Item 19 - Attachment Q - Draft Specific PlanAdmin. Draft No.1, April 2019 Table of Contents | Page a
Farm
Draft Specific Plan
May 2020
City of Poway, California
The
in Poway
The Farm in Poway
Draft Specific Plan
January May 2020
The Farm in Poway, LLC
12919 Corte Juanna
Poway, CA 92064
(760)634-6700
CONTRIBUTING CONSULTANTS
Architects BP Associates, Inc.
Land Planning and Architecture
11858 Bernardo Plaza Ct.., Suite 120
San Diego, CA 92128
858.592.4710
Colliers International
Land Advisor
4350 La Jolla Village Dr #500
San Diego, CA 92121
858.455.1515
DeLorenzo International, Inc.
Community and Landscape Design
3954 Murphy Canyon Rd., Suite D206San Diego, CA 92123
619.295.5115
Hunsaker & Associates, San Diego, Inc.
Civil Engineer/Specific Plan
707 Waples Street
San Diego, CA 92121
858.558.4500
Linscott Law & Greenspan, Engineers
Traffic Engineer
4542 Ruffner Street, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92111
858.300.8800
RECON Environmental, Inc.
Biology and Cultural Resource
1927 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
619.308.9333
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE - INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Specific Plan Purpose and Authority ............................................................................. 1-3
1.2 Specific Plan Location and Context ............................................................................... 1-4
1.3 Relationship to the General Plan .................................................................................... 1-6
1.4 How to Use This Specific Plan ........................................................................................ 1-6
CHAPTER TWO - VISION & SETTING
2.0 New Ruralism .................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Benefits of Conservation Communities ............................................................................. 2-3
2.2 Community Vision ............................................................................................................ 2-5
2.3 Setting and Existing Conditions ...................................................................................... 2-9
2.4 Specific Plan Objectives ................................................................................................... 2-11
CHAPTER THREE - LAND USE & REGULATIONS
3.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1 Land Use Map and Summary ........................................................................................... 3-2
3.2 Open Space Land Use Regulations ................................................................................ 3-4
3.2.1 Permissible Open Space Uses ........................................................................... 3-4
3.2.2 Open Space Development Standards .............................................................. 3-7
A. Permitted Deviations ................................................................................ 3-7
B. Accessory Open Space Buildings and Structures ............................... 3-8
3.2.3 Additional Open Space Standards .................................................................. 3-10
A. Agricultural, Horticulture, and Gardening .......................................... 3-11
B. Events ......................................................................................................... 3-12
C. Dog Parks .................................................................................................. 3-13
D. Recreational Courts ................................................................................ 3-14
E. Food Trucks .................................................................................................... 3-15
F. Outdoor Displays .................................................................................... 3-16
G. Public Art ................................................................................................... 3-17
ii The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
3.3 Residential Land Use Regulations .................................................................................. 3-18
3.3.1 Permissible Residential Uses ............................................................................ 3-19
3.3.2 Residential Development Standards .............................................................. 3-19
A. Residential Twin (R-T) .................................................................................. 3-20
B. Residential Garden (R-G) ....................................................................... 3-21
C. Residential Cottage (R-C) ...................................................................... 3-22
D. Residential Homestead (R-H) ............................................................... 3-24
E. Residential Meadow (R-M) ..................................................................... 3-25
F. Residential Encroachments .................................................................... 3-26
G. Residential Accessory Buildings and Structures ................................ 3-26
3.3.3 Residential Performance Standards ................................................................ 3-28
3.4 Temporary Uses ............................................................................................................... 3-29
3.5 Parking Regulations ........................................................................................................... 3-30
3.5.1 On-street Parking ............................................................................................. 3-30
3.5.2 Residential Off-Street Parking ......................................................................... 3-30
3.5.3 Non-Residential Off-Street Parking and Loading ....................................... 3-31
3.6 Landscaping Regulations ................................................................................................. 3-33
3.7 Lighting Regulations ......................................................................................................... 3-35
3.8 Walls and Fences ............................................................................................................. 3-36
3.9 Utilities, Mechanical Equipment, and Auxiliary Structures ..................................... 3-37
3.10 Trash Enclosures and Storage Areas ........................................................................... 3-39
3.11 Sign Regulations ................................................................................................................ 3-40
3.12 Fire Prevention Regulations ........................................................................................... 3-40
3.13 Construction and Farming Equipment ........................................................................ 3-44
CHAPTER FOUR - MOBILITY
4.0 Mobility Plan ........................................................................................................................ 4-1
4.1 Roadway Classifications .................................................................................................... 4-2
4.1.1 Espola Road ........................................................................................................... 4-4
4.1.2 Martincoit Road .................................................................................................... 4-7
4.1.3 Valley Verde Road ................................................................................................ 4-9
4.1.4 Cloudcroft Drive and Cloudcroft Court ........................................................ 4-9
4.1.5 St. Andrews Drive, Tam O’Shanter Drive, and Boca Raton Lane ......... 4-10
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 iii
4.1.6 Internal Roadways (Private Drives) .............................................................. 4-10
4.1.7 Motor Courts ..................................................................................................... 4-13
4.2 Trails .............................................................................................................................................. 4-14
4.3 Pedestrian Experience .................................................................................................... 4-18
4.4 Bicycle Experience ............................................................................................................ 4-19
4.5 Alternative Vehicles .......................................................................................................... 4-19
4.6 Transit ......................................................................................................................................... 4-20
CHAPTER FIVE - OPEN SPACE & COMMUNITY DESIGN
5.0 Community Theme ........................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1 Community Design Framework Plan ............................................................................ 5-2
5.1.1 Espola Road Scenic Corridor ............................................................................ 5-2
5.1.2 Primary Community Entry ................................................................................. 5-4
5.1.3 Event Barn, The Social, and Education Center .............................................. 5-6
5.1.4 Residential Clusters ............................................................................................. 5-7
5.1.5 The Club ................................................................................................................ 5-8
5.1.6 The Meadow, Amphitheatre, and Dog Park .................................................. 5-8
5.1.7 Conservation Open Space and Amenities ...................................................... 5-9
A. Community Gardens ........................................................................... 5-11
B. Agrifields ................................................................................................. 5-12
C. Tot Lot .......................................................................................................................... 5-13
D. Trails ............................................................................................................................... 5-13
E. Specialty Gardens and Landscaping .................................................. 5-13
5.2 Parkland Requirements ................................................................................................... 5-14
5.3 Landscaping & Plant Palettes ......................................................................................... 5-16
5.4 Street Furniture and Lighting ........................................................................................ 5-25
5.5 Wall and Fence Design ................................................................................................... 5-27
5.6 Parking Lot Design ........................................................................................................... 5-29
5.7 Secondary Signage ............................................................................................................ 5-30
5.7.1 Secondary Community Entry ....................................................................... 5-30
5.7.2 Identification and Wayfinding Signage ........................................................... 5-31
iv The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
CHAPTER SIX - ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
6.0 Architectural Philosophy .................................................................................................. 6-1
6.1 Non-Residential Buildings ................................................................................................ 6-2
6.1.1 Floor Plans and Massing ..................................................................................... 6-2
6.1.2 Roof Forms ........................................................................................................... 6-3
6.1.3 Entries .................................................................................................................... 6-4
6.1.4 Windows ............................................................................................................... 6-5
6.1.5 Balconies and Projections .................................................................................. 6-6
6.1.6 Colors, Materials, and Details .......................................................................... 6-7
6.1.7 Exterior Lighting and Fixtures .......................................................................... 6-8
6.2 Residential Architecture ................................................................................................ 6-9
6.2.1 Architectural Styles ............................................................................................ 6-9
A. Farmhouse .............................................................................................. 6-10
B. Modern ....................................................................................................................... 6-12
C. American Traditional ........................................................................... 6-14
D. California Ranch .................................................................................... 6-16
E. Craftsman ............................................................................................... 6-18
F. Cottage ................................................................................................... 6-20
G. Monterey ................................................................................................ 6-22
6.2.2 Street Scene Plotting ......................................................................................... 6-24
6.2.3 Floor Plan Form and Massing .......................................................................... 6-25
6.2.4 Roof Forms .......................................................................................................... 6-26
6.2.5 Garage and Motor Court Treatments .......................................................... 6-27
6.2.6 Entry Design ........................................................................................................ 6-30
6.2.7 Windows .............................................................................................................. 6-31
6.2.8 Balconies and Projections ................................................................................. 6-32
6.2.9 Exterior Lighting and Fixtures ......................................................................... 6-33
6.2.10 Colors, Materials, and Details ......................................................................... 6-34
6.3 Conformance to Design Guidelines ............................................................................ 6-36
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 v
CHAPTER SEVEN - GRADING, UTILITIES & SERVICES
7.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 7-1
7.1 Grading and Drainage Plan .............................................................................................. 7-1
7.1.1 Stormwater Treatment ............................................................................................ 7-5
7.1.2 Wetland Mitigation .............................................................................................. 7-6
7.2 Domestic Water Source and Supply ............................................................................. 7-7
7.3 Wastewater ......................................................................................................................... 7-9
7.4 Solid Waste ........................................................................................................................ 7-12
7.5 Electricity and Natural Gas ............................................................................................ 7-13
7.6 Broadband and Telecommunications ........................................................................... 7-13
7.7 Schools ................................................................................................................................ 7-13
7.8 Fire Prevention and Services .......................................................................................... 7-14
7.9 Public Safety & Emergency Services ............................................................................. 7-17
CHAPTER EIGHT - IMPLEMENTATION & ADMINISTRATION
8.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 8-1
8.1 Implementation ................................................................................................................... 8-2
8.2 Financing & Maintenance .................................................................................................. 8-2
8.2.1 Development Impact Fees ................................................................................. 8-2
8.2.2 Community Association ..................................................................................... 8-4
8.2.3 Exactions ................................................................................................................ 8-6
8.3 Specific Plan Administration ............................................................................................ 8-6
8.3.1 Interpretation ........................................................................................................ 8-6
8.3.2 Severability ............................................................................................................. 8-6
8.3.3 Environmental Review .............................................................................................. 8-7
8.3.4 Proposition FF ....................................................................................................... 8-7
8.3.5 Review and Approval Process ........................................................................... 8-7
8.3.6 Substantial Conformance ................................................................................... 8-7
8.3.7 Administrative Adjustments .............................................................................. 8-8
8.3.8 Administrative Adjustments Review and Findings ....................................... 8-8
vi The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
8.3.9 Specific Plan Minor Modifications and Amendments .................................. 8-9
A. Minor Modifications ............................................................................... 8-9
B. Amendments ......................................................................................... 8-10
8.3.10 Administrative Use Permit ............................................................................... 8-10
A. Application and Fees ............................................................................ 8-11
B. Investigation and Report ..................................................................... 8-11
C. Action ...................................................................................................... 8-11
D. Required Findings ................................................................................. 8-11
E. Notice of Decision ................................................................................ 8-12
8.3.11 Appeals ................................................................................................................. 8-12
GLOSSARY
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 vii
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit1.1: Vicinity Map ................................................................................................................... 1-5
Exhibit 2.1: Illustrative Site Plan .................................................................................................... 2-6
Exhibit 2.2: Site Conditions ......................................................................................................... 2-10
Exhibit 3.1: Land Use Plan .............................................................................................................. 3-3
Exhibit 3.2: Typical Lot - Residential Twin (R-T) ......................................................................... 3-20
Exhibit 3.3: Typical Lot - Residential Garden (R-G) .............................................................. 3-21
Exhibit 3.4: Typical Lot - Residential Cottage (R-C) ............................................................. 3-23
Exhibit 3.5: Typical Lot - Residential Homestead (R-H) ....................................................... 3-24
Exhibit 3.6: Typical Lot - Residential Meadow (R-M) ............................................................ 3-25
Exhibit 4.1: Street Network Diagram ......................................................................................... 4-3
Exhibit 4.2 Espola Road .................................................................................................................. 4-6
Exhibit 4.3: Martincoit Road and Espola Road Intersection .................................................. 4-8
Exhibit 4.4: Private Street with Parking ................................................................................... 4-11
Exhibit 4.5: Private Street without Parking .............................................................................. 4-12
Exhibit 4.6: Conceptual Motor Court Plan View and Section ............................................ 4-13
Exhibit 4.7: Trail Network Diagram .......................................................................................... 4-15
Exhibit 4.8: Nature Multi-Use Trail ................................................................................................... 4-16
Exhibit 4.9: Espola Trail .......................................................................................................................... 4-16
Exhibit 4.10: SDCWA Access Road ........................................................................................... 4-17
Exhibit 4.11: Combined SDCWA Access Road/Trail ............................................................ 4-17
Exhibit 4.12: Conceptual Pedestrian Crossing ........................................................................ 4-18
Exhibit 5.1: Community Design Framework Plan ..................................................................... 5-3
Exhibit 5.2: Primary Community Entry ................................................................................... 5-5
Exhibit 5.3: Conceptual Open Space Plan ................................................................................ 5-10
Exhibit 5.4: Landscape Concept Plan ........................................................................................ 5-17
Exhibit 5.5: Conceptual Lighting Plan ......................................................................................... 5-26
viii The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Exhibit 5.6: Wall and Fencing Concept Plan ............................................................................ 5-28
Exhibit 5.7: Secondary Community Entry ............................................................................. 5-30
Exhibit 5.8: Identification and Wayfinding Signage ................................................................. 5-31
Exhibit 7.1: Conceptual Grading and Storm Drain Plan .......................................................... 7-3
Exhibit 7.2: Conceptual Cut and Fill Map ................................................................................... 7-4
Exhibit 7.3: Conceptual Water Master Plan .............................................................................. 7-8
Exhibit 7.4: Conceptual Sewer Master Plan ............................................................................. 7-11
Exhibit 7.5: Very High Fire Hazard Severity Area (VHFHSZ) Map ..................................... 7-16
Exhibit 8.1: Conceptual Building Construction Phasing .......................................................... 8-3
Exhibit 8.2: Ownership, Maintenance Responsibilities, and Public Access ..................... 8-65
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 ix
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1: Land Use Summary ....................................................................................................... 3-2
Table 3.2: Permissible Open Space Uses .................................................................................... 3-5
Table 3.3: Development Standards by Open Space Land Use District ............................... 3-7
Table 3.4: Event Sound Levels ..................................................................................................... 3-12
Table 3.5: Permissible Residential Uses .................................................................................... 3-19
Table 3.6: Lot Development Standards in R-T .................................................................................. 3-20
Table 3.7: Lot Development Standards in R-G ....................................................................... 3-21
Table 3.8: Lot Development Standards in R-C ....................................................................... 3-22
Table 3.9: Lot Development Standards in R-H ....................................................................... 3-24
Table 3.10: Lot Development Standards in R-M ..................................................................... 3-25
Table 3.11: Number of Parking Spaces Required - Non-Residential Uses ....................... 3-32
Table 5.1: Conservation Open Space Summary ........................................................................ 5-9
Table 5.2: Park Land Requirement ............................................................................................. 5-14
Table 5.3: Park Land Provided .................................................................................................... 5-15
Table 6.1: Farmhouse Style Characteristics .............................................................................. 6-11
Table 6.2: Modern Style Characteristics .................................................................................. 6-13
Table 6.3: American Traditional Style Characteristics .......................................................... 6-15
Table 6.4: California Ranch Style Characteristics .................................................................... 6-17
Table 6.5: Craftsman Style Characteristics .............................................................................. 6-19
Table 6.6: Cottage Style Characteristics .................................................................................. 6-21
Table 6.7: Monterey Style Characteristics ............................................................................... 6-23
Table 7.1: Projected Students ...................................................................................................... 7-13
Admin. Draft No.1, April 2019 Introduction | Page 1-a
Introduction
Chapter One
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 1-1
Chapter One
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
Known as the “City in the Country,” the City of Poway provides a sought-after lifestyle.
High-quality housing surrounded by extensive open space areas, close proximity to jobs
and services, and an exceptional school district define Poway as one of the premier
communities in San Diego County. These characteristics have led to a collection of
affluent neighborhoods, including the existing StoneRidge neighborhood, located in the
northern area of the City. The existing StoneRidge neighborhood consist of an eclectic
mix of single-family homes and condominiums surrounding the decommissioned
StoneRidge Country Club and associated 18-hole golf course.
Like many other golf courses across the nation, the construction of StoneRidge Country
Club and the golf course in 1963 responded to the golf boom of the 1960s and 1970s. In
the late 1980s another golf boom began, resulting in the construction of newer and
more modern golf clubs around the country. Thanks to the popularity of professional
players such as Tiger Woods and in anticipation of an insurgence of retired baby
boomers with money and time to enjoy the sport, golf courses continued to be the
number one master planned community demand peaked in 2001. Since then, the
popularity of the sport has steadily declined. Financial impacts from the Great Recession,
longer working hours resulting in less leisure time, and delayed retirement of baby
1-2 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
boomers have impacted the sport. Today, the supply of golf courses far outweighs the
demand for such facilities. With an oversupply of newer and better courses and a
decreased interest in the sport, older golf clubs have struggled to retain membership
and lack the income needed to maintain or update aging facilities and greens.
Unable to compete with newer golf courses, StoneRidge Country Club was forced to
close in 2017 after significant financial losses. Without the monetary means to
modernize or maintain the property and no entity willing to purchase or assume
responsibility for the course, the property has become blighted.
The clubhouse has fallen into disrepair and the greens have become dry and overgrown.
To remedy this problem, The Farm in Poway Specific Plan allows for the former golf
course to be developed with large-lot single-family homes and associated amenities,
creating a new Community Association. New development and a new Community
Association will provide the vehicle and financial resources necessary to preserve and
maintain over 47 percent of the former golf course as attractive Conservation Open
Space (including ornamental and agricultural landscape and water quality features) in
perpetuity and ensure long-term maintenance of the all properties within the Specific
Plan area, thereby restoring the visual appeal of the StoneRidge neighborhood. The
remaining Specific Plan area will be developed with private roadways and amenities that
support conservation of natural and open space resources and fulfill the social and
recreational needs of Specific Plan residents and surrounding neighbors. Amenities
envisioned include a swim and fitness club, multi-purpose event barn, tot lot, community
gardens, and other specialty gardens, a non-profit butterfly research and education
center, a multi-use trail system and more. These new amenities will reinvigorate the
property for both new and existing residents to enjoy.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 1-3
1.1 Specific Plan Purpose and Authority
The Farm in Poway Specific Plan provides a permanent solution to revitalizing a defunct
and blighted property located in the heart of an existing residential community. Limited
development of compatible residential homes and associated recreational uses provide
the income necessary to finance the proposed improvements and replace the
recreational opportunities the golf course once provided. A newly established
Community Association will ensure that the proposed open space areas, which are
important to existing residents, will be permanently maintained and managed with
minimal fiscal impacts to the City of Poway. These permanent well-maintained, open
space areas will be deed restricted to prevent any additional homes from being
developed in perpetuity. Pursuant to State law, all new single-family lots must be
permitted to allow an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and a junior accessory dwelling
unit (JADU). The Specific Plan includes guidelines and standards to encourage ADUs to
be thoughtfully designed to preserve the privacy of existing residents and the character
of the Specific Plan area and surrounding neighborhoods. Furthermore, the Specific Plan
establishes development standards, design guidelines, and performance standards to
make certain all new development and activities within open space areas are compatible
with existing single-family uses that surround the site.
Authorized by California Government Code Section 65456, the Specific Plan allows for
specialized regulations, development standards and design guidelines for future
development that address the unique characteristics of a site. This tool enables the
creation of distinctive communities and places that are found nowhere else within the
jurisdiction. All subsequent development plans, tentative parcel and/or tract map(s) and/or
similar entitlements for projects within the Specific Plan area shall be consistent with the
regulations set forth in the Specific Plan and with other applicable City of Poway
regulations. Where the Specific Plan is silent, the Poway Municipal Code shall govern.
In accordance with Government Code Sections 65450-65457, The Farm in Poway
Specific Plan provides the following content and scope:
• Distribution, location, and extent of land use (Chapter Three)
• Regulations and standards for future development (Chapter Three)
• A description of roadways, infrastructure, and services (Chapters Four and Seven)
• Implementation, including financing tools, maintenance responsibilities, and
administrative procedures (Chapter Eight)
• A statement of relationship to the General Plan (Section 1.3)
1-4 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
State law also allows Specific Plans to address any other subjects deemed necessary or
valuable to achieve city goals. The following additional content has been provided to
support the Specific Plan Objectives identified in Section 2.4:
• Open Space and Community Design Guidelines (Chapter Five)
• Residential Design Guidelines (Chapter Six)
1.2 Specific Plan Location and Context
Located in northeastern San Diego County, the City of Poway is characterized by hills,
scenic viewsheds, and vast open space areas. Regional access to the City is provided via
Interstate 15 (I-15), which is located to the west of the City. Neighboring communities
are connected via Poway Road, Twin Peaks Road, Espola Road, and State Route 67 (SR
67). The approximately 117.2-acre Specific Plan area, known as The Farm in Poway
Specific Plan, is located in the northern portion of the City of Poway, approximately two
miles east of I-15 along Espola Road as illustrated in Exhibit 1.1: Vicinity Map. The
southerly boundary of the Specific Plan area coincides with Espola Road’s right-of-way.
The westerly and northern boundaries of the Specific Plan area are defined by existing
single-family homes along Valle Verde Road and a portion of Saint Andrews Drive. The
easterly boundaries of the Specific Plan area are delineated by single-family homes that
front onto Cloudcroft Drive, Cloudcroft Court, Tam O’Shanter Drive, Boca Raton
Lane, and a portion of St. Andrews Drive. An existing condominium community,
StoneRidge Chateaus, is surrounded by but is not part of the Specific Plan area. Maderas
Golf Club, Oaks North Golf Course, Country Club of Ranch Bernardo, Blue Sky
Ecological Reserve, and Lake Poway are all located within a two-mile radius of the
Specific Plan area.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 1-5
Exhibit1.1: Vicinity Map
Not to Scale
1-6 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
1.3 Relationship to the General Plan
According to the Office of Planning and Research (OPR), “A Specific Plan is a tool for
the systematic implementation of the general plan. It effectively establishes a link
between implementing policies of the general plan and the individual development
proposals in a defined area.” Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65454, a
Specific Plan shall be consistent with the local jurisdiction’s General Plan. Concurrent
with a Specific Plan amendment and a General Plan Amendment (GPA), a Proposition FF
Citywide vote was processed to change the land use designation of the Specific Plan
area from “Open Space – Recreation (OS-R)” to “Planned Community (PC-9).” This
designation allows for limited residential development to occur. The PC designation is
consistent with other Specific Plan areas within the City of Poway.
1.4 How to Use This Specific Plan
The Specific Plan is designed to inform future developers, property owners, and city
staff regarding the permitted uses, regulations, activities, and development standards
that apply to a particular site within the Specific Plan area. The intent is to create easily
understood rules and guidelines, avoid confusion when processing future permits and
development applications, inform community members about what can occur within the
Specific Plan area, and establish a clear process for permit and development applications.
The following steps are provided to assist users in finding the necessary information
within the Specific Plan:
Step 1: Determine the Applicable Land Use
Identity the site’s location within the Specific Plan area by referencing Exhibit 3.1:
Land Use Plan. Determine the permitted intensity by referencing Table 3.1: Land
Use Summary. Determine what land use district applies and review the description
and list of permissible uses for the applicable district provided in Table 3.2:
Permissible Open Space Uses and Table 3.5: Permissible Residential Uses.
Step 2: Review Regulations and Development Standards
Refer to Section 3.2 for regulations and development standards applicable to open space
land use districts. Regulation and development standards for residential land use districts
are provided in Section 3.3. Development standards and regulations for temporary uses,
parking, landscaping, lighting, walls and fences, utilities and mechanical equipment, signs,
and fire prevention that apply to all land use districts are found in Section 3.4. Finally,
please refer to Chapter Four for street, trail, and motor court standards.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 1-7
Step 3: Review Design Guidelines
Refer to the applicable design guidelines. Chapter Five includes open space and
landscaping design guidelines. Chapter Six provides architectural design guidelines.
Although not every design guideline is mandatory, proposed projects should seek
substantial conformance to meet the intent of the guidelines and fulfill the vision of the
project as described in Chapter Two.
Step 4: Consult City Staff
Once a general understanding of the proposed project has been achieved, i.e. what is
permitted and expected by the Specific Plan, a meeting with the City Planner is
recommended to clarify and identify any questions or concerns that may arise as part of
the project. Planning staff may also consult other City staff in the engineering, building,
fire, traffic, and other applicable departments to provide the applicant with any other
available and relevant information.
Step 5: Understand the Process
Chapter Eight outlines the application process for various permits and development
applications. Applicable sections of the Poway Municipal Code (PMC) may also apply.
The City Planner may assist you in understanding the process and to help you anticipate
a schedule for the project based on anticipated staff review times, staff availability, and
public hearing dates.
Admin. Draft No.1, April 2019 Vision & Setting | Page a
Vision & Setting
Chapter Two
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 2-1
Chapter Two
VISION
2.0 New Ruralism
Over the past decades, conservation and sustainability have become increasingly
important. As populations continue to grow and our earth reaches its tipping point,
people are becoming more aware of mankind’s potential impact on our planet. New
housing and development are essential to supporting the growing population, both socially
and economically; however, this development must be balanced with the preservation of
the natural resources that sustain us. From green buildings to electric cars, nearly every
industry is seeking innovative ways to minimize humanity’s ecological footprint and provide
more economically and socially sustainable solutions. Furthermore, people are living
longer and looking for healthier ways to live. As a result, new planning paradigms have
emerged that seek to create healthy communities that balance the needs of people, the
economy, and the planet.
The “New Ruralism” movement evolved based upon a renewed interest in protecting
open space, reconnecting with nature, conserving natural resources, and preserving
America’s agricultural past. With the advent of Post-World War II production housing,
open space at the edges of metropolitan areas began to be replaced by large, continuous
tracts of cookie-cutter homes with limited open space. Small farms were no longer
viable as large agricultural corporations dominated the market and natural open space
areas lacked the financial resources and mechanisms to ensure proper management and
2-2 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
long-term preservation. The clear division between city and country became blurred
and suburban sprawl became the predominant growth pattern.
In response to urban sprawl and auto-dominated development patterns, the “Smart
Growth” movement sought to balance the housing needs of a growing population with
the conservation of land resources and reduced dependence on automobiles. In addition,
smart growth promoted the preservation and creation of a strong “sense of place.” This
“sense of place” is established by a set of characteristics that make a particular place
memorable and distinctive from other places, providing authenticity and promoting
emotional human connections to a community. The Smart Growth paradigm resulted in
the implementation of “New Urbanist” and “Traditional Neighborhood Development”
design principals within new urban and suburban developments, which emulated the
walkable development patterns found in urban neighborhoods built prior to World-War
II. “New Ruralism” represents the rural expression of this same paradigm by borrowing
design concepts from America’s historic small farming communities.
New Ruralism recognizes that new residential development offers an opportunity to
ensure the long-term preservation the natural, agricultural, and scenic resources of a
site and maintain the countryside’s sense of place. By clustering homes together, large
areas of open space can be effectively conserved in perpetuity and new residential
development can provide the long-term financing necessary to effectively maintain,
manage, and preserve these treasured land resources. Rather than filling these open
space areas with traditional master-planned amenities such as golf courses and water
parks, New Ruralism focuses on conservation of natural and agriculture open spaces as
distinctive place-making and lifestyle opportunities. These spaces are viewed as
amenities that add value to the surrounding homes by providing a sense of spaciousness
and offering direct connections to nature and its scenic qualities. These amenities have
the added benefit of costing less to maintain. By acknowledging the value that these land
resources contribute to their quality of life, residents are more willing to take
ownership of land that surrounds them and maintain a vested interest in their on- going
maintenance and preservation.
This unique approach to conservation is expressed in places such as Prairie Crossing in
Illinois, Serenbe in Georgia, and Bundoran Farm in Virginia that use architecture and
land planning patterns similar to those found in traditional rural farming hamlets and
villages. These Conservation Communities combine open space and agriculture with the
accouterments of urban life, i.e., culture, dining, technology, education, fitness, and social
venues, to provide the best of both rural and urban living. Amenities are contained
within barns, farm sites, and traditional village centers to blend with the rural landscape
and express design themes found in traditional rural communities. By using conservation
as a design theme, these communities offer a unique living experience.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 2-3
2.1 Benefits of Conservation Communities
Conservation Communities offers a new approach to community planning by balancing
development with conservation and integrating wellness into everyday living.
Conservation Communities leverage new development as a tool for ensuring long-term
preservation of agriculture and open space and in turn, leverage open space as a tool for
creating happier, healthier, and more desirable communities. Some of the many benefits
of Conservation Communities include the following:
Social Benefits
• According to new research, living close to nature and spending time outside has
a significant and wide-range of health benefits including reduced risk of type II
diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and
high blood pressure.1
• Communities that include an agriculture or community garden component connect
people to a healthy source of fresh food, thereby encouraging healthier eating habits.
• Access to trails and other recreational amenities promote an active lifestyle. Various
studies have shown that natural movement such as walking and hiking is a key
component to longevity.
• Community education and outdoor recreation serve as catalysts for social
connections that promote emotional well-being. Strong social connections are a
common attribute among communities with noticeably higher life expectancies and
are believed to be a contributing factor to longer and happier lives.2
Ecological Benefits
• Clustering development allows for larger areas of open space with permeable
surfaces, thereby allowing for natural drainage and reduced stormwater volumes.
• Less paving and more open space can also reduce heat island effect, which occurs
when heat radiates from paved surfaces and increases the ambient air temperature.
According to the EPA, heat island effect can result in increased energy consumption,
elevated emissions or air pollutant and greenhouse gases, comprised human health
and comfort, and impaired water quality.3
____________________________________________________________
1. University of East Anglia. “It’s official -- spending time outside is good for you.” Science Daily. www.
sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180706102842.htm (accessed March 26, 2019).
