Skip to content

Local zoning · Newman

Newman — Design Review

Design Review under the Newman local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Ask AI what you can build See coverage

Quick answer

New buildings in R-3 and all C/M/I zones require Architectural and Site Plan Review before permits; approvals finalize after a 10-working-day appeal and must be implemented within 1 year (§ 5.25.040(F), (L), (N)). In R-1, street-visible exterior changes needing a permit require ARC approval (§ 5.25.040(F)(5)). Commercial standards include, for example, C-8 FAR max 0.40, parking set back 15 ft, and signs max 10 ft tall (§ 5.08.050).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Newman's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Newman planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

Newman’s design review system is built around two paired reviews: Architectural Review by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and Site Plan Review by the Planning Commission. Together they ensure conformance with the zoning code and General Plan, neighborhood compatibility, and high-quality design across districts and overlays (§ 5.25.040(B), (E)–(J); § 5.02.060). Additional, stricter review applies in the Historical/Cultural Resource (H-C) combining district (§ 5.13.030).

In Newman, most new construction in higher-density residential and commercial/industrial zones—and many exterior changes—must clear architectural and/or site plan review before permits are issued (§ 5.25.040(F); § 5.27.023(F)).

What triggers design review, who decides, and how long it lasts

  • Architectural Review is scheduled by the Planning Director once an application is deemed complete (§ 5.25.040(D)).
  • Site Plan Review is decided by the Planning Commission; Architectural Review by the ARC. Both bodies may impose conditions and design changes (§ 5.25.040(E), (G)–(K); § 5.27.023(H)).
  • Approvals become final after a 10 working day appeal window (§ 5.25.040(L); § 5.27.023(D)) and must be implemented within 1 year (§ 5.25.040(N)). Approvals run with the land (§ 5.25.040(M)).

Citywide triggers and decision-makers

Project type Required review(s) Decision-maker(s) Notes Code Reference
New building or structure in any R-3 or any C, M, or I district Architectural Review + Site Plan Review ARC + Planning Commission Required “in any case” where a building permit is filed in these districts § 5.25.040(F)(1), (E), (G)
All new residential projects/subdivisions that could result in SFD or MFD construction (any zone) Architectural Review + Site Plan Review ARC + Planning Commission Applies citywide to projects/subdivisions that will create units § 5.25.040(F)(2)
Mixed-use projects requiring new construction or exterior building modifications Architectural Review + Site Plan Review ARC + Planning Commission Applies to both new build and exterior mods § 5.25.040(F)(3)
Publicly financed projects administered by the City; projects on City-owned land Architectural Review + Site Plan Review ARC + Planning Commission City or City-land projects are always reviewed § 5.25.040(F)(4)
Exterior modification in R-1 that is visible from a public street and requires a building permit Site and plot plan review ARC Narrow trigger focused on street-visible exterior work § 5.25.040(F)(5)
Any new building or structure in R-1, R-2, R-3, or any C, M, or I district (when a building permit application is filed) Architectural Review (design plans) ARC ARC is expressly responsible for reviewing design plans for these permit applications § 5.27.023(F)
Work within the H-C overlay affecting the exterior appearance Architectural design review (H-C specific) ARC; PD may waive minor work Extra submittals may be required (elevations, photos, etc.) § 5.13.030(A)–(C)
Signs within H-C Design approval Planning Director Must be consistent with H-C purposes § 5.13.030(D)
Murals (citywide) Mural permit review ARC, Chamber (advisory), City Council (approval) Council approval required before work begins § 5.18.160

How applications are evaluated (what reviewers look for)

