These requirements are in addition to regulations applicable to commercial buildings with a gross floor area less than 15,000 square feet. In order to promote human scale, large blank building facades need elements that provide visual interest. Human scale and visual interest can also be provided through the use of articulation that breaks down large facades into smaller, more human scale segments. The elements used to accomplish this should be integrated into the design of the building structure. Other methods used to break down large, blank building facades include, but are not limited to, color changes, texture changes, or material changes. The utilization of superficial trim, painting or other graphics as the sole method of breaking up large building facades is not permitted. All building facades that are visible from adjoining properties and/or public streets should follow the material and color guidelines of these requirements.
(1) Wall projections and recesses. Facades greater than 100 feet in length, measured horizontally, shall incorporate wall plane projections or recesses having a depth of at least three percent of the length of the facade and extending at least 20 percent of the length of the facade. No uninterrupted length of any facade shall exceed 100 horizontal feet.
(2) Ground floor facades. Ground floor facades that face public streets shall have arcades, display windows, entry areas, awnings or other such features along no less than 60 percent of their horizontal length.
(3) Repeating pattern. Building facades must also include a repeating pattern of no less than three of the following elements:
a. Color change.
b. Texture change.
c. Material module change.
d. An expression of architectural or structural bays through a change in plane no less than 12 inches in width, such as an offset, reveal, or projecting rib.
Note: At least one of elements of subsections (3)a through c of this section shall repeat horizontally. All elements shall repeat at intervals no less than 30 feet, either horizontally or vertically.
(4) Roofs. Roofs shall have no less than two of the following features:
a. Parapet concealing flat roofs and rooftop equipment such as HVAC units from public view. The average height of such parapets shall not exceed at any point one-third of the height of the supporting wall. Such parapet shall feature three-dimensional cornice treatment.
b. Overhanging eaves, extending no less than three feet past the supporting walls.
c. Sloping roofs that do not exceed the average height of the supporting walls with an average slope greater than or equal to one foot of vertical rise for every three feet of horizontal run and less than or equal to one foot of vertical rise for every one foot of horizontal run.
d. Three or more roof slope planes.
(5) Materials and facade colors. See section 36-109(f) and (g).
(6) Entryways. A course texture paver area shall be installed on the street adjacent to all pedestrian entrances to encourage traffic calming and provide distinct area for safe pedestrian crossing. Smooth texture paver crosswalks shall be installed within this area for handicap accessibility as appropriate. Each large retail establishment on a site shall have clearly defined, highly visible customer entrances featuring no less than three of the following:
a. Canopies or porticos.
b. Overhangs.
c. Recess/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.
k. Integral planters or wing walls that incorporate landscaped areas and/or places for sitting.
(Code 1989, § 92.057; Ord. of 11-15-2005)