2. National Geographic and Dan Buetner, Blue Zones, The Science of Living Longer, (New York, Time Inc.
Books, 2016) New York. 2016.
3. EPA, “Heat Island Impacts”, https://www.epa.gov/heat-islands/heat-island-impacts (accessed March
26, 2019).
2-4 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
• Providing a local food source, such as a community garden, can reduce the need to
transport food over long distances, thereby reducing vehicle emissions that
contribute to poor air quality and increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Community agriculture typically uses minimal or no chemical fertilizers, which can
be harmful to the environment.
• Mulching, soil amendments, and other biodynamic farming practices provide carbon
sequestration in soil, a process in which carbon dioxide is removed from the
atmosphere and stored in the soil. Carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse
gas emitted by human activity and is believed to be a major contributing factor to
climate change. These activities also contribute to water conservation and divert
waste from landfills that generate methane gas, another greenhouse gas.
Economic Benefits
• In comparison to other community amenities, such as golf courses, agriculture and
naturalized open space can be less expensive to establish and maintain, offering a
more financially stable amenity.
• Studies show that properties adjacent to parks and open space, such as Santaluz in
the City of San Diego, often benefit from increased property values of around 15 to
30 percent.4
• Studies also show walkable communities raise property values, increase revenue for
local businesses and reduce road noise.5
_________________________________________________________________
4. Dennis Jerke, Douglas R. Porter, and Terry J. Lassar, Urban Design and the Bottom Line. Washington,
D.C.: Urban Land Institute, 2008.
5. Urban Land Institute: Active Transportation and Real Estate: The Next Frontier. Washington, D.C.:
Urban Land Institute, 2016.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 2-5
2.2 Community Vision
The creative vision for The Farm in Poway involves the creation of a Conservation
Community focused on preserving a significant portion of the site as open space for the
visual and recreational enjoyment of new and existing residents. A series of small
residential enclaves nestled within working agricultural lands and naturalized open space
will resemble rural agricultural communities throughout California, Buildings will be
clustered together to maximize productive fields and open space areas at the edges of
the Specific Plan area and to maintain view corridors through the site. Supported by
recreational, social, and educational opportunities, the community will function as a
small village that provides for a sought-after country lifestyle. Homes and buildings will
be designed to reflect the intended rural character of the community and will include
thematic design elements such as barns, windmills, silos, and similar features often
associated with a farm. Non- residential buildings will share a consistent farmhouse
vernacular that reinforces the rural design theme. Simplicity in building form with
minimal yet meaningful detailing inspired by natural and industrial materials will convey
the utilitarian character of farm buildings. Landscaping, signage, lighting, street furniture,
and the design of outdoor gathering spaces will also convey a similar theme through the
use of simple designs inspired by natural and industrial materials, colors, and patterns.
2-6 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Exhibit 2.1: Illustrative Site Plan
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 2-7
Exhibit 2.1: Illustrative Site Plan represents a potential design solution that fulfills
the vision of the Specific Plan. The Illustrative Site Plan conveys the intended design
character and implements the maximum development program permitted by the Specific
Plan. The open space and agricultural parcels shown reflect the anticipated land uses and
create the rural setting envisioned for this community. Roadways are generally
curvilinear to provide a countryside driving experience. Development is broken up by
large corridors of open space and agriculture, providing a feeling of openness and views
through the site. Open space and agricultural parcels also provide a buffer between
existing homes and new development to preserve the privacy of existing residents and
restore the visual aesthetic of the existing StoneRidge neighborhood. Recreational uses
are distributed throughout the community and connected to trails and sidewalks to
provide ample opportunities for fun and relaxation for new and existing residents.
Amenities may include a swim and tennis club, education center, event barn for social
gathering and weddings, tot lot, and more.
2-8 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Although families in this new community won’t directly manage the land in the same way
as their rural counterparts (agricultural and open space areas will be maintained
professionally), these homes will respond to the current desire for people to feel more
connected to nature and the land that surrounds them. Residents may benefit from the
close proximity to trails and open space that offer a respite from the hustle and bustle
of modern life and from the various recreational and social amenities provided. They will
also have convenient access to fresh, organically grown food, which can be grown in
community gardens or agricultural fields, obtained at a local farm stand or farmers
market, or through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Finally, a range of social,
educational, and recreational amenities and activities will serve as a catalyst to build the
sense of community found in small farm towns by providing ample opportunities to
engage and cooperate with one another is productive and healthy ways.
A community farm (bottom right) provides access to locally grown organic food. Food
can be distributed via home delivery or via a farmstand (bottom left). A kitchen and
bathrooms (top) allow the farm to host community events such as cooking and
gardening demonstrations, group harvests, pumpkin carvings, and more that allow
residents to participate in food, gardening, education, and social gatherings.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 2-9
2.3 Setting and Existing Conditions
The Specific Plan area currently consists of rolling topography, golf cart paths, sand
traps, grasses, and a variety of trees associated with the former golf course. The
majority of the vegetation is dead and overgrown as no irrigation or significant
maintenance has occurred since the golf course closed in 2017. Most trees on-site
consist of Eucalyptus and other non-native species. Some existing oaks are located near
the entry and along the Specific Plan area boundary. The Specific Plan area also includes
a vacant clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, and various maintenance buildings and
sheds. Built in 1963, the clubhouse is aging and in need of significant repairs.
Four soil types, Fallbrook sandy loam, Placentia sandy loam, Vista rocky coarse sandy
loam, Cieneba coarse sandy loam, as mapped by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA; 1973), occur within the survey area. The Fallbrook series consists of well-
drained, moderately deep to deep sandy loams that formed in material that was
weathered in place from granodiorite (USDA 1973). These soils found in upland areas.
The Placentia series consists of moderately well-drained sandy loams have a sandy clay
subsoil (USDA 1973).
As described in the Biological Resources Report for The Farm in Poway, no sensitive
plant or wildlife species were identified within the Specific Plan area. The property
includes numerous mature trees that provide suitable nesting habitat for birds. Many of
the existing trees on site are in poor health or represent a safety hazard and must be
removed. Removal of trees and other construction activities will be limited to avoid
potential impacts to active nests pursuant to mitigation in the EIR for the project. New
trees will be planted, thereby replacing opportunities for birds to resume nesting. New
trees will be healthy and the new Community Association will enforce CC&Rs to ensure
they are properly maintained by property owners or the Community Association to
reduce safety risks.
Three vegetation/land cover types exist on the property; freshwater marsh, open water,
and developed/disturbed land. Freshwater marsh and open water are considered
sensitive vegetation communities and represent a very small portion of the site.
Development within these areas will result in the demolition of these features., which
will be mitigated through the purchase or dedication of lands inside the Mitigation Area
as a biological open space or through the payment of in-lieu fees into a mitigation bank
administered by the City of Poway or a land trust acting as an agent of the City of
Poway pursuant to mitigation in the EIR for the project.
Exhibit 2.2: Site Conditions illustrates the existing wind and solar exposure, views,
nearby trails, and surrounding uses. Wind patterns include predominately northwesterly
spring breezes and southwesterly secondary and Santa Ana breezes.
2-10 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Exhibit 2.2: Site Conditions
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 2-11
Drainage on the site flows generally to the south. Existing swales and a concrete ditch
convey stormwater to adjacent roadways where it is captured in catch basins and
delivered into the storm drain system.
Uses immediately adjacent to the Specific Plan area include residential uses. The
majority of these residential uses consist of high-quality single-family homes
in a wide variety of architectural styles. The Specific Plan area surrounds an existing
condominium complex near the northerly portions of the Specific Plan area. Preserved
hillside open space areas are located just beyond these existing single-family
neighborhoods in the east and north. Northerly portions of the site provide scenic
views toward these hillsides. An existing trail along Espola Road connects to a larger
regional trail system that includes trails within these nearby open space areas and other
larger open space preserves in Poway and surrounding communities.
2.4 Specific Plan Objectives
The following objectives have been developed to implement the vision of the Specific
Plan and support the goals and policies of the General Plan:
(1) Preserve over 47 percent of the Specific Plan area as permanent open space by
allowing for the development of an environmentally friendly conservation
community, which can provide a mechanism for financing the long-term
maintenance and management of open space as a community amenity.
(2) Maintain Espola Road as a scenic corridor through dedication of a landscape
open space easement to support Poway’s image as “The City in the Country.”
(3) Replace dead and dying vegetation associated with the vacant and blighted golf
course with new agricultural uses and naturalized landscaping, thereby restoring
the visual character of the neighborhood.
(4) Restore the recreational opportunities previously provided by the golf course
with a wide range of recreational, educational, and social uses that meet the
demands and lifestyles of new and existing residents.
(5) Ensure new uses are compatible with new and existing homes by establishing
setbacks, design regulations and guidelines, best practices, and performance
standards that protect the privacy and quality of life for neighboring properties.
(6) Provide high-quality architecture and community design aesthetics that
respect and enhance the existing neighborhood’s upscale appeal and covey a
rural character.
2-12 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
(7) Create an internal network of roadways that minimize vehicle traffic impacts to
existing neighborhoods and discourage cut-through vehicle traffic.
(8) Design narrow, curvilinear, and landscaped roadways that promote low speeds
and support safety and comfort for multiple modes of transportation including
vehicles, alternative vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
(9) Establish a multi-use trail system for pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians with
connections to major amenities and adjacent neighborhoods.
(10) Minimize the environmental impact of new development through best
management and low impact development practices, water and energy
conservation measures, and green construction.
Admin. Draft No.1, April 2019 Land Use & Regulations | Page a
Land Use & Regulations
Chapter Three
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-1
Chapter Three
LAND USE & REGULATIONS
3.0 Introduction
Land uses are organized to optimize compatibility with the existing single-family homes
and maintain the scenic character of the StoneRidge neighborhood. Residential lots of
similar size are clustered within the site and separated by large open space areas to
define new neighborhoods and maintain view corridors through the Specific Plan area. A
landscape open space easement along Espola Road is accompanied by adjacent
permanent open space areas, landscaping, and a meandering trail to preserve the scenic
qualities of the roadway corridor.
Large open spaces may be planted with crops, flowers, orchards, or similar agriculture
adjacent or may be planted with naturalized vegetation to support the rural design
theme. Finally, large setback requirements, performance standards, and other
development regulations for certain agricultural, social, recreational, and educational
uses within open space areas are designed to protect the privacy and quality of life for
existing residents.
3-2 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
3.1 Land Use Map and Summary
Land uses within the Specific Plan consist of open space and various residential uses as
summarized in Table 3.1: Land Use Summary and Exhibit 3.1: Land Use Plan,
which describe the distribution and maximum development intensity of uses as
permitted by the Specific Plan.
Table 3.1: Land Use Summary
Use/Land Use
Approx.
Net Area in
Acres (AC)
Percent of
Planning
Area
(%)
Maximum
Number of
Dwelling Units
(DU)
Residential
Density
(DU/AC)
Max. Non-
Residential
Building Area in
Square Feet
(SF)
Private Streets 12.96 11.1% NA NA NA
Open Space (OS) Land Use Districts
Conservation OS (OS-C)3 55.72 47.5% NA NA NA
Recreational OS (OS-R)2 14.65 12.5% NA NA 30,000
Total Open Space 70.37 60.0% NA NA 30,000
Residential (R) Land Use Districts
R-Twin (R-T) 2.05 1.7% 22 10.7 NA
R-Cottage (R-C) 16.71 14,3% 90 5.4 NA
R-Garden (R-G) 2.78 2.4% 13 4.7 NA
R-Homesteads (R-H) 8.00 6.8% 20 2.5 NA
R-Meadows (R-M) 4.31 3.7% 15 3.5 NA
Total Residential 33.85 28.9% 160 4.7
Specific Plan Area Total1 117.18 100% 160 1.4 30,000
1. Statistics are based upon preliminary design and may vary slightly from Development Plan, Tentative Map, and/or
Final Map.
Please refer to Section 8.3.6 regarding substantial conformance.
2. The mix of uses within the Specific Plan area shall not exceed 2,524 New Net Average Daily Trips using rates
specified in SANDAG’s (Not So) Brief Guide of Vehicular Traffic Generation Rates for the San Diego Region, April 2002.
3. Permitted GSF excludes any accessory structures such as sheds, greenhouses, restrooms or similar that are
ancillary to a community garden or agricultural use as defined in Section 3.2.2.B. A maximum of 15 percent of the
total area of the open OS-C zone can include accessory structures and impervious surfaces. Such structures shall
be separated by a minimum 50 feet.
4. Pursuant to State Law, local governments cannot preclude an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or a Junior
Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU). An ADU and JADU is an accessory use for the purposes of counting allowable
density under general plan and zoning and is therefore not counted as an additional unit. An ADU and JADU shall
be permissible in accordance with the PMC or, if the locally adopted ordinance is void, the State Government
Code. Please see Section 3.3.2.G. for more about ADUs.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-3
Exhibit 3.1: Land Use Plan
3-4 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
3.2 Open Space Land Use Regulations
Two Open Space land use districts support the development of the rural master
planned community envisioned by the Specific Plan and include the following purpose
and intent:
• Open Space – Conservation (OS-C) is designed to permanently preserve the
open space amenities that provide the rural setting for the existing neighborhood
and a new residential master planned community. These open space areas serve as a
physical and visual buffer between existing residential uses and new residential
development, maintaining neighbor’s privacy and providing the visual backdrop for
the new community. Parcels designated as OS-C shall be deed-restricted to ensure
that they are preserved as open space in perpetuity. Parcels designated as OS-C may
be planted with landscaping, agriculture or naturalized open space areas.
• The Open Space – Recreation (OS-R) is intended to replace the recreational
amenities once provided by the golf course to support new and existing residential
uses within and around the Specific Plan area. Recreational amenities include social,
recreational, and educational uses that support healthy and active lifestyles, promote
lifelong learning and community education, and encourage ecological stewardship.
3.2.1 Permissible Open Space Uses
Permissible uses within the open space land use districts are listed in Table 3.2:
Permissible Open Space Uses.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-5
Table 3.2: Permissible Open Space Uses
Use OS-C OS-R Additional Requirements
Agricultural Amenities
Agricultural and Horticulture (Excluding Cannabis) as
defined by this Specific Plan
P P See Section 3.2.3.A
Barns, greenhouses, and similar accessory structures
ancillary to agriculture, horticulture and gardening uses*
P P See Section 3.2.2.B
Beekeeping – one to three beehives* P P PMC
Beekeeping – four or more beehives* M M PMC
Butterfly Vivarium* X P
Christmas tree, Halloween pumpkin, other sales events
ancillary to agriculture, horticulture and gardening, and
other holiday events*
T T See Section 3.2.3.B and See
Section 3.2.3.F
Cultivation, delivery or sale of cannabis or cannabis
products
X X
Farm stand, farmers market, and/or incidental sales of
plants or produce generated within the Specific Plan
area*
P P See Section 3.2.3.F
Nursery (indoor and/or outdoor)* C C PMC
Specialty and community gardens P P See Section 3.2.3.A
Recreational Amenities
Athletic field/Recreational court - no lighting* X P See Section 3.2.3.D
Athletic field/Recreational court - lighting* X M See Section 3.2.3.D
Dog park* X C1 See Section 3.2.3.C
Open play fields and parks* X C
Picnic Pavilions* P P
Playgrounds and Tot-lot C C1
Recreational clubs including, but not limited to, swim,
tennis, and fitness*
X P
Trail amenities, such as lighting, peeler pole fencing,
benches, signage, exercise stations, kiosks and similar
P P
Trails for walking, biking and equestrian uses P P See Chapter 4
Educational Amenities
Childcare Center (other than Family Day Care home)* X C PMC
Classrooms or similar educational facilities to be used
for community education*
X P
Sales ancillary to an educational use* X P See Section 3.2.3.F
(Continued on Next Page)
3-6 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Table 3.2: Permissible Uses (Continued)
Use OS-C OS-R Additional Requirements
Social Amenities
Community buildings such as clubhouses, event barns,
community offices, or similar common amenity spaces*
X P See Section 3.2.3.B for events
Food Trucks* X P See Section 3.2.3 E
Outdoor fitness equipment for public use* P P
Outdoor kitchen ancillary to a community garden* P P
Outdoor performance space and regular events such as
weddings, outdoor performances, and charity events*
X C1 See Section 3.2.3.B for events
Outdoor Performances and special events not
permitted by Conditional Use Permit
X T See Section 3.2.3.B for events
Parking lots and loading areas P P See Section 3.5.3 and PMC
Restaurants, cafes, brew pubs, wine bars, tasting rooms
and similar uses including outdoor uses, but excluding
manufacturing uses with air emissions or odors*
X C1 See Section 3.2.3.B for events
Sale or Consumption of Alcohol (Marijuana related uses
prohibited)
X C PMC
Small Supportive Retail such as a day spa, flower shop,
art supply store, dance studio or bakery with optional
outdoor sales and displays*
X C See Section 3.2.3.F
Other
Art such as murals and sculptures* P P See Section 3.2.3.G
Accessory Buildings (including restrooms)* P P See Section 3.2.2.B
Bed and breakfast, boutique inn, farm stay or similar
small-scale hospitality use
X C PMC
Above Ground Utilities including Stealth
telecommunication facilities
X C See Section 3.9
Satellite Dish Antennas* X P PMC
Temporary trailers, and offices* T T See Section 3.4
Water quality features P P See Section 7.1
Fencing and screening other than trail fencing** C P See Sections 3.8 and 5.5
Other uses that the City Council may determine to be
compatible and substantially in conformance with the
goals and objectives of this Specific Plan*
C C
* = Not Permitted within 50 feet of the Specific Plan area boundary or Espola Road
** = Not Permitted within 50 feet of Espola Road
P = Permitted by Right
C = Conditionally Permitted (CUP required)
M = Conditionally Permitted (Minor CUP required)
X = Not Permitted
PMC = Must meet regulations in the Poway Municipal Code
T = Temporary Use Permit
1 = A minimum of 4,000 square feet, including outdoor seating, shall be devoted to each of these land uses.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-7
3.2.2 Open Space Development Standards
Development standards for both Open Space Land Use Districts are specified in Table
3.3: Development Standards by Open Space Land Use District. These
standards apply to all primary and accessory buildings that require a building permit or
that exceed six feet in height. Parking regulations are provided in Section 3.5. Wall and
fence standards are provided in Section 3.8.
Table 3.3: Development Standards by
Open Space Land Use District
OS-C OS-R
Minimum Building Setbacks1
To Specific Plan Area Boundary 50 feet 50 feet
To Espola Road 50 feet 50 feet
To Private Drive 10 feet 10 feet
To any other Property Line 10 feet 10 feet
To Adjacent Building (Main or Accessory) 50 feet 10 feet
Maximum Building Height2 35 feet 35 feet
Maximum Coverage3 15% 70%
Minimum Landscape Area 50% 15%
1. See Section 3.2.2.A for Permitted Deviations.
2. Exceptions may be made for thematic elements such as windmills, water
towers, silos, and similar that are intended to convey the rural design
theme of the community.
3. Includes all buildings, accessory buildings, and structures, except
monument signs, peeler pole fences and pedestrian scale lighting.
A. Permitted Deviations
The following deviations are permitted:
(1) Parking shall be permitted within minimum building setback areas.
(2) Thematic structures such as windmills, silos, or similar and architectural
appurtenances such as towers, cupolas, or similar may exceed the maximum
building height of 35 feet. Proposals for such deviations, however, shall be
evaluated through the development review application process on a case- by-
case basis so that architectural compatibility and appropriate building scale is
achieved and maintained.
3-8 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
(3) Except in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), porches, steps,
architectural features such as eaves, awnings, chimneys, and balconies, stairways,
wing walls and/or bay windows may project not more than four feet into any
required private drive, property line, or adjacent buildings setback area. In no
instance shall such encroachment project into Specific Plan area Boundary or
Espola Road setback areas.
(4) Swimming pools or spas, including mechanical equipment, diving boards, slides
and similar devices, shall be located a minimum of three feet from the main
residence on the lot and at least five feet from the property line and shall comply
with all fencing requirements of the Section 3.8. In no instances shall swimming
pools or spas be located within the front or street side yard setback
B. Accessory Open Space Buildings and Structures
Accessory buildings and structures (attached or detached) include any structure
ancillary to the primary use that requires a building permit or is over six feet
in height. Accessory buildings and structures (attached or detached) within the open
space districts shall meet all the setback, height, lot coverage, and other development
standards for location of structures, except as provided herein.
(1) Accessory buildings and structures such as sheds, vertical gardens, greenhouses,
farm stands, sheds and similar are not permitted within 50 feet of the Specific
Plan area boundary or Espola Road right-of-way.
(2) Hoop houses or other fabric-based shelters, planting beds, and vertical planting
structures that are not required to obtain a building permit and are less than six
feet in height, shall not be considered accessory buildings. Hoop houses or other
fabric-based shelters shall be securely attached to the ground.
(3) Except for uses ancillary to agricultural uses or community gardens (e.g., vertical
garden, green house, farm stand), individual accessory structures shall have a
maximum floor area of up to 600 square feet and shall be subject to the
maximum lot coverage standards of the applicable land use district.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-9
(4) Canopies, patios, and breezeways attached to the main building or connecting
the main building with a detached accessory building, may extend into a required
rear or interior side yard provided that portions of such structures extending
into the yard:
- Shall not exceed 16 feet in height or project closer than five feet to any
property line.
- Shall not project closer than 50 feet to the Specific Plan area boundary or
closer than 50 to the Espola Road right-of-way.
- Shall be entirely open on at least three sides for patios and canopies except
for necessary supporting columns. A roof connecting a main building and an
accessory building shall be open on two sides.
(5) Other Structures. Porches, steps, architectural features, such as eaves, awnings,
chimneys, balconies, stairways, wing walls, or bay windows may project not more
than four feet into any required setback, but no less than five feet from every
property line, and may not project closer than 50 feet to the Specific Plan area
boundary or closer than 50 to the Espola Road right-of-way.
Accessory Structures
include structures over
six feet in height such as
sheds (Top left) and
greenhouses (Top right).
Planting beds (Bottom
left) and hoop houses
less than six feet in
height (bottom right)
are not considered
accessory structures.
3-10 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
3.2.3 Additional Open Space Standards
The following standards are provided to ensure that maintenance and operation of all
open space uses remains compatible with surrounding residential uses:
(1) All buildings, including accessory structures, shall maintain adequate fire access as
approved by the City of Poway Fire Department and shall be designed to current
building and fire code standards. See Section 3.12 for additional fire regulations.
(2) The northerly portion of the Specific Plan area is located within the VHFHSZ.
Please refer to Section 7.8 to determine the areas located within the VHFHSZ and
Section 3.12 for additional regulations that govern proposed uses within this zone.
(3) A minimum of two toilets and two wash basins are required to be provided for
all buildings and facilities accessible by the public. Additional toilets and wash
basins may be required for larger buildings and facilities based on the number of
people expected to use them.
(4) Hours of operation of any use or activity shall be restricted to between sunrise to
10:00 p.m. weekdays, weekends, and holidays unless otherwise specified herein.
Any exceptions to these time limits with regard to special events shall be subject
to a temporary use permit granted by the Director of Development Services.
(5) All gambling and the sale and consumption of illegal drugs on-site is strictly
prohibited. The sale, manufacturing, delivery and cultivation of marijuana and
cannabis products shall be prohibited.
(6) The noise level emanating from any use or activity shall not exceed 60 dBA
CNEL, as the acceptable outdoor noise exposure level when measured at the
exterior boundaries of the Specific Plan area unless otherwise specified herein.
This may be achieved through the construction of sound attenuation barriers
based upon an approved noise study.
(7) No use shall be permitted which creates offensive odor in such quantities as to
be readily detectable beyond the boundaries of any proposed parcel or the
exterior boundaries of the Specific Plan area.
(8) There shall be no emission on any site, for more than one minute in any hour, of
air contaminants which, at the emission point or within a reasonable distance of
the emission point, are as dark or darker in shade as that designated as No. 1 on
the Ringelmann Chart as published in the United States Bureau of Mines
Information Circular 7718.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January May 2020 3-11
A. Agricultural, Horticulture, and Gardening
Agriculture and horticulture uses shall include the cultivation and harvesting of fruits,
vegetables, herbs, grain, fibers, flowers, ornamental, and nursery plant materials (except
Cannabis) for wholesale or retail sales and/or crop sharing. Cultivation, delivery, and
sales of Cannabis and Cannabis products is prohibited. Plants may be grown on open
field, in planting beds, in vertical structures, greenhouses, in aquaponic ponds, or in
other similar configurations. All agricultural uses shall comply with the applicable permits
and regulations enforced by the California Department of Agriculture and County of San
Diego Department of Agriculture.
(1) Although organic and biodynamic farming practices are preferred, limited use of
pesticides may be permitted when other Integrated Pest Management methods
have proven to be ineffective. All chemical use shall be in compliance with the
applicable permits and regulations enforced by the California Department of
Agriculture and County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, which
regulates the types of chemicals and methods of application that are permitted
based upon the proximity to residential and other sensitive receptors.
(2) Except as provided in PMC Section 8.08.170(E), the use of equipment and
machinery shall not take place between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.,
except when such operations and/or equipment are utilized for the protection
or salvage of agricultural crops during periods of potential or actual frost damage
or other adverse weather conditions. Any exceptions to these time limits with
regard to special events or harvesting shall be subject to a temporary use permit
granted by the Director of Development Services.
(3) All equipment and machinery powered by internal-combustion engines shall be in
compliance with the Noise Ordinance (PMC Chapter 8.08).
(4) All cultivation and production areas, including all buildings and structures, shall
maintain adequate fire access as approved by the City of Poway Fire Department
and shall be designed to current building and fire code standards. See Section
3.12 for additional fire regulations.
(5) Activities shall not create odor, litter, fugitive dust, standing water or similar
nuisance to neighboring properties or result in the propagation of insects,
rodents, birds, or other pests onto neighboring properties.
(6) See Section 3.2.2.B for standards applying to open space accessory buildings and structures.
(6)(7) The use of rodenticides on the project site as a management tool for small
mammals in community gardens and specifically with regard to native wildlife
which could prey on poisoned mammals is strongly discouraged.
3-12 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
B. Events
Events are considered venues that exceed 50 total persons. Venues 50 total persons or
less, except as permitted otherwise by building occupancy, are permitted throughout
the Specific Plan area provided the event complies with the Noise Ordinance (PMC
Chapter 8.08).
Regular Events
Regular Events include, but are not limited to, weddings or similar large parties,
theatrical performances, farmers markets, art exhibits, craft fairs, food festivals,
charitable events, (and similar that exceed 50 total persons shall meet all of the
following criteria:
• The event does not exceed 300 residents, guests, visitors, and on-site support staff
that host the event in progress.
• The event occurs outside of peak traffic hours, i.e. the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
and 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on any weekday except holidays.
• The event duration does not exceed a cumulative total of three hours.
• The sale or consumption of alcohol is permitted with appropriate State Licenses.
• The sale or consumption of marijuana or cannabis products is prohibited.
• The aggregate sounds level from live (acoustic) or amplified music does not exceed
the maximum total weighted decibel (dBA) at a distance of 10 feet as specified in
Table 3.4: Event Sound Levels.
Table 3.4: Event Sound Levels
Venue Location and Time of
Regular Event
(up to 3 hours duration)
Maximum Total A-weighted Decibel
(dBA) at a Distance of 10 feet1
Event Barn + The Social
Daytime (8 am – 7 pm) 103
Evening (7 pm – 10 pm) 98
The Meadow (Amphitheatre)
Daytime (9am – 3 pm) 97
Evening (7 pm – 10 pm) 92
1. If Speakers are positioned to distribute amplified sound, they must be
positioned in such a manner that linear occlusion occurs between the speaker
and the nearest residential receptors outside of the Specific Plan area.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-13
Special Events
Any event that is not considered to be a Regular Event shall be considered a “Special
Event” and requires a Temporary Use Permit with Community Association and City
approval. At the discretion of the City of Poway, the Temporary Use Permit application
may require the approval of a predictive sound propagation analysis prepared by a
qualified acoustician to identify recommended noise control and sound abatement
implementation measures in accordance with the approved Farm in Poway EIR.
C. Dog Parks
Dog parks shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Dog parks shall not be permitted within 50 feet of the Specific Plan area
boundary or Espola Road.
(2) All pet waste shall be discarded in an appropriate manner on a regular basis so as
to control flies and odor. On-site, waste stations and signage that provide bags,
receptacles, instructions, and a statement of each pet owner’s responsibilities for
the proper collection and disposal of pet waste shall be provided.
(3) Noise shall be sound attenuated so that the noise level measured at the exterior
boundaries of the Specific Plan area does not exceed 60 dBA CNEL.
(4) Play areas for large and medium animals (25 pounds and larger) shall be
separated from play areas for small animals (under 25 pounds).
(5) Fencing with a minimum height of five feet shall be provided around all off- leash
play areas. Fencing shall be consistent in style, material, and color as other
community fencing as described in Chapter 5: Open Space and
Community Design.
(6) Water stations shall be provided.
3-14 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
D. Recreational Courts
Recreational courts shall comply with PMC Chapter 17.30, except as follows:
(1) Recreational courts and any associated lighting are not permitted within 50 feet
of the Specific Plan area boundary or Espola Road. All recreational courts shall
be setback a minimum of 10 feet from all other property lines.
(2) A maximum of eight light posts (16 lights) per court are permitted, height not to
exceed 18 feet. All lights and light fixtures shall be certified by the installation
contractor as follows:
- All lighting shall be designed, constructed, mounted, and maintained such that
the light source is cut off when viewed from any point above five feet as
measured at a distance of 10 feet from the edge of the court.
- All lighting shall be designed, constructed, and mounted with light shields
installed and maintained such that the maximum illumination intensity
measured at the property line shall not exceed one-half foot-candle above
ambient light levels.
- Lighting shall only be used between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Light fixtures shall be restricted to 500-watt Light Emitting Diode (LED), or
other equivalent energy efficient outdoor light fixture with a correlated color
temperature (CCT) of 3,000 Kelvin or less.
