The intent of these requirements is to encourage the renovation of existing buildings and the construction of new buildings in the Central Business District that follow the rules established by the majority of the existing buildings. The goal is to re-establish and build upon the visual character that once existed in order to recreate Downtown Garden City.
(A) Building scale. The intent of these guidelines is to encourage the construction of buildings that are in scale with the majority of the existing buildings in the Central Business District. The majority of the older buildings are narrow in width. The intent of these guidelines is not to limit building width, but to encourage the subdivision of wider façades, breaking-up the scale and mass of larger buildings, making them more compatible with existing façades.
(1) Large, long façades shall be subdivided into bays, through the location and arrangement of openings and architectural treatments that are compatible in size and scale to existing buildings: bay width to be 16 feet to 35 feet.
(2) The height-to-width ratio of one-story buildings(including single bay façades or individual bays of multiple bay façades) is not to exceed one to two (1:2).
(3) The height-to-width ratio of two-story buildings (including single bay façades or individual bays of multiple bay façades) is not to exceed one to one (1:1).
(B) Building height. Buildings in the Central Business District are primarily one-story in height with some two-story buildings. The goal is to provide a variety of buildings heights to enhance the visual diversity in the Central Business District. Buildings shall be limited to a 45-foot maximum height to include all special architectural features, such as corner towers, entry treatments, and the like.
(1) The maximum one-story height shall be 24 feet.
(2) The maximum two-story building height shall be 35 feet.
(3) Special architectural features (i.e., corner towers, entry treatments, and the like) will be allowed to exceed the above height requirements if either of the following apply:
(a) The feature is located at a corner (the intersection of two public rights-of-way).
(b) The feature is deemed to be necessary to the type, use, or style of the building in question.
(4) Special architectural features shall not exceed the height of the remainder of the building by more than 30%.
(C) Building roof types.
(1) Unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission, buildings shall have a flat roof appearance from the street with a decorative cornice that is designed proportionate to the size of the building and length of the wall.
(2) Flat roofs shall be enclosed by parapets.
(3) The Planning Commission may permit a pitched roof. Mansard roofs shall not be permitted on single-story buildings. If an alternative roof type other than flat is permitted, applicant shall ensure all stormwater drainage will be maintained on the subject property.
(4) Parapets and other screening treatment shall use high quality building materials and shall blend with the design of the building in terms of color, materials, style, scale, and height.
(5) All rooftop-mounted equipment shall be screened from view on all sides of the building.
Graphic 6
(D) Front façade. The majority of the existing front façades, the façades that face public rights-of-way, are comprised of common façade components. The arrangement of façade elements shall follow this model which includes the following typical components, such as façade frame, storefront opening, canopy/awning, and signs.
(1) Façade frame. The façade frame, or wall, shall be brick masonry, constructed principally in a single plane. The top of the parapet wall shall be flat or step slightly to accentuate end piers. The façade frame shall be capped by a stone, or simulated stone, coping with a narrow cap flashing. Brick shall be laid primarily in running bond with minimal decorative detail.
(2) Storefront opening. The storefront opening shall be a rectangular opening, ten to 12 feet high. The opening shall be almost entirely glass (window or showcases) with few subdivisions. The building entry is often centered in the storefront opening and is commonly recessed.
(a) The glass framing system shall be aluminum or pre-painted steel; natural-finish aluminum is a typical material and finish.
(b) Windows shall be clear or with a slight green tint only. Reflective, mirror, heavily tinted, or unusually colored glass is prohibited.
(c) Entry doors shall be one- or two-lite door that matches the storefront glass framing system.
(d) Windows shall not be blocked with opaque materials or the back of shelving units.
(3) Canopies and awnings.
(a) For purpose of this division, the following definition shall apply (see Graphic 7):
Graphic 7
Canopy and Awnings Types
Canopy and Awnings Types
CANOPY or AWNING. An architectural feature or roof-like structure directly attached to a building that may shade a window or door opening or provide pedestrians protection from the weather. A CANOPY or AWNING is typically located over a sidewalk and may be a fixed architectural element or constructed to be raised or retracted.
(b) Front façade canopies and awnings.
1. Canopies and awnings shall be traditional in design, consistent with those illustrated in Graphic 7 above. Unusually shaped awnings are prohibited.
2. Canopies and awnings may project a maximum of eight feet beyond the building façade and must be a minimum of six feet from the curb line.
3. Canopies and awnings may project over a sidewalk with a minimum-eight-foot clearance provided above the sidewalk grade.
