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CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
alley. If a fifth or sixth floor
is provided, these floors will
be setback an additional 12
feet from the fourth floor
building face.
• Where the subject parcel and
the nearest parcel outside
the Downtown Plan Area are
immediately adjacent (i.e.,
no street or alley between
the parcels), all floors above
the second floor the third
and fourth floors shall be set
back an additional 12 feet
from the building face facing
the shared property line.
The fifth and sixth floors, if
provided, shall be setback an
additional 25 feet from the
fourth floor building face.
b. Throughout Downtown, Within
30 feet of the closest property
line, buildings may not exceed
one story more than the allowed
height of a neighboring zone.
For the purpose of this standard,
“neighboring” shall mean a
property abutting, directly
across a street from, or directly
across an alley from the subject
property.
c. Except for retail-ready ground
floors (Section 6.5.E.7) and
accessible ground floors at
sidewalk level, all residential
ground floors shall be raised
between 1.5 and 4 feet from
sidewalk grade.
d. The building base shall be
measured from the sidewalk
grade to the (lower) cornice,
string course, or horizontal
plane break. In absence of any
of these elements, the mid-point
between the topmost point of
the first-floor openings and the
lowermost point of the secondfloor openings shall serve as an upper reference point.
e. Upper-floor terraces and rooftop
decks are allowed.
f. The upper floor setback area
may be covered by an open
structure—such as a trellis
or upper floor loggia, shown
below—with a front façade
that is no more than 10% solid,
excluding any parapet wall
height.
g. Ground floor units throughout
the Downtown Core shall be
12’ feet tall, floor to ceiling,
and designed so that future
compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990
(ADA) for commercial use is not
precluded. See the Retail-Ready
frontage type in Section 6.5.E.7.
h. Specified architectural elements
may exceed the height limit in
accordance with WMC Section
14-40-100.
i. Pitched roofs, if provided, should
be symmetrical, and sloped no
less than 4:12, except that roofs
for porches and other attached
shed roofs which should be no
less than 2:12. Gables facing the
public realm should not exceed
30 feet in width.
BUILDING BASE—Highlighted in blue below are the bases of buildings.
Building base heights are regulated in Table 6–5.
OPEN STRUCTURES IN UPPER-FLOOR SETBACKS—The upper floor setback area may be covered a trellis (right) or upper floor loggia (left), outlined in yellow below.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 24 of 58
170 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
C. Building Massing
1. Intent
The standards in this section
are intended to ensure that new
large developments do not have
massive, monolithic façades that
feel overbearing to pedestrians.
This is mitigated by requiring
large developments to create the
look and feel of multiple smaller
buildings despite being a single
large development. This will reflect
the rhythm and scale of the historic
Downtown. New buildings whose
primary building façade exceeds
the length listed under Applicability
in Table 6–6, which varies by Zone,
shall be divided into smaller ‘Massing
Increments’ with maximum lengths
in accordance with Table 6–6. Massing
Increments are visually discrete
design compositions that are: a)
distinguishable from each other and
b) have a coherent look and character
from the ground to the top of the
façade. Not only does subdividing a
long building façade make for a more
dynamic and interesting streetscape,
but it makes the building more
resilient. Should the market change
in the future, the building can be
configured to be easily modifiable
by Massing Increments. Changes
can be made incrementally in this
way, in order to meet the needs of
different tenants or to adapt to other
uses. Buildings that take this more
sustainable approach are a better
investment because they tend to last
longer, as opposed to conventional
developments that get completely
demolished and replaced in order
to start over. Massing Increments in
the Downtown Core and Downtown
Industrial zones shall be differentiated
from each other in accordance with
Section 6.5.C.2.a; Massing Increments
in the Downtown Neighborhood zone
shall differentiated from each other in
accordance with Section 6.5.C.2.b.
If a project is less than the length
identified in Table 6–6 under
Applicability for its zone, its façade does
not need to be broken into multiple
Massing Increments. AVOID: This façade would feel inappropriately massive and monotonous in Downtown Watsonville. Façades whose overall length (A) exceeds that listed under Applicability in Table 6–6 need to be broken into multiple Massing Increments.
INTENT: New development must reflect massing increments (B) which relate to the widths of existing buildings in Downtown Watsonville, such as the Mansion House (shown above).
A
B
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 25 of 58
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CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
2. Standards
Table 6–6 Massing Increment
Dimensional Standards Downtown Core
Downtown
Neighborhood
Downtown
Industrial
Applicability
Façade length beyond which the Massing
Increment standards below become applicable
For façades longer
than 100’
For façades longer
than 80’
For façades longer
than 150’
Massing Increment (max.) 100’ 60’ 100’
Façade height difference between Massing
increments (min.)
10% of lesser façade
height
10% of lesser façade
height
10% of lesser façade
height
Building base height difference between
massing increments (min.) 2’ 2’ 2’
Upper floors setback (min.), if provided
Distance set back from the primary façade 10’ 10’ 10’
Bay width 15’–30’ (see Section 6.5.D for more on bays)
Gap between Massing Increments (min.) N/A 16’ wide by 20’ deep N/A a. Downtown Core and Downtown Industrial. Massing increments within the Downtown Core and Downtown Industrial Zones shall be differentiated in the following ways:
i. Two of the following three differentiation standards shall be incorporated:
1. The façade height of each massing increment—as measured from the adjacent sidewalk level to the eave, cornice, or parapet—shall differ from the façade height of its neighboring massing increment(s) per Table 6–6. Upper floors which are set back from the primary façade per the ‘upper floor setback’ listed in Table 6–6 are not considered part of the façade height. The resulting setback area may be covered by an open structure—such as a trellis or upper floor arcade—with a front façade that is no more than 10% solid, excluding any parapet wall height (Illustrated in Section 6.5.B).
1. A forecourt—subject to the standards in Section 6.6.E.3— satisfies this standard as the façade height at the forecourt is effectively 0’.
2. The height of the building base—as defined in Standard 6.5.B.3.D—of each Massing Increment shall differ from the building base height of neighboring Massing Increment(s) per Table 6–6.
B
C
C
D
D
E
F
G
A
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 26 of 58
172 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
3. Upper floors which are set back from the primary façade per the ‘upper floor setback’ listed in Table 6–6 are not considered part of the façade height. The resulting setback area may be covered by an open structure—such as a trellis or upper floor arcade—with a front façade that is no more than 10% solid, excluding any parapet wall height (Illustrated in Section 6.5.B). It should be noted that this "upper floor setback" is distinct from the setback requirement for the fifth and sixth floors in the Downtown Core Zones.
A. A forecourt—subject to the standards in Section 6.6.E.3— satisfies this standard as the façade height at the forecourt is effectively 0’.
B. Exception: If all upper floors above the building base are set back to create an upper-level forecourt (see the precedent below), the building base height of the module which contains the upperlevel forecourt may match its neighbors. ii. Façade elements—such as openings and balconies that are typically vertically organized into bays —shall not overlap the division between Massing Increments. The entire façade composition must be contained within its massing increment.
iii. Only one massing increment design may be repeated on the same project elevation. Repeated massing increments may not be immediately adjacent to each other. A repeated increment may appear a maximum of 3 times on the same project elevation.
iv. A clearly noticeable difference in façade material is encouraged but not required.
E
UPPER-LEVEL FORECOURT—All upper floors above the building base are set back to create an upper-level forecourt which creates an adequate differentiation between Massing Increments (B).
UPPER FLOORS SET BACK—The upper level of the right portion of the building is set back (E) in order to create an adequate difference in façade height (C) between the two Massing Increments (B).
B
B
B
B
B
C
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 27 of 58
173
CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
v. Any other differentiation that meets the intent of the standard is encouraged.
b. Downtown Neighborhood. Massing Increments within the Downtown Neighborhood Zone shall be differentiated in the following ways:
i. Massing Increments shall be separated by a gap (G) of no less than 16’ wide by 20’ deep, per Table 6–6.
ii. Only one massing increment design may be repeated on the same project elevation. A repeated increment may appear a maximum of 3 times on the same project elevation.
iii. Architectural style variation between massing increments is encouraged to reinforce a pattern of individual, neighborhood-scale buildings, to better fit in with existing buildings in this zone. iv. The use of pitched roofs are encouraged to further relate the buildings to the residential neighborhood scale.
v. Any other differentiation that meets the intent of the standard is encouraged.
vi. Gaps between massing increments may—but are not required to— serve as entries to paseos, courts, side yards, or any other on-site open space. Gaps may also serve as small courts or yards and be surrounded on all sides by building, as illustrated below.
Property Line
Property
Buildable Area
Width
of Gap
Width of
Gap
Depth of Gap
Depth of
Gap
Rear of Lot
Street
Street
Side of LotSide of Lot
Building Footprint in Downtown Neighborhood zone
Gap between Massing Increments
(See Table 6–6 for dimensions)
Massing Increment (See Table 6–6 for dimensions)
B B
B
G
G
B
B
B B
G
G
G
G
MASSING INCREMENTS IN THE DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD
Perspective View:
EXAMPLE—This Gap between Massing Increments serves as a small forecourt, surrounded on all sides by building.
