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COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
City Council
Janet Lockhart, Mayor
Tim Sbranti, Vice Mayor
Kasie Hildenbrand
Tony Oravetz
Kate Ann Scholz
Planning Commission
Bill Schaub, Chair
Greg Tomlinson, Vice Chair
Donald Biddle
Morgan King
Doreen Wehrenberg
City Staff
Rich Ambrose, City Manager
Jeri Ram, Community Development Director
Mary Jo Wilson, Planning Manager
Jeff Baker, Senior Planner
August 2008 Page i
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
10.1 Overview .................................................................................................. 79
10.1.1 Citywide Design Vision ......................................................................................................... 79
10.2 Relevant Plans and Policies .................................................................... 80
10.3 Unifying Principles of Community Design .............................................. 82
10.3.1 The Image of the City ........................................................................................................... 82
10.3.2 The Importance of Streetscapes .......................................................................................... 83
10.4 Organization of the Community Design Element ................................. 83
10.5 Positive Regional Identity ........................................................................ 84
10.5.1 Intent .................................................................................................................................... 85
10.5.2 Goal ...................................................................................................................................... 85
10.5.3 Policies ................................................................................................................................. 85
10.5.4 Implementation Measures .................................................................................................... 86
10.6 Sense of Arrival ........................................................................................ 88
10.6.1 Intent .................................................................................................................................... 89
10.6.2 Goal ...................................................................................................................................... 89
10.6.3 Policies ................................................................................................................................. 89
10.6.4 Implementation Measures .................................................................................................... 90
10.7 Design of the Built Form .......................................................................... 90
10.7.1 Intent .................................................................................................................................... 91
10.7.2 Goal ...................................................................................................................................... 91
10.7.3 Policies ................................................................................................................................. 92
10.7.3.1 Site and Building Design ...................................................................................................... 92
10.7.3.2 Landscaping and Natural Features ...................................................................................... 96
10.7.3.3 Gathering and Open Space Areas ....................................................................................... 98
10.7.3.4 Signage, Lighting, and Art .................................................................................................... 100
10.7.3.5 Parking and Circulation ........................................................................................................ 101
10.7.3.6 Villages ................................................................................................................................. 102
10.7.4 Implementation Measures .................................................................................................... 105
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COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
10.8 Connections and Linkages ..................................................................... 106
10.8.1 Intent .................................................................................................................................... 106
10.8.2 Goal ...................................................................................................................................... 106
10.8.3 Policies ................................................................................................................................. 106
10.8,4 Implementation Measures .................................................................................................... 108
10.9 Sustainability ............................................................................................ 108
10.9.1 Intent .................................................................................................................................... 108
10.9.2 Goal ...................................................................................................................................... 108
10.9.3 Policies ................................................................................................................................. 108
10.9.4 Implementation Measures .................................................................................................... 111
LIST OF FIGURES
10-1 Regional Corridors ..................................................... .......................................................... 84
10-2 Gateways .................................................................... ......................................................... 88
10-3 Character Sketch -General Commercial .................... ......................................................... 93
10-4 Character Sketch -Gathering Areas ........................... ......................................................... 99
10-5 Villages ....................................................................... .......................................................... 102
10-6 Character Sketch -Villages ........................................ .......................................................... 104
August 2008 Page iii
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COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
CHAPTER 10
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT
10.1 Overview
The Community Design Element guides public and private development to create a city that
is diverse, functional, and aesthetically appealing. The Community Design Element contains
goals and policies that provide a framework for community development and guidelines for
new construction and improvements while protecting the City's positive characteristics. These
goals and policies apply to three-dimensional aspects of the built environment in Dublin:
buildings, streets, sidewalks, neighborhoods, plazas, etc. Community design combines aspects
of architecture, landscape architecture, public works, public art, and transportation systems.
Implementation of these community design policies will create an inviting and attractive city that
will help to unify the City visually and create a distinct sense of place in special areas of the City.
10.1.1 Citywide Design Vision
The following design vision provides the basis for the goals and policies contained in this
Community Design Element:
Dublin is a vibrant, well-designed city with a positive regional identity. Regional corridors
promote this positive regional identity through attractive development, unique landscaping,
and preservation of views to rolling hillsides and other prominent features. Gateways
welcome residents and visitors alike through signage, distinctive landscaping, and buildings
oriented toward gateway intersections.
