(1) Purpose: The purpose of the city center Indian Creek corridor design requirements is to set forth design requirements that allow for a range of alternative methods for achieving the design objectives and to allow for innovation and creativity in meeting the design objectives.
(2) Applicability: The following requirements shall apply to:
A. All new construction, additions and/or any exterior renovation for property within the Indian Creek corridor ("within" meaning either completely within or partially within any portion of the Indian Creek corridor that runs through the city center zoning district). (Ord. 2743, 5-19-2008)
B. The exception is that all new construction, additions, or alteration of properties within a designated local historic district contained within the city center zone shall instead be subject to provisions set forth in section 10-12-07, "Design Development Requirements For City Center Properties Located Within A Designated Local Historic District", of this article. (Ord. 2911, 9-4-2012)
(3) Guiding Principles:
A. Relate new to existing development.
B. Create a visually interesting and inviting environment.
C. Strengthen the pedestrian environment.
D. Promote sustainable design.
E. Promote quality development.
F. Address the special opportunity of Indian Creek.
G. Create a distinctive skyline.
H. Minimize the appearance of unattractive elements.
I. Create linkages and passages.
J. Create a multifunctional and attractive streetscape.
K. Commit special attention to the design of civic and public spaces. (Ord. 2571, 12-19-2005)
(4) Performance Standards:
A. Relate New To Existing Development:
1. Buildings should reflect a minimum of two (2) elements of the Richardsonian Romanesque, the revival, the Main Street revival or the Spanish revival architectural style, or a combination thereof, as listed in subsection 10-12-05(7) of this article. (Ord. 2743, 5-19-2008)
B. Create A Visually Interesting And Inviting Environment:
1. Building frontages should be designed to create inviting indoor and outdoor spaces visible from the sidewalk, streets, and Indian Creek corridor.
2. Both interior and exterior spaces should be designed to recognize and promote visual linkages to other defining elements, such as Indian Creek, monuments, civic spaces, and other landmarks that orient the user.
3. Public spaces, courtyards and plazas should be incorporated into the design of new development to accommodate a number of functions, whether organized or casual. Desired features in these spaces include: fountains, art, movable seating and tables, orientation to take advantage of winter sun and summer shading, security at night and many points of access and connection.
4. Usable raised porches and terraces are encouraged on the street sides of residential buildings to create opportunities for neighborhood interaction.
5. Side and rear facades of buildings should contain windows of similar character as the street side windows to create a sense of architectural continuity for all sides of the building, and also to provide "eyes on the street" for safety. (Ord. 2571, 12-19-2005)
C. Strengthen The Pedestrian Environment:
1. Building entrances should be designed to give identity to buildings and uses therein and to reinforce public spaces.
2. Pedestrian activity at the ground level should be encouraged with pedestrian amenities such as display windows, recessed entrances, arcades, alcoves, porticoes, awnings and sidewalk seating. Architectural details such as cornices, ornamentation, light fixtures, that provide visual interest, shadow, contrast and color to the pedestrian should be encouraged.
3. Buildings over three (3) stories in height should be designed to reduce the visual impact of taller building elements as viewed from the streets. (Ord. 2743, 5-19-2008)
D. Promote Sustainable Design:
1. Sustainable, energy efficient and nontoxic materials should be used to create less impact on the local and world environment.
2. Solar energy devices and materials are encouraged and should be integrated in the building design so as not to look extraneous or visible from the street.
3. New development should be designed to provide solar access and to minimize the impact of shadows on neighboring buildings and spaces.
4. Energy efficient lighting should be provided in attractive features that provide for security without shedding excessive light on adjoining properties or polluting the night sky.
5. Streets and surface parking area should be guided by the principles of green streets. Desirable features are permeable paving, vegetated infiltration areas, solar powered lighting, and native landscaping.
6. Low impact stormwater solutions that offer infiltration and habitat value should be encouraged and should be consistent with adopted city standards. (Ord. 2571, 12-19-2005)
E. Promote Quality Development:
1. All standards as set forth in this article shall apply to development within the Indian Creek corridor as it flows through the city center district. (Ord. 2743, 5-19-2008)
F. Address The Special Opportunity Of Indian Creek:
1. Building facades facing Indian Creek should be open to the creek environment with windows and doors, and where applicable to outside dining areas.
2. Properties adjacent to Indian Creek should provide linkages for pedestrian and bicycle access along Indian Creek and the Boise River.
3. Visual and safe physical access to the creek should be provided.
4. Public art fountains and other features should be provided which reflect the creek side environment.
G. Create A Distinctive Skyline:
1. Multi-story buildings are encouraged. (Ord. 2571, 12-19-2005)
2. A minimum of two (2) stories is required for all newly constructed buildings in the Indian Creek corridor. (Ord. 2743, 5-19-2008)
3. Create roof profiles on taller buildings to provide a nonuniform skyline.
4. The use of upper floor setbacks and sloping roofs is encouraged.
5. Roof gardens are encouraged to provide additional green space in the urban environment, beautify roofscapes, slow stormwater runoff, and reduce heat island effect.
H. Minimize The Appearance Of Unattractive Elements:
1. Service areas should be located primarily at the alley; or on sites not served by an alley, service areas should be located at the rear or an internal location on the site where visibility and odor from the street and adjoining sites is minimized. Service areas along alleys, especially buildings with Indian Creek frontage, should be screened from view or designed with the best possible appearance.
2. Mechanical equipment, solar collectors, satellite dishes and communication equipment may be located on top of a building if screened to the height of the equipment. Screening should be of similar materials and form as the building itself. (Ord. 2571, 12-19-2005)
I. Create Linkages And Passages:
1. Emphasize the public sidewalk, Indian Creek corridor and other public pathways as primary circulation. Avoid focusing circulation to interior environments.
2. Promote connections through buildings for public interaction and pathway choice, particularly in buildings that face Indian Creek.
3. Connections between major attractors should be strengthened in order to create an easily walkable atmosphere.
4. Public spaces, courtyards and plazas should be designed to provide a visual or physical continuity between inside and outside buildings, linkages with neighboring sites and buildings, and connection between the public and private spaces. (Ord. 2743, 5-19-2008)