Plan Diagram:
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 28 of 58
174 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
D. Façade Design
1. Façade Composition Standards
a. Façade elements shall be organized by a grid. Patterns of openings within each individual façade or Building Increment—when required per Section 6.5.C—shall be organized into a grid per the standards below. i. Horizontal alignment of elements. Rooflines, openings, and materials within each façade or façade module must align horizontally, and be generally consistent in style across the entire width. ii. Vertical alignment of openings into bays. The entirety of a building’s façade or Massing Increment shall be clearly divided into vertical bays, subject to the following standards:
1. Façade bays shall extend from the ground to the top of the façade.
2. Each bay must be between 15’ and 30’ wide.
3. Openings shall be stacked within bays as illustrated below.
Openings should typically be arranged symmetrically within bays.
BASE
MIDDLE
TOP
Building façades are the walls of the outdoors rooms of the community. In order to appropriately reflect and evoke the heritage of Downtown Watsonville as a town-scale traditional district, new façades should reflect the historic patterns and sensibilities. b. Buildings shall have a base, middle, and top.
i. The building base should read as visually supportive, with materials that appear solid and strong. Building base heights are scaled to the size of the building; their height is regulated alongside building heights in Section 6.5.B. The building base is the primary portion of the façade observed from the street, so it should feature details and materials which are pleasing to the pedestrian. The building base should be differentiated from the rest of the façade—whether by a string course, change in material, change in type of openings, or a combination of these elements. ii. The middle of the building features floors which should be generally repetitive, with only minor variations between each floor. iii. The top of the building should feature some form of capping element(s), such as a cornice, enhanced ornamentation, or a decorative parapet. In larger buildings, such as the Lettunich Building shown below, the upper floor may be visually incorporated into the building top.
FAÇADES ORGANIZED BY A GRID of floors and bays. Each bay in this example features a shopfront on the ground floor with 1 or 2 columns of upper floor windows stacked above. This pattern is especially appropriate for the Downtown Core.
BAY
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 29 of 58
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CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
2. Façade Fenestration Standards
a. Façades shall be designed with fenestration—openings on the façade, including windows and doors—in the amounts identified by Table 6–7. i. Fenestration amount is calculated as a percentage of openings— including all windows and doors on the façade—to an area of façade.
Each portion of the façade grid, as defined in the Section 6.5.D.1.a, must have a fenestration percentage which falls within the range identified by Table 6–7. This is illustrated in the façade diagram to the right. ii. Per Table 6–7, the required fenestration amount varies by Zone and Overlay (where applicable) and by location on the façade. b. General to all floors:
i. Except for shopfront or bay windows, all glass should be set in a minimum of 4 inches from the main façade plane.
ii. Windows should have an external reflectance of less than 15%, and a transparency higher than 80%. Opaque windows are prohibited. iii. Non-operable shutters—known as ‘faux shutters’—are discouraged. iv. The horizontal distance between wall openings should not exceed 15 feet within a façade or massing increment.
v. Exterior doorways count as fenestration when calculating percentage of fenestration of a façade.
c. Specific to ground floors:
i. The façade area of the ground floor is the first ten vertical feet of a building, multiplied by its width.
ii. When ground floor façades have over 90% glass, the illusion of the upper floors resting on a glass box must be avoided. Structural elements should be visible in order to show that the upper floors are supported, whether it is by slender steel column or piers framing or in front of clear glass, or more substantial masonry piers between display windows.
iii. Bedroom and bathroom windows are not allowed on the ground floor façade along any new or existing street.
iv. Display windows which block views into interior spaces may only comprise up to 25% of the required fenestration.
v. Ground floor window sills should be no more than 5' above the grade of the sidewalk.
vi. Section 6.5.E establishes further ground floor fenestration requirements, beyond the base standards in Table 6–7, to create a balance between privacy and transparency according to frontage type. d. Specific to upper floors:
i. Wall openings should generally not span across stories (vertically) or bays (horizontally).
ii. Upper-floor wall openings should be taller than they are wide.
Downtown Core
Downtown
Neighborhood
Downtown
Industrial
Main
Street
Overlay
Gateway
Overlay
Elsewhere
in Zone
Ground Floor 70% – 95% 50% – 95% 35 – 95% 35 – 90% 25 – 90% Upper Floors 15% – 70%
15–70%
15–70%
15–70%
70–95%
15–70%
15–70%
15–70%
70–95%
15–70%
15–70%
15–70%
70–95%
15–70%
15–70%
15–70%
70–95%
FENESTRATION—Each portion of the façade grid must meet the applicable fenestration requirement. This example displays Main Street Overlay requirements.
Table 6–7
Fenestration
Requirements
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 30 of 58
176 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
3. Parking Structure Façade Standards
The façade of the existing parking structure at the corner of Beach and Rodriguez Streets in Downtown Watsonville is
organized like a typical Downtown building and the ground floor is lined with occupiable space.
This parking structure is designed like a typical Downtown Building, and any ground floor parking is set behind
commercial space with shopfronts lining the street. This building could easily accommodate other uses—such as
a. Parking structures shall either be
designed with façades that meet
the standards of Sections 6.5.C
and 6.5.D, or be faced by art walls
(murals, decorative or sculptural
material, etc.) by the approval of the
Director.
b. The façades of parking structures
should fit into the urban context,
and when not faced by art walls,
they should look similar to any
other Downtown building.
c. Future-Proof Parking. Parking
garages which can easily convert
to accommodate other uses—such
as offices or housing—if and when
the need for parking diminishes,
are encouraged. Features which
enable such 'future-proof' flexibility
include:
i. Level floors, apart from
necessary ramps
ii. Floors with 8' minimum clear
height from floor to ceiling
d. Ground floor façade. Per Standard
6.5.A.3.b, structured ground floor
parking must be set behind at least
30 feet of occupiable ground floor
liner space. Vehicular entries are
subject to the standards of Section
6.5.E.10.
This parking structure is designed like a typical Downtown building.
This garage façade features attractive architectural detailing.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 31 of 58
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CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
4. Façade Materials
Fiberglass classical ornamentation and poorly applied.
Heavy stone used below lighter siding material.
Rough-cast finish. Sand-finish.
Materials and design are consistent within each Building Increment.
a. Fiberglass or plastic (false)
architectural elements or
ornamentations are discouraged.
b. Materials used on shopfronts
should be smooth and nonabrasive to touch.
c. Rough-cast and sand-finishes
are discouraged on all building
surfaces that are visible from a
street.
d. Where more than one material is
used for the façade, the heavier
material must be used below the
lighter material (e.g. brick below
siding, not vice versa).
e. Modulations, color schemes,
balconies, and other façade
elements should be consistent
within an individual façade or
within an individual Building
Increment, when required per
Section 6.5.C.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 32 of 58
178 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
E. Private Frontages: Building Access and Ground Floor Design
1. Intent
Downtown Watsonville is to be an
active, pedestrian-oriented urban
environment that is comfortable, safe,
and easy to navigate by foot, bicycle,
or any mode of vehicular transit. As
such, careful attention must be given
to the way that buildings shape and
front Downtown’s network of public
streets, paseos, and open spaces—also
known as the “Public Realm.” The
space between the travel lanes of a
street and the building, and including
the building’s ground floor façade, is
defined as “frontage.” In order to create
a high-quality urban environment,
the design of that frontage must be
calibrated to the ground-floor use
of the adjacent buildings and to
the unified Downtown character
envisioned in this Plan. Frontages
must be designed to provide an
appropriate degree of privacy or
transparency relative to the needs of
the public-facing ground-floor use.
Commercial shops and spaces rely
on more exposure for their success,
Public Frontage
Public Frontage
R.O.W.
Parcel
Building
Setback
Building
Setback Private
Frontage
Private
Frontage
Parcel
Travel Lanes
Ground
Floor
Façade
Ground
Floor
Façade
while ground-floor residences need
added privacy so they aren’t forced to
close their blinds and can therefore
provide encourage “eyes on the
street.” This section provides the
design standards and guidelines for
the private portion of this frontage,
while Chapter 4: Public Realm &
Transportation provides strategies and
recommendations for the public rightof-way.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 33 of 58
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CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
1. Allowed only if a conditional use permit is acquired where necessary for the corresponding ground floor use. See Section 6.4.A.
2. Common entries and small lobbies are allowed in Main Street Overlay Zone, but must look like shopfronts, with clear glass fronting the street. Lobbies should comprise no more than 20% of the frontage, the remaining length being shopfronts.
3. Retail-ready frontage within the gateway overlay is not permitted to contain residential dwelling units, per Section 6.4: Land Use Regulations.
Table 6–8 Allowed
Frontage Types by Overlay
Main Street
Overlay
Gateway
Overlay
Elsewhere in
Downtown
Shopfront Yes Yes Yes
Common Entrance / Lobby Yes2 Yes Yes
Retail-Ready No Yes 1, 3 Yes 1
Ground Floor Office No Yes 1 Yes
Ground Floor Residential No No Yes 1
Vehicular Access No Yes Yes
Table 6–9 Frequency of
Pedestrian Entries
Main Street
Overlay
Gateway
Overlay
Elsewhere in
Downtown
Frequency of Building Entries
(max. distance between
entrances)
50’ 50’ 75’
2. Applicability
The standards and guidelines of this
section apply to any new building or
façade renovation along a street or
public open space in the Downtown
Plan Area. The entire ground floor
façade facing a public street or public
open space is required to consist of the
frontage types allowed in this section.