4. Canopies and awnings shall be constructed of a durable material such as canvas or other opaque fabric, metal, plastic, or rigid fiberglass. High-gloss or plasticized materials are not permitted.
5. Canopies and awnings shall not be internally illuminated. Any signs shall be illuminated by fixtures located above the awning and directed downward.
7. Canopies and awnings shall be maintained in good appearance and repair.
(4) Signs. Permitted signs within the CBD Zoning District shall comply with Chapter 154 of this Code, Sign Regulations (§§ 154.600 through 154.612), as well as the following additional requirements.
(a) Building-mounted signs shall not exceed the width of the storefront opening.
(b) The height of building-mounted signs shall not exceed 50% of the height of the upper façade wall, as measured from the top of the storefront opening to the top of the parapet cap. Projecting signs are exempt from this requirement.
(c) Projecting signs are allowed. The maximum allowable projection is 42 inches. The height of projecting signs shall not exceed 75% of the height of the upper façade wall, as measured from the top of the storefront opening to the top of the parapet cap.
(d) Signs are permitted to be located on awning and canopy fascias but are prohibited on the sloping portion of awnings and canopies. The height of lettering on the fascia of an awning or canopy shall be limited to a maximum of 12 inches.
(E) Side or rear façades. Side or rear façades are, in many cases, as important as front façades, as they are often located adjacent to parking, and, therefore, serve as the primary entrance to the building, as illustrated in Graphic 8. Often times they must also accommodate service and delivery functions as well. Side or rear façades shall exhibit the same components as front façades wherever the façade is visible from a public street, or if the main parking area is located to the side or rear of a building. Materials and architectural features similar or complimentary to those present on the front of the building shall be used on the side or rear façade.
Graphic 8
Side or Rear Façade
Side or Rear Façade
(1) Façade frame. The façade frame, like that of the front façade, shall be constructed principally in a single plane. If a parapet is used at the side or rear façade, the top of the parapet wall shall be flat or step slightly to accentuate end piers, as illustrated. If no parapet is used, downspouts shall be located at the outer sides of the façades, not in the middle of the façade.
(2) Storefront opening. Like the front façade, the storefront opening shall be a rectangular or square opening, ten to 12 feet high, yet it may be a smaller portion of the width of the façade, or bay, than the front façade. The opening shall be almost entirely glass (window, showcases, or door) with few subdivisions.
(a) The glass framing system shall be aluminum or pre-painted steel; natural-finish aluminum is a typical material and finish.
(b) Windows shall be clear or with a slight green tint only. Reflective, mirror, heavily tinted, or unusually colored glass is prohibited.
(c) Entry doors shall be one- or two-lite door that matches the storefront glass framing system.
(d) Windows shall not be blocked with opaque materials or the back of shelving units.
(e) Service delivery doors shall be solid hollow metal in color that is compatible with the colors on the building.
(3) Canopies, awnings and porte cocheres.
(a) For purposes of this division the following definitions shall apply (see Graphic 7 above).
CANOPY or AWNING. An architectural feature or roof-like structure directly attached to a building that may shade a window or door opening or provide pedestrians protection from the weather. A CANOPY or AWNING is typically located over a sidewalk and may be a fixed architectural element or constructed to be raised or retracted.
PORTE COCHERE. A covered structure directly attached to a building that is large enough for a vehicle to pass through, typically located adjacent to a building entrance or a drive-through window, intended to provide visitors protection from the elements.
(b) Side or rear façade canopies and awnings.
1. Canopies and awnings shall be traditional in design, consistent with those illustrated in Graphic 7 above. Unusually shaped awnings are prohibited.
2. Canopies and awnings may project a maximum of eight feet beyond the building façade and side façade. Canopies and awnings must be a minimum of six feet from the curb line for corner lots.
3. Canopies and awnings may project over a sidewalk with a minimum-eight-foot clearance provided above the sidewalk grade.
4. Canopies and awnings shall be constructed of a durable material such as canvas or other opaque fabric, metal, plastic, or rigid fiberglass. High-gloss or plasticized materials are not permitted.
5. Canopies and awnings shall not be internally illuminated. Any signs shall be illuminated by fixtures located above the awning and directed downward.
7. Canopies and awnings shall be maintained in good appearance and repair.
(c) Porte cocheres.
1. Porte cocheres shall be considered a component of the principal structure and shall be subject to all setback requirements of the principal structure. Porte cocheres shall also be consistent with the architectural style of the building.
