(A) Applicability
1. The nonresidential architectural design standards of this Section apply to the construction of a new principal building containing the following uses:
(a) Buildings containing uses not classified in the residential use category as defined in Chapter 7 of this Ordinance.
(b) Mixed use buildings, including mixed use buildings that contain residential uses.
(c) Multi-unit buildings. as defined in Chapter 7 of this Ordinance.
(B) Façade Articulation. Street facing façades shall consist of one of the following design elements:
1. Changes in horizontal or vertical plane with a depth of a minimum of two feet occurring at intervals not less than 20 feet or more than 100 feet.
2. Changes in exterior wall covering color, texture, or material, horizontally or vertically, at intervals not less than 20 feet or more than 100 feet.
3. A repeating pattern of recesses and projections with a relief of at least 8 inches.
(C) Architectural Relief. No more than one side with fewer than four outside corners as measured at the foundation plane and carried through the exterior wall plane(s). To qualify as an outside corner, the corner must be located within 30 feet of the side in question. Outside corners shall be defined according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 below.
1. Exception. Buildings containing uses classified in the Industrial use category as defined by Chapter 7 of this Ordinance.
Figure 1. Prohibited Design
Figure 2. Permitted Design
(D) Customer Entrances. All street facing facades shall include at least one customer entrance. Where a principal building directly faces more than two streets, this requirement shall apply only to two sides of the building. Customer entrances shall include one of the following design elements:
1. Recess or projection
2. Canopy or overhang
3. Architectural details, such as raised corniced parapets, arches, or pediments
4. Pilaster or decorative columns projecting a minimum of 8 inches
5. Similar architectural design elements approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(E) Primary Entrance Design. All principal buildings shall include one clearly defined primary entrance. Primary entrances shall consist of at least two of the following design elements:
1. Recess or projection
2. Arcade
3. Portico
4. Canopy or overhang
5. Architectural details, such as raised corniced parapets, arches, or pediments
6. Integral planters or wing walls
7. Pilaster or decorative columns projecting a minimum of 8 inches
8. Similar architectural design elements approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(F) All facades of a building that are visible from adjoining properties and/or streets shall feature architectural features similar to the street facing façade.
(G) Building Material
1. Primary building material shall encompass a minimum of 50% of the exterior wall area, not including windows and doors. In addition, the primary building material shall encompass 100% of the ground level. Ground level shall be defined to be eight feet measured vertically from the adjacent grade. Acceptable primary building materials include the following:
(a) Face brick, stone, or glass
(b) Exception: Buildings containing uses classified in the Industrial use category as defined by Chapter 7 of this Ordinance.
2. Accent building material shall encompass a maximum of 50% of the exterior wall area, not including windows and doors. Acceptable accent building materials include the following:
(a) Split face concrete masonry unit
(b) Fiber cement
(c) Architectural metal cladding
(d) Pre-cast concrete, if texturing, banding, or masonry inlay products are utilized.
(e) The Zoning Administrator is authorized to approve accent building materials not addressed herein on a case-by-case basis in which the accent building material shall be evaluated based upon such factors as durability, quality, maintenance, architectural intent, and compatibility with the surrounding character of development.
(f) Exception: Buildings containing uses classified in the Industrial use category as defined by Chapter 7 of this Ordinance.
(H) Roof Design. Roof design shall consist of at least one of the following design elements:
1. Parapets with horizontal tops having height changes of at least one foot occurring not less than every 100 feet of building frontage.
(a) Regardless of building frontage, a minimum of three height changes of at least one foot shall be required.
2. Sloping roofs with a roof slope plane change occurring not less than every 100 feet of building frontage.
(a) Regardless of building frontage, a minimum of three roof slope plane changes shall be required.
(b) Overhanging eaves shall be provided with sloping roofs.
(c) Sloping roofs shall have a minimum roof pitch of 3:12.
(I) Rooftop Equipment Screening. When rooftop equipment exists, parapet walls shall be utilized to screen all equipment and appurtenances from the public right-of-way and adjacent properties. Parapet walls must be constructed to a height that is greater than the equipment or appurtenance height, unless demonstrated by line of sight analysis.
(J) Windows
1. Street facing facades and facades adjacent to parking areas or pedestrian paths shall incorporate transparent features (clear glass on windows and doors) over a minimum percentage of the wall surface area at ground level. Ground level shall be defined to be between two and eight feet measured vertically from the adjacent grade.
(a) For retail, eating, or drinking establishments, a minimum of 50% shall be transparent.
(b) For all other uses, a minimum of 35% shall be transparent. (Ord. 2021-4931, 11-15-2021; amd. Ord. 2022-4972, 8-1-2022; