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COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT INTRODUCTION he identity of Anaheim is varied and extends beyond that of its world-renown resorts, sports venues, and convention center. It is a large, diverse city that is home to over 330,000 people. Visitors view it from major freeways and from its arterial corridors; residents experience it along its residential streets, parks, schools and shopping centers. T Creating a positive and strong community identity for such a large and diverse area is the goal of the Community Design Element. Anaheim is the oldest city in the County and contains historic as well as newly developed areas. Its topography varies from hills and canyons to flat coastal plains. Its built environment ranges from dense commercial and civic uses to estate-type, single- family neighborhoods. This Element provides policy guidance that respects this diverse context while seeking to unify the City through carefully crafted design policies. Citrus Park uses replicas of old packing labels to enliven blank walls and provide reminders of the City's agricultural heritage. The expanded Anaheim Convention Center’s dramatic facade of curved glass and central towers make it one of the region’s newest architectural landmarks. May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-1 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM ACHIEVING THE VISION A community’s vision is the mental picture of its desired future based on important community characteristics. In the context of the Community Design Element, the vision is simply what the community feels Anaheim should look like. This vision is reflected in the policies of the General Plan. Anaheim values the character of its neighborhoods and the history and diversity of the City. It is committed to strengthening neighborhood identity and enhancing its image. The desire to make Anaheim a better place to live, work, learn and visit is the foundation of the Community Design Element. The key objectives of the Element are to create: Citizens discuss the Vision and planning objectives for The Platinum Triangle at one of the many public outreach events for the General Plan update. • An aesthetically pleasing City unified by select design features; • Aesthetic enhancements along arterial corridors and public rights-of-way, including landscaping and streetscape improvements; • Clearly marked formal entries at key locations which identify community gateways, edges and boundaries; • Attractive and strategically located retail uses; • A vibrant and identifiable downtown; • Preservation of the City’s heritage through historic homes, neighborhoods and districts; • Well-maintained parks, libraries and community centers; • Attractive neighborhoods with well-maintained streetscapes; and • An abundance of open space features throughout the City. ENHANCING THE GENERAL PLAN The Community Design Element is not a required Element of the General Plan, but the City has long recognized the importance of community appearance and identity to its vitality, economic health and overall quality of life. Combined with the “Green Element” – which combines parks and recreation, open space, conservation, and public landscaping into a comprehensive plan to beautify the City - the Community Design Element provides policy guidance for the built environment. It supports the Land Use Element by providing design policies that complement the City’s diverse land uses, the Circulation Element by providing guidance for aesthetically enhancing arterial corridors, and the Economic Development Element by recognizing the relationship between quality design and economic viability, stability and growth. Page CD-2 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT RELATIONSHIP TO THE ZONING CODE Anaheim’s Zoning Code supports the Community Design Element in several important ways. As stated in its Introduction, the purpose of the Zoning Code is “to promote growth of the City in an orderly manner and to promote and protect the public health, safety, peace, comfort and general welfare in conformance with the General Plan.” While zoning requirements address land uses and development standards, this Element will address community-wide design features such as gateways, streets and public signage, as well as special policies for specific districts within the City. USING THE COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT The General Plan is intended to provide policy guidance, rather than specific development regulation. This Element is intended to provide a practical framework for specific design guidelines to ensure that design decisions in various parts of the City serve to implement the City’s Vision. COMMUNITY DESIGN COMPONENTS The Scale of Community Design In planning cities, design exists at various scales – from that of an individual building to an entire community. Rather than focusing on the design of one project, community design takes a broader view - looking at how the various components of a city fit together. From this perspective, community design exists at multiple levels – those of the street, neighborhood, district and city. Effective design strategies help to unify a city visually, thereby creating a distinct sense of place. For a city as large as Anaheim, carefully planned design guidelines can enhance the identity and distinctiveness of the City as a whole and the specific areas within it. Unifying Elements of Community Design There are many elements of community design, but they should all serve to make a City more visually rich and identifiable. One approach is to identify and enhance the City’s paths, landmarks, activity centers, districts and edges.1 Residents and visitors form their image of the City from major roadways, activity centers and neighborhoods. This image is further defined by visually prominent buildings and by changes in character from one area to the next. Enhancing each of these elements makes sense for Anaheim since its large size makes Citywide identity a difficult challenge. 1 This model of community design was devised by Kevin detailed in his landmark book, The Image of the City (1960). His primary idea was that cities could create a much more memorable image by enhancing the design of their major urban design elements. May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-3 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM Page CD-4 I May 2004 Paths A city is most often viewed from and defined by the paths that run in and through it. In a very real sense, perceptions of Anaheim are formed from the major paths – both freeways and major arterial corridors – which traverse it. Paths connect activity areas and can have an important character of their own. Aesthetic improvements to these paths and streetscapes have been identified as a key component in enhancing Anaheim’s overall appearance. Landmarks Visually prominent buildings, special geographic features and important cultural centers serve to give a city a distinct image and help to orient residents and visitors. Anaheim has a number of very important landmarks, such as the Matterhorn in The Anaheim Resort®, “The Big A” at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, the historic Kraemer Building and Anaheim Museum located in the Colony. Edges Boundaries or transitions from one area to another are important in community design as they signal one’s arrival to a new area. If edges are clearly marked, such as in the use of entry signs or monuments, a city’s identity is strengthened. Two types of edges are important in Anaheim – primary entries into the City and secondary entries into important districts or nodes. Demarcation of these primary gateways is particularly important for Anaheim since it borders so many cities, whose identity often blends into that of Anaheim. Regularly spaced palm trees provide a skyline image and constitutes a unifying visual element along paths. One of the most recognizable landmarks in Anaheim is "The Big a symbol for the City and its professional baseball stadium. ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT Activity Centers/Districts Activity centers, districts and other concentrations of land uses provide interest and diversity to cities, and planning for them can greatly enhance a city economically and socially. Good examples are shopping centers, entertainment complexes, transportation hubs and town centers. With its world-renown tourist destinations, professional sports venues, and the historic Anaheim Colony District, Anaheim already has many wonderful activity centers. The challenge for Anaheim is to expand and/or enhance the activity centers it has and create more successful and convenient activity centers such as shopping centers or other public gathering places for its residents at strategic locations. These areas are identified in the General Plan Land Use Element on the Land Use Map (Figure LU-2). The prominent City Hall West building marks this area of the Colony as a civic node. Special areas of the City can also have their own visual and functional identity, thereby preventing the monotony seen in many cities today and creating more interest. In selected areas, the City has enhanced its identity through the use of specialized design guidelines, signage, street furniture and landscaping. The Anaheim Resort and the Anaheim Colony Historic District are excellent examples. Enhancing the distinctiveness of these special areas while still maintaining the overall image of the City is an important focus of this Element. Rich landscaping along corridors contribute to visual appeal of The Anaheim Resort and enhance the area’s image. Integrating the Design E The Community D lements esign Element combines these rs y y elements – paths, landmarks, edges, activity cente and districts – in such a way that the image of the Cit is strengthened. The goal is to unify Anaheim visually while building on its unique qualities. Community- wide design features – usually placed along major corridors – can serve to unify the City, while activit centers, districts and landmarks provide variety and interest. This monument in Washington Park provides a distinctive visual symbol and reinforces a strong sense of place. May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-5 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM GOALS AND POLICIES COMMUNITY DESIGN SCOPE AND STRUCTURE The organizing principle of this Element is that community design exists at two levels, from the scale of the entire community to that of individual design districts. The goals and policies that follow will start at the “macro” level of the community and then proceed downward to specific districts. These policies, combined with the development standards of the Zoning Code and design guidelines for specific areas in the City, form a basis for individual project review. In this way, the design policies are tailored to the appropriate scale or area, yet fit together to address all aspects of community design. The following structure offers a way of thinking about design features applicable to these distinct levels and provides the basis for the goals and policies that follow. The list is not exhaustive, but illustrates design features that occur at various levels simultaneously. City Level Design Features • Community design identity • Enhanced arterial corridors • Single-family neighborhood design quality • Multiple-family development • Mid-block corridor residential areas • Retail activity centers • Neighborhood retail centers • Mixed-use development • Industrial areas • Signage • Architectural diversity and context • Public art District Level Design Features • Downtown revitalization • Historic preservation in residential areas of the Colony • Platinum Triangle development • North Euclid Street • West Anaheim • East Anaheim • North Central Industrial Area • The Canyon • The Hill and Canyon Area Page CD-6 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY LEVEL DESIGN FEATURES Community Design Identity In a city as large and diverse as Anaheim, it is challenging to reinforce a consistent e northeast to the flat range from period architecture of the early pportuni to make strong e t its identity. Major stretches of corridors have undergone e n improvements, and redevel have facilitated new develop e improvements and public a n the City. Nevertheless, the a neighboring cities. This ele n reinforce the image of Anaheim. GOAL 1.1: Create an aesthetically plea community appearance within the context of community design theme. The City is approximately 50 square miles in size and borders eight cities. Its topography varies from the hills and canyons of th areas towards the west. Its neighborhoods 1900’s to suburban tracts typical of development in the 1950’s through the 1990’s. Its commercial areas range from specialty retail areas to strip commercial development along its many corridors. It contains world-famous landmarks such as Disneyland, and facilities of national, State and regional interest such as Angel Stadium of Anaheim, the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim and the Anaheim Convention Center. Unifying this City of diverse elements is both a challenge and an o continues ty. The City ffor s to reinforce arterial xte sive landscape opment efforts m nt, streetscape rt i many areas of re re still many areas that are that can indistinguishable from that of me t identifies areas sing and unified distinct districts and neighb o orh ods. Policies: 1) Continue to de n mentation for important primary and secondary r City, especially along major corridors. 2) Ensure that the s facilities fit well into their surroundings and incorporat m Anaheim, including its past and/or present, as appropriate. sig ate and provide monu ent y points into the de ign of all public e sy bolic references to the City of Landmarks su Anaheim, Disn ch as the Angel Stadium of eyland’s Matterhorn, and the aheim are visible from mbolize Anaheim to ns of visitors and residents alike. Arrowhead Pond of An eways and sy major fre millio May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-7 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM 3) Incorporate the City seal in appropriate public spaces and public facilities. 4) Pursue unifying streetscape elements for major iew corridors for nity facilities, and natural nd design of all public ties to incorporate public art in conjunction l improvements projects. d above-ground infrastructure support lectrical substations, and water wells and tely scaled landscaping or other methods of s and support structures water l controls, vents) to blend with the surrounding nd res d cons f fa , cell tower stealthing). The large, raised Park enhances th Downtown. gazebo in Washington e historic image of corridors, including coordinated streetlights, landscaping, public signage and street furniture, to reinforce Anaheim’s community image. 5) Identify and preserve/enhance v major landmarks, commu open space in the planning a and private projects. 6) Continue to identify opportuni with redevelopment and capita 7) Screen public and private facilities an structures and equipment, such as e recharge facilities, with appropria screening. 8) Construct public and private facilitie pipes, irrigation and electrica environment. 9) Minimize visual impacts of public a through sensitive site design an limited to: appropriate placement o possible; and aesthetic design (e.g. private facilities and support structu truction. This includes, but is not cilities; undergrounding, where Page CD-8 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-9 Enhanced Arterial Corridors Residents and visitors alike often experie corridor T scenic highways to more regional-ser y landscape projects and/or impr ps need to be addressed and other opportunities need to be identified and pursued. From a com rovem visual contin ch p City design ent. GOAL 2.1: Attractiv nce Anaheim by traveling along its many arterial s. hese corridors vary in character from designated ving arterial roadways. The City has completed man oved major sections along its corridors, but major ga munity design perspective, arterial streetscape imp uity and interest to the motorist and pedestrian. Su themes as well as soften views of adjoining developm ent plans provide lans can reinforce ely landscape and maintain Anaheim’s major arterial corridors and prepare/ implement distinctive streetscape improvement plans. Policies 1) areas, and as a part of streetscape improvement plans. s 3) derground overhead utility lines along the City’s arterial 4) long 5) Require replacement of non-conforming signs wherever possible and appropriate, through such mechanisms as sign amortization programs. 6) Develop a coordinated program and design hierarchy for public signs along major arterials. : Incorporate Citywide design features as well as specialized theme elements, such as street furniture, public signs, landscape palettes, and banners in appropriate 2) Use landscaping and facade articulation to break up long stretches of wall associated with residential development along major corridors. Continue to un corridors. Ensure adherence to sign regulations, which address issues of scale, type, design, materials, placement, compatibility, and maintenance for uses a freeways, toll roads and major arterial corridors. Landscaped medians and parkways give arterial corridors a stronger identity and provide visual continuity. ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM Single-Family Neighborhood Quality With the notable exception of the Colony area, the majority of the City’s single-family neighborhoods were built after 1950. Most, with the exception of portions of the Hill and Canyon Area, were not built as planned communities. Consequently, the streetscapes contain a diversity of housing styles, although of similar scale and massing. e quality of the d environment. d provision of parkways, and property maintenance. Where there is no predominant design theme and no neighbo o , where appro ties well-maintained. GOAL 3.1: Single-fam Since these areas are built-out, the architectural impact of these design policies will be seen over time as older homes are remodeled or replaced by new development. The design goal is to ensure that redesigned or new homes contribute to th neighborhoo Many of the neighborhoods have aged gracefully while others are in need of improvement, including the replanting of street trees an improved need to consider one, the best action is to preserve the existing scale of the rho d, provide ample street trees and parkways, design neighborhood priate, and provide property owners with incentives to keep their proper ily neighborhoods are attractive, safe and comfortable. Policies: 2) ys, mature street trees, compatible setbacks, and a unified range of architectural detailing. 