Resolution - 2022-109RESOLUTION NO.2022-109
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE
MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN
STANDARDS
WHEREAS, on September 13, 2022, the Planning Commission conducted a
duly noticed public hearing to consider the Multi -Family Objective Design Standards and
approved Planning Commission Resolution No. 22-6115, recommending that the City
Council approve the Multi -Family Residential Objective Design Standards; and
WHEREAS, on November 15, 2022, the City Council conducted a duly noticed
public hearing to consider the Multi -Family Residential Objective Design Standards; and
WHEREAS, studies and investigations made by this City Council and on its behalf
reveal the following facts:
1. The City of West Covina strives to comply with State Housing laws.
2. It is the desire of the City of West Covina to encourage an aesthetically
pleasing local environment. It is the City's goal to encourage developers
and/or property owners to construct housing in a way that blends
architecturally with the built environment.
3. The proposed action is exempt from the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the
CEQA Guidelines, in that the proposed action consists of the adoption of
objective design standards, which does not have the potential for causing
a significant effect on the environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein
as if set forth herein in full.
SECTION 2. Based on the evidence presented and the findings set forth, the City
Council adopts the Mixed -Use Objective Design Standards as set forth on Exhibit "A."
SECTION 3. Should any provision of this Resolution, or its application to any
person or circumstance, be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
unlawful, unenforceable or otherwise void, that determination shall have no effect on
any other provision of this Resolution or the application of this Resolution to any other
person or circumstance and, to that end, the provisions hereof are severable. The City
Council of the City of West Covina declares that it would have adopted all the provisions
of this Resolution that remain valid if any provisions of this Resolution are declared
invalid.
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution and
shall enter it into the book of original resolutions.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 15th day of November, 2022.
APPROVED TO FORM
Tho Mag Kbu6rte
City Attorney
Dar o Castellanos
Mayor
ATTEST
Lisa Sherrik --�
Assistant City Clerk
I, LISA SHERRICK, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK of the City of West Covina,
California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2022-109 was duly adopted
by the City Council of the City of West Covina, California, at a regular meeting thereof
held on the 15th day of November, 2022, by the following vote of the City Council:
AYES: Castellanos, Diaz, Lopez-Viado, Tabatabai, Wu
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Puri Lisa She rick
Assistant City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
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CITY OF WEST COVINA
MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
AUGUST 2022
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CITY OF WEST COVINA
MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
AUGUST 2022
Prepared for:
City of West Covina
1444 West Garvey Avenue South, West Covina, CA 91790
Phone:626-939-8422
Contact: JoAnne Burns, Planning Manager
Prepared by:
KTGY Architecture + Planning
17911 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 200, Irvine, California 92614
Phone:949-851-2133
Contact: Lora Kennedy, Senior Project Manager
In Association with:
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
250 East 1 st Street, Suite 1400, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone:213-788-4842
Contact: John Moreland, Director, Planning
Intentionally Blank
CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Introduction
1. Purpose & Applicability............................................................................................. 1-2
2. Anticipated Multi -Family Residential Housing Types ..................................................... 1-3
Chapter 2: Objective Design Standards
1 . Building Design: Neighborhood Compatibility............................................................2-1
2. Building Design: Massing & Articulation..................................................................... 2-6
3. Building Design: Architectural Elements..................................................................... 2-8
4. Site Design: Building Orientation.............................................................................. 2-8
5. Site Design: Access & Circulation..............................................................................2-8
6. Site Design: Utility & Service Areas............................................................................ 2-8
4. Site Design: Landscaping, Walls/Fences & Lighting ..................................................... 2-8
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CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE & APPLICABILITY
A. Purpose
The purpose of the West Covina Multi -Family Residential
Objective Design Standards is to respond to Senate Bill
(SB) 330 and supplement the multi -family residential
development standards of the West Covina Municipal
Code (WCMC).