Dublin is a city of villages that enhance its suburban character with attractive and integrated
residential neighborhoods, retail centers, and office and industrial areas. Regional transit
hubs are developed with compact development that incorporates a mixture of commercial,
office, and residential uses. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists are provided with a
variety of connections that link various activity centers of the City. Dublin is a leader in
sustainable design and continues to thrive as an attractive and livable city for generations to
come.
August 2008 Page 79
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
10.2 Relevant Plans and
Polices
Dublin has adopted a number of plans
and policies to guide development.
Some of these pertain to the entire
City, while others have a specific area
of focus. As part of the City of Dublin
General Plan, this Community Design
Element provides goals, policies,
and implementation measures that
address the entire City. Where goals,
policies, and implementation measures
of other policy documents and plans
conflict, those in the Community
Design Element shall supercede. The
following includes the existing plans
and policies that guide development in
Dublin.
A. City of Dublin General Plan
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The General Plan is the highest-level policy document for the entire City, and acts like an
"umbrella" over other documents. State law requires general plans to include the following
elements: land use, circulation, open space, conservation, safety, noise, and housing. These
elements may be combined and additional (optional) elements may be included. All elements of
a General Plan are considered equal and all other plans and policies are required by state law
to be consistent with the General Plan. The Community Design Element is an optional element
of the Dublin General Plan.
B. Downtown Dublin Specific Plan (In Process)
The Downtown Dublin Specific Plan (DDSP) is currently undergoing development and will
provide policy guidance, development standards and design guidelines for downtown Dublin.
Once complete, the DDSP will replace the existing Dublin Downtown Specific Plan, Downtown
Core Specific Plan, San Ramon Road Specific Plan, Village Parkway Specific Plan, and West
Dublin BART Specific Plan.
C. Eastern Dublin Specific Plan
The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan provides policy guidance for existing and future development
generally east of the Iron Horse Trail and Camp Parks Reserve Forces Training Area. New
development in this area requires adoption of Planned Development (PD) zoning, which
includes development regulations, architectural standards, and preliminary landscape plans.
D. Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan
The Dublin Village Historic Area Specific Plan applies to future development and redevelopment
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COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
in the Dublin Village Historic Area. This plan includes design guidelines, historic resource
preservation measures, and implementation actions.
E. Scarlett Court Design Guidelines
The Scarlett Court Design Guidelines apply to the industrial area in and around Scarlett Court.
Design guidelines address site planning, architecture, signage, landscaping, and lighting.
F. Eastern Dublin Scenic Corridor Policies and Standards
The Eastern Dublin Scenic Corridor Policy establishes a set of scenic corridor polices for
designated corridors including Interstate 580, Tassajara Road, and Fallon Road, and defines a
review process within these scenic corridors.
G. Streetscape Master Plan
The Streetscape Master Plan addresses landscape planting and street furnishings throughout
Dublin. This document identifies tree species and planting requirements, as well as streetscape
amenities such as streetlights, trash receptacles, benches, bus shelters, monuments, and
signage.
H. Bikeways Master Plan
The Bikeways Master Plan provides goals and policies for the bicycle network, supporting
facilities, educational and enforcement programs, and implementation measures that support
bicycle mobility in and through Dublin.
I. Public Art Master Plan
The Public Art Master Plan provides guidelines, policies, and implementation measures for
public art in City projects and private developments.
J. Zoning Ordinance
The Zoning Ordinance provides policies and regulations for the entire City. Topics addressed
include permitted, conditionally permitted, and temporarily permitted uses, development
standards, parking and landscaping regulations, permit procedures, and sign regulations.
K. Heritage Tree Ordinance
The Heritage Tree Ordinance provides regulations controlling the removal of and the
preservation of heritage trees within the City. In establishing these regulations, it is the City's
intent to preserve as many heritage trees as possible.
L. Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan establishes goals, long-term policies, and standards
to guide the City in the acquisition, development, and management of Dublin's Park and
Recreation facilities for the next 20 years.
August 2008 Page 81
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT 'CITY OF DUBLIN
10.3 Unifying Principles of Community Design
Because of the varied scales at which a community functions, city
planners and designers often utilize a variety of analytical techniques
and methodologies to describe and communicate various community
design principles.
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10.3.1 The Image of the City ~' ~ . ti , ",~', . !'
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A commonly used model of urban design comes from theorist and
author Kevin Lynch (The Image of the City, 1960). His overriding idea ;!
was for cities to create a more memorable identity by enhancing the
image of their major elements. He divided the city into the following
functional areas, each of which contributes distinct design potential:
Paths -Paths connect activity areas and can have an important
identity of their own.
