A. General Objectives And Considerations: The following apply to Spring Valley. The following, including the provisions set forth in the Eagle architecture and site design book, contains a listing of objectives applied to each application, and a listing of matters which shall be considered by the design review board. The objectives are separated into two (2) sections: site design and building design. Specific aspects of design should be examined to determine whether the proposed development will provide a desirable environment for its occupants as well as for its neighbors, and whether, aesthetically, the composition, materials, textures and colors meet the intent of this title. The design review board shall consider the following criteria in reviewing the application:
1. Site Design Objectives: The site plan design shall minimize impact of traffic on adjacent streets, provide for the pedestrian, and provide appropriate, safe parking lot design.
a. The functional relationship of the structures and the site in relation to its surroundings;
b. The impact and effect of the site development plan on traffic conditions on contiguous streets and adjoining properties or neighborhoods;
c. The site layout with respect to separation or integration of vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic patterns;
d. The arrangement and adequacy of off street parking facilities relative to access points, building location and total site development to prevent traffic conflict or congestion;
e. The location, arrangement and dimensions of truck loading ramps, docks, and bays and vehicle service facilities;
f. The access, parking lot, and interior roadway illumination plans and hours of operation;
g. The required driver, pedestrian and bicycle sight distance requirements of the project and their relationship to adjacent streets, driveways and properties;
h. The coordination of the site development with planned right of way alignments, acquisitions and street improvements;
i. The graphic delineation of traffic circulation patterns to avoid confusion, congestion and conflicts;
j. The continued maintenance of traffic, parking and lighting systems;
k. The protection of views and vistas in relation to urban design and aesthetic considerations; and
l. The provision of safe pedestrian and bicycle connections between neighborhoods and commercial areas.
2. Site Landscaping: The site landscaping shall minimize impact on adjacent properties through the proper use of screening with sound and sight buffers, and unsightly areas shall be concealed or screened and the design review board shall consider:
a. The location, height, and materials of walls, fences, hedges and screen plantings to ensure harmony with adjacent development;
b. The location and type of new plantings, with due regard to preservation of specimen and landmark trees, and to maintenance of all plantings;
c. The providing of screen plantings or other screening methods reasonably required to conceal outdoor storage areas, trash receptacles, service areas, truck loading areas, utility buildings and other unsightly developments;
d. The installation of sound and sight buffers, the preservation of public views, light and air, and the consideration of those landscape aspects of design which may have substantial effects on neighborhood development, land uses, and amenities;
e. The design and use of open spaces and parks; and
f. The permanent maintenance of all landscaped areas and fencing.
3. Site Grading And Drainage: The on site grading and drainage shall be designed so as to maximize land use benefits and to minimize off site impact and provide for slope and soil stabilization to prevent erosion and the design review board shall consider:
a. The existing and proposed grading relative to soil removal, fill work, retainage, soil stabilization, erosion control on the site and the adjacent terrain and streets, and adoption of the development to the existing site contours;
b. The planting of ground covers or shrubbery to prevent dust, to stabilize soils and embankments and to control erosion;
c. Existing and proposed storm drainageways, canals, floodway and floodplains relative to flow or alignment alterations, containment and endangerment of health; and
d. The maintenance of floodway, floodplains, drainageways, channels, culverts, head gates, canals, and soils.
4. Signage: Signing for any project shall provide for business identification and minimize clutter and confusion on and off the site, and shall be in compliance with this chapter. The design review board shall consider:
a. The "overall sign concept" for multi-tenant business centers to assure that it addresses the continuity between tenant sign design and building design;
b. The reduction of hazards to motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians as may be caused by or partially attributable to the distraction and obstruction of improperly located and designed signs;
c. The provision for effective and necessary business identification systems adapted to the building design;
d. The continued maintenance of signs throughout their life; and
e. The size, location, design, color, texture, lighting, landscaping, and hours of operations of all permanent signs and outdoor advertising structures or features to ensure that any such proposals do not detract from the function of, or design of, buildings, structures, surrounding properties, neighborhoods, or streets.
