CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES

City of Redwood City, California | February 2021 DRAFT

Roof forms

Outdoor living spaces

Side setback areas Private realm Facade design Neighborhood space Pathways

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ii | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES

City of Redwood City, California | February 2021 DRAFT

City Council Architectural Advisory Committee Diane Howard, Mayor John Alan Spotorno, Chair Giselle Hale, Vice Mayor Marc Pfenninger, Vice Chair Alicia C. Aguirre Sally A. T. Roth Lissette Espinoza-Garnica John Lee Stewart Jeff Gee Niles Tanakatsubo Diana Reddy Michael A. Smith City Staff Lindy Chan, Acting Planning Manager

Planning Commission Diana O’Dell, Principal Planner Nancy Radcliffe, Chair Anna McGill, Principal Planner Rick Hunter, Vice Chair William Chui, Senior Planner Kevin Bondonno Elmer Martinez Saballos Consultant Jessica Meunier Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc. Ernie Schmidt Bill Shoe

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iv | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES CONTENTS

1 Introduction page 1

2 Building Massing page 4

3 Building Design page 8

4 Building Details page 14

5 Guide to Landscape Design page 17

6 Guide to Architectural Styles page 21

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vi | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES 1 INTRODUCTION The City of Redwood City is committed to quality design, attractive neighborhoods, and a high quality of life for its residents. A largely residential community, home design is major part of community life. built over the past century and the community deeply values this diversity in design. At the same time, The community is made up of neighborhoods with a variety of styles and configurations of home design elements and values the preservation and continuity of those elements. the community recognizes that many Redwood City neighborhoods are defined by particular formative The design of single-family homes is an opportunity to acknowledge the city’s architectural history, express the diversity of its aesthetic values, and promote a healthy and livable public realm. This document aim to further the implementation of the following General Plan Goals related to neighborhood design andpresents architectural the city’s character: first design guidelines to inform single-family residential home design. The guidelines

• BE-2: Recognize, maintain, and celebrate the unique qualities of Redwood City’s neighborhoods.

• BE-3:

• BE-4: Encourage high-quality design in all new and modified housing.

Preserve community character and historic buildings while attracting new infill • developmentBE-5: and investment in Historic Influence High Density Neighborhoods.

• BE-6: PreserveRetain the the unique character character and enhance of the Historic the quality Influence of Post-War Low Density Neighborhoods. Neighborhoods.

• BE-7: Achieve improved aesthetic and parking conditions in Mixed Density Neighborhoods.

• BE-8:

• BE-9: Preserve the scenicqualities beauty that distinguishand quality Master homes Plannedthat define Neighborhoods. Hillside Neighborhoods.

In response to concerns regarding the architectural compatibility of recent single-family home designs, the City sought community input in the development these guidelines. The guidelines recognize the unique features of Redwood City and help identify valued patterns of development in its various residential neighborhoods. The guidelines also identify the elements of community character that residents seek to protect and provide guidance to help achieve high-quality and attractive overall home designs.

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 1 Purpose The Citywide Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines is intended to serve as a reference to residents, homeowners, designers, developers, and design reviewers. The guidelines are intended to assist homeowners and designers recognize the impacts, both good and bad, that some design elements have on the neighborhood. In addition to promoting architectural compatibility in building and site design, the guidelines are intended to communicate the City’s design expectations to the Redwood City community; to ensure consistent application of those expectations during design review; accommodate the changing needs of Redwood City residents; and to promote excellence in design for all Redwood City single-family neighborhoods.

The guidelines are also intended to lend transparency and equity to the design review process by giving project applicants a clear understanding of what is expected and acceptable. Design elements addressed within this document include building massing and scale, upper story step-backs, facade articulation, roof design, window design, garage placement and design, site design and landscaping. Collectively, the Design Guidelines aim to achieve the following:

• Accommodate the changing household needs and expectations of the Redwood City community, including multi-generational households;

•

• ReflectEncourage sound an designinviting principles streetscape and and best public practices realm on visible a lot-by-lot from the basis; right-of-way;

• Promote architectural diversity while acknowledging and being compatible with existing

• stylistic patterns and defining characteristics of each neighborhood;

• EnsureBe clear transparency and easy-to-use; and andflexibility in the approval process;

• Provide options and direction to achieve a balanced design with the architectural style chosen.