Landmarks -Visually prominent buildings, important cultural
centers, or special natural features serve to give a city a distinct
image and are important amenities.
Edges -Boundaries signal one's arrival at a new land use, area, or ~~~~,~~~'
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feature. If edges are clearly marked, such as in the use of entry signs
or monuments, a city's identity is strengthened.
Nodes -Focal points, intersections, and gathering places create
activity centers that draw people into them and stimulate adjacent
development.
Districts -Special areas of the city have their own visual and
functional identity and help differentiate the visual monotony seen in
many cities today.
Lynch's five functional areas have been refined into the following five
goals for Dublin.
1. Promote a Positive Regional Identity of the City. ° e o
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2. Create a Sense of Arrival at gateways to the City. 0 ~ 0
3. Ensure quality and compatible Design of the Built Form.
4. Establish Connections and Linkages throughout the City.
5. Encourage Sustainability to provide a high quality of life
and to preserve resources and opportunities for future
generations.
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COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
10.3.2 The Importance of Streetscapes
Streetscapes refer to the visual image created by the buildings, signs, street furniture,
landscaping, spaces and other features along a street. By unifying the treatment of one or
more of these elements, a streetscape can have a coherent image and one that makes a strong
statement within a city.
10.4 Organization of the Community Design Element
This Community Design Element is organized according to the following three hierarchal
elements:
Goals
Goals are general and serve as a vision for components of community design.
Policies
Policies divide these goals into more specific categories.
Implementation Measures
Implementation measures are specific tasks needed to achieve the policies and goals.
August 2008 Page 83
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
10.5 Positive Regional Identity
Historically Dublin has been at the crossroads of major regional routes since early settlement
of the area. These routes have evolved over time from trails to the current alignment of Dublin
Boulevard, San Ramon Road, Interstate 580, and Interstate 680.
Regional corridors are routes of regional significance and are generally defined as routes that
connect Dublin to surrounding communities. Dublin has 12 features (including roadways, trails,
and public transportation) that are considered regional corridors (see Figure 10-1 ). These
include:
1. Interstate 680
2. Interstate 580 /BART Corridor
3. Dublin Boulevard
4. San Ramon Road
5. Village Parkway
6. Dougherty Road
7. Hacienda Drive
8. Tassajara Road
9. Fallon Road
10. Iron Horse Trail
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COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
10.5.1 Intent
To those traveling through the City, these regional corridors create their overall image of Dublin.
Due to the high number of people who pass through the City each day and because of their
importance, these regional corridors should be emphasized to create a positive identity and
image for Dublin.
10.5.2 Goal
Promote a Positive Regional Identity of the City.
10.5.3 Policies
A. Incorporate distinctive design features along regional corridors that reinforce a positive
image of Dublin. Both within the right-of-way and on adjacent private development,
utilize features such as gateway elements, street trees, median planting, special lighting,
separated and ample sidewalks, crosswalks, seating, special signs, street names,
landscape, decorative paving patterns, and public art. Consider undergrounding utilities
along these roadways (reference: Streetscape Master Plan).
B. Maintain views through development to distant vistas (i.e. foothills) and view corridors
along regional corridors, wherever feasible (reference: East Dublin Scenic Corridor
Policies and Standards).
C. Incorporate visual screening techniques such as berms, dense and/or fast-growing
landscaping, and appropriately designed fencing where feasible, to ensure that visually
challenging features, such as parking lots, loading docks, storage areas, etc. are visually
attractive as seen from regional corridors.
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Parking and loading areas screened from public roadways
August 2008 Page 85
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
D. Provide landscaping and articulated design to soften the visual appearance of existing and
new walls and fences that are adjacent to regional corridors, wherever feasible (reference:
Sreetscape Master Plan).
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Landscaped median and distant hill views (left) and attractive landscaping and ample sidewalks
(right)
E. Encourage attractive and high-quality
landscaping along the edge of the
freeways and development surrounding
on- and off-ramps to provide softer
and more attractive views both to and
from the freeways. Landscaping on
private property should compliment the
buildings and overall site design.
F. Encourage attractive quality signage
along freeway corridors that avoids
the use of distractive features such as
electronic reader boards, bright colors,
bulky scale and mass, etc.
10.5.4 Implementation Measures
A. Work with Caltrans to encourage high-
quality design on new freeway projects,
with special consideration for both views
of and from the freeways.