Private Frontages are defined as the
ground floor building façade and the
area between that façade and any
property line along a street or public
open space. This area serves as the
transition and interface between
the building interior and street
environment. Table 6–8 identifies
six Private Frontage Types which are
regulated by Overlays, with design
standards and guidelines for each
type provided on the following pages.
These frontage types can be used
in combination with encroaching
architectural elements that will be
noted under each frontage type.
3. Building Access
A key role of private frontages is to provide pedestrian access from the public realm into the building. The following standards apply:
a. Access occurs via one of the
allowed frontage types per
Table 6–8.
b. All buildings must take primary
pedestrian access from the
public sidewalk or from private
on-site open spaces (see Section
6.6.E) that directly connect to
public realm.
c. Pedestrian entrances into
residential units may not be
located more than 250 feet
from the tenant/visitor parking
space(s) assigned to that unit, as
measured along walking paths.
4. Frontage Types
The following pages provide design standards and guidelines for the allowed private frontage types in Downtown. The standards specific to each frontage type apply wherever such type occurs.
d. Frequency of Pedestrian
Entries. The quantity of
building entrances on a street
has a drastic effect on the
perceived liveliness of a street.
The frequency of entrances is
regulated by Table 6–9.
e. Vehicular Access. Where an
alley is present and provides
vehicular access to a lot, that lot
shall take rear vehicular access
(as necessary) and may not take
vehicular access from the street.
See Section 6.5.E.10 for the
Vehicular Access frontage type.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 34 of 58
180 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
5. Shopfronts
Shopfronts are characterized by large ground floor
openings, including windows and entries, which provide
transparency and connection between the public realm
and ground floor uses such as shops and restaurants. The primary entrance is typically at sidewalk grade, unless ADA accessibility is accomplished by other means, and provides direct access to the ground-floor use. The basic architectural elements comprising the storefront are large clear windows, doors with glass, and transom windows. If shopfronts have a setback, the setback is typically treated as an extension of the sidewalk.
Design Standards
a. Shopfront openings shall be organized into bays, with upper floor windows stacked above, per the standards
Section 6.5.D.
Design Guidelines
b. Where permitted, shopfronts may be used in
combination with Galleries or Arcades, or where the
setback is sufficient and context is appropriate, in
combination with a Dooryard, Terrace, or Porch (see
Section 6.5.F Encroaching Architectural Elements).
c. Ground floor windows should have a minimum
transparency of 80% and an external reflectance of
less than 15%.
d. If a shopfront is recessed or otherwise setback, and is not designed in combination with a Dooryard, Terrace,
or Porch (as allowed in Section 6.5.F), the resulting
setback should be designed as a seamless continuation
of the sidewalk, not as a landscaped area or buffer.
E
B
C
Design Guidelines MIN MAX
Height to top of transom 12’ 16’
Height to bottom of canopy /
awning 8’ 10'
Width of each shopfront bay 10' 25’
Height of shopfront base 1' 3'
Awning/Canopy Depth 4’ -
A
A
B
C
D
D
E
Where permitted, this area may be used
for outdoor dining and merchandising.
e. All shade should be provided on the
exterior of the building; the majority of
the interior space should be visible from
the right of way.
f. With minor exceptions, all shopfront
openings should provide visibility into
the interior space, and not be visually
obstructed by signage, merchandising
racks, storage shelves, etc.
g. Window sills of non-entry bays should
be no higher than 2 feet from adjacent
sidewalk grade.
Figure 6–2 Shopfront
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 35 of 58
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CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
Frontage Element Recommendations MIN MAX
Height to top of transom 10’ 20’
Height to bottom of canopy/awning 8’ -
Distance to back of sidewalk - 20’
Area of outdoor space* 80 sf -
Awning/Canopy Depth 4’ -
A
B
C
* Does not include public R.O.W.
A
B
C
C A
B
Figure 6–3 Commercial Common Entrance / Multiple Floor Lobby Figure 6–4 Residential Common Entrance/Lobby
6. Common Entrance / Lobby
Common entrances and lobbies, like shopfronts,
should have a strong connection to the public realm.
While not always open to the wider public, they are
spaces that are shared by all tenants which rely on
them for building access. Access to individual units
(ground and upper floors) is provided via a shared
hall/corridor within the building.
Design Guidelines
a. Common entrances should be conspicuous and
designed as a focal-point of the ground-floor
façade. Designs that engage multiple floors
and/or help modulate the façade of the main
building are encouraged (See also Section
6.5.C/D for Building Massing and Façade Design
Standards and Guidelines).
b. Lobbies should be visible from the public right
of way. Ground floor windows shall have a
transparency higher than eighty percent and
an external reflectance of less than fifteen
percent. Window sills may be no higher than
2 feet from adjacent grade. All shade should
be provided on the exterior of the building.
See Section 6.5.D.2 for more fenestration
requirements.
c. In some cases, a Common Entrance may include
or be combined with a semi-private yard or
open space to provide a comfortable, attractive
outdoor public transitional space that allows
congregation off of the sidewalk, standards
for which are provided in Section 3.10 Site
Standards.
d. Common entrances may also be
used with a Porch, Dooryard,
Terrace, Arcade, or Gallery
(See Section 3.6.5 Encroaching
Architectural Elements).
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 36 of 58
182 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
7. Retail-Ready
Retail-Ready frontage is a versatile type that might
host office or residential uses (where permitted) in the near-term and be easily converted into shopfronts in
the future if the market improves for commercial uses.
Design Guidelines
a. The ground floor should be at or with 6” of the
level of the sidewalk, to allow ADA access to the
entry with little to no ramp necessary.
b. The ground floor fenestration amount should be
between 50% and 95%.
c. The setback should be designed and landscaped
to provide privacy when the frontage hosts uses
which require privacy, such as residences or
offices.
d. When in residential use, ground floor bedroom
and bathrooms windows are prohibited along
the front façade.
e. When in retail use, if a dooryard or terrace is
not used and the entry is at ground level, the
setback is typically treated as an extension of the
sidewalk.
f. When in retail use, the ground floor fenestration
should be transparent and provide visibility to
the interior spaces per Section 6.5.E.5 Shopfronts.
Figure 6–5 Retail-Ready Dooryard
Figure 6–6 Retail-Ready Terrace
RESIDENTIAL
FRONTAGE
RETAIL
FRONTAGE
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 37 of 58
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CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
8. Ground Floor Office
The private frontages of ground floor offices, where
allowed in Downtown, must be carefully designed
to ensure that they appropriately contribute to the
active public realm environment of downtown.
Like ground floor residential, they typically
require some level of privacy, but they still have the
opportunity to give life to the street.
Design Standards
a. When located in the Gateway Overlay, ground
floor offices shall conform to all Retail-Ready
standards and guidelines.
b. Fenestration shall be calibrated according
to overlay. See Section 6.5.D.2 for more
information.
Design Guidelines
c. In general, the most public-friendly office
functions such as reception and waiting area
or office amenity space should be located
closest to the primary façade. Areas for
private functions, such as examination rooms,
should not be located on the primary façade.
d. Ground floor offices may take access directly
from the sidewalk and/or from a Common
Entrance or Lobby (See Section 6.5.E.6).
e. The setbacks of ground floor offices at or
near the level of the sidewalk may feature
a dooryard or simple landscaping, or they
Frontage Element Recommendations MIN MAX
Height to top of transom 10’ 20’
Height to bottom of canopy/awning 8’ -
Distance to back of sidewalk - 20’
Area of outdoor space* 80 sf -
Awning/Canopy Depth 4’ -
A
B
C
* Does not include public R.O.W.
A
B
C
C A
B
Figure 6–7 Office Common Entrance / Multiple Floor Lobby Figure 6–8 Office Common Entrance/Lobby
Table 6–10 Common Entrance / Lobby may be designed as extensions of the sidewalk if privacy is not desired.
Raised ground floor offices may use a
Terrace, Porch, or Stoop. See Section
6.5.F Encroaching Architectural
Elements.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 38 of 58
184 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
9. Ground Floor Residential
DIRECT ENTRY T YPES (DOORYARD AND TERRACE)
COMMON ENTRY
Ground Floor Residential frontages provide a
transition from the public sidewalk to semi-private or
private space. These frontages moderate the balance
the privacy needs of the residential unit with the
need to provide eyes on the street to ensure a safe and activated public realm environment. Accordingly, the
closer the the ground floor façade is to the street, the more carefully designed the frontage must be. Ground
floor units are either entered through a common entry
(such as an entry lobby or shared private court) or
directly from the public sidewalk, typically through a
transitional entry element such as a dooryard, porch,
terrace, or stoop.
Design Standards
a. For required residential setback requirements
see Section 6.5.A and Table 6–4 Building
Placement.
b. See Section 6.5.D and Table 6–7 Fenestration for
residential fenestration standards.
c. Ground floor bedroom and bathrooms windows
are prohibited along the front façade in the
Downtown Core.
d. If access to ground floor units is directly from
the public sidewalk, entry may be provided via
a Dooryard, Terrace, Porch, or Stoop. See Section
6.5.F Encroaching Architectural Elements.
e. If direct access is not provided, entry may be via
a Common Entry with shared passageways.
Design Guidelines
f. Privacy for ground floor residential spaces is
achieved through a combination of elevation,
landscape, and setbacks. Residential units with
direct entries should have a first floor level
that is 1.5' to 4' above the level of the sidewalk,
unless the units is meant to be ADA accessible
or Retail-Ready.
