17.30.250 Condominium design standards. http://www.qcode.us/codes/ranchomirage/view.php?topic=17-iii-17_30-...

Rancho Mirage Municipal Code

Up Previous Next Main Search Print No Frames
Title 17 ZONING
Division III. Development and Operational Standards
Chapter 17.30 STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC LAND USES

17.30.250 Condominium design standards.

The following standards shall apply to all condominium projects citywide, including specific plan areas, which are
approved after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section. This section provides minimum design and
development standards for condominiums which are subject to approval of a development plan permit in compliance
with Chapter 17.42 and which shall be constructed in the following manner:
A. Density. The maximum density of the underlying zoning district may be allowed only with demonstration
that the project meets or exceeds city standards and that superior design elements are utilized.
B. Building Setbacks.
1. Structures shall be located on the project property to meet the requirements of the zoning district for setbacks
and distances between buildings except as provided herein. Setback requirements shall be measured from the
subdivision boundaries, common area boundaries and curb face of private streets whichever is nearest as applicable.
Where condominium structures are not located along a street, and are located behind other structures, or where there
are structures back to back, there shall be a minimum fifty-foot separation between buildings and there shall be an
unobstructed, minimum twenty-four foot wide separation distance between buildings along the street, where it would
be necessary to bring a fire truck to a location within one-hundred sixty-five feet of any portion of the exterior walls of
any condominium structure.
2. In calculating the additional setbacks required for building heights above twenty feet, where there is no
property line from which to measure setbacks, the required separation distances between buildings shall be increased
pursuant to Section 17.20.100.
C. Site Design.
1. There should be an efficient and harmonious grouping of structures and space which encourages the
individuality of separate condominium dwelling units within a unifying design concept.
2. The applicant shall utilize site planning techniques and architectural treatments to reduce the impact of
building mass. Use of varied building heights, building articulation, landscaping, walls and fences, screening and other
similar techniques may be employed to achieve the goal of reduction of building mass impacts.
3. All condominium lots shall be situated in such a way that noise impacts will be mitigated. Dwellings shall be
sound attenuated against present and projected noise to mitigate noise impacts on outdoor living areas and in all
habitable rooms.
4. Buildings shall be placed in a manner to allow streetscape building diversity. Clusters of condominiums shall
be sited in a manner that respects the natural topography and that avoids excessive massing. Front setbacks of
structures shall be varied by increasing some setbacks to the extent necessary to create an interesting appearance from
the street.
5. Private drives serving the clusters of single-family homes shall be curvilinear, either following the natural
contours, or in the event of a flat site, to avoid long straight-aways.
6. Condominium structures shall be offset to avoid linear arrangement of homes between clusters and across
streets.
7. The project shall establish safe, direct and convenient access to common amenity areas.
8. Private driveways serving four or less dwelling units having no parking within the travelway shall have a
minimum paved width of twenty-four feet.
D. Structure Design.

1 of 2 8/3/17, 6:10 PM
17.30.250 Condominium design standards. http://www.qcode.us/codes/ranchomirage/view.php?topic=17-iii-17_30-...

1. Building design shall integrate and equitably distribute details on sides of proposed structures which face
private streets, common areas and public rights-of-way as follows:
a. Light and shadow achieved through openings, projections, recesses and details;
b. Avoidance of large blank faades;
c. Roof lines shall vary by use of varying roof structural configurations and slopes.
2. Rear building elevations shall incorporate design features consistent with front building elevations.
E. Landscaping.
1. Hierarchy of the circulation system shall be reinforced by landscaping. Project plans shall identify
opportunities and techniques for the creation of focal points where appropriate. Such opportunities may include, but
shall not be limited to, use of attractive hardscape elements, specimen trees, water features or unusual plant groupings.
2. The use of special landscape treatments and/or thematic elements shall be used to embellish distinguishable
features of the condominium project.
3. The applicant shall enhance entry view corridors. Design treatments which enhance project entries through
the use of raised medians, additional landscaping, landscape theme and location of recreational amenities may be
required.
4. It shall be demonstrated that trees will be distributed on slopes, common areas and/or lots and along private
streets so as to interrupt and soften the silhouette of structures visible from outside the project.
5. The natural vegetation and topography should be preserved where such natural features contribute to the
attractiveness of the project and compatibility within the neighborhood or district.
F. Compatibility with Surrounding Development.
1. The applicant shall design the project to create project edges which are compatible with adjacent residential
communities, which have been previously approved by the city. Similar structure heights, comparable or more
attractive perimeter walls, architectural features and landscaping improvements shall be designed.
2. The design of the condominium structures and overall site plan should be compatible with the physical
characteristics of the site, with buildings adjacent to the site, and with the character of the neighborhood or district.
Design compatibility of buildings includes harmonious building style, form, size, color, materials and relationship to
site topography. A compatible design plan is one which preserves the existing neighborhood character, facilitates
efficient and convenient circulation, is functionally related to the natural topography, utilizes natural characteristics of
the site, and is an asset to the community.
3. Due consideration should be given to the impact of condominium development on the neighborhood or
district in which property is located. Development should be designed to minimize view obstruction. (Ord. 1027 2,
2011; Ord. 862 Exh. A, 2004)

View the mobile version.

2 of 2 8/3/17, 6:10 PM