chapter 5 – design guidelines

5.0  Design Character

The design character of the River Oaks neighborhoods, and specifically TNC, will be one of hometown appeal characterized by simple, yet charming homes, curb separated sidewalks, and streets lined with trees. Homes and street scenes will reflect an overall feeling of quality and tradition.

The design criteria in these guidelines is offered to facilitate a high quality of architecture and reasonable level of authenticity of styles through the use of appropriate elements. Although detail elements may be used to further convey the character of a style, the overall massing and appropriate roof forms should be used to establish a recognizable style. Proper scale and proportion of architectural elements and appropriate choice of details are all factors in achieving authenticity.

5.1  Design Standards

These guidelines are not intended to be restrictive, but to assist in the design, processing, and implementation of a higher level of design quality and direction. The following guidelines shall apply to all residential development within River Oaks.

Design of all architecture, signs and exterior lighting shall be compatible with existing River Oaks development and the rural residential setting
of TNC.

5.1.1  General Guidelines

A.  Streetscenes

The streetscene experience is important to promote walkability and community identity. This is exemplified in the oldest and most cherished California neighborhoods which feature stands of street trees that provide shade, texture and a buffer between pedestrian and automotive movements. Architectural interest is the second most important element in creating streetscenes.

•   A key technique in creating a sense of variety within a streetscene is to vary the heights and profiles with single story elements. Whether by utilizing a porch or reduced height living area, the single-story element transitions from pedestrian scale at the sidewalk to larger massing elements at the rear and side of the lot.

•   House forms and plans that result in a variation of front yard setbacks are encouraged to create more interesting neighborhood streetscenes.

•   Where appropriate to style, stepping of second story mass should be used to improve the street scene. Certain styles are based on a box-like, two-story building mass. Where this is the case, added attention such as single story elements, balconies, enhanced window treatments and other articulation shall be used to provide heightened interest and variety for such styles.

•   Single story homes shall have at least 2 distinct roof forms/ridge heights to create interest in the elevation.

B.  Edge Conditions

The character of visible edges, along the Salinas River, from surrounding open space and existing homes, is a vital element to the overall integrity of River Oaks. Whether from a distance or at close-range view, elevation silhouettes and massing will require design sensitivity. Rows of homes seen from a distance or along roads are perceived by their contrast against the skyline or background. The dominant impact is the shape of the building and roofline.  In addition to two-story plotting requirements along boundary lines (Chapter 3), the following standards apply to all homes plotted along visible edges of the Specific Plan boundary line:

•   Roof ridge lines and roof framing of homes shall be varied with particular attention given to avoiding repetitious elements such as continuous gable-ends and similar building silhouettes and ridge heights.

•   To achieve visual interest, a variety of front-to-back, side-to-side gables, hip roofs and/or integration of one-story elements are encouraged.

•   Single, rear facing side-to-side gable ends should not occur more than 2 in a row.

•   The use of paint and roof colors designed to blend with the surrounding semi-rural environment are strongly encouraged. Reflective materials should be limited to reduce the potential for reflection and glare.

•   Plotting of single-story homes or elements along these edges is encouraged to provide relief and articulation. Where feasible, plotting of 2 single-story homes in a row provides maximum relief.

C.  Corner Lots

Corner lots have a high-level of visibility and impact on the community as a whole. These lots serve as an introduction to the architectural style and individualized character of a neighborhood.

•  Homes on corner lots should be designed for a two-sided, corner exposure.

•   Single-story elements (massing, porches, courtyards) or building articulation (balcony, bay window, massing offsets) are encouraged on the front and street side elevations.

•   Materials and details from front elevation shall wrap to street
side elevation.

•   All windows on street side elevation shall be fully trimmed, consistent with the architectural style of the home.

D.  Garages

The focus of the front elevation should aesthetically be on the living spaces of the home. Appropriate treatment of garage doors will further enhance the elevation and decrease the utility appearance of the garage. Various garage door patterns, windows and/or color scheme will be included as appropriate to individual architectural styles.

•   De-emphasize the garage by highlighting other parts of the home.

•   Variation of garage placement between plans is encouraged.

•   It is desirable to alternate plans with similar garage types when plotting adjacent homes, where possible.