(3) Noise Attenuating Landscaping, including trees 1 per 15 feet, shall be installed
along the fence of a recreational court when adjacent to open space or
properties zoned for residential use to the satisfaction of the Director of
Development Services.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-15
E. Food Trucks
Mobile food trucks are motorized vehicles from which food or drink (prepared on-site
or pre-packaged) is sold or served to the general public, whether consumed on-site or
elsewhere. The operation of mobile food trucks is permitted within the OS-R zone,
subject to the following requirements:
(1) All mobile food vendors shall comply with the California Vehicle Code and
California Health and Safety Code.
(2) Mobile food truck operators shall obtain a Health Permit from the County of San
Diego (San Diego County Code - Title 6, Division 1).
(3) Mobile food truck operators shall maintain a valid business tax certificate issued
by the City. (Non-profits are exempt).
(4) Community Association authorization is required for any mobile food truck activity.
(5) Hours of operation shall be no earlier than 7:00 a.m. and no later than 10:00 p.m.
(6) Any mobile food truck operations that would result in the assembly of 75 people
or more shall be considered an “Event” subject to the applicable requirements of
Section 3.2.3.B.
(7) Mobile food truck operations shall not be permitted on private streets, common
access roads, or emergency vehicle access areas. Mobile food vendors shall not
operate in an unsafe manner, including but not limited to impeding on- or off-site
vehicle circulation and obstructing the view of pedestrians by motorists.
(8) Mobile food truck operation shall not include or encumber any parking spaces
that are reserved for accessible use.
(9) A mobile food truck may utilize an electrical connection to maintain power as
needed to maintain food storage in accordance with the California Retail Food
Code health standards. However, the connection shall be made in a manner that
does not create a trip hazard or other public safety hazard.
(10) No sales or service of alcohol shall be allowed by mobile food trucks unless
permitted by State ABC License.
(11) Mobile food vendors and ice cream trucks may not be parked or stored within
the Specific Plan area when not in service. Overnight parking is not permitted.
(12) Generators shall comply with the City Noise Ordinance.
3-16 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
F. Outdoor Displays
Outdoor displays of merchandise such as produce, flowers, plants, artwork, crafts, and
similar are permitted within the OS-R for sales ancillary to a primary use. All outdoor
displays shall comply the following:
(1) Outdoor displays shall not be permitted within 50 feet of the Espola Road
right-of-way.
(2) The design and location of all outdoor displays shall be subject to Community
Association approval and shall be subject to the community’s Covenants,
Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).
(3) Outdoor displays shall be located on the same portion of the site as the primary
use, with the exception of farm stands, which may occur off-site.
(4) Space occupied by any outdoor display shall not interfere with automobile or
pedestrian circulation; impede vehicular sight distance as determined by the City
Traffic Engineer; or obscure or interfere with any official notice or public safety
sign or device.
(5) The maximum height shall not exceed five feet above adjacent finished grade. The
Community Association shall retain the ability to limit display height and area.
(6) The outdoor display shall be continuously maintained in a state of order,
security, safety, and repair. The display surface shall be kept clean, neatly painted,
and free of rust, corrosion, protruding tacks, nails and/or wires. Any cracked,
broken surfaces, or other unmaintained or damaged portion of a display shall be
repaired or replaced or removed within seven days of notification by the City or
Community Association.
(7) Display merchandise and products shall be limited to those normally associated
with the primary use and shall not be in disrepair or visually unattractive.
(8) All outdoor displays shall be tasteful and assist in creating a high-quality
environment. No display shall contain obscene, indecent, or immoral matter.
(9) Display areas shall not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare or
causes a public nuisance.
(10) The outdoor display shall comply with all requirements of the Building Code and
Fire Code.
(11) The outdoor display of the following goods and merchandise is prohibited: Junk,
adult materials as described in PMC 17.38.020(2), tobacco or cannabis products,
firearms, Hazardous materials other than propane exchange units for barbecues.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-17
G. Public Art
Public Art may include any work of art that is designed for and located in a space for the
enjoyment of the general public. Such works of art may be permanent or temporary and
may include, but are not limited to, monuments, sculptures, murals, paintings, stained
glass, mosaics, tapestries, earthworks, or similar. Public Art may be freestanding or
integrated into architecture or landscaping. Public art is encouraged in locations that
experience high levels of pedestrian activity or in gathering spaces to enrich the
pedestrian experience, activate public spaces, and further covey high quality design
within of the Specific Plan area. Public Art within the Specific Plan area shall adhere to
the following:
(1) Public Art shall support or complement the overall Vison and Objectives of the
Specific Plan.
(2) Artworks shall not obstruct windows, doors, entryways, sidewalks, or other
pedestrian circulation routes, unless such alteration is specifically a part of the
experience or design of the artwork. In no instance shall artwork prevent
emergency ingress and egress of any building or the Specific Plan area nor shall it
obstruct any accessible route.
(3) Public Art shall not be placed where it creates a "blind" spot where illegal activity
can take place.
(4) Maintenance of Public Art shall be the responsibility of the property owner.
Measures shall be taken to remediate rust, damage, ware, vandalism, and similar.
Artwork shall remain in good condition such that it does not detract from the
overall aesthetic of the Specific Plan area.
3-18 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
3.3 Residential Land Use Regulations
Five Residential land use districts allow for the development of a range of residential
homes of varying configurations and sizes and include the following purpose and intent:
• Residential Twin (R-T) consists of two single-family attached homes adjoined
along a common property line.
• Residential Cottage (R-C) includes a group of two to four single-family homes
grouped together around a shared motor court. Similar to traditional farmsteads,
these consist of an enclave of buildings that are designed to relate to one another.
Residential Farmsteads offer a unique opportunity to create a neighborhood within
a neighborhood.
• Residential Garden (R-G) includes traditional single-family homes that take
direct access from a private street.
• Residential Homesteads (R-H) are single-family homes located within the
VHFHSZ. As such, they maintain significantly larger building separation that
resembles those found on rural Homesteads.
• Residential Meadows (R-M) are large single-family homes situated on
traditional lots with conventional setbacks.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-19
3.3.1 Permissible Residential Uses
Permissible uses within each residential land use districts are listed in Table 3.5:
Permissible Residential Uses.
Table 3.5: Permissible Residential Uses
Use R-T R-C, R-F,
R-H, R-E
Additional
Requirements
Accessory Buildings* P P See Section 3.3.2.G
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) P P See Section 3.3.2.G
Semi-attached or Attached
Duplex
P X
Home Occupation H H PMC
Keeping of animals P P PMC
Detached Single-family Home X P
Satellite Dish Antennas P P PMC
Temporary trailers, offices, and
associated uses
T T See Section 3.4
Utilities P P See Section 3.9
Water quality features P P See Section 7.1
Other uses that the City Council
may determine to be compatible
excluding increased housing
density and multi-family homes
C C
P = Permitted by Right
C = Conditionally Permitted (CUP required)
M = Conditionally Permitted (Minor CUP required)
X = Not Permitted
PMC = Must meet regulations in the Poway Municipal Code
H = Home Occupation Permit
3.3.2 Residential Development Standards
Development standards include minimum lot dimensions, minimum setbacks and
building separation, maximum building height, and maximum lot coverage standards for
each use. Standards vary between housing types to reflect the distinctive configuration
of each type of home as well the unique conditions of the home’s location within the
Specific Plan area.
3-20 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
A. Residential Twin (R-T)
Residential Twin homes consist of duplex units. Each unit is situated on its own lot and
units are connected along a common interior property line.
Table 3.6: Lot Development Standards in R-T
Lot Dimensions
Cumulative Width of Two Lots
(Measured at setback)
70 feet Minimum
Lot Depth 100 feet Minimum
Building Setbacks1
Front - Garage Door Face to Private Drive 20 feet Minimum
Front - Living Area/Porch to Private Drive 15 feet Minimum
Side - Building to Property Line 5 feet Minimum
Rear - Building to Property Line 15 feet Minimum
Second Story Floor Area Limit 70% of First Story Floor Area (Excluding
Garage, combined for both lots)
Building Height 2 Stories and 35 feet Maximum
Lot Coverage 75% Maximum
1. Please see Section 3.3.2.F for permitted encroachments.
Exhibit 3.2: Typical Lot - Residential Twin (R-T)
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-21
B. Residential Garden (R-G)
Residential Garden homes are single-family homes that take direct access from a Private
Street. The minimum lot width for Garden Homes is 70 feet.
Table 3.7: Lot Development Standards in R-G
Lot Dimensions
Lot Width
(Measured at setback)
70 feet Minimum
Lot Depth 100 feet Minimum
Building Setbacks1
Front - Garage Door Face to Private Drive 20 feet Minimum
Front - Living Area/Porch to Private Drive 15 feet Minimum
Side - Building to Property Line 10 feet Minimum
Rear - Building to Property Line 20 feet Minimum
Second Story Floor Area Limit 70% of First Story Floor Area (Excluding Garage)
Building Height 2 Stories and 35 feet Maximum
Lot Coverage 65% Maximum
1. Please see Section 3.3.2.F for permitted encroachments.
Exhibit 3.3: Typical Lot - Residential Garden (R-G)
Not to Scale
3-22 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
C. Residential Cottage (R-C)
Residential Cottage homes consist of two to four single-family homes arranged around
a common motor court space. Individual driveways and garages take access from the
motor court.
Table 3.8: Lot Development Standards in R-C
Lot Dimensions
Lot Width
78 feet Minimum
Lot Depth 85 feet Minimum
Building Setbacks (as illustrated in Exhibit 3.3)1
Building to Private Street/Interior Property Line 10 feet Minimum
Garage Door to Motor Court 20 feet Minimum
Building to Motor Court 15 feet Minimum
Second Story Floor Area Limit 55% of First Story Floor Area
(Excluding Garage)
Motor Court Width 24 feet Minimum
Building Height 2 Stories and 35 feet Maximum
Lot Coverage 70% Maximum
1. Please see Section 3.3.2.F for permitted encroachments.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-23
Exhibit 3.4: Typical Lot - Residential Cottage (R-C)
Not to Scale
3-24 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
D. Residential Homestead (R-H)
Residential Homestead lots consist of single-family homes that take direct access from a
Private Street and are located in the VHFHSZ.
Table 3.9: Lot Development Standards in R-H
Lot Dimensions
Lot Width (Measured at setback) 110 feet Minimum
Lot Depth 110 feet Minimum
Building Setbacks1
Front - Garage Door Face to Private Drive 30 feet Minimum
Front - Living Area/Porch to Private Drive 25 feet Minimum
Side - Building to Property Line 30 feet Minimum
Rear- Building to Property Line 30 feet Minimum, except for California Rooms as
described in Section 3.3.2.G.
Side/Rear - Buildings to Top of Slope Structures 12 feet in height or less: 15 feet Minimum;
Structures taller than 12 feet: 30 feet Minimum
Second Story Floor Area Limit 70% of First Story Floor Area (Excluding Garage)
Building Height 2 Stories and 35 feet Maximum
Lot Coverage 50% Maximum
1. Please see Section 3.3.2.F for permitted encroachments.
Exhibit 3.5: Typical Lot - Residential Homestead (R-H)
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-25
E. Residential Meadow (R-M)
Residential Meadow homes are large single-family homes that take direct access from a
Private Street.
Table 3.10: Lot Development Standards in R-M
Lot Dimensions
Lot Width (Measured at setback) 90 feet Minimum
Lot Depth 100 feet Minimum
Building Setbacks1
Front - Garage Door Face to Private Drive 25 feet Minimum
Front - Living Area/Porch to Private Drive 15 feet Minimum
Side - Building to Property Line 10 feet Minimum
Rear Yard - Building to Property Line 20 feet Minimum
Second Story Floor Area Limit 70% of First Story Floor Area (Excluding Garage)
Building Height Two Stories and 35 feet Maximum
Lot Coverage 70% Maximum
1. Please see Section 3.3.2.F for permitted encroachments.
Exhibit 3.6: Typical Lot - Residential Meadow (R-M)
Not to Scale
3-26 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
F. Residential Encroachments
(1) Except within the VHFHSZ, Porches, steps, architectural features such as
eaves, awnings, chimneys, and balconies, stairways, wing walls and/or bay
windows may project not more than four feet into any required front or rear
setback area, or into any required side setback area more than one-half of said
required side setback.
(2) Swimming pools or spas, including mechanical equipment, diving boards, slides,
and similar devices, shall be located a minimum of three feet from the main
residence on the lot and at least five feet from the property line and shall comply
with all fencing requirements of the PMC. In no instances shall swimming pools
or spas be located within the front yard setback.
(3) Please refer to Section 3.3.2.G for permitted accessory structure
encroachments, including California Rooms.
G. Residential Accessory Buildings and Structures
Residential accessory buildings and structures include Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs),
California Rooms, and other accessory buildings and structures ancillary to the primary
residence as described in the following sections.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are
permitted on all residential lots to provide opportunities for multi-generational living
and rental units that fulfill the need for diverse and more affordable housing options in
accordance with PMC Section 17.08.180(A).
California Rooms
California Rooms are transitional spaces that provide indoor-outdoor living space in a
partially enclosed room. California Rooms often include a built-in fireplace, lighting,
overhead fan, media cabinet, and/or similar features designed for relaxation and
entertainment. Sliding or folding doors provide access to the home, which can be
opened to make interior spaces feel larger and more connected to the rear yard.
California rooms are attached to the home and are usually integrated into the floor plan
and roof plan for the home. All California Rooms shall meet the following requirements,
unless otherwise approved by the Director of Development Services:
(1) A minimum of 50 percent of the California Room’s walls shall remain open or
include operable doors or windows that open to the rear or side yard.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-27
(2) California Rooms may extend into rear yard setbacks up to 10 feet but shall
maintain a minimum 10-foot rear yard setback (20 feet in the R-H District),
except that no encroachment is permitted within the VHFHSZ where lots abut
an existing residential lot.
(3) Second story living above the California Room shall adhere to the setback
requirements of the primary building.
Other Residential Accessory Buildings & Structures
Detached non-habitable accessory buildings are permitted in all residential land use
districts, except in the VHFHSZ. Detached non-habitable accessory buildings shall
comply with the following:
(1) Detached buildings with a projected roof area less than 120 square feet may be
located anywhere on a single-family residential lot, except within the front and
street side yard areas, provided the eaves do not overhang the adjacent
property. These buildings shall not exceed eight feet in height.
(2) Detached non-habitable accessory building shall not be greater than 50 percent
of the gross floor area of the living space of the main residence on the lot or
1,500 square feet, whichever is less.
(3) A detached non-habitable accessory building shall meet all of the required
setbacks, height, and lot coverage requirements of the land use district, except
that a building that is no taller than 16 feet in one story may be allowed to
encroach into the required rear and interior side yard setbacks as follows,
provided the overall lot coverage is not exceeded:
- Rear Yard Setback: Located no closer than five feet from the rear property
line, and at least 10 feet from the main residence or other detached
accessory building.
- Interior Side Yard Setback: Located no closer than five feet from the interior
side property line, and at least 10 feet from the main residence or other
detached accessory building and within the rear yard area only.
(4) A deed restriction stating that the accessory building will not be rented or leased
as a separate unit, and no kitchen facilities will be installed, may be required to
be recorded with the County Recorder.
3-28 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
(5) Canopies, patio covers, carports, breezeways, and other similar accessory
buildings and structures as determined by the Director of Development Services,
which are attached to the main residence or connecting the main residence with
a detached accessory building, may extend into a required rear or interior side
yard; provided, that portions of such structures extending into the yard comply
with all of the following:
- Height shall not exceed 16 feet.
- Buildings and structures shall be located at least five feet from an interior
side yard and at least 10 feet from the rear lot line.
- Buildings and structures shall be entirely open on at least three sides except
for necessary supporting columns. A roof connecting a main residence and
an accessory building, such as a breezeway, shall be open on two sides.
- Eaves may project one-half the distance into the required side yard setback.
3.3.3 Residential Performance Standards
The noise level emanating from any residential use or operation within the Residential
(R) Land Use Districts shall not exceed 70 dBA CNEL as the acceptable outdoor noise
exposure level when measured at the property line. The interior noise levels shall not
exceed 45 dBA CNEL for all residential uses.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-29
3.4 Temporary Uses
The following temporary uses are permitted throughout the Specific Plan area:
(1) Religious, patriotic, historic, holiday, or similar displays or exhibits are permitted
on a temporary basis within residential front yards or within the OS-R land use
district in accordance with the PMC.
(2) Contractors’ offices and storage yards on the site of an active construction
project for a period not to exceed one year. Time extension applications may
be considered in conjunction with the presence of an active building permit or
other related construction permit for the project.
(3) Prior to initial sale of all residential lots, subdivision sales offices and
model home complexes shall be permissible, subject to all of the
following minimum requirements:
- A parking lot shall be provided with sufficient amount of parking spaces.
- Offices shall be allowed for a maximum of two years or until 90 percent
of the homes within the subdivision are sold, whichever is less. Annual
review for compliance with conditions of approval may be required.
- Faithful performance bonding in an amount appropriate to guarantee
removal and/or conversion of the sales office and attendant facilities
shall be required.
- Other conditions that the Director of Development Services deems
necessary to assure that the sales office will not constitute a nuisance or be
objectionable to the residential uses in the neighborhood.
(4) Additional uses determined by the Director of Development Services to be
consistent and comparable with permissible uses in the land use matrix.
3-30 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
3.5 Parking Regulations
Parking regulations are intended to provide adequate parking with sufficient capacity to
minimize impacts to residential streets, provide safe circulation to minimize traffic
conflicts and promote public safety, and preserve an attractive visual character within
and around the Specific Plan area. Parking shall meet the requirements of the PMC
unless otherwise specified herein.
3.5.1 On-street Parking
As described in Chapter 4: Mobility, on-street parking is provided throughout the
community to serve as additional guest parking for residents and overflow parking for
recreational uses. The following regulations apply to on-street parking:
(1) Parallel parking spaces shall provide a minimum dimension of 8 x 22 feet.
(2) Recreational vehicle and trailer parking are prohibited.
3.5.2 Residential Off-Street Parking
Off-street parking for residential uses shall be provided as follows:
(1) A minimum of two side-by-by side garage spaces are required. Additional garage
spaces, when provided, may be provided in tandem configurations. Driveways
and interiors of garages shall provide a minimum dimension of 20 x 20 feet.
(2) Uncovered spaces, excluding driveway spaces, shall maintain a minimum
dimension of 18.5 x 9 feet.
(3) The maximum slope for any residential driveway shall be 20 percent.
(4) Driveways and other paved areas available for vehicle parking shall not exceed
more than 600 SF of the front yard area.
(5) Parking spaces shall provide a minimum of 24 feet of maneuverable back-up
space, which may include a combination of driveway, common parking court,
street, and other unobstructed areas dedicated to vehicle movements.
(6) Parking spaces shall remain free and clear of stairs, storage, and other obstructions.
(7) Recreational vehicle and trailer parking are not permitted and shall be restricted
by the community’s Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs).
(8) Semi-trucks and trailers, dump trucks, moving vans and other heavy-duty
commercial vehicles shall not be parked on any residentially zoned lot for a
period longer than eight hours.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-31
3.5.3 Non-Residential Off-Street Parking and Loading
Parking shall comply with the requirements of the PMC, except as specified herein:
(1) Parallel parking spaces shall provide a minimum dimension of 8 x 22 feet.
(2) All other spaces shall provide a minimum dimension of 8.5 x 18.5 feet. Where
spaces occur at the dead end of a parking aisle, which are terminated by landscaping,
buildings, or other structures, such spaces shall be 9.5 feet wide to provide
additional room for maneuvering and the parking aisle shall be extended an
additional five feet to provide backup space beyond the edge of the adjacent stall.
(3) Minimum drive aisle widths for 90-degree parking spaces and two-way travel
shall be 24 feet. Angled parking and one-way travel lanes are permitted and shall
meet the development standards as specified in the PMC.
(4) Parking areas located within 50 feet of the Espola Road right-of-way shall be
screened with a minimum three-foot high berm and dense landscaping and 15-
gallon trees 1 per 15 lineal feet.
(5) Parking areas shall be setback a minimum of 50 feet from any existing residential
property located outside of the Specific Plan area. In addition, these parking
areas shall be screened by buildings, slopes, berms, dense landscaping, and/or
similar treatments designed to adequately screen said parking areas from
residential properties.
(6) Recreational vehicle and trailer parking are not permitted and shall be restricted
by the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) of the community.
(7) Uses that are open to or accessible by to the public shall provide the minimum
number of parking spaces for each use as specified in Table 3.11: Number of
Parking Spaces Required - Non-Residential Uses.
3-32 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Table 3.11: Number of Parking Spaces Required -
Non-Residential Uses
Use Minimum Spaces Required
Indoor Assembly Space 1 space per 45 square feet of area dedicated to assembly
Classrooms 1 space per 6 students
Office; Butterfly Vivarium 1 space per 300 square feet
Physical Fitness Center;
Commercial Swimming Pool
1 space per 200 square feet
Eating and Drinking Establishment 1 space /each 5 fixed seats or 1 space/75 sf of seating
area with no fixed seats. Plus one space per employee.
(outdoor seating are exempt from parking requirements)
Retail 1 space per 500 square feet of interior floor area
(outdoor seating and outdoor display areas are exempt
from parking requirements)
Bed and Breakfast, Boutique Inn, or
Similar Small-Scale Hospitality Use
1 space per guest room
Outdoor Amphitheatre 1 per 5 fixed seats (1 seat is two-foot width for bench
seating). No spaces required for unfixed seating.
Recreational Court 3 spaces per court
Greenhouse and Agrifield Storage
Building
1 space per three employees/farm laborers (based on
maximum at any point in time)
(8) Accessible parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with the American’s
with Disability Act (ADA) standards.
(9) Parking for electric vehicles, carpools and van pools, bicycles, and other
alternative vehicles shall be provided in conformance with current CalGreen
standards and all other applicable sections of the California Building Code.
(10) Uses with 25 to 100 automobile parking spaces shall provide one designated
area for use by motorcycles. Uses with more than 100 automobile parking
spaces shall provide motorcycle parking areas at the rate of one motorcycle
parking area for every 100 automobile parking spaces provided. Motorcycle
spaces shall be a minimum of 4 x 8 feet.
(11) Loading spaces shall be 10 x 35 feet minimum with a minimum vertical clearance
of 14 feet. Loading spaces shall be provided at the following rate for all
commercial uses unless determined to be unnecessary by the Director of
Development Services:
(a) One loading space shall be provided for the first 10,000 square feet of floor
area or fraction thereof.
(b) One additional loading space shall be provided for each additional 22,000
square feet of floor area or its fraction thereof.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-33
3.6 Landscaping Regulations
For purposes of this section, landscaping shall include ornamental landscaping, but shall
exclude agricultural areas, community gardens, and water quality basins.
(1) Required front and street side setbacks shall be landscaped and shall consist of
trees, plant materials, natural ground cover and decorative rocks, except for
necessary walks, drives and fences. Accent paving and hardscape (e.g., boulders, dry
streambeds, patterned concrete, etc.) is encouraged. No more than 25 percent of
landscape areas shall consist of non-living groundcover materials including rock,
cobble, gravel, and decomposed granite but excluding artificial turf for homeowners
and common recreation areas.
(2) Artificial turf shall be limited to no more than 50 percent of any single landscape
area.
(3) Interior side and rear yards within the fenced areas of residential lots shall include
groundcover on all bare earth areas within one year of purchase unless specified
otherwise by the Community Association for residential lots.
(4) All required landscaping shall be permanently maintained in a healthy and thriving
condition, free from weeds, trash and debris and shall be regulated by the CC&Rs
of the community.
(5) Landscaping in parking areas shall include a minimum of one 15-gallon tree for every
three parking spaces. Large planting islands every eight to 10 spaces are encouraged.
(6) Landscaping shall conform to the Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual, the
Landscape Efficiency Standards and Water Conservation Plan of the PMC,
and CalGreen.
(7) A minimum of twenty-five (25) percent of landscape areas shall consist of
vegetated plant materials.
(8) A minimum of one fifteen-gallon tree shall be provided per 750 square feet of
landscaped area (including existing trees), per every 30 lineal feet of street
frontage, and per every 50 lineal feet of trail on average. Trees shall be fifteen-
gallon nursery container size (minimum) and at least 20 percent of the total tree
quantity shall be 24-inch box size or larger. Trees shall be broad-canopy species
to provide effective shading within 15 years of planting.
(9) Parking lots 5,000 square feet and larger shall have at least ten percent of the
total paved area landscaped. Parking lots less than 5,000 square feet shall have at
least five percent of the total paved area landscaped.
3-34 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January May 2020
(10) Tree islands should be spaced approximately 100 feet on center so no parking
space is more than 50 feet from a shade tree.
(11) Tree planters shall have a minimum dimension of six feet wide and trees shall be
planted a minimum of three feet from face of curb to prevent damage from
vehicles. Planters shall have a minimum 12-inch paved step- out area and long
planters that are perpendicular to the pedestrian path of travel shall have
stepping stones aligned with the stall striping.
(12) Street trees adjacent to sidewalks and trails shall be trimmed periodically as part of
the maintenance plan to leave a minimum walking area of at least seven feet in height
above sidewalks, trails, and other walkways. In addition, shrubs shall be trimmed to
be no higher than three feet adjacent to walkways, pathways, and windows.
(13) Plant materials shall conform to ANSI Z60.1 “American Standard for Nursery
Stock” (latest edition) with regard to condition, tree caliper/height, and other
general standards and specifications for nursery container stock.
(14) The water quality basin plant palette shall comply with the County of San Diego
Low Impact Development (LID) Manual.
(15) The use of native milkweed in the butterfly gardens rather than non-native
tropical milkweed is strongly encouraged. Installation of owl nest boxes near the
gardens is encouraged as a natural method of rodent control.
(14)
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-35
3.7 Lighting Regulations
All lighting within the Specific Plan area shall comply with Title 24 of the California Code
of Regulations. In addition, lighting with the Specific Plan shall conform to the following
unless otherwise superseded by regulations contained in Title 24.
(1) All outdoor light fixtures, including but not limited to illuminated signage,
decorative building or landscape lighting, illuminated recreational facilities, and
parking lot lighting within commercial zones, shall be turned off between the
hours of 11:00 p.m. and sunrise, except when used for security purposes,
illumination of roadways, sidewalks, equipment yards and similar safety-related
application, or when operating hours continue after 11:00 p.m., but only for as
long as such facility is open.
(2) Automatic timing devices shall be integrated into all new or modified lighting
systems to turn off lights at 11:00 p.m.
(3) During the hours from 11:00 p.m. until dawn, all exterior lighting of non- residential
uses shall be low pressure sodium, narrow spectrum amber low emitting diode
(LED), or other energy efficient light which does not exceed a correlated color
temperature (CCT) of 3,000 kelvin and 4,050 lumen except where the City Council
has issued an conditional use permit to allow alternative lighting. The City Council
may issue such conditional use permits where the Council finds that unusual
circumstances dictate the use of brighter lighting for safety reasons.
(4) All exterior lighting shall be scheduled so that light rays emitted by the fixture are
projected below the imaginary horizontal plane passing through the lowest point
of the fixture and in such a manner that the light is directed away from streets
and adjoining properties.
(5) Illumination should be integrated with the architecture of the building to the
extent feasible.
(6) Freestanding light posts shall be no taller than 18 feet. Banner posts and
decorative themes are permitted on streetlights.
(7) The intensity of light at the boundary of any property shall not exceed 75 foot-
lamberts from a source of reflected light.
(8) Pedestrian scale lighting shall be provided within pedestrian corridors and parking areas.
(9) Streetlights shall be provided at a minimum rate of one per 100 lineal feet.
(10) Lighting shall comply with “Dark Sky” Policies to the largest extent feasible.
3-36 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
3.8 Walls and Fences
Requirements for walls and fences within the Specific Plan area shall be as follows:
(1) A solid wall or fence not more than six feet in height may be maintained
along interior side of rear lot lines, provided, that such wall or fence does
not extend into a required front yard or street side yard except for required
noise attenuation.
(2) A wall or fence up to eight feet in height may be allowed by the Director of
Development Services where necessary for noise attenuation from arterial streets,
outdoor event spaces, or other noise sources.
(3) A wall or fence located within a street-adjacent front yard or side yard shall not
exceed three feet in height.
(4) Walls and fences at all roadway and driveway intersections shall comply with site
visibility design standards by providing corner cut-offs as required by the PMC.
(5) All fences (including retaining walls) shall be constructed of attractive new or
recycled material such as stone, masonry, wood, or similar that is compatible
with the community design theme. Fences and walls shall be installed and
constructed in accordance with methods that conform to the requirements of
the Uniform Building Code. Additionally, they shall be maintained in a state of
good repair. Dilapidated, dangerous, or unsightly fences or retaining walls shall be
repaired or removed.
(6) Fiberglass sheeting, bamboo sheeting or other similar temporary material shall
not be permitted as a fencing material. Barbed wire strands, razor wire, or
concertina wire (coiled barbed wire) shall not be permitted as a fencing material
or on the rooftop of any building.
(7) When a retaining wall is used to increase usable lot area, the sum total of any
combination of fence or wall and retaining wall shall not exceed six feet in height
unless a five-foot landscape area is provided between the retaining wall and fence
or wall. A series of retaining walls and fence or wall is allowed in conjunction
with the five-foot landscape area, provided each individual fence and wall or
retaining wall shall not exceed six feet in height.
(8) Walking surfaces adjacent to the top of a retaining wall shall be equipped with an
open and decorative metal railing on the top of the retaining wall for safety as
deemed necessary by the City Building Official. The height of the required railing
shall not be considered in the overall height measurement of the retaining wall.