SB 330, "The Housing Crisis Act of 2019," is a state-wide
bill intended to streamline housing development approval
processes in California. As a result of SB 330, multi-
family residential development projects and/or mixed -use
development projects with at least two-thirds of the square
footage designated for residential use meeting certain
eligibility requirements are subject to specific review
processes. State law requires cities to approve eligible
housing proposals through ministerial processes based on
objective standards that "involve no personal or subjective
judgement by a public official and are uniformly verifiable
by reference to an external and uniform benchmark or
criterion available and knowable by both the development
applicant and the public official prior to submittal."
The West Covina Multi -Family Residential Objective
Design Standards provide clear expectations on the design
of new multi -family residential development within the
City, outlining objective design standards that allow for
predictable development outcomes.
B. Applicability
The West Covina Multi -Family Residential Objective Design
Standards are minimum design requirements that apply to
new multi -family residential and mixed -use development
located in the following areas within the City:
• Mixed -Use Overlay
• Multiple Family Zones - MF-8, MF-15, MF-20, and
MF-45
The Multi -Family Residential Objective Design Standards
apply to site and building design only. Development
standards such as density, building setbacks and heights,
open space, and off-street parking requirements are
contained in Chapter 26 of the WCMC.
If a multi -family residential development project or a
residential mixed -use development project is eligible for
SB 330 and complies with all applicable requirements of
the WCMC and these Objective Design Standards, then
the City shall approve the project through the ministerial
process without public hearings.
Multi -family residential development projects and
residential mixed -use development projects not covered
under SB 330 must also comply with the West Covina
Multi -Family Residential Objective Design Standards and
applicable design guidelines. The applicable City review
procedures would apply to these projects.
The Community Development Director or their designee
may allow certain deviations from the design standards on
a case -by -case basis, provided the requested deviations
meet the intent of the Multi -Family Residential Objective
Design Standards and are approved by the Planning
Commission.
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MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS I AUGUST 2022
2 ANTICIPATED MULTI -FAMILY
HOUSING TYPES
The City's Multiple Family Zones and Mixed -Use Overlay
allow for a diverse mix of housing types and sizes to
accommodate households of varying economic means,
social needs, and life stages. The following pages describe
the multi -family housing types that are anticipated within
the Multiple Family Zones and the Mixed -Use Overlay
area, along with photographs depicting the typical
building examples. Additional housing types that are in
conformance with the underlying zoning regulations and
the Objective Design Standards contained herein may
also be allowed.
iftI MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022 1-3
DETACHED CONDOMINIUMS
Rear -Loaded Detached Condominiums are designed
to take garage access from a shared court drive behind
the home. Private yard space is provided in a side yard,
a courtyard behind the front portion of the dwelling, or
behind the dwelling between a detached garage and
the dwelling. Reciprocal use easements may be used to
maximize side yard areas.
Front -Loaded Court Cluster Detached Condominiums
are detached dwellings clustered around a motor court.
The cluster group typically includes 4-8 dwellings, although
some clusters could accommodate more. The dwelling
entries face either the motor court or the street, and the
private outdoor living space occurs in the side and rear
yards. Reciprocal use easements may be used to maximize
the side yard areas. Resident parking spaces are provided
in the garages, and guest parking is provided on adjacent
local streets or designated on -site parking areas. Access to
the garages are via the private motor courts or streets. The
motor court may be linear or "T-shaped."
Rear -Loaded Paseo Cluster Detached Condominiums
are detached dwellings surrounding a green court, paseo,
or open space. The cluster group typically includes 4 to
8 dwellings, although some clusters could accommodate
10 or 12 dwellings. The dwelling entries and walkways
face either the green court, paseo, open space, or street.
Reciprocal use easements may extend along private spaces
on the sides of the buildings. Resident parking is provided
in garages, and guest parking is provided on local streets
or designated on -site parking areas. Access to the garages
is via a court drive or street.