3) Require new and infill development to be of compatible scale, materials, and massing as existing development. 1) Continue to maintain and improve the visual image and quality of life of single-family neighborhoods. Strengthen the important The value of park residences and t looking east and way trees and a landscaped buffer between private he sidewalk is shown by these contrasting photos west on Broadway. elements of residential streets that unify and enhance the character of the neighborhood, including parkwa Page CD-10 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT 4) Improve the pedestrian and social atmosphere of the street by street with attractive front porches, y identification. ovide an effective visual transition from the street to the ) Where feasible, encourage the ections. 9) evoted to ccess. 10) munity, provide and links to , retail stops for safety archite lans, fa ations to create visual interest. orienting new homes towards the highly visible street facades, and compatible setbacks. 5) Enhance and encourage neighborhood or street identity with theme landscaping or trees, entry statements, and enhanced school or community facilit This neighborhood at the intersection of Romneya and Euclid Street demonstrates that neighborhood identity ca be improved with enhanced entry treatment n s – landscaped medians, distinct crosswalks and wide sidewalks. 6) Maintain, improve and/or develop parkways with canopy street trees, providing shade, beauty and a unifying identity to residential streets. 7) Encourage well-designed, front yards to pr homes. Landscaped parkways with mature street trees add beauty to residential streets, nd 8 actual or visual narrowing of streets through measures such as widened parkways, canopy trees, and provide a safer environment for residents, a are a strong, unifying visual element. sidewalk bulbs at the inters Site garages back from the street and minimize street frontage d driveways and vehicular a If desired by the com continuous sidewalks nearby community facilities centers and transit and convenience. Continuous sidewalks buffered from traffic are an important amenity. 11) Encourage a variety of styles, massing, floor p treatment and elev ctural cade May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-11 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM 12) Reduce the impact of monotonous residential neighborhoods alo varied surface treatment, and use o elements. walls, located at the periphery of ng arterial corridors, through landscaping, f vertical and/or horizontal design Multiple-F nt amily Developme Multiple nt and challenging concern to the City both in terms of supply an the are multiple-fam hich corridors in su have a stron nity de accommodat the char e vides a quality residential environment that is safe a GOAL 4.1: Multiple-fam ng is attractively designed and scaled to complement the -family housing is an importa d design. Approximately one-half of ily in nature, the vast majority of w West, Central and East Anaheim. As g effect on perceptions of commu housing units within the City are located along major arterial ch, they are visually prominent and sign. The challenge is to e higher density housing that retains a neighborhood feel and contributes to act r of the street environment and pro nd attractive. ily housi neighbo o rough varied architectural detailing. rho d and provides visual interest th Policies: 1) -scale, multiple-family buildings by articulated entry features, such as attractive porches, and detailed visual in 2) ltiple-family residences by incorporating y of rooflines, wall articulation, aried colors and building materials on all 3) ght limits to provide privacy where ped adjacent to single-family housing. eas by utilizing interior courtyard ranean lots, or tuck-under, alley-loaded 5) ot size criteria in the Z perty 6) amenities. Common open space should seating, shade and play Reduce the visual impact of large requiring facade treatments, which create personalized design. Discourage visually monotonous, mu different architectural styles, a variet balconies, window treatments, and v terest and give each unit more elevations. Require appropriate setbacks and hei multiple-family housing is develo 4) Reduce the visual impact of parking ar garages, parking structures, subter designs. Require minimum l oning Code to encourage management. professional, responsible, on-site pro Provide usable common open space be centrally located and contain amenities such as Page CD-12 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT equipment. Private open space may include courtyards, balconies, pa terraces and enclosed play areas. Where a mu tios, 7) ltiple-story apartment building abuts single-story development, provide for a gradual transition in height by reducing the height of the aller scale use. building adjacent to the sm 8) Provide convenient pedestrian access from multiple-family development to nearby commercial centers, schools, and transit stops. 9) Where possible, underground or screen utilities and utility equipment or locate and size them to be as inconspicuous as possible. Quality multi-family development includes semi-private open space enhanced landscaping as well as access to public space and nearby commercial centers. convenient Rich detailin , varying rooflines and prominent entry features lend multi-family development a more domestic scale and enhance the identity of major streets. g of facades May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-13 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM Mid-Block Corridor Residential Development An important feature of the Land Use E introduc are located ential areas are int mercial development and expand the City o block develo ity purposes, but close enough to visually improve the corridor. The design ates richly detailed architecture and contributes to an attractive and pedestrian-friendly street environment. This can be accomplished through design guidelines that encourage residential developments with a neighborhood scale and appearance, orientation towards the street, recessed or alley loaded parking and landscaped parkways. Provision of open space within each development will contribute to an attractive streetscape. These policies allow design flexibility while outlining design features which create a visually consistent environment. GOAL 5.1: Mid-block residential developments convey a neighborhood atmosphere, high level of lement is the identification of areas for the tion of mid-block residential development along arterial corridors. Since they along major corridors that oftentimes frame neighborhoods, these resid ended to provide an alternative to strip com ’s h using stock and variety. Since they are located along busy arterials, mid- pments will be set back far enough for safety and livabil goal is to encourage mid-block development that incorpor design quality, and strong street-facing orientation. Po 1) Design facades of residences facing arterial corridors to include richly articulated surfaces, walls, and roofline treatments. 2) Encourage mid-block residential streetscapes that feature well-landscaped parkways and variations of residential facades, styles and color with a minimum of driveways and/or curb cuts provided (access primarily provided from the rear of residences). 3) Incorporate elevated front porches in dwelling units along major arterial corridors to provide privacy, security, and visual interest. 4) In addition to porches, require that each dwelling unit have a reasonable ar 5) Where front yard fencing is desirable, require that it be low-scale and open- view style, incorporating varied architectural elements consistent with the residential facades. amount of usable private open space elevated decks, terraces and re yards). licies: Page CD-14 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT 6) Where alley loading is not feasible, minimize shared driveways and locating parking behind residences. curb cuts by incorporating l Encourage decorative, colored pavement, stamped concrete, brick or 7) Place parkway street trees at regular intervals to buffer residential uses and create a unifying visual element along the arterial corridor. 8) Require a minimum landscaped setback between the sidewalk and the front yard fence to provide more privacy for residents and allow for an additiona row of trees and landscaping. 9) composite material for shared driveways and alleys to reinforce the residential character of the neighborhood. 