•   Swing-in garage configurations are permitted on lots at least 55 feet in width.

•   Where permitted, 3-car garages may face the street. The third garage space shall be an individual garage door.

E.  Driveways

•   Driveway curb cuts shall not exceed 18 feet in width. Driveways are permitted to increase in width 10 feet behind the front property line.

•   Circular driveways are permitted on Single Family Homes within the NE Zone, where feasible. Driveway aprons at the front property line shall be no greater than 12 feet in width. Width of the driveway may increase toward the curve of the driveway, however in no case shall a circular driveway be wider than 18 feet in width.

F.   Lanes

Lanes serving 2 or more units may utilize the Lane cross section in Chapter 6 of this document. Lotting of homes utilizing an lane access shall be configured to allow for a minimum distance of 24 feet of back-up space for all garages. This dimension may include driveway, apron and lane paving.  All lanes within TNC shall be considered private and maintained by the HOA. Access for garages, parking and services may be provided within the lane.

G.  Materials and Finishes

The choice and use of materials has an important impact on the character of the home and the streetscape. The application of materials, accent veneers and details should be done in a manner that upholds the village character.

Wood is a material reflective of many architectural styles. However, maintenance concerns, a desire for long-term architectural quality, and new high-quality manufactured alternative wood materials make use of real wood elements undesirable. Where “wood” is referred to in these Guidelines, it can also be interpreted as simulated wood trim with style-appropriate wood texture. In addition, some styles can be appropriately expressed without the wood elements, in which case stucco-wrapped, high-density foam trim (with style-appropriate stucco finish) are acceptable. Similarly, pre-cast elements can be satisfied by high-density foam or other similar materials in a style appropriate finish.

•   Wood, brick and stone cladding should appear as structural materials, not as applied veneers

•   Refrain from concentrating materials only on the front elevation.

•   Material changes should occur at inside corners.

•   Major massing elements, columns, towers and pilasters should be wrapped in their entirety.

•   Materials applied to any elevation shall turn the corner of the building, ending at a logical termination point related to rooflines or building massing, or a minimum of 2 feet.

•   Siding is permitted to terminate at an outside corner where miter boards are used.

•   Material breaks at garage corners shall have a return dimension equal to or greater than the width of the material on the garage plane elevation.

H.  Roof Materials and Colors

Variety of material, texture and color of roofs should be consistent with the architectural style of the home.

•   Color variety of roof materials is encouraged between buildings.

•   On individual roofs, multi-color blends are encouraged where feasible.

•   Where broad eave overhangs are indicated in the style pages, they should be used as feasible and appropriate to the building placement on the lot to meet building and safety standards. Where broad eave overhangs are not feasible, standard or appropriate overhangs shall be used.

G.  Private Lighting

Appropriate lighting is essential in creating an inviting evening atmosphere for the village. All village and residential lighting shall be aesthetically pleasing and non-obtrusive.

•   Village and residential lighting shall be designed and directed to avoid visibility from U.S. Highway 101 and shall not conflict with airport operations.

•   All exterior lighting shall be limited to the minimum necessary for safety.

•   All exterior lighting shall be shielded to minimize glare and light spill to adjacent properties and streets.

•   Each residence shall have an exterior porch light at its entry.

•   Exterior light fixtures shall be shielded to conceal the light source, lamp or bulb. Fixtures with frosted or heavy seeded glass are permitted.

H.  Address Numbers

Address numbers shall be lighted or reflective and easily visible from the street to facilitate resident, visitor and safety response access for the village.

5.2  Architectural Styles

The architecture of Paso Robles reflects its heritage and is typical of the region. Materials are primarily wood with some brick and more recently some concrete. Influences include Victorian, Mission, Railroad, California Ranch, Federal, Neoclassical, Craftsman, Bungalow styles and garden estates. Another notable influence came from the architect of many of the Carnegie Libraries, William H Weeks (the historic main library of Paso is one of these, as is the historic San Luis Obispo Library which is now a museum). Paso Robles is also famous for its clock towers, its water features viewed from its hotel rooms, grand hills (off which building forms can play), wineries (wineries can have many experimental styles of architecture), detailed wooden porches, shady spaces and sun rooms. Exterior color palettes used to include primarily red, green, white, and dark earth tones in addition to some brightly colored Victorian homes.