Freeway
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Landscaping along freeway edge and
throughout private property to complement
building and site design
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COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
B. Implement the Streetscape Master Plan, Eastern Dublin Scenic Corridor Policies and
Standards, and applicable Specific Plans.
C. Review development through the Planned Development Regulations and/or the Site
Development Review Permit process.
D. Work with BART to encourage high-quality design on new and redeveloped projects near
BART stations.
E. Work with the East Bay Regional Park District to encourage high-quality design and strong
connections on new and redeveloped projects adjacent to the Iron Horse Trail and trail-
heads.
August 2008 Page 87
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT .CITY OF DUBLIN
10.6 Sense of Arrival
Dublin has several entrances into the City along regional corridors at or near the City limit.
These entrances have been classified as gateways. Gateways may include special signage
and landscaping to highlight transitions into the City, and in some instances are envisioned to
function as nodes at major intersections with special architectural features on adjacent buildings
and/or with public spaces incorporated into the design.
As shown in Figure 10-2, the Community Design Element identifies the following 14 Dublin
gateways:
1. Schaefer Ranch Road at Dublin Boulevard
2. San Ramon Road at Dublin Boulevard
3. West Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station
4. I-680 Southbound off ramp
5. San Ramon Road at northern entry to City
6. Village Parkway at northern entry to City
7. Dougherty Road at northern entry to City
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8. Dougherty Road at Dublin Boulevard
9. East Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station
10. Hacienda Drive at Dublin Boulevard
11. Tassajara Road at Dublin Boulevard
12. Tassajara Road at northern entry to City
13. Fallon Road at Dublin Boulevard
14. Dublin Boulevard at eastern entry to City
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Page 88 August 2008
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
Just as regional corridors have an impact on creating a positive regional identity for Dublin,
gateways and entries have an impact on creating inviting entrances and a sense of arrival
into the City.
10.6.1 Intent
The City wants to create inviting entrances at gateways that reflect the character of Dublin and
welcome residents and visitors. These gateways help define the edge of Dublin and will further
create nodes near the City's edge.
10.6.2 Goal
Create a Sense of Arrival at gateways to the City.
10.6.3 Policies
A. Mark gateways with City identification (i.e. signage) and include enhanced landscaping
and street improvements to highlight Dublin's identity, consistent with the City's
Streetscape Master Plan, where feasible (reference: Streetscape Master Plan).
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B. Incorporate dramatic and imaginative
landscaping, public art, water features, or
other design features when reconstructing
streets and/or sidewalks at key gateways
into the City, where feasible (reference:
Public Art Master Plan).
August 2008 Page 89
City of Dublin monument sign
Landscaping, public art, and plaza design
of gateway development projects (Dublin
Gateway Medical Center, Dublin)
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
C. Encourage signature building architecture at gateways that are oriented toward the
gateway to create a sense of place.
Signature building architecture oriented toward gateway intersections
10.6.4 Implementation Measures
A. Implement the Streetscape Master Plan.
B. Review development adjacent to gateways through the Planned Development Regulations
and the Site Development Review Permit process.
10.7 Design of the Built Form
Dublin is made up of a variety of villages, residential neighborhoods, and other commercial and
industrial areas, each with their own unique features and development patterns. Each area
functions differently from other areas -largely based on location (i.e. proximity to freeways or
hillsides) and use (i.e. residential or commercial) -but all have common elements that make
them distinct to the City. The design of the built form has a variety of categories (including Site
and Building Design, Landscaping and Natural Features, Gathering and Open Space Areas,
Signage, Lighting, and Art, Parking and Circulation, and Villages) which apply to the following
land uses:
Residential
Dublin has a variety of single and multi-family residential neighborhoods with unique design
features and building types. These neighborhoods are generally developed around a central
feature such as a school or park. Residential neighborhoods in the Primary and Western
Extended Planning Areas consist predominately of established neighborhoods with single-
family homes. The residential neighborhoods in the Eastern Extended Planning Area generally
contain higher density development near Dublin Boulevard and lower density (single-family)
development along the hillsides to the north and east.
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COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
Commercial
Commercial developments (i.e. General Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Retail/Office
Mixed-Use, etc.) range from a single building with a single tenant to multiple buildings often with
multiple tenants (shopping centers) and also consider mixed use developments. Commercial
development in the City generally occurs along arterial roadways and adjacent to office
developments. Shopping centers generally consist of multiple buildings that share common
architecture, landscaping, and/or other design features. Shopping centers generally are
developed with a central parking lot providing shared parking.