Figure 6–9 Ground Floor Frontages and Entry Type Variations g. Windows on ground floor residential are
typically similar to those found on upper
floors of the façade.
h. Ground floor bedroom and bathrooms
windows are should not be located along
the front façade anywhere in Downtown.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 39 of 58
185
CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
PRIVACY MODULATION EXAMPLES
Figure 6–10 Pedestrian and
Resident Interface
5'
10'
The raised elevation of the ground
floor from sidewalk level, and taller
ground floor sill heights (generally
above eye-level), allow residents to
overlook the street outside, while
preventing passers-by from seeing
into private interior spaces.
No Setback (Atypical Urban Condition). The façade is
immeditaly at the back of walk, but window sill height is above eye level of the passerby, maintaining privacy within the unit while allowing the tennant to overlook the street.
Shallow Setback (Very Urban Condition) The façade is
close to the sidewalk (less than 5ft), so the unit's ground floor is raised high enough that pedestrians must look
up to see into the interior. The opaque front door and the landscaping is used to ensure privacy. However, the lower bushes and ground cover soften the wall in a nod to the neighborhood context.
Comfortable Setback/Elevation (Typical Urban Condition).
The combination of modest setbacks and ground floor
elevation - in the form of semi-private dooryard/terraces - provides sufficient privacy and a comfortable buffer
between the sidewalk and large glass openings of the
living room, with more private bedrooms on the second
floor.
Generous Setback (Less Urban Condition). These groundfloor units are at-grade with the sidewalk, with low sillheight. In this case, generous landscape setbacks (15ft) provide a sufficient privacy buffer from the street allowing residents to look out onto the public realm.
i. Privacy Modulation. The distance from
the sidewalk to the façade and first floor
windows is used to maintain a balance
between resident comfort level and
neighborhood security and activity. The
closer a residential unit is to the sidewalk,
the higher the ground floor elevation
should be to maintain a sense of privacy.
See Table 6–5 for ground floor height
standards. However, this height is affected
by ground floor fenestration standards.
See Section D.2.C.V for more information.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 40 of 58
186 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
10. Vehicular Access
Vehicular Access frontages are entries for vehicles into the ground floor façade of the building. They typically provide access to parking garages or through a building to rear service areas or surface parking. Because of their utilitarian nature, their design is often neglected. However, they require particular care in their design as their sheer size and presence along the street wall can make them one of the most disruptive elements to the quality of the pedestrian environment.
Design Standards
a. In the Main Street Overlay, Vehicular Access frontage on a street is not permitted.
b. Outside the Main Street Overlay, Vehicular Access
frontage on a street is only allowed when no alley provides access to the lot. The provision of alleys makes higher quality frontages possible and are highly encouraged.
c. Openings and Bays. Vehicular Access shall be organized into openings which are proportioned and detailed to appear similar to Shopfronts (Section 6.5.E.9). These openings shall be organized into vertical bays in coordination with the overall façade per Standard 6.5.D.1.a.ii.
d. Width. Vehicular Access openings shall be no more than 13 feet wide. Where adjacent openings are necessary to provide entry and exit, they shall be separated by a pier (a portion of wall) of at least 2 feet in width.
e. Buildout. Vehicular Access frontage may comprise no more than 40% of a building's required buildout (per Table 6–4 in Section 6.5.A), and a single project may have no more than 2 Vehicular Access openings on any one street.
f. Parking Structures. For standards related to parking structure façades, see Section 6.5.D.3.
Design Guidelines
g. Entries should be at least 50 feet from the
corner of a block.
h. Gates or doors which secure vehicular entries
should be designed as attractive urban
elements, just like pedestrian entry doors.
VEHICULAR ACCESS
SHOPFRONTS
Vehicular Access can be organized into attractive, well-proportioned bays, just like shopfronts.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 41 of 58
187
CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
Figure 6–11 Vehicular Access
Frontage Element Recommendations MIN MAX
Width of Opening - 13’
Width of pier/wall between openings 2’ -
Percentage of building's required
frontage (C divided by D) - 40%
A
B
C D
C
D
A A
B
Bay
Bay
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 42 of 58
188 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
F. Encroaching Architectural Elements
Projecting Roof Eave
Shop Awnings
Bay Windows
Certain encroaching architectural elements may be combined with appropriate private frontage types—as regulated in the previous section, 6.5.E—to form interesting, cohesive, and active groundfloor environments. These may extend beyond the build-to range—identified in Section 6.5.A— into the front setback and, in some cases, into the public right-of-way. Table 6–11 identifies where these encroachments are allowed and how much they may encroach beyond the surface of the façade. The table and notes below identify which elements may encroach into the public right-ofway, and under what conditions they may do so.
Main Street Overlay Gateway Overlay Elsewhere in Downtown Encroachment beyond
the façade
Encroachment beyond
the façade
Encroachment beyond
the façade
Stoop1 Not allowed Not allowed up to 2’ min. from ROW
sidewalk
Porch1 Not allowed Not allowed 8’ min. and up to 2’ min. from ROW sidewalk5
Terrace1 Not allowed Not allowed
Bay Window2 2’ to 4’ 2’ to 4’ 2’ to 4’
Balcony2 4’ to 8’ 4’ to 8’ 4’ to 8’
Awning or Canopy3 Up to 8’ Up to 8’ Up to 8’
Roof Eave / Cornice Assembly2 Up to 5’ Up to 5’ Up to 5’ Arcade4
See Table 6–12 for
standards and guidelines
Not allowed Not allowed
Gallery4 Not allowed Not allowed
Table 6–11
Encroaching Architectural
Elements
1. May not encroach into the public right-of-way
2. May encroach into the public right-of-way on upper floors
3. May encroach into the public right-of-way provided that the resultant sidewalk width, covered by the arcade or gallery, is at least 10 feet clear from the inside of the post, column, or pier to the ground floor building face. In most cases, this requires that the ground floor façade be set back more than 0' and results in a wider sidewalk than currently exists.
4. May encroach into the public right-of-way if they provide a clear sidewalk width, covered by the arcade or gallery, of at least 10 feet from
5. As a result, a Porch or Terrace may only occur within setbacks of 10' or more.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 43 of 58
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CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
A stairway and landing leading directly from the right of way to an elevated building entrance.
Recommended Dimensions MIN MAX
Stoop width 4‘ 8‘
Stoop depth (not including stairs) 4‘ 8‘
Stoop floor height3 1.5 3‘
Planter/fence height - 3‘
Setback from Sidewalk 2' 6‘
Additional Suggestions
• The exterior stairway may be perpendicular or parallel to the adjacent sidewalk. When parallel to the sidewalk, landscape of 1-2 feet should be provided between the side of stair/stoop and the sidewalk.
• Adjoining stoops should be limited to two entries. A stoop may also provide access to a common entry.
• Gates are discouraged.
A
B
C
D
A
B
C
If utilized, these elements should comply with the following suggestions:
D
E
E
1. General to All 2. Stoop
a. Materials, style, and design
should be consistent with the
architecture of the building and
neighborhood character.
b. Deep eaves, balconies, bay
windows, and projected rooms
of traditionally styled buildings
should have visible supports
in the form of projecting
beams or braces. Balconies on
contemporary styled buildings
may simply project.
c. Glazing on doors should be clear
glass with at least 90 percent
visible light transmission.
Glazing should not be reflective
(mirrored).
d. Landscaping should be
appropriate to the architecture
and scale of the building.
e. Five of the listed architectural
elements—those which extend
to the ground—carry additional
recommendations. These are the
Stoop, Porch, Terrace, Arcade,
and Gallery.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 44 of 58
190 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
An enclosed area outside of an elevated ground floor, usually enclosed by a low wall or fence.
Recommended Dimensions MIN MAX
Depth, clear 8' -
Finish level above sidewalk - 3'
Length of terrace - 150'
Distance between stairways - 50'
Additional Suggestions
• Door and window design should be appropriate for
street-fronting façades.
A
B
C
A B
G C
D
Porches are roofed, unenclosed rooms attached to the exterior of a building that provide access and comfortable semi-private outdoor social spaces that help activate the public realm.
Recommended Dimensions MIN MAX
Porch depth (excluding stairs)1 8' -
Porch width 10' -
Porch height2 8' 12'
Floor height3 1.5' 3'
Between porch and front PL 2' -
Additional Suggestions
• Porches may be used to provide access to multiple front doors of ground-floor units.
• Porches may also wrap around building corners. This is particularly appropriate on corner lots.
A
B
Notes
1 Between building façade and end of porch deck.
2 From porch floor to top of porch columns.
3 Measured from grade at right of way.
C
C
D
E
B
A E
D
3. Porch 4. Terrace
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 45 of 58
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CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
The Mansion House in Downtown Watsonville has a gallery which once featured classical details corresponding to the architecture of its façade, as can be seen in the upper right historic photograph.
Table 6–12 Arcades and Galleries: Standards
5. Arcade 6. Gallery
Arcade Gallery
Definition
Arcades are extensions of upper floors over a sidewalk, supported by structural elements such as piers, columns, or arches. Arcades provide shade, glare control, and weather protection.
Galleries are appendages to building façades that extend over sidewalks, providing shade for pedestrians and often providing balcony space above. They are supported by structural elements such as piers, columns, or arches which extend to the ground.
