(A) The goal of design standards is to create a quality building and site design compatible with surrounding residential developments. To do this the city will regulate landscaping, building materials, signage, lighting, noise, storage, ratios of impervious materials coverage and access points for pedestrians and vehicles.
(B) Traffic circulation patterns and ingress and egress to the site shall be designed so as to minimize the impact on the adjacent neighborhood.
(C) The site shall be organized so that there can be a smooth flow of vehicles in and out of the site as well as easy access to the various activity areas. Acceleration and deceleration lanes and/or traffic medians shall be required where existing or anticipated heavy flows indicate need.
(D) Entrances and exits shall be placed in accordance with city requirements so as to minimize interference with off-site circulation patterns.
(E) Circulation at gas pumps shall not conflict with access to parking, interior vehicular circulation or access to and from public streets.
(F) Provision shall be made for emergency vehicle access and fire lanes adjacent to the building.
(G) Parking shall be provided in the quantities recommended by the city parking guidelines. Parking for convenience shopping centers shall be provided at a minimum of one space per 200 square feet of gross floor area. All parking areas shall be designed to city standards.
(H) Parking lots have having 15 or more spaces shall provide parking for the physically disabled. In addition, bicycle racks and motorcycle parking shall be provided.
(I) Bicycle parking should be provided near building entries, but shall not encroach into pedestrian walkways.
(J) Parking areas shall be screened from views of adjacent streets and residential areas through a combination of planting and berming. Walls of masonry material similar to and compatible with the primary building materials may also be used for screening parking and circulation areas.
(K) Loading/service areas shall be designed to include space for vehicle ingress and maneuvering. Service to underground tanks shall not conflict with the site access and shall be placed at least 100 feet from any residential property line. Loading and service shall only be done during normal business hours.
(L) Service and loading to the fronts of buildings may be permitted provided the rear of the building abuts a residential zoning district.
(M) Loading/service areas, refuse containers, and storage containers, located on the side or rear of buildings, shall be screened from view from adjacent streets and residential areas through the use of intensive six-foot high planting and/or opaque masonry screening walls. Masonry shall be the same material used on the exterior of the main structure.
(N) Outdoor storage and display shall be a prohibited use. All utility meters and services to the building shall be screened from view or contained within the building.
(O) Screening walls or fences shall be at least six feet in height, but not more than eight feet in height. Lower walls may be used to help screen parking and circulation areas.
(P) Fences or walls shall be constructed of a masonry material similar to and complimentary to the primary building material and architecture. (Chain link type fences with or without wood slats or other inserts shall not be an acceptable screening device.) Fencing shall not impair traffic safety by obscuring views of entering or exiting motorists.
(Q) Decorative or protective wrought iron type fences may be allowed when incorporated properly within a site plan.
(‘81 Code, § A1-35) (Ord. 291, passed 4-21-83; Am. Ord. 436, passed 2-23-89; Am. Ord. 462, passed 10-12-89; Am. Ord. 471, passed 1-11-90)