The architectural styles selected for River Oaks have evolved throughout California and the Central Coast since the early 1900s, reflecting a rural and agrarian style of home. Their inherent attractiveness, informality, and sense of elegance have enabled these styles to remain popular over a long period of time. Styles for River Oaks include:

•   Farmhouse                      •    Arts & Crafts   

•   Colonial             •    Monterey

•    Northern European            •    Prairie

•    Spanish                          •    Tuscan                      

•    Wine Country

The style information on the following pages provides the builder and design consultants with the tools to create functional and attractive architectural designs without using gimmicks or sacrificing the integrity of the style. The “Essential Style Elements” per style are offered as guidelines to encourage a high quality of architecture and reasonable level of authenticity of styles through the use of appropriate elements. These elements are not required, however the use and combination of these elements should be considered in crafting an elevation aesthetically representative of the intended style.

5.2.1  Farmhouse

The Farmhouse represents traditional American styles found throughout the Country. The architectural form and elements of these styles descend from the first homes built in the New England colonies in the 17th century. Their American influence and popularity became entwined in the California architectural culture as materials moved westward. Second stories with overhangs, dormers and gabled roof forms are classic elements of these traditional American styles. Wood shutters and white picket fences were the finishing details for an otherwise simple and functional form.

Front porches with a variety of wood columns and railings are the predominant feature of the style. Two story massing, dormers and a casual cottage look, with a more decorated appearance, is typical of the Farmhouse adaptations that spread through the West and California.

Essential Style Element

•   Plan form is typically simple

•   Steeper-pitch roof with shingles or flat concrete tiles

•   Roof forms are typically a gable roof with front facing gables and typical overhangs

•   Roof accents sometimes include standing-seam metal, shed       forms at porches or dormers

•   Wall materials may include stucco, horizontal siding and brick

•   A front porch typically shelters the main entry with
simple posts

•   Windows are typically trimmed in simple colonial-style; built up   head and sill trim is typical

•   Shaped porch columns typically have knee braces

5.2.2  Arts & Crafts

A long standing tradition in the local scene, homes in the Arts & Crafts style can be found nestled on quaint lots throughout the Central Coast. Influenced by the English Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 19th century and stylized by California architects such as Bernard Maybeck in Berkeley and the Greene brothers in Pasadena, the style focused on exterior elements with tasteful and “artful” attention. Originating in California, this architecture relied on the simple house tradition, combining hip and gable roof forms with wide, livable porches and broad overhanging eaves. The style was quickly spread across the state, and throughout the country, by pattern books, mail-order catalogues and popular magazines.

Extensive built-in elements define this style, treating details such as windows and porches as if they were furniture. The horizontal nature is emphasized by exposed rafter tails and knee braces below broad overhanging eaves rustic-textured building materials. The overall effect was the creation of a natural, warm and livable home of artful and expressive character. Divergences in expression of Craftsman designs were obvious between Northern and Southern California and slight changes in elements can still lend homes completely different characters. Substantial, tapered porch columns with stone piers lend a Greene character, while simpler double posts on square brick piers and larger knee braces make a Craftsman distinctly more Maybeck. Both expressions of the style can be found in, and are pertinent to, Paso Robles.

Essential Style Element

•   Plan form is typically a simple box.

•   Shallow-pitch roofs with shingles or flat concrete tiles and exaggerated eave overhangs

•   Roof forms are typically a side-to-side gable with cross gables

•   Wall materials may include stucco, horizontal or shingle siding
and stone

•   Exposed rafter tails are typical under eaves

•   Siding accents at gable ends are typical

•   Broad front porch element with structural column supports

•   Porch columns can be done in a variety of distinctive ways. The following three options are typical of the Craftsman style:

    ~  Battered tapered columns (Stucco, brick or stone are typical)

    ~  Battered columns resting on brick or stone piers (either or both elements are tapered)

    ~  Simpler porch supports of double square post resting on piers (Stucco, brick or stone are typical); piers may be square or tapered

•   Fully trimmed asymmetrical, divided-light windows

•   Window accents typically include dormers or ganged windows with continuous head or sill trim

5.2.3  Colonial

The Colonial style is an architectural immigrant to the Central Coast. Originating in Europe, the East Coast adaptations of architecture resulted in two distinct Colonial styles. Both styles have traditional horizontal siding and louvered shutters for a formal appeal.

