El Monte, CA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

070(A) requires new development near an historic property to follow the Secretary of Interior's Standards and Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties, restore altered historic features, and avoid a false 'historical' look. The sustainability guidelines in subsection B push residences within a quarter mile of transit and services, solar-ready roofs, and stormwater infiltration measures such as bioswales and permeable paving. Subsection I lists building materials that are discouraged citywide within the plan area, including mirrored or reflective glass, vinyl and aluminum siding, imitation brick and corrugated fiberglass, alongside a preferred palette of exterior plaster, cut stone, brick veneer and ceramic tile.

The awnings standard in subsection H is the most concrete operational rule: the bottom edge of any awning must clear at least eight feet off the ground, awnings must be built from noncombustible material such as fireproof canvas or vinyl, and any awning that becomes ripped, tattered or damaged must be repaired or replaced within three months. Barrel-shaped awnings are prohibited outright. Subsection J bars chain link or similar metal wire fencing with slats for any screening purpose, requiring solid-material walls and fences instead. These guidelines were enacted with the rest of the current Title 17 rewrite under Ordinance No.

3053, adopted May 14, 2025, and are administered by the city's Planning Division during site plan and building permit review for any project inside the Downtown Specific Plan boundary.