A.

Unless otherwise specified in this section, no person shall construct any building or structure or make structural and physical improvements, additions, extensions and/or exterior alterations, and no permit shall be issued for such construction until the site plan and design has been submitted to, reviewed by, and approved in accordance with this chapter. The property may only be developed, used and maintained in accordance with the approved site plan and design review and the commercial and industrial design guidelines.

B.

When in compliance with all other city ordinances, the following projects are exempt from the commercial and industrial design guidelines, subject to the discretion of the planning commission or city council, as applicable:

1.

Any alteration or addition of floor area less than thirty percent of existing floor area. Such an exemption may only be used once over a ten-year period. In return for the exemption, the planning commission or city council, as applicable, may require one or more of the following conditions:

a.

Architectural improvements to portions of the existing building that are visible from major arterials and secondary highways (as defined in the general plan) or any residential property.

b.

Architectural improvements to other buildings owned by the property owner that are visible from major arterials, secondary highways, or any residential property.

c.

Improvements to portions of the property that are visible from major arterials, secondary highways, or any residential property, such as additional landscaping, a fountain, public art or similar improvement.

d.

Implementation of improvements identified by the planning commission over a specified time period.

Any improvements implemented pursuant to the above four conditions shall be consistent with the commercial and industrial design guidelines.

2.

New buildings comprising less than thirty percent of the total existing floor area within an existing business park, corporate campus, commercial shopping center, or similar development, even if located on a public street, as long as the new building is similar in style to existing structures. Business parks, corporate campuses, and commercial shopping centers or similar development are those that are planned, organized, and managed to function as a unified whole and featuring all of the following: Common driveways, common parking, common signage plan, and common landscaping plan.

3.

New or renovated buildings in a development subject to a development agreement where the development contains at least fifty percent of the square footage committed to retail establishments on one or more parcels tied together and having at least five hundred thousand square feet of retail space. Notwithstanding the exemption provided in this subsection (B)(3), the design shall otherwise endeavor to incorporate as many elements of the design guidelines as reasonably possible, subject to the approval of the planning commission or city council, as applicable, as necessary to uphold the public health, safety, or welfare and consistency with other zoning requirements. Additionally, in return for the exemption provided herein, the planning commission or city council, as applicable, may require the developer to provide one or more of the conditions set forth under subsection (B)(1) above.

4.

Temporary, pre-fabricated structures for public agencies and/or utility companies. The exemption shall apply to the architectural design criteria and shall be for an initial term of five years. Within five years from the date of approval of the exemption, the planning commission, or city council on appeal, may review the applicant's exempted project and consider granting an additional five-year extension, based on a determination of whether the exemption poses a negative impact on surrounding properties or aesthetics in the area of the property where the pre-fabricated structure is located. In no event, however, will the total time of the exemption exceed a maximum of ten years. If an extension is not authorized, or at the end of the ten-year period, the temporary structures shall be removed and/or replaced with a permanent structure that complies with all city codes, regulations, and application processes.

C.

When in compliance with all other city ordinances, the following projects are exempt from design review, subject to the discretion of the director of planning and community development or, on appeal, planning commission:

1.

Mining and landfill activities and businesses located under utility easements that prohibit permanent structures. Modular and mobile buildings are only allowed for these uses.

2.

Construction underground, which will not leave any significant, permanent structure at or above grade level upon completion. Utility boxes, pipes, and poles shall be considered a "significant permanent structure."

3.

Roof maintenance and repair, but roof reconstruction or use of different materials may be subject to design review.

(Ord. 560 §2, 2002)

(Ord. No. 634 § 1, 1-14-09; Ord. No. 681, § 2, 10-22-14; Ord. No. 706, § 2, 1-11-17)

The purpose of site plan and design review is to ensure that proposed development in the city is in conformity with the intent and provisions of this title and to guide city departments in the issuance of permits. In addition, it is the purpose of this chapter to ensure that proposed development is compatible with surrounding development in terms of scale, style and construction materials; that on and off-site circulation is adequate to support the project; that city services are adequate and available; that projects are of the highest quality of land planning and design, and that projects reflect the design themes of the community and are consistent with the city's general plan and land use and planning, all in an effort to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community and to enhance the development, use, occupancy, health, safety and welfare of surrounding areas for residential, commercial or industrial uses or purposes. Further, adherence to the standards herein will benefit the occupancy of existing property, enhance the stability and value of both improved and unimproved real property, and encourage appropriate development.

