Duarte : Architectural Guidelines Set

Developers will soon have a fully illustrated manual defining the “early California” architectural theme of the city to guide them with their project designs.

The Architectural Design Guidelines manual, prepared by city staff members and private consultants, was presented to the City Council on Tuesday. The manual is scheduled to come back to the council Aug. 27 for final approval.

The manual, which focuses on commercial and large-scale residential development, is intended to set criteria for maintaining the city’s “early California” style. The guidelines, for example, encourage building of arches and columns, exterior courtyards and patios and the use of earth-tone colors.

The guidelines are not new, Community Development director Ed Cox said. But this is the first time the guidelines, which are not mandatory, have been put together in manual form for developers to study before going to the city’s Architectural Review Board.