10) Where possible, underground or screen utilities and utility equipment or locate and size them to be as inconspicuous as possible. The d esign goal is to encourage mid-block development that incorporates richly detailed architecture and contributes to a pedestrian-friendly street environment. This can be accomplished through g and l guidelines that encourage domestic scale and appearance, orientation to the street, recessed parkin andscaped parkways. May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-15 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM Retail Activity Centers Aging c strategically hitecture, clear access and a provide a m define the s gathering pl it works to facilitate new retail development at strate ic and economic g To improve centers, such uses should be develop amenities, c n and vehicular access. Design guidelines can help assure that the center fits together visually and contains the quality elements that will attract visitors and improve its vitality. GOAL 6.1: Focus activity centers at the intersections of selected major corridors to provide a ommercial areas represent a challenge and an opportunity. Well-designed and located retail activity centers that incorporate distinctive arc mple pedestrian amenities, not only enhance community image, but also ore solid economic base for the City. Retail activity centers also help to treet corridor, provide a variety of shopping opportunities, and offer aces in an attractive setting. As gic locations major intersections), the City can help fulfill both aesthet oals. the overall design and functionality of retail ed on adequately sized sites that are large enough to provide pedestrian arefully screened parking areas, and well-planned pedestria convenient and attractive concentration of retail and office uses. Policies: 1) Locate buildings and building frontages close to the street and street corners with parking behind or to the side of the buildings. Where this is not le entrances to retail activity centers through accent landscaping and lighting, enhanced intersection features, facade detailing, monument signs, public art and other design amenities. 3) Encourage pedestrian-scale features such as canopies and/or awnings, customized signage, and strategically located secondary entrances. 4) Incorporate architectural interest and variety within the context of a unified design theme for large-scale retail activity centers. Architectural interest should be provided through varied rooflines, architectural detailing, accent lighting and massing. Consistency should be maintained through commonalities of architectural style, color, landscaping, signage, and lighting. 5) Richly detail and articulate facade designs thereby avoiding monotonous expanses of blank walls. possible or practical, ensure that street-facing parking is shielded through landscaping or berming. 2) Design highly visib Page CD-16 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT 6) Link newly developed retail activity centers, where practical, to surrounding residential and/or office uses through clear and safe pedestrian and bicycle connections. 7) Provide walls when necessary for security and/or privacy. Pedestrian breaks should be provided where needed for access and walls should contain vertical and/or horizontal detailing to avoid a blank appearance. Walls should also be planted with clinging vines to address potential graffiti opportunities and have layered landscaping to soften the look and create a sense of depth. 8) Provide people-gathering places and amenities – such as mini-plazas, courtyar benches, outdoor eating areas, specialized landscaping, accent lighting, public art, shade, trash receptacles, and water fountains. 9) Buffer parking areas from the street and adjoining uses through tree plantings and landscaped edges and bays berms and/or hedges with layered landscape). Landscaping on the perimeter and within parking lots should provide shade and pedestrian walkways should be strategically located and clearly marked for safe access to shopping and activity areas. 10) Where practical, encourage use of parking structures to minimize visual impacts of surface parking. Such structures should be sited away from the street, landscaped to soften large expanses of walls, and designed to blend and be consistent with the commercial buildings. 11) Encourage internal access between adjacent properties in order to minimize curb cuts along major thoroughfares. 12) Where possible, underground or screen utilities and utility equipment or locate and size them to be as inconspicuous as possible. ds, Siting buildings close to the street with visible entrances and pedestrian amenities invites use. Landscaped bays reduce the visual impact of surface parking. May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-17 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM Neighborhood Retail Centers Neighborhood retail centers can be convenient and attractive amenities for nearby residents, a place to shop, dine and gather. Many times however, such developments provide little, if any, pedestrian connection to surrounding neighborhoods, are visually dominated by large parking lots, and have very little architectural enhancements or landscaped features. The primary focus of these centers is to estrian amenities and distinctive signage and attractive landscaping. ttractive places that serve a 4- to 5-block radius, including vehicular, bike and pedestrian access. These developments, should, however, include some of the same design principles as retail activity centers, but at a smaller scale. These principles include street-facing orientation, buffered parking, ped Landscaping enhances the pede environment and minimizes the visual impacts of parking. strian GOAL 7.1: Neighborhood retail centers are thoughtfully designed to create a provide convenient access and ample pedestrian amenities to residents of surrounding oods. neighborh Policies: 1) uch of the corner as possible. 3) e the center’s ace be avoided. 4) g lot 5) te street-level pedestrian amenities such as awnings, large Locate neighborhood retail center buildings close to the street and, if on an intersection, occupy as m 2) Create focal points by encouraging corner buildings that contain special design features such as towers, decorative detailing or varied roof designs. Locate parking in a neighborhood center behind or besid buildings rather than in front of them to reduce the visual impact of surf parking lots, where practical. Massive, oversized parking lots should To the extent practical, screen views of surface parking areas using shade trees, perimeter hedges, and other plantings. Landscaped planters and defined pedestrian pathways should be incorporated into the parkin design. Incorpora storefront windows, arcades, small sitting areas, and accent landscaping. Page CD-18 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT 6) Encourage pedestrian access to and from ad and breaks in walls or landscaped buffer are Encourage a consistent sign program joining uses by providing paths as. 7) which effectively addresses scale, type and placement within the overall design theme of the retail center. 8) hood retail centers are ntial development. 9) ht features of the neighborhood boring properties. 10) ities and utility equipment or as possible. Ensure that the scale and massing of neighbor sensitive to the context of surrounding reside Lighting should provide for safety and highlig retail center but not shine directly onto neigh Where possible, underground or screen util locate and size them to be as inconspicuous Mixed Use Development Mixed-use d tie the on-goin gments of the e developmen in segm as retirees a ed-use areas can revive aging areas, generate sales and property tax revenue and provide a vibrant environment for residents. The pla enge. Such uses must be carefully integrated w ture land uses, and there must be a proper balan al uses. Residents must have private spaces and treets with a balance of vehicular and pedestrian a GOAL 8.1 Anaheim’s m pedestrian-friendly, easily evelopment has a growing appeal for many ci g need to provide housing to all se t can provide a desirable option for certa nd households without children. Mix s and for good reasons. With community, mixed-us ents of the population such nning and design of mixed-use areas is a chall ith surrounding development and/or fu ce between retail, office and residenti convenient parking, retailers need s ctivity. ixed-use areas are attractively designed, accessible, a cial retail, office and residential uses. nd contain a proper blend of commer Policies: 2) density residential uses could incorporate different window treatment, architectural detailing, colors, oth containing rich 1) Encourage design flexibility in mixed-use development by allowing both a vertical and/or horizontal mix of uses. In vertical mixed-use, site retail or office uses on the ground floor, with residential and/or office uses above. 3) Encourage architecture that divides individual buildings into a base, middle and top second story and higher balconies, and bays). For two-story buildings, ground floor retail uses should be distinguished from second story facades, with b May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-19 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM surface articulation. Rooflines should have a finished look with cornices, parapets or other finishing details. ses near the sidewalk to provide high visibility in mind by including wide eas and clearly defined pedestrian nt, orient the tallest portions of the nd ensure that the height of the le with adjacent development. parking by providing either parking with mer rking. strian traffic. ocate potentially disruptive retail uses such as or s or terraces) and larger communal spaces such as lobbies, central gardens or courtyards. 