Study session: Moraga Canyon architectural design standards
Posted on 08/09/2024

Planning Commission to discuss architectural design standards for Moraga Canyon Specific Plan

Published August 9, 2024

The Planning Commission will hold a study session to consider draft architectural design standards for future development in Moraga Canyon on Monday, August 12.

The design standards are part of the Moraga Canyon Specific Plan, a detailed plan outlining potential development locations, site improvements, and infrastructure requirements for the construction up to 199 units of new housing on City-owned land in Moraga Canyon, 60 of which would be affordable to lower income households.

The project team is currently preparing a Draft Specific Plan based on direction received from the City Council in March 2024, and expects to publish the draft for review and comment later this year. This Planning Commission study session will help shape the architectural design standards included in the draft.

Planning Commission Study Session: Design Standards for Moraga Canyon Specific Plan
Monday, August 12, 5:30 pm | Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue
Zoom: piedmont-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/81433792168
Agenda | Staff Report

Community members can provide comment in-person or via Zoom. This is a discussion item only – no decisions will be made at the meeting.

Design standards intended to ensure future development consistent with Piedmont’s natural and built environment

The Moraga Canyon Specific Plan anticipates development of multifamily residential buildings between 4 and 6 stories in Moraga Canyon, and includes two options for where these buildings could be located. The Specific Plan will also include standards for what these buildings should look like, including building materials, window and door arrangements, roof forms, architectural details, and landscape features.

Currently, the in-progress draft Specific Plan includes three options for acceptable architectural styles, developed based on community input. Whichever style is used for the first building developed on the site would then be required for all future development.

The styles in the current draft are:

  • Mediterranean: Identified by the use of stucco and stone finishes, gently sloping multiform roofs, arches, divided-lite windows and doors, and deeply recessed windows and doors

  • Canyon Contemporary: Incorporates elements of the Craftsman style, including wood and stone elements, deep eaves, porches and balconies, and flat, gable, and shed roofs. Buildings are designed to integrate with and open onto the landscape.

  • Suburban Traditional: Contemporary style including elements like flat and gable roof forms, eaves and awnings, knee brace backets, some divided-lite windows and doors, stucco and wood siding, and balconies and porches.

Visual examples and detailed proposed standards can be viewed in Attachment A of the Planning Commission staff report.

Learn more about the Moraga Canyon Specific Plan at PiedmontIsHome.org. Sign up for the Moraga Canyon project email list to stay informed about future meetings and engagement opportunities. With questions, email [email protected].