Adams Colonial

Adams Colonial originated from the work of the Adams brothers, British architects who drew heavily from their European travels to early Greek and Roman monuments. Their building forms reflected grand scale and vertical emphasis using classical elements such as porticos, columns and decorative motifs such as the swag and garland.

The primary form of this version is the two-story flat front box form  including a monumented entry with a decorative crown (pediment) supported by pilasters or columns projecting forward of the otherwise flat facade to form an entry porch.

Traditional Colonial

Traditional Colonial is a more stylized version, adapting influences from English, Dutch and Atlantic Coast designs along with Adams and other classical styles. Details from these original styles are loosely combined in many examples.

This version relies on its asymmetrical form and colonial detailing to differentiate it from the strict colonial styles. Typical features include highly detailed entries having decorative pediments extended and supported by semi-engaged columns and detailed doors with sidelights and symmetrically designed front facades. Cornices with dentils are an important feature and help identify this style.

Essential Style Element

Adams Colonial

•   Plan form is typically simple two-story box with flat facade

•   Steeper-pitch roof with shingles or flat concrete tiles

•   Roof forms are typically front-to-back gable or singular hip roof

•   Wall materials may include horizontal siding, stucco and brick

•   Traditionally pedimented entry feature with a substantial portico, stoop or surround

•   Louvered shutters flanking fully trimmed windows

•   Columns are typically simple and classical or traditional with built up cap and base trim

Traditional Colonial

•   Plan form is typically simple box or “L”-shaped

•   Moderately-pitch roof with shingles or flat concrete tiles

•   Roof forms are typically hip or gable with exaggerated boxed eaves

•   Front facade is typically one solid material which may include     horizontal siding, stucco and/or brick

•   Front entry feature sheltered within a front porch with traditionally detailed columns and/or railings

•   Louvered shutters flanking fully trimmed windows

5.2.4  Monterey

First built in Monterey, California by Thomas Larkin in 1835; the Monterey home introduces two-story residential construction and shingle roofs to California. The style was popularized by the use of simple building forms. Roofs featured gables or hips with broad overhangs, often with exposed rafter tails. Shutters, balconies, verandas and porches were integral to the Monterey character. Traditionally, the first and second stories had distinctly different cladding materials, typically with siding above and stucco or a brick veneer base below.

The introduction of siding and manufactured materials to the home building scene allowed for the evolution of the Monterey home from strictly Spanish Adobe construction to a hybrid of local form and contemporary materials. The composition of Spanish Colonial, Anglo and Greek Revival elements create a distinctly local flavor to a style that has been adapted and evolved throughout the United States. Siding, steeper pitched flat tile roofing and the cantilevered balcony elements on the Spanish Colonial house define this native California style.

Essential Style Element

•           Plan form is typically a simple two-story box

•   Shallow-pitch roofs with shingles, flat concrete tiles, “S” or barrel tiles

•   Roof forms are typically a front-to-back gable

•   Wall materials should contrast between first and second floors

•   Appropriate materials including stucco, brick or siding

•   A prominent second-story cantilevered balcony should be the main massing feature of the home

•   Simple colonial corbels and beams detail roof overhangs and     visually support cantilevers

•   Front entry traditionally pedimented by a surround, porch or portico

•   Balconies and porches are detailed by simple columns without cap or base trim

•   Fully trimmed asymmetrical, divided-light windows

•   Window accents typically include head or sill trim of colonial-style and louvered shutters

5.2.5  Northern European

Architectural design in the Northern European style is often labeled “cottage” in the California vernacular. This style is a hybrid of Tudor, Norman and French designs borrowed from the quaint villages of Europe. The evolving character of this “cottage look” became extremely popular when the addition of stone and brick veneer details were added in the 1920’s.

Roof pitches are generally steeper with shallow eave overhangs. The primary material (in the United States) is stucco with heavy use of stone and brick bases, veneers and tower elements.

