Chapter 22.34
ADP-10 AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN TEN

Sections:

22.34.010    Location.

22.34.020    Purpose and intent of an area development plan.

22.34.030    Description of the development area and vicinity.

22.34.040    Area development plan objectives.

22.34.050    Area development policies.

22.34.060    Definitions.

22.34.070    Area map.

22.34.080    Illustrative plan.

22.34.090    Net land area defined.

22.34.100    Categories of land use.

22.34.110    Permitted uses.

22.34.120    Accessory uses.

22.34.130    Intensity standards.

22.34.140    Site development standards.

22.34.150    Environmental performance standards.

22.34.010 Location.

Area development plan ten is located on the west side of Carmenita Road approximately one thousand four hundred lineal feet south of South Street. The site is bounded by a parcel of land zoned RS-6500 to the north, Carmenita Road to the east, Coyote Creek flood control channel to the west and existing residential land uses within the city of La Palma in the county of Orange to the south. The area has approximately three hundred thirty lineal feet of street frontage on Carmenita Road. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.020 Purpose and intent of an area development plan.

As provided for in Chapter 22.10 of this code, an area development plan is an instrument for guiding, coordinating, and regulating the development of property within a given area. It is similar to a “specific plan” as authorized in Article 8 of Chapter 3 of the State Planning and Zoning Law and replaces the usual zoning regulations. The area development plan must be consistent with and carry out the provisions and objectives of the general plan of the city. It serves as a basis for the city to consider and act upon more detailed precise plans prepared by landowners, developers, and public agencies.

The purpose of an area development plan is to promote appropriate land use and to encourage the highest possible quality of design and environment within the designated area. Objectives, policies, and standards are set forth in order to promote the special qualities and opportunities of the area while permitting the flexibility required to consider unique and imaginative designs. An area development plan establishes a pattern for the arrangement of land uses, circulation systems, open spaces and other features as necessary to coordinate developments on adjacent parcels of property and in order to achieve a functionally and visually integrated development of the entire area. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.030 Description of the development area and vicinity.

Development area ten consists of approximately 5.99 acres of flat vacant land bounded by a parcel zoned RS-6500 to the north, Carmenita Road to the east, Coyote Creek flood control channel to the west and existing residential land uses within the city of La Palma and the county of Orange to the south. The site has approximately three hundred thirty feet of street frontage on Carmenita Road. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.040 Area development plan objectives.

The basic objectives of this plan are to:

(1) Encourage the property owner to develop the entire area plan at one time.

(2) Provide a highly attractive, innovative and stimulating affordable for-sale senior housing development featuring generously landscaped common activity areas.

(3) Provide the residents of the area with a desirable living environment through the development of a totally planned, park-like neighborhood. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.050 Area development policies.

In order to achieve the foregoing objectives, the following policies shall be applied in managing, designing, and regulating development and use within the area:

(1) At the time this area development plan is formally considered by the planning commission and city council, a tentative map and a precise plan which address all parcels included in the area development plan shall be submitted for concurrent consideration and approval.

(2) Landscaping, fencing, roof materials, and architectural design shall be integrated to provide an appearance of outstanding visual quality to motorists and pedestrians on the bounding arterial street.

(3) The design and control of pedestrian and vehicular circulation, including streets and walks, shall be coordinated throughout the area in order to minimize vehicular interference with pedestrian traffic, de-emphasize the visual, environmental and psychological impact of motor vehicle facilities, and provide safe and convenient circulation throughout the development area.

(4) Particular high standards of development shall be utilized in order to ensure the quality of development and the continued level of upkeep necessary to realize the objectives of this area development plan.

(5) No parcel or unit of development shall have greater density than the maximum permitted by this area development plan.

(6) A sufficient landscape setback shall be provided along Carmenita Road, on the east side of the development area. The setback area shall include meandering sidewalks and clusters of trees and dense landscaping.