  • Architectural Review (ARC) considers: character, scale and quality; relationship to the site and nearby buildings; materials/colors; treatment of fences/walls/appurtenances; exterior lighting; and business signage; plus landscape design, irrigation, maintenance, and native/drought-tolerant emphasis (§ 5.25.040(G)).
  • Site Plan Review (Planning Commission) considers: building elevations; site layout and open spaces; on-site circulation; on-site parking and garages/carports; public dedications; street improvements; refuse facilities; dimensional compliance; landscape/irrigation plan; and overall code/General Plan compliance (§ 5.25.040(H)).
  • Minimum residential design standards include: a roof pitch of at least 2:12, no exposed piers/supports, finished exterior surfaces, and consistency with adopted neighborhood/specific plans (§ 5.16.030(A)). Broader citywide design considerations emphasize compatibility, high-quality materials, screening, lighting, fencing, signage, and drought-tolerant landscaping—especially along Highway 33 and in downtown character areas (§ 5.16.030(B)).

Linkages to other standards:

District-by-District — How Design Review Applies

The base and combining districts are established in § 5.02.010. District applicability is wherever mapped on the official Zoning Map (§ 5.02.020). Below summarizes design review triggers and any decision-relevant dimensional standards available in the source materials.

R-1 Single-Family Residential District

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Design review applicability:
    • Exterior modifications visible from a public street that require a building permit need ARC site/plot-plan approval (§ 5.25.040(F)(5)).
    • ARC reviews design plans for any new building permit application in R-1 (§ 5.27.023(F)). Also, “all new residential projects/subdivisions” that could yield units require design review (§ 5.25.040(F)(2)). Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Where it applies: Where zoned R-1 on the City’s Zoning Map (§ 5.02.020).

R-2 Duplex Residential District

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Design review applicability:
    • ARC reviews design plans for any new building permit application in R-2 (§ 5.27.023(F)).
    • “All new residential projects/subdivisions” that could yield units require design review (§ 5.25.040(F)(2)).
  • Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Where it applies: Where zoned R-2 on the Zoning Map (§ 5.02.020).

R-3 Multiple-Residential District

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Design review applicability:
    • Architectural and Site Plan Review are required for any building permit application in R-3 (§ 5.25.040(F)(1)).
    • ARC also reviews design plans for new buildings (§ 5.27.023(F)); all new residential projects/subdivisions are covered (§ 5.25.040(F)(2)).
  • Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Where it applies: Where zoned R-3 on the Zoning Map (§ 5.02.020).

C-1 Retail Business District

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Design review applicability:
    • Building permits in a C district trigger Architectural and Site Plan Review (§ 5.25.040(F)(1)); ARC also reviews design plans for new buildings (§ 5.27.023(F)).
  • Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Where it applies: Where zoned C-1 on the Zoning Map (§ 5.02.020).

C-2 General and Service Commercial District

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Design review applicability:
    • A&SP Review is required before permits when new construction is proposed (§ 5.07.050(J)); ARC reviews design plans (§ 5.27.023(F)).
  • Selected dimensional standards:
    • Minimum lot area 2,500 sf; front/side/rear setbacks 0 ft unless adjacent to residential or alley, then 10 ft; FAR max 0.40; min landscaped area 5%; max height 35 ft (§ 5.07.050(A)–(H), (J)).
  • Where it applies: C-2 areas per Zoning Map (§ 5.02.020). Site Plan Review must find consistency with applicable specific plans (e.g., Highway 33) (§ 5.07.050(J)).

C-8 Highway Commercial District

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Design review applicability:
    • A&SP Review is required before any construction permits; may be concurrent with use permit review (§ 5.08.050(M)).
  • Selected dimensional standards:
    • Minimum lot area 15,000 sf; width 100 ft; front/side/rear setbacks 0 ft unless adjacent to residential or alley, then 10 ft; FAR max 0.40; min landscaped area 10%; max height 45 ft; parking setback 15 ft; one parking-lot tree per five spaces; monument freestanding signs max 10 ft high (§ 5.08.050(A)–(K), (M)).
  • Where it applies: C-8 areas per Zoning Map (§ 5.02.020). Findings must address Highway 33 Specific Plan consistency where applicable (§ 5.08.050(M)).