Office
Office developments (i.e. Office, Campus Office, etc.) range from a single building with a single
tenant to multiple buildings often with multiple tenants. Office development in the City generally
occurs along arterial roadways and adjacent to commercial developments. Campus Office
developments consist of multiple buildings that share common architecture, landscaping, and/or
other design features.
Industrial
Industrial uses (i.e. Industrial Park, Business Park/Industrial, etc.) provide vital resources and
services and are an integral part of the City. Industrial uses are often buffered from more
sensitive uses, such as residential, schools, and parks, to minimize their impacts associated
with traffic, noise, and aesthetics.
The following policies apply to the land uses described above:
10.7.1 Intent
The City wants to design high-quality and compatible areas that reflect the overall character
of Dublin. These areas should also be distinct from one another to avoid monotonous
development patterns.
10.7.2 Goal
Ensure quality and compatible Design of the Built Form.
August 2008 Page 91
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
10.7.3 Policies
10.7.3.1 Site and Building Design
A. Encourage diverse, high quality, attractive, and architecturally appealing buildings that
create distinctive visual reference points, enrich the appearance of functional gathering
spaces, and convey an excellence in architecture, workmanship, quality, and durability in
building materials.
Architecturally appealing retail buildings with visual reference points and strong articulation
B. Encourage buildings with
varied massing, heights,
articulation techniques, and
architectural and signage
treatments to create
visual interest and ensure
compatibility with adjacent
uses, in commercial, office,
industrial, and mixed use
areas.
C. Ensure that building height,
scale and design are
compatible with the character
of the surrounding natural and
built environment, and are
varied in their massing, scale
and articulation.
Buildings with articulated facades and varying roof lines
Page 92 August 2008
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
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August 2008 Page 93
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
D. Encourage a variety of site and building designs that are compatible and consistent with
surrounding development, especially where larger scale development is adjacent to
smaller scale and/or more sensitive land uses (i.e. residential, schools, and churches) to
the greatest extent feasible.
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Building height, scale, and design is compatible with adjacent uses
E. Avoid the use of long, continuous, straight (building) walls along roadways by designing
appropriate articulation, massing, and architectural features.
F. Create distinctive neighborhoods that exemplify high-quality and varied design while
reinforcing Dublin as one integrated community, in residential areas.
G. Encourage the diversity of garage orientation and setbacks, architectural styles, building
materials, color and rooflines, and other design features, on all sides of all buildings, in
residential areas.
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Residential architectural variation and garage orientation
Page 94 August 2008
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
H. Orient buildings toward major thoroughfares, sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, and
gathering spaces, and incorporate clear and identifiable entries where feasible, in campus
office areas.
Cluster and connect buildings through a series of pedestrian pathways designed to work
with each other to form a unified design character and create larger functional spaces, in
campus office and commercial areas.
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Design inviting and attractive office buildings that incorporate modern and contemporary
architectural elements and design features that enrich the appearance of the gathering
places, encourage people to use them, and have attractive appearances from the public
right-of-way, in office areas.
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Office buildings with an attractive, modern architectural style
August 2008 Page 95
Clustered buildings and parking lots that are
connected by pedestrian pathways
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
K. Minimize the visual impacts of service/loading areas, storage areas, trash enclosures,
and ground mounted mechanical equipment. When feasible, these elements should be
located behind or to the sides of buildings and screened from views through a combination
of walls/fencing, and/or landscaping.
L. Minimize the visual impacts of roof mounted mechanical equipment. When feasible, such
elements should be consolidated and housed in architecturally articulated enclosures.
10.7.3.2 Landscaping and Natural Features
A. Utilize more formal landscaping
treatments in more densely developed
(urban) areas and utilize more natural
landscaping treatments in less dense
(suburban) areas, as appropriate.
B. Achieve neighborhood identities by
applying streetscape and landscape
design, entry treatments, signage, and
architectural detailing standards, in
residential areas (reference: Sreetscape
Master Plan).
C. Incorporate setbacks and landscaped
buffers for development along collector
and arterial roadways to minimize the
impacts from roadway noise, where
appropriate.
Page 96 August 2008
Neighborhood entry with attractive use of
landscaping, hardscape, and lighting
Setback and landscaped berm to buffer development along collector/arterial roadways
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT ,CITY OF DUBLIN
D. Ensure that landscaping along and adjacent to the public realm is well maintained and
retains a natural appearance.
