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Title 17 — Zoning

Chapter 17.180 — ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES

El Cajon Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-06 · El Cajon

§ 17.180.010. Intent and purpose.

The intent and purpose of this chapter is to improve the appearance of buildings in the community, using quality and compatibility with surroundings as primary considerations. The simple, basic principles listed in this chapter shall provide guidance to applicants, staff members, and decision makers in making decisions related to building design and architecture.

(Ord. 4950 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.180.020. Height, bulk, and mass.

The height, bulk, and mass of structures shall be compatible with surrounding development and appropriate for the use and site.

(Ord. 4950 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.180.030. Design creativity.

Innovative and imaginative designs are encouraged, bizarre or monotonous architecture is prohibited.

(Ord. 4950 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.180.040. Visual interest.

Visual interest shall be provided by means of variation in building details, form, materials, and color. (Ord. 4950 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.180.050. Continuation of design.

The architectural design of a structure shall be expressed on all exterior surfaces. (Ord. 4950 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.180.060. Rooftop equipment screening.

Rooftop equipment shall be screened from view, and such screening shall be architecturally compatible with the rest of the structure. (Ord. 4950 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.180.070. Variation of wall planes.

Large, flat, unbroken wall surfaces shall be varied by the use of projections, bays, window and structural rhythms, shadow lines, contrast, and surface richness. (Ord. 4950 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.180.080. Entry features.

Building entrances shall be marked by eave-line changes, recesses, projections, roof overhangs, or special detailing. (Ord. 4950 § 3, 2010)

§ 17.180.090. Proportionality.

Windows, columns, doorways, parapets, eaves, and other building elements shall have good proportions and good relationships to one another and to wall areas. (Ord. 4950 § 3, 2010)

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Contents — El Cajon Zoning Code
El Cajon Zoning Code
  1. Title 17 — Zoning
    Overview
    1. Chapter 17.05 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
    2. Chapter 17.10 — ADMINISTRATION, INTERPRETATION, AND ENFORCEMENT
    3. Chapter 17.15 — ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONES, BOUNDARIES AND PREZONING
    4. Chapter 17.20 — AMENDMENTS
    5. Chapter 17.25 — PROCEDURES, HEARINGS, NOTICES AND FEES
    6. Chapter 17.30 — APPEALS
    7. Chapter 17.35 — EXPIRATIONS, TIME EXTENSIONS, AND PERMIT REVOC…
    8. Chapter 17.40 — ADMINISTRATIVE ZONING PERMIT
    9. Chapter 17.45 — ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENT REGULATIONS
    10. Chapter 17.50 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
    11. Chapter 17.55 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
    12. Chapter 17.57 — MINOR AMENDMENT
    13. Chapter 17.58 — MINOR USE PERMIT
    14. Chapter 17.60 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD) PERMIT
    15. Chapter 17.63 — SUBSTANTIAL CONFORMANCE REVIEW
    16. Chapter 17.65 — SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN PERMIT
    17. Chapter 17.70 — SPECIFIC PLAN
    18. Chapter 17.75 — TEMPORARY USE PERMIT
    19. Chapter 17.80 — VARIANCE
    20. Chapter 17.105 — DEFINITIONS
    21. Chapter 17.115 — GENERAL LAND USE REGULATIONS AND PERFORMANCE …
    22. Chapter 17.120 — NONCONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES
    23. Chapter 17.125 — GENERAL LOT REQUIREMENTS
    24. Chapter 17.130 — GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    25. Chapter 17.135 — M-U (MIXED-USE) OVERLAY ZONE
    26. Chapter 17.140 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
    27. Chapter 17.145 — COMMERCIAL ZONES
    28. Chapter 17.150 — INDUSTRIAL ZONES
    29. Chapter 17.155 — O-S (OPEN SPACE) ZONE
    30. Chapter 17.160 — P (PARKING) ZONE
    31. Chapter 17.165 — PRD (PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT) ZONE
    32. Chapter 17.170 — H (HILLSIDE OVERLAY) ZONE
    33. Chapter 17.175 — MH (MOBILE HOME OVERLAY) ZONE
    34. Chapter 17.180 — ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES
    35. Chapter 17.185 — PARKING STANDARDS
    36. Chapter 17.190 — SIGNS
    37. Chapter 17.195 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
    38. Chapter 17.205 — AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS
    39. Chapter 17.210 — ALCOHOL SALES AND DEEMED APPROVED ALCOHOL SAL…
    40. Chapter 17.212 — DEEMED APPROVED LODGING ESTABLISHMENT
    41. Chapter 17.215 — AUTOMOTIVE FUELING STATIONS
    42. Chapter 17.220 — DENSITY BONUS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPM…
    43. Chapter 17.225 — MISCELLANEOUS SPECIAL USES AND REGULATIONS
    44. Chapter 17.230 — MOTION PICTURE THEATERS
    45. Chapter 17.235 — PERSONAL STORAGE FACILITIES
    46. Chapter 17.240 — TOBACCO SHOPS, SMOKE SHOPS AND ELECTRONIC/VAP…
    47. Chapter 17.243 — PERSONAL CULTIVATION OF MARIJUANA
    48. Chapter 17.245 — WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
    49. Chapter 17.250 — SECONDHAND MERCHANDISE STORES AND PAWN SHOPS
    50. Chapter 17.255 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
    51. Chapter 17.260 — AIRPORT OVERLAY ZONE
    52. Chapter 17.265 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS

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