4) Locate commercial/retail u from the street. 5) Design development with the pedestrian sidewalks, canopy street trees, sitting ar routes. 6) With large-scale mixed-use developme buildings towards the center of the site a buildings at the periphery are compatib 7) Minimize the visual impact of surface structures, rear- or side-street parking 8) Segregate residential parking from com 9) Locate mixed-use development in areas of high visibility and accessibility, and along streets that balance vehicular and pede effective landscape buffering. cial and office pa 10) Strategically l bars to avoid future conflicts with adjacent residential uses. 11) Provide each residential use with its own private space (such as balconies, patio 12) Where possible, underground or screen utilities and utility equipment or locate and size them to be as inconspicuous as possible. Ground floor retail, orientation to street, differentiated facade treatment for residential uses above, and street and structured parking give mixed-use centers vibrant and pedestrian-oriented urban spaces. Page CD-20 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT Indust l ria Areas Anaheim has several key industrial areas, Industri and Magnol sited to minimiz require outd characteristics, the City can still strive to make industrial areas attractive and, at the same time, all guidelines s ; strengthening the overall image of indu coordin policies will areas. including The Canyon, the North Central al Area, the area west of the Santa Ana (I-5) Freeway between La Palma Avenue ia Avenue, and portions of The Platinum Triangle. These areas are e conflicts with potentially sensitive land uses. Industrial uses can be noisy, oor storage, create fumes, and generate truck traffic. Despite these ow for the kinds of activities inherent to industrial uses. Design policies and hould address the obvious issues of buffers, screening and parking strial areas through entry monumentation, ated public signage and landscaping should also be addressed. The following also assist in improving the appearance and future of these GOAL 9.1: Anaheim’s industrial areas and the buildings within them are strategically planned, visually distinctive and attractive, abundantly landscaped and appropriately signed. Policies: 1) Strengthen the identity of key industrial areas through entry monumentation, signage, attractive landscape treatments, and a complementary range of building colors and types. 2) Encourage individual design identity and clearly visible main entrances for industrial buildings. 3) Avoid use of long, blank walls by breaking them up with vertical and horizontal facade articulation achieved through stamping, colors, materials, perimeter walls and landscape treatments. d ief, access and outdoor employee 7) r 8) areas for the convenience of employees and clients. modulation and landscaping. 4) Thoroughly screen and enclose all outside storage areas through the use of 5) Use abundant landscaping to minimize views of surface parking, storage an service areas. 6) Where possible, encourage adjacent buildings to share open, landscaped and/or hardscaped areas for visual rel gathering places. Where practical, underground or screen utilities and utility equipment o locate and size them to be as inconspicuous as possible. Permit convenience retail uses, such as restaurants in proximity to industrial May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-21 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM 9) d r as practical from adjacent sensitive uses ing isting ntation. Reduce the noise, traffic and visual impacts of service, delivery, parking an loading areas by locating them as fa residential and commercial areas), from the street, sidewalk or build entrances. 10) Encourage the application of these design policies to remodels of ex development and develop incentive programs for their successful impleme Vertical piers, windows, color variation and surface modulation lend an attractive identity to industrial parks. Landscaped berms s surface parking, storage and loadi often views of ng areas. Other landscaped, open areas can enhance gathering places used by workers. Consistent landscape palettes and a reasonable range of building and architectural types, in addition to consistently themed entry monumentation and signage, create attractive and visually distinct industrial areas. Page CD-22 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT Signage The primary function of signs is to identify and advertise businesses, identify commu facilities, and direct motorists and pedestrians. However, they also have a large impact on the visual quality of the streets and neighborhoods. A well-coordinated sign program can be a positive and distinctive amenity; on the other hand, poorly regulated signs c contribute to a visually chaotic and cluttered streetscape. The most desirable sign complement a building’s style, are easily identifiable, and are visually attractive and interesting. Improvement of signage along commercial corridors is a major design priority. In areas, where the signage has evolved over time, the quality and type of signs vary significantly. Although the size and type of signs vary depending on the scale o nity an s older f the street and properties they serve, there are some important guidelines that contribute to streetscape, while ensuring the signs continue to serve their intended eady elines through specific plans). GOAL 1 Anaheim sig an improved purpose. The following policies apply Citywide with the exception of areas of the City that alr have guid 0.1: n guidelines address distinctive, appropriately-scaled and/or coordinated signs through d-use areas. out commercial, industrial and mixe Policies for 1) Use complementary, yet distinctive, sign styles within retail centers. 2) l , color and style, capturing the architectural theme of the commercial area of which they are a part. 3) signs, roof signs (except in Downtown Mixed Use Overlay Zone), temporary lettering of window signs, 4) Encourage high-quality signage, including wall signs, raised letter signs, 5) t complement the architecture of the building without dominating it. 6) ugh to be seen from the thoroughfare. This necessitates signs of a scale larger than that of Arterial Corridors: Where freestanding signs are necessary, they should be designed in a vertica format with consistent lettering Discourage and/or prohibit the use of pole blinking or flashing signs and temporary signs. projecting, double-faced signs, and customized logos. Encourage signs tha Along major arterial corridors, use signs that are large eno pedestrian-scaled signs. May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-23 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM Policies 7) ple, direct and distinctive, and designed at a scale easily read by the people walking. 8) i-story al placement for signs is along the horizontal band between the ground-floor retail and the upper stories. On high-rise structures, signs can be placed directly below the roofline. 9) Along a continuous facade of storefronts, locate wall signs at approximately the same height to provide a unifying, horizontal design element. 10) Encourage pedestrian-oriented signs such as awnings, wall signs, raised letter signs, and projecting blade-signs. 11) Although sign designs should be consistent in terms of scale and type within a particular retail center or commercial street, encourage design variation and distinctiveness to provide visual interest and avoid monotony. for Pedestrian-Oriented Streets and Neighborhood Centers: Along pedestrian-oriented streets and in neighborhood centers, use signs that are sim Integrate signs into the building’s architecture. Along smaller mult buildings, the ide Attractive signs are distinctive and interesting, complementing the site and building where they are located. These projecting, double-faced signs, monument signs and raised-letter wall signs, are appropriately scaled to their context. Sign clutter is created by too many contrasting styles and colors in too small an area. Consolidating signs works well with limited numbers and proper scale. Temporary window signs look cluttered and unattractive. Page CD-24 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT Architectural Diversity and Context The tremendous diversity of Anaheim is also reflected in its architectural heritage. No one architectural style dominates, and different areas of the City have developed at different times and with different building styles. Consequently, prescriptive guidelines about style would be inappropriate and stifle architectural creativity. Nevertheless, basic architectural guidelines can be written which allow design creativity while ensuring quality. In both commercial and residential areas, the goal is to achieve high quality creative proje and cts within the context of general design principles. the GOAL 11.1: Architecture in Anaheim has diversity and creativity of design and is consistent with immediate surroundings. Policies: 1) In areas of diverse character, surrounding commercial ally 3) larger vision for an area. 4) ns on encourage project design that represents architectural elements of the neighborhood or areas. 