(Ord. 560 §2, 2002)

A Informal Review. Prior to filing a formal application for site plan and design review, applicants are encouraged to submit drawings to the planning department for informal review and comments. Applicants with applications subject to planning, commission site plan and design review are further encouraged to schedule, through the planning department, an informal review workshop with the planning commission prior to processing a final application for site plan and design review.

B.

Review by the Director. The site plan and design review applications set forth in this subsection shall be reviewed and approved, conditionally approved, or denied by the director of the planning department or the director's designated representative, based on findings made pursuant to Section 17.70.050 and without prior notice to the applicant. However, the applicant shall be notified in writing of the director's decision. If the planning director approves a site plan or design review application under this subsection, the applicant shall be entitled to issuance of necessary permits upon compliance with all preconditions to such issuance after expiration of the appeal period as provided in subsection D of this section. The planning director may refer any application made pursuant to this section to the planning commission for determination. All site plan and design review applications filed in conjunction with variance, conditional use permit, zoning ordinance amendment and tentative tract map requests will be reviewed by the planning commission. Those site plan and design review applications subject to the directors approval are the construction of new buildings, additions or extensions which are one thousand square feet or less in gross floor area in any commercial or industrial zone;

C.

Appeals to Planning Commission. The applicant or any aggrieved party may appeal to the planning commission a decision of the director of the planning department to deny or conditionally approve any application for site plan and design review by filing an appeal in writing with the planning director within ten calendar days following the date of written notification to the applicant of the director's decision.

If a timely appeal is not filed, the director's decision shall be final. The planning commission shall hear the matter at their next regularly scheduled meeting at which the matter can be heard. Notice of the hearing on the application for site plan and design review shall be given as provided in subsection E of this section. The planning commission may sustain, modify, or overrule the decision of the director. In so doing, the planning commission shall make the findings and apply the standard of review contained in Section 17.70.050. The determination of the planning commission shall be final unless an appeal to the city council is timely filed.

D.

Completeness of Applications. The director of the planning department or the director's designated representative shall review all applications and site plans submitted pursuant to Section 17.70.040 to determine if they are complete. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, the application and accompanying drawings, if deemed complete, shall be forwarded to the planning commission for review and consideration at a regularly scheduled meeting in accordance with the submittal deadlines for such meetings as posted in the planning department. The applicant shall be notified within thirty calendar days on the completeness of the application. If the application is deemed complete, notification will include the tentatively scheduled date of the formal review. If the application is deemed incomplete, notification will include a list of items necessary to complete the application, and a date by which all of the information must be submitted in order to be scheduled for the next regular hearing date.

E.

Review by the Planning Commission and City Council. Notice of the hearing on the application for site plan or design review shall be given as provided in subsection F of this section. The planning commission shall make findings as set forth in Section 17.70.050, and based on such findings shall either recommend to the city council approval, conditional approval, or denial of any application for site plan or design review. The planning commission or city council may, from time to time, continue its deliberations on any application to another meeting or meetings.

F.

Notice of the Hearing. Whenever notice of a planning commission or city council hearing on a site plan or design review application is required by this section, such notice shall be sufficient if given in writing by first class mail, at least ten days prior to the date of the hearing, to the applicant and those property owners, as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, whose property, is within a five hundred foot radius of the boundary of the subject property. The notice shall also contain a general description of the subject property, a brief description of the proposed use, the date, time, and place of the public hearing, and shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation at least ten days prior to the hearing.

(Ord. 560 §2, 2002)

A.

Application Requirements.

1.

For review by the director of the planning department, pursuant to Section 17.70.030, the applicant shall submit a completed site plan and design review application on a form provided by the planning department, four sets of site plans, and required fees.

2.

For review by the planning commission and city council, pursuant to Section 17.70.030, the applicant shall submit a completed application, and all required fees to the planning department. The applicant shall also submit fifteen sets of architectural elevations, landscape and site plans, two sets of plain white gummed mailing labels with the addresses of all property owners within five hundred feet of the subject property, and a radius map, clearly indicating those other properties within five hundred feet of the subject property, and any other supporting documentation, such as title reports, photographs, material boards, etc., required by the planning department.