M Light Industrial/Business Park District

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Design review applicability:
    • Any building permit application in an M district requires Architectural and Site Plan Review (§ 5.25.040(F)(1)); ARC reviews design plans (§ 5.27.023(F)).
  • Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Where it applies: M areas per Zoning Map (§ 5.02.020).

I Controlled Manufacturing District

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Design review applicability:
    • Any building permit application in an I district requires Architectural and Site Plan Review (§ 5.25.040(F)(1)); ARC reviews design plans (§ 5.27.023(F)).
  • Selected dimensional standards:
    • Minimum lot area 8,000 sf; width 100 ft; industrial setbacks: front 25 ft, side corner 20 ft, interior side 0 ft, rear 0 ft (but 20 ft if abutting residential or an alley); FAR max 0.35 (warehouses 0.40, mini/public storage 0.60); max building height 50 ft (up to 75 ft absolute cap; >50 ft by CUP); landscaped planters min 5 ft along street-fronting building faces and along Highway 33 property lines (§ 5.10.060(A)–(I)).
  • Where it applies: I areas per Zoning Map (§ 5.02.020).

P-Q Public and Quasi-Public District

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Design review applicability:
    • Not expressly listed among the automatic A&SP triggers in § 5.25.040(F)(1). Apply the general triggers (e.g., mixed-use, subdivisions yielding units, City projects) (§ 5.25.040(F)(2)–(4)); confirm with staff. ARC responsibilities list does not include P-Q (§ 5.27.023(F)).
  • Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Where it applies: P-Q areas per Zoning Map (§ 5.02.020).

P-D Planned Development District

  • Purpose: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Design review applicability:
    • Not specifically addressed in § 5.25.040(F). Rely on general triggers, plus any PD-specific procedures (not found in source materials). Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Where it applies: P-D areas per Zoning Map (§ 5.02.020).

H-C Historical/Cultural Resource District (Combining)

  • Purpose: Preserve historic character and ensure compatibility around historic resources (§ 5.13.010).
  • Design review applicability:
    • Architectural design review is required for exterior-affecting work unless the Planning Director, after consulting ARC members, makes specified minor-work findings to allow it to proceed without Planning Commission review (§ 5.13.030(A), (C)).
    • Submittals may include architectural, site, landscape, sign, and lighting plans; elevations with materials; context photos/perspectives; and grading plans (§ 5.13.030(B)).
    • Signs in H-C require Planning Director design approval (§ 5.13.030(D)).
  • Where it applies: Where H-C is combined with a base district on the Zoning Map (§ 5.02.010(C); § 5.02.020). See Newman Historic Preservation.

DBO Density Bonus Overlay District (Combining)

  • Purpose and design review specifics: Not found in source materials.
  • Applicability: Where DBO is mapped (§ 5.02.010(C); § 5.02.020). General design review triggers still apply (§ 5.25.040(F)).

R-M Mobile Home Park District (Combining)

  • Purpose and design review specifics: Not found in source materials.
  • Applicability: Where R-M is mapped (§ 5.02.010(C); § 5.02.020). General design review triggers still apply (§ 5.25.040(F)).

Practical evaluation standards you will be held to

  • Consistency with the General Plan is required for accepting, processing, and approving permits and entitlements (§ 5.02.060(A)–(D)).
  • The ARC and Planning Commission can require design changes, conditions, and mitigation to achieve good community and project design and protect public welfare (§ 5.25.040(K); § 5.27.023(H)).
  • Residential minimum standards: roof pitch ≥ 2:12, finished exteriors (no exposed piers), and alignment with adopted neighborhood/specific plans (§ 5.16.030(A)).
  • City emphasis on compatibility and high-quality assemblies (materials, colors, screening, lighting, signage, drought-tolerant landscaping) with heightened sensitivity along Highway 33 and in downtown character areas (§ 5.16.030(B)).

