DESIGN & HISTORIC PRESERVATION

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW DESIGN GUIDELINES

The City of Pasadena, with assistance from a local consultant, Moule & Polyzoides, Architects and Urbanists, is developing architectural design guidelines for Neighborhood Commercial and Multi-family Residential Zoning Districts. The guidelines will help to improve the quality of the built environment in these areas of the city (MAP).

The City currently requires design review for all new multi-family (3 units or more) development projects as well as for new (non-residential) construction over 5,000 square feet in size. Design review is also required for substantial exterior renovation of buildings over 5,000 square feet on major commercial streets.

In the seven areas with specific plans, there are existing design guidelines, all of which have been in place for ten years or less. Outside the seven areas with specific plans, the only design guidelines that apply to new construction are the Citywide Design Principles in the Land-use Element of the General Plan. These principles, which are a general statement of urban-design objectives, need to be supplemented by more detailed guidelines to influence the design of new buildings throughout the city.

During the process of developing the design guidelines, there will be several opportunities for public input. It is essential that the community be involved in this process so that the guidelines reflect the vision of the residents and other stakeholders for the future development of the city. Please visit this page often to remain informed of all new developments. We expect to have completed guidelines ready for adoption by the City Council in July 2009.

Project Schedule

• The draft Design Guidelines will be available for public review and comment through July 3, 2009. Please review the document, which can be downloaded using the “Draft Design Guidelines” link below, and send us your comments so that we may incorporate them into the final draft guidelines!.

• July 10, 2009 (Friday) – Final draft design guidelines will be made available for public review by this date.

• July 27, 2009 (Monday) – Final draft design guidelines will be presented to the Design Commission at a public meeting that will occur at 6:00 pm at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly Street.

• Late August 2009 – Final draft design guidelines will be presented to the City Council for adoption

Please contact Kevin Johnson with any questions.

Documents for Review:

• Draft Design Guidelines

• Staff Report for April 13, 2009 Public Workshop

• Map of Areas Affected by New Design Guidelines

• Survey of 20 Recently Built Projects

• Survey of 20 Recently Built Projects (Power Point Presentation)

• Staff Report for September 8, 2008 Public Workshop

• Stakeholder Interview Report

• Document Review and Preliminary Approach Report-Design Guidelines for Commercial Districts & Multi-Unit Residential Projects

• Staff Report for September 22, 2008 Public Workshop

References:

We want to hear from you! Please send us any comments you have regarding architectural design of Neighborhood Commercial or Multi-family projects. You may also use this form to comment on the draft guidelines or any documents posted on this site.

Contact information:

Kevin Johnson

(626) 744-7806

kevinjohnson@cityofpasadena.net

Additional Design & Historic Preservation Links...

• Design Commission

• Historic Preservation Commission

• Other Design/Preservation Agencies

Last modified on May 26, 2009