Design professionals are encouraged to review this document during the initial stages of design. Attention to the concepts and recommendations in this document will reduce the number of required meetings and ultimately the time required to process an application.

2 | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Applicability This document is intended to guide the design of all single-family homes throughout the city by supplementing the development standards of the Redwood City Zoning Code. While the Code establishes will apply to every project, but together, the Guidelines establish a robust set of design expectations for allbasic single-family development residential standards, design. the Guidelines The guidelines provide also specific provide design-related the criteria forguidance. evaluation Not every of projects Guideline that

Usingrequire anthis Architectural Document Permit, as defined in Article 45 of the Code. design. Narrative text provides context and background for each The five sections that follow focus on different elements of residential Accompanying illustrations are provided to help interpret the guidelines. topic, while guidelines are presented with sequential orange prefixes. • Sections 2 building massing found throughout Redwood City single-family addresses building massing, identifies patterns of height and scale and the design of two-story forms. neighborhoods, and provides specific guidance for overall • Section 3 Roof forms building massing found throughout the city, and provides addresses building design, identifies patterns of Outdoor living spaces roof design, and garage design. Side setback areas specific guidance for façade design, entries, transitional spaces, Private realm • Section 4 Facade design guidance for window design and placement, building materials, addresses building details and provides specific Neighborhood and architectural details. space Pathways • Section 5 Public Landscaped “rooms” throughout the city and provides a reference for landscape right-of-way design. identifies patterns of landscape design found

• Section 6 describes select architectural styles found throughout Redwood City. This section is a reference to help provide a context for existing home designs and for the

guidelines in sections 2 through 4.

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 3 2 BUILDING MASSING The mass and bulk of a building is a fundamental design element that affects the expression of many

front and side step-backs are elements that impact the public realm and a house’s relationship to its neighbors.other building In short, design these choices. elements Overall impact building the perceived height, floor size height, and the facade aesthetic placement, appeal of and a home. upper-story

Designs are also encouraged to be architecturally compatible with any existing patterns of building massing that have been established over time and that remain hallmarks of the neighborhood aesthetic and character. For example, in some neighborhoods, a pattern exists of single-story volumes facing the street. While houses generally include larger massing toward the rear of the lot, the predominant single- story volume maintains a lower-scale facing the public realm, reducing apparent mass and bulk from the right-of-way. Single-story street-facing volumes may include indoor living spaces, outdoor living spaces, or garages, depending on the existing neighborhood context:

Two-story homes in the Stambaugh-Keller (top) and Woodside (bottom) neighborhoods establish a pattern of one-story volumes at the front setback. In hillside areas, many homes are designed with garages facing the street and entrances on a separate

“step up” with the terrain. Hillside homes typically exhibit a rhythm of volumes, entrance features and streetscapevolume. Retaining that softens walls, therooflines, appearance and entrance of the street-facing features contribute garage: to an overall design that appears to

This split-level Eagle Hill home appears “built into” the natural Other building massing patterns exist in residential neighborhoods throughout Redwood City. Applicants topography of the lot, with separate volumes and a defining front entry feature. are advised to identify any existing patterns and demonstrate how the proposal is compatible.

4 | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Height and Scale 2-A frontage. If taller heights are desired, they can be achieved through vaulted ceilings. Maintain floor heights similar to those of neighboring homes to achieve a consistent streetscape 2-B Avoid exaggerated plate and ridge heights at exterior walls, which increase perceived massing of

Design second stories that lower the perceived building height. Strategies include incorporating 2-C the structure. Second story floor-to-ceiling height should be no greater than that of the first story. hip and/or gabled roof forms and placing the second story within a steep-sloping roof.

DESIRABLE

The two-story design maintains the consistent eave line. Locating a second floor within a roof slope maintains the consistent eave line.

UNDESIRABLE

A raised ground floor height disrupts the consistent eave line and is out of A double-height volume at the front setback breaks the consistent eave line scale with the neighboring single-story heights. and the human-scaled row of street-facing facades.

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 5 MORE DESIRABLE Two-Story Forms 2-D Create a varied streetscape by placing portions of the structure behind the front facade in order to reduce the massing facing the right-of-way. 2-E articulation across the entire facade. Break up the front facade with roof forms above the ground floor and human-scaled features and 2-F relative to neighboring properties. Step side walls of the second story back from the ground floor facade to avoid a bulky appearance

A second floor that is stepped back from the ground floor facade maintains a human-scale at the front DESIRABLE setback and breaks up the house’s massing.

