AgdaPkt 2018-12-03 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.D. - Page 4 of 13 1. For City staff to provide an overview of the current single-family design review process; 2. For City staff to provide immediate, short-term and longer-term neighborhood compatibility and design review policy options for Council consideration and potential adoption in December ANALYSIS Neighborhood Compatibility and Design Review for Single -Family Home Protects Current Process All single-family home projects must undergo a zoning code compliance review to ensure all objective zoning code standards are met and a building code review to ensure compliance with the building code. Furthermore, larger projects, which include new or expanded second story additions, or construction of a new two story home, must go through a more detailed Architectural Permit (AP) process. Although no neighborhood notification is required by code, historically, staff has required that the adjoining neighbors be notified of proposed projects prior to submittal to the City. The homeowner must submit signed letters from adjoining neighbors stating that they have seen the plans, or the applicant must send the plans and project description via certified mail. The Architectural Permit must be approved by the Zoning Administrator (Planning Manager), but generally does not require a public meeting (except for some projects proposed on sloped lots). The Zoning Administrator's decision is appealable to the Planning Commission. In addition, homes built before 1940 may undergo Historical Resource Advisory Review Committee review as well. For projects that require an Architectural Permit, there are two types of standards provided in the Zoning Ordinance: objective and subjective. Objective standards are typically numerical, and can be measured and applied consistently across a variety of contexts. An objective statement would be "the house meets the setbacks, height and parking standards for the zoning district." It is desirable for cities to use objective standards for development, as they are clearly measurable and ensure fairness. Subjective standards often address values such as quality, attractiveness, style, and character. For example, a subjective statement is that the house "conforms to the character of the neighborhood." Obiective Standards The Zoning Ordinance has the following objective standards for home construction and additions: • Setbacks (Varied): The distance of the wall of the house to the property line. There are required setbacks for the first and second story. • Maximum Lot Coverage of 40%: The amount of lot that may be covered by the house. This does not control the size of the second story, which are subject to setback requirements. • Maximum Height of 28 ft. or 2.5 Stories: The total height of the building as measured from grade as well as the number of floors. • Parking of One Covered and One Uncovered: The total number of parking spaces that must be provided on the lot. City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcitV.org 53