In addition to the requirements of Section 1284.05 above, single family cluster dwellings and groups of such dwellings shall be designed and sited according to the criteria established below:
(a) Unity in groups of single family cluster dwellings shall be created through use of common architectural and design elements such as color, building mass, roof lines, facade treatment, color, landscaping, setbacks and related features. However, these same elements shall also be used to prevent uniformity in design elements within a cluster.
(b) Visual monotony created by excessive block lengths shall be avoided.
(c) Architectural and/or landscape elements that provide a logical transition to adjoining uses shall be provided.
(d) Where practical, existing landscape features shall be incorporated into the design of clusters. Where these existing features are not available, land scape design shall be used to create interesting and varied streetscapes and living areas.
(e) Visual access shall be provided for drivers backing from garages or driveways into the adjacent street. On corner lots, buildings, landscaping and appurtenances shall be situated and set back to provide unobstructed visual clearance at intersections.
(f) Cluster units and adjacent open space networks shall be designed to provide views of the open space from the street.
(g) Cluster units shall be designed with consideration for visual and acoustic privacy, adequate light and air, and the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, whether private or common.
(h) Each cluster unit shall be designed to include private outdoor space. Private outdoor space shall be located and designed to maximize its utility and privacy to the unit it serves, especially in relation to adjacent units. Particular care must be given to outdoor privacy when two-story cluster units are used. Private open space shall be provided at the minimum rate of 100 square feet per cluster dwelling unit.
(i) In addition to its other uses, landscaping shall also be used to lessen the intrusion of appurtenances such as transformer housings, cable pedestals, condensers, heat pumps, mailboxes and related items. Fire hydrants shall be located to be visually prominent.
(j) Garages shall be designed and located so that they are not the dominant visual element of the building or streetscape. All attached garages shall comply with one of the following: (Ord. 164-99. Passed 11-22-99.)
(1) The garage door shall be a maximum of two (2) feet forward (towards the primary access street) of either the front wall of the main living area, if there is no covered porch, or the front porch line, provided the porch is both covered with a roof and has a concrete frost depth foundation. In no instance shall the garage door be more than six (6) feet in front of the main living area.
(Ord. 87-10. Passed 11-8-10.)
(2) The garage door shall be oriented perpendicular, or mainly perpendicular, to the access street.
All attached garages shall be fully integrated into the building mass.
(k) Doorways shall be defined and articulated with architectural elements such as lintels, pediments, porches or overhangs. Doorways shall be compatible with the building as a whole and with the doors themselves.
(l) There shall be a maximum of 16 inches between exterior wall finishes and the final grade. Exposed foundation walls shall be covered with brick, stone or masonry with a surface design.
(Ord. 164-99. Passed 11-22-99.)