Checklist

  • Confirm your parcel’s base and overlay zoning on the official map and identify applicable triggers (§ 5.02.020; § 5.25.040(F)).
  • Determine whether Architectural Review, Site Plan Review, or both are required; note ARC vs. Planning Commission decision paths (§ 5.25.040(E), (G); § 5.27.023(F)).
  • Assemble a complete application on City forms with owner consent and pay the City Council–established fee (§ 5.25.040(C)).
  • Provide required plans: site plan with dimensions, building elevations, circulation and parking, refuse areas, landscape/irrigation, lighting, and signage to the extent proposed (§ 5.25.040(H); § 5.16.030(B)).
  • For H-C areas, include any additional submittals (context elevations/photos, signs, grading) and verify if minor work can be director-cleared (§ 5.13.030(B)–(C)).
  • Show compliance with applicable dimensional standards and development standards in your district (e.g., C-8 parking setback 15 ft, trees 1/5 spaces; I front setback 25 ft) and with specific plans where applicable (§ 5.08.050; § 5.10.060; § 5.07.050(J)).
  • Demonstrate General Plan consistency in your narrative and plans (§ 5.02.060).
  • Plan for the 10 working day appeal period before relying on approvals (§ 5.25.040(L)).
  • Start work within 1 year of approval or seek guidance on extensions (not found in source materials) (§ 5.25.040(N)).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
R-1/R-2 triggers differ between provisions § 5.25.040(F)(1) lists R-3, C, M, I; § 5.27.023(F) says ARC reviews R-1 and R-2 new buildings; § 5.25.040(F)(2) covers “all new residential projects.” Whether a standalone new R-1 or R-2 dwelling requires full A&SP review or ARC-only design review. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Meaning of “visible from a public street” in R-1 Determines whether exterior work triggers ARC review (§ 5.25.040(F)(5)). How visibility is assessed (e.g., corner lots, fences, rear elevations).
Scope of “new residential projects” Could include small infill or only multi-lot subdivisions (§ 5.25.040(F)(2)). City’s practice for single-lot SFDs and duplexes.
PD procedures P-D district procedures are not provided. Whether PDs embed design review or have separate findings (Not found in source materials).
P-Q district design review P-Q is not explicitly in automatic triggers. Whether City applies A&SP by policy or case-by-case for civic facilities.
Extensions of approvals Only 1-year implementation window is stated. Whether extensions are available and process to request (Not found in source materials).
Specific Plan consistency C-2/C-8 findings must align with the Highway 33 Specific Plan where applicable (§ 5.07.050(J); § 5.08.050(M)). Whether your site lies within a specific plan boundary and any plan-specific design criteria.

Plain-English Summary

Most larger or more visible projects in Newman go through two reviews: the ARC checks architecture and landscaping, and the Planning Commission checks the site plan. New buildings in R-3 and all commercial/industrial zones, mixed-use projects, subdivisions that produce homes, and public/City-land projects usually trigger both reviews; street-visible exterior changes in R-1 trigger ARC review. In the H-C overlay, design review is stricter, with extra submittals and sign controls.

Source References

  • § 5.25.040 Architectural and site plan review (purposes, triggers, procedures, findings, timing, validity)
  • § 5.16.030 General design requirements and considerations (minimum residential standards; design considerations)
  • § 5.02.010 Districts established (base and combining districts)
  • § 5.02.020 Zoning map adopted (where districts apply)
  • § 5.02.040 District boundary changes
  • § 5.02.060 General Plan consistency (acceptance and approval standards)
  • § 5.07.050 C-2 property development standards (including A&SP requirement)
  • § 5.08.050 C-8 property development standards (including A&SP requirement)
  • § 5.10.060 I property development standards
  • § 5.13.010 H-C purpose
  • § 5.13.030 H-C architectural design review (scope, submittals, director waivers, signs)
  • § 5.18.160 Mural permit review (ARC, Chamber referral, City Council approval)
  • § 5.27.023 Architectural Review Committee (composition, duties, ARC authority and appeals)

Sources

Source passages

  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.25.040) Medium relevance
  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.16.030) Medium relevance
  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.02.020) Medium relevance
  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.13.030) Medium relevance
  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.02.060) Medium relevance
  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.02.010) Medium relevance
  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.27.023) Medium relevance
  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.02.040) Medium relevance
  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.07.050) Medium relevance
  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.18.160) Medium relevance
  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.08.050) Medium relevance
  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.13.010) Medium relevance
  • Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.10.060) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I need design review for a new single-family home in Newman?