Building form is typically more organic than some of the more traditional styles, permitting great variation in massing and roof treatments. An iconic treatment of the European “cottage” is the sculptured swooping wall at the front elevation, allowing the front facing gable to fall from a two-story element down to the entry feature.  Generally this swooping roof-line is not used in combination with tower elements. Elevations should utilize tower elements or the sweeping roof line to create a more individual representation of the style.  Bay windows are appropriate on both versions of the style.

Essential Style Element

•   Plan form is typically a combination of one- and two-story massing

•   Steeper-pitch roof with shingles or flat concrete tiles

•   Roof forms are typically a gable roof with front facing gables and typical overhangs

•   Roof accents may include conical towers and standing-seam metal over bay windows

•   Wall materials include stucco and stone

•   Front entry may be sheltered in a tower element, traditional pediment surround, porch or portico

•   Windows feature head and/or sill time and lazy-z or plank shutters

•   Siding at gable end is appropriate at sweeping roof line

5.2.6  Prairie

The roots of Prairie architecture began in the late 1800’s with the “Oak Park” and “River Forest” homes of Frank Lloyd Wright. The Wrightian Movement grew in popularity during the first decade of the twentieth century and had many patrons. By 1910, there existed a definitive vocabulary that outlined a home that was natural and sympathetic to its own regional landscape. The Prairie style spread throughout the country, with the belief that a building should fulfill its primary function, but also exude character, life, spirit, and beauty.

Prairie Style houses are generally asymmetrical, two-story homes with low-pitched hip roofs. The roofs are always hipped. Prairie design emphasizes horizontal massing and banding with accent single- or two-story elements.

Characteristic horizontal emphasis is indicative of this style. Accenting horizontal materials are most commonly traditional brick or stone or more commonly both. Contrasting wall materials and trim are quite common. The trim is used to contrast between the first and second story.  Roofs are flat architectural grade asphalt shingles or flat concrete tile.

The principal areas of elaboration are the entry, cornices and windows.  The eaves and cornices are striking characteristics, which further emphasize the horizontality of the style. They are part of the boxed roof-wall junction and have significant overhangs. Massive square porch supports are also common in the Prairie Style.

Essential Style Element

•   Plan form emphasizes horizontal massing with accent elements

•   Shallow-pitch hip roofs with shingles or flat concrete tile

•   Roof forms are strictly hip with hip accents

•   Exaggerated boxed eaves

•   Wall materials are predominately stucco, stone and brick

•   Wainscot or banding emphasize horizontal form

•   Stone wall planes or accents appropriate at accent massing features

•   Broad front porch element with structural column supports

•   Square posts or stone piers

•   Fully trimmed mullioned windows

•   Grouped or ganged windows with unified head

•   Window accents typically include dormers or ganged windows with continuous head or sill trim

5.2.7  Spanish

This classic California style evolved in the southwest as an adaptation of Mission Revival infused with additional elements and details from Latin America. Spanish architecture attained widespread popularity after its use in the Panama-California Exposition of 1915. The Central Coast, developed after the establishment of the San Luis Obispo Mission in 1772, has various homes of this style as it evolved with the development of the area.

Key features of this style were adapted to the California lifestyle. Plans were informally organized around a courtyard with the front elevation very simply articulated and detailed. The charm of this style lies in the directness, adaptability and contrasts of materials and textures.

Essential Style Element

•   Plan form is typically simple and rectangular

•   Shallow-pitch roofs have typical overhangs and tight rakes

•   Main front-to-back gable with front-facing gables, occasional accent hip forms appropriate,  with “S” or barrel tile

•   Tile or clay gable end “vents” should be used

•   Wall materials are typically stucco

•   Decorative “wood” beams or trim are typical

•   Segmented to full-arch elements detail feature doors and/or windows

•   Windows have project head or sill trim and may be flanked by plank-style shutters

•   Decorative wrought-iron accents, grille work or railing are appropriate to windows, doors and balconies

•   Shaped or simple rafter tails

5.2.8  Tuscan

This rustic, romantic style is inspired by the informal rural farmhouses and settlement building types of traditional villages in Tuscany. Building form and materials of the Tuscan home, including their traditional squared towers, are well composed an combine a refined formality. Their appeal is in their informal, rustic character, expressed in warm colors, textures and materials. 