(7) Efficient setbacks coupled with landscaping on the north, south and west sides of this development shall be provided.

(8) Roofing materials shall be of Class “C” or better as defined in the city’s municipal code.

(9) Dwelling units shall be in clusters and designed in order to meet the needs of the residents of the development plan.

(10) The plan shall permit a maximum degree of flexibility consistent with a high standard of development.

(11) Noise attenuation measures deemed necessary to achieve city standards shall be applied. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.060 Definitions.

Unless the context otherwise requires, words and phrases used in this area development plan shall have the same meanings as when used in this code. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.070 Area map.

The document entitled “Area Map/Area Development Plan Ten” is adopted as a part of the area development plan and is attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter. This map shows the boundaries of the development area, the location of the required street entrance, and other development conditions. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.080 Illustrative plan.

The development entitled “Illustrative Plan/Area Development Plan Ten” is adopted as a part of the area development plan. The illustrative plan represents one concept of a desirable implementation of the objectives, policies, and standards of the area development plan. The illustrative plan is intended to serve as a guide rather than a set of specifications and, as such, is illustrative rather than mandatory. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.090 Net land area defined.

“Net land area” means that area of a parcel of land or unit of development exclusive of public streets, rights-of-way, and recreational vehicle storage area, if any, that will exist. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.100 Categories of land use.

The only category of land use within the development area shall be planned residential development. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.110 Permitted uses.

The following uses shall be permitted in the development area subject to the provisions of this chapter:

(1) Multifamily dwellings (attached or detached). (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.120 Accessory uses.

Section 22.40.210 of this code shall apply to this area development plan. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.130 Intensity standards.

On any parcel of land or unit of development, the following intensity standards shall apply:

(1) Dwelling Unit Density. Dwelling unit density shall not exceed the maximum permitted by the general plan, and shall in addition meet the following requirements:

(a) The dwelling unit density in this development plan submitted for a subdivision map/precise plan approval shall be no greater than one dwelling unit per every two thousand fifty square feet of gross land area.

(2) Building Coverage. There shall be no more than forty percent coverage of the net land area by main buildings, accessory buildings, garages, and any covered structures, including fifty percent of the balconies or overhangs in excess of thirty inches. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.140 Site development standards.

In connection with precise plan approval, the approving authority may permit minor deviations from the following site development standards if it is found that there are practical reasons for such deviations and that the changes conform to the spirit and intent of the area development plan. In addition to the development standards established by and under Chapters 22.70 and 22.74 of this code, the following standards shall apply to the development area:

(1) Private Usable Open Space. Private usable open space shall be provided to accommodate the open space needs of residents. Private usable open space shall be accessible to all units for which it is designated to serve. This space shall not include driveway or parking areas. It shall be distinguished from adjacent areas by a wall, wrought iron fence, landscape and/or other implied barriers. The total private usable open space shall be no less than five thousand square feet in area.

(2) Recreation Open Space. The common recreation open space for active recreation activities shall be equivalent to at least five percent of the combined floor area developed on the site. The area designated as green open space shall occupy approximately twenty percent of the total net land area. However, all recreation open space shall be sufficient in size to be usable.

(3) Setbacks.

(a) Adjacent to Carmenita Road. The setback of any buildings or structures (excluding perimeter block walls) shall be a minimum of fifteen feet and average at least twenty-two feet as measured from the face of street curb.

(b) Adjacent to the Coyote Creek Channel. The setback shall be a minimum of five feet from adjacent property line.

(c) Adjacent Residential. The setback shall be a minimum of thirty feet from adjacent property line.

(d) Architectural Features. Features such as chimneys, balconies and eaves may encroach into the setback area no more than five feet.