Possibly. “All new residential projects and/or subdivisions” that could result in construction of single-family units require review (§ 5.25.040(F)(2)). Separately, the ARC is responsible for reviewing design plans for applications for new buildings in R-1 and R-2 (§ 5.27.023(F)). Verify with the City whether your single-lot SFD needs both Architectural and Site Plan Review.

Who approves design review in Newman?

The Architectural Review Committee decides Architectural Review, and the Planning Commission decides Site Plan Review (§ 5.25.040(E), (G)). ARC decisions are appealable to the Planning Commission; decisions become final after a 10 working day appeal period (§ 5.27.023(C)–(D); § 5.25.040(L)).

How long is a design review approval valid?

Architectural and site plan review approvals must be implemented within one year of the approval date and run with the land (§ 5.25.040(M)–(N)). Ask the City about any extension process; it is not addressed in the source materials.

Are exterior changes to my R-1 home subject to ARC review?

Yes, if the change is visible from a public street and requires a building permit, it requires site and plot plan review and approval by the ARC (§ 5.25.040(F)(5)). Interior-only or non-visible work does not trigger this provision.

Do C-2 and C-8 commercial projects need design review?

Yes. New construction in C-2 and C-8 must receive Architectural and Site Plan Review before permits; findings also must show consistency with the Highway 33 Specific Plan where applicable (§ 5.07.050(J); § 5.08.050(M)). Standard C-2/C-8 metrics like FAR, height, and required landscaping also apply (§ 5.07.050; § 5.08.050).

What does the ARC look for in architectural review?

ARC evaluates design quality, neighborhood compatibility, building materials/colors, screening of mechanicals, fences/walls, exterior lighting, business signage, and landscape/irrigation plans, with emphasis on native/drought-tolerant planting where feasible (§ 5.25.040(G); § 5.16.030(B)).

How does design review work in the Historic/Cultural Resource (H-C) District?

Exterior-affecting work in H-C requires architectural design review by the ARC; the Planning Director can allow minor routine work to proceed without Planning Commission review if specific findings are made (§ 5.13.030(A), (C)). Signs in H-C require Planning Director design approval (§ 5.13.030(D)).

What are the minimum residential design standards I should know?

All new residential development must have a roof pitch of at least 2:12, no exposed foundation piers/supports, finished exterior surfaces, and be consistent with adopted neighborhood/specific plans (§ 5.16.030(A)). Broader design considerations apply to materials, screening, lighting, and landscaping (§ 5.16.030(B)).

Is there an appeal period after approval?

Yes. Architectural and site plan approvals are not final until 10 working days have passed to allow appeals (§ 5.25.040(L); § 5.27.023(D)).

How does the General Plan affect design review decisions?

The City must apply zoning districts and process/decide permits in a manner consistent with the General Plan (§ 5.02.060(A)–(B)). If a proposal conflicts with applicable General Plan policies, the City may not accept the application (§ 5.02.060(C)).

General information, not legal advice.

More in Newman code

Ask about any Newman property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Newman zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Newman zoning topics

Newman Zoning

Newman Land Use

Newman Development Standards

Newman Parking

Newman Overlay Districts

Newman Historic Preservation

Newman Signage

Newman Nonconforming Uses

Newman Variances and Exceptions

Newman Landscaping and Screening

Newman overview

Newman municipal code (full text)