2. Porte cocheres shall be located on private property and shall not project into any adjacent right-of-way.
3. Porte cocheres shall comply with all lighting standards of § 154.030.
4. Each elevation of a porte cochere shall be considered a part of the side and/or rear principal building façade and shall comply with all signage requirements as set forth in § 154.355(E)(4).
(a) Building-mounted signs shall not exceed the width of the storefront opening (entrance and windows).
(b) The height of building-mounted signs shall not exceed 75% of the height of the upper façade wall, as measured from the top of the storefront opening to the top of the parapet cap. Projecting signs are exempt from this requirement.
(c) Projecting signs are allowed. The maximum allowable projection is 42 inches. The height of projecting signs shall not exceed 75% of the height of the upper façade wall, as measured from the top of the storefront opening to the top of the parapet cap.
(d) Signs are permitted to be located on awning and canopy fascias but are prohibited on the sloping portion of awnings and canopies. The height of lettering on the fascia of an awning or canopy shall be limited to a maximum of 12 inches.
(F) Building materials. Maintaining a consistent palette of materials is important to establish continuity within the streetscape and to improve the overall appearance of the Central Business District. The Downtown Development Authority will provide assistance in identifying acceptable materials when requested. The following are identified as acceptable building materials.
(1) Front façade. The following exterior finish materials are required on the front façade.
(a) All walls exposed to public view from the street or parking area shall be constructed of not less than 75% brick (including natural clay brick, panel brick, and thin brick) with common tooled joints. Brick color (commonly blond, beige, or dull red) and texture (from smooth or glazed to rough) shall be compatible with the existing façades in the Central Business District.
(b) Up to 25% of the façade may include smooth-finish stone, such as limestone or sandstone, or other masonry materials, which may include decorative concrete masonry unit (CMU).
(c) Exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS) may be used for architectural detailing only.
(d) Aluminum, artificial stone, and precast parapet caps are permitted. Color and finish of aluminum shall match that of the window framing system or be compatible with other building materials. Stone and precast shall simulate traditional limestone and sandstone caps.
(e) The use of aluminum siding, bare metal, metal panels, mirrored glass, plastic, plywood siding, stucco, wood panels, and wood siding shall be prohibited.
(2) Side or rear façade – Facing a public street or main parking area. The following exterior finish materials are required on any side or rear façade facing a public street or main parking area.
(a) All walls exposed to public view from the street or parking area shall be constructed of not less than 75% brick (including natural clay brick, panel brick, and thin brick) with common tooled joints. Brick color (commonly blond, beige, or dull red) and texture (from smooth or glazed to rough) shall be compatible with the existing façades in the Central Business District.
(b) Up to 25% of the façade may include smooth-finish stone, such as limestone or sandstone, or other masonry materials, which may include decorative concrete masonry unit (CMU).
(c) Exterior insulation finishing systems (EFIS) may be used for architectural detailing only.
(d) Aluminum, artificial stone, and precast parapet caps are permitted. Color and finish of aluminum shall match that of the window framing system or be compatible with other building materials. Stone and precast shall simulate traditional limestone and sandstone caps.
(e) The use of aluminum siding, bare metal, metal panels, mirrored glass, plastic, plywood siding, stucco, wood panels, and wood siding shall be prohibited.
(3) Side or rear façade – All others. The following exterior finish materials are required on all other side or rear façades.
(a) Acceptable materials include brick (including natural clay brick, panel brick, and thin brick), decorative concrete masonry unit (CMU), exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS), smooth-finish stone (such as limestone or sandstone), and other masonry materials.
(b) Aluminum, artificial stone, and precast parapet caps are permitted. Color and finish of aluminum shall match that of the window framing system or be compatible with other building materials. Stone and precast shall simulate traditional limestone and sandstone caps.
(c) Aluminum gutters and downspouts are permitted. Color and finish of aluminum shall match that of the window framing system or the primary color of the building.
(d) The use of aluminum siding, bare metal, metal panels, mirrored glass, plastic, plywood siding, stucco, wood panels, and wood siding shall be prohibited.
(G) Building colors. Exterior colors of all façade and roof materials shall be compatible with the colors on the same building and adjacent buildings, subject to review by the Planning Commission. All proposed colors shall be specified on the site plan. The use of natural, muted tones shall be encouraged.
(Ord. 96-008, passed 12-2-96; Am. Ord. 00-002, passed 10-2-00; Am. Ord. 10-015, passed 4-12-10; Am. Ord. 22-001, passed 1-24-22) Penalty, see § 154.999