(e) Walls. Walls within the area required to screen streets may encroach into the required setback area; provided, that the minimum setback distance for such walls shall be at least ten feet from the face of curb. Any additional screening of streets or private yards shall be provided through the use of mounding, dense landscaping, and decorative walls. Within the setback area, screen walls, benches, lighting, and other accessories shall be of common design approved by the director of community development. The down-lighting, up-lighting or spot-lighting of specimen trees and the use of decorative walkway lights shall be required.

(f) Adjacent to Interior Streets. There shall be a minimum setback of three feet from any property line adjacent to an interior street.

(4) Building Dimensions. In general, no building shall have a horizontal dimension greater than one hundred fifteen lineal feet unless, at the time of subdivision map/precise plan review, a greater length is found to be in conformance with the intent of this plan. No building shall have a horizontal dimension in excess of one hundred lineal feet without an offset of at least five feet.

(5) Building Spacing. Main buildings, other than those with common walls, shall be separated by a minimum distance of at least fifteen feet and an average of twenty feet.

(6) Maximum Building Height. No building or structure shall exceed a maximum height of thirty-five feet from finish grade.

(7) Dwelling Unit Area. The gross area per dwelling unit, not including patios or balconies, shall be no less than six hundred fifty square feet with an average of seven hundred square feet for one bedroom units and a minimum of nine hundred square feet for two bedroom units. The general mixture of one and two bedroom units as well as the mixture of very low, low, and moderate units shall be consistent with the guidelines established by the state of California and the Cerritos general plan.

(8) Architecture.

(a) Roofs. In order to provide for a measure of architectural harmony, all roofs shall consist of at least Class “C” or better material as defined in this code and be either clay mission or mission-type concrete tile.

(b) Chimneys and Eaves. Chimneys and eaves may extend thirty inches into any setback. The coverage of any part of a chimney or eave that extends more than thirty inches from the building shall be included when calculating building coverage.

(c) Trellises. Open trellis and beam construction shall be permitted, in order to attach a garage or carport to a dwelling unit. Open trellis and beam construction shall only be permitted when such structures are located adjacent to the property line and/or within the side or rear setback. Open trellis coverage shall not be considered in calculating building coverage.

(9) Parking.

(a) There shall be at least one garage parking space for each dwelling unit, plus 0.4 open parking spaces for each two bedroom unit, plus 0.25 open visitor parking spaces for each unit.

(b) Exterior parking spaces shall be at least nine feet by twenty feet or eleven feet by twenty feet for spaces adjacent to a landscaped area or wall, and shall be arranged in a manner that will not impair the traffic safety of any unit in the development.

(c) Parking spaces shall not be located within required yards abutting public streets.

(d) All garage parking spaces and driveway aprons shall be constructed of concrete; whereas driveways and motor courts leading thereto shall be constructed of decorative concrete.

(e) All parking shall be arranged so that vehicles accessing or serving the dwelling units are not required to back onto a main interior or public street.

(10) Walls and Fences.

(a) All fences shall be of decorative concrete or brick block and/or wrought iron. The design of walls and fences, along with the selection of landscape materials, are intended to be unifying elements throughout the development area. All walls and fences shall be coordinated to serve a common theme in terms of design, color, materials and location. The design, color, material and location of walls and fences shall be subject to the approval of the director of community development.

(b) Decorative walls and fences shall be permitted on the periphery of the development area for the units and recreation areas and there shall be a setback of a least ten feet between the wall and the face of curb along Carmenita Road. Areas between the periphery walls and the face of curb along Carmenita Road shall be fully landscaped and include meandering sidewalks.

(11) Greenbelt.

(a) No greenbelt between buildings, structures, units, or screening walls of at least six feet in height shall have a width of less than fifteen feet. Open trellis structures shall be allowed to encroach the greenbelt area as long as a minimum distance of eight feet is maintained between such structures.

(b) All greenbelts between buildings, or between buildings and pool recreation areas, shall include a walkway of brick, stone, or concrete no less than four feet in width.

(12) Streets. The design of streets shall conform to the following standards and principles.

(a) Planted medians at least five feet wide shall be provided at the entrance street.

