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8A which are then connected side to side by a seam whose crimp height can vary from several Page 3 inches tall to less than one inch (thus the "low profile" designation). A metal ridge cap is then cut to length and installed over all roof ridges to cover the comer seams. Other benefits of this lightweight material include the application of a special insulating paint which can reflect heat, insure fire proofing and resist color fading. In addition to their relative ease of installation, these materials are also considered recyclable. Although more "sustainable" than standard roofing materials, SSMR's have an exterior appearance which is significantly different in dimension and scale from all other traditional residential roofing materials. SSMR roofs consist of a long and narrow pattern of vertical seams over a perfectly smooth and uniformly painted metal roof panel color. Traditional roofing materials, such as the various types of highly-textured tiles or panels associated with composition, shake or shingle roofs appear finely scaled, more natural and hand crafted. The relatively large scale and industrial manufactured look of a SSMR's metal panels is consistent with the look of commercial, agricultural and industrial buildings. This modern roofing system appears to clash with the visual appearance of Redwood City's ranch style homes, where traditional materials such as a finely textured roof act as character-defining elements which contribute to the look and feel of such traditional neighborhoods. In summary, the small scale and textured materials of existing traditional roofing fit the smaller scale of the traditional single family dwelling, as opposed to the smooth and large vertical scale of SSMR's module panels which reflect a more non-residential function. A survey of neighboring cities indicates that visual compatibility concerns associated with SSMR's are a relatively recent issue and few cities have prohibited - or allowed outright - such roofs in their single-family residential areas (see Attachment 8). Architectural Context Analysis Redwood City contains various development types which reflect the town's historic growth pattern. For many of its citizens, it is this combination of variety and consistency in the urban fabric which makes Redwood City a unique and desirable place to live. The general appearance of these areas has remained relatively unchanged over the past 25 years. The following four different types of visual settings have been categorized in order to determine whether the introduction of SSMR's (if visible from the street or vicinity) would be compatible or "harmonious" to the specific character of Redwood City's single-family dwelling contexts: 1) Traditional Neighborhoods; 2) Historic Areas, Districts and Individual Resources; 3) Hillside Areas Adjacent to Unincorporated Lands; and 4) Master Planned Communities. A detailed analysis of each areas is included Attachment 9. Based upon these definitions of character areas, the subject property is located in a Traditional Neighborhood. Article 45 of the Zoning Ordinance determines the context in which these types of design features should be considered and it is provided in Attachment 10. Metal Tile Roofs These roofs are considered a viable alternative to SSMR's and are approvable in most areas of Redwood City because they respect the fine scale of traditional roofing elements such as shake, tile, slate, composition or shingle roofs. Therefore, the reason that Planning staff currently approves such roofs is that the scale, texture, pattern direction and general appearance of these modu lar roofing systems make these roofs visually compatible to their surroundings, per the requirements of article 45.8 of the Zoning Ordinance. Metal tile roofs provide similar environmental benefits to those provided by SSMR's, including reduced long term maintenance needs, energy efficiency, fire proofing, lightweight and lower installation costs. A list of metal tile roof systems which could be considered as viable substitutes for the proposed SSMR have been included under separate cover).