Second floor additions that are stepped back from the ground floor side facade maintain privacy between neighbors and create a more varied street frontage.

When fitting with the overall architectural style, a double-height street-facing facade can be appropriate. UNDESIRABLE However, if not designed carefully, it can appear massive and overwhelming from the public realm.

When second stories have no step-back from the ground floor side facade, a house can appear massive and can impact the sense of privacy between neighbors.

An overhanging second story can obscure the building’s entry. A flat surface along the entire height of the facade can contribute to a boxy appearance.

LESS DESIRABLE

6 | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES 2-G Limit secondary forms. Design the number and size of secondary forms to complement and enhance, rather than overwhelm, the primary form. 2-H Avoid the “wedding cake” effect. The stories of a two-story home should work together to create a singular architectural expression rather than two tiers of a single form. 2-I building levels to existing topography and minimize grading. Where there is significant slope along the street, utilize split-level and similar designs to conform

DESIRABLE

The primary form of the house is visible, A second story should engage with the reflected in the home’s overall massing. ground floor roof and create an original overall form.

UNDESIRABLE

Secondary forms comprise the home’s A second story centered above the ground massing, overwhelming the primary floor and repetitive roof forms appears forced form and leading to a complex design. and leads to the “wedding cake” effect.

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 7 3 BUILDING DESIGN Elements of building design addressed in this section include facade articulation, transitional spaces such as porches and stoops, and roof form and design. Building design features are closely related to building massing and should be driven largely by the logic and organization of the home’s interior spaces. Porches

should be logical extensions of interior living spaces rather than afterthoughts; roofs should reflect the progression of rooms; and facade articulation should keep facades from appearing flat and blank. Overall, buildingAs with building design elements massing, shoulddesigns help are encouragedcreate a cohesive to be compatibleand unified withbuilding any existingenvelope. patterns of building design that have been established over time. For example, roof design may establish a particular aesthetic

eave lines create a consistent horizontal line across a blockface. The line may be interrupted by gables or in many neighborhoods. Gabled rooflines may create a consistent rhythm across the blockface, while or shallow-pitched roofs avoid competing with the natural terrain. other architectural features without compromising the combined effect. In hillside areas, patterns of flat

Continuous horizontal eavelines in the Friendly Acres neighborhood.

Flat or shallow-pitched rooflines in the Canyon neighborhood.

8 | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Similarly, many single-family homes have a driveway to a detached garage at the rear of the lot. Detached garages generally leave more space between homes, minimize the width of the massing, minimize paving in the front setback, and allow for a more varied streetscape. Access to detached garages is typically from the front of the lot or, on corner lots, the side. Where a majority of garages are detached on the block of the subject property, an attached garage can be compatible with the existing patterns if it is located toward the rear of the house or recessed from the home’s façade to reduce the visual impact.

Detached garages are typical in older neighborhoods and in areas with large lots.

This attached garage is a With detached garages located at the rear of the lot, the visual separate volume from the focus of these Edgewood Park homes is on the roof forms primary structure. and entry features that face the street.

This attached garage appears as a separate volume from the right-of-way and is recessed from the facade.

Attached garages may be recessed from the home’s facade to prevent the garage from dominating the street frontage.

Other building design patterns exist in residential neighborhoods throughout Redwood City. Applicants are advised to identify any existing patterns and demonstrate how the proposal is compatible. This attached garage is set back from the primary facade and separated from the semi-public space.

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 9 Façade Design 3-A Incorporate articulation on facades visible from the public realm. Articulation should create shadows and a visual relief. Elements may include plane offsets, recessed windows, balconies, shutters, cornices, eaves, roof overhangs and railings that complement the architectural style of the building. Bay windows should not extend for a height of more than one story. 3-B Incorporate building elements consistently across all facades visible from the right-of-way. Building design elements should relate to each other and lend integrity and balance to the overall design.

Eaves and fascia articulate facades and provide visual relief.

Cornices can express an architectural style, cast playful shadows, and create interest.

Trim and banding should complement the home design and add interest without Bay windows and recessed distracting. windows add depth to the facade.

Steps and roof overhangs can help define an outdoor space.

