Building design approval shall be based on the use of the structure, its relationship to the site, and its compatibility with the surrounding natural and built environment. All buildings, structures, and site improvements required under this section shall comply with the following community design standards:
A. Architectural Enhancements. Facade articulation adds architectural interest and variety to the massing of a building and prevents a plain, monotonous facades. A variety of features must be incorporated into the design of the buildings to provide sufficient articulation of the facades. This may be achieved by incorporating the use of vertical and/or horizontal reveals, stepbacks, modulation, projections, roof detailing, and three dimensional details between surface planes to create shadow lines and break up flat surface areas.
A minimum of three (3) of the following architectural enhancements or other similar treatments shall be integrated into all applicable building facades to avoid the appearance of a blank wall:
1. Columns or pilasters;
2. Decorative cornices;
3. Horizontal banding;
4. Arches;
5. Decorative vents or louvers;
6. Moldings and trims;
7. Decorative shutters;
8. Bay windows;
9. Faux windows;
10. Art elements; and
11. Canopies, balconies, overhangs, and other horizontal projections. In addition, multi-story buildings shall incorporate these design features in conjunction with the architectural enhancements listed above within this subsection.
B. Exterior Treatment and Finishes. Exterior building finishes shall be limited to:
1. Brick or brick veneer;
2. Stone or stone veneer;
3. Stucco; and
4. Split face (accent only), pre-formed, or textured masonry block.
C. Symbols. Buildings, which are of symbolic design for reasons of advertising, unless otherwise consistent with the criteria herein, shall not be allowed.
All permanent outdoor identification features which are intended to call attention to a proposed development and/or structures shall be designed and located in such a manner as to be an integral part of the development.
D. Building Paint Color(s).
1. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this subparagraph is to enhance the unique architectural environment of the City by establishing general standards for the choice of colors for the exterior surfaces of buildings and structures, including courtyards accessible to the public.
2. Applicability. The painting of all public and private development, but not limited to, new buildings, structures, additions, alterations, roof tiles or roof finishes, and the repainting of existing buildings and structures. This subparagraph also includes the reflectance, tinting, and coloration of glass on the elevations of a building or structure.
3. Standards.
a. A minimum combination of three (3) complimentary building colors shall be used for each development. Painted surfaces include the wall, trim, and accents.
b. Color(s) shall be compatible with the surrounding area and used to complement the development;
c. Paint color should be used to highlight architectural forms and details but not to create them. Architectural murals may be appropriate for a particular building and may be considered on a case-by-case basis;
d. When a non-residential building contains more than one (1) storefront, the building colors shall not be different to distinguish between each storefront; and
e. Stone or tile surfaces shall not be painted unless complimentary to the development.
E. Awnings and Canopies. The following design standards shall be applied to awning and canopies within all districts:
1. Function. Awnings shall be of adequate height and depth to provide protection to pedestrian from the elements and used in a manner that accentuates architectural features and embellishments; and
2. Size. The size of an awning should be proportional to the scale of the host building and the surrounding streetscape.
3. Appearance and Color.
a. The appearance and color(s) of awnings shall enhance the overall design of the building and be compatible with the selected building material(s) and color(s); and
b. All awnings shall incorporate uniformity in their design (including valances). Scalloped valances may be permitted provided that their appearance and color is compatible with the type and shape of awning being used as well as with the architecture and materials of the building.
c. No awnings, valances, or support structures (including signage attached thereto) shall be internally-illuminated or backlit.
4. Miscellaneous.
a. Within Right-of-Way. Awnings may extend over a public sidewalk within a right-of-way. The applicant shall obtain all necessary approvals and permits for those canopies or awnings that extend into the public right-of-way, prior to the issuance of a permit.
b. Maintenance. See Section 11 below for additional regulations regarding the maintenance of awnings and canopies.
F. Monotony Restrictions. In order to enhance a desired character or appearance and to promote a variety of architectural structures, project may be required to include a diversity of floor plans and/or elevations, or a variety of residential housing models and/or architectural styles, including but not limited to floor plans, elevations, building scale, building massing, building proportion, architectural trim and architectural details, within a development. For example, the City may require any number of different floor plans of a particular architectural style within a development, and may require as a condition of approval that a certain number of lots on either side or on the same side of the street be constructed with any number of different floor plans or housing model types. For purposes of this section, "monotonous" means houses with identical floor plans or elevations.
See Section 10.A.3 below for additional monotony restrictions for wall and fences.
G. Overhead Doors. Due to the high degree of visibility of buildings located on Hypoluxo Road, Miner Road, Congress Avenue, Lawrence Road, Gateway Boulevard, Quantum Lakes Drive, Old Boynton Road, Knuth Road, Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach Boulevard, Winchester Park Boulevard, High Ridge Road, Seacrest Boulevard, Golf Road, Ocean Avenue, Federal Highway, Old Dixie Highway, N.E. 10th Avenue and S.E. 36th Avenue, which include entrances to the City, the following exterior design requirements apply:
1. Overhead doors shall not be located on a building facade(s) visible from any of the above public or private rights-of-way; and
2. Building facades that are visible from any of the roadways listed above shall be designed in such a manner as to enhance and disguise the appearance of a warehouse and/or service area.
H. Downspouts. External downspouts shall be enclosed within the building structure on any building elevation visible from areas within the property accessible by the public, from adjoining properties within the same master development (including drive aisles and parking facilities), and from public rights-of-way. Downspout enclosures shall be incorporated into the design of the building and be complimentary to architecture. For example, downspouts may be enclosed in columns or pilasters if such features are used elsewhere on the building, or are consistent with the building's architectural style.
I. Mechanical Equipment. Lack of or inadequate screening of mechanical equipment can have negative visual impacts on the City's streetscape, ambient landscape, or community image. Mechanical equipment can further negatively impact the surrounding properties because of the noise that may be produced. Such impacts shall be minimized through compliance with the following requirements:
1. Rooftop. Rooftops will be treated as part of the building elevation. Buildings shall have an appropriate and fully integrated rooftop architectural treatment which substantially screens all mechanical equipment, stairs, and elevator towers. All rooftop equipment must be completely screened from view at a minimum distance of 600 feet. Where feasible, rooftop mechanical equipment shall be located within the area of the roof surface that is farthest away from adjacent residential uses or residential zoned property.
2. At-Grade. Exterior utility boxes, meters, transformers, etc. shall be screened from public view either by a buffer wall in accordance with Chapter 3, Article V, or by a continuous vegetative buffer as required by Chapter 4, Article II. The intent is to create an opaque barrier constructed of compatible materials matching the building in color, or its equivalent in the form of landscaping, to a height at least equal to the highest point of the equipment. Structural screening shall be architecturally integrated into the overall project design and shall be compatible, in terms of style, construction materials, colors, and finish, with the principal structure(s). Where feasible, on site mechanical equipment shall be located as far away from adjacent residential uses or residential-zoned property as is feasible.
J. Drive-Through Facilities and/or Walk-up Windows. Walk-up windows and drive-through facilities shall not be allowed on any building facade that directly fronts on a public or private right-of-way. On eligible building facades (sides and/or rear) the following design standards are required where windows for drive-through facilities are proposed:
1. The building facade shall have windows that occupy no less than 25% of the facade and that are located at the pedestrian level. A maximum of 10% of this 25% may be non-transparent windows.
2. The building facade shall be modulated and divided into smaller identifiable pieces to articulate the plane of the facade.
3. The building facade shall have at least one offset having a pitched roof.
4. Additional landscaping for the screening of drive-through facilities is required in accordance with Chapter 4, Article II, Section 6.D.
(Ord. 12-016, passed 10-2-12)