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20.44.020 Design Guidelines A. Introduction. The intent of the Santa Ana Heights Specific Plan design guidelines is to promote a consistent, high quality character of development that will result in the overall enhancement of the aesthetic character of the community. Use of these guidelines in future project approvals will implement these objectives through the careful use of building forms and materials, streetscape concepts, setback and buffer areas and a unifying landscape concept. Combined, these elements will provide a sense of identity to the specific plan area and development which will complement existing and surrounding land uses while minimizing business park development impacts to the adjacent REQ District. Consolidation of single lots within the business park area of Santa Ana Heights can provide for more flexibility in the design of office development, thereby enhancing the aesthetic character and cohesiveness of the development. Lot consolidation is encouraged within the business park area through the inherent benefits obtained when developing on larger, consolidated parcels (e.g., the ability to dissolve setbacks along interior lot lines and to design more efficiency into parking areas), which will provide better business park development with fewer driveways and improve the overall community vehicular circulation. B. Architectural Guidelines for Business Park Uses. Due to the proximity of the areas designated for business park uses to residential uses, it is the stated objective of the City to provide architectural guidelines for business park uses which will blend with and complement the residential areas of the community. In order to achieve that goal, the following guidelines will be of prime importance in the consideration of future development proposals. 1. Building Massing/Form. a. Building facades abutting streets shall not have the appearance of excessive massing or bulk. The use of grading techniques and grade changes should be considered in order to minimize mass and bulk of buildings. b. Special consideration shall be given architecturally to emphasize pedestrian areas such as entry ways, walkways, and courtyards/plazas (e.g., trellises, low parapet walls, extended roof or patio overhangs). c. Buildings clustered around a pedestrian area, such as a courtyard/plaza, shall be designed to minimize excessive shading and maximize light exposure. d. Long, uninterrupted exterior walls shall be avoided on all buildings. For architectural interest, walls shall incorporate relief features, including building elements, articulation, window treatment, and negative space to create an interesting blend with the landscaping, other buildings and the casting of shadows. Incorporation of small-scale elements such as planters, installation of mature landscaping and landform manipulation will aid in softening the overall mass of structures. e. Particular consideration as to color, material, and form shall be given to the design and treatment of roofs because of their potential visual impact. f. Roof flashing, rain gutters, downspouts and vents shall be treated to match materials and/or colors of the overall building. All roof equipment shall be screened with materials/colors consistent with the treatment of the building. g. Utilization of windows and balconies shall be encouraged in order to extend interior space to the outside and to create a visual connection with the exterior setting of courtyard or plaza areas. However, usable balconies and unenclosed outside stairwells shall not be used on walls facing the REQ District. h. Walls and/or fences shall be used to screen utility and maintenance structures/facilities and storage areas. These surfaces shall match or be in harmony with the exterior finish of any structure with which they are in contact. i. Radical theme structures, signage, building and roof forms shall be discouraged. 2. Exterior Building Materials. The following shall be used as predominant exterior wall materials throughout the business park area. A combination of these materials is encouraged to soften and add architectural variety and interest to building facades. a. Wood. b. Brick, stone, rock or other appropriate accent materials. c. Architecturally treated concrete, concrete masonry, and block. These materials are to be painted or integrally colored in tones ranging from whites to earth tones. d. Stucco, with a machine-applied or smooth finish in natural gray or colors ranging from whites to earth tones. Accent materials and colors shall be coordinated to achieve a continuity of design with the overall structure and surrounding structures. 3. Glazing. The use of glass shall be subdued and in harmony with the building and the natural surroundings. Glazing shall be used predominately for the purpose of lighting interior space. Glazing shall not be used as a major architectural element, but may be used as an accent feature to add variety to building facades. Mirrored glazing shall not be used. 4. Building Entrances. a. Site access, entrance drives and building entries shall be readily observable and inviting to the first-time visitor. b. Care shall be taken to provide minimum conflict between service vehicles, private automobiles, and pedestrians. c. Building entries shall be integrated with overall building form and should be highlighted by such features as: - entry porte-cocheres - inviting pedestrian spaces such as plazas and fountains - special planters and plantings - textured hardscape 5. Building Rooflines. a. Roofs may be sloped, in a hip, gable, or shed fashion. Flat roofs are permissible. b. Simulated wood and slate materials, lightweight concrete and tile roofs are encouraged and must meet Building and Fire Code requirements. Highly reflective metal roofing material is prohibited. Asphalt and fiberglass materials are permitted only on flat roofs where screened from view. c. In all cases, roof-mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened from view from the adjacent streets and adjacent REQ District residences with materials finished to match materials and colors in the roof and building. d. Uncovered trash enclosures shall not be located any closer than 40 feet from any property line abutting the REQ District and no closer than ten feet from any side property line and shall not exceed a height of 8 feet maximum abutting the BP District. 6. Energy Considerations. Passive solar design orientation is encouraged. Solar collectors, if used, shall be oriented away from public view or designed as an integral element of the roof structure. 7. Sound Attenuation. All interior building areas shall be mitigated for noise, consistent with the General Plan Noise Element. 
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