18.64.050 Criteria for Approval of Applications.
Review shall be guided by the following criteria, as may be applicable to each application, for the purpose of assuring that with regard to buildings, structures and physical improvements each proposed development shall accomplish the purposes set forth in Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.64.010.
A. Competent Design. Development has been designed by and bears the signature of a person who under the building code has been designated as legally competent to submit such development proposal. The overall design may be directed towards buildings of any architectural characteristic; however, there must be a consistent organization of materials and openings, and a harmonious relationship of major elements; decorative parts must relate to the character of the design.
B. Preservation of Natural Landscape. The structure and/or addition shall be designed in a manner such that impacts to any environmental features on or near the lot, including but not limited to stream courses, marshlands, prominent trees and landforms, etc., are minimized to the greatest extent possible. Grade changes shall be minimized and shall be in keeping with the general appearance of neighboring developed areas. Open areas shall be preserved to the extent practicable. Overall, the extent of the improvements shall be compatible with the topographical and geologic constraints imposed by the site.
C. Relationship Between Structures Within the Development and Between Structures and the Site. There shall be a harmonious and pleasing relationship between the various structures of the development on the site and between the structures and the site itself. The proposed structures should be designed to fit the site and not vice versa.
D. Relationship Between Development and Neighborhood. Proposed structures and site development shall be related harmoniously and have good space relationship to the terrain and to existing structures and development in the vicinity. The design shall show that due regard has been given to orientation of structures to streets, climatic considerations and, especially, the creation and utilization of vistas and open space.
E. Materials and Colors for Multiple-Unit Residential, Mixed-Use, or Nonresidential Construction. Soft and muted colors similar to earth tone and natural materials are preferred and generally should predominate. Other colors and materials are acceptable if they are appropriate for and compatible with the neighborhood or commercial area in which a project is proposed.
1. Earth tone colors are considered to be various shades of reddish-brown, brown, tan, ochre, umber, gold, sand, green, white and gray. The following are ordinarily not considered appropriate as predominant colors: bright blue, bright yellow, bright orange, bright violet, bright magenta, bright green or metallic finishes.
2. Natural materials include adobe, slump block, brick, stone, stucco, wood and clay tile roofs.
3. Glazing. Glare-reducing and color-harmonizing finishes may be required on glass surfaces, when such surfaces are exposed to the direct rays of the sun for any substantial part of the day. Opaque treatment is to be used where glass surfaces would otherwise permit a view of pipes, utilities and other service units. Reflective glass shall be avoided.
4. Roofs (including equipment, but excluding skylights) are to be composed of earth tone or wood tone matte finishes that minimize reflectivity.
5. Metal Buildings or Finishes. Unpainted metal, galvanized metal or metal subject to ordinary rusting may not be used. Metals that develop an attractive oxidized finish may be used; copper or weathering steel are examples of such materials.
6. Concrete surfaces which are exposed to view must be colored, textured, sculptured, patterned and/or serve a design function as opposed to a mere structural function.
F. Materials and Colors for Single-Family and Duplex Construction. Materials and colors should be appropriate to the house style and character and compatible with the site and character of the neighborhood. Highly reflective surfaces should be avoided.
G. Walls, Fences and Screening. Walls, fences or screening shall be employed in a skillful manner and in harmony with the design of the development to conceal and to screen parking and loading areas, garbage and refuse collection areas and mechanical equipment from public view from adjoining streets, from persons residing on or working in the development or from persons residing or working in the neighborhood. Retaining walls that are part of a structure should be concealed by and integral to the proposed structure. Large retaining walls in a uniform plane should be avoided; height and visual impact should be minimized.
H. Driveways, Parking and Circulation, and Pathways for Vehicular, Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Use, Both Exterior and Interior. Special attention shall be given to (1) the location and number of access points to the public streets, waterways, shorelines and open space areas, (2) general interior circulation, (3) separation of pedestrian from vehicular traffic, and (4) arrangement of parking areas that are safe and convenient insofar as practical. Such facilities should not detract from the design of the proposed building and structures or from adjoining or neighboring properties. Due consideration must be given to the effect of the development on adjoining sites and properties and to the loading capacities of adjoining streets.
I. Fire Safety. Proposed structures and site development shall be designed in accordance with any recommendations of the Fire Chief and the City’s adopted Fire Safety Hillside Development Standards, if applicable.
J. Garbage and Refuse Collection Areas. Garbage and refuse collection areas shall be of adequate size and located in areas convenient both to users and to persons who make collections. Utility service meters shall be appropriately screened from view of adjacent properties and the street.
K. Signs. Signs shall be so designed as to be skillfully integrated into the development and not detract from the overall appearance of the project or of surrounding areas or developments.
L. Lighting. Exterior light sources shall not create a glare or hazard on adjoining streets or be annoying to adjacent properties or residential areas. The location of lights and electric conduits in landscaped areas shall be coordinated with the landscaping and irrigation plans.
M. Landscaping. Landscaping shall be well designed with appropriate variations and shall be included as an integral enhancement of the site and, where needed, for the purposes of screening. Plant materials shall be suitable for the functions to be served. Irrigation systems may be required, and their location shall be coordinated with the plan for the location of plants. All landscaping shall be maintained in good condition and any dead or dying plants, bushes or trees shall be replaced with new healthy stock as appropriate.
N. Construction. Temporary construction visual, noise and air pollution shall be minimized through retention of natural vegetation, rock formations and topography until applicant is prepared, once grading starts, to continue immediately with the construction applied for through to completion as one continuous process. The period of construction shall be of a duration reasonable to the size and complexity of the development. During grading, dust prevention must be emphasized to avoid unnecessary annoyance to persons living or working in the area.
O. Historic Preservation. For properties zoned H (Combining Heritage Preservation District) or identified on the City’s local listing of historic structures, as approved by the City Council, the following additional criteria shall apply:
1. Conformance to the standards listed in Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.19.040(A);
2. Conformance to the historic preservation design guidelines, as adopted by City Council resolution.
P. Repealed by Ord. 984.
Q. Green Building. The project incorporates sufficient green building measures to meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the applicable state and local green building regulations as set forth by the California Green Building Standards (CALGreen) Code and Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 15.17. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 984 § 1, 2012; Ord. 977 § 1(8), 2011; Ord. 956 § 2(3), 2007; Ord. 945 §§ 3, 4, 2004; Ord. 933 § 4, 2004; Ord. 929 § 64, 2004; Ord. 857 § 4 (part), 1993; Ord. 841 § 4, 1993; Ord. 592 § 4, 1978; Ord. 448 § 1 (part), 1973)