2) Encourage architectural designs that are visu stimulating and varied, yet tasteful, containing rich contrasts and distinctive architectural elements. Ensure that the scale, materials, style and massing of new development is consistent with its surroundings and any New construction should be creative, yet respon its context. Ground-floor uses are inviting to the pedestrian. Upper floors ar d to e distinctive and well detailed. Add visual richness to residential streets by discouraging the same building elevatio adjacent lots and avoiding repetitious elements and colors. May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-25 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM 5) Encourage energy and environmental efficiency – such as “Green Development Standards” (see Green Element) – in the design and approval of new projects. Public Art The purpose of public art is to add interest, variety, and beauty to the City’s public places. Well-designed public art creates a connection between the public and the lture of the community by designing places that incorporate symbols that serve to nter Anaheim’s “Art in Public Places” program includes works that symbolize the City’s agricultural past and rich heritage as well as pieces that serve to entertain and add comfort. The City’s challenge will be to expand this successful program to include more areas of the City and to attract artists that represent the City’s tremendous diversity. GOAL 12.1: Opportunities to expand the Art in Public Places program to include all areas of the City cu e tain and enrich urban areas. will be explored, thereby enriching public places and strengthening the City’s identity. Policies: 1) Continue and expand the Arts in Public Places program by selecting suitable sites throughout the City that would ben artments fit well into their context. The Center Street Ap raised, gabled entrance, flanked with river rock, is representative of the front porches of the Craftsman Bungalow style common in the region. Detailed facade treatment – differing window styles, bays, and piers – reduces the scale of large, commercial buildings. efit from the inclusion of public art. Page CD-26 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT 2) Encourage the incorporation of p development. ublic art into large-scale private 3) Design public art with a diverse population in mind, from small children to senior citizens to workers, families and visitors. Public art (le hammer sy the original Colo remind entertains, informs and serves. “Hammer Clock” ft) adds a twist to the traditional Main Street clock. The mbolizes the work ethic of early blacksmiths in ny, while the teetering pocket watch s us of the urgency of time. “Orange Crates” (above) incorporates packing crates – an enduring symbol of the City’s agricultural past – into a functional seating ent, well liked by kids. elem Murals reflect historic character and t and add civic beauty at a r raditions of Anaheim easonable cost. Banners provide a fairly inexpensive and highly visible decorative element in urban places. In this piece, banners adorn the Downtown Community Center. May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-27 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM DISTRIC Given the unique character of Anaheim, it is appropriate to divide the City into design districts in order to understand the design conditions of each area. Although some policies can be implemented Citywide, others are best targeted to specific areas. Figure CD-1, Community Design Districts, shows the City’s major design districts. A brief description of the design features within each district is provided below. T-LEVEL DESIGN FEATURES Page CD-28 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM This page intentionally left blank Page CD-30 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT Downtown Revitalization Anaheim’s Downtown, located within the original Colony boundaries, has witnessed many changes over time. From a small, thriving commercial area in the early 1900s, it has grown to accommodate a growing population. Through the redevelopment process that began in the 1970s, many of the historic commercial and residential buildings were replaced with newer development. The result of these changes is an area of mixed character, both in terms of architectural styles and age of prominent buildings. Both the City and area residents want to create a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown that reflects elements of its historic past and provide design guidance to ensure that new development is compatible with the area’s vision. Guiding new development that enhances the historic character of the area and creates a vibrant downtown without resorting to artificial imitations of the past is a challenge. The architectural heritage of the commercial core is eclectic: it included Classical Revival, Italianate, Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, Art Deco, among others. Guidelines that respect this heritage and offer an appropriate menu of choices for designers are appropriate. Modern designs that make historic allusions without directly copying them, and reflect a scale and massing conducive to pedestrians and civic uses are desirable. GOAL 13.1: Anaheim has a vibrant, distinctive and pedestrian-friendly Downtown that respects its historic context and provides civic, shopping, employment, and entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. Policies: 1) Use the Anaheim Colony Vision, Principles and Design Guidelines to ensure that new development reflects the diverse architectural heritage, and that the detailing and scale of the area is maintained and/or enhanced. 2) Incorporate historic themes and community symbols into the design of the Downtown area to distinguish it as Anaheim’s historic/civic core. This photo illustrates that corner architecture can provide community identity and defines the street edge. Wide sidewalks allow for window shopping, pedestrian passage, seating areas and a landscape zone. Architectural detailing of contemporary buildings can contain historical references that convey a sense of place without recreating the past. Bulb-out parkways at corners add public space and narrow the street at crosswalks. May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-31 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM 3) Provide generous pedestrian amenities such as wide sidewalks, ground-level retail uses, parkways, vintage streetlights, sitting areas, and street furniture as key features of Downtown Anaheim. 4) Establish a strong sense of architectural identity and visual continuity through similarities in scale, height, massing, facade organization, signage, material use, colors and roof shapes. 5) Encourage architectural detailing, which includes richly articulated surfaces and varied facade treatment, rather than plain or blank walls. 6) Locate commercial buildings close to the public right-of-way to better define the urban space and create pedestrian interest. Consistent street frontages of buildings are encouraged, but can be relieved with occasional courtyards, patios and setbacks. 7) Develop a sign program for important streets that complements the architecture of individual buildings and also provides a unifying element along the streetscape. 8) Encourage the following types of signs: indirectly lit signs, raised letter signs, wall signs, awnings, and double-faced, projecting signs along pedestrian streets. 9) Discourage the use of the following types of signs: internally illuminated, plastic, flashing signs, billboards, generic trademark signs, and any sign temporarily affixed to ground-floor windows. Roof signs are generally discouraged, although exceptions can be made for historically appropriate designs through established zoning provisions. 10) Where feasible, incorporate either angled or parallel parking on local commercial streets in the Downtown area to provide convenient access to retail uses. Anaheim's Down of a modern buil contribute to the This photo illustr that should be ut Colony. Building space. Ground-fl shopping opport awnings comple detailing and roo buildings. Distinctive, pedestrian-scale streetlights are strong unifying elements. ates examples of the design principles ilized for commercial areas of the s greet the sidewalk and define urban oor retail provides variety and window- unities. Horizontal sign bands and ment the architecture. Architectural f cornices give definition to the town Community Center is an example ding whose scale and detailing character of the Downtown. Page CD-32 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT 11) Minimize the visual surface parking lots by locating impact of esign public plazas and spaces that are treet for visual contact and convenience, contain abundant seating opportunities, and ies such as distinctive lic art, ample shade, and nt possibilities. 