(9) All residential lots adjacent to Espola Road shall have decorative solid walls, glass
sound walls with three-foot slump block base, and/or landscape earthen berms
for portions of the wall visible from Espola Road to enhance the scenic character
of the corridor.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-37
3.9 Utilities, Mechanical Equipment, and
Auxiliary Structures
(1) Air conditioners, antennas (excepting amateur radio antenna installations subject
to the PMC), heating, cooling, ventilating equipment and all other mechanical,
lighting or electrical devices shall be so operated that they do not disturb the
peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring residents, and shall be screened,
shielded, and/or sound buffered from surrounding properties and streets to the
extent feasible.
(2) The height of all utility and mechanical equipment shall not exceed the maximum
building height specified within the applicable land use district. Exceptions may
be considered for stealth telecommunication facilities.
(3) All new and existing utility connections within the boundaries of the project shall
be placed underground. Transformers, terminal boxes, meter cabinets, pedestals,
concealed ducts, and other facilities may be placed above ground. The
requirements for undergrounding existing utilities shall not apply to any overhead
power transmission lines in excess of 34.5 kV and long distance and main trunk
communication facilities.
(4) All ground-mounted mechanical equipment, including solar panels heating and air
conditioning units, and trash receptacle areas, shall be completely screened from
surrounding properties by a wall or fence or shall be enclosed within a building
to the extent permitted by the utility provider. Structural and design plans for
any required screening under the provisions of this section shall be approved by
the Director of Development Services and Building Official.
(Top) Utilities should be screened to the extent feasible to minimize their visual impact on the street. (Left) Stealth Telecommunication Facilities can be designed to look like rocks, tower, trees or similar features that blend with and enhance the agrarian design theme.
3-38 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
(5) All roof appurtenances including, but not limited to, heating and air conditioning
units, and mechanical equipment shall be shielded and architecturally screened
from view from on-site parking areas, adjacent public streets, and adjacent
residentially zoned property. Solar and Photovoltaic (PV) panels shall be exempt
from these requirements.
(6) All utility connections shall be designed to coordinate with the architectural
elements of the site so as not to be exposed except when necessary. Pad
mounted transformers and/or meter box locations shall be included in the site
plan with any appropriate screening treatments.
(7) Excluding roof-mounted solar collector panels and decorative exterior lighting,
all auxiliary structures and mechanical equipment and devices shall be screened
from view from any abutting street and from views of adjacent residences by
architectural projections, solid walls, fencing or landscape; and shall not be
located in a front or street side yard area.
(8) Mailboxes should be located where they are readily accessible to all served and
where they do not reduce the areas of the sidewalk or interfere with its use.
(9) All areas for storage of maintenance equipment, and all service areas including
refuse storage and collection facilities, shall be enclosed by a fence, wall and/or
landscape screen. Please also refer to Section 3.10.
(10) Stealth telecom facilities include telecommunication facilities disguised as a
natural feature or within an architectural element such as a tower, windmill, or
water tower. Stealth telecom facilities are permitted in open space districts
subject to the following requirements:
- All telecom facility components, including all antennas, antenna panels, cables,
wires, conduit, mounting brackets, and support equipment, shall be fully
screened, and mounted either inside the building or structure, or behind
screening elements and not on the exterior face of the building or structure.
- Screening materials shall match in color, size, proportion, style, and quality
with the exterior design and architectural character of the structure and the
surrounding visual environment. If determined necessary by the reviewing authority,
screening to avoid adverse impacts to views from land or buildings at higher
elevations shall be required.
- When a telecom facility is proposed within an architectural feature such as a
tower, cupola, water tank, windmill, sign tower, etc., the facility shall be
architecturally compatible with the existing structure or building.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-39
3.10 Trash Enclosures and Storage Areas
(1) Trash enclosures and outdoor storage areas shall
not be located within 50 feet of the Specific Plan
area Boundary.
(2) Outdoor storage areas shall be entirely enclosed
by solid masonry walls not less than six feet in
height to adequately screen them from view.
Reasonable substitutions, such as masonry, wood,
or similar view-obscuring material, may be
approved by the City Council. Chain link fence is
not permitted.
(3) Trash storage areas shall be completely screened
from surrounding properties by a wall or fence
or shall be enclosed within a building. Structural
and design plans for any required screening under the provisions of this section
shall be approved by the Director of Development Services and Building Official.
(4) Protect trash storage areas from rainfall, run-on, runoff, and wind dispersal.
Design enclosures shall meet the requirements of the Model BMP Design Manual
for the San Diego Region, including but not limited to the following:
- Design trash container areas so that drainage from adjoining roofs and
pavement is diverted around the area(s) to avoid run-on. This can include
berming or grading the waste handling area to prevent run-on of stormwater.
- Ensure trash container areas are screened or walled to prevent off-site
transport of trash.
- Provide roofs, awnings, or attached lids on all trash containers to minimize
direct precipitation and prevent rainfall from entering containers.
- Locate storm drains away from immediate vicinity of the trash storage area
and vice versa.
- Post signs on all dumpsters informing users that hazardous materials are not
to be disposed.
- Trash container areas shall drain into adjacent landscape areas.
(5) Residential Trash Receptacles shall be stored behind a six-foot high fence outside
the front yard setback area or within a garage.
(6) Non-residential trash enclosures shall be large enough to accommodate trash,
recycling, and organic waste as required by AB 341 and AB 1826.
Covered trash enclosures protect refuse from stormwater and prevent pollution from entering the storm drain system.
3-40 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
3.11 Sign Regulations
All signs within the Specific Plan area shall comply with The City of Poway’s
Comprehensive Sign Regulations as found in the PMC.
3.12 Fire Prevention Regulations
Throughout the entire Specific Plan area, the following standards for fire safety shall
apply to all new construction:
(1) All new development shall be subject to the requirements and recommendations
of The Farm in Poway Fire Management Plan.
(2) Ensure water pressure serving proposed structures shall provide a minimum 20
PSI with a minimum two-hour duration for all plumbing fixtures and fire sprinkler
heads in each structure.
(3) Fire hydrants shall be located within 600 feet of any portion of residential
facilities or buildings, with spacing between hydrants not to exceed 600 feet, as
measured by an approved route of travel that a fire engine would travel. Fire
hydrants shall be located within 400 feet of any portion of non- residential
facilities or buildings, with spacing between hydrants not to exceed 400 feet, as
measured by an approved route of travel that a fire engine would travel.
(4) Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed, improved width of not
less than 20 feet, except single-family residential driveways serving no more than
two improved parcels containing dwelling units shall have a minimum of 16 feet
of unobstructed improved width. Vertical overhead clearance shall be a minimum
of 13.5 feet. Fire apparatus access roads and driveways shall be designed and
maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus not less than 75,000
pounds unless authorized by the Poway Fire Department and shall be provided
with an approved paved surface as to provide all-weather driving capabilities.
When deemed necessary in the opinion of the fire code official, a paved driving
surface shall mean asphalt or concrete surface. The turning radius of a fire
apparatus access road shall be a minimum of 28 feet as measured to the inside
edge of the improvement width or as approved by the fire code official.
(5) Fire access roadways, gated entrances with card readers, guard stations, or
center medians, which have separated lanes of one-way traffic shall be not less
than 12 feet wide per lane.
(6) Approved signs or other approved notices shall be provided and maintained for
fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads and prohibit the obstruction
thereof or both. All new public roads, all private roads within major subdivisions,
and all private road easements serving three or more parcels shall be named.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-41
Motor Court street signs may deviate from street sign standards to the
satisfaction of the Director of Development Services and Fire Chief. Road name
signs shall comply with City of Poway Supplemental Engineering Standards, Street
Sign Specifications.
(7) For all non-residential facilities or buildings, approved fire apparatus access
roadways shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building. The
fire apparatus access roadway shall extend to within 150 feet of all portions of the
facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as
measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.
(8) The gradient for a fire apparatus access roadway shall not exceed 20 percent.
Grades exceeding 15 percent (incline or decline) shall be constructed of
Portland cement concrete (PCC), with a deep broom finish perpendicular to the
direction of travel, or equivalent, to enhance traction. The fire code official may
require additional mitigation measures where he or she deems appropriate.
(9) The angle of departure and the angle of approach of a fire access roadway shall
not exceed seven degrees (12 percent) or as approved by the fire code official.
(10) All dead-end fire access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided
with approved provisions that allow emergency apparatus to turn around. A cul-
de-sac shall be provided in residential areas where the access roadway serves
more than two structures. The minimum, unobstructed paved radius width for a
cul-de-sac shall be 38 feet in residential areas.
(11) All gates or other structures or devices that could obstruct fire access roadways
or otherwise hinder emergency operations are prohibited unless they meet the
standards approved by the fire code official and receive Specific Plan approval. All
automatic gates across fire access roadways and driveways shall be equipped
with approved, emergency, key-operated switches overriding all command
functions and opening the gate(s). Gates accessing more than four residences or
residential lots, or gates accessing hazardous institutional, educational or
assembly occupancy group structures shall also be equipped with approved
emergency traffic control-activating strobe light sensor(s), or other devices
approved by the fire code official, which will activate the gate on the approach of
emergency apparatus with a battery backup or manual-mechanical disconnect in
case of power failure. In the event of a power failure, the gate shall be
automatically transferred to a fail-safe mode allowing the gate to be manually
pushed open without the use of special knowledge or equipment. All automatic
gates must meet fire department policies deemed necessary by the fire code
official for rapid, reliable access. Where this section requires an approved key-
operated switch, it shall be dual keyed or dual switches shall be provided to
facilitate access by law enforcement personnel.
3-42 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
(12) All one and two-family residential facilities require an approved residential fire
sprinkler system with a one-inch meter meeting Poway Municipal Code
requirements. A separate plan submittal and approval to the Poway Fire
Department, Division of Fire Prevention, prepared by a licensed sprinkler
contractor or fire protection engineer is required for each residential sprinkler
system prior to installation. There is a separate fee for this plan check and
inspection services. If a one-inch lateral off the street main is currently not
present, one will have to be installed. If a pressure pump is required for fire
sprinkler operation, auxiliary power is required.
(13) Fire sprinkler system may be required in accordance with Poway Municipal Code
requirements. The fire sprinkler system shall be designed to meet minimum
design density at the roof per NFPA 13 requirements. Two separate plan
submittals to the fire department will be required for each structure, one for the
fire sprinkler design and one for the fire service underground. There are
separate fees for this plan check and inspection services.
(14) Non-residential facilities and buildings equipped with a fire sprinkler system shall
have a properly licensed contractor install an automatic fire alarm system to
approved standards. System shall be completely monitored by a UL listed central
station alarm company or proprietary remote station. Each facility or building
requires a separate plan submittal for review and approval. There is a separate
fee for this plan check and inspection services.
(15) The landscape plan requires a separate landscape and irrigation plans submittal
prepared pursuant to the City of Poway Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual
requirements. There is a separate fee for this plan check and inspection services.
The applicant shall submit and receive signed approval of landscape and irrigation
plans prior to the issuance of the building permit. All fuel modifications shall be
installed prior to the final inspection for issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(16) Roadway access, water supply system, and vegetation fuel modification of common
roadway access areas shall be completed in each phase before a building permit is
issued for any parcel within the phase.
(17) Prior to the delivery of combustible building material on-site, the approved
water service to all fire hydrants shall be connected to the public water supply,
satisfactorily pass all required tests and be approved by the City.
(18) Prior to the delivery of combustible building material on-site, the approved
vehicle access, including driveways, for firefighting shall be installed, satisfactorily
pass all required tests and approved by the City. All accesses shall be provided
within 150 feet of all construction areas. Use of temporary vehicle access for
firefighting shall require plan submittal, review, and approval by the City.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 3-43
(19) Approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on all facilities and buildings in
such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street fronting the
property. Numbers shall contrast with their background. The address is required
at private driveway entrances. Each non-residential facility or building address
shall also be displayed on the roof in a manner satisfactory to the Fire Chief and
meeting Sheriff Department-ASTREA criteria.
Section 7.8 of this Specific Plan provides a discussion of Fire Prevention Services for the
Specific Plan area. Please refer to Exhibit 7.5: Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zone (VHFHSZ) Map to identify properties that shall be subject to the additional
standards listed below:
(1) California Building Code Chapter 7A and Poway Municipal Code 15.24 shall apply
to all areas within the VHFHSZ.
(2) An effective fuel modification zone shall be maintained around all structures by
removing, clearing, or modifying combustible vegetation and other flammable
materials from areas within 30 to 100 feet from each building or structure within
the property’s boundaries, or as determined by the fire code official.
(3) Horizontal clearance from tree crowns to structures shall be pruned to maintain
a minimum of 10 feet for fire resistive trees and 30 feet for non-fire resistive
trees. Tree crowns within the defensible space shall be pruned to remove limbs
located less than six feet above the ground surface adjacent to the trees.
Portions of tree crowns that extend within 10 of the outlet of a chimney shall be
pruned to maintain a minimum horizontal clearance of 10 feet. No more than
three trees per cluster; minimum distance between clusters or individual non-
clustered trees is 20 feet.
(4) All orchards, groves, and vineyards shall be kept in a healthy state and
maintained as described below. A 10-foot firebreak shall be cleared between the
perimeter of the orchard trees or row of grape vines and native vegetation or
ornamental landscaping. Orchards shall be kept clean of dead and/or downed
trees. Orchards and vineyards shall be free of combustible debris including, but
not limited to, dead branches and dead foliage. All dead grasses between rows of
trees or vines shall be removed and replaced.
(5) An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire
protection shall be provided to all premises upon which facilities, buildings, or
portions of buildings will be constructed. A water analysis shall be performed to
establish the adequacy of the existing water mains and all necessary system design to
serve the project. Costs of the water analysis shall be the responsibility of the
applicant. The required fire flow in the VHFHSZ shall be a minimum of 1,500GPM; all
areas not located in the VHFHSZ shall meet the requirements outlined in the PMC.
3-44 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
(6) All flammable vegetation within approved fuel modification zones shall be
removed prior to the arrival of combustible material on the site and shall be
maintained during the duration of the project until all elements of approved fuel
modification zones are installed and approved.
(7) Buildings shall be setback a minimum of 30 feet from property lines and
biological open space easements unless the Poway Municipal Code requires a
greater minimum. When the property line abuts a roadway, the setback shall be
measured from the farthest roadway edge.
(8) Ignition Resistant Class I construction as described in the California Building
Code Chapter 7A, is required for all facilities, buildings, and structures.
(9) All facilities and buildings located in the VHFHSZ are required to comply as follows:
- Single-story structures shall be setback a minimum 15 feet horizontally from
top of slope to the farthest projection from a roof.
- A single-story structure shall be less than 12 feet above grade.
- A two-story structure shall be setback a minimum of 30 feet horizontally
from top of slope to the farthest projection from a roof.
- Structures greater than two stories may require a greater setback when the
slope is greater than 2:1.
- Structural setbacks shall be shown on the site plan.
- Show scaled cross section profiles denoting the top of the slope, building/
roof projections, and the setback distance at multiple locations on the
plan submittal.
(10) All residential facilities and buildings located in the VHFHSZ are required to
comply with Section 4 of the City of Poway Landscape and Irrigation Design
Manual and Poway Municipal Code 15.24 as it relates to fuel management and
defensible space, except that thirty feet of fuel management meeting Zone A is
required measured outward from the furthest projection of all facilities and
buildings. A vegetation fuel modification zone with a minimum width of 10 feet
shall be maintained on both sides of all fire apparatus access roadways and
driveways not already located in a fuel management area.
3.13 Construction and Farming Equipment
The operation of construction and farming equipment within the Specific Plan area shall
comply with the Poway Municipal Code.
Admin. Draft No.1, April 2019 Mobility | Page a
Mobility
Chapter Four
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 4-1
Chapter Four
MOBILITY
4.0 Mobility Plan
Specific Plan Mobility focuses on maintaining a rural character for the community,
promoting active lifestyles, and offering alternatives to vehicle use that are safe, efficient,
convenient, and enjoyable. To this end, the Mobility Plan provides a series of Complete
Streets and a comprehensive multi-use trail system that accommodates multiple users
including motor vehicles, alternative vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclist, equestrians, and
tractors. This multi-modal system has the added benefit of reducing environmental impacts
and creating a healthier community. Objectives of the Mobility Plan include the following:
1. Ensure roadway and trail design responds to the desired character of the community.
2. Optimize multiple travel modes and accommodate the needs of all users in a safe,
accessible, and convenient manner.
3. Improve bicycle infrastructure through implementation of sharrows and a multi-use
trail system.
4. Improve walkability by shortening distances between pedestrian crossings,
including crossings mid-block, and providing well-marked crosswalks, wayfinding
signage, and lighting.
4-2 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
5. Enhance landscaping along sidewalks and trails to provide pedestrian scale, shade,
and texture for comfort and appeal. Utilize irregular tree and shrub spacing to
impart a rural atmosphere with street trees.
6. Coordinate signal timing, with approval of the Director of Development Services,
at Espola Road and Martincoit Road to synchronize traffic movement, manage
vehicle speed.
7. Work with the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) to improve and replace
the existing stop at Espola Road and Martincoit Road and adjust schedules, if needed,
to meet the demands of new and existing riders.
4.1 Roadway Classifications
Roadways within the Specific Plan area are designed as Complete Streets that
accommodate automobiles, bicycles, pedestrians, and equestrians. All private streets
within the Specific Plan area can also accommodate tractors, low-speed vehicles (LSVs),
and neighborhood electric vehicles. Complete Streets are designed and operated to
provide safe and efficient access for all modes of travel in accordance with the
California’s Complete Streets Act of 2008 (AB 1358). The Complete Streets Act was
intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing alternatives to vehicle use
that can potentially reduce vehicle miles traveled and encourage shorter trips in
automobiles, optimize land use planning and transportation infrastructure more
efficiently, and promote public health by encouraging physical activity. Complete streets
also take into consideration the range of ages and abilities of potential users including
children, seniors, and people with disabilities by providing additional facilities such as
benches, shelters, and similar amenities.
Exhibit 4.1: Street Network Diagram illustrates the roadways that directly serve
the Specific Plan area. Roadways include one existing collector road, Espola Road,
existing residential streets St. Andrews Drive and Boca Raton Lane, and a series of
proposed private streets, Motor Courts, and common parking areas. The project
roadway design focuses on promoting walking and bicycling as the preferred modes of
travel by designing low-speed streets that can be shared between automobiles, bicycles,
and LSVs. Low speed streets also support pedestrian comfort and walkability. The
roadway system is also designed to discourage cut-through automobile traffic and
minimize additional traffic on surrounding residential streets. Sidewalks are provided on
one-side of all private streets.
Sidewalks connect to trails, which in turn provide access to existing transit stops located
on Espola Road. On-street parking is provided on one side of Private Streets A through
C and the portions of Private Streets D and E where fronting residential lots.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 4-3
Exhibit 4.1: Street Network Diagram
Not to Scale
4-4 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Not to Scale
4.1.1 Espola Road
The Farm in Poway is located along the northerly edge of Espola Road between Valle
Verde Road and Cloudcroft Drive. Espola Road is designated as a four-lane Collector
Road that provides direct access to Interstate 15 (I-15), west of the Specific Plan area.
East of the Specific Plan area, Espola Road turns south and terminates at its intersection
with Poway Road, providing access to southerly portions of the City.
Along the Specific Plan area’s frontage, Espola Road currently consists of the following:
• West of Martincoit - 100-foot wide right-of-way with two westbound lanes,
two east bound lane, a two-way center turn lane, and a shoulder on each side.
• East of Martincoit Road- 80-foot right-of-way with two westbound lanes, one
east bound lane, a two-way center turn lane, and a shoulder on each side.
• At Martincoit Road - A three-way signalized intersection with an eastbound
turn pocket.
This existing condition includes shoulders on both sides. The right-of-way will be
widened by three feet on the north side to accommodate bike lanes. Martincoit and
Espola Road will also be improved to add a four-way intersection, which will serve as
the Primary Entry into The Farm in Poway, as illustrated in Exhibit 4.2: Espola Road.
Approaching the intersection to the Primary Entry, the two-way turn lane will be
restriped to transitions into a painted left turn lane. A five-foot landscaped parkway
strip, a six-foot wide concrete sidewalk and a nine-foot wide meandering community
trail will also be constructed on the north side of the Espola Road right-of-way along the
project’s frontage. Overhead utilities fronting the project along Espola Road will be
placed underground.
The City of Poway General Plan designates Espola Road as a scenic roadway, which is
subject to special design requirements. The General Plan’s Scenic Road Concept seeks
to “…preserve, enhance, and showcase the community’s rural history and image.”
According to the General Plan, Espola Road typifies the City’s rural image and has
several long-range vistas of Mt. Woodson and Iron Mountain. To maintain the rural and
scenic qualities of this roadway, the General Plan requires an open space easement of 50
feet from the ultimate right-of- way. Structures are prohibited within this easement.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 4-5
The open space easement will also include the nine-foot wide meandering decomposed
granite trail surrounded by rural and agricultural-themed landscaping that not only
supports the City’s rural character but supports the farm-to-table vision for the Specific
Plan area. Adjacent residential development has also been clustered to preserve visual
open space corridors through the site. Adjacent residential homes, located beyond the
scenic setback, are required to provide enhanced elevations (See Chapter 6:
Architectural Design) facing Espola Road and will be screened by an informal pattern
of trees and shrubs. Walls enclosing the rear yards facing Espola Road will consist of a
masonry and glass view wall, as described in Section 5.5, to provide noise attenuation
while still allowing views and minimizing the visual impact of walls along Espola Road.
4-6 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Exhibit 4.2 Espola Road
9' DG TRAIL 6' CONCRETE WALK
LANDSCAPED PARKWAY STRIP50' LANDSCAPEEASEMENT
3' GLASS AND 3' MASONRY
SOUND WALL
3' GLASS AND3' MASONRY
SOUND WALL
PEELER POLE TRAIL FENCE
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 4-7
The primary entry to the Specific Plan area will be provided via an improved signalized
intersection at Espola Road and Martincoit Road. The existing intersection currently
consist of a three-way signalized intersection, allowing vehicles to travel east and west
on Espola Road and south onto Martincoit Road, which is classified as a Local Collector.
Improvements to the intersection will include the extension of Martincoit Road to the
north, which will become the primary entry into the Specific Plan area. New traffic
signals will be installed to control traffic in four directions and crosswalks will be
provided to promote pedestrian mobility as illustrated in Exhibit 4.3: Martincoit
Road and Espola Road Intersection.
4.1.2 Martincoit Road
Martincoit Road currently terminates at Espola Road at the southerly edge of the
Specific Plan area. Martincoit Road, between Stone Canyon Road and Espola Road, is
classified and currently built as a Local Collector on the City of Poway’s Transportation
Master Element. The speed limit is 35mph. On-street parking is provided on both sides
of the road for the most part north of Avenida La Valencia. The intersection of Espola
Road and Martincoit Road currently consists of a three-way signalized intersection. The
development of the Specific Plan area will include constructing the fourth leg of this
intersection to serve as the Primary Entry into The Farm in Poway as illustrated in
Exhibit 4.3: Martincoit Road and Espola Road Intersection.
Intersection improvements will include crosswalks and a pedestrian crossing on the
west leg of Espola Road. Special safety features should include enhanced crosswalks for
high visibility, pedestrian signals with countdown timers, leading pedestrian interval
timing, ADA compliant curb ramps, and smart adaptive signals that can adjust signal
phasing and extend pedestrian walk time based upon time of day. All phasing and timing
must be approved by the Director of Development Services.
4-8 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Exhibit 4.3: Martincoit Road and Espola Road Intersection
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 4-9
4.1.3 Valle Verde Road
Although Valle Verde Road does not directly serve the Specific Plan area, this roadway
provides connections to the Chaparral Elementary School, the Specific Plan area’s
assigned elementary school, which is located just over a ½ mile to the west. To
enhance connectivity and promote a safe route to school, the Specific Plan includes
the installation of special mobility features at the Valle Verde Road/Espola Road
intersection that include enhanced crosswalk paving for high visibility, pedestrian
signals with countdown timers, leading pedestrian interval timing, ADA complaint curb
ramps, bicycle signal detection, and smart adaptative signals that can adjust signal
phasing and extend pedestrian walk times based upon time of day. All phasing and
timing must be approved by the Director of Development Services. Similarly, high
visibility crosswalk and ADA complaint ramps will be installed at the intersection of
Valle Verde Road and St. Andrews Drive. In addition, the missing connection of the
five feet of contiguous sidewalk along the east side of Valle Verde Road, approximately
350 feet north of Edina Way to Solera Way, will be constructed to provide
continuous sidewalk along the route.
4.1.4 Cloudcroft Drive and Cloudcroft Court
Cloudcroft Drive is an existing roadway located east of the Specific Plan area. Cloudcroft
Drive is not classified on the City of Poway’s Transportation Master Element. It is currently
built as an undivided road with 25mph posted speed limit. The classification is assumed as
Residential Collector based on City of Poway’s Transportation Master Element. On-street
parking is permitted on both sides of the street.
Cloudcroft Drive takes direct access from Espola Road and provides secondary access
to the Specific Plan area via Tam O’Shanter Drive and Boca Raton Lane. Emergency
Vehicle Access is provided via Cloudcroft Court and Cloudcroft Drive.
4-10 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
4.1.5 St. Andrews Drive, Tam O’Shanter Drive, and Boca
Raton Lane
New residential lots are proposed to front on portions of St. Andrews Drive and Boca
Raton Lane. Because these streets were originally developed to their full 60-foot right-
of-way width, no new street improvements are proposed, except new curb and gutter.
These two streets provide one 12-foot travel lane in each direction and on-street
parking on both sides of the street, but no sidewalks. The new residences will continue
this development pattern. Two Secondary access points area also provided from Tam
O’Shanter Drive and Boca Raton Lane. Both access points will consist of three-way
intersections with stop signs only at the entry points out of the Specific Plan area.
4.1.6 Internal Roadways (Private Streets)
Private streets are intentionally designed as
low-speed streets to encourage slower
speeds and promote pedestrian and bicyclist
mobility. Sidewalk is provided on one- side
of every private street. Travel lane widths
are the minimum 24 feet required for fire
access and curved alignments create physical
conditions that reduce driver comfort and
force them to slow down. Curb extensions,
also known as bulb-outs, are provided at key
intersections to reduce crossing lengths for
pedestrians, improve the visibility of
pedestrians attempting to cross, and provide
locations for street trees. Low speeds also
allow these private streets to be shared with
low speed vehicles, bicycles, and tractors. The internal roadway system consists of two
types of private streets, private streets with parking and private streets without parking.
Private streets are required to provide a public access easement. Crosswalks shall
consist of stained and stamped concrete or asphalt concrete with decorative scoring, or
similar decorative treatment and shall be a minimum of eight feet wide.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 4-11
Private Streets with Parking
Private streets with parking consist of a 47-foot wide private road easement (See
Exhibit 4.4: Private Street with Parking). The paved section of the roadway
includes a 24-foot travel-way (one lane in each direction) plus an eight-foot parking lane
on one side for a total dimension of 32 feet measured from curb-to-curb. Parking is
accompanied by a sidewalk on one side. Sidewalks are separated from parking by a five-
foot landscaped parkway that will be planted with shade trees to enhance pedestrian
comfort and reduce heat island effect. Bulb-outs will also be provided at intervals for
pedestrian visibility and additional street trees.
Exhibit 4.4: Private Street with Parking
Not to Scale
4-12 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Private Streets without Parking
Private streets without parking consist of a 39-foot wide private road easement (See
Exhibit 4.5: Private Street without Parking). The paved section of the roadway
includes a 24-foot travel-way (one lane in each direction) measured from curb-to-curb.
Sidewalk is provided on one side. Sidewalks are separated from the travel-way by a five-
foot landscaped parkway that will be planted with shade trees to enhance pedestrian
comfort and reduce heat island effect.
Exhibit 4.5: Private Street without Parking
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 4-13
4.1.7 Motor Courts
Motor Courts are shared common access roads that provide access to two or more
Residential Cottage homes. Exhibit 4.6: Conceptual Motor Court Plan View and
Section, illustrates the design of a typical Motor Court. Motor Courts provide a minimum
of 24-foot wide common access road with a maximum depth of 150 feet to provide
adequate fire access. Parking within a Motor Court is restricted to individual driveways or
designated parking stalls that are clearly marked or delineated with different paving, signage,
or similar markings. Design guidelines for Motor Courts are provided in Section 6.2.5.
Exhibit 4.6: Conceptual Motor Court Plan View and Section
Not to Scale
4-14 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
4.2 Trails
A multi-use trail system, as illustrated in Exhibit 4.7: Trail Network Diagram, is
designed into the community to optimize pedestrian and bicycle mobility and provide
recreational opportunities. The majority of this trail system includes decomposed
granite or compacted earth trails as illustrated in Exhibit 4.8: Multi-Use Nature
Trail. Natural paving and peeler pole and rail fencing enhance the rural atmosphere of
the community. These natural trails will accommodate equestrian, mountain bikers, and
hikers. Access trails connect to sidewalks along private streets, utility easements, and
along existing adjacent residential streets to maximize access and connectivity and
promote walking and hiking. All trails will be open to the public. Additional amenities
will include trail respite rest stops, seating along the multi-use trail, and a bike repair
station. The bike station will be located at The Club parking lot to provide water, air,
and basic tools for bike repair. Benches, restrooms, and a drinking fountain or water
bottle fill station will also be provided at the Event Barn. Peeler pole trail fencing will be
used along the Espola Road trail and along interior trails where steep downhill slopes
are adjacent to the trail.
The section of multi-use trail along Espola Road, as illustrated in Exhibit 4.9: Espola
Trail, will consist of a nine-foot meandering DG trail and a six-foot contiguous concrete
sidewalk that will replace the existing sidewalk along the north side of Espola Road. The
Espola Road trail will connect to the Multi-Use nature trail and existing sidewalks on the
southeast and southwest corners of the Specific Plan area. This trail also provides access
to the existing transit stops located on Espola Road at Martincoit Road, Cloudcroft
Drive and Valle Verde Road.