Rear -Loaded Detached Condominiums
Front -Loaded Court Cluster Detached Condominiums
Rear -Loaded Paseo Cluster Detached Condominiums
1.4 A I MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS I AUGUST 2022
DUPLEXES & TRIPLEXES
Duplexes and Triplexes. Duplexes and triplexes are two
and three individual dwelling units that are attached to
each other. The dwelling entries face the street or paseo.
Private open space is provided in yards, patios, courtyards,
or upper floor balconies.
Rear -Loaded Duplexes
Front -Loaded Duplexes
Triplexes
REST I MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022
1-5
TOWNHOMES
Townhomes are a collection of attached dwellings with
shared walls and individual entries leading to a sidewalk,
pedestrian path, or paseo. Private open space is provided
in patios, courtyard, or upper floor balconies. Resident
parking spaces are provided in garages, and guest parking
spaces are provided on local streets or in designated
parking areas. Garage access is typically provided via a
motor court with shared driveways. When townhomes are
combined with stacked flats or carriage units, they may
include private rear yards and have entries facing the
motorcourt.
1-6 I MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022
APARTMENTS/STACKED FLATS
Apartments/Stacked Flats are attached multi -family
dwellings with shared walls and individual unit entries
accessed from sidewalks, pedestrian paths, or interior
hallways or courtyards. The automobile access is typically
via a private drive. Resident parking spaces are provided
in individual garages or designated on -site parking areas,
and guest parking spaces are provided on local streets or
in designated parking areas.
iftI MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022
ISI
LIVE / WORK UNITS
Live/Work Units are residential dwellings with a dedicated
work space. The units are designed to provide spatial
separation between the living area and the work space so
that clients visiting the work space do not need to enter the
living area.
1-8 I MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022
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CHAPTER 2:
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
BUILDING DESIGN:
NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY
Provide sensitive transition between multi -family and single-family residential
neighborhoods to protect privacy and maintain character.
A. Transition in Scale and Height. In addition to
compliance with the setback and height requirements
Of WCMC Chapter 26, multi -family residential
buildings (excluding detached condominiums)
located adjacent to or across the street from single-
family residential buildings shall use one (1) or more
of the following techniques on the facades facing the
single-family residential buildings to ensure transition
in scale:
1. Plotting three (3) and four (4)-story buildings
toward the center of the site.
2. Incorporating single -story massing on the
facades facing single-family buildings.
3. Varying setbacks by a minimum of two (2) feet on
different parts of the building facades.
B. Reinforcing Residential Character. Multi -family
residential buildings located across a local street
from single-family residential buildings shall
incorporate at least one of the following elements on
the street -facing facades: windows, entries. stoops,
porches. patios, courtyards, or balconies.
C. Off-street Parking. Off-street parking lots and
carports for multi -family residential development shall
not be located in the front and street side setback
areas facing single-family residential buildings.
2-2 I MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022
Above: The multi -family residential buildings step down in height adjacent to the single family building.
Bottom: The duplexes, located across the street from single-family residential buildings, have entries,
porches and balconies oriented toward the street.
AI MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022 2-3
BUILDING DESIGN:
MASSING & ARTICULATION
Design building facades to support a pedestrian -friendly environment, create
variety, and reduce visual bulk and scale.
A. Massing Breaks and Articulation Features.
Provide massing breaks and articulation features
on elevations facing a public street or a pedestrian -
oriented space (e.g., a park, common open space,
or pedestrian pathway) by incorporating at least two
(2) of the following features:
1. Varying setbacks to different parts of the building
2. Wall plane offsets by a minimum depth of two (2)
feet.
3. A combination of one, two and/or three-story
volumes, as applicable to the building type.
4. Doors and windows recessed by a minimum
of two (2) inches, in combination with other
enhancement features such as awnings, bay
windows, and trellises.
5. Architectural projections such as balconies,
accent roofs over porches, dormers, or bay
windows.
6. Vertical elements such as piers and columns that
protrude at least twelve (12) inches from the
adjacent surface and extend the full height of the
building.