14) residential areas owntown core with gateway stinctive signage. them behind buildings, away from the street, if possible, or through perimeter and interior landscaping and small-scale fencing. 12) Encourage use of parking structures in lieu of surface parking lots. When provided along a pedestrian-oriented New construction within the Downtown should fea fac ture articulated surfaces, distinctive upper ades and rooflines, and pedestrian-friendly street, the structure should be designed to provide ground- level retail and/or office space. On streets where cars must occupy the ground level, a landscaped setback should be used to minimize and soften the visual impact of the structure. ground floor detailing. Without directly imitating the past, new development should draw its inspiration from the eclectic design traditions of the historic Colony. The Downtown should be rich in nd gathering places public spaces a . Fountains can they can enterta comfort. serve double-duty – in and provide 13) D both comfortable and convenient. They should be well-defined by surrounding buildings, located near the s incorporate amenit focal points, pub eating and entertainme Mark the transition from of the Colony to the D special edge treatment, monumentation and di May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-33 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM Page CD-34 I May 2004 Historic Preservation in Residential Areas of the Colony Community design also includes preserving th established commun serve its heritage. It was established farming colony bordered by what is today North ttlers constructed walls and fences made f their settlement and to keep out herds o of these fence poles took root and became gates into the colony. The North Gate is commemorated today at 775 North Anaheim Boulevard and has bee The Green Element proposes to restore muc historic Colony. A strong grassroots effort by local citizens, in partnership wit establishment of the Anaheim Colony Historic District in 199 Colony d. The Plan provides voluntary design guide to maintain and enhance the historic qualities of The original Colony Historic District and contains an excellent nd early residential street patterns and scale. The Colony contains 1,100 contributing structures including a predom anish Colonial, Mission, Tudor, Prairie and C st majority of the homes were built betwee The City of Anaheim, through the Neighborhood Preservation Office, provides financial and tech a ic home the list of Q for C Block Grant t b owners ente restore and mai n rebates. h regulatory fl properties a adequately a the Colony loans. Historic Housing Pr also ava Structures and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places include the Anaheim Museum (1908), Thee White House Restaurant (1909), the Kraemer Building (1923), the Kroeger-Melrose District (40 structures), and the Melrose-Backs District (6 e past. Anaheim is the oldest ity in Orange County and it is working to pre in 1857 as a 1.8 mile-square German , South, East and West Streets. The early se from willow poles to mark the boundaries o f wild cattle. Some n designated as a California State Landmark. h of this original landscaping edge of the h the City, resulted in the 7. In 1999, the Anaheim Historic District Preservation Plan was approve lines and assistance to property owners their homes. Colony survives today as the Anaheim concentration of period revival architecture a inance of Craftsman Bungalows as well as Sp olonial Revival styles, among others. The va n 1910 and 1935. nic l assistance to owners of qualified histor ualified Historic Structures may be eligible s (assuming income eligibility) and/or Mills Ac r voluntary 10-year contracts to s. Owners of structures on ommunity Development enefits wherein property ntai properties in return for property tax T e State Historic Building Code allows exibility for improvements to historic s long as safety and energy concerns are ddressed. Historic structures outside of may be eligible for home improvement eservation Rebates are This small Craftsma of the 1,100 qualified n bungalow is one historic homes in trict. the Anaheim Colony Historic Dis ilable for preserving historic structures ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT structur ible for individual listing on the National Register. Both the Cit encourage owners of historic homes to restore them, thereby contributing to a very special place within Anaheim. In preserving an entire dis identity by creating a memorable district that is a living link to the past. boundary at incorporation, in 1887. es). Twelve structures are also elig y and local preservation groups trict, the City strengthens its The Anaheim Colony Historic District boundary is the same as the City Historic postcards of The Anaheim Colony Historic District illustrate the Craftsman and bungalow chitecture and residential streetscapes created by nsistent setbacks and landscaped parkways. ar co The Colony’s architectural heritage is rich and varied. This Mission Style building is complemented by many other styles in the area – Craftsman Bungalow, Spanish Colonial, Tudor, Art Deco, Victorian and others. May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-35 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM GOAL 14.1: re a living example The Anaheim Colony Historic District and residential neighborhoods a of the architectural heritage and community pride of the City. Policies: (See both the Anaheim Colony Historic Preservation Plan and the Anaheim Colony Vision, Principles and Design Guidelines for complete Design Guidelines.) 1) The Anaheim Colony Design Guidelines should be the basis for design review of renovations, remodeling, and new construction within residential neighborhoods in the Anaheim Colony Historic District. 2) Continue to preserve and/or restore the Colony’s historic structures and streetscapes to reflect the diverse arkways, alleys architectural styles, historic features, character, scale and materials of the original house and community. 3) Restore and/or incorporate original streetscape patterns including consistent setbacks, p The Anaheim Colony Historic District Design Guidelines emphasize streetscape pa landscape themes, architecture, pede oriented enhancements, and other fea reflect the Colony’s rich historic heritag tterns, strian- tures that e. and landscape themes as part of the Colony’s continuing preservation efforts. 4) Continue to support the use of the Mills Act Program for owners of eligible historic properties. 5) Pursue the rezoning of select residential areas within the Anaheim Colony Historic District as a disincentive for demolition of historic homes and to preclude more intense development. The Colony Desi pedestrian-friend streetscapes. In this photo, the setback from cu do str str atmosphere and add an attractive, unifying visual gn Guidelines emphasize safe, ly residential development and rb to front porch is generous enough to allow a uble row of trees. Homes with “eyes on the eet” and generous parkways with mature eet trees provide a safe pedestrian element. 6) Incorporate edges and boundary treatments into the design guidelines Page CD-36 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT of the Anaheim Colony Historic District, including exploring the feasibility of restoring parts of the original colony gates in selected areas as a visual uidelines of the Anaheim Colony. reminder of the City’s origins. 7) Designate select residential areas adjacent to the Anaheim Colony Historic District, which contains historic structures as zones of influence subject to the Design G Platinum Triangle Development The Platinum Triangle represents an opportunity for the City to create a mixed-use Located at the confluence of the I-5 and SR- 7 Freeways, traversed by a commuter railroad line, and containin f naheim and the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim, the area has treme great deal of underutilized land. The new vision for The Platinum Triangle contains a dynamic mix of uses and upscale, igh-density urban housing - integrated by a carefully planned network of pedestrian rovements and recreational spaces - that will create an urban nvironment of a scale never before seen in Orange County. The combined attraction of opping, entertainment, office, hotel, residential and recreational uses will transform of Orange County, helping the City realize conomic benefits and providing residents, workers and visitors with one of the most vibrant and exciting urban places in the region. The emphasis is on quality design, nsured through carefully crafted design guidelines. GOAL 15.1: The Platinum Triangle will become a dynamic, mixed-use center of regional interest, regional center unique to Orange County. 5 g Angel Stadium o ndous visibility and a A h walkways, streetscape imp e sh The Platinum Triangle into the new downtown e e providing retail, office, residential, employment, and entertainment opportunities. Policies: 1) Develop comprehensive, Mixed-Use Overlay Zone and Design Guidelines to implement the vision for The Platinum Triangle. 2) Provide a mix of quality, high-density urban housing that is integrated into andscap visibility and sense of arrival into T ugh peripheral view corridors, gateways, and specialized landscaping. 