In addition to the dedicated multi-use trails, a natural surface maintenance access road
will be provided through nearly the entire length of the SDCWA easement, as illustrated
in Exhibit 4.10: SDCWA Access Road. The access road will be designed to H20 load
rating and gates will be provided at road connections to prevent non-SDCWA vehicular
access. Where the multi-use trail and the access road share alignment, the trail will be
reduced in width to five feet and will be separated from the access road with bollards, as
illustrated in Exhibit 4.11: Combined SDCWA Access Road/Trail.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 4-15
Exhibit 4.7: Trail Network Diagram
Not to Scale
4-16 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Exhibit 4.8: Nature Multi-Use Trail
Not to Scale
Exhibit 4.9: Espola Trail
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 4-17
Exhibit 4.10: SDCWA Access Road
Not to Scale
Exhibit 4.11: Combined SDCWA Access Road/Trail
Not to Scale
4-18 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
4.3 Pedestrian Experience
Exhibit 4.7: Trail Network Diagram in Section 4.2, highlights the variety of
pedestrian routes and connections provided by the Mobility Plan. In addition to
sidewalks and trails described in previous sections, the Specific Plan requires traffic
calming measures to promote pedestrian mobility and comfort and encourage walking as
a preferred mode of travel. Crosswalks will be provided throughout the Specific Plan
area in locations where trails and sidewalks meet vehicular traffic. These nodes require
special design to ensure that vehicles are aware that pedestrians may be present.
Crosswalk improvements will include enhanced paving treatments that make crossings
more visible. Where feasible, curb extensions, also known as bulb outs, may be
provided. A conceptual crosswalk design that includes bulb-outs and enhanced design
treatments is provided as Exhibit 4.12: Conceptual Pedestrian Crossing.
Crosswalks at Espola Road and Martincoit Road, Espola Road and Valle Verde Road, and
Valle Verde Road and St. Andrews Drive provides pedestrian access to adjacent
neighborhoods. Special mobility features will be provided including enhanced crosswalk
paving for high visibility, ADA complaint curb ramps, pedestrian signals with countdown
timers, leading pedestrian interval timing, bicycle signal detection, and smart adaptative
signals that can adjust signal phasing and extend pedestrian walk times based upon time
of day. All phasing and timing must be approved by the Director of Development
Services. In addition, the construction of missing segments of sidewalk and
improvements to existing off-site sidewalks on Martincoit Road and Valley Verde Road
will improve pedestrian connectivity and mobility.
Exhibit 4.12: Conceptual Pedestrian Crossing
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 4-19
4.4 Bicycle Experience
Exhibit 4.7: Trail Network
Diagram highlights the variety of
bicycle routes and connections provided
by the Mobility Plan. The proposed
multi-use trails described in Section 4.2
will be shared between equestrians,
bicycles, and pedestrians. Private streets
are also designed to allow for bicycles
and vehicles to share the road. Low
traffic volumes, low-speed designs, and
traffic calming measures are provided,
making shared use of vehicles and
bicycles appropriate. Signage or “Shared
Roadway Markings” will also be provided
to indicate that bicycle use is permitted
and vehicles are required to share the roadway.
Amenities that support bicycling in the Specific Plan area include required bicycle parking
throughout the Specific Plan area (See Chapter 3), trail respite rest stops, seating along
the multi-use trail, and a bike repair station. The bike station will be located at The Club
parking lot to provide water, air, and basic tools for bike repair. Benches, restrooms,
bike racks, and a drinking fountain or water bottle fill station will also be provided at the
Event Barn.
Improvements at the intersection of Espola Road/Martincoit Road and Espola Road/Valle
Verde Road also include high visibility crosswalks and bicycle signal detection. Bike
treatments at intersections should be coordinated with the City of Poway.
4.5 Alternative Vehicles
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) permits the use of Neighborhood
Electric Vehicles (NEVs) and Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) on roadways posted with a
speed limit of 35 miles per hour (MPH). NEVs and LSVs are permitted to cross at
intersections that have a speed limit above 35 mph if the crossing begins and ends on a
road 35 mph or less. NEVs and LSVs look similar to golf carts but are required to meet
certain DMV requirements and require a valid California Driver’s License, registration,
and insurance. NEVs and LSVs are permitted on all private streets within the Specific
Plan area.
4-20 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
NEVs and LSVs provide an alternative to standard automobiles and bicycles. These types
of low-speed vehicles are more compact, making them easier to park and maneuver
within small spaces. NEVs are all electric and offer the most environmentally friendly
alternative; however, all LSVs are environmentally superior to a standard automobile
due to their low speeds and fuel efficiency. Use of such vehicles for shorter trips also
promotes increased efficiency for other modes of travel including walking and biking
since these vehicles take up less space on the road and are typically designed not to
exceed 25 miles per hour.
4.6 Transit
Transit services within the City of Poway
and throughout the central and south
parts of the County are provided by the
Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).
Transit service to the Specific Plan area is
provided via Route 945A, also known as
the “Poway Loop.” The nearest stop is
located at the northwest corner of Espola
Road and Martincoit Road, where primary
access to the Specific Plan area will be
provided. Improvements to this transit
stop will include a new pad, bench, and
trash receptacle.
Poway Loop Route 945A provides two
early morning and two afternoon buses to access important destinations along
Pomerado Road, Poway Road, and Espola Road including downtown Poway, Poway High
School, Lake Poway and the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. The bus route is designed
primarily for access to the high school, middle school and private schools on the route.
However, the Poway Loop also connects to Route 945 which operates between Old
Poway and the Rancho Bernardo Transit Station, and Route 944 which provides service
between Old Poway and the Sabre Springs/Peñasquitos Transit Station. Both transit
stations offer express bus service to Downtown San Diego and the Escondido Transit
Center via the I-15 corridor as well as parking and van pool connections.
Admin. Draft No.1, April 2019 Open Space & Community Design | Page a
Open Space
& Community
Design
Chapter Five
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-1
Chapter Five
OPEN SPACE & COMMUNITY DESIGN
5.0 Community Theme
The community design theme for The Farm in Poway reflects Poway’s rural “City in the
Country” history while incorporating contemporary “agrihood” design and planning
themes. Beyond rural aesthetics, The Farm in Poway incorporates a working farm,
edible landscapes, community gardens, butterfly gardens, 3.3 miles of multi-use trails, the
event and education center, swim and tennis center, and other amenities into a vibrant,
active residential community. Portions of the site offer spectacular views of Poway and
the surrounding mountains and open space.
5-2 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
5.1 Community Design Framework Plan
The community is organized by a series of experiences including the following
organizational elements:
• Espola Road Scenic Corridor
• Primary Community Entry
• Event Barn, The Social, and Education Center
• Residential Clusters
• The Club
• The Meadow and Dog Park
• Conservation Open Space, which includes Agrifields, Community and Specialty
gardens, trails, and other amenities
Exhibit 5.1 Community Design Framework Plan depicts The Farm in Poway’s
organization and landscape themes, its entries, connections to the surrounding
communities, general land uses, open spaces, amenities, natural features, and scenic
vistas. This exhibit illustrates one possible design solution. However, this may be
modified over time to incorporate City and community comments and in response to
community preferences.
5.1.1 Espola Road Scenic Corridor
As previously described in Chapter 4:
Mobility, the City of Poway designated
Espola Road as a scenic roadway with a 50-
foot structural setback requirement in order
to “…preserve, enhance and showcase the
community’s rural history and image.”. This
50-foot buffer is utilized to buffer the
residential development and provide room
for a naturalistic style of landscaping. Large
scale trees and screening shrubs will be
arranged in an informal manner and the
Espola Trail will meander within the setback.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-3
Exhibit 5.1: Community Design Framework Plan
Not to Scale
5-4 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
5.1.2 Primary Community Entry
The primary entry to the Specific Plan area is from Espola Road at the Martincoit Road
intersection as depicted in Exhibit 5.2: Primary Community Entry. Flanking the
entry road Street “A” are two gateway structures consisting of a vertical board and
batten element that reflects shapes and materials from the Event Barn and a board and
batten sign panel on a rustic stone base and pilaster. The west gateway includes the
project identification signage and the east gateway features only the project logo. The
gateways are set back 70 feet from Espola Road, located just beyond the open space
easement, to provide adequate clearance from Espola Trail and sufficient room for
accent landscaping. Fencing extends from the gateway structure pilaster to the east and
west boundary lines, paralleling Espola Road. An enhanced crosswalk for Espola Trail
completes the entry before the gateways.
Beyond the gateways, matching three-foot high stone garden walls curve towards the
roadway. The west wall is a low retaining planter wall. The east wall is topped with
sound attenuating glass to shield the Event Lawn from road noise while allowing
views of the Event Barn and Social. An informal, theme-inspired landscape completes
the entry statement.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-5
Exhibit 5.2: Primary Community Entry
Not to Scale
5-6 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
5.1.3 Event Barn, The Social, and Education Center
While set back from Espola Road the Event Barn and Educational Center provide a
series of iconic structural first statements for the community. The Event Barn provides
indoor and outdoor spaces for social, educational and entertainment events such as
receptions, parties, seminars, and small concerts. A stacked stone and glass sound wall
separates the public Espola Road streetscape from the private event space of the Event
Barn. Informal clusters of trees soften the architecture and tie the structures to the
new and existing community. The Event Center also allows for a café or restaurant,
referred to as The Social, that is open to the public and shares an outdoor patio with
the Event Barn. It is anticipated that The Social can provide catering for receptions and
parties with outdoor spaces for gathering and music.
Design Guidelines for these buildings are provided in Chapter 6 and a conceptual
elevation of the Event Barn is provided below.
Conceptual Rendering of the Event Barn
The Education Center provides a venue for non-profit organizations to deliver
community education to schools and the general public through tours and classes, a
nursery and/or greenhouse for pollinator and native plants, a butterfly conservatory, and
similar uses that promote conservation, awareness, and ecologically sensitive lifestyles.
Buildings associated with the Education Center should also conform to the Architectural
Design Guidelines provided in Chapter 6.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-7
5.1.4 Residential Clusters
Homes within The Farm in Poway are similar in size and scale to the existing adjacent
homes and fit well into the existing community character and density. Unlike many new
residential developments, however, The Farm in Poway clusters home sites to create
small enclaves separated by large expanses of agricultural open space and common
amenity areas. Lot sizes and configurations are creatively designed to provide a diverse
mix of housing types and sizes. This variety in housing types makes homeownership
attainable and desirable to a wider range of household types, lifestyles, and incomes
while ensuring a visually diverse streetscape and community.
The clustering of residential lots is deliberately designed to maintain a spacious feel
throughout the community by providing a minimum 50 to 100-foot separation between
existing homes and new homes within the Specific Plan. These ample setbacks maintain a
sense of openness, respect the privacy and lifestyle of existing residents, and support an
agrarian character. In addition, development standards limit the size of second floors in
relationship to the size of the first floor to reduce massing and create a predominantly
single-story experience along the street. Many homes are sited on single-loaded streets
to provide expansive views and maintain a feeling of being in the country. Each housing
type is described in greater detail in Chapter 3. In addition, architectural design
guidelines provided in Chapter 6 identify acceptable architectural styles, materials,
massing, and more that ensure residential development is consistent with the existing
neighborhood and supports the agrarian design theme.
5-8 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
5.1.5 The Club
The Club is located in the heart of the
community to provide recreational, fitness and
social amenities for residents of The Farm in
Poway. The Club will be professionally operated
by a recreational management firm and will also
be available to residents of surrounding
communities on a membership basis. The Club
may include, recreation courts, swimming, and
other fitness amenities as well as community rooms and locker facilities. The
contemporary agrarian styling of the buildings and informal and rustic landscape will be
restive and inviting. Remnants of stacked stone walls will provide a thematic connection
to the Event and Education Center. Parking facilities and the majority of the recreation
courts will be screened from adjacent residences by a masonry sound wall that is further
screened with trees, shrubs and vines. The community trail will be directly accessed
from The Club.
5.1.6 The Meadow, Amphitheater and Dog Park
The Meadow is a community recreational
and entertainment facility that will include a
small grass amphitheater, large passive grass
areas, picnicking facilities, and large shade
trees.
Located immediately east of The Club, The
Meadow will work synergistically in support
of the Event and Education Center and the
working farm. The outdoor performance
space may also be available for use by local
community members.
Also located within The Meadow is a 10,000 square foot dog park. The dog park is divided
to provide separate large and small dog sections and includes shade trees, benches and a
drinking fountain with dog bowls.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-9
5.1.7 Conservation Open Space and Amenities
Conservation Open Space at The Farm in Poway is extensive and provides a buffer
between existing homes and new residences and amenities, view corridors to the
greater Poway area and the surrounding mountains, large areas for community and
specialty gardens, and numerous recreational opportunities. The rustic and informal
landscape is drought tolerant, adaptive to the local climate and soils, and reinforces the
rural character of the community. All new and existing landscaping will comply with
brush management and defensible space requirements of the Poway Fire Department.
Please also refer to Section 3.12: Fire Prevention Regulations.
Conservation open space within the Specific Plan includes a variety of amenities that
support the community design theme. As illustrated in Exhibit 5.3: Conceptual
Open Space Plan and Table 5.1: Conservation Open Space Summary,
amenities are envisioned to include community gardens, specialty gardens, Agrifields, a
tot lot, and trails, to complement the other organizational design elements of the
community to create an interconnected network of active and passive recreation and a
scenic backdrop for the Specific Plan area and surrounding neighborhoods.
Table 5.1: Conservation Open Space Summary
Acreage1
Community Gardens 1.20
Agrfields (plantable area only) 11.82
Tot Lot 0.26
Trails 5.62
Specialty Gardens and Landscaping 24.52
Landscape Slopes 8.10
Water Quality Basins 4.20
Total 55.72
1. Acreages may vary at final design.
5-10 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Exhibit 5.3: Conceptual Open Space Plan
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-11
A. Community Gardens
Community gardens are located strategically throughout open space areas, providing all
residents a garden plot within easy walking distance of their home. The community
gardens provide planting beds, water and support facilities for residents to grow fruits
and vegetables in a professionally operated and maintained area. Residents will sign up
to use gardening plots and will be responsible for the maintenance and harvesting of
their plots. The Community Association will maintain garden common areas, vacant
plots and surrounding landscape. Attractive wood and wire fencing will keep out rabbits
and wayward pets. Small tool sheds will store the tools and materials required to
maintain a high functioning community garden. Gardens will be surrounded by drought
tolerant landscapes comprised of edible plants, butterfly plants, succulents and attractive
natives. Community gardens are both attractive and useful community amenities.
5-12 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
B. Agrifields
The Agrifieds will consist of a
working farm, planned to include
an iconic barn for a farm
operations office and equipment
and material storage, and terraced
fields. Outdoor educational
amenities may also be provided to
engage residents and the
community through volunteer
opportunities, educational
experiences, field trips, internships
and more. The Agrifields will be a
professionally managed and may include a community supported agricultural amenity.
Potential crops for the fields include vegetables, herbs, botanicals, vineyards, flowers,
and florist’s foliage. The Agrifields may also host temporary events such as harvesting
festivals or pick-your-own events, where residents and neighbors can assist in harvesting
crops and/or pick crops to take home.
The design and operation of the Agrifields will minimize potential impacts on existing
residences and proposed new residences. Uses shall be limited to agriculture and
horticulture purposes including the cultivation and harvesting of ornamental plants,
flowers and vegetation, herbs, medicinal plants, and other food producing crops as
described in Section 3.2.3.A. The Agrifields will be separated from residences by a
minimum 10-foot wide landscape buffer and operational buildings such as offices,
equipment storage areas, barns, greenhouses, and other accessory structures will be at
least 50 feet from existing adjacent residential property surrounding The Farm in Poway.
Farm operations hours will be limited and equipment will meet noise guidelines as
regulated by the City. Refer to Chapter 3 for a full list of permitted uses, regulations,
and conditions.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-13
C. Tot Lot
A tot lot that is strategically located near
many residences in the Specific Plan area to
provide a space for younger children to play
and families to gather.
D. Trails
An extensive trail system that provides
walkers, hikers, bicyclists and equestrians
5.62 miles of trails and access to surrounding
communities. Numerous trail “respite” areas
provide seating, shade and a chance for users to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Trails are
described in greater detail in Chapter 4: Mobility.
E. Specialty Gardens and Landscaping
The balance of conservation open space will consist of water quality basins and features
and landscaped areas. Many new communities are landscaped with standard drought
tolerant, adaptive and native plants. While these plants will be a part of The Farm in
Poway’s conservation open space landscape palette, it will also include specialty gardens,
which enrich and educate the community. Butterfly gardens provide plants that attract
pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Plants may include Bishop’s lace,
milkweed, mallow, lantana, monkeyflower, lupine, yarrow, buddleja and sages.
Succulent gardens include sculptural, low water use plants such as agave, aloe,
yucca, echeveria, aeonium and euphorbias. Edible landscapes include ornamental
landscape plantings that can be eaten or used as herbs or for medicinal purposes.
The edible landscape may include sweet bay, lavenders, oregano, mint thyme,
elderberry and currant.
5-14 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
5.2 Parkland Requirements
Parks, trails, and recreational facilities play a key role in supporting the vision for The
Farm in Poway by offering opportunities to be active and interact with family and the
community. In accordance with the PMC, “A ratio of five park acres to 1,000 population,
in accordance with the adopted park and recreation element of the City’s general plan
shall be used to compute the amount of land to be dedicated.” Based on Poway’s
average household size from the 2010 Census, The Department of Finance estimates
that Poway’s household size in 2019 is approximately 3.12 persons per household (E-5
estimates dated 1/1/2019). Table 5.2: Park Land Requirement illustrates how the
total number of park space required is calculated, resulting in a total of approximately
2.5 acres.
Table 5.2: Park Land Requirement
Household
Type
Number of
Units
Population
(Pop.) per
Household
Total
Pop.
Required
Park Ratio
Total Park
Acreage
Required
Total Homes 160 3.12 500 5 acres per
1000 pop.
2.5
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-15
Park requirements within the Specific Plan area are fulfilled by the multitude of
recreational amenities provided in both the Recreational Open Space and Conservation
Open Space. Although these amenities are privately owned and maintained, the PMC
allows 50 percent of private recreation facilities to be counted towards the required
amount of park acreage (Credit Acreage). Furthermore, these facilities will be open to
the public, thereby meeting park and recreational demands. As demonstrated in Table
5.3: Park Land Provided, recreational and trail facilities in the Specific Plan provide
9.64 acres of parkland, exceeding the minimum park area required by 7.14 acres.
Table 5.3: Park Land Provided
Recreation Facility
Facility Name Acreage Credit Acreage
OSR-1 Event Barn 0.87 0.44
OSR-2 Vivarium 0.70 0.35
OSR-3 Greenhouse 0.72 0.36
OSR-4 TBD 0.20 0.10
OSR-5 Classroom 0.41 0.21
OSR-6 The Social 1.78 0.89
OSR-7 The Club 6.85 3.43
OSR-8 The Meadow and Dog Park 3.13 1.57
Tot Lot 0.26 0.13
Recreational Facility Subtotal 14.92 7.48
Trails
Trail Type Total Length
(LF) Acreage Credit Acreage
9' D.G. Trail 2,030 0.42 0.21
10' D.G. or Earth Trail 13,776 3.16 1.58
6-15’ D.G. Access Trail 1,990 0.46 0.23
Combined SDCWA Road/Trail
(Trail portion only)
2,515
1.29
0.14
Trails Subtotal 20,311 5.33 2.16
Total Park Acreage Provided 9.64
Total Park Acreage Required 2.5
Surplus Provided 7.14
5-16 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
5.3 Landscaping and Plant Palettes
In support of a consistent community theme and
reinforcement of the rural character of the area, the
following plant palette provides a unified list of trees,
shrubs, succulents, and ground covers for use in public or
publicly viewable spaces. Refer to Exhibit 5.4.
Landscape Concept Plan, and the following
Landscape Palettes for a detailed listing of proposed
plants. The Landscape Palettes may be modified with the
approval of both the Director of Development Services
and the Fire Chief.
Street trees are the backbone of the landscape. Street
trees are arranged in pairs, an evergreen and a deciduous
tree, and placed in an informal pattern by street or
section of street to develop a theme for specific areas.
Thematic landscape is a somewhat refined palette of
ornamental and native plants that require a little more water, a little more care, but are
emblematic of a rural landscape with year- round appeal.
The open space plant palette consists of numerous native and some adaptive plants that
require little water or maintenance and provide an attractive backdrop consistent with
the project’s rural theme. Slopes are planted primarily with deep rooting, wide
spreading shrubs and ground covers with some trees to protect the slopes from
erosion. Non-slope areas are planted with an informal mix of trees, shrubs, ground
covers, grasses and accents to create spaces, frame views and provide shade and a place
of rest along the trails.
The basin landscape consists of two separate palettes – the basin bottom and slopes.
The basin bottom palette consists primarily of grasses, perennials and forbs that adapt
to periodic inundation. They help remove silt, debris and toxins from the urban runoff
that is directed through the basin before the water is sent downstream through the
existing storm drain system. The slope palette consists of two components – a lower
slope palette of shrubs, grasses and perennials that adapt to short periods of inundation
and an upper slope palette of riparian-type slope erosion control plants.
Note that this plant list, except for plants utilized for agricultural purposes, is subject to
conformance with the conformance with the Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual
and the PMC. If no species are identified that conform to City standards, then species
listed as appropriate in the Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual may be selected.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-17
Exhibit 5.4: Landscape Concept Plan
Not to Scale
5-18 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-19
5-20 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-21
5-22 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-23
5-24 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-25
5.4 Street Furniture and Lighting
Street furniture helps set the community theme, provides locations for rest and
reflection, and encourages walking and other recreational activities. In keeping with the
community architectural style, site furnishings are modern renditions of classic designs.
Benches are a clean, modern take on the classic park bench. Tables include simple plank
style tops and seats that are attractive and rugged. Trash and recycle receptacles will
match the benches and tables.
Modern renditions of classic designs also include site
lighting utilizing modern LED and light shielding
technology to illuminate the streets. The modern lighting
technology will promote dark skies while providing the
illumination for safety. Please refer to Exhibit 5.5.
Conceptual Lighting Plan.
5-26 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Exhibit 5.5: Conceptual Lighting Plan
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-27
5.5 Wall and Fence Design
Walls and fencing provide safety, privacy and contribute to the community style and
theme. Refer to Exhibit 5.6: Wall and Fencing Concept Plan for proposed wall
and fence locations. At The Farm in Poway, walls are slump block masonry with a light
plaster finish. Decorative caps and pilasters provide a rustic elegance for the walls and
narrow planters at the wall base allow for ornamental planting to soften the walls.
Where parking lots are located near residences, masonry walls block the noise and light
generated in the parking lot. Masonry back and side yard fencing is also recommended
for residences adjacent to primary streets. Combination masonry and glass view walls
provide noise attenuation while allowing distant views.
Masonry Wall Masonry and Glass View Wall
Where higher elevation lots can take advantage of the spectacular views, tubular steel
or wrought iron view fencing provides security while allowing open views of the
distant landscape. Wood privacy fencing has a classic look that complements the
rustic country feel of the community. Where wood fences are located in a high fire
area or within five feet of a structure, the wood fencing will be constructed with fire
resistive treated lumber.
View Fence Privacy Fence
5-28 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Exhibit 5.6 Wall and Fencing Concept Plan
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-29
Peeler pole fencing is rustic, durable, and keeps pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians
on developed trails and out of sensitive or unsafe areas. Peeler pole fencing is used along
trails and in open space areas where fencing is necessary for fall protection and parallel
to Espola Road.
Stacked stone walls provide a rustic screening or sound wall that separate public event
areas from streets and are also used as thematic devices to tie disparate parts of the
planning area together.
Peeler Pole Fence Stacked Stone Wall
5.6 Parking Lot Design
Proper parking lot design provides safe and
accessible parking for vehicles, clear paths for
pedestrians, shade to minimize heat island effects,
and screening to reduce visual clutter. Parking lots
have a minimum of ten percent of the parking lot
landscaped and designed in accordance with Section
3.5 for Parking Regulations and Section 3.6 for
Landscaping Regulations. Where appropriate some
smaller lots may be paved with decomposed
granite, provided the aisles are paved. Permeable
pavers may also be utilized.
5-30 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
5.7 Secondary Signage
5.7.1 Secondary Community Entry
As depicted in the previous Exhibit 5.1: Community Design Framework Plan,
secondary community entries are located at the intersection of Street “A” with Tam
O’Shanter Drive and Street “E” with Boca Raton Lane. These entry signs will be smaller
versions of the sign wall portion of the primary entry, shown in Exhibit 5.7.:
Secondary Community Entry. The board and batten sign wall are set on a stone
base, all to tie back to the primary entry and the Event Barn and Social.
Exhibit 5.7: Secondary Community Entry
Not to Scale
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 5-31
5.7.2 Identification and Wayfinding Signage
Internal signage and wayfinding will direct visitors and residents to key site amenities
such as the Event Barn, Butterfly Education Center, The Club, and the Working Farm.
Exhibit 5.8: Identification and Wayfinding Signage, depicts board and batton
sign panels with a stone base that reflects the style of the primary and secondary entry
signage. Simple post markers provide trail users with directional information to site
amenities and off-site trail connections, as well as mileage markers for users tracking
distances traveled. Signage not described herein shall conform the to the City of
Poway’s Comprehensive Sign Regulations.
Exhibit 5.8: Identification and Wayfinding Signage
Not to Scale
Admin. Draft No.1, April 2019 Architectural Design | Page a
Architectural
Design
Chapter Six
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-1
Chapter Six
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
6.0 Architectural Philosophy
Architectural design guidelines for buildings within The Farm in Poway are provided to
encourage high quality architecture. New buildings should reinforce the New Ruralism
theme envisioned by the Specific Plan while complementing the eclectic mix of existing
homes that surrounds the Specific Plan area. Architecture should be designed to express
a reasonable level of authenticity for the selected styles through the use of appropriate
form, architectural detail, materials, and other design elements.
The architectural philosophy for The Farm in Poway reflects the efficiency and durability
of buildings found in rural communities. Forms should be simple and functional with
carefully applied details to suggest sustainability and resiliency. Materials should be
inspired by the surrounding natural and agricultural landscape to evoke a sense of
connection to the land.
6-2 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
6.1 Non-Residential Buildings
Non-residential buildings should focus on creating a strong design theme by limiting
architecture to a single vernacular. As such, buildings should be designed to resemble
buildings that would be found on a ranch or farm. Buildings may be designed to look like
large farmhouses, ranch houses, barns, stables, or similar out-structures.
6.1.1 Floor Plans and Massing
Floor plan designs should support sustainability and ease of construction, which are both
fundamental components of the New Ruralism paradigm. Designs should take into
consideration the natural condition and orientation of the site by providing functional
interior spaces that visually and physically connect to surrounding outdoor areas,
maximize solar exposure, and respond to prevailing wind patterns. Designs should also
utilize simple forms that require less lumber and resources. Floor plans should anticipate
the massing of the building to reduce the scale and overall bulk, particularly along
elevations that face private streets, primary access driveways, and parking areas. The
following guidelines apply to floor plan design and massing of the buildings:
(1) When designing floor plans, consider building orientation to maximize solar
exposure and prevailing wind patterns to promote passive cooling and heating of
the building and avoid the creation of wind tunnels.
(2) Start with simple primary structural forms that allow for open floor plans and
efficient framing. Add simple, secondary structural forms with a minimum offset
of two feet from the primary structure to achieve meaningful recesses and
projections that break up massing and provide shade and shadow.
Buildings should be designed to resemble those that would be found on a farm or ranch.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-3
(3) Consider the placement and size of secondary structural forms in relationship to
a 24-inch module to minimize wasted lumber.
(4) Use building floor plans to define courtyards and similar outdoor spaces that can
be used for community gathering.
(5) Incorporate single story elements and step back second story massing to provide
pedestrian scale adjacent to sidewalks and outdoor gathering spaces.
(6) The form and massing of all buildings on a site should work together to provide a
compatible and complementary collection of buildings that relate to one another.
(7) Encourage visual and physical relationships between interior spaces and
surrounding open space to promote mental and emotional connections to
nature, agriculture, and the rural character envisioned by the Specific Plan.
6.1.2 Roof Forms
Although forms may vary based upon the size and type of building proposed, roof forms
should generally be steeply pitched to express the farm theme. Gable, shed, and gambrel
roof forms are preferred, except on cylindrical features such as towers and silo. The
following guidelines relate to roof design:
(1) Provide a variety of roof forms and ridge heights, cross gables and layered gables,
dormers, and/or cupolas to break up the mass of the roof.
(2) Provide broad, open eaves to convey the farmhouse style and encourage shading
and passive cooling.
(3) When provide, exposed rafter tails should measure a minimum of four inches.
Variety in roof forms and ridge heights, layering of eaves and the introduction of single story elements break up the mass of the individual buildings and create a varied skyline.
6-4 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
6.1.3 Entries
Entries should be designed so that they are obvious to visitors. Enhance front entries
with porches, wrapped porches, porte cocheres, and similar features to create a sense of
arrival and convey the farmhouse style. Pathways, lighting, and landscaping should also be
used to help direct visitors to entries. Additional design guidelines include the following:
(1) Entries should be the focus of the front elevation and should be designed to face
the street, whenever possible. As an alternative, consider providing two entries:
one facing the street side and one facing the parking area.
(2) Door style should convey the architectural style. Consider using carriage doors,
barn doors, and Dutch doors when appropriate. Use color to further enhance
entries and convey their importance in the overall composition of the front
elevation design.
(3) Front entries should be covered by a minimum of 48 inches of overhang, porch,
or similar projection to protect visitors from inclement weather conditions.
(4) Door surrounds should consist of wood or wood-like materials with a minimum
dimension of 2x4 inches. Primary entries should be enhanced with a thickened
header, decorative crown, transom lites, side lites, and/or similar features to
distinguish primary entries from secondary building entries.
(5) Entries should be enhanced with rustic lighting fixtures and hardware.
