected for multifamily and mixed-use projects should be aesthetically pleasing but very durable and should require low maintenance.
b. Materials should be utilized that reduce the transfer of heat into and/or out of the building.
c. Recycled content materials, such as wood substitutes, recycled concrete, and asphalt, as well as non-toxic materials, should be used wherever possible.
d. The entire development should utilize a consistent architectural style and materials. However; if the intent is to differentiate between uses, some architectural details should vary slightly. 5-27
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
3 - UTILITARIAN ASPECTS

3. UTILITARIAN ASPECTS
A.Utilitarian Equipment
All utilitarian equipment and features should be integrated into the site plan and should either be aesthetically screened from view or designed to complement the architectural style of the project. Utility service areas should be part of the early site design process, rather than an afterthought at the construction document phase.

1. Objective Standards
a. Any outdoor equipment, whether on a roof, side of a structure, or the ground must be fully screened from view (landscaping may be used to screen ground mounted equipment). The material or elements used for screening of outdoor equipment must be as tall or taller than the equipment in which it is screening and adequate space for maintenance must be provided.
b. Utility service areas, such as electrical panels, must be placed within enclosures constructed of at least one exterior cladding material used on the primary building facade, and painted or finished in a color matching the adjacent building wall.

Enclosures must be a minimum of six (6) inches taller than the enclosed equipment on all sides (ensure manufacture recommendations are met).
c. Utility enclosures, excluding entrances for maintenance access, must be screened by at least one of the following:
i. Solid masonry walls.
ii. Berms.
iii. Landscaping.
5-28

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
3 - UTILITARIAN ASPECTS
d. Common box mailbox enclosures must incorporate at least one (1) of the following:
i. A material or color identical to a material or color used on the primary building façade.
ii. A roof form (e.g., gable, hip, or flat with parapet) matching the roof form of the primary structure.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Where screen walls are used, the walls should be designed to blend with the site’s architecture.
b. Transformers required to be installed adjacent to the street should be placed underground.
c. Guardrails should complement the architectural style of the building.
d. Ramps should be integrated into the site design and can be used to create functional or unique spaces.
e. Gutters and downspouts on the exterior of the building should be decorative or designed to integrate with the building facade. 5-29
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
3 - UTILITARIAN ASPECTS
B. Trash and Recycling Enclosures
Trash and recycling enclosures should be carefully designed, located, and integrated into the site plan.

1. Objective Standards
a. Trash and recycling enclosures must be screened with a solid masonry wall constructed of at least one (1) exterior material used on the primary building facade and must include
landscaping consisting of a minimum of one (1) 5-gallon shrub for every three (3) linear feet of enclosure perimeter. Enclosure walls must be a minimum of six (6) feet in height.

2. Design Guidelines
a. A pedestrian entrance to the trash and recycling enclosure should be provided so that the large access gates do not have to be opened as often.
b. Trash and recycling bins should be conveniently accessible for collection and maintenance and should not block access drives during loading operations.
c. Drainage from adjoining roof and pavement should be diverted around the trash and recycling area.
d. Architecturally designed roof structures on trash and recycling enclosures should be used to create a finished looking structure. 5-30

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
3 - UTILITARIAN ASPECTS
C.Lighting
Effective lighting provides safety and direction for vehicles and pedestrians while enhancing architectural building and landscape details. These guidelines apply to on-site lighting for parking areas and lights associated with the building in private development projects.

Light types may include pole lights, spotlighting, wall-mounted sconces, parking lighting, and landscape lighting.

1. Objective Standards
a. Lighting must comply with applicable Outdoor Lighting Standards within SCMC Section 17.51.050.
b. Outdoor lighting fixtures must match the primary building’s architectural style by using colors, materials, and design features that are commonly associated with that style, including but not limited to finish type, fixture form, and detailing.

2. Design Guidelines
a. Light fixtures should be designed or selected to be
architecturally compatible with the main structure or theme of the development.
b. The intensity of light, level of light as measured in footcandles, and the type of bulb or source should be carefully addressed.