4) Develop a strong pedestrian orientation throughout the area, including wide sidewalks, pedestrian paths, gathering places, ground-floor retail, and street- level landscaping. the area through carefully maintained pe and arterial access. 3) Develop a Public Realm L destrian streets, transit connections, e and Identity Program to enhance the he Platinum Triangle thro May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-37 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM 5) Encourage extensive office development along the highly visible periphery of multiple-family residential projects to ensure proper maintenance as the area e the Triangle residents and employees. the area to provide a quality employment center. 6) Develop criteria for comprehensive property management agreements for develops. 7) Identify and pursue opportunities for open space areas that serv recreational needs of Platinum Landscaped into residential neighborhoods add character and value to the neighborhood. North Euclid Street The North E int into the City and includes the North Orange Cou heim Campus. With access to the Riverside (S area is intended to become an cational and commercial activity center. GOAL 16.1 Enhance e ajor City gateway and educational uclid Street area is an entry po nty Community College District’s Ana R-91) and Santa Ana (I-5) Freeways, this highly visible attractive gateway as well as an edu : th North Euclid Street corridor as a m center. Policies: to the on of La ng both streets. t opportunities exist. The Platinum rea f Triangle will be a walkable, pedestrian-friendly a or shopping, office and residential uses. 1) Create an attractive gateway in City by exploring opportunities to visually enhance the intersecti Palma Avenue and Euclid Street including the planting of additional street trees alo 2) Enhance landscaping treatments a entries to residential neighborhoods as Page CD-38 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT 3) tures Encourage corridor residential and mixed-use developments pursuant to the Land Use Element and related policies in the Citywide Level Design Fea section of this Element. West Anaheim The predom residential neighborhoods, most dating to the 1960s. of the area include a strong sense of community, ownership. Areas of concern include deteriorating strip centers, aging large residential lots, unique architectural styles in ge l neighborhoods and strategically locate quality retail inant land use in West Anaheim is single-family established neighborhoods, and pride of tracts, protection of family-friendly neighborhoods, inconsistent signage and a shorta of recreational facilities. GOAL 17.1: Improve West Anaheim’s residentia development Policies: 1) Explore opportunities to incorporate West Anaheim entry monumentation at secondary intersection locations. 2) Enhance the image of West Anaheim by continuing to implement streetscape and landscape improvements on major corridors and local streets. 3) Consolidate retail development in prime locations and replace declining mid- block commercial uses with well-designed residential uses that complement isting single-family neighborhoods per the Land Use Element. d . ex 4) Actively work with property owners, developers and nearby businesses an residents to facilitate the revitalization of West Anaheim’s arterial corridors ) Revitalize neighborhoods targeted through the Neighborhood Improvement Program. 5 6) Underground utility lines where feasible along arterial highways. East Anaheim This predominantly single-family residential area is experiencing challenges associated with agi r on the east, t and The Pla om the strengthened identity t program ng housing and strip retail development. Located between the Santa Ana Rive the Riverside (SR-91) Freeway to the north, the Downtown Core to the wes tinum Triangle to the south, East Anaheim will benefit fr tha comes from arterial corridor improvements and neighborhood improvement s. May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-39 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM GOAL 1 Enhance the 8.1: overall design quality of East Anaheim. Policies 1) ulevard. t ways. 3) Pursue opportunities to improve and provide additional pedestrian links to the existing easement on the west bank of the Santa Ana River to improve access to open space and the Santa Ana River Regional Trail. 4) Revitalize neighborhoods targeted through the Neighborhood Improvement Program. 5) Where feasible, underground utility lines along major corridors. 6) Continue neighborhood street tree-planting efforts on residential streets throughout the area. : Implement approved landscape and corridor improvement plans along State College Bo 2) Explore opportunities to create enhanced, landscaped entries into Eas Anaheim from the Orange (SR-57) and the Riverside (SR-91) Free North Central Industrial Area The North Central Industrial Area straddles the Riverside (SR-91) Freeway, between m y t Lemon Street and Raymond Avenue on the north side of the freeway and between Harbor Boulevard and East Street on the south side of the freeway, and will benefit fro targeted design enhancements and a transition of uses. As the area changes from heav to light industrial and cleaner uses, efforts will be made to preserve its integrity and limi its impacts upon surrounding non-industrial uses. GOAL 19.1: Transition the North Central Industrial Area as a cleaner, more modern industrial center. Policies: 1) Strengthen the visual identity of the ar enhanced intersections and landscape well as pursuing opportunities to remov tracks, along Commercial Street. Coordinate with Caltrans to explore op along adjacent segments of the ea by designing entry monumentation, improvements at key entry points as e the area’s abandoned railroad 2) portunities to improve landscaping Riverside (SR-91) Freeway to both buffer ced 3) dential and current/future industrial undesirable views and provide enhan Strengthen buffers between existing resi uses. Page CD-40 I May 2004 ---PAGE BREAK--- COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT 4) Improve pedestrian links between residential areas and adjacent parks (La Palma and Julianna). The Canyon This 2,450-acre business center borders the Riverside (SR-91) Freeway to the north, een to e Canyon’s image as one of the region’s most desired between the Orange (SR-57) Freeway and Imperial Highway, and is a major employment center. Its highly visible location and accessibility to both the Inland Empire and Los Angeles County give it an added advantage. An ongoing effort of the City has b reinforce the Center’s image as a high quality, attractive industrial center. GOAL 20.1: Continue to strengthen Th economic centers. Policies: 1) Improve and project the image of the area through continuing the development of enhanced at key intersections, improved 3) Encourage building products with individual identity, distinctive signage, and 4) landscaping along the Santa Ana River and groundwater recharge basins, and a coordinated sign program. 2) Provide ample landscaping throughout the area to encourage a professional atmosphere. varied color and materials rather than long, monotonous blank walls. Where practical, orient buildings to take advantage of the Santa Ana River as a scenic and recreational amenity. 5) Work with the Orange County Water District to expand upon the recreational and commercial of the groundwater water recharge basins located in the area. Hill and Canyon Area The top a ign attention. Residents in eways, arterials and streets. ogr phy of the Hill and Canyon Area Scenic view in the Hill and Canyon Area. requires special des this area are proud of the natural, semi-rural setting and have consistently expressed the desire to preserve open space, specimen trees views and vistas. Applying design guidelines that respect the existing topography can enhance views to and from adjacent fre May 2004 City of Anaheim General Plan I Page CD-41 ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF ANAHEIM GOAL 21.1: Preserve the Hill and Canyon Area’s sensitive hillside environment and the community’s unique identity. Policies 1) l environment of the area through appropriate 2) 3) 5) s that incorporate rounded slopes or curved contours to minimize disturbance to the site and to blend with the existing nd : Reinforce the natura landscaping and the preservation of open space. Require compliance with the Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone to reinforce quality development standards and guidelines compatible with the hillside area. Place entry monument signs at key locations into and out of the Hill and Canyon Area to strengthen its district identity. 4) Encourage the siting of housing development below the existing ridgelines to preserve unimpeded views of existing natural contours. Use grading technique topography. 6) Where grading has occurred, revegetate primarily with drought-tolerant native species to control erosion and create a more environmentally sou condition. 7) Work with Caltrans to achieve enhanced landscaping within the Riverside (SR-91) Freeway right-of-way to enhance the image of the area as viewed from the freeway. Page CD-42 I May 2004