(A) Materials and colors. Exterior building materials and colors comprise a significant part of the visual impact of a building. Therefore, they should be aesthetically pleasing and compatible with materials and colors used in adjoining neighborhoods. Predominant exterior building materials shall be high quality materials.
(1) Predominant building exterior materials include, without limitation:
(a) Brick;
(b) Wood;
(c) Sandstone and limestone;
(d) Other native stone;
(e) Tinted, textured, concrete masonry units;
(f) Tilt-up concrete panels, with a finish similar to other allowed materials; and
(g) Materials that are similar to these may be used with Commission approval.
(2) Facade colors shall be low reflectance, subtle, neutral or earth tone colors. The use of high intensity colors, metallic colors, black or fluorescent colors is prohibited.
(3) Building trim and accent areas may feature brighter colors, including primary colors, but neon tubing shall not be an acceptable feature for building trim or accent areas.
(4) Trim areas on exterior building materials as well as accents may include the following:
(a) Smooth-faced concrete block;
(b) Metal panels; and
(c) Stucco, Dryvit.
(5) Prohibited exterior building materials include the following:
(a) PVC or similar plastic materials; and
(b) Pre-fabricated steel panels with a predominantly steel exterior appearance.
(B) Facades and exterior walls.
(1) Facades should be articulated to reduce the massive scale and the uniform, impersonal appearances of large retail buildings and provide visual interest that will be consistent with the community’s identity, character and scale. The intent is to encourage a more human scale.
(2) Developments with a facade over 100 feet in linear length which is visible from a street shall incorporate wall projections or recesses a minimum of three-foot depth for a minimum of 20 contiguous feet within each 100 feet of facade length. Developments shall use animating features such as arcades, display windows, entry areas, or awnings along at least 60% of the facade.
(C) Detail features.
(1) Buildings should have architectural features and patterns that provide visual interest, at the scale of the pedestrian, reduce massive aesthetic effects, and recognize local character. These elements of design should be integral parts of the building fabric, and not superficially applied trim or graphics, or paint.
(2) Building facades shall include a repeating pattern that shall include the elements listed below. Buildings less than 15,000 square feet shall include at least one of these elements, buildings between 15,000 square feet and 40,000 square feet shall include at least two of these elements and buildings greater than 40,000 square feet shall include no less than three of the elements. At least one of these elements shall repeat horizontally. All elements shall repeat at intervals of no more than 30 feet, either horizontally or vertically:
(a) Color change;
(b) Texture change;
(c) Material change; and
(d) Expression of architectural or structural bay through a change in plane no less than 12 inches in width, such as an offset, reveal, or projecting rib.
(D) Ro ofs.
(1) Variations in roof lines should be used to add interest to, and reduce the massive scale of large buildings. Roof features should complement the character of adjoining neighborhoods.
(2) Roof lines shall be varied with a change in height every 100 linear feet in the building length. Parapets, mansard roofs, gable roofs, hip roofs or dormers shall be used to conceal flat roofs and roof top equipment from public view. Alternating lengths and designs may be acceptable.
(E) Entryways.
(1) Entryway design elements and variations should give orientation and aesthetically pleasing character to the building.
(2) Each principal building on a site shall have clearly defined, highly visible customer entrances featuring the following:
(a) Canopies or porticos;
(b) Overhangs;
(c) Recesses/projections;
(d) Arcades;
(e) Raised corniced parapets over the door;
(f) Peaked roof forms;
(g) Arches;
(h) Outdoor patios;
(i) Display windows;
(j) Architectural details such as tile work and moldings which are integrated into the building structure and design; and
(k) Integral planters or wing walls that incorporate landscaped areas and/or places for sitting Buildings less than 15,000 square feet shall include at least one of these elements, buildings between 15,000 square feet and 40,000 square feet shall include at least two of these elements and buildings greater than 40,000 square feet shall include no less than three of the elements.
(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 4.4; Ord. 27-2012, passed 12-3-2012; Ord. 28-2014, passed 12-15-2014)