Community Development

Main: (714) 536-5241
Fax: (714) 374-1647

Walk-in Hours:
Monday–Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

*Email [email protected] for requests outside of walk-in hours

Urban Design Guidelines

The Urban Design Element of the General Plan includes a comprehensive list of urban design issues that must be considered and addressed by new development. The goals, objectives, policies and principles set forth in the General Plan are intended to improve the City’s image and strengthen the public and private realm.

On September 5, 2000, the City Council approved the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Huntington Beach consistent with the Urban Design Element of the General Plan.

Urban Design Guidelines promote high quality development that will:

Implement goals, objectives and policies of the General Plan for
the orderly development of the City.
Enhance the City’s unique identity and character and contribute to a positive City image.
Stimulate investment and strengthen the economic vitality of the City.
Contribute to a positive physical image and identity of the City.
Maintain and protect the value of property.
Maintain a high quality of life without causing unnecessary high public or private costs for development or unduly restricting private enterprise, initiative, or innovation in design.

Urban Design Guidelines

Chapter 1: User Guide to the Urban Design Guidelines Manual (.pdf-233KB)

Chapter 2: Single-Family Detached Residential (.pdf-363KB)

Chapter 3: Multi-Family Residential (.pdf-253KB)

Chapter 4: General Commercial (.pdf-551KB)

Chapter 5: Downtown/Main Street Commercial (.pdf-819KB)

Chapter 6: Special Consideration Commercial Guidelines (.pdf-265KB)

Chapter 7: Industrial/Business Park (.pdf-195KB)

Chapter 8: Signs (.pdf-240KB)

Chapter 9: Streetscape Guidelines (.pdf-56KB)

Chapter 10: Public Art Guidelines (.pdf-110KB)

Chapter 11: District-Specific Guidelines (.pdf-491KB)

URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES CHECKLISTS

Chapter 2: Single-Family Detached Residential (.pdf-420KB)

Chapter 3: Multi-Family Residential (.pdf-399KB)

Chapter 4: General Commercial (.pdf-445KB)

Chapter 5: Downtown/Main Street Commercial (.pdf-602KB)

Chapter 6: Special Consideration Design Guidelines (.pdf-280KB)

Chapter 7: Industrial/Business Park (.pdf-427KB)

Chapter 8: Signs (.pdf-215KB)

Did you know?

The City maintains 124 traffic signals. Report malfunctions to (714) 960-8861(City) or Caltrans (PCH & Beach Blvd) (949) 936-3600. You can also report a malfunction online.