B.

Required Information. The submittal shall include the following information:

1.

Fully dimensioned site plan and all of the following:

a.

Name, address, and phone number of applicant, property owner, and architect/designer,

b.

The correct legal description, including the assessor's parcel number,

c.

Lot dimensions,

d.

All buildings and structures on site and within the public rights-of-way,

e.

Fully dimensioned floor plans showing the proposed use of each area, and all corridors, doorways and restrooms,

f.

Yards and spaces between buildings, including dimensions,

g.

Walls and fences and their location, height and materials,

h.

Off-street parking location, number of spaces and dimensions of parking area, internal circulation pattern, and type of paving,

i.

Pedestrian, vehicular, and service access, points of ingress and egress, internal circulation,

j.

Signs and their location, size, height, materials and lighting,

k.

Handicapped spaces, location and ramps,

l.

Loading location, dimensions, number of spaces and internal circulation,

m.

Light location and details, hooding devices,

n.

Required street dedications, and improvements, as provided in Section 17.70.070,

o.

For residential construction, a statement of intent to use dwelling units(s) as model home(s), or if no such use is intended, a statement to that effect.

2.

A landscaping and irrigation plan showing location, spacing and size of landscape materials as they will appear after three years of growth, and a list of proposed species, including the common botanical name. Street trees and existing on-site trees must also be shown and identified where necessary. Existing trees to be removed or retained shall also be shown and identified;

3.

Hardline drawing of building elevations, showing all sides of the proposed building(s) as they will appear upon completion, including proposed colors and materials, screening details for mechanical equipment, and building height. Elevations may be required to include graphic representation of official datum line and maximum building height and shall include human figures to indicate scale of proposed structure;

4.

Drainage pattern and structures;

5.

Towers, chimneys, roof structures, flagpoles, radio and television masts, all mechanical equipment external to main or accessory structures, and their location, design, site, height, materials, colors, screening, and architectural treatment;

6.

Detailed sign plan, indicating sign location, dimensions, materials, colors, lighting and mounting details for all signs, including directional, advertising, business and project identification signs;

7.

Environmental data and supporting documentation sufficient for the planning director, as the case may be, to make adequate findings pursuant to the requirements of California Environmental Quality Act of I 970;

8.

In addition to the above, the planning director, planning commission or city council may require additional information, including the following:

a.

Section through sites,

b.

Preliminary grading plans,

c.

Colored renderings and/or perspective drawings,

d.

Site line drawings, indicating relationship of proposed buildings and structures to existing structures on adjacent properties and to any public street or other public areas where views may be affected,

e.

Traffic studies required if project is in traffic study area,

f.

Acoustical reports,

g.

A scale model of proposed structures which may be required to indicate structures on adjoining properties,

h.

Any other information pertinent to the application required by the planning director.

C.

Property within Community Redevelopment Agency Areas. If the application pertains to property which is located within a redevelopment project area, the application shall also include, as deemed necessary by the director of planning, an explanation of how the site plan complies with the applicable redevelopment plan and regulations of the community redevelopment agency.

D.

Fees. The fees shall be such as the city council may be resolution establish from time to time.

(Ord. 560 §2, 2002)

A.

Findings. In approving or conditionally approving a site plan and design review application, the director of planning, planning commission on appeal of a planning director decision or city council, as the case may be, shall find that:

1.

The proposed project is in conformance with the general plan, zoning ordinance, and other ordinances and regulations of the city;

2.

The proposed project is in conformance with any redevelopment plan and regulations of the community redevelopment agency and any executed owner's participation agreement or disposition and development agreement;

3.

The following are so arranged as to avoid traffic congestion, to ensure the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to prevent adverse effect on surrounding properties:

a.

Facilities and improvements,

b.

Pedestrian and vehicular ingress, egress, and internal circulation,

c.

Setbacks,

d.

Height of buildings,

e.

Signs,

f.

Mechanical and utility service equipment,

g.

Landscaping,

h.

Grading,

i.

Lighting,

j.

