Visible-from-Mulholland Materials Standards

Visible projects on Inner Corridor lots carry specific materials constraints that lock at submission. Fences, gates, and walls visible from Mulholland Drive must be constructed of an enumerated material list. Drain pipes laid on the ground and visible from Mulholland Drive must be black or earth-tone brown. Roofs visible from Mulholland Drive must be surfaced with non-glare materials, with no equipment placed on them; solar energy devices are exempted.

The ADU clearance form adds a parallel rule: white is not a permitted color in the Plan area, and the Santa Monica Mountains Color Wheel (Appendix A) is the reference for acceptable colors.

• Rough-cut, unfinished wood
• Native-type stone
• Split-face concrete block
• Textured plaster surface walls
• Black or dark green chain link or wrought iron
• A combination of the above

Drain pipes laid on the ground and visible from Mulholland Drive must be black or earth-tone brown. Specify the color on the Plot/Site Plan rather than deferring to construction.

All roofs visible from Mulholland Drive must be surfaced with non-glare materials, with no equipment placed on them. Solar energy devices are exempted from this restriction. Many otherwise-acceptable products do not meet the non-glare standard — verify before specifying.

• For each material or different color, the Building Elevations (E-8) show the material(s), manufacturer’s name(s), and color name(s) and number(s). Glass is anti-reflective.
• The Topographic Roof Plan (E-4) identifies roofing material, manufacturer, color name, and color number. No equipment shown on visible roof surfaces, with the solar exemption noted.
• The Colored Rendering (E-10) reflects materials and colors consistent with Building Elevations and the Santa Monica Mountains Color Wheel.
• The Fence/Wall/Gate Specifications and Elevations (E-12, where applicable) show height, materials, and manufacturer color name and number.
• For ADU clearances, the proposed exterior color is not white and aligns with the Color Wheel.

• Lock material and color selections at the schematic stage. The DRB packet treats them as fixed, not provisional. Late material changes are revisions, not flexibility.
• Verify roof material selection is non-glare before specifying.
• For drain pipes laid on the ground, specify color (black or earth-tone brown) on the Plot/Site Plan rather than deferring to construction.
• For fences, gates, and walls, choose from the enumerated list and avoid finishes that do not meet the surface and color requirements.
• Include the Color Wheel reference in the project’s color palette discussion with the owner. Approval-side surprises around white finishes are common.

Source: Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, §5 D 4 (fences, gates, and walls), §5 D 5 (drain pipes), and §5 D 7 (roofs). ADU color rule per the Mulholland ADU Administrative Clearance Form. Color reference: Santa Monica Mountains Color Wheel, Appendix A of the Mulholland Design and Preservation Guidelines.