SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICT
DESIGN GUIDELINES

HOW TO BEGIN

If you are considering remodeling or new construction in the Special Standards District of Downtown Newhall, here are a few suggestions to help you through the design process.

• Make sure the use you want to invest in is within the permitted uses in the Downtown Newhall Special Standards District.
• Obtain a copy of the Design Guidelines for more detailed information.
• The City of Santa Clarita has special architects familiar with the design guidelines and are available to assist you in your design project free of charge.
• Once your design is ready, pick up an application for design review. This service is offered free of charge. Submit your project with the necessary paperwork.
• Facade improvements, site improvements, parking lot screening and signs are required to be reviewed by the Design Review Committee.
• Ask about financial assistance available for façade improvement, new signs, and storage screening walls.

DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR DOWNTOWN NEWHALL

Design Guidelines 

Downtown Newhall is a "Special Standards District" that includes building guidelines that are unique in the City of Santa Clarita.
A few facts regarding facade composition in Downtown Newhall:

• The facade shall have a building base using building materials to differentiate it from the rest of the facade.
• The middle of the building shall include a pattern of features; which may include windows, panels, columns, pilasters, etc. Make any blank walls interesting.
• Building entrances should be prominent and easy to identify. Use architectural elements such as towers, overhangs, awnings and decorative lights. Mark the entry with special floor elements like tile, or vary the roofline at the entrance. Be creative.
• Roof and rooflines need accent and elements that make them interesting like historical buildings. Think about using grilles, latticework, ornamental medallions or stylized addresses.
• These guidelines are designed to bring the historical elements of the area to our mainstreet in Downtown Newhall. The desired goal is to revitalize not only the visual appearance of Downtown Newhall, but also to energize the economy of our local businesses.

HISTORICAL STYLES FOR DOWNTOWN NEWHALL

New and renovated buildings should reinforce the stylistic characteristics of historic buildings in the vicinity of Downtown Newhall. Within the Newhall area, there are three local styles: Victorian, Western and Spanish.

VICTORIAN includes or can contain elements of Italianate, Eastlake, Queen Anne, and Classical Revival Styles. The basic building is a tall box, modulated with building wings, window bays and/or other protruding masses. Windows have profile trim and protruding sills. Gable, hip and flat roofs are used.	WESTERN includes a variety of false-front building types. It is a style that is used to enhance the urban character of facades on relatively small storefront buildings. The facade is flat, without projecting bay windows or turrets, however, the entrance may be recessed. A tall parapet is used to add building height and to provide space for signs and advertising.	SPANISH includes elements of Mission Revival, Spanish Renaissance, Hispanic Pueblo, Monterey, Mediterranean, and Stucco bungalow styles. Buildings are simple, low box-like masses, often embellished with arcades, colonnades, and trellises. Windows are typically recessed at least 6 inches

OLD TOWN SIGNS

Signs Requirements

The sign guidelines for Downtown Newhall are unique in the City of Santa Clarita. A few facts:

PROHIBITED SIGNS INCLUDE: revolving signs, continuous or sequential flashing light, devices dispensing bubbles and free-floating particles or matter, pylon or pole signs, “can” or cabinet type wall signs, signs painted directly onto a building, strings of pennants, banners, streamers, clusters of flags, strings of twirlers or propellers, flares, balloons, roof signs, bench signs and others.
All signs are subject to review by the design review committee of the Newhall redevelopment committee.

SITE IMPROVEMENTS AND LANDSCAPING

• Paving materials that are recommended for pedestrian surfaces are: stone, brick pavers, concrete unit pavers, and poured-in-place concrete with special treatments.
• Walls, fences and piers should be used to define public and private boundaries and/or spaces and screen parking areas.
• Walls, fences and piers should be designed to reflect the architectural style and materials of the principal building(s).
• Materials should be the same as, or compatible with, those of the principal building(s). Support post or pier materials may differ from fence materials.
• Plant materials along streets should create an attractive and harmonious character, in keeping with the Downtown location.
• Surface parking lots utilize a significant amount of site area and should be designed as an integral feature of the overall site development plan.

AREA LIGHTING

• The sources for illuminating sidewalks, passageways, parking, and rear and side yard areas shall be “cut off” as to avoid casting light to the sky or into adjacent residential windows.
• Ornamental fixtures are encouraged and have wattage restrictions.
• A good lighting design is intended to promote an attractive nighttime pedestrian environment.