5. Utilities: Utility service systems shall not detract from building or site design. Cable, electrical, and telephone service systems shall be installed underground, and the design review board shall consider:
a. Size and location of all service systems for appropriate appearance and maintenance accessibility;
b. The location and design of transformers, pad mount and roof mounted mechanicals and electrical equipment shall be reviewed and approved by the design review board. All roof mounted mechanicals shall be completely screened from view through the use of a parapet wall when utilizing a flat roof design or shall be enclosed within the building when utilizing a roof design other than a flat roof. "Screened from view" shall mean "not visible" at the same level or elevation of the parapet wall (e.g., the perspective generally as shown on an elevation plan);
c. The location and sizes of all utility lines, manholes, poles, underground cables, gas lines, wells, and similar installations; and
d. The continued maintenance of these service systems.
6. Building Design:
a. Building Mass: The mass of the building shall be reviewed for its relationship with existing development in the immediate surrounding area and with the allowed use proposed by the applicant;
b. Proportion Of Building: The height to width relationship of new structures shall be compatible and consistent with the architectural character of the area and proposed use;
c. Relationship Of Openings In The Buildings: Openings in the building shall provide interest through the use of such features as balconies, bays, porches, covered entries, overhead structures, awnings, changes in building facade and roofline alignment, to provide shadow relief. Avoid monotonous flat planes;
d. Relationship Of Exterior Materials: The design review board shall determine the appropriateness of materials as they relate to building mass, shadow relief, and existing area development. Use of color to provide blending of materials with the surrounding area and building use, and the functional appropriateness of the proposed building design as it relates to the proposed use shall be considered; and
e. Allowed Architectural Styles: The architecture styles provided in the EASD book are approved examples for applicants to follow when designing for Spring Valley architecture.
B. Architectural Requirements, Building Materials, Fence And Deck/Patio Materials, Colors, And Architectural Appurtenance Height Limitation: Unless specified as prohibited herein, materials listed in this chapter are allowed. If a material proposed for construction is not listed in this chapter it shall be upon the discretion of the administrator, the design review board, and the city council, whichever the case may be, to determine the appropriateness of such material.
1. Exterior Walls And Soffits:
a. Wood: Cedar (clear) and redwood (clear) - architectural/premium grade. Log siding, wood shingles are permitted for accent only, twenty five percent (25%) maximum wall coverage (per each facade); synthetic board and bat sidings are permitted as accents only. Plywood is prohibited;
b. Fiber Cement: Fiber cement;
c. Masonite: Horizontal lap only, maximum six inch (6") reveal;
d. Vinyl: 0.46 millimeter minimum thickness, integral color;
e. Textured Tilt-Up Concrete: Textured tilt-up concrete with accent reveals;
f. Textured Pour In Place Concrete: Textured pour in place concrete with accent reveals;
g. Masonry: Brick, natural rock/stone, synthetic stone, decorative block. Smooth face block for accent only, ten percent (10%) maximum wall coverage (per each facade);
h. Stucco: Twenty five percent (25%) planer change required, additional accents shall be incorporated through the use of other material(s);
i. EIFS: Permitted for accent only, ten percent (10%) maximum wall coverage (per each facade). Additional accents required through the use of other materials;
j. Additional Encouraged Material: Exposed beams, fabric awnings, cornices/dentils, shutters, dormers, cupolas, columns;
k. Metal: Metal siding shall be anodized, shall have a concealed fastener system, shall have a factory finish or equivalent, and shall include special design treatments to enhance its appearance. These treatments may include brick or masonry wainscot treatments along exterior walls and accent colored metals.
Metal siding is prohibited on the portion of any building facing a road. This includes sections within the front facade that may be perpendicular to the road but within the face of the building oriented toward the road.
A waiver of this subsection B1k on metal siding may be allowed where the applicant shows that the metal is architecturally compatible with surrounding buildings; is architecturally compatible with other nonmetal buildings in the city; and is attractively landscaped, designed, and situated, to eliminate the stark utilitarian look intended to be prevented by this subsection.