Iconic of the fortification of the village, stone-clad vertical tower elements were wrapped into this plan form as announcing the architecture and prestige of these homes. Entries are monumented and round arch elements in stone or pre-cast finish off the detailing.

Essential Style Element

•   Plan form is typically a series of simple boxes

•   Shallow-pitch roofs with “S” or barrel tile and broad overhangs

•   Roof forms may include gable, hip or a combination of forms

•   Wall materials may include stucco with stone accents wall planes

•   Exposed rafter tails are typical under eaves

•   Front porch elements not typical

•   Front entry detailed with a pre-cast trim surround or wood head trim

•   Windows are typically detailed with projecting head trim of brick, stone or wood and plank shutters

•   Wrought-iron or pre-cast detail elements are appropriate

•   A Juliette balcony is appropriate

5.2.10 Paso Wine Country

A blend of the traditional American farmhouse with the agrarian setting and Mediterranean climate, this wine country design reflects the rambling style of Paso Robles. Arising in the Napa and Sonoma regions, this eclectic style allows for a wide range of expression from a variety of influences. As vineyards have rapidly sprung up there and world wide attention has brought visitors from all over, a distinctly California expression has created a simple style that suits the land and the lifestyle of the wine regions. The bold massing and textures of Mediterranean styles are blended with the clean forms and agricultural style of the farmhouse.

Homes in this style may lean more strongly to one expression, such as Mediterranean, Spanish, Farmhouse or Craftsman. More interestingly, a combination of these elements can be thoughtfully composed to create a home that is as unique as Paso Robles. The rendering shown is one version of the Paso Wine Country home. Other style influenced elements are called out to allow for a style that is influenced by more Northern California or Spanish styles.

All Paso Wine Country homes should be a composition of one- and two-story elements with a strong vertical element defined by height or material. Outdoor living spaces such as porches or colonnades should be a strong element of the front elevation.

Essential Style Element

•   Plan form is asymmetrical one- and two-story massing

•   Shallow-pitch roof

•   Roof forms are typically a combination of gables and hips

•   Exposed rafter tails under broad eave overhangs

•   Wall materials may include stucco, stone and siding

•   A porch is typically the prominent feature of the elevation

•   Porch supports should be “heavy timber” with knee braces and railing

•   Standing seam metal roof at porch element

•   Windows are tall and narrow with head trim

•   Shutters may be used and should be of plank-style

Other style influenced elements:

•   Horizontal or vertical siding as primary wall material on primary massing element

•   Broader use of standing seem metal roof

•   Battered columns

•   Spanish arcade on Mediterranean stucco building

•   Single-story home with vertical element

5.3  Signage Guidelines

A sign and monumentation program has already been established in the developed areas of the Specific Plan. Within River Oaks, all signage including village wayfinding, neighborhood identification and non-residential signs, shall be consistent with the character and materials of the existing Specific Plan signage. Adaptations in color, size, materials and font of signage may be adapted to best suit the specific signage needs. However, the design of the signage shall complement the existing signage in scale, presentation and character. All signs within River Oaks shall:

•   Be sited to be easily visible and unobtrusive to driving sight lines

•   Use simple fonts consistent with existing signage to be legible

•   Be limited to 1 font per sign

•   Reflect the character and color scheme of the overall village

A.  Live/Work Signage

Each Live/Work unit is permitted  to have up to two (2) signs for identification purposes only. One sign, up to six (6) square feet in area, may hang from or be attached to the unit along the street frontage or paseo/linear court frontage. This sign may be on the side or front of the building.

A second sign, a wall sign up to two (2) square feet in area, may be attached to the wall near the entrance or on the customer entrance door.

Below are general sign guidelines for Live/Work units.

•   Rectangular or square signs are permitted.

•   Signs shall have a maximum of three (3) colors.

•   Fluorescent colors are prohibited.

•   The style of the sign shall match the architecture style of the unit or the signage character of the village.

•   Signs shall have a maximum of three (3) lines of copy.

B.  Non-Residential Signage

All signage for Non-residential Building Types shall be reviewed during Plot plan review. Design shall be complementary to the character of the village and architecture of the building(s).