E. Encourage distinctive landscaping and signage that is aesthetically appealing from the
public realm (reference: Streetscape Master Plan).
F. Encourage the use of landscaping on walls to soften and screen their visual appearance
(reference: Streetscape Master Plan).
Walls with appropriate
landscaping
G. Increase the width of existing narrow parkway strips when the opportunity arises and
encourage all new development and redevelopment projects to provide appropriately sized
landscaped parkway strips (reference: Streetscape Master Plan).
H. Preserve mature trees and vegetation, with special consideration given to the protection of
groups of trees and associated undergrowth and specimen trees (reference: Heritage Tree
Ordinance).
Preserve views of creeks, hillsides, skylines, or other natural or man-made landmarks
during site planning of new developments, whenever feasible.
J. Integrate development with natural features and land forms.
August 2008 Page 97
Distinctive landscaping and signage that is
appealing from the public right-of--way
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
10.7.3.3 Gathering and Open Space Areas
A. Encourage gathering spaces and amenities such as mini plazas, courtyards, benches,
seating, shade, trash receptacles, and water fountains, in commercial and office areas.
Street
Buildings oriented around a central gathering space with landscaping
B. Design attractive gathering spaces with pedestrian amenities such as landscaping,
benches, shade structures, fountains, public art, and attractive lighting.
C. Encourage design treatments that enhance the attractiveness of the streetscape, public
spaces, landscaped areas, and open space.
Page 98 August 2008
Attractive gathering/public spaces
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT :CITY OF DUBLIN
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August 2008 Page 99
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
10.7.3.4 Signage, Lighting, and Art
A. Ensure that perimeter areas incorporate
appropriate planting, lighting, and signage.
B. Ensure that signs are constructed of high
quality materials, are compatible with their
surroundings, and make a positive visual
contribution to the character of the community.
(For freeway signs, see also Policy F in Section
10.5.3.)
C. Provide signs that are oriented towards
pedestrians, bicyclists and other alternative
modes of transportation, where appropriate.
D. Incorporate public art where feasible (reference:
Public Art Master Plan).
Appropriate planting and signage along
perimeter area
Page 100 August 2008
Public art in commercial
developments in Dublin
Appropriate signage with a positive visual
contribution
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT .CITY OF DUBLIN
E. Design and locate outdoor lighting around buildings, in parking lots, and along streets that
minimize the effects of glare on adjacent properties, particularly in residential areas.
10.7.3.5 Parking and Circulation
A. Provide convenient but not visually
dominating parking that incorporates
extensive landscaping to provide
shade, promote wayfinding, visually
soften views from the street and
surrounding properties, and reduce
the heat island effect (generally
characterized with large expanses
of paved and under-landscaped
surfaces).
B. Buffer and screen large expanses of
parking areas from the street, where
practical.
C. Encourage the use of integrated
circulation and parking facilities
that are shared among surrounding
properties.
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Appropriate parking lot design with extensive
landscaping
August 2008 Page 101
Downward lighting designed to minimize effect on adjacent
uses and reduce night sky lighting
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
D. Provide attractive and convenient bicycle parking (reference: Bikeways Master Plan).
10.7.3.6 Villages
Villages are unique areas in Dublin that have distinct identities, include a mix of land uses,
encourage pedestrian activity and can serve as major transit hubs. Figure 10-5 identifies the
locations of each Village.
---- ;
~__: City Limits
Sphere of Influence (Includes City limits)
~ Dublin Village Historic Area
;xx9 Downtown Dublin +.1
~ Camp Parks Exchange Areas •`
~ Transd Center
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The following policies apply to Villages.
A. Encourage compact development that integrates a variety of housing types and densities,
commercial and industrial uses, community facilities, civic, and educational uses with an
emphasis on pedestrian-friendly design.
Page 102 August 2008
Easily accessible village node
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
B. Design Village locations to be compatible with the local environment including surrounding
land uses and topography. Village designs should respect constraints, such as roadways,
and environmental considerations.
C. Provide a mixture of housing types, densities, and affordability in Villages that support a
range of age and income groups.
D. Construct easily accessible activity nodes (commercial areas, community facilities,
gathering areas, and public/private facilities).
E. Incorporate trails, pedestrian pathways, and street linkages to better unify the parts and
elements of each Village.
F. Design streets and pedestrian pathways that are linked to transportation routes including
buses and regional transit services.
G. Design Villages with strong edges to define their boundaries, such as major streets,
signage, architecture, or landscaping.