Lighting levels should not be so intense as to draw attention to the glow or glare of the light source.
c. Spotlighting or glare from any site lighting should be shielded from adjacent properties and directed at a specific object or target area.
d. Exposed bulbs should not be used. Cut-off lighting is preferred. 5-31
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
3 - UTILITARIAN ASPECTS
e. Uplighting of building elements and trees should use the lowest wattage possible to minimize impacts to the night sky. Light sources for wall washing and tree lighting should be hidden. f. Where landscaping is lit, low-voltage lighting should be used whenever possible to conserve energy. Energy efficient lamps and ballasts, controlled by photoelectric methods or timers, should be incorporated.
g. The height of a light pole should be appropriate in scale for the building or the complex and the surrounding area.
h. Accent lighting should be used to illuminate walkways, entries, seating areas, and/or specimen plants and trees.
i. Walkways and paseos should be lit to an average of one and one half to two footcandles in intensity to ensure safe nighttime conditions.
j. Use renewable energy sources for lighting, such as solar microturbine.
k. Recreational amenities and courtyards should be well lit to enhance the pedestrian experience and create a safe
environment.
5-32

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
4 - MIXED USE

4. MIXED-USE
Mixed-use development is designed to integrate residential, commercial, and public and private spaces all within the same cohesive area. New development should emphasize the pedestrian experience rather than automobile dependence and foster more connected neighborhoods. Typically comprised of ground floor commercial uses, upper‑story residential dwelling units, and thoughtfully designed transitions between uses to create a vibrant streetscape and a strong sense of place.
5-33
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
4 - MIXED USE
A.Site Planning and Design

1. Objective Standards
a. Sidewalks and/or plazas on mixed-use projects must include at least one (1) weather protection or covering in the form of an awning, canopy, umbrella, etc., for each individual internal space to ensure some form of weather coverage is available throughout the entire project.
b. In instances where the building frontage of a mixed-use buildings is not built to the back of sidewalk, the space between back of sidewalk and building frontage must be occupied by one of the following:
i. Plaza.
ii. Outdoor dining area.
iii. Pedestrian amenities (for example seating areas, children play areas, or BBQ stations).

2. Design Guidelines
a. Both vertical or horizontal integration of uses should be allowed in mixed-use development, with an emphasis on tying the uses together with appropriate pedestrian linkages.
b. Mixed-use projects should be designed to create a pedestrianscale environment through appropriate street and sidewalk widths, block lengths, relationships of buildings to streets, and use of public spaces.
c. Consideration should be given to the location and placement of commercial and residential uses on mixed-use projects to reduce odor, noise, light and glare, visual and other conflicts between uses.
5-34

SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Chapter 5 Multi-Family Residential & Mixed-Use
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
4 - MIXED USE
d. In new mixed-use projects, public space should satisfy the following criteria:
i. Provide areas for informal meetings and social interaction with other people or areas for passive and active uses as appropriate.
ii. Provide a strong image and sense of place.
iii. Be a part of the pedestrian linkage throughout the development and adjacent land uses.
iv. Provide an overall theme and visual connection between spaces and uses within the development.
v. Include areas of various shapes, sizes, and configurations throughout the development.
vi. At least one (1) awning, weather covering, canopy should be provided in public outdoor spaces to ensure public space is usable year-round.
vii. Create a pleasant pedestrian environment.
viii.Create an interconnected open space system.
ix. Energize commercial retail activity.
e. Public spaces should be clearly recognizable as “public” (such as plazas) and publicly accessible, and the space should be able to be occupied by people (a person can stand or sit in the area). f. In mixed-use projects, public spaces should be located adjacent to the commercial component of the development that can be converted for joint use with outdoor dining and pedestrian access. However, when used in conjunction with an outdoor dining area, the areas should be designed in such a manner that pedestrian access is not being impeded or hindered. The minimum vertical dimension for clear pedestrian access should be eight (8) feet.
5-35
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SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY CHARACTER & DESIGN GUIDELINES
March 24, 2009
Revised: June 30, 2026
4 - MIXED USE
B.Building Design

1. Objective Standards
a. Ground floor commercial uses on mixed-use projects must include storefront entrances oriented on the façade fronting the primary street.
b. Mixed-use projects must include at least one (1) entrance for each proposed use (offices with more than one (1) suite are not required to satisfy this standard). In addition, at least one (1) building entrance must be provided for each ground floor individual commercial tenant. Commercial uses provided on upper floors must be allowed to share a ground floor entrance. c. Mixed-use buildings with more than one ground level
commercial tenant must clearly differentiate and articulate individual commercial tenant spaces through the addition of at least two of the following:
i. Recessed entries a minimum of two (2) feet.
ii. Awning and/or entrance canopies.
iii. Color and material transition.

2. Design Guidelines
a. The architectural design of mixed-use projects should demonstrate a cohesive approach between the residential and commercial portions in terms of style, colors and materials, and overall character.
b. Mixed-use development should utilize a consistent architectural style and materials. However; if the intent is to differentiate between uses, some architectural details should vary slightly. 5-36

Santa Clarita City CouncilAugust 25, 2026

Santa Clarita City Council
August 25, 2026