1177.11 DESIGN GUIDELINES.

   (a)   Objectives.

      •   Incorporate Aurora's historic features with specific emphasis on Western Reserve-type architecture.

      •   Promote economic value and the creation of a 'sense of place.'

      •   Create a pedestrian friendly environment with access to shopping, dining and entertainment.

      •   Protect and enhance surrounding neighborhoods.

      •   Character-defining features and Smart Growth concepts should be taken into consideration when reviewing new construction or renovation projects in this area.

   (b)   Public Improvements.

      (1)   Public Right of Way.

      •   Consideration for right of way width should be planned in cooperation with Bainbridge Township, in order to achieve consistency. A pre-planning meeting with City Officials is highly recommended prior to site plan preparation.

      •   A uniform street width following the City of Aurora's current guidelines should be established. Right of way should allow for narrow travel lanes, (in order to slow traffic in pedestrian areas), tree lawns and a 5 foot sidewalk on either side, except that streets located in the Waterfront District should allow for a 15 foot sidewalk to allow for outdoor dining, landscaping and public space.

 

      (2)   Public Open Space. Passive recreation is encouraged in a natural setting surrounding the existing lake. Considerations should include a boardwalk, trails and open green space.

In keeping with the City's goal to create connectivity throughout the district, development plans shall include a plan for bike lanes and/or pedestrian walking trails from Chillicothe Road to the Waterfront District. Utilizing the property adjacent to the railroad tracks is recommended.

 

      (3)   Streetscapes. Street trees shall be consistent with native trees specified on the development plans and will be subject to approval by the City Arborist. Benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, lighting and curbs should be coordinated with Bainbridge Township to achieve unified aesthetics. Sitting areas should be located near the lake and other areas where most pedestrian traffic will occur. Tree wells should be designed and incorporated to encourage tree health and protect root mass from pedestrian traffic.

 

Crosswalks should be used as traffic calming and in recognition of a neighborhood center and highlighted with enhanced paving such as stamped concrete or brick. See below for examples;

 

      (4)   Street Lighting. Pedestrian scale light fixtures are encouraged and available in a variety of unique, historic styles to complement the character of the neighborhood. Light poles should have provisions to attach banners and flower baskets.

 

 

 

      (5)   Parking. Parking areas should only be permitted to the rear and sides of buildings. A shared parking agreement is highly encouraged to promote multi-use parking areas, reducing the number of spaces required for each use. Proper planning for shared parking decreases the total number of spaces required for mixed-use developments and allows for more efficient use of land, better design, walkability and traffic flow.

 

 

      (6)   Directional Signage. The City should consider incorporating a sign program with Bainbridge Township to create unified directional signage to assist vehicular and pedestrian movement throughout the district. Attractive and informative signage will direct pedestrians and vehicles to various locations throughout the district. Gateways should be considered to announce the arrival to the Waterfront District.

 

      (7)   Utilities. All utilities must be installed underground. Maintenance of public improvements shall be made part of the development agreement, and approved by the City.

      (8)   Railroad Buffering & Trail Planning. Adequate buffering is required for any development near the railroad tracks and should be included in the developer's illustrative plan. Long-term strategies include a multi-purpose trail adjacent to the railroad property.

 

   (c)    Private Improvements. To encourage multiple, unique uses in the Mixed-Use Development District, buildings are encouraged to contain a variety of uses, i.e., retail and housing or housing and office. First floor residential is not permitted. In effort to create and maintain visual quality, underground utilities are required.

      (1)   Setback Requirements. The main face of buildings should be constructed to the sidewalk. In the Waterfront District, front setbacks shall be increased to encourage outdoor dining, seating, landscaping and open space. Front façades and main entrances should be oriented to the street or plaza area.

 

      (2)   Parking & Screening. Shared parking areas are highly encouraged. The number of parking spaces shall be calculated collectively considering hours of operation. Surface parking lots shall be located at the side or rear of buildings only. Depending on the planned development, alleys for parking, access and trash removal will be considered. A minimum of 10% of all parking areas should contain landscaping. Opaque hedges or alternate screening is required. Dumpster enclosures must be located at the rear of the building and screened with hedges and/or fencing that is six feet high.

 

      (3)   Roofs. A mix of roof types is encouraged to avoid the box-look. Use of dormers and bay windows should be incorporated to create dimension.

 

      (4)   Building Type & Height. All buildings should be designed keeping Western Reserve aesthetics in mind. Wall planes should not run for more than 50 feet without a change in plane, color or material.

Building height shall be no more than 3 stories or 45 feet. One story buildings are permitted, but artificial second stories are highly encouraged and may be required in some instances.

 

      (5)   Façade Design. Building façades should be scaled to the pedestrian. All sides visible from a street must match the front façade. Storefronts should incorporate elements such as display and transom windows.

 

      (6)   Awnings & Lighting. Awnings should be decorative, functional and complement the color of the building. They should be constructed of durable, washable fabric. Material samples must be presented during design review. Awnings are permitted as signage. Creating unique pedestrian entrances using canopies, arches, peaked roofs and overhangs is permitted and encouraged. Building lighting can take a variety of shapes and should be incorporated into the unique design of each building

 

      (7)   Building Materials. Designs should incorporate the history of the Waterfront District and Western Reserve area. Development should consist of lasting materials that weather well and need little maintenance. Acceptable materials include brick, stone and wood. Textures of smooth and rough brick, rough and smooth concrete in foundations, stone or metal trim and painted wood are encouraged. Non-traditional materials such as vinyl siding are acceptable, but sheet metal and plastic panels are not.

 

      (8)   Landscaping. A minimum of 10% of all parking areas should contain landscaping. The use of planters, window boxes, etc. is encouraged. Landscape plans are required and must be approved by the City's Arborist and Planning Commission.

 

      (9)   Signage. Signage plays an important role in a mixed-use district and conveys an image for businesses and should be attractive and appropriate. Pole signs, internally illuminated signs and plastic signs are not permitted.

Wall signs, projecting signs, awning signs and monument signs are permitted. Natural materials are preferred. Joint identification signs are also permitted when several businesses occupy a single structure and share a common entrance. All signage shall be in accordance with the City's existing Sign Code (Chapter 1159) . The Planning Commission may consider acceptable variations presented in a comprehensive sign package. Sandwich board signs are permitted only in front of businesses that are directly adjacent to the water and may only be placed outside their immediate storefront during their open hours. In the case of window signage, vinyl letters not more than 6 inches in height are permitted and may not cover more than 50% of the window surface. Refer to the City's current Sign Code for additional details on size requirements.

 

(Ord. 2014-144. Passed 12-1-14.)