H. Encourage Village size and development that promotes pedestrian mobility, permits a
sufficient mixture of residential and public/private uses, and convenient commercial areas.
Foster a specific identity for each Village by applying special signage, unique design
elements, public spaces, etc.
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August 2008 Page 103
Representative urban character of a village
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
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Figure 10-6: Character Sketch -Village
Page 104 August 2008
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT ;CITY OF DUBLIN
10.7.4 Implementation Measures
Design of the built form includes all of the following subcategories as discussed above (Site
and Building Design, Landscaping and Natural Features, Gathering and Open Space Areas,
Signage, Lighting, and Art, Parking and Circulation, and Villages). The following implementation
measures apply to these subcategories:
A. Update the City's Sign Ordinance.
B. Institute a Design Awards Program to recognize new and remodeled projects of special
quality.
C. Work with development applicants to create projects that more closely relate to and
reinforce the unique character of Dublin consistent with the intent of this Community
Design Element.
D. Work with PG&E or other appropriate organizations to underground new and existing utility
cabinets, overhead wiring, and other related equipment, whenever feasible.
E. Develop design guidelines for light industrial areas that are not within a Specific Plan or
planned development zoning district and that do not have existing design guidelines.
F. Periodically update the Streetscape Master Plan.
G. Schedule the maintenance and replacement of public improvements, such as pavement
and streetlights, commensurate in quality and appearance to those in more recently
constructed neighborhoods, when redevelopment occurs and where feasible.
H. Create a comprehensive Specific Plan with design guidelines for the downtown.
Implement the Streetscape Master Plan, the Public Art Ordinance, Heritage Tree
Ordinance, the Eastern Dublin Scenic Corridor Policies and Standards, and all Specific
Plans.
J. Review development using Planned Development Regulations and/or Site Development
Review.
K. Support and maintain the City's industrial land uses as an important aspect of the
community, in industrial areas.
L. Create a Specific Plan to guide development of the Camp Parks Exchange areas
consistent with the Village policies.
M. Study the feasibility of creating Villages for all portions of Dublin.
August 2008 Page 105
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
10.8 Connections and Linkages
Connections and linkages are what unify the villages, residential neighborhoods, commercial
and industrial areas, and various developments within each neighborhood. Dublin includes a
variety of connections and linkages for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. These provide
connections within and between properties and the public right-of-way including streets,
sidewalks, trails, etc. Some connections and linkages have design and landscaping patterns
unique to that corridor, while others have a design and landscaping pattern unique to the type of
connection (i.e. sidewalk or freeway).
10.8.1 Intent
Create connections and linkages throughout the various areas of Dublin and within and between
properties and the public right-of-way. These connections and linkages should be provided for a
variety of users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists.
10.8.2 Goal
Establish Connections and Linkages throughout the City.
10.8.3 Policies
A. Design roads and pedestrian and bicycle pathways to be safe and visually appealing
connections (reference: Streetscape Master Plan, Bikeways Master Plan).
B. Provide clear, identifiable, and ample pedestrian and bicycle pathways that connect
sidewalks, parking areas, building entrances, trails, and other site features by using
wayfinding techniques such as signage, landscaping, hardscape, and prominent building
entrances, where feasible (reference: Bikeways Master Plan).
Page 106 August 2008
Attractive pedestrian pathway through
parking lot
Tassajara Creek Trail
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
C. Encourage developments to provide pedestrian and bicycle pathways that inter-connect
with adjacent land uses and thereby create safe routes of travel to transit facilities, public
gathering spaces, trails, parks, community centers, schools, City villages, gateways, and
entries (reference: Bikeways Master Plan).
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Pedestrian pathway inter-connecting with adjacent land uses
D. Ensure continuous and ample
sidewalks along all roadways
(reference: Streetscape Master
Plan).
E. Ensure that sidewalks, pedestrian
and bicycle pathways, and trails
are furnished with appropriate
pedestrian amenities such as
lighting, signage, trash receptacles,
etc., where appropriate (reference:
Streetscape Master Plan, Bikeways
Master Plan).
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Meandering pedestrian pathway with pedestrian bollard
lighting
August 2008 Page 107
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
10.8.4 Implementation Measures
A. Implement the Streetscape Master Plan and the Bikeways Master Plan.
B. Review development through the Planned Development Regulations and/or the Site
Development Review process.