10 | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Entries, Transitional Spaces , and Building Design 3-C Design entryways and covered outdoor areas to be at the human scale rather than as tall elements. Porches and entryways should have a ceiling height of no more than 12 inches above the ground

Design porches to have a large and clear occupiable area to ensure functionality and usability. 3-D floor ceiling height. 3-E Avoid entryways that protrude far in front of the primary facade. Entryways should be integral to 3-F Design porch roofs or overhangs to reflect the roof form and design of the home. the facade of the house. 3-G Match the scale and size of windows to the height of the building and size of wall surfaces. 3-H Ensure that entrances are transitional spaces that integrate the private and public realms and encourage “eyes on the street.” 3-I Incorporate features such as porch railings, structural columns, windows to the interior, and visible doorways to ensure that entries remain visible, accessible from the right-of-way, usable, and welcoming. Entries should not be obscures with overlay large or tall landscaping.

Deep porches and entryways create functional transitional spaces, while low ceiling heights signal that these outdoor spaces are extensions of interior living spaces.

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 11 Roof Design 3-J gables, dormers, or monitors that do not correspond to distinct rooms or spaces. Incorporate roof forms and rooflines that communicate the program of the spaces below. Avoid 3-K Roof pitches greater that 9:12 should incorporate a second story within the roof pitch. Steep roofs should be intrinsic to the architectural styles. Avoid visual dominance of the roof. 3-L When building an addition, design roof forms that exhibit the house’s particular architectural style. Style may be expressed through roof materials, eaves, pitch and form. 3-M Avoid the appearance of heaviness in roof design, overly complex roofs, or unusual roofs. A roof should not be the visually dominant part of the building visible from the right-of-way.

Dormers break up a massive roof form A simple roof form may be most appropriate for some architec- Second-story roof form echoes the A steep roof pitch can fit tural styles ground floor roof form a second story within

12 | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Garage Design 3-N Maintain compatible placement of detached rear yard garages representative of neighborhoods and block patterns. Where a majority of garages on the block of the subject property are detached, an attached garage can be located toward the rear of the house or recessed from the home’s

Incorporate design measure to de-emphasize the garage, including on or more of the following: 3-O façade to reduce the visual impact. • Minimizing garage width.

• Installing two garage doors instead of one large door. DESIRABLE DESIRABLE • Off-setting the wall plane of the two garages to mitigate an expansive appearance.

• Adding a trellis with landscaping.

• Incorporating paving with planting strip 3-P structure. Design detached garages to be consistent in style, materials, and finishes to that of the primary 3-Q Incorporate windows and other details on garage doors to create a visually interesting street frontage and reduce the perceived size of the garage.

3-R Design tandem parking areas and garages to reduce the visual impact of the garage. Garage doors with windows, trim, and/or detailing create visual interest and reduce the expansive appearance of the door.

DESIRABLE DESIRABLE UNDESIRABLE MOREDESIRABLE DESIRABLE DESIRABLE LESS DESIRABLE

Two single-car garage doors reduce the Where a two-car garage door is required, A two-car garage can dominate the UNDESIRABLE visual dominanceUNDESIRABLE of the garage. enhanced design and articulation adds frontage and create a monotonous variety and interest to the facade. appearance.

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 13 4 BUILDING DETAILS Building details complement a building’s massing and design and enhance visual interest. Details include windows, doors, building and roof materials, colors. Details such as columns, exposed rafters, eaves, decorative trim, and grilles may also express a particular architectural style. As with all elements of building design, details should lend the structure integrity and character and comprise a coherent building design.

Building Materials 4-A Use high quality building materials such as stucco, brick, stone, glass, tile, and wood shingles, articulated wood. Sustainable building materials are encouraged. Avoid vinyl siding, boulder siding, or low-quality materials. 4-B Avoid an excessive arrangement of varied materials and unnecessary details. Building materials should provide harmony and be part of a limited and complementary palette. 4-C Use colors and materials to break up large expanses and reduce the apparent size. 4-D integral to the architectural style. See Section 6: Guide to Architectural Styles for more details. Distinguish the ground floor from the second story with materials like brick and stucco when

The houses above feature materials and details appropriate to the architectural style and palettes of harmonious neutral colors.

