Traditional Neighborhood Design has specific characteristics which result in a compact, mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood. Development shall be consistent with the following objectives and standards:
(a) Standards for allowable land uses, lot area, coverage, density and yard requirements shall be determined by underlying base zone requirements, unless alternative requirements are approved as part of the GDP.
(b) Streets/blocks and Streetscape Design.
(1) Block lengths shall not exceed 500 feet with a maximum block perimeter of 1,400 feet. No development shall cause a net increase in existing block length. Mid-block pedestrian connections or a public alley shall be provided in blocks over 400 foot in length.
(2) Proposed alleys shall be designed within a twenty (20) foot maximum right-of-way.
(3) The street design used within the Target Investment Zones may vary depending on the proposed function of the street, the anticipated adjacent land uses, the traffic load and the desired character of the area.
(4) Street design shall balance the needs of all users, and streetscape design is critical to this balance. The streetscape shall consist of sidewalks and amenities, such as street trees and street furniture. Providing wide sidewalks, on-street parking and an appealing streetscape encourages pedestrian activity.
(5) Construction of public streets and walkways must conform to the City of Canton Standards. However, the Commission can approve the overall design of streets, walkways, and on-street parking areas. Therefore, flexibility exists as it relates to the design of these areas. Recommended street design standards are outlined in the streetscape typology, streetscape design guidelines and urban catalog documents prepared by the Planning Director and/or City Engineer.
(c) Required Frontage Features. One of the following features shall be required on principal street frontages (See Illustration #6):
(1) Porch
(2) Terrace
(3) Forecourt
(4) Stoop (12sq. ft. min.)
(5) Shopfront
(6) Gallery
(7) Arcade
Frontage Features Diagram
(d) Vehicular Access.
(1) Access to alleys. Direct vehicular access from a lot to an alley in the district is permitted and preferred. Direct vehicular access from a lot to a street is not required, except as provided in this section. Parking in alleys is prohibited.
(2) Exceptions. Direct vehicular access from a lot to street may be permitted by the Commission if an alley cannot reasonably be provided or for other demonstrated reasons.
(3) Joint access driveways. If adjacent lots have direct vehicular access to a street, the Commission may require that the access be through a common or joint driveway.
(e) Parking Structure/Deck Design.
(1) Screening of structured parking and/or enclosed parking by a liner building along principal and secondary street frontages shall be utilized to disguise a parking structures.
(2) Height of Liner Building shall be equal or greater than the height of the parking structure within the Downtown Target Investment Zone (TIZ) and shall be at a minimum the first floor for all other TIZ's. Frontage build-out of liner building shall be equal or greater than the width of the structured or enclosed parking it screens, less permitted openings. (See Illustration #7)
Liner Building Diagram
(f) Building Placement.
(1) In Traditional Neighborhood Design buildings are used to form a distinct street edge and define the border between the public space and the private space of the individual lot. This promotes active streets and provides visual interest to the pedestrians. In order to achieve this objective, new buildings in the Target Investment Zones should aim to have a zero set back from the street right-of-way, but set-backs from the street line are allowed to accommodate use and to avoid uniformity.
(2) New buildings shall be designed to cover at least 80% of the lot frontage. If the remaining portion of the frontage is not required for vehicular or pedestrian access to the lot, a decorative enclosure wall or gate shall be installed along the remaining frontage. The enclosure wall or gate design shall be approved by the Planning Director and shall be designed in a manner which meets the purposes and goals of this section.
(g) Building Design and Use.
(1) Buildings shall relate to and be oriented towards the street and surrounding buildings.
(2) The main entrance of a building or other structure must face the street and be clearly articulated through the use of architectural detailing. Secondary rear entrances may also be permitted. Front entrances may not be closed off in favor of rear entrance.
(3) Residential, office, and institutional uses may be located above the first floor of a commercial building.
(4) Service areas (loading docks, shipping/receiving) and utility service connections shall be located at the back of the building.
(5) The first floors of all buildings shall have a habitable space within the first 20 feet of building depth fronting the street.
(6) Blank walls or roof planes longer than 30 feet shall be avoided along the streetscape. Architectural articulation required. (See Illustration #8)
Blank Walls Diagram
(h) Additional Requirements.
(1) Merchandise may be displayed on the sidewalk, provided that a minimum six-foot pedestrian right-of-way remains unobstructed.
(2) Outdoor dining shall be permitted in any yard area and on the sidewalk area provided that a minimum six-foot pedestrian right-of-way remains unobstructed on the sidewalk. All outdoor dining areas shall be enclosed with an ornamental fence no more than 3 feet high. Other forms of enclosures may be considered and approved by the Planning Director and/or Commission.
(Ord. 147-2018. Passed 7-2-18.)