7. Accent materials and colors.
8. Other similar features that effectively break up
the building massing and articulate the elevation.
Building facades exceeding one hundred and fifty
(150) feet in length facing a public street or a single-
family residential property shall incorporate at least
three (3) of the above massing break features.
B. Roofline Variation. Rooflines along elevations
facing a public street shall be articulated using at
least one of the following techniques.
1. A change in parapet wall or roof height of at
least one (1) foot.
2. A change in roof pitch, form or direction.
3. Inclusion of dormers, gables, parapets,
chimneys, and/or varying cornices.
C. Rear and Side Elevation Enhancements. Articulate
the rear and side elevations that are exposed
to public view with similar level of architectural
treatments as the front elevations.
D. Blank Walls. Untreated blank walls over fifteen (15)
feet in height and twenty (20) feet in length visible
from a public street or a pedestrian -oriented space
(such as a park, common open space, or pedestrian
pathway) are prohibited.
2.4 ;% I MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022
Above: Architectural projections and layered wall planes provide
massing breaks and depths.
Left: Projecting balconies and varying roof heights breaks up building
massing.
Bottom: Varying rooflines and building setbacks create interest in the
street scene.
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MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022 2.5
E. Taller Building Articulation. On elevations facing
a public street, distinguish the first story of a three
(3)-story or taller building from the upper stories
using at least one (1) of the following techniques:
1. Variation in fagade materials, textures, and/or
colors.
2. Plane offsets with a minimum depth of two (2)
feet.
3. Variation in the patterns or types of fenestration
or details.
F. Corner Building Articulation. Buildings facing
public street corners shall be designed for two-
sided exposure, incorporating at least two (2) of the
following:
1. Wrap -around porches, courtyards, or balconies.
2. Wrap -around window or enhanced window
treatments such as trim surrounds, shutters,
awnings, and bay windows.
3. Roof plane breaks.
4. Accent colors, materials, and/or detailing.
5. Cropped building corner with an entry feature.
6. Other creative elements that meet the intent of
this standard.
G. Facades Facing Alleys and Motor Court Drives.
Facades facing alleys and motor court drives shall
incorporate wall plane offsets and/or architectural
details. Planting shall be provided adjacent to
the garage doors to soften the appearance of the
building.
2-6 I MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022
Above: Architectural projections and layered wall planes provide
massing breaks and depths.
Left: Facade facing pedestrian pathway includes patios, corner
windows, trellises over windows, and brick accents on ground floor.
Bottom: Facades facing alley drive incorporate recessed balconies,
varied building heights, covered entries, window trims, and planting.
PI MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022 2-7
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BUILDING DESIGN:
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
Incorporate architectural elements and details that add character, interest,
and individuality.
A. Roofs. Roof materials shall have a matte finish to
minimize glare.
B. Entries.
1. Covered entries shall have a minimum depth
of three (3) feet to provide shelter from the
elements.
2. Exterior building entry doors and entry ways shall
be protected with at least one (1) of the following
features: overhangs, recesses, porches, trellises,
or other weather -protection features.
C. Porches. Porches, where provided, shall have a
minimum depth of 5 feet, including posts or columns.
Roof elements, eaves, supports, and railings of the
porch shall be consistent with the architectural style.
D. Patio Walls and Gates. Low walls and gates
for patios, where provided, shall be designed
complement the building architecture.
E. Balconies. Where provided, a minimum depth of
four (4) feet is required for balconies (except for Juliet
or similar decorative balconies). Scuppers or internal
drains are required on all balconies for drainage.
F Fenestration.
Windows and doors facing a public street or
a pedestrian -oriented space shall be trimmed,
recessed, and/or incorporate enhancement
details such as headers/sills, shutters, trellises,
awnings or pop -outs. When trimmed, the trim
material shall be a minimum of three (3) inches
in width by three-quarter (1/4) inches in depth
when protruding from the wall. When recessed,
the minimum depth shall be two (2) inches
from the adjacent wall surface. Elevations with
contemporary or modern design may have trims
less than three (3) inches wide, windows without
trims or flush with the adjacent surface, provided
varied fenestration sizes and enhancement
details are incorporated into the elevation.