(b) The angle of any interior street intersection shall always be at a ninety degrees or approximately at ninety degrees, unless otherwise approved by the director of public works and the director of community development.

(c) Interior street or driveway intersections shall be a minimum of one hundred feet apart on center and can be reduced if one of the streets is not longer than one hundred fifty feet, unless otherwise approved by the director of public works and the director of community development.

(d) Cross intersections (four legged) shall be discouraged; whereas “T” (three legged) intersections shall be encouraged.

(e) The main access from Carmenita Road into the development area shall be located as indicated on the area map/site plan and temporary access points for construction traffic shall be subject to the approval community development and the director of public works.

(13) Streets and Driveways. Dead-end streets and/or driveways which exceed one hundred feet in length from a collector street shall have a minimum thirty-foot radius cul-de-sac or turnaround area as approved by the Los Angeles County fire department. Any required emergency access driveways within green areas shall be at least twenty-six feet in width, sufficient in construction to support at least a seventeen-ton fire truck as approved by the Los Angeles County fire department without affecting the appearance of the driveway, and shall incorporate a decorative surfacing material such as brick or pebble aggregate. Crossing drives shall be protected by movable or collapsible guard posts.

(14) Sidewalks. A meandering sidewalk four feet in width and constructed of the same material used for greenbelt walkways shall be installed along arterial streets as indicated on the area and illustrative maps.

(15) Security. Precise plans shall be reviewed by the community safety division in conjunction with the Los Angeles County sheriff’s department and conditions may be established to insure the security of a proposed development. A security lighting plan shall be designed and implemented to ensure resident safety throughout the development. In addition, all units located on the first floor of the area development plan shall be equipped with secondary window locks for security purposes.

(16) Fire Protection. All precise plans shall be reviewed by the Los Angeles County fire department to assure that satisfactory consideration has been provided for fire protection. Close coordination with the Los Angeles County fire department during the initial design stages is encouraged in order to insure that circulation, location, type of fire hydrants, and other safety elements are integrated into a highly efficient and protective system.

(17) Curbs and Gutters. Curbs and gutters shall be of the standard types used in residential subdivisions throughout the city or as approved by the director of public works.

(18) Landscaping.

(a) Theme trees for parkways, entrances, and median strips shall be of a size, species, number and location as determined by the director of community development and the director of public works.

(b) All landscaped areas shall be provided with an automatic irrigation system as approved by the director of community development.

(c) Within the proposed development, there shall be no less than one specimen tree for each dwelling unit, of a variety approved by the director of community development.

(d) Landscaping plans shall be designed and/or prepared by a licensed landscape architect in the state of California. Landscape architectural plans shall indicate the location of turf, trees, shrubs, walks, fences, landscaping lights and ponds fountains, or other decorative features. The landscape architect shall also prepare an irrigation plan to convey the use of an automatic/permanent irrigation system and a hard-scape plan identifying proposed surface treatments. Furthermore, the landscape architect shall prepare a lighting plan and planting plan identifying the location and placement of light fixtures and all proposed plant material. The planting plan shall also include a legend to identify the botanical names (genus and species) of all proposed plant material as well as recommended quantities, spacing requirements and plant sizes.

(19) Entrance Area. The entrance to the development area shall be designed to indicate arrival at a special residential location. The entrance area shall include clusters of trees. Decorative entrance features, landscape lighting and special decorative surfacing of sections of the roadway leading into the development area shall be required as approved by the director of community development.

(20) Storage. All storage areas shall be screened and maintained in a manner that prevents the creation of any nuisance or otherwise detracts from the property value or residential character of the neighborhood.

(21) Soundproofing. Soundproofing of dwelling units shall be provided in accordance with this code as it pertains to environmental performance standards.

(22) Retention of Control and Maintenance of Common Areas and Facilities.