Sliding barn doors are a common feature in farm buildings and provide excellent indoor-outdoor connectivity.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-5
6.1.4 Windows
Window selection and placement should enhance the expression of the farmhouse style,
reflect interior spaces, and provide visual connections to adjacent agricultural spaces.
Additional window design considerations include the following:
(1) Windows should be double hung and/or multi-paned. Multiple panes may be
achieved by providing true divided lights, insert grids or applied grids.
(2) Full window trim is required on all elevations and should consist of wood or
have a wood-like appearance. Consider a thickened header, decorative crown,
and/or extended sills for windows facing porches, courtyards, and other
pedestrian spaces.
(3) Select windows with proportion, shape and size appropriate to the overall
composition of the elevation. Consider the use of ribbon windows, a series of
the same size windows grouped in a row, where appropriate.
(4) Placement of windows should consider the privacy of residential neighbors and
encourage visual surveillance of streets, parking lots, open space areas, and other
public spaces.
(5) When provided, shutters should appear functional and sized to match the size of
the adjacent window.
(6) Window hardware should be rustic and should coordinate with lighting and door
hardware to create a cohesive look.
(7) Select high-performance windows in accordance with CalGreen to promote
energy conservation and thermal comfort.
(8) Windows may be vinyl-wrapped, fiberglass, wood clad or wood.
Ribbon windows located above the porch (left); Windows with proportion, shape and
size appropriate to the overall composition of the elevation (right)
6-6 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
6.1.5 Balconies and Projections
Balconies and projections offer aesthetic and functional benefits. Aesthetically, they
serve to reduce massing of expansive wall planes, create shade and shadow, and offer
visual interest. Balconies can create indoor-outdoor connections, extend second floor
spaces, and provide visual security surveillance of streets, open space areas, parking lots,
and other public spaces from an elevated perspective. The following guidelines are
provided for balconies and projections:
(1) Balconies may be covered or partially recessed into the mass of the roof or
building. Railing and supports should be consistent with the architectural style and
may include painted or stained wood or metal.
(2) Placement of balconies should consider the privacy of adjacent properties.
(3) Architectural projections such as cantilevers and bay windows are encouraged to
add articulation to wall planes.
(4) Outdoor transitions provide single-story massing and extend interior spaces into
exterior community gathering spaces.
Juliet balconies can be designed to express the farmhouse style and provide opportunities to create shade, shadow, and articulation.
Verandas and California Rooms create a transition between interior and exterior community gathering spaces and allow for indoor-outdoor living.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-7
6.1.6 Colors, Materials, and Details
Color, material, and detail selections should reflect the architectural style and covey
high quality design as described in the following guidelines:
(1) Appropriate color schemes include white or light tinted colors for the body and
trim with light or dark accent colors that contrast with the body color or the
opposite with dark tinted colors for the body with light accent colors that contrast
with the body color
(2) High quality, durable siding should be the predominate material expressed on all
non-residential buildings. Multiple siding materials such as siding applied in
another direction, stone, masonry, or similar materials consistent with the
architectural style is required.
(3) Roof materials should consist of high quality flat concrete tile with a shingle
appearance and/or standing seam metal.
(4) Coordinate the color, style, and material of details to create a pleasing and
harmonious composition of features. Appropriate details for the farmhouse style
include louvered vents in gables, weather vanes, window boxes, and rustic or
industrial style hardware and fixtures.
(5) Wrap materials and details from the front elevation around the entire building
such that a similar level of quality and attention is applied.
(6) Ensure material and color changes occur on an inside corner such as a porch,
fireplace, media niche, or similar architectural pop-out such that the material
change is concealed and the material application does not appear to be a false.
When transition of material occurs horizontally, ensure that the transition is
designed to create a finished look.
(7) Rafters and rafter tails should be painted or stained to match the color scheme.
Wall materials
include stucco and
wood and rock
siding. White and
gray body colors
distinguish wall
planes. White trim
is accentuated with
a contrasting red
accent color.
6-8 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
6.1.7 Exterior Lighting and Fixtures
Lighting should focus on providing safety and security while enhancing landscape and
architectural features. The need for lighting must also be balanced with preserving the
rural community character by limiting light sources that reduce the visibility of the
nighttime sky. To this end, lighting designs should be carefully considered to ensure that
they do not create unharmonious relationships between neighbors or result in excessive
sky glow. Appropriate lighting can be achieved as follows:
(1) Provide pedestrian-scale lighting less than 3.5 feet in height along walkways and
entries to welcome visitors, identify primary entries, and create safe well-lit
walking conditions at night.
(2) Use lighting to illuminate dark spaces and maximize the visibility of entry points
into the building and other gathering spaces to deter criminals from hiding.
(3) All lighting should consider neighboring properties by directing and shielding light
downward to avoid spilling onto adjacent properties or into neighboring windows.
(4) When highlighting architectural or landscape features, opt for lighting designs
that can achieve both security and aesthetics.
(5) Where fixtures are not important to reinforcing design, consider concealing light
sources to create clean elevations while maximizing lighting effects.
(6) Addresses should be illuminated so that they are readily visible from the street in
accordance with all fire departments standard.
(7) Parking lot lighting shall be in compliance with the PMC.
(8) Lighting shall comply with “Dark Sky” Policies to the largest extent feasible.
Gooseneck Light fixtures illuminates a porch; Addresses should be illuminated for easy
wayfinding and safety; pathway lighting should direct visitors to entries and provide safety.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-9
6.2 Residential Architecture
The crafting of successful street scenes and neighborhoods relies upon creating a
pleasant combination of homes that do not overwhelm but rather enhance the
community aesthetic. Homes must be scaled appropriately to the size of each lot and in
relationship to one another to ensure a harmonious and high-quality environment.
Homes must also provide enough variation in massing and style to
establish a sense of individuality and avoid street scenes that appear repetitive and
boring. Successful street scenes are achieved by carefully coordinating building designs
that work together to establish variety. The intent of these guidelines
is to provide diverse and interesting street scenes that do not appear as a monotonous
pattern of similar homes.
6.2.1 Architectural Styles
To promote diversity in residential street scene and create individuality between homes,
the palette of architectural styles has been broadened to include a range of styles
compatible with the farm design theme and the eclectic mix of housing styles found
within the surrounding neighborhood. Builders may choose from the following palette of
styles:
• Farmhouse
• Modern
• American Traditional
• Californian Ranch
• Craftsman
• Cottage
• Monterey
The following section describes each architectural style in greater detail. Styles may be
represented as traditional or contemporary interpretations. A summary of Typical
Features is intended to identify the minimum characteristics, such as massing, materials,
and roof form that are needed to successfully express the architectural style. Common
Enhancements includes features that are often but not always found within each
particular style of home. Common Enhancements are provided to inspire additional
design elements that can be added to further support the expression of the selected
style. Common Enhancements may be applied when desirable.
6-10 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
A. Farmhouse
The Farmhouse style represents the typical American farmhouse, which can be found
throughout the United States. Farmhouses allowed farmers and their
families to live near their fields, thereby increasing the productivity and efficiency of the
farm. Farmhouses became a symbol of the rural agrarian style, its simplicity, and
functionality. Originating during colonial times, early examples of the farmhouse style
borrowed design elements from Cape Cod and other Colonial Styles including dormers,
broad and wrapped front porches, and symmetrical massing. As settlement moved
westward, the farmhouse remained a popular choice due to its simplicity and ease of
construction. Modification to the style over time reflected advancements in construction
techniques and the availability of local materials. Symmetry became less important and
elevations included less ornamentation. Today the a resurgence in the popularity of this
style is expressed in the Modern Farmhouse, which combines the predominant design
features expressed with simplified, contemporary lines and minimal but thoughtful
detailing that is rustic and utilitarian in appearance.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-11
Table 6.1: Farmhouse Style Characteristics
Element Typical Features Common Enhancements
Massing • Simple Symmetrical or Asymmetrical Massing
Roof • Steep roof pitch: 6:12 to 12:12
• Gable roof forms
• Deep Overhang: 12”-16”
• Open Eaves
• Smooth, flat concrete tile (shingle appearance)
and/or metal (metal roof materials is limited to
gabled dormers, cupolas, weather veins,
porches, verandas, and accent roofs for the
“Homestead” homes accessed directly from
the public streets (Saint Andrews Drive and
Boca Raton Ln) to ensure compatibility with
the surrounding neighborhood)
• Gabled dormers
• Cupolas
• Weather vanes
Primary
Entry
Features
• Rectangular shaped door
• 2-6 panels and/or glass panes in door
• Simple door surrounds, minimum 2x4
• Front porch with simple squared supports and
shed roof
• Surface mounted lighting at entry to
complement to style
• Porches wrapped around side of the home
• Simple wood railings on porches
• Side lites
• Thickened header trim
• Porch supports with piers, double squared
columns, and/or battered columns
• Dutch door
Windows • Vertical, two-over-two windows on front and
highly visible side and rear elevations
• Simple window surrounds, minimum 2x4
• Bay windows
• Multi-paned windows
• Thickened header trim
• Extended sills
• Shutters
• Window Boxes
Wall
Cladding
• Horizontal and/or Vertical Siding; May be
combined with stucco
• Changes in material type or direction should
occur on an inside plane or be designed to
create a finished look
Garages • Raised panel garage door • Barn door or carriage door appearance
• Windows in garage door
• Surface mounted lighting complementary
to style
Details • Stone or brick chimney
• Louvered attic vents
Colors • Body: Whites or light tinted colors
• Trim: Whites or light shades complementary to
body color
• Accents: Light or dark shades in contrast with
body color
6-12 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
B. Modern
The Modern Style began to emerge as early as the 1930s and reflects a forward thinking
approach to design. Architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra and Rudolph
Schindler believed that architecture could be a catalyst for social change by creating
architecture that reflects refined simplicity and integrates with nature. By creating
flexible, comfortable, and simple yet striking living spaces that focused on function and
connectivity to the outdoors, residents could be influenced to interact with and better
appreciate the natural spaces that surround them. The clean lines and minimal
ornamentation that characterize this style allow modern homes to blend with the
natural landscape and provide strong indoor-outdoor connectivity. Floor plans are
spacious and open to maximize views throughout the home and fill the interior spaces
with natural light. These open designs also allow multi-functional interior spaces that can
be used in variety of ways and encourage families to gather together and connect with
one another. The simplicity of form and style also encourages a more minimalists lifestyle
and aesthetic that focuses on a refined, uncluttered spaces.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-13
Table 6.2: Modern Style Characteristics
Element Typical Features Common Enhancements
Massing • Simple Asymmetrical Massing
• Flat, geometric planes and angles
• Cantilevered sections of house or
balcony without visible supports
Roof • Flat; Low pitch gable: or hip 6:12 to 12:12; or
shed roof forms or various pitches
• No Overhang or very Deep Overhang: 12”-36”
• Smooth, flat concrete tile (shingle appearance)
and/or metal
• Dramatic Asymmetrical Angles
• Cantilevered roof forms
• Exposed roof beams
Primary
Entry
Features
• Rectangular shaped door
• 2-6 panels and/or glass panes in door
• Simple door surrounds, minimum 2x4
• Low, Front stoop
• Surface mounted lighting at entry to
complement to style
• Deeply recessed doors
• Minimal ornamentation
• Side lites
• Thickened header trim
• Heavy piers supporting gables
Windows • Large Expanses of Glass
• Low window heights
• Simple window surrounds, minimum 2x4 or no
window surrounds
• Deeply recessed windows
• Ribbons of vertical rectangular
windows
• Stacked horizontal rectangular
windows
• Corner windows
• Asymmetrical window panes
• Windows that extend floor to ceiling
Wall
Cladding
• Horizontal and/or Vertical Siding; May be
combined with stucco
• Stone or Brick accents
• Changes in material type or direction should
occur on an inside plane or be designed to
create a finished look
Garages • Raised panel garage door • Windows in garage door
• Surface mounted lighting
complementary to style
Details • Minimal ornamentation • Stone or brick chimney
• Large sliding doors that connect to
outdoor spaces
Colors • Body: White or earth tones ranging from dark
to light
• Trim: White or light shades complementary to
body color
• Accents: Light or dark shades in contrast with
body color
• Bright pops of accent colors such as
yellow, red, or blue on front door or
architectural pop-outs
6-14 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
C. American Traditional
Inspired by a variety of American Colonial styles, the American Traditional style
provides a more formal alternative to the Farmhouse style. Developed in the early
twentieth century, the American Traditional Style incorporates elements of the Cape
Cod and New England Colonial styles including white-painted columns, siding, and
shutters with a more relaxed but dignified design. Asymmetrical massing and a
combination of one- and two-story elements represent classic forms of the American
Traditional style. Brick or wood siding, generous window and door surrounds, rounded
or squared columns at porch or entry, dormers, and shutters are also defining features
of this style.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-15
Table 6.3: American Traditional Style Characteristics
Element Typical Features Common Enhancements
Massing • Asymmetrical Massing
Roof • Moderate to Steep roof pitch: 5:12 to 12:12
• Hip or gable roof forms
• Moderate Overhang: 16”-24”
• Open or Closed Eaves
• Smooth, flat concrete tile (shingle or shake
appearance)
• Gabled dormers
• Cupolas
• Gambrel Roof
Primary
Entry
Features
• Rectangular shaped door
• 3 or more panels and/or glass panes in door
• “Wood” door surrounds, minimum 2”x6”
• Front porch with simple squared supports and
shed roof
• Surface mounted lighting at entry to
complement to style
• Covered stoop, porch or portico with round
or square columns
• Decorative crown or pediment over
entry
• Transom window over door
• Side lites or fan lites
Windows • Multi-paned windows on front and highly visible
side and rear elevations
• “Wood” window surrounds on siding, or
stucco on foam
• Minimum 2”x6” Trim
• Bay windows
• Thickened header trim
• Extended sills
• Shutters
• Window Boxes
• Pediment(s)
Wall
Cladding
• Horizontal Siding; May be combined with
stucco
• Changes in material type or direction should
occur on an inside plane or be separated by a
raised horizontal band
Garages • Raised panel garage door • Windows in garage door
• Surface mounted lighting
complementary to style
Details • Simple cornice trim at gable ends • Stone or brick chimney
• Louvered attic vents
Colors • Body: Whites or light tinted colors
• Trim: Whites or light shades complementary to
body color
• Accents: Light or dark shades in contrast with
body color
6-16 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
D. California Ranch
Inspired by the ranch houses and haciendas built in Californian during the late 1800’s,
architect Cliff May adapted this style in the mid 1930’s to meet the needs of large families.
The Ranch home incorporates many of the original design concepts including strong
indoor-outdoor relationships, low-to-the ground and horizontal massing, and casual living
spaces with open floor plans that maximize living space and the enjoyment of California’s
mild climate. Materials typically include siding, brick and stucco. Although Ranch style
homes are predominately single story, two-story ranch homes focus on maintaining
vertical massing through proper roof design and limited or recessed second stories.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-17
Table 6.4: California Ranch Style Characteristics
Element Typical Features Common Enhancements
Massing • Horizontal massing with strong indoor-
outdoor connectivity
• Single story or nested second story
Roof • Roof pitch: 4:12 to 5:12
• Hip and/or gable roof forms
• 18” to 24” deep overhangs
• Open Eaves
• Smooth, flat concrete tile (shingle
appearance)
• Dormers
• Deeper overhangs up to 36
• Exposed rafters
Primary Entry
Features
• Rectangular shaped door
• 2-6 panels and/or glass panes in door
• Simple door surrounds, minimum 2’x6’
• Front porch with simple squared supports
• Surface mounted lighting at entry to
complement to style
• Simple wood railings on porches
• Side lites
• Thickened header trim above door
• Porch supports with double squared
columns or thickened square columns
Windows • Multi-paned windows on front and highly
visible side and rear elevations
• Simple window surrounds, minimum 2’x6’
• Bay window
• Thickened header trim
• Extended sills
• Shutters
• Window boxes
Wall
Cladding
• Horizontal and/or Vertical Siding (may be
combined with stucco) or Stucco with
masonry or shingle siding
• Changes in material should occur on an
inside plane or be separated by a raised
horizontal band
Garages • Raised panel garage door • Carriage door appearance
• Windows in garage door
• Surface mounted lighting
complementary to style
Details • Masonry chimney and accents
• Louvered attic vents
Colors • Body: Light to dark earth tones
• Trim: Off-whites or earth tones to
contracts body color
• Accents: Light or dark shades in contrast
with body color
6-18 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
E. Craftsman
The Craftsman style emerged during the Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 19th
century and was influenced primarily by architects Greene & Greene in Southern
California. The Arts and Crafts movement responded to industrialization and the
production of low-quality mechanized products by focusing on the creation of high-
quality products with artful attention to detail. In the United States, Craftsman
architecture also responded to the overly-ornate and formal Victorian styles that
dominated the previous era. The Craftsman style sought to provide a more relaxed and
comfortable lifestyle by emphasizing the use of natural and rustic looking wood, stone,
and masonry that blend with the landscape and create a more informal and livable home.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-19
Table 6.5: Craftsman Style Characteristics
Element Typical Features Common Enhancements
Massing • Asymmetrical or symmetrical square
massing
• Vertical and horizontal massing breaks
Roof • Low to Moderate Roof pitch: 4:12 to 5:12
• Gable roof forms with multiple planes;
Shed or gabled porch roof
• Deep overhangs, 16”-18”
• Open Eaves
• Smooth, flat concrete tile (shingle
appearance)
• Deeper overhangs up to 36” in depth
• Exposed Roof beams and/or Rafter Tails
• Triangular knee braces
• Extra stick work in gable or roof truss
• Shaped rafter tails
Primary Entry
Features
• Rectangular door
• Door with planked appearance or panels;
for paneled doors, a minimum of 6 panels
and/or window panes
• Porch with square columns on heavy
piers
• Surface mounted lighting at entry to
complement to style
• Grates, speak easy, or lites in door
• Rustic hardware such as strap hinges
• Thickened and/or shaped header trim at
door
• Batted piers
• Stone or brick piers
• Planted arbor
Windows • Vertical, multi-paned windows on front
and highly visible side and rear elevations
• “Wood” on Siding or Stucco on foam
window surrounds
• Large, single hung window
• Line of 3 or more windows
• Thickened and/or shaped header trim
• Extended sills
• Shutters
• “Wood” window boxes
Wall Cladding • Horizontal Siding (may be combined with
stucco on secondary elevations)
• Stone or masonry base and/ or accents
• Shingle siding
Garages • Raised panel garage door • Carriage door appearance
• Windows in garage door
• Surface mounted lighting complementary to
style
• Planted arbor or vine trellis
Details • Stone or masonry chimney
• Stone or masonry accents
• Metal or wood balconies
Colors • Body: Light to dark earth tones
• Trim: Light to dark earth tones that
contrast with body color
• Accents: Light to dark earth tones that
contrast with body color
6-20 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
F. Cottage
The Cottage style gained popularity in the United States during the 1920’s as an
expression of the countryside homes found throughout England and France.
Inspired by Tudor and Norman styles, the Cottage style provides a scaled-down and less
assuming alternative with a rustic charm. The Cottage style is often associated with
small farms and gardens. Defining features include a stucco body enhanced by stone and
brick veneer accents, sculptured gable ends or swooping walls, and feature windows as
dominant components of the front elevation. Entries are typically defined by porches or
stoops with wooden doors. The combination of these elements results in dramatic
curb-side appeal.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-21
Table 6.6: Cottage Style Characteristics
Element Typical Features Common Enhancements
Massing • Asymmetrical Massing
• Vertical Massing Breaks
Roof • Steep Roof pitch: 6:12 to 12:12; Steeper pitch at
front gable(s)
• Main hip roof with secondary gable roof forms
• Dominant front gables, overlapping gables,
and/or multi-level eaves
• Closed eave or slight eave overhangs, 0”-12”
• Smooth, flat concrete tile (shingle appearance)
• Gabled dormers
• Cupolas
• Thickened Fascia
• Flared Eaves
• Metal roof accents at bay or oriel
windows
Primary Entry
Features
• Covered stoop or entry
• Arched door, flat arch door or Rectangular
door within an arch or flat arch shaped entry
• Door with planked appearance or panel door
with a minimum of four panels
• Surface mounted lighting at entry to
complement to style
• Grates, speak easy, or lites in door
• Rustic hardware such as strap hinges
• Case trim over door
• Dutch door
Windows • Vertical, multi-paned windows on front and
highly visible side and rear elevations
• Recessed windows or “Wood” or stucco on
foam window surrounds
• Bay or oriel windows
• Arched windows
• Diagonal-paned windows
• Thickened header trim
• Extended sills
• Shutters
• “Wood” window boxes
• Case trim
Wall
Cladding
• Stucco • Stone or masonry accents
Garages • Raised panel garage door • Carriage door appearance
• Windows in garage door
• Surface mounted lighting
complementary to style
Details • Stone or masonry chimney
• Stone or masonry accents
• Metal or wood balconies
Colors • Body: Light beige, tan or gray; muted blues
yellows, or greens
• Trim: Whites or light shades complementary to
body color
• Accents: Light or dark shades in contrast with
body color
6-22 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
G. Monterey
The Monterey Style originated in Southern California while still under Mexican rule.
Monterey style homes are easily identified by the second story front balcony that
dominates the front elevation. Although, Spanish in origin, the Monterey style often
incorporates materials such as brick and roof shingles, which are typically not expressed
in other Spanish styles. This deviation from the typical Spanish palette of materials
makes the Monterey style highly versatile and complementary to a wide range of other
architectural styles.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-23
Table 6.7: Monterey Style Characteristics
Element Typical Features Common Enhancements
Massing • Symmetrical or Asymmetric, rectangular,
horizontal massing
Roof • Low to Moderate Roof pitch: 4:12 to 7:12
• Gable roof forms
• Shallow to moderate overhang: 12” to 24”
• Open Eaves
• Smooth, flat concrete tile (shingle appearance)
• Dormers
• Deeper overhangs up to 36
• Exposed rafter tails and/or beams
• Shed roof at single story elements or
balcony
Primary Entry
Features
• Rectangular, arched or flat arched shaped door
• Planked or paneled appearance; for paneled
doors, a minimum of 2-6 panels
• Simple door surrounds
• Covered stoop or porch
• Surface mounted lighting at entry to complement
to style
• Grates, speak easy, or limited lites in
door
• Rustic hardware such as strap hinges
• Thickened and/or shaped header trim
at door
• Shaped balcony columns, railings, and
supports
Windows • Vertical, Multi-paned windows on front and highly
visible side and rear elevations
• “Wood” or stucco on foam window surrounds
or recessed windows
• Vertical window groupings
• Thickened and/or shaped header trim
• Extended sills
• Shutters
• Deeply recessed windows
Wall
Cladding
• Stucco • Masonry or masonry accents
Garages • Raised panel garage door • Carriage door appearance
• Surface mounted lighting
complementary to style
• Planted arbor or vine trellis
Details • Covered, open balcony at front elevation,
preferably cantilevered
• “Wood” railing and supports - may be square,
chamfered, or rough hewn
• Masonry chimney and accents
• Brackets, corbels and/or braces,
particular at balcony cantilever
• Metal gates, grills, and similar accents
Colors • Body: White or light beige
• Trim: Off-whites, rust, or light to dark browns
• Accents: Greens, blues, and reds
6-24 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
6.2.2 Street Scene Plotting
The primary goal of these guidelines is to create attractive, diverse, and interesting
street scenes that do not appear as a monotonous pattern of similar homes. To achieve
this goal, the mix of floor plans and elevation styles should seek to achieve the following:
(1) Provide a minimum number of floor plans and elevations for each neighborhood
as follows:
- R-T: Two floor plans (one per unit) with two elevation styles per building
with unifying elements amongst the elevation styles.
- R-G, R-M: Three floor plans with two elevation styles per floor plan with
unifying elements amongst the elevation styles.
- R-C: Four floor plans with three elevation styles per floor plan with unifying
elements amongst the elevation styles.
- R-H: Three floor plans with three elevation styles per floor plan with unifying
elements amongst the elevation styles. Metal roof materials shall be limited
per section 6.2.1.A. Farmhouse.
(2) For each series of elevations, select architectural styles that are noticeably
different in appearance to ensure enough visual variation between homes.
(3) Homes with the same combination of floor plan and elevation style should not
be plotted immediately adjacent to or facing one another.
Diverse street scenes provide a variety of architectural styles, varied massing and
setbacks along the street, and varied ridge heights.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-25
6.2.3 Floor Plan Form and Massing
Floor plan designs should reflect the New Ruralism theme
envisioned by the Specific Plan by creating simple and
functional interior spaces that connect to surrounding
outdoor spaces and encourage family gathering. Open floor
plans that create visual connectivity between kitchen and
living spaces allow the preparation and enjoyment of food
to play a central role in family life. Additionally, the
simplicity of a floor plan may also take into consideration
the efficient use of materials in the construction process.
Designs that utilize simple forms often require less lumber
and resources, supporting sustainability and ease of
construction. Massing of homes should consider the
relationship to other floor plans within the same
neighborhood such that enough diversity is provided
to create a sense of individuality and uniqueness between
each home. Successful floor plan and massing designs can be
achieved as follows:
(1) Start with simple primary structural forms that allow
for open floor plans and efficient framing. Add
simple, secondary structural forms with a minimum
offset of two feet from the primary structure to
achieve meaningful recesses and projections that
break up massing and provide shade and shadow.
(2) Consider the placement and size of secondary
structural forms in relationship to a 24-inch module
to minimize wasted lumber.
(3) Incorporate single-story elements, cantilevers, and
articulation of wall planes of at least two feet along
all visible elevations to break up massing of the
building. Additional architectural elements are
required to side and rear elevations visible from
Espola Road and other roadways, trails, and open
space areas.
(4) Design collections of floor plans for each neighborhood to work together in
creating varied setbacks and an undulation of wall planes along the overall length
of the street on which they are plotted. This can be demonstrated by illustrating
typical plotting scenarios for each neighborhood floor plan set.
Floor plans should be designed with massing in mind to avoid a boxy appearance and provide articulation
along all visible elevations, including side and rear elevations that face streets or other public spaces.
6-26 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
(5) Form and massing between homes should also work together to provide variety
in height, symmetry, massing, architectural style, color and material to create an
eclectic yet complementary street scene.
(6) Provide diversity between floor plans by modifying the location of various spaces
or rooms within the home, designing for symmetrical and asymmetrical massing,
and varying garage locations.
(7) Encourage visual and physical relationships between interior spaces and
surrounding yards and open space to promote mental and emotional
connections to nature.
6.2.4 Roof Forms
The visibility of homes from a distance is heavily
influenced by the variety of roof forms and heights.
The scenic qualities of The Farm in Poway as
perceived from Espola Road will depend largely
upon ensuring the massing, height and scale of
roofs does not dominate the skyline. In addition,
roof form is a defining element of architectural
style and can serve to greatly reduce the perceived
mass and scale of a home from the street. The
following guidelines are provided to soften the
impact of roof massing on individual homes as well
as the overall street scene:
(1) Vary ridge heights, roof forms, and roof
pitch between adjacent homes to avoid
similar building silhouettes and achieve
undulation in the skyline.
(2) Provide a variety of roof forms such as hipped roofs, gabled roofs, shed roofs,
dormers, and the introduction of one-story elements to break up mass,
reinforce style, and create perceptible differences between adjacent homes.
(3) Design rakes and eaves to reflect the architectural style of individual homes and
contribute to the architectural quality of the community.
(4) When provided, exposed rafter tails should measure a minimum of four inches
and be painted or stained to match the color scheme of the home.
(5) When appropriate to style, broad eaves are encouraged to provide passive
shading and cooling.
Vary roof forms and ridge heights within each home and between homes to create diversity in the street scene; Provide roof details such as chimney caps and cupolas as appropriate to style to convey a sense of high quality architecture and reinforce the intended style.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-27
6.2.5 Garage and Motor Court Treatments
Garages often make up a significant portion of the front elevation and therefore
contribute to the appearance of the street scene. The prominence of the garage should
be deemphasized by recessing them a minimum of five feet behind primary living areas
and/or porches or removing them from the street and orienting them toward an
interior Motor Court.
The Cottages (R-C) represent over half of the homes within The Farm in Poway
Community. The Cottages occur in groups of two to four homes designed around a
shared Motor Court space. Similar to the ‘Living Street’ concept found throughout
European farming villages, the Motor Court offers a shared vehicle and pedestrian space
where people not only park their cars but share an outdoor gathering space where
children can play and neighbors can socialize. The benefits of this design include superior
street scenes that remove garage doors by clustering them on the Motor Court and the
creation of a “neighborhood within a neighborhood”. The intimate, shared nature of the
Motor Court space still requires special attention to garage design since they serve as a
“front door” experience for many of the homes and serve as an informal plaza-like
feature for the community.
The following design guidelines are provided to create well-designed Motor Court
spaces and garages. Whether facing a Motor Court or street, garage doors and/or
driveways should be designed to be attractive and varied to provide individuality to each
home. The following addresses the primary considerations for garage design for all
homes within the Specific Plan area:
(1) Driveways should be a minimum of 20 feet in width for two-car garages and 30
feet in width for three-car garages.
(2) All garage doors should be roll-up and recessed a minimum of 6 inches.
(3) Vary garage door appearance according to the architectural style by providing
carriage doors, paneling, planks, patterns, windows, colors, hardware, or other
design features that enhance the garage door’s appearance and quality.
(4) Consider using single garage doors rather than a larger two-car garage door to
create diversity between elevations. A minimum 8-foot wide opening is required
for single-garage doors.
(5) Consider providing additional treatments such as trellises, vine cables, porte
cocheres, gates, or lighting fixtures that either enhance or further deemphasize
the visibility of the garage.
6-28 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
(6) Vary driveway to include ribbon driveways, circular driveways, grids or special
paving treatments to further provide diversity between homes and demonstrate
high quality design. Ensure vehicle maneuvering allows for easy back-up and
turning movements onto streets.