2. Windows on the upper floor(s) of a building shall
be treated with similar quality as those on the
ground floor.
3. Mirrored or highly reflective glass is prohibited.
4. Buildings with commercial occupancy on the
ground floor shall have a minimum finished
ceiling height of fourteen (14) feet on the ground
floor. A minimum of thirty (30) percent of street -
facing exterior walls on the ground floor shall
include windows, doors, or other openings. The
percentage shall be calculated based on the
length of the facade frontage and the floor -to -
ceiling height of the ground floor.
2_8 I MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022
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Above: Balconies, patios, accent material/color at entries, and varied window
sizing and treatments add interest to the building facade.
Left: Buildings with non-residential uses on the ground floor shall incorporate
openings on at least 30 percent of the street -facing ground -floor facade area.
Bottom: The combination of metal awnings, varied window sizing and patterns,
and color -blocking enhances the building elevation.
MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS I AUGUST 2022
2-9
G. Colors and Materials.
1. Street -facing exterior elevations shall include at
least two (2) materials (in addition to glazing and
railings) that can accentuate building masses.
Avoid having more than four (4) different
materials on the some elevation, which may
result in a chaotic appearance.
2. Appropriate exterior cladding materials include
stucco, brick or brick veneer, stone or stone
veneer, and fiber cement or engineered wood
siding. Vinyl and aluminum siding shall not be
permitted. Other exterior materials not listed here
may be allowed at the discretion of the Planning
Manager.
3. Appropriate roofing materials include concrete
tiles, clay tiles, ceramic tiles, dimensional
composite shingles, and standing seam metal;
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Built-up
Roofs (BUR) for flat roofs. Wood shingles shall be
prohibited.
4. Railings may consist of wood, stone, metal,
aluminum, or composite.
5. Building exterior colors may be earth tones,
whites, greys, or muted blue, green, and dark
red colors that are complementary to the
building's architectural style and surrounding
neighborhood character. Bright or dark colors
may be used on trims or accents only. Pastel
colors and neon colors, as well as primary colors
used as field colors, are prohibited.
6. Mechanical devices such as exhaust fans,
vents, and pipes shall be painted to match or
complement the adjacent surfaces.
7. Mechanical equipment such as HVAC systems
shall be screened from view with landscaping,
walls, or a material that complements the
building. The materials used for screening shall
be painted to match or complement the adjacent
surfaces.
8. Exposed gutters and downspouts shall be
colored to match or complement the surface to
which they are attached or be colored to match
the trim color of the building.
9. Material and color changes shall occur at an
inside corner, underside of a massing element,
or wrapped to an appropriate termination point
such as a roof break, half -column, furred -out
edge, bay window, or enhanced trim element.
10. All materials shall wrap columns and posts in
their entirety.
H. Accessory Structures. Carports, detached garages,
and other accessory structures shall be designed with
similar or complementary style, materials and colors
as the primary buildings.
I. Solar Panels.
Solar panel frames must be colored to
complement the roof. Mill finish aluminum
frames are prohibited.
2. Support solar equipment shall be enclosed and
screened from view.
2-10 I MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022
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SITE DESIGN:
BUILDING ORIENTATION
Orient buildings to create a pedestrian -friendly streetscape and common
open space.
A. Building Orientation.
Multi -family residential building entries may face
the streets, open space areas, paseos, alley
drives, court drives, or parking areas.
2. Arrange attached multi -family residential
buildings to create outdoor spaces such as
courtyards, pathways, paseos, and recreational
areas, with windows facing the outdoor spaces.
3. Active recreational areas for multi -family
residential development, such as pools and
playgrounds, shall be set back a minimum
of twenty (20) feet from the shared property
line with an adjacent single-family residential
property.