(a) When a precise plan which provides for multiple ownership with common spaces, common parking areas, or common facilities is approved, such approval shall be conditioned upon the preservation and maintenance of such spaces, areas, or facilities, for the purposes indicated in the precise plan.

(b) One or a combination of the following methods of administering such spaces, areas, or facilities may be utilized:

(i) Retention of ownership, control and maintenance of all such spaces, areas or facilities by the applicant.

(ii) Establishment of a maintenance assessment district.

(iii) Establishment of a nonprofit association corporation of all owners within the unit of development served, to assume responsibility for the preservation and maintenance of such common spaces, areas and facilities.

(iv) Deed restrictions to insure that such spaces, facilities, and areas are permanently preserved, maintained and are not partitioned.

(v) Such other procedures as approved by the city attorney.

(c) The applicant shall submit evidence to the director of community development of the manner in which they will comply with the requirements of this section. The approving authority may, at any time, require the establishment of a maintenance district that permits the city to provide for maintenance in the instance that the homeowners’ association or other controlling body or person fails to provide for the maintenance at a level of quality prescribed in the document approved by the approving authority.

(23) Cable Television Conduit. The developer shall be required to install and stub a conduit system to the lot of each dwelling and to similarly convenient locations for the service of recreation areas. Installation of a community antenna television system shall be subject to all terms and conditions adopted by the city for such systems.

(24) Signs. The provisions of Chapter 22.48 of this code shall apply within the development area.

(25) Mechanical Equipment. Mechanical equipment, devices, or facilities which are ancillary to residential dwelling units including, but not limited to, air conditioning and filtration systems shall conform to the precise plan provisions established under Chapter 23.01 of this code. In case of conflict between these standards and the requirements established through covenants, conditions and restrictions of a residential area, the most restrictive standards shall apply.

(a) Air Conditioning and Filtration Systems.

(i) Units shall be prohibited on the roof and shall be located in the rear yard, side yard and/or balcony, except that units may be permitted on the roof, if the original design and construction of the structure allows an area for said unit; and provided, that in both cases, the units are not visible and/or audible from any adjacent properties, structures and/or streets. All units in this area development plan shall be provided with central air conditioning systems as approved by the director of community development.

(ii) No noise, excluding surrounding outside traffic noise, shall be generated which causes the maximum noise level at any point on the property lines surrounding the premises on which the noise is produced to exceed the average ambient noise level by five dB(A) measured at the same point, or fifty-five dB(A), whichever is greater.

(iii) Units shall be mounted on a platform determined to be structurally sound.

(iv) Units may be required to be screened to eliminate noise and/or visibility. If screening is necessary, the type and design of said screening shall be subject to the approval of the director of community development.

(v) Units shall not exceed a maximum sound rating of 7.2 and shall be placed in a location on the property where the least amount of noise is heard by adjacent properties. All units to be installed in this area development plan must be proven to be the quietest possible, with the lowest sound rating number as identified in the most recent publication of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) Directory of Certified Sound-Rated Outdoor Unitary Equipment.

(vi) Units shall have fans located on the top of the unit. No unit with a side fan shall be installed unless otherwise approved by the director of community development.

(vii) Units will be encouraged to have two speed and/or variable speed motors and controls to mitigate noise levels, and to conserve energy use.

(b) Attic Ventilators.

(i) Units may be located within the attic portion of the structure and/or the roof of the structure.

(ii) Gable-end attic fans shall be permitted in lieu of a wind turbine.

(26) Trash Receptacles. Trash receptacles shall be allocated to each residential unit in the development plan. Trash receptacles shall be stored in the garage of each residential unit to eliminate potential aesthetic impacts. If additional screening measures and/or accommodations are necessary, the type and design of said screening shall be subject to the approval of the director of community development. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)

22.34.150 Environmental performance standards.

The environmental performance standards established under Chapter 22.80 of this code shall apply to area development plan ten. (Ord. 791 § 1 (part), 1998)