14 | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Window Design and Placement DESIRABLE 4-E Avoid incongruous, out-of-scale geometric shapes. Use traditional configurations and character-defining features to create variety and rhythm. 4-F Place windows to allow privacy for neighbors. Avoid placing windows directly opposite

neighboring windows, particularly when homes are within 5 feet from the property line on the Align windows to follow a consistent rhythm and use windows to articulate large expanses. 4-G ground floor or 6 feet within the property line on the second story. 4-H When consistent with the overall architectural style and Guideline 6B, incorporate clerestory windows. Windows are consistent in design and sized 4-I Use casing, lintels, sills, sashes, reveals, and/or geometric panes to add detail to the facade and appropriately to their wall surface.

maintain compatibility with the architectural details of the home. Avoid flush-mounted windows. UNDESIRABLE

Shutters

Sashes

Window trim

Bay window Windows are not consistent in size or shape and leave blank expanses of wall.

Offset windows to Avoid placing windows Arched avoid direct views. directly opposite motif Transom neighboring windows. Windows

Use step-backs to Window trim, sills, sashes, transom windows, bay windows, Transom promote privacy when Windows and an arched motif can all add interest to a facade. close proximity exists.

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 15 Architectural Details 4-J Avoid “tacked on” architectural details with limited purpose or relationship to building style. Details should be integral parts of the structure and express the building’s architectural style. 4-K When designing an addition, retain and match building articulation and architectural details. See Section 6: Guide to Architectural Styles. 4-L Unless integral to the architectural style of the house, avoid stylized details such visually dominant 4-M Design columns to be true structural elements and to reflect traditional proportions. chimneys; quoins (masonry blocks placed along an exterior building corner); rustication (rough- surfaced masonry blocks typically located near the base of a building); and half-timbering (exposed load-bearing timbers, or the appearance of such). 4-N Where architectural style allows, include modern features such as eco-friendly materials, trellis, entry gardens, roof opening over planters, and surfaces and fences with integral patterns.

The structural element above a column should cover the entire top surface of the column.

Trellises and other eco-friendly Columns that are classical in details should be appropriate to style should have a traditional the architectural style. diameter-to-height ratio.

Quoins should be used only on brick or Columns and posts should be stucco buildings and should be limited to integral to the design of the building. buildings of a Colonial or Italianate style.

16 | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES 5 GUIDE TO LANDSCAPE DESIGN A neighborhood is a space where the community lives and grows. It is made up of houses, streets, trees and other landscaping, and the front setback, where the public and private realms meet. Each home that is built affects this neighborhood space, gives it shape and lends it character.

Landscape design includes all parts of the front setback and visible site setback areas. Elements of landscape design includes plantings; paving; fences; and walls and hedges used for screening. Successful landscape design creates a thoughtful relationship among all these elements. It also considers the relationship between site elements and buildings on-site and adjacent to the site.

Landscape design is also encouraged to be compatible with any existing patterns that have been established over time. For example, though yard sizes vary among different neighborhoods, landscaped front setbacks are typical throughout many Redwood City neighborhoods. Many outdoor spaces are accent architectural elements. Large trees provide shade and screening. Additionally, many front yard fencesframed and by a walls variety are of low foliage, in height with lowand walls designed of plants with and an shrubsaesthetic helping that is to consistent define outdoor with spacesthat of andthe primary structure. Applicants are advised to identify any existing patterns and demonstrate how the proposal is compatible.

Consistent pattern of landscaped front setbacks with shrubs and bushes.

Private Space

Semi-public/ Transitional Space Public Space

Low walls of plants and fences define outdoor spaces and are integral elements of the public realm.

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 17 5-A Maintain existing landscaping and incorporate new landscaping to create “outdoor spaces.” Outdoor spaces incorporate streetscape elements that separate the front setback areas into distinguishable spaces through landscaping, low fences or walls, planters, or other structural garden elements. These elements provide privacy, enhance curb appeal, and help reduce the perceived massing of the two-story structure behind the outdoor space. Outdoor space placement and dimensions should be consistent with existing neighboring outdoor spaces. 5-B Maintain existing mature and healthy landscaping vegetation where feasible. Place structures and impervious surfaces to avoid damage to root zones.

18 | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES 5-C Incorporate landscaping in the front setback area to accentuate or frame the entryway, porch, and other facade elements of the house, to create a sense enclosure, establish a balance light and shade, provide a range of textures and colors, and to soften the public realm. 5-D Create a landscaping design that presents a natural appearance, harmonizes with existing growth, and provides a sense of separation from neighboring properties. 5-E Employ a combination of landscaping and screening for a softer appearance (vertical and horizontal) and to create a welcoming, usable space.