4. The building entry of live/work units shall face
a street, parking area, or common area. The
residential portion of the live/work unit shall be
located on the upper floor(s), or in the rear when
the live/work unit is single level.
5. For multi -family residential development
containing 5 or more units, the garage doors
shall be oriented toward an alley or an internal
private street or drive.
6. To avoid a canyon -like effect where three
(3)-story buildings are oriented facing a paseo
on both sides, either provide a minimum building
distance of twenty (20) feet across the paseo
or incorporate single -story elements (such as
porches and patios), balconies, stepbacks, or
height variations on building elevations facing
the paseo. Architectural features, such as bay
windows, may encroach into the setback area
adjacent to the paseo by up to two (2) feet.
B. Freeway Adjacency.
1. For mixed -use development sites located
adjacent to Interstate 10, commercial buildings
shall be the primary view from the freeway
frontage. Multi -family residential buildings may
not be the primary view from the freeway and
shall be located behind commercial buildings.
2. Multi -family residential buildings located within
five hundred (500) feet of Interstate 10 shall not
have balconies or patios on the facade facing
the freeway.
2-12 I MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022
5
SITE DESIGN:
ACCESS & CIRCULATION
Provide safe and efficient access and circulation for vehicles, pedestrians, and
cyclists.
A. Pedestrian Circulation.
1. Provide a pedestrian pathway from the building
entries to a sidewalk, to an alley or a court drive
leading to a sidewalk, or to a pathway network
within the development site that connects to a
public sidewalk.
2. For development sites with multiple buildings,
pedestrian pathways connecting businesses,
parking areas, and residential building entries on
the same site shall be provided.
3. Pedestrian pathways shall be a minimum of four
(4) feet wide. Where a pedestrian pathway is
located adjacent to perpendicular or angled
parking, wheel stops shall be provided at the
parking spaces, or the pathway width shall
increase by two (2) feet to mitigate for parked
vehicles overhanging the pathway.
4. Pedestrian pathways shall be designed to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(if required), Title 24 of the California Code
of Regulations, and the City's Improvement
Standards.
B. Vehicular Circulation.
Parking areas and garages within a development
site shall be internally connected via a roadway
network that leads to a public street.
2. Site circulation shall be designed to facilitate
emergency access and comply with the Fire
Department standards and refuse service
provider standards.
C. Off -Street Parking Areas.
1. Off-street parking areas shall be designed and
screened in accordance with WCMC Chapter
26.
2. Arrange buildings and site landscaping in a
manner that minimizes the visual dominance
of parking lots, carports, and garages on
adjacent public streetscape. Landscaping shall
be provided within the required setback areas
adjacent to the street.
2-14 I MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022
Above: The pedestrian pathway network facilitates pedestrian circulation and is easily accessible from building entries.
Bottom: The pedestrian pathways connect building entries with common open space areas and parking lots.
AI MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022 2- o
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SITE DESIGN:
UTILITY & SERVICE AREAS
Screen outdoor equipment and storage areas to minimize visual clutter.
A. Refuse and Recycling Material Storage Areas.
1. Refuse and recycling material containers shared
by multiple dwelling units shall be enclosed and
screened in accordance with WCMC Chapter
26. Sizing of the enclosures shall conform to the
refuse service provider requirements.
2. Refuse enclosures shall be finished using
materials and colors similar or complementary to
those of adjacent buildings. Enclosure gates shall
be opaque.
3. Access to the refuse enclosures shall conform
to refuse service provider requirements. The
refuse enclosures shall not be located adjacent
to a public street nor within twenty (20) feet of
a property line from a single-family residential
zone or building.
4. Refuse enclosures that can be overlooked from
above shall incorporate roof structures to screen
the enclosure from view.
5. When refuse and recycling material containers
are stored inside individual dwelling units,
space shall be provided within the garage to
accommodate a minimum of two collection
containers. This container storage space shall
be in addition to the garage space necessary for
providing the minimum number of required off-
street parking spaces.
6. Refuse and recycling material containers stored
within individual yards shall be screened from
street view.