(7) Consider pervious paving materials such as decomposed granite, gravel, and
previous pavers to provide the added benefit of stormwater treatment.
(8) Separate garage spaces to break up large expanses of garage frontage and
provide additional articulation.
(9) In shared Motor Court areas, provide enhanced paving treatments within the
shared portion of the Motor Court. Consider differentiating paving of individual
driveways from the shared Motor Court area to define the driveway as a
designated private parking space.
(10) Use landscaping, paving treatments, patio walls, gates or other design features
within the shared Motor Court area to create an individual character for each
“neighborhood within a neighborhood”.
(11) When designing Motor Court homes, contemplate the massing, scale, setback,
height, mixture of architectural styles, roof lines, color palettes, and other design
considerations of court-facing elevations in relationship to the shared Motor
Court space to ensure diversity, interest, and pedestrian scale.
(12) Incorporate single story elements, porches, courtyards, articulation, and detailing
in elevations facing the Motor Court to provide pedestrian scale, avoid a canyon-
like effect, and contribute to the Motor Court’s design character.
(13) Design homes with front patios, decks, doors and windows that face the
Motor Court space to provide passive visual surveillance and to create an
inviting and comfortable pedestrian environment. Provide adequate lighting for
security and safety.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-29
Variety in garage treatments can include garage door styles, driveway paving, gates, arbors, and more.
6-30 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
6.2.6 Entry Design
The design of front door entries plays a crucial role in establishing curb-appeal and
pedestrian friendly street scenes. The front door represents the interface between the
public realm and private living space. Entries should be the primary focus of the front
elevation. The following apply to entry design:
(1) Front doors should be designed to face the street whenever possible. When
they do not face the street, landscaping, porte cocheres, and other design
treatments should clearly direct visitors to the front door location.
(2) Entry design should be consistent with the intended architectural style to include
door style, material surrounds, lighting, and hardware.
(3) Front entries should be covered by a minimum of 48 inches deep overhang,
porch, or similar projection to protect residents and visitors from inclement
weather conditions.
(4) Incorporate porches, courtyards, stoops, porticos, and other appropriate
elements to enhance primary entries, create a sense of arrival, and express the
intended architectural style.
(5) Use landscaping, color, and material applications to further enhance entries and
convey their importance in the overall composition of the front elevation.
Arbors (left) and porte cocheres (right) provide a sense of arrival and enhance
building entries.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-31
6.2.7 Windows
Windows are a major component to elevation design and can be used to convey the
architectural style of the home. The following guidelines apply to the selection and
placement of windows when designing elevations:
(1) Select windows with proportion, shape and size appropriate to the architectural
style and overall composition of the elevation.
(2) Placement of windows should reflect interior spaces; consider privacy of
neighbors; and encourage visual surveillance of the street, open space areas, and
other public spaces.
(3) When provided, multi-paned windows may be achieved by providing true divided
lights, insert grids or applied grids.
(4) When provided as appropriate to style, shutters should appear functional and
sized to match the size of the adjacent window.
(5) Window hardware and details such as grates and pot shelves should be
appropriate to the architectural style of the home.
Window treatments can include deeply recessed windows (top left), awnings (top right), shutters (bottom left), thickened header trim (right), and more and should be appropriate to style.
6-32 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
(6) Recessed windows should be a
minimum of 12 inches in depth.
(7) Select high-performance windows in
accordance with CalGreen to
promote energy conservation and
thermal comfort.
(8) Windows may be vinyl-wrapped,
fiberglass, wood clad, or wood.
(9) When applied to siding, stone, or
brick, trim materials should consist of
wood or have a wood-like appearance.
On stucco surfaces, trim may consist
of stucco on foam.
6.2.8 Balconies and Projections
Balconies and projections offer aesthetic and functional benefits. Aesthetically they serve
to reduce massing of expansive wall planes, create shade and shadow, and offer visual
interest that can support the expression of an authentic architectural style. Balconies can
create indoor-outdoor connections, extended second floor living, and provide visual
security surveillance of streets, open space areas, and other public spaces from an
elevated perspective. The following guidelines are provided for balconies and projections:
(1) Balconies should be added only when consistent with the selected architectural
style and should reinforce the style through railing, eave, and roof support
design; roof form; and material selection.
(2) Balconies may be covered or partially recessed into the mass of the home or roof.
(3) Placement of balconies should consider the privacy of adjacent homes and windows.
(4) Other architectural projections such as cantilevers, architectural niches, and bay
windows are encouraged to add articulation to wall planes.
Window treatments and articulation on publicly
visible side and rear elevations should be of similar
quality as those on the front elevation.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-33
6.2.9 Exterior Lighting and Fixtures
Lighting of residential lots should focus on providing safety and
security as well as enhancing the street scene. The need for
security and safety must be balanced with preserving the rural
community character. While lighting should be adequate to create
a welcoming appearance from the street, preserving the visibility
of the night sky and the privacy and comfort of adjacent homes is
important to maintaining harmonious relationships between
neighbors or reducing excessive sky glow. Appropriate lighting for
residential lots can be achieved as follows:
(1) Provide lighting along walkways and entries to welcome
visitors and create safe walking conditions at night. Each
home should be provided with at least one light fixture at
each entry to the home.
(2) Use lighting to illuminate dark spaces and maximize the
visibility of entry points into the home to deter criminals
from hiding or breaking in through windows and doors.
(3) All lighting should consider neighboring properties by
directing and shielding light downward to avoid spilling
onto adjacent residences or into neighbor’s windows.
(4) When highlighting architectural or landscape features,
opt for lighting designs that achieve security and aesthetics.
(5) Select lighting fixtures that are complementary in style,
color and material to the architectural design of the home.
Consider using lighting fixtures as focal point features
where appropriate to reinforce architectural style.
(6) Where fixtures are not important to reinforcing design,
consider concealing light sources to create clean elevations
while maximizing lighting effects.
(7) When lighting is provided in garage soffits, light sources should be recessed
and not surface mounted. Consider wall mounted gooseneck lighting or
similar designs that are consistent with the architectural style as an alternative
to soffit lighting.
(8) Addresses should be illuminated so that they are readily visible from the street
in accordance with all fire departments standard.
Light fixtures should be selected as appropriate to the architectural style such as Craftsman (top) and Farmhouse (bottom)
6-34 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
6.2.10 Colors, Materials, and Details
Color, material, and detail selections offer an effective method of creating discernibly
different homes along a street. Selections should reflect the intended architectural style
and should be applied to covey high quality design and construction as described in the
following guidelines:
(1) Select a varied palette of colors and materials that are consistent with the
architectural style of the home and support the agrarian design vision of
the community.
(2) Consider the relationship between the range of colors, hues, and material
between individual palettes to ensure that overall street scenes achieve a
sense of individuality between residences while still resulting in a harmonious
mix of homes.
(3) Select durable roof materials and colors that are consistent with architectural
style and complementary to the selected color schemes.
(4) For each color scheme specify color selections for body, trim, and accents.
Provide a minimum of three colors.
(5) For each neighborhood, provided a minimum of four color schemes. In the
R-C neighborhood, the minimum number of color schemes required
should be increased to six. The same color scheme may be used in more
than one neighborhood.
(6) For each front elevation and elevations visible from the public view, provide a
minimum of two materials such as stucco, siding, stone, masonry, or similar as
appropriate to style. Changes in the direction of siding and/or additional roof
materials may be considered an additional material.
(7) Restrict plotting homes with the same color scheme immediately adjacent to or
facing one another.
(8) Wrap materials and details from the front elevation to visible side and rear
elevations such that a similar level of quality and attention is applied.
(9) Ensure material and color changes occur on an inside corner such as a porch,
fireplace, media niche, or similar architectural pop-out such that the material
change is concealed and the material application does not appear to be a false.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 6-35
The application of materials, colors, and details should convey high-quality design. Material and color changes should occur on inside planes or be otherwise concealed to avoid the appearance of false facades.
6-36 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
6.3 Conformance to Design Guidelines
It shall be the duty of the Community Association to review and approve proposed
construction for compliance with architectural design. Submittal to the City with
Community Association approval constitutes Community Association review and
approval of architectural design. The City reserves the right, but does have the
duty, to review proposed construction for compatibility with Chapter 6,
Architectural Design.
Admin. Draft No.1, April 2019 Grading, Utilities & Services | Page a
Grading, Utilities
& Services
Chapter Seven
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 7-1
Chapter Seven
GRADING, UTILITIES & SERVICES
7.0 Introduction
This chapter provides an overview of the grading plan, utility plans, and services
necessary to support development of The Farm in Poway. The intent is to provide the
basic utilities and services to ensure the community functions properly but also seeks to
conserve resources and protect natural ecosystems by implementing best management
practices, low impact development practices, water and energy conservation measures,
and adequate public services such as schools, fire protection, and public safety.
7.1 Grading and Drainage
The site drains in a general southern direction with the exception of the north. An
existing brow ditch conveys off-site flows from St. Andrews Drive and flows from the
southern portion of the relinquished stone ridge golf course south through the site
discharging into a triple arch culvert beneath Espola Road. Additionally, flows from Tam
O’shanter Drive and Cloudcroft Court also are conveyed through the Specific Plan area
southerly and are discharged into the same triple arch culvert beneath Espola Road as
described above.
7-2 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
In the Northern portion of the site, flows from Boca Raton Lane flow into a brow ditch
and are routed to a pipe that conveys the flow underneath Valle De Lobo Drive and
Villamoura Drive, eventually discharging into the open space near Glen Arven Lane. The
project site north of Tam O’shanter Drive drains in a northerly direction, eventually
discharging into Sycamore Creek. The southerly part of the project site flows towards
Espola Blvd, commingling with flows from Tam O’shanter and Saint Andrew’s Drive
before entering the existing storm drain system. Southerly flows are eventually
discharged into the Peñasquitos 906 watershed.
The Department of Public Works Storm Water and Flood Control Division manages
and maintains the stormwater drain lines within the City to collect storm runoff and
help prevent flooding of developed areas. The stormwater system consists of channels,
gutters, drains, catch basins, and pipes which convey the runoff to receiving water
bodies. The City is located within two watershed management areas: Los Peñasquitos,
which covers 61.7 percent of the City, and San Dieguito. The Specific Plan area falls
within the San Dieguito watershed.
Exhibit 7.1: Conceptual Grading and Drainage Plan illustrates the proposed
grading and drainage concept for The Farm in Poway. Grading of the site respects the
existing topography to the extent feasible for implementing the plan and adheres to the
PMC Grading Standards unless otherwise shown and as recommended by the
geotechnical engineer. Grading for the site is balanced at 508,900 cubic yards of cut and
fill to avoid export or import of dirt. Exhibit 7.2: Conceptual Cut and Fill Map
highlights how dirt will be redistributed throughout the site. Cut and fill slopes are
designed at 2:1 minimum. The cut north of The Club is greater than 30 feet in height (66
feet total) and requires City Council approval.
As illustrated in Exhibit 7.1: Conceptual Grading and Drainage Plan, the
Specific Plan area currently accept stormwater drainage from a number of adjoining
properties. To maintain these existing drainage patterns and minimize drainage impacts
to existing neighborhoods, a series of public bypass storm drains are provided to collect
this stormwater at the Specific Plan area boundary and convey it through the site to the
City’s existing storm drain system downstream.
The grading plan is designed to drain all stormwater from within the Specific Plan area
to swales that convey water to streets or to drain stormwater directly to private
streets. Once in the street, stormwater is collected by catch basins and a private system
of pipes. These pipes then conveyed water to a series of bioretention basis that release
stormwater into the City’s existing system via the bypass storm drains described above
or via existing ditches, channels, or pipes located adjacent to the Specific Plan area.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 7-3
Exhibit 7.1: Conceptual Storm Drain Plan
7-4 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Exhibit 7.2: Conceptual Cut and Fill Map
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 7-5
7.1.1 Stormwater Treatment
The City’s strategy and policy direction is to reduce discharges of pollutants into the
stormwater conveyance system through implementation of best management practices
(BMPs). Adopted in 2015, the City of Poway Jurisdictional Runoff Management
Program includes implementation of BMP requirements, water quality monitoring,
educational outreach, municipal maintenance procedures, and inspection and
enforcement programs. The City conducts annual storm drain facility rehabilitation
and replacement projects as needed. Development projects throughout the City are
required to implement site-specific storm drain improvements and contribute fees
toward regional improvements.
Stormwater runoff collected from the Specific Plan area may contain high sediment loads
and many types of pollutants, including oil and grease, chemicals, pesticides, heavy
metals, bacteria, viruses, and oxygen-demanding compounds. The primary method for
treating this stormwater involves a series of bioretention basins as described in the
previous section. Stormwater is collected and conveyed to these basins via a series of
private catch basins and pipes located within private streets. Once collected, the
bioretention basins are designed to slow the velocity and volume of water, a process
called hydromodification, and treat stormwater through various processes collectively
referred to as bioretention.
Hydromodification is important to protecting stormwater quality by preventing flooding,
sedimentation, and erosion downstream. Flooding of areas that are normally dry can
result in chemicals, fuel, trash, bacteria and other potential pollutants entering our
natural drainage system. Sedimentation and erosion can also damage the environment by
altering the physical characteristics of water bodies that provide habitat for plant and
animal species.
Biofiltration is important to protecting stormwater quality by removing potential
pollutions within water prior to leaving the site. Biofiltration removes pollutants in a
variety of ways:
• Evapotranspiration, the process in which water is transferred from the soil by
evaporation and from plants by transpiration into the air, leaving pollutants behind.
• Nutrient Cycling, the process in which plants extract nutrients, i.e. organic and
inorganic matter that can affect water quality, back into the production of
organic matter.
• Filtration through grasses, grates, and screens that remove pollutants.
7-6 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Detention basins require maintenance by the Community Association to ensure they
continue to operate properly. Maintenance includes repairing erosion, removing
sediment and trash, mowing and managing vegetation, and ensuring filters are not
blocked and are functioning properly. Post treatment, stormwater is released from the
basins into bypass pipes which convey existing ditches, channels or pipes that are part of
the City’s existing storm drain system.
In addition to treatment methods within the stormwater system, pollution prevention
strategies including design standards for trash enclosures, best management practices for
agricultural uses, and Stormwater Pollution Prevention (SWPP) for construction that are
specifically designed to protect stormwater from potential contamination.
7.1.2 Wetland Mitigation
As described in the Biological Resources Report for The Farm in Poway, two sensitive
vegetation communities, freshwater marsh and open water, were identified within the
survey area and impacts will occur to these vegetation communities. In addition, the
freshwater marsh and open water areas, along with an associated concrete-lined channel,
are jurisdictional waters of the U.S. and waters of the State. Mitigation for impacts to
these jurisdictional waters will be achieved through the creation/establishment of
wetlands on-site or as otherwise required.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 7-7
7.2 Domestic Water Source and Supply
The City’s Public Works Department will provide domestic water to The Farm in
Poway. The San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) provides 99 percent of
Poway’s water in the form of untreated water, with the remaining demand met through
recycled water purchased from the City of San Diego. SDCWA is supplied water by the
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), water transfers from the
Imperial Irrigation District, and desalinated water from the Carlsbad Desalination Plant.
MWD water derives primarily from the State Water Project and the Colorado River.
All of this imported water is treated locally at the City’s water treatment plant and then
distributed via a complex and comprehensive system of pumps and pipes.
Over the past decade, water in California has become an increasing concern. Severe
droughts have resulted in a host of issues related to water quality and adequate supply to
serve the state’s growing population. Recognizes the importance of conserving and
efficiently managing limited water resources, the City adopted the 2015 Urban Water
Management Plan (UWMP). The UWMP provides a framework for Poway’s long-term
water management and provides public information regarding planning efforts to ensure
an adequate supply of clean and potable water remains available for existing and future
homes and businesses. The UWMP is updated every five years. Any future modification to
the Specific Plan’s water distribution system shall comply with the most current UWMP.
A series of regional SDCWA pipelines are located within and adjacent to the Specific Plan
area: the Ramona pipeline, a 38-inch pipeline, is located in Espola Road; and two parallel
pipelines are located in an existing right-of-way that runs diagonally through the site. These
pipelines will be protected in place and uses have been restricted within the SDCWA right-
of-way that runs through the site to ensure the long term protection of these pipelines.
The project is located within two service areas known as the 865 and 910 Zones. The 865
Zone is the largest and primary pressures zone in the City with all other zones supplied
by the 910. The hydraulic grade line (HLG) for the 865 Zone is set by the high water level
in the Berglund Treatment Plant Clearwell, 865 feet. The Pomerado Tank also serves the
865 Zone but has a high water level of 816 feet. The nearby Cloudfcroft Pump Station
(PS), just east of the Specific Plan area, serves the 910 Zone Boca Raton Tanks.
The water system proposed for the Specific Plan consists of a series of 12-inch pipes, as
illustrated in Exhibit 7.3: Conceptual Water Master Plan, to create a looped
system that serves all properties within the site. Portions of existing pipes will be
removed, as shown, based upon rerouting of water distribution through the Specific
Plan area such that any existing loops in the system that serve adjacent properties are
maintained. Lots facing St. Andrews Drive and Boca Raton Lane will connect directly
into existing pipes within these streets.
7-8 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Exhibit 7.3: Conceptual Water Master Plan
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 7-9
Other than fire flow criteria, no specific water demands were provided by the Water
System Analysis prepared for the Specific Plan. In conformance with the water demands
established in the 2009 Potable Water Master Plan Update, and based on the land use
types, lot sizes and development densities, the following unit water demands for Rural
Residential (RR-C),1.12 gallons per minute per acre (gpm/ac), was used. Combining the
unit demand with the combined approximate acreage of 118 acres, a total average
annual water demand of 132.2 gpm is estimated.
The initial water analysis was conducted assuming all proposed onsite pipes were 8-inch.
A fire flow of 1,500 gpm was placed at various proposed fire hydrants throughout the
Project. Results show that the fire flow design criteria are satisfied with a minimum of
20 pounds per square inch (psi) at nodes in the vicinity of the fire, and a maximum
velocity of less than 15 feet per second (fps) throughout the site with all 8-inch piping. In
addition, it was determined that the proposed connection to the existing four-inch in
Cloudcroft would not require upsizing the four-inch in order to provide service to the
Project. No offsite improvements are necessary to service the Project.
Water conservation measures required within the Specific Plan area include the
following:
• Low flow toilets and fixtures per CalGreen Standards
• Drought tolerant landscaping
• Smart irrigation controllers
• Mulching
• Hydrozoning
• All other water conservation requirements per CalGreen, the City’s Landscape
Efficiency Ordinance, and other applicable State, regional, and local regulations.
7.3 Wastewater
Wastewater includes water collected from sinks, toilets, and showers and is conveyed
into the sanitary sewer system. The sewer system in the City of Poway is outlined in the
City’s Sanitary Sewer Master Plan. Wastewater collection and the sewage system are
maintained and operated by the City’s Public Works Department to ensure sufficient
capacity is available for dry weather peak-flow conditions and storm or wet weather
events. Wastewater collected in the City’s sewage system is conveyed through the City
of San Diego’s Municipal Wastewater System for conveyance , treatment and disposal,
and the Metro System for treatment at either the North City Water Reclamation Plant
or the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The existing sewer system serving the Specific Plan area consists of local gravity lines
and Lift Station No. 2 (Saint Andrews) and a force main. The northerly portion of the
Specific Plan area is currently served by gravity lines in Saint Andrews Road and Tam
7-10 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
O’Shanter Drive, which covey flow northerly to Lift Station No. 2. The southerly
portion of the Specific Plan area is served by existing gravity lines in Tam O’Shanter
Drive and Cloudcroft Drive, which convey flows south, through the Specific Plan area,
and connect with flows in Saint Andrews Road. Then they are conveyed south to an
existing 12-inch line in Martincoit Road. The Martincoit line is currently being upgraded
by the City as part of a capital improvement project.
Development with The Farm in Poway is estimated to generate 34,800 gallons per day
(gpd) of wastewater. Most existing gravity lines within the Specific Plan area will be
replaced by a new system of gravity lines. The majority of lots within the Specific Plan
area will be served by this new gravity sewer system and/or by the existing gravity
system that surrounds the Specific Plan area. The proposed wastewater system is
illustrated in Exhibit 7.4: Conceptual Sewer Master Plan.
Most lots in the northerly portion of the Specific Plan area will connect directly into to
existing gravity lines via laterals or via new eight-inch gravity lines that convey flows to
existing Lift Station No. 2 at St. Andrews Drive; however, there are four proposed
residential lots in the northeast corner of the site that cannot currently flow by gravity
north or south to connect to the existing sewer system. These lots will be served by
one of two options:
(1) Installing a gravity flow sewer to the east and connecting to the existing system
located in Indian Canyon Lane, which is associated with Old Coach Estates.
(2) Construction of private individual grinder pump systems. Each lot requires a
grinder pump force main to convey flows northerly to the existing gravity sewer
system on Saint Andrews Road.
Lots in the southwest corner of the site will convey flows westerly and tie into an
existing eight-inch gravity line at the intersection of Espola Road and Valle Verde Road,
which will then convey flows south in Valley Verde Road.
The remaining lots in the southerly portion of the site will be served by newly
constructed gravity lines and realigned eight-inch lines. These on-site lines will have
capacity to convey flows from off-site areas, including flows received from the Saint
Andrews Lift Station. Gravity lines in the very south portion of the site will also have
capacity to convey flows from City Lift Station No. 1.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 7-11
Exhibit 7.4: Conceptual Sewer Master Plan
7-12 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
7.4 Solid Waste
The City contracts with a private hauler, EDCO, for residential and commercial solid
waste and recycling pickup and disposal. As part of Poway’s comprehensive waste
reduction and recycling program, the solid waste franchisee provides single-stream
commingled recycling, green waste, and biannual self-haul events for bulky items. EDCO
currently operated six certified recycling buyback centers, two material recovery
facilities (MFRs), six transfer stations, and two mixed construction demolition and inert
(CDI) processing facilitates with a goal of achieving zero waste. In 2017, EDCO diverted
over 619,575 tons from the landfill. All development within the Specific Plan area will
comply with City, County, State, and CalGreen requirements regarding recycling and
waste disposal, which include design standards for trash enclosures as specified in
Chapter 3.
According to CalRecycle, the 2016 per capital disposal rate estimate, using SB 1016’s
measurement system, is 4.9 pounds per resident per day. Upon initiation of an account,
all new homes will be provided with three bins: a 35 gallon or 95 gallon trash (black) bin,
a 65 gallon recycling (blue) bin, and a 35 gallon or 95 gallon yard (green) waste bin.
According to CalRecycle, the 2016 per capital disposal rate estimate for commercial
uses in 11.4 pounds per employee per day; however, the amount and type of waste
varies greatly depending upon the use. For instance, office uses generate more paper
waste while restaurants generate more organic waste.
Commercial uses will be provided with dumpsters for trash, recycling and organic
waste. In October of 2014, California adopted Assembly Bill 1826, requiring all
businesses to recycle their organic waste beginning April 1, 2016. Organic waste
includes landscape waste, food, and compostable paper. The phase-in of this mandate
helps California to achieve its overall waste diversion (75 percent by 2020) and
greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. In accordance with these new standards,
commercial uses will be provided with three dumpsters: one for trash, one for
recyclables, and one for organic waste. Construction waste will be recycled in
accordance with the requirements of CalGreen.
Waste collected from the Specific Plan area will be taken to either recovery facilities
(MFRs): the Escondido Resource Recovery (ERR) Center or the Ramona facility. The
ERR facility was opened on June 30, 2017, which provides commingled recycling, mixed
waste processing, and an anaerobic digester. The Ramona facility includes a newly
opened organics facility, transfer station, and recycling buyback center.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 7-13
7.5 Electricity and Natural Gas
Electrical power and natural gas are provided by San Diego Gas and Electric. No major
improvements to the local distribution networks will be needed to support the growth
facilitated by this Specific Plan. Work with dry utility providers to ensure utility systems
have adequate capacity to serve future residential and commercial uses.
New development within the Specific Plan area will be required to meet the
requirements of the California Energy Code (Title 24) and CalGreen. Title 24 and
CalGreen include the most stringent requirements for energy conservation in the
Country. To meet these requirements, all new development within the Specific Plan
area will include rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, energy efficient lighting and
appliances, cool roofs, energy efficient windows, and other design features that
significantly conserve energy.
7.6 Broadband and Telecommunications
Broadband and telecommunications services are provided by Cox Communications,
Spectrum, AT&T, and Windstream Communications. Users have choices, and the
available systems provide appropriate facilities and services to meet the needs of land
uses along the Poway Road corridor.
7.7 Schools
The Specific Plan area falls within the boundaries of the Poway Unified School District
(PUSD). Poway Unified School District serves the City of Poway as well as surrounding
communities. Table 7.1: Projected Students illustrates the number of new students
anticipated by development within the Specific Plan area based upon estimates provided
by the PUSD in a letter dated June 7, 20191.
Table 7.1: Projected Students
School Education
Level
Total Projected
Students
Elementary (K-5) 62
Middle (6-8) 23
High (9-12) 20
Total 105
7-14 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
The assigned elementary school (Grades K-5) for the Specific Plan area is Chaparral
Elementary School. Chaparral Elementary School has a capacity of 1,155 students.
Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year was 946 students. The proposed project is
projected to add an additional 62 elementary school students, resulting in a total of
1,008 student.
The assigned Middle School (Grades 6-8) for the Specific Plan area is Twin Peaks Middle
School. Twin Peaks Middle School has a capacity of 1,496 students. Enrollment for the
2022-2023 school year was 1,132 students. The proposed project is projected to add an
additional 23middle school students resulting in a total of 1,155 student.
The assigned High School (Grades 9-12) for the Specific Plan area is Poway High School.
Poway High School has a capacity of 2,950 students. Enrollment for the 2022-2023
school year was 2,151 students. The proposed project is projected to add an additional
20 high school students, resulting in a total of 2,171 students.
Although capacity appears to be available at the assigned schools that would serve
students from the proposed project, PUSD has indicated concerns that Chaparral
Elementary may become impacted as a result of new developments, including the
proposed project1. In addition, PUSD’s School Facility Needs Analysis also identified
deficient capacity within the District may exist at the middle school level2. Due to
possible overcrowding, PUSD cannot ensure that all students would be accommodated.
However, schools are funded through the payment of development impact fees pursuant
to SB 50/Government Code Section 65995, which would be paid prior to issuance of
building permits. Pursuant to Education Code Section 17620(a)(l), the governing board
of any school district is authorized to levy a fee, charge, dedication, or other
requirement against any construction within the boundaries of the District, for the
purpose of funding the construction or reconstruction of school facilities. The applicant
would be required to pay SB50 fees, in accordance with SB50 alternative school fees
prior to building permit issuance. According to SB 50, payment of developer impact fees
constitutes adequate mitigation related to impacts to school facilities.
_________________________________________________________________
1. Ron Little, PUSD, to David DeVries, City of Poway, June 7, 2019
2. Poway Unified School District, School Facilities Needs Analysis, September 13, 2018
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 7-15
7.8 Fire Prevention and Services
The Poway Fire Department currently consist of five chief officers, 48 sworn fire
suppression personnel, two fire prevention staff, one senior administrative assistant and
one disaster preparedness coordinator. The command staff is made up of the Fire Chief,
the Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal, and three shift Battalion Chiefs. The City Manager’s
Office has the additional responsibility of administering the San Diego County Sheriff’s
Office law enforcement contract within the City of Poway.
The nearest fire station to the Specific Plan area is located less than half a mile east, on
Westling Court, just off Espola Road. Response time to the furthest planned home
within the planning is well within the five-minute response standards maintained by the
Fire Department.
A small area in the northeast portion of the Specific Plan area is located within the
VHFHSZ as illustrated in Exhibit 7.5: Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
(VHFHSZ) Map. Proposed homes within the VHFHSZ include most of the homes
within the R-H land use district. Development standards for the R-H District reflect the
fire hazard designation in this area and include additional setback and building standards
(Please refer to Section 3.12.). In addition, all new development shall be required to
comply with the Fire Management Plan prepared for The Farm in Poway.
Although the remainder of the Specific Plan area is not designed as VHFHSZ, fire
remains a serious concern for all new residential development throughout the State of
California. To address these concerns, fire prevention standards for all new
construction within the Specific Plan area are provided in Section 3.12.
7-16 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Exhibit 7.5: Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) Map
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 7-17
7.9 Public Safety and Emergency Services
The City of Poway contracts with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department for Law
Enforcement Services. The Poway station, located near City Hall in downtown Poway,
provides patrol, traffic, and investigative services for the entire City. The Poway station
currently consist of 45 sworn personnel, six civilians, 13 reserve deputies and 55 Senior
Volunteer patrol personnel. Poway enjoys consistently low crime rates.
Emergency medical services, including ambulance transportation, are provided by the
City of Poway as part of the Poway Fire Department operations. The nearest emergency
facility, Palomar Medical Center-Poway, is located 3.5 miles away on Pomerado Road.
The City of Poway also administers the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Program, which educates the residents of Poway and adjacent cities about disaster
preparedness. Once a year, the City of Poway offers a CERT academy.
The program provides training in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, simple
search and rescue, and basic first aid, terrorism, emergency preparedness, and disaster
psychology. Graduates of the program or an equivalent CERT course are eligible to
apply for membership in Poway’s CERT and are required to attend two trainings or
community events each calendar year. CERT members must be 18 years or older.
Admin. Draft No.1, April 2019 Implementation & Administration | Page a
Implementation
& Administration
Chapter Eight
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 8-1
Chapter Eight
IMPLEMENTATION & ADMINISTRATION
8.0 Introduction
Implementation of The Farm in Poway Specific Plan relies upon private investment and
the systematic phasing of improvements. This chapter identifies the steps that need to
be taken following Specific Plan approval and the financing mechanisms needed for the
long-term maintenance of the community. This chapter also provides the City with
guidance on proper administration of the Specific Plan, which includes the review of all
future development and permit applications, enforcement of Specific Plan standards
and approved Conditional Use Permits within the Specific Plan area, and proposed
amendments to the Specific Plan that may occur in the future. Future applications shall
be reviewed for consistency with the policies, design guidelines, and regulations of the
Specific Plan.