2. Roofs:
a. Wood shakes/shingles: Premium on number 1 grade;
b. Architectural grade textured composition shingles;
c. Tile: Cementitious, clay;
d. Slate;
e. Metal: Standing seam, batten seam (concealed fasteners required); metal, standing seam/batten seam is prohibited on mansard roof sections facing a road;
f. Flat roof specification: Single ply, built up (both nonreflective).
3. Fences:
a. Vinyl: Integral color required;
b. Block (with columns);
c. Brick (with columns);
d. Wrought iron;
e. Fences:
a. Vinyl: Integral color required;
b. Block (with columns);
c. Brick (with columns);
d. Wrought iron;
e. Dog ear cedar, fir, chain link, barbwire, razor wire and similar high maintenance and/or unsightly fencing is prohibited. However, powder coated chain link fencing may be permitted for use on sports courts, school sites or at public utility sites, such as water tanks, when not located within general view corridors.
Fencing shall comply with Section 7.4.2 of the approved Habitat Mitigation Plan:
Fencing meant to exclude wildlife from yards or building envelopes shall be a minimum of six-feet (6') high and be constructed of a highly visible material such as wood, metal, or block. Fence bottoms shall be in contact with the ground. Fences shall either be solid or open-style fencing, however open style fencing shall be designed with vertical spacing narrow enough to prevent big game from getting their heads caught between members.
Fencing along regional, community, natural open space areas, and along wildlife corridors within low density residential areas (Rural Residential (RR) and Estate Residential (ER) districts) shall be strategically located or be wildlife friendly to prevent unnecessary barriers to wildlife movement. Fences that accommodate wildlife passage shall be no higher than 40-inches (40") high and will be avoided on slopes greater than 25-percent (25%). Fences with horizontal rails or wires shall provide spacing of at least 12-inches (12") between the top two (2) cross members and 18-inches (18") between the lower cross member and the ground.
The top level of all fences shall be free of protruding objects or rails.
4. Decks And Patios:
a. Concrete (stamped finish and smooth finish);
b. Brick pavers;
c. Wood polymer composite lumber;
d. Wood (pressure treated, redwood).
5. Colors:
a. Earthen tones are encouraged.
b. Flat or low gloss finishes are encouraged.
c. Roof mounted mechanicals, all vents protruding through the roof, and similar features shall be painted so as to match the color of the roof.
d. Exposed metal flashing or trim will be anodized or painted to blend with the exterior colors of the building.
6. Architectural Appurtenance Height Restrictions:
a. All spires, poles, antennas, steeples, towers, and any other such structures shall be limited to the maximum height as established in subsection 11A-2-4B3 and section 11A-2-4, tables 2.2 through 2.4 of this title. Additional height may be permitted if a conditional use permit is approved by the city council.
C. Streetscape: Streetscape improvements are to include street trees, streetlights, pedestrian lighting, bollards, public art, kiosks and furnishings. In areas anticipated to have higher concentrations of pedestrian use wider sidewalks and a further varied number of amenities are to be made available to enhance the pedestrian experience and to further encourage the health of the business community. Examples of streetscape design and amenities are shown within the EASD book and in the urban streets standards, section 11A-3-7, exhibit 3-E of this chapter.
At a minimum, the following specific streetscape criteria shall apply:
1. Street trees shall comply with the requirements contained in chapter 7 of this title. Any tree located within a concrete area shall include tree grates and tree wells as depicted on the tree well and tree grate exhibit within the EASD book. Root barriers shall be required to limit future sidewalk damage from tree roots.
2. Bollard style pedestrian lighting shall be required along all pathways not illuminated by street and/or site lighting.
3. Bollards or other approved treatment such as street trees, planters, benches or special paving, as approved by the design review board, shall be required at all bulb outs.
4. Public art is encouraged and/or areas should be made available for the placement of public art in the future.
5. Furnishings shall be required for all applications incorporating streetscape improvements, pedestrian areas and/or plaza areas. Furnishings may include flagpoles, benches, seating/tables, planters, bike racks, outdoor clocks, drinking fountains, wall lamps, waste receptacles and other similar amenities as may be approved by the design review board. Furnishing examples are depicted within "urban accessories" section of the EASD book. (Ord. 710, 1-14-2014; amd. Ord. 889, 1-10-2022; Ord. 924, 8-27-2024)