Location Arcades and Galleries may only be permitted in the Main Street Overlay. They are especially encouraged on south- and west-facing façades in order to shade the sidewalk from sunlight. The required dimensions result in a sidewalk wider than currently exists in most of the Main St Overlay.
Encroachment Arcades and Galleries shall extend to a distance of 2 feet from the curb face.
Sidewalk The resultant sidewalk width, covered by the arcade, shall be at least 10 feet clear from inside of the vertical support to ground floor building face.
Vertical Supports Vertical supports may be piers, columns, or arches. Vertical supports may not exceed 3 feet in width. Typically, the width of the support should not exceed 1/5th of the distance between supports.
Openings The openings between vertical supports, as seen from the street, should be taller than they are wide. Openings shall correlate with façade bays (see Section 6.5.D).
Clearance The minimum vertical clearance at each opening shall be a minimum of 12’, excluding decorative brackets, spandrels, and/or lower portions of arches.
Height Only floors 2, 3, and 4 may extend over the sidewalk. Any floor above the 4th floor shall be at or behind the build-to range.
Galleries may be single or double-story, and should correlate with building floors.
2'
2'
A
A
A
B
C
C
C
D
E
B
D
E
B
D
E
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 46 of 58
192 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
Section 6.6
SITE STANDARDS
& GUIDELINES
A. Introduction
B. Specific to Waste & Utility
Placement
1. Intent
The following site standards and
guidelines are generally intended
to inform the design and location of
elements of site for the purpose of the
health, safety, and general welfare
of the immediate occupants of each
building, and for the neighborhood.
1. Utility access and equipment
2. Applicability
The following standards apply to all
new development, or whenever belowmentioned features are introduced to an existing development. The sections
below shall be applied as standards
unless strict compliance is determined
by the Zoning Administrator to be
incompatible with the requirements
of other departments or agencies,
in which case they may be applied
as guidelines. In cases where the
Zoning Administrator determines
that deviations from the strict
interpretation of any standard in this
section is appropriate, the Zoning
Administrator shall also seek to
ensure that the obvious intent of each
standard is still met.
a. Utility access and equipment such as back-flow preventers, transformer boxes, gas and electric meters, and other utilities should be placed within or adjacent to and be accessed from the alley, subject to the requirements and approval of the associated utility company. On lots with no alley, meters and similar equipment should be underground vaults or in utility rooms/closets within buildings, were possible. If such locations are infeasible, these services should be in inconspicuous locations along the sides of project sites and should be thoroughly screened from public view.
2. Mechanical and electrical equipment
a. All mechanical and electrical equipment – including, but not limited to, airconditioning units, antennas, garage door motors – whether roof-mounted, ground-mounted or otherwise, should be screened from public view or located so as not to be visible from streets. Such equipment and related screening should be designed with materials and colors that conform to and are an integral part of the design of the building. i. Mechanical equipment that generates noise, smoke or odors, should not be located on or within 10 feet of a public right of way or any on-site common open spaces.
ii. Noise- and odor-generating equipment and containers should be located in areas that will not create a nuisance to adjacent properties, with bins being covered when possible. Openings to trash enclosures should always be shielded from public rights of way.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 47 of 58
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CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
3. Telecommunication Devices
a. Telecommunication devices (such as satellite dishes or other equipment) should be screened from public view or located so as not to be visible from streets. Applicants are encouraged to work with satellite providers to locate satellite dishes out of view on building roofs and/or on rear yard or side yard facing façades if adequate signal strength and quality can be achieved. In multi-family and multi-tenant buildings, conduits should be provided from such a location to each unit.
4. Wet Utilities
a. Wet utilities should typically be located in the street but may be located in the alley to address topographical, efficiency or other engineering reasons. If “wet” and “dry” utilities are co-located in the alley, proper trench separation and utility access must be ensured. On lots with no alley, all “wet” utilities should be in the street or public right-of-way. Utility meters and entrances should also be provided below-grade in the street or sidewalk and should be flush with the surrounding grade.
5. Service Entrances & Waste Disposal Areas
a. Service entrances, waste disposal areas, and other similar service areas should be located adjacent to alleys and take their access from them. On lots with no alley, these areas should be located as far away from – and screened from views from – the public right of way as practical.
Example of an appropriately placed
double standpipe connection in the base
of a building at the sidewalk.
Example of inappropriately placed check
valves and other utility devices in the
front yard of a commercial building.
Example of inappropriately placed
ground-level utilities in a parkway.
Example of inappropriately placed utility
boxes in a parkway.
Wherever possible, mechanical/utilities
equipment should be placed in alleys. In
this example, they are further shielded by
architectural elements and a hedge.
Example of mechanical equipment
well-screened by an architectural
element incorporated into the building's
composition.
AVOID
AVOID
AVOID
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 48 of 58
194 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
C. Specific to Site Walls
1. Fence and Wall Heights
a. Fence and wall heights shall be measured from the grade directly below.
In cases where the grade differs on either side of the fence or wall, the lower measuring point shall be the average between the grades of the sides.
Fences and walls (including retaining walls) must be set back at least 18 inches from the sidewalk.
2. Entrance Arbors
a. Entrance arbors up to 9 feet in height and 5 feet in width may be permitted.
3. General to frontages
a. Fence and wall posts within the front setback shall be limited to 3.5 feet in height.
b. Retaining walls may not have more than 3 feet of difference between the grade on either side. Fences or walls up to 3.5 feet in height may be erected above retaining walls provided that:
i. Any fence or wall more than 3.5 feet as measured from the sidewalk is at least 50% open.
ii. At no point does the fence intrude into the line of visibility between the landing of the entrance(s) of the primary building(s) and the sidewalk.
This shall be measured from point that are 5 feet above said landing(s) and 5 feet above the sidewalk.
4. Specific to Corner Lots
a. On corner lots, fences and walls may reach 6 feet in height to enclose the private rear yard from the side street, but must be set back at least as far back as the building face of the primary building. Fences and walls may reach 8 feet in height, provided that any portion of the fence or wall that is more than 6 feet in height is at least 50% open.
5. Specific to interior side yards and rear yards
a. Fences and walls may reach 6 feet in height and flush with the façade of the primary building. Interior side and rear fences and walls may reach 8 feet in height, provided that any portion of the fence or wall that is more than 6 feet in height is at least 50% open.
b. Any rear fence or wall along any alley shall be so constructed as to provide a space in the rear yard that is sufficient in length, depth, and height to house trash bins off of the alley. If another area within the rear yard meets this requirement, it shall not be necessary to incorporate such a space for trash bins into the fence or wall.
c. Gates and doors on rear fences shall not open outward towards the alley but shall be designed to over inward to the property.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 49 of 58
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CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
Landscaped
retaining wall
and fence.
Landscaped
fencing set back
from sidewalk
Entrance arbor. Cafe rearyard
with a wood
fence.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 50 of 58
196 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
D. Specific to Lighting
Shielded and/or frosted lighting avoids off-site glare.
1. General to All
a. Site lighting should be shielded by permanent attachments to light fixtures so that light sources are not visible from a public way and to prevent off-site glare.
b. Wall-pack types of lighting are not recommended, but if proposed must be provided with full cutoff shields and must contribute to the architecture of the building.
c. Specific to residential ground floors: site and building-mounted luminaires should produce initial illuminance value no greater than 0.04 horizontal and vertical footcandles.
d. Specific to nonresidential ground floors: site and building-mounted luminaires should produce a maximum initial illuminance value no greater than 0.1 horizontal and vertical footcandles at the boundary with adjoining residential lots, and no greater than 0.01 horizontal footcandles 10 feet beyond that boundary.
On-site light sources should be shielded from the public right-of-way.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 51 of 58
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A court may provide access to private residences or amenity spaces. Forecourts help transition from the public to private realm.
E. On-Site Open Space
1. Introduction
On-site open space is private or shared outdoor space that exists for the enjoyment and use of building tenants, and sometimes the public. It can also provide comfortable paths through which pedestrian access is provided from the street to any buildings (or portions of buildings) that lack direct street frontage. This Section identifies a series of open space types and design characteristics of each type.
2. Court
a. Description. A court is an open space surrounded by one or more buildings, for use by residents or tenants, or for activation as a public plaza or outdoor dining area. It can provide visitor access from the street to dwellings, retail, office spaces, or buildings within the lot that lack direct access from the street.
b. Guidelines. A court’s perimeter should be coherent and well-defined by walls on at least three sides. Courts should include a minimum of one shared amenity, such as a seating area, fountain, BBQ island, or outdoor fireplace.
3. Forecourt
a. Description. A forecourt is a court that abuts the public sidewalk. Where forecourts give access to retail and other public uses, they function as an extension of the public realm. Where forecourts grant access to residential or other private uses, they function as transitional spaces between the public and private realms.
b. Guidelines. Forecourts should be a minimum of 15’ x 15’ in size. c. Build-Out Requirements. A forecourt is a permitted exception to the build-out requirement for a lot. See Section 6.5.A.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 52 of 58
198 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
Rear yards can
contain amenities
for multi-family
buildings.
Single- and multifamily residences
separated by side
yards.