8-2 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
8.1 Implementation
Implementation of the Specific Plan requires the approval of a Tentative Map,
Development Plan, and Final Map by City Council followed by a voter approval pursuant
to the Proposition FF. Once approved and upon review and issuance of grading permits
the site will be graded in accordance with Section 7.1. Grading is anticipated to begin as
early as November 2021 and will be completed in one phase. Grading activities are
anticipated to last approximately one year. Trails will be established as part of the grading.
Construction of homes and most major amenity buildings will be phased over
approximately 3-5 years. Phases are anticipated to occur as shown in Exhibit 8.1:
Conceptual Building Construction Phasing; however, phases may occur
non-sequentially and/or concurrently depending upon market conditions at the
time of construction.
8.2 Financing & Maintenance
The physical improvements described in The Farm in Poway Specific Plan will be
financed entirely by private investment. The following sections describes the
funding mechanisms to provide long-term maintenance of the Specific Plan area
and provide public services to support the Specific Plan area.
8.2.1 Development Impact Fees
Development Impact Fees (DIF) are imposed on new developments to finance the
proportional demand for infrastructure and services created by the new development.
The Mitigation Fee Act requires that local jurisdiction establish a nexus between
proposed fees and new development to ensure that each project pays only its
proportional share of the cost. Developers of the Specific Plan will pay all Development
Fees required by the City of Poway in accordance with the City’s approved DIF
Schedule. The developer will also be required to pay development impact fees to the
Poway Unified School District.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 8-3
Exhibit 8.1: Conceptual Building Construction Phasing
Not to Scale
8-4 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
8.2.2 Community Association
All properties designated as OS-C and OS-R shall be deed restricted to ensure that they
remain open space in perpetuity and that they cannot be further developed into
residential uses in the future. Maintenance and operation of the community will be
financed through a Community Association (Association), which may consist of a master
association and/or sub-associations including home owner, business owner and/or
property owner associations, who will be responsible for all private streets, common
utilities, common area landscaping, and other commonly held properties and facilities. The
Community Association will also be responsible for enforcement of the community’s
Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) to ensure that privately owned properties
comply with the Specific Plan and are properly maintained to protect, preserve, and
enhance property values in the community and surrounding neighborhoods. A schedule of
fines and penalties shall be included in the CC&Rs to allow enforcement. Exhibit 8.2:
Ownership, Maintenance Responsibilities & Public Access illustrates the
anticipated ownership and maintenance responsibilities of various non-residential parcels.
The exhibit also indicates what areas are anticipated to be available for public access and
which areas are anticipated to remain private. Trails, streets, the Meadow park, the dog
park, and tot lot are required to be open to the public.
Active agricultural operations shall be required to be managed by one or more
professional farmers or farming entities. Community gardens shall also be required to be
managed by a professional entity familiar with farming and gardening practices. The
intent is to ensure that these open space resources remain in compliance with the
Specific Plan and remain healthy, safe, and active.
The Community Association and/or a sub-association(s) shall contract with qualified
professionals for the long-term care and maintenance of the bioretention basins and fuel
modification zones to ensure they continue to function properly and comply with the
Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) and Fire Management Plans associated with
this Specific Plan. Maintenance shall occur frequently as required by the City of Poway.
Trails and private streets within the Specific Plan area will be maintained by the
Community Association and/or a sub-association(s) and shall remain open for public use.
The section of trail and landscape along Espola Road fronting the property, including
areas within the public right-of-way, will also remain open to the public but will be
privately owned and maintained. Motor courts will be private and shall be maintained by
the Community Association or a sub-association.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 8-5
Exhibit 8.2: Ownership, Maintenance Responsibilities, and Public Access
Not to Scale
8-6 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
The Community Association shall also be responsible for enforcing the management and
maintenance of all uses within the OS-R land use district. Privately owned facilities
identified in Exhibit 8.2 may be owned and/or operated by private or non-profit entities
to provide the recreational, social, and educational amenities envisioned by the Specific
Plan. Uses may consist of a combination of facilities for the exclusive use of residents
and/or facilities that are open to the public.
8.2.3 Exactions
Cities may exact additional fees or in-lieu payments from developers or property
owners to finance anticipated impacts. Exactions that may apply to the Specific Plan may
include affordable housing in-lieu and other fees to offset the impacts that the new
project has on services.
8.3 Specific Plan Administration
The Specific Plan serves as the implementation tool for the General Plan by establishing
the development regulations, permissible uses, performance standards, and other
standards for the Specific Plan area. The Specific Plan addresses general provisions,
permitted uses, development and design standards, design guidelines, mobility
improvements and infrastructure. All development proposals within the Specific Plan
area are subject to the procedures established herein and all state and federal
requirements. The Specific Plan shall be administered and regulated in accordance with
the PMC unless otherwise specified herein.
8.3.1 Interpretation
As specified in Section 17.02.040 (Clarification of ambiguity) of the PMC, unless
otherwise provided, any ambiguity concerning the content or application of the Specific
Plan is resolved by the review authority or the Development Services Director
(Director) in a manner consistent with the goals, policies, purposes, and intent
established in this Specific Plan and subsequently, the General Plan.
8.3.2 Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phase, or portion of this Specific Plan, or
any future amendments or additions, is for any reason held to be invalid or
unconstitutional by the decision of any court or competent jurisdiction, such decision
shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Specific Plan or any future
amendments or additions.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 8-7
8.3.3 Environmental Review
The EIR for the Specific Plan area addresses project-specific environmental review for
the project described by the Specific Plan. Future amendments may require additional
specific environmental review as necessary if they do not substantially conform with the
Specific Plan. This could include targeted studies on one or more identified
environmental concerns. The City will make these determinations, and environmental
review may be incorporated into the development review process.
8.3.4 Proposition FF
Except for Minor Modifications, Future Specific Plan amendments to the Open Space
Recreation (OS-R) and the Open Space Conservation (OS-C) zoning districts shall
require a Proposition FF city-wide vote of the people. The Development Services
Director reserves the right to interpret land uses to substantially conform or to be
substantially similar or consistent with one or more of the allowable land uses and/or
the purpose and intent of the OS-R and OS-C zoning districts.
8.3.5 Review and Approval Process
All development and uses proposed within The Farm in Poway Specific Plan shall
substantially conform with the provisions of this Specific Plan. Chapter 17.52
(Development Review Procedure) of the PMC sets forth development review
requirements and process for approval of projects, which shall apply to projects
proposed within the Specific Plan area.
8.3.6 Substantial Conformance
Substantial conformance means that any proposed activity, construction and
development complies with The Farm in Poway Specific Plan, adopted mitigation
measures, and project conditions of approval, where no additional units (except
accessory dwelling units), property, or parcels beyond that provided by the Specific Plan
or approved map are involved, approved minimum lot sizes are maintained, proposed
construction is consistent with the architectural guidelines provided in the Specific Plan,
no grading beyond substantial conformance limits is proposed, and no significant
environmental impact is created. The Director or their designees shall make a
determination of substantial conformance prior to the issuance of any permits or
approval of plans. No written determination is required provided that plans submitted
to the City for approval exhibit substantial conformance with The Farm in Poway
Specific Plan. Plans found not to be in substantial conformance shall not be approved and
shall be revised or a Specific Plan amendment shall be required.
8-8 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
8.3.7 Administrative Adjustments
The Administrative Adjustment review process allows limited exceptions to certain
development standards. An application for an Administrative Adjustment is processed
administratively through an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) as described in Section
8.3.10 without the submission of a formal Variance filed on forms provided by the
Director and shall include data and plans as required to make an investigation and
evaluation of the application. Fees shall be paid as established by City Council resolution.
A property owner or authorized agent of the property owner shall file an Administrative
Adjustment application whenever any one of the following deviations from the provisions
of this Specific Plan is proposed:
(1) Alteration of a condition of approval for an approved Conditional Use Permit or
development agreement.
(2) For non-residential uses, when one or more uses occurs on-site, the required
number of parking spaces for each use shall be provided unless otherwise
approved by the Director of Development Services based on uses operating at
separate times or as determined by a professional Shared Parking Study.
(3) Reduction of required setbacks by up to 10 percent.
(4) Other Standards. A reduction in any other numeric development standard,
excluding density or height, not exceeding 10 percent.
The Director shall reserve the right to refer any proposed alteration, reduction, or
other adjustment to the City Council for consideration.
8.3.8 Administrative Adjustments Review and Findings
The Director, or the City Council upon referral, may approve and/or modify an
Administrative Adjustment application in whole or in part, with or without conditions, if
the applicant can demonstrate that the circumstances of the particular case can justify
making the following findings.
(1) The requested adjustment will not interfere with the purpose and intent of the
regulations for the land use district in which the property is located.
(2) The approval or conditional approval of the adjustment will not be injurious to
adjacent property or the surrounding area.
(3) The approval or conditional approval of the adjustment will promote the general
welfare and will not adversely affect the goals and policies of the City of Poway
General Plan.
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 8-9
(4) The plans for construction and/or development resulting from approval or
conditional approval of the adjustment results in a superior design solution that
enhances the visual quality, use, and function of the site and surrounding area.
(5) Special circumstances exist that justify a deviation in the minimum
required standard.
Public notice for an Administrative Adjustment may be required at the discretion of the
Director. Refer to the PMC for public noticing procedures.
Any decision of the Director may be appealed in accordance with PMC Chapter 2.20.
Appeals shall be filed on forms provided by the Development Services Department and
shall require a payment of a fee established by City Council resolution.
8.3.9 Specific Plan Minor Modifications and Amendments
Modifications to the text or exhibits of this Specific Plan may be warranted to
accommodate unforeseen conditions or events. The City will process revisions in a
manner pursuant to the provisions in this section.
A. Minor Modifications
Minor Modifications to the Specific Plan are processed administratively through a
Specific Plan Amendment application with approval by the Director of Development
Services and do not require a public hearing or review by the City Council. The
Director shall reserve the right to refer any Decision to the City Council. The Director
shall have the authority to make modifications to the Specific Plan as follows:
(1) Additions, deletions, or modifications to Table 3.2: Permissible Open Space
Uses and Table 3.5: Permissible Residential Uses which include uses similar to
a use already listed and are consistent with the purpose and intent of the
particular district and the Environmental Impact Report for the Specific Plan,
provided that density, intensity, and traffic, are not increased.
(2) Minor modifications to design guidelines for architectural features and materials,
landscape treatments, lighting, and signage which are consistent and compatible
with the surrounding area and neighborhoods.
(3) Revisions to exhibits in the Specific Plan that do not (a) substantially change the
Specific Plan’s Purpose, Authority, Vision or Objectives; (b) reduce setbacks to
specific plan boundaries.
8-10 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
(4) Modifications to the Specific Plan that are of a similar magnitude to those listed
above, which are deemed minor by the Director and conform to the Purpose,
Authority, Vision and Objectives of this Specific Plan.
Public notice for a Minor Modification may also be required at the discretion of the
Director. Refer to the PMC for public noticing procedures.
Any decision of the Director may be appealed in accordance with PMC Chapter 2.20.
Appeals shall be filed on forms provided by the Development Services Department and
shall require a payment of a fee established by City Council resolution.
B. Amendments
Proposed changes to this Specific Plan that do not meet the criteria for a Minor
Modification shall be subject to a formal Specific Plan Amendment process pursuant to
Chapter 17.47 (Specific Plan Regulations) of the PMC. All Specific Plan Amendments shall
be found consistent with the Poway General Plan in compliance with Government Code
Section 65454. Except for Minor Modifications, Specific Plan amendments to the OS-R
and the OS-C zoning districts shall require a Proposition FF city-wide vote of the
people. The Development Services Director reserves the right to interpret land uses to
substantially conform or to be substantially similar or consistent with one or more of
the allowable land uses provided in and/or the purpose and intent of the OS-R and OS-
C zoning districts. The Specific Plan may be amended as often as deemed necessary by
the City Council in compliance with Government Code Section 65453.
8.3.10 Administrative Use Permit
The Administrative Use Permit process is established to provide for administrative
review of certain applications that may require special considerations and imposition of
specific conditions because of their unusual characteristics. This review process allows
consideration with respect to the objectives of this Specific Plan and potential effects
on surrounding properties. To achieve these purposes, the Development Services
Director or his/her designee is empowered to grant and to deny applications for
Administrative Use Permits for such uses in such land use districts as are prescribed in
Table 3.1: Land Use Summary of this Specific Plan, and to impose reasonable
conditions upon the granting of Administrative Use Permits. Administrative Use
Permits are subject to the following:
The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 8-11
A. Application and Fees
An application for an Administrative Use Permit shall be filed on forms provided by the
Director and shall include the data and plans set forth in PMC Section
17.48.020. Fees shall be paid as established by City Council resolution.
B. Investigation and Report
The Director shall make an investigation of the application and shall prepare a Notice of
Decision identifying the proposed action to be taken, as well as any conditions to be
applied to the application.
C. Action
Prior to acting to approve, approve with conditions, or deny an application for an
Administrative Use Permit, the Director shall provide notice to property owners within
500 feet of the exterior boundaries of the subject property. The notice shall state that
the Director will decide whether to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the
Administrative Use Permit application on a date specified in
the notice, and that a public hearing will be held only if requested in writing by any
interested person before the specified date for the decision.
Any written request for a public hearing shall be based on issues of significance directly
related to the application. If the Director determines that the evidence has merit and
can be properly addressed by a condition(s) added to the Administrative Use Permit
approval, the Director may consider the permit in compliance the Findings requirements
below and not conduct a public hearing.
If a public hearing is requested and the provisions of the paragraph above do not apply, a
hearing before the Director shall be scheduled, noticed, and conducted.
D. Required Findings
The Director or City Council shall make all of the following findings before granting or
modifying an Administrative Use Permit:
(1) The proposed location size, design and operating characteristics of the proposed
use are in conformance with this Specific Plan, the purpose of the land use
district in which the site is located, and the City’s General Plan.
(2) The location, size, design, and operating characteristics of the proposed use will
be compatible with and will not adversely affect or be materially detrimental to
adjacent uses, residents, buildings, structures or natural resources.
8-12 The Farm in Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
(3) Adequate public facilities, services, and utilities are available to serve the property.
(4) No harmful effect upon desirable neighborhood characteristics will result from
the proposed use.
(5) The generation of traffic associated with the proposed use will not adversely
impact the capacity and physical character of surrounding streets and/or the
Transportation Element of the General Plan.
(6) The site is suitable for the type and intensity of use or development which
is proposed.
(7) There will not be significant harmful effects upon environmental quality and
natural resources.
(8) There are no other relevant negative impacts of the proposed use that cannot
be mitigated.
(9) The proposed use will comply with each of the applicable provisions of this
Specific Plan.
E. Notice of Decision
Within five days of rendering a decision on an Administrative Use Permit, the Director
shall notify the applicant in writing of the decision. Any decision of the Director may be
appealed in accordance with PMC Chapter 2.20. The Suspension and revocation, New
applications, Use permit to run with the land and Annual review sections and provisions
for conditional use permits in Chapter 17.48 of the PMC shall apply to Administrative
Use Permits.
8.3.11 Appeals
All appeals pertaining to a determination or interpretation of The Farm in Poway
Specific Plan shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2.20 of the PMC.
Admin. Draft No.1, April 2019 Definitions | Page A-a
Glossary
The Farm In Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 A-1
Glossary
Unless otherwise specified herein, all terms used within The Farm in Poway Specific Plan
shall be defined pursuant to the Poway Municipal Code. Definitions for terms used in
this Specific Plan include the following:
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): As defined in PMC.
Agriculture: The practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing
of crops. For purposes of this Specific Plan, Agriculture shall not include animal keeping.
Alternative Vehicles: Golf carts, neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), and similar
low speed vehicles (LSVs) that provide an alternative to traditional single occupancy
vehicle use in compliance with private roadway State regulations.
Aquaponic Ponds: A pond designed to combine aquaculture (raising fish) and
hydroponics (the soil-less growing of plants) that grows fish and plants together in one
integrated system. The fish waste provides an organic food source for the plants, and
the plants naturally filter the water for the fish.
Best Management Practices: Methods or techniques found to be the most
effective and practical means in achieving an objective such as water quality preservation,
pollution prevention, noise abatement, and similar.
Best Practices: See “Best Management Practices”
A-2 The Farm In Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Biodynamic Farming: A form of alternative agriculture very similar to organic
farming, but it includes various esoteric concepts drawn from the ideas of Rudolf Steiner
(1861–1925).
Bioretention: The process in which contaminants and sedimentation are removed
from stormwater runoff. Stormwater is collected into the treatment area which consists
of a grass buffer strip, sand bed, ponding area, organic layer or mulch layer, planting soil,
and plants. Bioretention shall be in compliance with the approved Storm Water
Management Plan (SWMP).
Butterfly Research and Education Center: A center dedicated to the
conservation of native butterfly species, other important pollinators, and their habitat
through education and research.
CalGreen: Part 11 of the California Building Standards Code and is the first statewide
“green” building code in the US.
Climate Change: A broad range of global phenomena believed to be created
predominantly by burning fossil fuels, which add heat-trapping gases to Earth’s atmosphere.
Community Association: A private association often formed by a real estate
developer or group of neighbors for the purpose of financing, managing and maintaining
commonly owned properties and facilities that benefit a large planned community that
consists or multiple neighborhoods and/or uses. Community Associations often consist
of a master association and one or more subassociations (such as one or more
Homeowners Associations, Common Interest Associations, or similar). Subassociations
are formed to finance, manage, and maintain commonly owned properties and facilities
that only benefit a portion or neighborhood within the larger planned community. Fees
are typically assessed by both the master association and applicable subassociations to
finance maintenance. Master association and subassociation are also responsible for
enforcing the rules of the larger community, commonly known as Covenants, Conditions,
and Restrictions (CC&Rs) through fines and penalties to ensure that private property
owners maintain the visual appearance of their property and adhere to restrictions in
order to maintain the property values of the entire community and avoid blight.
Community Supported Agriculture: A system that connects the producer and
consumers within the food system more closely by allowing the consumer to subscribe
to the harvest of a certain farm or group of farms.
Conservation Community: A community designed to conserve open space and
other natural resources including the implementation of low impact development and
green building practices.
Crop Rotation: The system of varying successive crops in a definite order on the same
ground, especially to avoid depleting the soil and to control weeds, diseases, and pests.
The Farm In Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 A-3
Cupola: A relatively small, structure on top of a building’s roof often used to admit
light and air.
Deed Restriction: A provision in a deed that limits what can be built on a property
or how that property can be used. Deed restrictions run with the land, meaning they
apply to all future owners of the property, not just the person or entity who owns it
when the restriction is adopted.
Design Guideline: Recommendations that provide clear instructions to designers
and developers on how to achieve the intended character of a community. Unlike
development standards, design guidelines are considered and applied within the
context of the overall design and are provided as helpful advice on how to achieve
high-quality design.
Development Standards: A set of standards that determine how a property can
be developed including but not limited the height of buildings, structural setback to
streets and property lines, limitations of building coverage, minimum landscape area
required and more.
Dormer: A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof
Educational Amenities: Classrooms, gardens, parks or similar facilities that are
designed to provide information and knowledge to people.
Entitlements: The legal rights conveyed by approvals from governmental entities to
develop a property for a certain use, intensity, building type or building placement.
Evapotranspiration: The process by which water is transferred from the land to
the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration
from plants.
Event Barn: A barn designed to accommodate a variety of events including but not
limited to weddings, parties, charity dinners and similar.
Farm Stand: A building or structure used for the sale (or distribution through a CSA)
of local agricultural products grown or produced by the producer, and also sells or
offers for sale nonpotentially hazardous prepackaged food products from an approved
source or bottled water or soft drinks.
Farmers Market: A certified food market at which local farmers sell food, plants,
fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, and bakery and artisan products directly to consumers.
Fiscal Impacts: The estimation of the net financial impact of a particular project on
the government.
A-4 The Farm In Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Fiscal Sustainability: The ability of an entity to sustain its current spending, tax and
other policies in the long run without threatening its solvency or defaulting on some of
its liabilities or promised expenditures.
Fugitive Dust: An environmental air quality term that refers to very small particles
suspended in the air, the source of which is primarily the Earth’s soil that is disturbed by
construction and agricultural activities.
Gambrel Roof: A usually symmetrical two-sided roof with two slopes on each side.
The upper slope is positioned at a shallow angle, while the lower slope is steep.
Great Recession: A period of general economic decline observed in world markets
during the late 2000s and 2010s.
Green Construction: Both a structure and the application of processes that are
environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life- cycle:
from planning to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and
demolition in compliance with the PMC.
Greenhouse Gas: A gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing
infrared radiation, e.g., carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons.
Greenhouse: A partially glass building in which plants are grown that need protection
from cold weather.
Gross Density: The number of dwelling units permitted based on the Gross area of
the Specific Plan area.
Floor Area: The sum of the floor areas of the spaces within the building, including
mezzanine and intermediate floors with headroom height of
7.5 ft or greater. Excludes non-enclosed (or non-enclosable) roofed-over areas, such as
exterior covered walkways, porches, terraces or steps, roof overhangs, and similar
features. Excludes air shafts, pipe trenches, chimneys and floor area dedicated to the
parking and circulation of motor vehicles.
Heat Island Effect: A phenomenon that occurs when large areas of dark pavement
and rooftops absorb heat from the atmosphere, resulting in an increased ambient air
temperature.
High-performance Windows: Windows that are designed to promote energy
efficiency as defined by CalGreen.
The Farm In Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 A-5
Homeowners Association (HOA): A private association, often formed by a real
estate developer or group of neighbors, for the purpose of financing, managing and
maintaining commonly owned properties and amenities. HOAs are also responsible for
enforcing the rules of a community (commonly known as Covenants, Conditions, and
Restrictions) to ensure that private homeowners properly maintain the visual
appearance of their home in order to maintain the property values of the entire
community and avoid blight.
Hoop House: A small tunnel, less than six feet in height, typically made from plastic
pipes that have been bent into an arc and covered in plastic to trap heat and keep plants
and soil warm during inclement weather.
Horticulture: The practice of garden cultivation and management.
Integrated Pest Management: An environmentally sensitive approach to pest
control that focuses on the long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a
combination of biological controls, habitat and crop management, and best management
practices to eliminate or reduce the need for chemical treatments and minimize risks to
human health and the environment.
Land Use District: An area of land as defined on a map that is subject to regulations
on permissible uses, development instincts, developments standards, and performance
standards.
Landscape Area: The area of a lot consisting of living plants or a combination of
living plants and natural decorative mulch and rock and excluding paving and hardscape.
Living Street: A living street is a street where pedestrians and cyclists have legal
priority over motorists as implemented in the Netherlands and in Flanders.
Lot Coverage: The percentage of the lot area that is covered by the footprints of all
principal and accessory structures, including garages, carports, covered patios, and
roofed porches, shall be summed in order to calculate lot coverage.
Low Impact Development: Systems and practices that use or mimic natural
processes that result in the infiltration, evapotranspiration or use of stormwater in
order to protect water quality and associated aquatic habitat.
A-6 The Farm In Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Master Association: A master association is a type of community association, which
is a private association often formed by a real estate developer or group of neighbors
for the purpose of financing, managing and maintaining commonly owned properties and
facilities that benefit a large planned community that consists of multiple neighborhoods
and/or uses. Community associations often consist of a master association and one or
more subassociations (such as one or more Homeowners Associations, Common
Interest Associations, or similar). The master association finances, manages, and
maintains commonly owned properties and facilities that benefit the entire planned
community while subassociations are formed to finance, manage, and maintain
commonly owned properties and facilities that only benefit a portion or neighborhood
within the larger planned community. Fees are typically assessed by both the master
association and applicable subassociations to finance maintenance. Master association
and subassociation are also responsible for enforcing the rules of the larger community,
commonly known as Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) through fines
and penalties to ensure that private property owners maintain the visual appearance of
their property and adhere to restrictions in order to maintain the property values of the
entire community and avoid blight.
Motor Court: A shared driveway area that provides access to two or more
residential garages and also serves as a shared community space.
Mulching: A process that involves establishing a protective covering (as of sawdust,
compost, or paper) spread or left on the ground to reduce evaporation, maintain even
soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, and enrich the soil.
Multi-use Trail: A trail that can accommodate multiple users such as equestrians,
walkers, runners and bicyclists.
Natural Movement: Forms or exercise that do not require a gym, specialized
trained, formal exercise regimens, or special equipment and focus on the body’s natural
physical movements such as walking, biking, hiking, swimming and more.
Net Density: The number of dwelling units permitted based on the Net area of the
Specific Plan area, which excludes ADUs, all private streets, public right-of-way
dedications and designated open space areas.
Net Zero: The actual annual consumed energy is less than or equal to the on- site
renewable generated energy.
New Ruralism: The rural counterpart to New Urbanism that providing
environmentally friendly design focused on preserving open space and agriculture as
community amenities.
New Urbanism: An urban design movement that promotes environmentally friendly
habits by creating walkable neighborhoods containing a wide range of housing and job types.
The Farm In Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 A-7
Office of Planning and Research (OPR): Part of the Office of the Governor,
OPR serves the Governor and his Cabinet as staff for long-range planning and research,
and constitutes the comprehensive state planning agency.
Organic Farming: A method of crop and livestock production that involves much
more than choosing not to use pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms,
antibiotics and growth hormones. “Certified organic” is a term given to products
produced according to organic standards as certified by one of the certifying bodies.
Ornamental Plants: Plants that are grown for decorative purposes in gardens and
landscape design projects, as houseplants, cut flowers and specimen display.
Paradigm: A theory, model, philosophy, or methodology of a particular subject.
Performance Standards: A threshold, requirement, or expectation that must be
met to be maintained in order to ensure a particular level of
performance. Performance standards are often required to ensure compatibility
between adjacent properties and uses.
Perpetuity: A restriction on a property that ensures it remains in a specified state or
use forever.
Place Making: The design of public spaces and communities to create a sense of place.
PMC: The City of Poway Municipal Code.
Porte Cochere: A passageway through or adjacent to a building designed to let
vehicles or pedestrians pass from the street to an interior courtyard.
Recreational Amenities: Swimming pools, sport courts, play fields, tot lots, parks,
trails, exercise facilities and similar amenities designed to provide for the recreational
needs of a community.
Sense of Place: The characteristics of a geographic location that make it discernible
from other geographical locations, provide emotional and visual cues to people, and
determine how a person or people perceive that place.
Sharrow: A roadway marking that consists of two inverted V-shapes above a bicycle,
denoting a travel lane that is shared by both bicycles and vehicles.
Side Lites: A vertical window or grouping of windows located on one or both sides
or a door.
Single-Family Home: As defined in PMC but may include ADUs.
A-8 The Farm In Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020
Sky Glow: A glow in the night sky deriving from an artificial source.
Smart Growth: An urban planning and transportation theory that concentrates
growth in compact walkable urban centers to avoid sprawl. It also advocates compact,
transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly land use, including neighborhood schools,
complete streets and mixed-use development with a range of housing choices.
Social Amenities: Amenities designed to encourage social interaction including but
not limited to specialty gardens (such as community gardens), event venues (such as
performance spaces, assembly halls), outdoor land uses and eating and drinking
establishments such as restaurants, brew pubs and cafes), and similar uses.
Soil Amendments: Specific materials which are worked into the soil to enhance the
soil’s physical properties. These differ from fertilizers, which add nutrients to the soil.
Specialty Garden: A garden designed for a specific purpose such as meditation,
therapy, education, community gardening, growing of herbs or flowers for cutting,
attractive birds or butterflies, or similar.
Supportive Retail: Retail uses that focus on products and services that support or
complement the vision and objectives of the Specific Plan.
Sustainability: Balancing the needs of the environment, economy, or social systems
thereby supporting long-term ecological balance, fiscal solvency and social equity. The
UN World Commission on Environment and Development states that “sustainable
development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Subassociation: Subassociations are formed to finance, manage and maintain
commonly owned properties and facilities that only benefit a portion or neighborhood
within the larger planned community. Subassociations operate under a master
association. Fees are typically assessed by both the master association and applicable
subassociations to finance maintenance. Master associations and subassociation are also
responsible for enforcing the rules of the larger community, commonly known as
Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) through fines and penalties to ensure
that private property owners maintain the visual appearance of their property in order
to maintain the property values of the entire community and avoid blight.
Tentative Map: A map that facilitates the division of land, and provides clear transfer
of ownership of any lots that are created. The Tentative Map is the parcel configuration
proposed prior to a final or parcel map, the official recorded document.
The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): A measure of the solar reflectance and emissivity of
materials that can be used as an indicator of how hot they are likely to become when
solar radiation is incident on their surface. The lower the SRI, the hotter a material is
likely to become in the sunshine.
The Farm In Poway Draft Specific Plan, January 2020 A-9
Thermal Comfort: The condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the
thermal environment and is assessed by subjective evaluation.
Tipping Point: The point at which a series of small changes or incidents becomes
significant enough to cause a larger, more important change, in this case changes to
climate and ecosystems.
Title 24: Part six of the California Building Standards Code, which contains energy
conservation standards applicable to most residential and nonresidential buildings
throughout California, with the goal of reducing California’s energy consumption.
Traditional Neighborhood Development: Development that bases a
community’s design on traditional towns and neighborhoods built prior to World War
II. Design principles include short block, narrow streets, and community amenities
within walking distance of all homes.
Transom Lites: A horizontal window or grouping of windows located above a door.
UL listed: Products that have been tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an
organization that tests representative samples of certain product to determine if they
meet specific, defined requirements, which are often based on UL’s published and
nationally recognized Standards for Safety.
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ): An area identified by the
State of California and the City of Poway Fire Department as having a high severity of
fire risk based on vegetation density, slope severity and other relevant factors.
Vivarium: An enclosed area for keeping and raising butterflies or plants for
observation, education, and research.