(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish standards and regulations to promote high quality architecture and building design throughout the City.
(b) Applicability. The following design standards shall apply to all uses, except single- family (attached and detached) and two-family dwellings, per the following:
(1) All new buildings shall comply with the provisions of this section.
(2) Exterior alterations or modifications to existing buildings that exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total square footage of all facades of the building to be altered or modified, shall comply with the design standards, unless the Planning Commission decides that consistency with the existing architecture better satisfies the goals of this section.
(3) Additions to existing buildings that exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the existing floor area of the building to be expanded, or 10,000 square feet, whichever is less, shall comply with the architectural standards of this section, unless the Building Commissioner decides that consistency with the existing architecture better satisfies the goals of this chapter.
(c) Approval Process. Applications that require design review per subsection (b) shall submit the required information as part of the site plan review process per Section 1111.05(d). The Planning Commission may alter or waive the requirements of this section, as part of the final development plan approval, if the Commission deems that the application meets the intent of this section.
(d) Design Standards That Apply to All Buildings.
(1) Style. Architectural style is not restricted, but the evaluation of a project's appearance shall be based on the quality and creativity of its design, the shape and form of the building and roof, and the building materials proposed to be used.
(2) Monotony. Monotony of design in multiple buildings within a development shall be avoided. Variation in detail shall be used to provide visual interest.
(3) Character. New developments shall be complementary to the existing and intended character of the area in which they are located. This includes, but is not limited to, a development's size, scale, design, materials, mass, and location.
(4) Pedestrian-Oriented Development. Mixed-use, commercial, multifamily, and other similar types of development shall be designed with an emphasis primarily on the street sidewalk and on pedestrian access to the site and building, rather than on auto access and parking areas. Buildings shall be generally placed closer to the street with the main entrance oriented to the street sidewalk.
(5) Building Materials.
A. Any combination of primary building materials, as identified in Table 1104.07-1: Building Material standards, shall comprise a minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of each building façade that faces a public right-of-way, an interior access road, a parking area, or a residential zoning district or use. For the remaining facades, any combination of primary building materials shall comprise a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the façade.
B. Secondary building materials, as identified in Table 1104.07-1: Building Material standards, shall be used for accents, architectural treatments, and the remaining areas of the façade.
C. Each building shall use at least three different building materials. At least two (2) of the three (3) materials shall be from the list of primary building material for the specific use as identified.
D. Other building materials, which are not listed in Table 1104.07-1: Building Material standards, may be approved by Planning Commission.
TABLE 1104.07-1: BUILDING MATERIAL STANDARDS
Industrial Uses | Office, Mixed Use, Commercial, Public or Institutional, and Residential | |
Primary Building Materials | Brick, stone, cultured stone, architectural CMU block, glass, and precast concrete panels | Brick, stone, cultured stone, architectural CMU block, and glass |
Secondary Building Materials | Architectural grade metal panels, fiber cement siding, EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System), stucco, wood, and vinyl siding | Architectural grade metal panels, fiber cement siding, EIFS, stucco, wood, precast concrete panels, and vinyl siding |
(6) Architectural Treatments.
A. All sides of buildings shall include a variety of architectural treatments, which shall include both vertical and horizontal features that break up façade walls including building projections, recesses, cornices, pilasters, contrasting horizontal or vertical bands, awnings, canopies, varying colors, or colonnades.
B. Each building shall include a clearly defined primary façade with a prominent entrance that includes an assortment of architectural treatments, a variety of materials, and a clear distinction between the building base, body, and cap.
(7) Roof Form. Roofs are an important architectural feature of a building, and they shall complement and enhance the overall building design. Roof forms shall be subject to the following:
A. Dynamic and asymmetrical roof forms are encouraged as they allude to motion, provide variety and flexibility in non-residential building design, and allow for unique buildings.
B. In multi-tenant buildings, roof heights and styles shall vary between tenants in order to break up the overall mass of the building.
C. Flat roofs are acceptable if mechanical units are properly screened as required in Section 1104.07(d)(9).
(8) Window Openings.
A. First floor elevations that are visible from the public right-of-way or front a pedestrian walkway, shall maximize window openings as appropriate for the interior use.
B. Reflective glass shall not be used.
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Figure 1104.07-1: Illustration of Building Materials and Architectural Treatments
(9) Exterior Equipment. Exterior equipment, both roof, wall, and ground mounted, shall be subject to the following:
A. Wall mounted mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, communication equipment, downspouts, gutters, service doors, and other building-mounted utility fixtures shall be painted and maintained to match the building on which they are located or be screened from view.
B. Mechanical, electrical, and communication equipment shall not be located in the front yard.
C. Mechanical, electrical, and communication equipment shall be screened from view from adjacent public rights-of-way and from all property zoned or used for residential purposes.
D. Screening elements, including landscaping, mounds, parapets, or enclosures shall be compatible with the architecture, materials, and colors used on the majority of the principal structure or as otherwise approved.
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Figure 1104.07-2: Example of Roof Top Screening with a Parapet Wall
(10) Dumpster and Waste Enclosures. Dumpsters and waste enclosures are subject to the following:
A. Enclosures shall be located in the side or rear yard.
B. The enclosure shall be constructed out of a durable material that is consistent with the building material used on the principal building on three (3) sides. The walls of the enclosure shall be six (6) feet in height, or at least one (1) foot above the height of the dumpster. The fourth side of the enclosure shall be screened with an opaque gate that is the same height as the screen walls.
C. Bollards shall be installed at the enclosure opening to prevent damage to the screen walls or gate.
D. Chain link fences (with or without slats) are not permitted as screening materials for dumpsters.
E. Dumpsters shall be located on an impervious surface, such as asphalt or concrete.
F. The dumpster and the doors of the enclosure shall be closed at all times, except when the dumpster is actively being emptied.
(11) Loading and Service Areas. All loading and service areas shall be located on a façade that does not face a public right-of-way and such area shall be screened from view from all public rights-of-way and from all properties zoned or used for residential purposes.
(Ord. 2022-34. Passed 1-9-23.)