Article 21 — BUILDING DESIGN COMPATIBILITY

No structure shall have an exterior covering of galvanized iron or sheet metal for all or part of the structure or building.

No structure or building shall be of an unusual and unorthodox architectural design, commonly referred to as a novelty building.

No structure or building shall be substantially different in appearance, materials used or methods of construction from other structure utilized for the same purpose for which the said proposed structure or building is to be utilized.

Any building or structure shall conform in size, type of construction or location on the premises and to the general character of the buildings or structures in the particular zone in which the same is to be located, as such zone is described in the Zoning Ordinance and/or maps of the City, and shall conform to the general character of the buildings or structures in comparable areas or zones in said City.

Any building or structure shall conform to the provisions of any Zoning Ordinance, Fire Ordinance or any regulation of said City, adopted for the preservation of the public health or safety.

No building or structure shall be moved into the City or from one part of the City to another when said building or structure does not conform with the provisions in this Code or any ordinance of the City of Torrance.

(Added by O-1937; O-1938)

a) All plans submitted for uses described in this Section shall specify the location of refuse collection areas.

b) All refuse and storage areas shall be enclosed on three (3) sides by a solid fence or wall at least five (5) feet high and constructed of material compatible with the main structure. All storage areas shall be screened from view from any public street. All refuse areas shall be provided with adequate access for collection vehicles and shall be paved.

(Added by O-1937; O-1938)

All mechanical equipment, plumbing lines, storage tanks and duct work shall be screened on all sides with solid material architecturally compatible with the main structure.

(Added by O-1937; O-1938)

No portion of any lot shall be unimproved at time of occupancy. All unpaved areas shall be graded, planted and properly maintained in permanent landscaping. This is not to preclude phase development.

(Added by O-1937; O-1938)

Swimming pools and adjacent deck areas shall be separated from walkways and entrances to living quarters by a landscaped buffer strip or decorative masonry wall designed to provide for pedestrian safety.

(Added by O-3037)

Whenever an application is made to the Planning Department for a permit, permission, or other entitlement which will result in the construction of or a change to an existing structure, the Planning Director shall require the construction and erection of building silhouettes which will clearly show the height, width and depth of the proposed development unless the Planning Director shall find;

a) Upon completion of a Negative Declaration or Environmental Impact Report that the proposed development will not have an adverse effect upon the view of adjacent residents; nor will it block air or light, or cast shadows upon adjacent property which would interfere with the operation of solar powered equipment; or

b) That the height, width or depth of the proposed development is not subject to a discretionary determination under the Torrance Municipal Code or other related building regulations; or

c) That the height, width or depth of the silhouette would be so great that it would be hazardous to construct, unless done in such a manner that its cost would exceed three (3) percent of the estimated construction cost of the proposed development and another method of illustrating the development height, width and depth is utilized and which provides equivalent information; or

d) That every owner whose property would be adversely affected by the development has indicated in writing his lack of objection to the development.