4. Side Yard 5. Rear Yard
a. Description. A side yard is an open space along one side of a building. It can serve as a semi-private space through which visitor access is provided to one or more buildings or dwellings, or it can be a private space for the exclusive use of the residents of one or more dwellings. b. Guidelines. Side yards should be defined by buildings on a minimum of two sides. Side yards should not exceed twenty-five feet in width where adjacent to streets or public open spaces.
c. Build-Out Requirements. An entry to a side yard is a permitted exception to the build-out requirement for a lot. See Section 6.5.A. a. Description. A rear yard is a private, landscaped open space located behind a building. It is for the use of the residents or users of one or more dwellings.
b. Guidelines. For buildings with two or more units, a rear yard may be divided into separated private yards, provided each private yard is directly adjacent to the dwelling unit.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 53 of 58
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CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
A roof deck/
terrace used as
a dining area for
restaurants.
A passage may
provide access to
residential units.
6. Passage 7. Roof Deck/Terrace
a. Description. Passages provide a pedestrian connection between or through buildings, from the street to a court, building entrance, or rear parking lot. Passages may be covered or uncovered. They may be gated or completely open to the street. Passages which provide public access through a block are known as paseos (See Chapter 4).
b. Guidelines. Passages should be a minimum of six feet in width. c. Build-Out Requirements. An entry to a passage is a permitted exception to the build-out requirement for a lot. See Section 6.5.A. a. Description. A roof deck or terrace is an outdoor gathering space that may be assigned to individual units or shared by all residents or tenants of a building.
b. Guidelines. Roof decks should include a minimum of one amenity and design element, such as a trellis, seating area, fountain, landscaping, or outdoor fireplace to encourage their use as an outdoor gathering place.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 54 of 58
200 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
Section 6.7
GENERAL DEFINITIONS
Introduction. The following definitions are supplemental to those in the Watsonville Municipal Code. When in conflict, the definitions herein shall prevail.
Bay Window. A window that projects
from any building elevation.
Block. An aggregation of lots which
are bound on all sides by public
rights of way. Block dimensions are
measured along private property lines.
Building Base. The visually unified
horizontal portion of a building that
begins on the ground and extends one
or more floors, typically ending at an
architectural feature like a cornice
or string course. The building base
appears to be holding up the upper
floors.
Building Length. The length of the
building as measured parallel to the
front property line.
Build-to range. The conceptual
range parallel to a front or sidestreet property line that a specified percentage of the building face must
Access Drive. A private right of way
primarily intended as vehicular access
to on-site parking or loading.
Alley. A narrow service street which
provides secondary access to the rear of
lots within a block. Driveways, parking
aisles, and fire lanes are not alleys.
Arbor (entrance arbor). A wooden
structure that is intended to define an
entrance into an on-site outdoor space,
such as a front yard or parking lot.
Arcade. A façade with a ground floor
colonnade supporting the upper stories
of the building, intended to provide
shade, glare control, and weather
protection.
Bay. A fifteen- to thirty-foot wide
division of a façade that extends
from the ground to the top of the
façade. Bays are typically internally
symmetrical.
fall within (see Frontage Buildout
Requirement).
Close. A dead-end street which
contains a landscaped median. Rather
than having a turnaround bulb at
its terminus, the landscaped median
within a close maintains a consistent
width along its entire length.
Chamfered corner. A bevel where
two perpendicular building faces
meet, resulting in a third face at a
45-degree angle.
Civic Building. A private or public
structure of civic importance that
is noncommercial in nature. This
includes, but is not limited to, schools,
places of worship, libraries, museums,
city hall, or any other building type
that has historically been prominently
featured in traditional cities and
towns as a center of public life. Civic
buildings do not include retail or
mixed-use buildings, residential
buildings, day care facilities, privatelyowned office buildings, or municipal yards.
Civic Space. Outdoor space that is
either owned by the City and intended
for public use, or is on a private parcel,
immediately adjacent to a right of way,
and functions as public open space.
Court. A court is an open space
surrounded by one or more buildings,
for use by residents or tenants, or for
activation as a public plaza or outdoor
dining area. It can provide visitor
access from the street to dwellings,
retail, office spaces, or buildings
within the lot that lack direct access
from the street.
Director. The Director of Community
Development, or designee.
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Exhibit A
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Dormer Window. An individual
roofed window that protrudes out of a
sloped roof.
Drive Aisle. A vehicular lane within a
parking lot that provides access to the
individual parking spaces.
Driveway. A vehicular lane within a
lot that leads to on-site parking.
Encroachment. Any structure
extending beyond the build-to range
into a required setback area or, in some
cases, into the public right-of-way.
Fenestration. All openings on the
façade, including windows and doors.
Fire Lane. An on-site right of way
required by the Fire Marshal for the
access of emergency vehicles.
Forecourt. A court that abuts the
public sidewalk. Where forecourts
give access to retail and other public
uses, they function as an extension of
the public realm. Where forecourts
grant access to residential or other
private uses, they function as
transitional spaces between the public
and private realms.
Frontage Buildout Requirement.
The requirement that a specified
portion of building façade meet the
build-to range along a street-adjacent
property line.
Frontage, Private. The ground floor
building façade and the area between
the building façade and any property
line along a street or public open space.
Frontage, Public. The space between
any street-adjacent property line and
the first travel lane in the roadway.
Gallery. A ground-floor colonnade
that supports a shed roof or deck
that covers the sidewalk, intended
to provide shade, glare control, and
weather protection.
Gratuitous complication (façades).
Façade modulations that have no
discernible function or meaning.
This does not refer to architectural
ornamentation, which might include
eaves, entablature, bay windows,
oriels, window and door surrounds,
light fixtures, canopies, balconies, or
other historically purposeful aesthetic
embellishments.
Ground Floor. The floor of a building
located nearest to the level of the
existing grade around the building.
Half-Story. The uppermost story of
a building in which the sloping roof
forms the walls. These are often lighted
by dormer windows and include knee
walls under roof slopes.
Industrial Building. A building
or portion of building for which the
primary use is industrial in nature,
and includes manufacturing, assembly,
fabrication, or repair processes.
Local Symmetry. The balanced
distribution of equivalent forms or
spaces on either side of an imaginary
central vertical line. A locally
symmetrical condition occurs only on
a portion of the building, and does not
refer to the entire building or façade.
Lot. A portion of land delineated from
others to host an allowed development.
Lot Line. A front, side, or rear edge of
a lot. For the purpose of this code, lot
line is synonymous with property line.
Loggia. A gallery or room with one or
more open sides. It may be a portion
of a house which has a side open to
a terrace or garden, or it may be a
portion of an upper floor of a building
open to the street.
Massing Increment. An internally
coherent façade composition that is
visually distinguishable from an
adjacent façade composition of the
same project.
Outbuilding. A building on the rear
of a property but separate from, and
smaller in scale than the building which
contains the primary use of the site.
Open work fence. A fence in which the
solid portions are evenly distributed
and constitute no more than 50 percent
of the total surface area.
Paseo. A pedestrian path that
provides a connection from one right
of way or civic space to another. They
are publicly-accessible but may be
privately maintained or dedicated to
the City.
Passage. An on-site pedestrian path.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 56 of 58
202 DOWNTOWN WATSONVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN
Pergola. A wooden structure that is
intended to either provide a small area
of shade or define an entrance into an
on-site outdoor space, such as a front
yard or parking lot.
Pier. The vertical elements which,
when dividing shopfronts, often define
bays or Massing Increments.
Primary Building. A building
situated towards the adjacent street or
public open space that accommodates
the primary use of the site. This is
distinguished from an outbuilding,
which is ancillary in use and form,
and sits near the rear of the site.
Primary Entrance. Doors that include
direct access from the sidewalk into a
building, or into a zaguan that leads to
a court.
Primary Façade. The outermost
consistent plane of a building face
along a street.
Podium Building. A building wherein
units are constructed atop a concrete
podium that contains parking and/or
commercial space.
Retail-Ready. (Syn. Flex Unit) A
private frontage type that is designed
to be easily convertible to a retail/
service use. This entails high ceilings,
a shopfront frontage assembly, and
design that does not preclude future
commercial ADA compliance.
Rosewalk. A wide paseo with
residential frontages on either side.
Rowhouse Building. A building
containing an array of side-by side units.
Shopfront. A ground-floor frontage
assembly that includes an arrangement
of large transparent windows and
a conspicuous entrance that leads
directly into a retail unit. Shopfronts
are spatially defined on either side by
vertical elements called piers.
Side Yard. The required side setback
area between a side property line and
a structure.
Street. A right of way that provides
multi-modal throughput and
primary points of access to buildings.
Driveways, parking aisles, fire lanes,
and alleys are not streets.
Street, Front. The side of the lot that
is adjacent to a street. For the purpose
of this code, any frontage along the
Main Street Overlay or Gateway
Overlay shall be considered the front.
A property may have multiple fronts.
Street, Side (applicable only to
corner lots). The side of the property
that is adjacent to a street that is not
considered a front, except that frontage
along Main Street shall never be treated
as a side street. (also see Street, Front).
Through Lot. A lot which extends
from one street frontage to another,
across the entire span of the block.
Tower Element. A part of a building
that has a relatively small footprint in
relation to, and is taller than, the rest
of the building.
Trellis. A framework of light wooden
or metal bars, chiefly used as a support
for fruit trees or climbing plants.