Parking,

k.

Drainage,

l.

Intensity of land use.

4.

The proposed development is consistent with applicable city design guidelines and historic design themes, and provides for appropriate exterior building design and appearance consistent and complementary to present and proposed buildings and structures in the vicinity of the subject project while still providing for a variety of designs, forms and treatments.

B.

Site Plan and Design Review Criteria. In reviewing any site plan or design review application pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, the planning director, planning commission, or city council, as the case may be, shall utilize the following criteria, as included in the city of Irwindale design guidelines, dated November 6, 2008 on file with the city clerk's office.

1.

The overall development plan integrates land with building forms and achieves architectural unity and environmental harmony within the development, consistent with the objective of emphasizing and enhancing the positive aesthetic characteristics existing, developing or to be developed in the surrounding area;

2.

Structures shall be situated so as to minimize alteration of natural land forms, to minimize disruption of desirable trees and vegetation, and to minimize interference with the privacy of and views from surrounding properties;

3.

Building pads should be established and graded as near to existing topographic elevations as possible and in such manner as to blend with contours of adjoining properties and avoid abrupt transitions;

4.

Exterior building treatments are restrained, not harsh or garish, and selected for durability, wear characteristics, ease of maintenance, and initial beauty. All exterior treatments are coordinated with regard to color, materials, architectural form, and detailing to achieve design harmony and continuity. Exposed metal flashing or trim should be anodized or painted to blend with the exterior colors of the building;

5.

Rooflines on a building are compatible throughout the development and with surrounding development;

6.

Buildings and related outdoor spaces are designed to avoid abrupt changes in building scale. The height and bulk of buildings are in scale with surrounding sites and do not visually dominate the site or call undue attention to buildings. Structures higher than two stories emphasize horizontal, as well as vertical appearance, e.g., by the use of projection or recession of stories, balconies, horizontal fenestration, changes in roof levels or planes, landscaping or outdoor structures or detailing, to convey a more personal scale;

7.

The development protects the site and surrounding properties from noise, vibration, odor, and other factors which may have an adverse effect on the environment;

8.

The designs of buildings, driveways, loading facilities, parking areas, signs, landscaping, lighting and other project features are responsive both to functional requirements, such as automobile, pedestrian and bicycle circulation, and to aesthetic concerns, including the visual impact on other properties and from the view of the public street;

9.

The designs of accessory structures, fences and walls are harmonious with main buildings and, insofar as possible, the same building materials are used on all structures on the site;

10.

Proposed signs, and the materials, size, color, lettering, location and arrangement thereof, are an integrated part of, and complementary to, the overall design of the entire development;

11.

Landscaping is incorporated in such a way as to complement the overall development, enhance visual interest and appeal, and visually integrate buildings within the natural setting. Landscaping shall include combinations of trees, shrubs, turf, and groundcover with major emphasis on utilization and retention of native species and drought tolerant plant materials suited to local climatic conditions.

Landscaping in parking areas shall be located so as to provide visual relief from expanses of paved surfaces. Landscaping buffers shall be used to screen exterior trash and recycling areas, loading docks and ramps, electrical utility boxes and transformers, and fire flow valves and back-flow preventers;

12.

Landscape buffers should also be used, in conjunction with earthen berms, to minimize the visual impact and presence of vehicles by screening them from view to the extent feasible from both on-site and off-site vantage points;

13.

Mechanical and utility service equipment is designed as part of the structure or is screened consistent with building design. Electrical transformers shall not be located in required front yard setbacks. Large vent stacks and similar features should be avoided, but if essential, are screened from view or painted to be non-reflective and compatible with, building colors. Rooftop mechanical equipment shall be screened from view of public rights-of-way or integrated into the design of the structure. Particular attention should be paid to minimizing the visual impact of rooftop equipment which may be visible from properties or rights-of-way at higher elevations;

14.

Natural space-heating, cooling, ventilation and day lighting are provided, to the extent possible, through siting, building design and landscaping. Deep eaves, overhangs, canopies and other architectural features that provide shelter and shade should be encouraged;

15.

Trash enclosures and truck loading areas, to the extent feasible, shall be located out of view from public rights-of-way, and shall be of appropriate size and shape to accommodate additional receptacles for recycling materials;

16.

