Downey Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines

Single-family homeowners expressed concern to the Downey City Council that additions and new construction within their 1950s through 1970s neighborhoods were out of character with existing development. They lobbied the Council for new design parameters to address remaining large parcels that were being subdivided, expressed the need for second-story standards in single-story subdivi-sions, and demanded design controls for mega-mansions. They also demanded design alternatives for private subdivision roads that would incorporate sidewalks and street trees.

The City retained JKA to develop a consensus design approach to these issues. Through public workshops facilitated by JKA, standards for density and additions were modeled. Alternative subdivision parameters were devel-oped that ensured that private roads matched City streetscape standards. New design standards provided for modulated and setback second-story massing, acknowledg-ing prevailing single-story frontages. Additional measurable design standards were developed to address neighborhood character. The latter are presented through an educational guidebook promoting architectural fit. The adopted guide-lines provide a resource for City Staff and applicants and include checklists and compliance procedures that facilitate the design development and approval of projects in this City’s single-family neighborhoods.