(A) Buildings shall be designed in an attractive and interesting manner to define the image of the community.
(B) Consistent architectural design, including building materials and colors, shall be carried throughout the development area. Designs must provide visual interest and variety, yet be consistent with the architectural character of the city.
(C) Buildings must relate in scale and proportion to other buildings in the area. However, buildings of different size can be made architecturally compatible through skillful design and careful orientation.
(D) All sides of the building must be equally attractive. Architectural details such as texture, pattern, color, and building form used on the front facade shall be incorporated on all visible building facades. However, such requirements shall not apply to any facade(s) facing service courts or other areas generally not visible to the public.
(E) Building massing shall be varied to create a logical hierarchy of building forms; to break up long expanses of facade; to create shade and shadow; and to create human scale.
(F) Human scale must be created by building massing form, as well as the use of architectural elements such as colonnades, canopies, walkways, street-level display windows, lighting, and a variety of building materials. Human scale shall be further reinforced by site design features around the building exterior.
(G) Building materials must be similar to the materials of structures in the city, i.e., stone, brick, wood (or wood-simulated) siding. However, dissimilar materials (such as stucco or EFIS) may be permitted when incorporating other traditional materials or characteristics such as scale, form, architectural detailing and color to make the building compatible with the area. Metal exterior materials cannot exceed 60% and the design must be balanced and aesthetically pleasing. All metal exterior buildings are allowed only in Industrial Zones.
(H) Individual corporate image architectural design elements, colors and signs shall be incorporated only as secondary elements to the development and not as the dominant element. Such elements must be consistent and blend with the larger development area.
(I) Foundation planters and trees shall be incorporated around the building, exterior to soften the building appearance and to create a place of relief from the summer sun.
(J) Service areas, mechanical areas and trash containers shall be designed as an architectural feature of the building and entirely screened from view.
(K) All commercial structures must have a minimum 48-inch sidewalk, plus curbs and gutters; intersections and driveway approaches must be ADA compliant.
(L) Additional guidelines shall be established through corridor plans and plan reviews.
(Ord. 3206, passed 11-17-09)