B. Loading and Service Areas.
1. Service, loading, and maintenance areas
shall be screened from public view whenever
reasonable possible.
2. No loading may be permitted from public streets
adjacent to the site.
3. Service areas shall be located and designed so
that service vehicles have clear and convenient
access and do not prohibit adjacent vehicular or
pedestrian circulation or vehicular parking.
C. Mechanical and Utility Equipment.
1 . With the exception of photovoltaic and solar hot
water systems, mechanical and utility equipment
shall be screened from view in accordance
with WCMC Chapter 26 and to the extent
permitted by the utility and/or service provider.
This requirement applies to equipment located
on the roof, on the side of a building, and on
the ground. The method of screening shall be
architecturally integrated with the building design
or landscaping.
D. Mailboxes.
1. Cluster mailboxes shall be located in enclosures
that provide weather protection.
2. Cluster mailbox enclosures shall be located to
allow for convenient, short-term parking for the
mail carriers.
2-16 I MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS AUGUST 2022
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SITE DESIGN:
7 LANDSCAPING, WALLS/FENCES &
LIGHTING
Create an aesthetically pleasing setting with water -efficient landscaping and
walls and fences that provide privacy and enhance safety.
Provide a safe and desirable level of illumination while avoiding light
pollution.
A. Landscaping.
1. Landscaping and irrigation shall comply with
WCMC Chapter 26, as well as West Covina
Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance.
2. A visibility clearance area shall be required on
corner lots and at commercial driveway locations
in which nothing shall be erected, placed,
planted or allowed to grow exceeding thirty-
six (36) inches in height. For corner lots, such
area shall consist of a triangular area bounded
by the curbs of streets bounding the corner lot
not less than fifteen (15) feet from their point of
intersection.
B. Walls and Fencing.
1. Walls and fencing shall comply with the
standards contained in WCMC Chapter 26.
2. Fences and walls located in a required front
setback, such as patio walls, shall not exceed
thirty-six (36) inches in height.
3. Fences and walls located in a required side
or rear setback shall not exceed six (6) feet in
height. Walls required for noise mitigation may
exceed this height limit, as determined by an
acoustical analysis.
4. All walls and fences shall be compatible with
the architectural style of the buildings on the
development site. Walls shall be constructed
of decorative masonry materials such as, but
not limited to, enhanced precision block, split -
face block, concrete, or material of similar
appearance, maintenance, and structural
durability. Fences may be horizontal wood
planks, vinyl, wrought iron, or tubular steel.
Chain -link fence material is prohibited.
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MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS I AUGUST 2022
5. Retaining walls constructed next to public streets
shall be constructed with decorative masonry
materials. Plantable retaining walls may be
considered where a wall is ten (10) feet or more
in height and visible from public spaces.
6. All fences and walls shall be kept in good repair
and adequately maintained at all times. Anti -
graffiti surfaces shall be provided where wall
surfaces are visible to the public.
C. Lighting.
Lighting shall conform to the requirements of
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations
and WCMC Chapter 26.
2. Lighting shall be provided along streets, alleys,
court drives, and pedestrian pathways, on
buildings, and at entries, outdoor gathering and
recreation areas, parking areas, loading and
refuse storage areas for night-time safety and
security.
3. Streets, alley drives, building entries, and parking
areas shall have a minimum illumination level of
one (1.0) footcandle at the pavement surface.
4. Pedestrian pathways shall have a minimum
illumination level of one-half (0.5) footcandle
at the walking surface. Lighting intensity may
increase at pedestrian activity areas, pathway
intersections, and vehicular crossings.
5. On residential development sites, lighting shall
be directed downward and located to illuminate
only the intended areas.
6. Lighting shall be shielded to minimize glare
and light spill to adjacent properties and public
rights -of -way.
7. Lighting fixtures shall complement the design and
character of the environment in which they are
placed.
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MULTI -FAMILY RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS I AUGUST 2022
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