(a) General.
(1) Building facades are considered the public faces of buildings. All four (4) sides of the building must be addressed with materials that are similar in color and texture and that are complimentary to the overall design of the structure.
(2) Walls greater than fifty (50) feet in length shall be effectively broken down through a change in surface, a change in materials or additional landscaping so as to reduce the perceived scale and mass of the wall.
(3) In instances where a building is located on a through lot, has, or chooses to have two (2) or more distinct facades, each facade shall be complimentary and harmonious to the street or alley on which it is placed.
(4) All mechanical equipment, including roof top equipment, shall be screened from view.
A. Mechanical equipment, including but not limited to HVAC, generators, trash compactors and other such items shall be so screened and shielded as to muffle noise; in accordance with Section 1288.27.
B. When a proposed loading dock is adjacent or within three hundred (300) feet of a residential district, the loading dock shall be designed to muffle noise, in accordance with Section 1288.27 and to visually screen the adjacent residential properties.
C. All screening both in terms of visual and sound shall be consistent with the architecture of the building.
(b) Articulation.
(1) Each entry shall be the primary focus of the building.
(2) Windows should be used in such a way as to provide visual interest to the building as a whole as well as to pedestrians.
(3) Large scale developments, such as strip malls and shopping centers are required to provide a facade and design that allows distinctions between individual storefronts.
(c) Windows and Transparency.
(1) Care should be taken to place windows around the perimeter of the building unless not feasible due to interior layout or use. If the installation of windows is deemed not feasible by both the developer and the Zoning Administrator, additional architectural and/or landscaping detail should be placed along said facade.
(2) Reflective/mirrored or smoked windows are discouraged.
(d) Roof Type. There is no specific type of required roof type or pitch, except that creativity and quality design is encouraged. Large scale developments, such as strip malls and shopping centers are required to provide a facade and overall design that allows distinction between and among individual storefronts.
(e) Materials.
(1) Natural materials, such as natural brick and stone, are encouraged.
(2) Color schemes that enhance and compliment surrounding buildings are encouraged.
(3) Typical corporate architecture is discouraged. An effort should be made to emphasize the existing character of the area.
(f) Entry.
(1) Entryways shall be the primary focus of all buildings.
(2) Functional doorways shall be included along storefronts and other developments whenever possible.
(g) Height. No building shall be greater than five (5) stories or sixty (60) feet in height, with fire fighting access and as approved by the fire chief.
(Res. 2007-02. Passed 7-11-07.)