C. Create a transportation network map.
10.9 Sustainability
As the global population continues to grow and natural resources continue to diminish, cities
are implementing a variety of sustainability measures to preserve resources and maintain a
healthy quality of life for future generations. Sustainable development is generally defined as
development that meets the needs of present generations without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their needs. Dublin has already taken measures to encourage
sustainable development and as time moves on, the City will continue to raise the standards for
quality and sustainable development.
Sustainable development and good community design are key components that can work
together and complement each other to create livable cities. Sustainable design measures
should play an integral role in all future development and redevelopment efforts within the City.
10.9.1 Intent
The City wants to promote community design that incorporates principles of sustainability and
create a livable community that future generations will be able to enjoy.
10.9.2 Goal
Encourage Sustainability to provide a high quality of life and to preserve resources and
opportunities for future generations.
10.9.3 Policies
A. Design sustainable measures to be an integrated and attractive element of community
design.
B. Promote sustainable communities as good places to live that offer social, environmental,
and economic opportunities for the people of Dublin.
Page 108 August 2008
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
C. Consider environmentally sensitive and
energy-efficient building siting, which
minimize impacts from wind, provides
shade, reduces stormwater runoff,
and maximizes opportunities for
passive solar design, where feasible.
D. Encourage transit-oriented
development adjacent to BART
stations and major arterials.
E. Promote walking and bicycling
through site and building design.
F. Encourage alternative modes of
transportation by providing priority
parking for carpool and alternative
energy vehicles, bicycle racks/lockers,
showers for employees, and easy
access to adjacent regional trails and
transit stops.
G. Protect the biodiversity of the natural
environment.
H. Encourage the use of native and/
or drought tolerant plant species,
hydrozoning (locating species
according to water needs), xeriscaping
(landscaping that does not require
supplemental irrigation), drip irrigation
systems that use recycled water and
moisture sensors, and pesticide free
landscaping.
Design water features to minimize
water loss.
J. Incorporate measures to minimize
the effects of night sky lighting by
encouraging the use of downward
facing light fixtures.
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August 2008 Page 109
Roof with solar panel roof tiles that incorporates
sustainability and attractive design
Residential buildings incorporating solar
collectors on roofs
Parking stall with electric vehicle service
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
K. Encourage development features that
minimize the use of non-renewable energy
consumption (i.e. material reuse, natural
lighting and ventilation, etc.).
L. Encourage public art projects that utilize a
variety of materials including sustainable
and/or renewable products (Reference:
Public Art Master Plan).
M. Encourage the renovation and reuse of
existing buildings.
N. Design and construct buildings and
development for longevity and potential
reuse.
O. Incorporate recycling and green waste
containers into the design of sites and
integrate into buildings where feasible.
P. Encourage the use of roof gardens to
collect storm water and reduce heat island
effect.
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Conveniently located recycling and green
waste facilities
Q. Design prominent buildings to demonstrate environmental awareness.
R. Design landscaping to create comfortable microclimates, provide shade to buildings,
and reduce the heat island effect (generally caused by large expanses of paved and
unlandscaped areas).
Page 1 10 August 2008
Example of roof garden
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT CITY OF DUBLIN
S. Incorporate features to reduce the impact of development such as bioretention, permeable
pavement, etc. that use natural and engineered infiltration and storage techniques to
control storm water runoff, where feasible.
T. Encourage development of underutilized lots.
10.9.4 Implementation Measures
A. Facilitate environmental and energy-efficient design guidelines that promote good design
for new construction.
B. Consider adopting an ordinance to minimize the adverse impacts of nighttime lighting and
glare, and meet security standards.
C. Encourage development that incorporates measures from the U.S. Green Building
Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or other similar
sustainable design programs.
D. Develop and implement a mandatory green building self-certification program as part of
the Building Permit process.
E. Develop a program to encourage the installation of attractive solar panels.
F. Develop a program to add trees to existing surface parking lots.
G. Review the existing Landscape and Fencing Regulations to determine if appropriate to
include additional sustainable landscape standards and parking lot shade requirements.
August 2008 Page 1 1 1
Landscaping that creates a comfortable
microclimate for pedestrians
Parking lots with bioswales (bioretention)
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT -CITY OF DUBLIN
H. Investigate modifications to the Building Code to require integrated, comprehensive, and
well designed sustainable building practices (i.e. water and energy efficiency, resource
allocations, and site planning).
Implement the Bikeways Master Plan and the Public Art Ordinance.
K. Review development through the Planned Development Regulations and/or Site
Development Review process.
Page 1 12 August 2008