Proposed building, walkway, and parking lighting enhances building design and landscaping, as well as security and safety, and does not create glare for occupants on adjoining properties;

17.

Drainage is provided so as to avoid flow onto adjacent property;

18.

On new development, all utility facilities are underground;

19.

Adequate provisions are made for fire safety;

20.

All zoning ordinance development standards are met.

(Ord. 560 §2, 2002)

(Ord. No. 634 § 2, 1-14-09)

A.

Following the completion of the review procedure set forth in Section 17.70.030, written notification of approval and any conditions thereof shall be made to the applicant. Construction of the improvements set forth in the approved site plan shall be commenced within one year from the date the approved site plan is signed by the planning director. Thereafter, if construction has not commenced, if construction activity has been abandoned for ninety or more days, or if construction is not complete by the time set forth in any condition of approval, the site plan and design review approval shall expire and become null and void, unless a written request for extension is received by the planning, director at least thirty days prior to such expiration or abandonment. Upon receipt of written request for extension, the planning director may grant an extension of site plan and design review approval for a period not to exceed one year from the original date of expiration, or may refer such request to the planning commission for determination.

B.

Any changes or revisions to an approved site plan shall be subject to approval in accordance with this chapter.

(Ord. 560 §2, 2002)

A.

If the planning director, director of public works, planning commission, or city council finds that the development of the property subject to site plan and design review will increase vehicular traffic in that area, the planning director, director of public works, planning commission, or city council may require as a condition to the approval of a Site plan that an applicant provide the following street dedications and improvements reasonably in proportion to increased vehicular traffic which the planning director, director of public works, planning commission, or city council determines is caused by development on the subject property:

1.

When the development borders or is traversed by an existing street, the following may be required:

a.

Minor Streets, Local Streets, and Cul-de-sacs. Dedication of all necessary rights-of-way to widen the street to its ultimate width determined by the city in accordance with city ordinances and regulations; installation of curbs, gutters, sewers, drainage, street lighting, street trees, sidewalks, street signs, water mains, driveway approaches and required utilities; and grading and improving from curb to existing pavement;

b.

Major Streets and State Highways. The setback of all facilities to required distances from the property line ultimately established following completion of street improvements, as shown on the general plan; installation of curbs, gutters, sewers, drainage, street lighting, sidewalks, street trees, street signs, water mains, driveway approaches and required utilities; and grading and improving the roadway for a distance of eighteen feet from the curb.

2.

When the development does not border or is not traversed by an existing street, frontage roads or new roads of any class determined by the planning director, director of public works, planning commission, or city council to be necessary due to the development shall be dedicated to the city. Such streets or roads shall be fully graded and improved with curbs, gutters, sewers, drainage; sidewalks, street trees, street signs, street lighting, water mains, driveway approaches, required utilities, and grading and paving; provided, that where the street or road is indicated as an eventual major street on the general plan, the amount of grading and paving required shall not exceed that required for such existing streets under subsection (A) (1) (a) of this section.

B.

All improvements shall be made in accordance with Chapter 12.04 of this code. If the city determines that it is impractical to require installation of required improvements at the time of the development of the subject property, the applicant shall enter into, and record with the county recorder's office, a written agreement in a form approved by the city attorney to make such improvements in the future. In the event that such an agreement is required, the applicant shall, at the time of entering into the agreement, deposit with the city funds in an amount equal to the estimated costs of the improvement, as determined by the city, or the applicant shall post with the city a performance bond or other security approved by the public works director and city attorney to guarantee the completion of such improvements in the future. In any event, the applicant shall be required to install such improvements upon written demand therefor by the city.

(Ord. 560 §2, 2002)

Before a building permit shall be issued for any building or structure pursuant to this chapter, the building official shall ensure that:

A.

The proposed building is in conformity with the site plan and conditions approved by the planning director, or city council, as the case may be;

B.

All required improvements have either been installed, or an agreement has been executed and cash or bonds have been deposited with the city to cover the costs of the improvements;

C.

All of the required dedications have been given;

D.

All building code requirements have been met;

E.

Fire department and other agency approvals have been obtained, where necessary.

(Ord. 560 §2, 2002)