Community Planning

General Plan - Scenic Highways Element

INTRODUCTION

This section provides guidelines for the preparation of a local plan to protect scenic corridors. It provides the framework for designating scenic routes and implementing plans and programs that preserve scenic resources and enhanced the aesthetic character of designated corridors. Scenic corridors are also a design resource and therefore, this section is closely related to Urban design in addition to its logical relationship to Circulation.

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BACKGROUND

Issues and Problems

1. Defining local standards for scenic corridor designation.
2. Potential conflict between scenic corridor designation and street improvement needs.
3. Linking scenic corridors into a continuous citywide system and with the regional system.
4. Defining and imposing acceptable aesthetic standards on developments abutting designated scenic corridors.
   

Opportunities

1. Local expansion of streets and corridors already designated as scenic highways in state and county plans.
2. Scenic Highways can be closely integrated into streets concept plan.
3. Scenic corridors can serve as a basis for bikeway planning.
4. Incorporation of Cultural Heritage and Pasadena Beautiful Scenic Tour Routes into local scenic corridor system.
   

Goals and Objectives

Goal:
Provision of aesthetic visual experiences for travelers of the City's street system.

Objectives:

1. Preservation of the aesthetic qualities of designated scenic corridors.
2. Development and application of appropriate standards to regulate the quality of development within designated Scenic corridors.
3. Coordination of scenic highways planning and implementation with San Gabriel Valley cities. Los Angeles County and State of California.
4. Integration of scenic corridors into City’s streets concept and urban design programs.
   

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IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES AND POLICIES

STRATEGY 1.0:

Development of a scenic road system which gives a visual impression of Pasadena’s character.

Policies:

1.1. Preservation of the scenic qualities or environmental character of streets and highways designated on the scenic highway plan shall be a principal consideration in the design of any street improvements or modifications.

1.2. The design quality of developments, including signs, abutting designated scenic roads are to be in keeping with the aesthetic character of the scenic corridor.

Programs:

1.1. Development of protective land use and design controls to preserve scenic corridors.

1.2. Integration with Streets Concepts and Urban Design Programs.

STRATEGY 2.0:

Achievement of a high design standard for transportation facilities in keeping with their scenic designation.

Policies:

2.1. Freeway noise attenuation devices shall be of a character which avoids long, unbroken expanses of vertical walls. Techniques such as varying setbacks, alternative use of materials, color and texture, as well as heavy landscaping shall be considered.

2.2. Streets designated as scenic corridors shall receive special consideration in the design of street lighting, signs and other street furniture.

Programs:

2.1. Stringent design review of freeway landscaping and noise attenuation wall plans.

2.2. Development of design standards for public improvement of streets designated as scenic corridors.

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REFERENCES

"Pasadena - Street Guide to Scenic, Historical and Cultural Points of Interest", City at Pasadena. Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Pasadena Beautiful Foundation.

"Cultural Heritage Walks", Cultural Heritage Committee, City of Pasadena.