A variety of landscape and structural elements contribute to creating usable outdoor community spaces.

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 19 5-F Limit lawn and turf area to usable areas, typically in the rear yard. In the front setback, use native vegetation and drought-tolerant vegetation and install low or no-mow lawn materials. Arrange landscaping by watering needs. Preserve healthy mature vegetation and incorporate large tree species that provide shade, add comfort, and/or provide screening. 5-G Avoid tall screening, walls, and fences that creates a “walled-off” appearance and hides the residence from the street. Use transparent and/or low screening that complements the residence. 5-H Design screening to complement the architectural style of the primary structure.

Where a two-car garage is located Limit driveway width to All surfaces not occupied at the front setback, permeable 10 feet where possible. by walkways should be paving and/or a center landscape landscaped or otherwise strip can reduce the visual impact permeable. of the driveway width.

20 | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES 6 GUIDE TO ARCHITECTURAL STYLES The following architectural styles are found in Redwood City and appropriate for the city’s various residential neighborhoods. The range of styles described here will support a diversity of character within the community while ensuring that all residential development complements the architectural character of the region, city and neighborhood.

The purpose of this section is to provide general identifying features of the listed architectural style to guide design when that particular style is chosen by the applicant. The style elements described for each architectural style are not exhaustive; rather, they provide a general summary of each style’s formal elements.

6-A Where an existing structure exhibits a particular style, design additions in the same style. 6-B Avoid pastiche. This refers to the imitation of a particular style or a combination of elements

taken from different styles. If a building element is reflective of a particular style, all building elements should be reflective of that same style. Spanish Revival parapets, asymmetrical facades, and stucco exterior, either smooth or roughly textured. Eaves have little The Spanish Revival style features low-pitched hipped roofs covered in arched red clay tile or flat roofs accentuate shadows. Balconies, carved brackets and wrought iron grilles are common. Exterior detail mayor no include overhang arched and wall and planes ornate are doors, typically often flat framed with punched,by pilasters, recessed columns, windows arcades, and or door door openings surrounds, that and large chimneys. Wood detailing is typically reserved for rafter tails, heavy timber brackets supporting cantilevered balconies, wood casement windows, window shutters, or balcony railings.

Summary of identifying features of the Spanish Revival style:

• Shallow slope tile roof with Roman or Mission tiles, laid irregularly • Flat roof parapet wall articulated as an extension of the exterior wall • Flat roofs occupied as balconies or terraces • Exterior walls that convey a sense of mass and weight • Deep-set or insert window openings, often with decorative surrounds • Stucco exterior walls, often in pastel hues • Arched windows and arched doorways. Exterior doors are often made from wood, and windows sometimes have wooden shutters. • Wrought iron window grilles and balconies

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 21 Craftsman Craftsman architecture highlights natural materials and simplicity. Building design typically features a low-pitched roof, projecting eaves, shingle siding, gables and dormers accentuated with decorative trim, and open porches with overhanging beams and exposed rafters. Porches are often supported with square or round columns and stone supports. Houses also often include occupied attic space with dormer windows. The style commonly known as the Bungalow is related to the Craftsman Style and

dormer window over the main portion of the house. Bungalows commonly have wood shingle, horizontal siding,refers specifically or stucco exteriors, to a one-and-a-half as well as brick story or house stone with exterior sloping chimneys roofs and and eaves, a partial-width unenclosed front rafters, porch. and

Summary of identifying features of the Craftsman style:

• Low sloped roof with smaller gable over the porch • A mixing of inside and outside spaces, such as a veranda, open or enclosed porches, and rooms pro- jecting outside the body in porches or bay windows • Porches with a battered base or porch piers • Rafters, roof brackets, ridge beams, broad eaves and purlins extending beyond the walls and roof and painted to contrast with the walls • A shed roof facing the front with a broad dormer for an upper story room • • A variety of window sizes More than one material serving to divide the main floor from the second story •

Wood shingles, stucco, brick or stone exterior finishes

22 | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Ranch

Roofs are low-pitched without dormers and have either a hipped gable (most common), cross-gable, orRanch side-gable houses with are noteda moderate for their to wide long, eave close-to-the-ground overhang. Front andprofile, side asymmetry, windows are and typically wide-open horizontal plans. in orientation and may include large picture windows in the front. Cladding is usually in wood and/or brick. Decorative elements are modest, often limited to false shutters on windows. The split-level home a prominent feature of the home, often with living space above the garage. Exterior steps provide access is essentially a modification of a ranch house, often built on hillside areas. In split-level home, a garage is toSummary the main of entranceidentifying and features living floor.of the Ranch style:

• Moderate or wide-eave overhang • • Long, low-pitch roofline with cross-gabled, side-gabled or hip roof • Attached two-car garage Asymmetrical, U- or L-shaped floor plan • Windows with a large glass area, sometimes accentuated with false shutters • Mixed material exteriors of stucco and brick, wood or stone

Tudor Tudor homes are characterized by solid masonry, steeply pitched roofs with one or more front-facing gables, and elaborate forms and decorative features. Tall, narrow casement windows often grouped in rows of three or more and decorative half-timbering accentuates the façade. The structure features storyasymmetrical create a balanced designs in design. both theWeatherboard façade and or layout, shingled with walls an archedwith stucco front and door stone and/or are also entry common porch. materialsBrick laid usedin elaborate on a Tudor patterns style onhouse. the first story and stucco or wood with decorative trim on the second

Summary of identifying features of Tudor architecture:

• Steeply pitched roof lines • Facade dominated by one or more front-facing gables • Roof gable dormers • Decorative half-timbering (usually upper stories) • Stone, stucco, or brick cladding between half-timber boards • Neutral color pallet (browns, tans, white, and cream) • Massive chimneys

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 23 Mid-Century Modern The Mid-Century Modern style is characterized by clean lines, organic and streamlined forms, and lack of embellishment. Distinguishing features include a classic, understated look, uncluttered and sleek lines with organic and geometric forms, minimal ornamentation, and the juxtaposition of tradition materials such as wood with non-traditional materials such as metal, glass, vinyl, plywood. Eichler homes are an

Centuryexample Modernof the Mid-Century style exhibit Modern few, if andany, arestreet-facing known for windows; flat roofs, glassinstead, walls, facades post-and-beam have small, construction, ceiling-level windowsflat and/or or low-sloping asymmetrical A-framed windows roofs, with vertical frosted woodglass. siding, and recessed entries. Houses in the Mid-

Summary of identifying features of the Mid-Century Modern style:

• Large wrap-around windows • bands with low-relief carving Smooth wall finishes with minimal articulation limited to carved panels by doors or windows or • Recessed or obscured entries • Horizontal rows of windows or decorative bands and glass blocks for windows • Aluminum or stainless steel trim for windows, doors and railings • Colors that range from neutral to bold, with graphic use of black and white

California Farmhouse

componentsThe California of Farmhouse this style. Details style is may defined include by simple,an entry rectangular court; breezeways floor plans. or open-air Front porches walkways; with colorswood suchcolumns, as white, masonry gray, basebrown, accents, or black; simple shutters; massing, metal a roofs; clean and roofline, limited and stone an openaccents. floor plan are typical

Summary of identifying features of the California Farmhouse style:

• • Decorative vented cupolas High pitched roofline with gabled, hipped, shed, or a simple single primary roof • Covered porches with square posts and brackets • Regularly placed and shaped multi-paned windows that are vertically oriented with divided lites

24 | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Contemporary Contemporary architecture is architecture of the present day, as opposed to that of a particular architectural past traditions, styles and standards. In this sense, Contemporary architecture is not a “style”; rather, it is anmovement. adherence It reflectsto certain a concern principles, for designthe opinions values and and values even materials. of the present Contemporary and a willingness architecture to break exhibits with clean lines, rounded spaces and uses unconventional or industrial building materials, rejecting designs that are ornate, that use resources that are expensive to produce, or that damage the environment. Glass, metal, concrete, steel, and reclaimed materials are common building materials. Large windows and lots of them are characteristic of contemporary architecture, with large panels of glass that create opportunities for natural light, passive solar heating and the feel of openness.

Summary of identifying features of Contemporary architecture:

• Flat or angular roofs • Deep open eaves and roof overhangs act as awnings • An irregular, asymmetrical facade • Strong emphasis on geometric shapes • Large windows and clerestory windows • Use of recycled building materials • Neutral tones (grays, browns, blacks and whites) • Flat or angular roofs • Views and solar orientation direction often dictate the placement of windows or walls.

REDWOOD CITY CITYWIDE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES | FEBRUARY 2021 DRAFT | 25