The fundamental design guidelines are general in nature and were created to apply to the entire Cardinal Square area.
(A) Application of design guidelines. The guidelines apply to the entire Cardinal Square area and every development within the defined area. As many developments exist and were constructed prior to the establishment of the guidelines, the following shall be used as a guide for when mandating compliance:
(1) All new developments within Cardinal Square;
(2) Any redevelopment which requires a site plan review by the Planning Commission;
(3) All expansions, remodels and the like, including those reviewed administratively, shall make an effort to address the intent and purpose of these guidelines while understanding that the extent of the expansion or remodel may determine the extent to which the guidelines can be incorporated; and
(4) An addition of an accessory building containing 1,000 square feet or more along key roads.
(B) Area-wide design guidelines.
(1) Promote an understanding that this district is unique to the area and distinct;
(2) Develop the public nature of the area and reinforce the sense that Cardinal Square belongs to everyone;
(3) Foster physical continuity, meaning that there is freedom of movement for pedestrians, automobiles and transit systems;
(4) Encourage a diversity of uses, activities and sizes of developments;
(5) Encourage street level activity;
(6) Create a hierarchy of transportation that begins with pedestrians. The hierarchy in order of priority:
(a) Pedestrians;
(b) Bicycles;
(c) Vehicles; and
(d) Transit.
(7) Encourage quality building.
(C) Guidelines for the public streetscape. The streetscape environment includes all the elements that can make a pedestrian comfortable such as the sidewalk, street trees, street furniture and the facade of the building.
(1) All projects must incorporate pedestrian access from the street and parking areas.
(a) All development and redevelopment must include sidewalk and sidewalk connections as deemed appropriate by Planning Commission.
(b) All new development and redevelopment must include the extension of the multi-use path when located on or adjacent to their property.
(c) Multi-use pathway connections are encouraged, even though it may not be directly adjacent to the development.
(d) In order to provide safe and convenient pedestrian access, all crosswalks on streets whether public or private and driveways shall be denoted by a change in surface consistent with the intent of the design guidelines and as approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(2) Terminal street views (the point where a street connects perpendicular to a second street) shall focus on a significant built or natural feature (a building, landscaping, public space, not a parking lot).
(3) Street trees and landscaping should be designed and maintained to enhance pedestrian access and levels of comfort.
(4) Wrought iron or simulated wrought iron fences with brick columns shall be installed at key points along key road frontages, as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(a) A minimum of 16 and a maximum of 32 feet length of wrought iron or simulated wrought iron fence shall be installed between each brick column.
(b) All fences shall be between 32 and 36 inches in height.
(c) Brick columns shall be 24 by 24 inches in width with a 27 by 27 inches in width limestone cap. The overall height should be 42 inches to 48 inches above finished grade. The brick colors of the columns shall match existing columns within Cardinal Square or the building on the site, as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(d) All fences shall be located between four and eight feet behind the sidewalk or pathway, or match the fence on adjoining properties, as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(e) Low profile landscaping that enhances the fence, preferably a mix of ornamental grasses, perennials and shrubs, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, shall be installed between the fence and the sidewalk or the pathway.
(5) Buildings, not parking lots, should be the primary feature at the entrance to a development.
(6) Facades facing streets or public walkways shall incorporate windows and doors so as to encourage pedestrian activity. Mirrored or smoked glass is discouraged as it acts as a wall and prevents pedestrian interaction.
(D) Guidelines for public spaces. These guidelines encourage open spaces, plazas and parks as public spaces, and that these natural amenities encourage human occupancy.
(1) A complete network of sidewalks and pathways should be constructed in the Cardinal Square area to create a walking/strolling environment as deemed necessary by the Planning Commission.
(2) Developments should provide pedestrian amenities, such as benches, trash receptacles and bike racks at key locations on site that are consistent with the area.
(3) When public spaces are designed, care should be taken to preserve enough open space to reasonably handle an open-air special event, such as an art fair or outdoor concert.
(E) Guidelines for buildings. These guidelines include recommendations for the physical makeup and shape of construction inside the property lines.
(1) Entries shall be the highlight of the building.
(2) Buildings should be developed that relate to people at all publicly visible sides; eliminate a back door appearance from parking lots and rear entrances.
(3) Each building shall be encouraged to explore some level of individual expression in order to reflect the sense of a distinct area rather than a linear shopping center.
(4) A minimum of 50% of the building materials should be natural brick or stone. The remainder of the building should be constructed in approved complimentary, natural materials. This regulation applies to all sides of the principal structure. Accessory structures must be constructed of materials that are consistent and compatible with the architectural style of the principal structure.
(Ord. 06-14-Z, passed 10-3-2006; Ord. 06-14, passed 10-17-2006)