Agenda - City of Santa Monica

Architecture Review Board – Concept Review
The Architecture Review Board conceptually reviewed the project’s design on February
21, 2013, and individual design comments were provided by board members for the
applicant’s consideration. B oard members were generally supportive of the project’s
design, shape, massing, and pedestrian orientation, and commented that the building
had a good overall composition and color palate, consisting of appropriate breaks and
stepbacks (4 th floor). The board members liked the floating frame on the front elevation,
and suggested to further enhance its prominence as it relates to the elevation. Board
members supported the overall industrial design, and suggested to further enhance the
residential cues (appearance) on the building to counter-balance the overall industrial
appearance. Additional comments included to further enhance the rear elevation to be
consistent with the level of detail and attention as the front elevation, and to further
enhance the residential entry on the front elevation. M oreover, board members had
concerns with the quality and m ateriality of the internal courtyard (light-well), and
recommended that the light-well (siding) should be designed with the same level and
quality consistent with the street elevation. Furthermore, board members commented
that the solar sun shading devices (canopy) along the roof appeared as decorative, and
wanted to ensure that the projections will provide shading for the fourth floor units. The
applicant will continue work on developing the plans to address these design comments
prior to ARB review.
Zoning Ordinance Development Standards
As mentioned, the proposed project is compliant with applicable zoning requirements
with the exception of the following standards:
Interim Zoning Ordinance No. 2417 (CCS) Building Height: The Interim Zoning
Ordinance establishes a m aximum building height of 32 feet (zoning compliant
project). The proposed project is 45 feet and therefore exceeds the maximum
building height permitted. C ompliance with this requirement would result in a
two-story building with an approximate 0.9 FAR (discounted) due to the height
limitation. R elief from this particular standard allows the project to provide
additional residential units.
9.04.08.15.060(b) Building Stepbacks: Any portion of a building elevation
fronting on 4 th Street above 30 feet in height shall be stepped back at a 36.9
degree angle measured from the horizontal. This requirement results in a tiered
stepback of floors 3-4. As designed, a slight portion of the building above 30 feet
exceeds this envelope. Relief from this particular standard allows for flexibility in
12