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 57 of 58
203
CHAPTER 6—LAND USE & ZONING
Page Intentionally Left Blank
EXHIBIT A
Exhibit A
page 58 of 58
CITY OF WATSONVILLE EXHIBIT “B”
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT FINDINGS (WMC §14-12.904)
Approval of a Specific Plan Amendment requires the approving body to make the following findings. Project-specific supportive evidence is included under each finding. a) That the proposed location of the development and proposed conditions under which it will be operated or maintained is consistent with the goals and policies embodied in the General Plan.
Supportive Evidence: The proposed amendments are consistent with the following policies embodied in the General Plan as described below:
Goal 3.1 Orderly Growth – Provide for orderly urban development that respects existing community character and provides for a clear separation between urban and agricultural land uses.
The proposed amendments were identified in the adopted and certified 6th Cycle Housing Element, which provides for orderly urban development by only identifying potential housing sites within the existing city limits. No housing inventory sites are within close proximity to agricultural land uses.
Adoption of the proposed amendments will allow the Housing Element to remain certified, therefore, adoption of the proposed amendments is consistent with Goal 3.1.
Goal 3.2 Containment of Urban Development – Discourage urban sprawl by maintaining a well-defined boundary to contain urban development.
The proposed amendments were identified in the adopted and certified 6th Cycle Housing Element, which discourages urban sprawl and contains urban development by only identifying potential housing sites within the existing city limits. Adoption of the proposed amendments will allow the Housing Element to remain certified, therefore, adoption of the proposed amendments is consistent with Goal 3.2.
Goal 5.6 Urban Design – Achieve high standards of street, site, and building design that are both efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
The proposed amendments were identified in the adopted and certified 6th Cycle Housing Element, which was built on the 2023 Downtown Watsonville Specific Plan (DWSP), which set new high standards of
street, site, and building design that are both efficient and aesthetically pleasing, by identifying sites within the DWSP area for infill development.
Inclusion of the sites identified in the 6th Cycle Housing Element sites inventory increases the potential redevelopment within the next eight years, which will help the City achieve this goal. Adoption of the proposed amendments will allow the Housing Element to remain certified, therefore, adoption of the proposed amendments is consistent with Goal 5.6. Goal 10.2 Transit Facilities and Service – Promote the use of transit as an alternative to the automobile for all types of travel.
The proposed amendments were identified in the adopted and certified 6th Cycle Housing Element, which was built on the 2023 Downtown Watsonville Specific Plan (DWSP), which concentrates higher density residential and mixed-use development in the downtown area surrounding the City’s Metro station. The station was identified as an opportunity site in the DWSP and has received funding to redevelop with updated and expanded bus facilities and more than 70 units of 100% affordable housing above the station. Inclusion of the sites identified in the 6th Cycle Housing Element sites inventory increases the potential redevelopment within the next eight years, which will help the City achieve this goal.
Adoption of the proposed amendments allows will allow the Housing Element to remain certified, therefore, adoption of the proposed amendments is consistent with Goal 10.2.
Goal 10.3 Rail Facilities and Service – Plan and provide for the continued use of rail to move industrial/agricultural commodities and encourage the establishment of passenger service to the Watsonville area.
The proposed amendments were identified in the adopted and certified 6th Cycle Housing Element, which was built on the 2023 Downtown Watsonville Specific Plan (DWSP), which concentrates higher density residential and mixed-use development in the downtown area adjacent to the rail corridor and the historic train depot, which has been identified as a possible location for a new Watsonville train station. Inclusion of the sites identified in the 6th Cycle Housing Element sites inventory increases the potential redevelopment within the next eight years, which will help the City achieve this goal by creating demand for passenger rail service in close proximity to the planned rail station. Adoption of the proposed amendments will allow the Housing Element to remain certified, therefore, adoption of the proposed amendments is consistent with Goal 10.3.
b) That the proposed development is in accordance with the purposes and objectives of this title and, in particular, will further the purposes stated for each zoning district.
Supportive Evidence: The proposed amendments were identified in the adopted and certified 6th Cycle Housing Element, which was built on the 2023 Downtown Watsonville Specific Plan (DWSP). The amendments provide clarification on several elements of the DWSP identified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) that could have potentially been viewed as constraints on the development of housing. The proposed amendments are consistent with the purpose and objectives of Title 14 and support the purpose stated for each zoning district within the DWSP area.
c) That the development will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare of persons residing or working in or adjacent to such a development and properties or improvements in the vicinity or to the general welfare of the City.
Supportive Evidence: The proposed amendments were identified in the adopted and certified 6th Cycle Housing Element, which was built on the 2023 Downtown Watsonville Specific Plan (DWSP). The proposed amendments are limited to providing clarification on definitions and development standards and as such will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare of persons residing or working in or adjacent to the plan area or to the general welfare of the City. d) That the Specific Plan and resulting development will be consistent with the provisions of Article 8 of Chapter 3 of Division I of Title 7 of the California Government Code, commencing with Section 65450.
Supportive Evidence: The DWSP was developed in accordance with Section 65450 of the California Government Code and includes all the required sections and analysis required by the State and the City’s Specific Plan Ordinance, WMC Section 14-12.900. The proposed amendments do not make substantial changes affecting any of the required plan components identified under Government Code Section 65451.
City Manager
Report
September 9, 2025
Park
Maintenance
Fresh mulch at Ramsay Park Pump Track
New shade structures & fountain at Seaview Ranch Park
New drinking fountains at Peace Park & Hope Park
BBQ grill replaced at Franich Park
Palm tree replaced in Riverside 129 median
Santa Cruz
County Fair
Enjoy five unforgettable days filled with
thrilling rides, live shows, tasty food,
and beloved traditions that showcase
the best of our county!
Wednesday - Sunday
Muzzio Mosaic
Ribbon-Cutting
September 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Muzzio Mosaics Art Center,
26 W Front St, Watsonville
Youth interns and volunteers will contribute
about 800 hours to create mosaics using
landfill-diverted tiles, including window and
door frames and three framed 4’ x 8’ vignettes.
While the building is temporary, the mosaics
are designed to outlast it, with the vignettes
able to be preserved for the future.
Traffic Advisory
Committee
Meeting
Tuesday, September 16
Community Room – 275 Main Street (Top Floor)
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Review recent street improvements:
• New stop signs
• Flashing beacons
• Updated striping
• Preview upcoming projects
• Public comments & input on future traffic improvements
Music in
the Plaza
Thursday, September 19
6–8 PM
Join us for an evening of live music.
Bring your blankets, enjoy a meal from our
downtown restaurants or Farmers Market, and
relax under the summer sky with free
entertainment for all ages.
Performance by: Sixth Street Alternative
Community Health
Trust Ribbon-Cutting
Celebration
September 20
10 AM – 12 PM
Franich Park Community Garden
• Join garden partners, volunteers, and neighbors
• Celebrate the opening of a new community space
• Enjoy light refreshments and free seed packets
Wooden Nickle
Bar & Grill
Monday – Saturday
9 am – 11 pm
Sunday
9 am – 2 pm
1819 Freedom Blvd
LINK: https://bit.ly/48b6wxv Page 750 of 779
Thank you
watsonville.gov Page 751 of 779
1 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
TO: CITY COUNCIL
WRITTEN BY: ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS MANAGER VU-DUC
RECOMMENDED BY: PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES DIRECTOR LINDBERG APPROVED BY: TAMARA VIDES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN 2025 TO UPDATE LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN 2019
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive an informational presentation on the City of Watsonville’s participation in the 2025 Santa Cruz County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP).
BACKGROUND:
The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires all local governments to develop and maintain a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) to remain eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation assistance programs. A HMP is a planning document that identifies natural hazards and outlines strategies to reduce long-term risks to people, property, and infrastructure. These plans help communities prepare for and recover more effectively from disasters.
The City of Watsonville first adopted its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) in 2019, which requires an update in 2025 to meet FEMA assistance requirements. To complete this update, Watsonville has joined the 2025 Santa Cruz County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) effort, led by the County’s Office of Response, Recovery, and Resilience (OR3) with consulting support from Dynamic Planning + Science (DP+S).
This update is funded by a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) awarded to the County in 2024. Cities and special districts across the county are participating, contributing in-kind staff time to meet a local match requirement. This regional multi-jurisdictional approach to a HMP provides a streamlined and comprehensive option for the city to meet FEMA requirement to update the stand-alone 2019 LHMP.
2 DISCUSSION:
Hazard mitigation planning helps reduce the long-term risks posed by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and extreme weather. The MJHMP will support risk reduction through informed planning, identification of project priorities, and alignment with other efforts such as general plans, climate action plans, and capital improvement programs. The plan also serves as a foundation for applying for federal mitigation grants, which can fund infrastructure improvements, drainage upgrades, vegetation management, seismic retrofits, and more. FEMA reports that for every dollar invested in mitigation, communities save up to six dollars in future disaster costs.
Planning began in late 2023, with initial outreach and grant development. The County received the HMGP award in mid-2024 and selected the consultant team in the fall. The first planning team meeting was held in January 2025. Outreach, risk assessment, and plan drafting continue through summer 2025.
Watsonville is contributing to the plan through participation in the Planning Committee, coordination with the County and consultants, data sharing, review of draft materials, and assistance with public engagement. The plan is scheduled for submittal to Cal OES and FEMA in fall 2025.
A public project website has been launched at https://mitigatehazards.com/santacruzmjhmp, where community members can complete a survey, access background information, and track the plan’s progress. Additional in-person outreach activities have occurred throughout the year, including community events, stakeholder meetings, and opportunities for residents to review and comment on the draft plan later in the process.
The MJHMP is being organized in two volumes to distinguish between regional and jurisdiction-specific content. Volume 1 will cover all elements required by FEMA that apply across the entire planning area.
This includes the planning process, public engagement strategy, shared goals and objectives, a countywide risk assessment, regional mitigation initiatives, and the plan maintenance strategy.
Volume 2 will be composed of “annexes” for each participating jurisdiction, including Watsonville. These annexes will include information specific to each community: localized hazard profiles, assessments of vulnerabilities and capabilities, and targeted mitigation actions. The City’s annex will reflect the same planning process as the rest of the document but will be tailored to Watsonville’s needs. Each participating jurisdiction will adopt both volumes, thereby ensuring their local plans meet FEMA’s standards within a regional framework.
3 Figure 1: Timeline of MJHMP Update
Once adopted, the MJHMP will formally replace Watsonville’s stand-alone LHMP. The City's annex will serve as its localized mitigation plan, supporting grant eligibility, and long-term resilience planning. Staff will bring the draft plan and Watsonville annex to Council for review and adoption in the first quarter of 2026 (see Figure 1).
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) DETERMINATION:
Receipt of informal presentations is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it can be seen with certainty based on substantial evidence in the record that the receipt constitutes a government administrative activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project that may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment (CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4).) Further, the receipt of information is an administrative activity that would not have the potential to either (1) cause a direct physical change in the environment or (2) cause a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Therefore, any CEQA analysis would be speculative at this time.
Even if receipt of information were to be considered a project under CEQA, it would be exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). The receipt of information is an administrative action involving no physical change in the environment, and does not enable or otherwise effect development.
Therefore, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the action may have a significant effect on the environment.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The update of the LHMP by participating in the MJHMP would support the following Strategic Plan priorities:
Fiscal Health – by providing eligibility for FEMA funding in the event of a FEMA-qualified event Infrastructure & Environment – by prioritizing critical infrastructure processes during such events Public Safety – by updating mitigation priorities to improve the resilience of public infrastructure and programs
4 FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The MJHMP is funded primarily through the HMGP grant, with local jurisdictions contributing in-kind staff time to meet the 25% non-federal match requirement. Watsonville’s expected contribution is approximately 80 hours of staff participation throughout the process.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
No reasonable alternatives are known at this time.
ATTACHMENTS AND/OR REFERENCES (IF ANY):
None.
Santa Cruz County
Multi-Jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2025 Update
City of Watsonville
Council Meeting September 9, 2025, 4:30 p.m.
Presented by:
Clare Peabody, County of Santa Cruz
Courtney Lindberg, City of Watsonville PW&U
www.mitigatehazards.com
Wifi pw: Page 756 of 779
Project Overview
Initiated December 2024
FEMA grant-funded
Led by Santa Cruz County Office of
Response, Resilience and Recovery
WE ARE HERE
Project Website
mitigatehazards.com/santacruzmjhmp
Purpose & Benefits
Why Develop a Mitigation Action Plan?
Required for eligibility under FEMA
grant programs (e.g., HMGP, FMA)
Functions as a capital improvement
roadmap for risk reduction
Prioritizes protection of critical
infrastructure and public assets
Supports broader community
resilience through targeted actions
and outreach
Establishes a framework to reduce
long-term hazard risks to people,
property, and critical infrastructure
Public & Stakeholder Engagement
Purpose
Identify Unmitigated
Risks
Refine Hazard Profiles
Shape Actionable
Strategy
Multi-Channel Input
Public Survey
(2) County-Wide Large
Group Meetings
(10) Jurisdictional
Breakout Meetings
(8) Stakeholder Interviews
Wide Participation
100+ Key Stakeholders
Representation from
All Areas
Significant Survey
Response
Preliminary Survey Results (Priority Hazards)
0 50 100 150 200 250
Tsunami
Wildfire
Coastal Storm Surge
Landslide / Slope Failure / Stream Bank Failure
Flooding
Wildfire
Extreme Heat
Drought
Earthquake
High Winds
Locally Experienced Hazards
(Top 10 Based on Selection Frequency)
County-Wide Priority Hazards
Earthquake Wildfire (incl. Liquefaction)Flood
(incl. Levee Failure)
Drought
Extreme Temperatures
(incl. Extreme Heat
& Cold) Slope Failure Dam Failure Climate Change
(incl. Sea Level Rise)
Coastal Hazards
(incl. Coastal Storm,
Erosion, Wave Run-Up,
Surge & Tsunami)
Severe Weather
(incl. High Wind,
Heavy Rain)
City of Watsonville Priority Hazards
Earthquake Wildfire (incl. Liquefaction)Flood
(incl. Levee Failure)
Extreme Temperatures
(incl. Extreme Heat
& Cold) Slope Failure Climate Change
(incl. Sea Level Rise)
Severe Weather
(incl. High Wind,
Heavy Rain)
Cross-Cutting Challenges
Infrastructure
Vulnerability
Aging / Degraded
Repetitive Damage
Evolving Conditions
Climate Change
Funding
Environment
Data & Capacity Gaps
Hazard Mapping
Multi-Jurisdictional
Coordination
Implementation
Capacity
Planning & Policy
Needs
Enhanced Outreach
New / Updated Tools
Upcoming Milestones
WE ARE HERE
Public Draft Review in Sept/Oct
CalOES/FEMA Review in Nov-Jan
Adoption in Feb/March 2026
APPROVAL HERE
Santa Cruz County
Multi-Jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2025 Update
City of Watsonville
Council Meeting September 9, 2025, 4:30 p.m.
Presented by:
Clare Peabody, County of Santa Cruz
Courtney Lindberg, City of Watsonville PW&U
www.mitigatehazards.com
Wifi pw:
Questions
Watsonville Police & Fire
2025 Illegal Firework Enforcement
WPD Captain Brian Fulgoni
&
WFD Battalion Chief Almita Schaefer
4TH OF JULY
FIREWORKS SALE
• City allows the temporary sale of Safe and Sane
fireworks from July 1st to July 4th
• City profits from the sale of Fireworks (City
receives permit fees, sales tax and a 7%
surcharge from the sale of Safe and
Sane products)
• City acts as regulatory agency to process the
permitting of the booths
• Every year, about 20 non-profit agencies and
youth groups utilize the proceeds of the sale of
the fireworks as a fundraising strategy
FIREWORK INVESTIGATION UNIT
• During booth inspections, the Prevention
Department identified non-compliance
related to the quantity and type of
extinguishers.
• The company responded quickly and worked
diligently to resolve the issue, ensuring all
booths were fully compliant before sales
began.
Firework Booth Inspections
ILLEGAL FIREWORKS
• The concern is the use of illegal fireworks within the City of Watsonville leading up to, during and after
the 4th of July.
• Illegal fireworks are those that are airborne, loud,
and explode.
• Multiple calls and complaints originate from use of
fireworks that cause stress and anxiety for many of
our residents, to include our seniors, veterans and
their pets.
• Illegal fireworks are the reason why we need to have
special enforcement.
PROACTIVE ENGAGEMENT & ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS
- Develop strategic partnerships with allied agencies
• CZU Cal Fire LE division
• Office of the State Fire Marshall
• Watsonville Fire
• Santa Cruz Sheriffs Dept – Bomb Squad
• SCCACT and SCARE
- Created Firework Investigation Unit (FIU)
• One (1) WPD sergeant & two (2) WPD officers
• March 2025 as-needed basis
• June 1st – July 5th reassigned full time
- Drone Unit
• Training – nighttime deployments
• Proper Equipment
• GIS collaboration
- Media Team Coordination
• City of Watsonville/Police Department website banner changes • Social Media
FIREWORK INVESTIGATION UNIT
One (1) WPD Sergeant & two (2) WPD Officers
• June 1st - July 5th
• 11 search warrants
• 2,737 pounds of illegal fireworks confiscated
• 6 firearms
• ½ kilo of narcotics
Drone Team
July 4th
• 4 drone pilots (2 teams)
July 5th
• 2 drone pilots (1 team)
11 cites issued by the drone teams
208
132
143
158
101
0 50
100
150
200
250
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Calls For Service 6/30-7/5
• 2025 had the lowest calls
for service in the last 5
years.
• 36% reduction of calls
FIREWORK INVESTIGATION UNIT
104
124
91 131
93 0
20 40
60 80
100
120
140
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Calls For Service 6/30-7/5
115
88 85
108
75 0
20 40
60 80
100
120
140
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
4th of July Calls For Service
*Calls for service 1800hrs on 7/4 to 0600hrs on 7/5
• 2025 had the lowest
calls for service in the
last 5 years.
• 31% reduction of calls
FIREWORK INVESTIGATION UNIT
9 23
7 24
17 0
5 10
15 20
25 30
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
4th of July Calls For Service
ENFORCEMENT TOTALS
July 4th
• 1 sergeant & 7 officers
• 4 drone pilots (2 teams)
July 5th
• 1 Sergeant & 3 officers
• 2 drone pilots (1 team)
36 cites
*11 cites issued by the drone teams
$41,000
2,802.5 LBS
*2,737LBS by FIU & 65.5LBS collected by teams working July 4th & 5th
Questions?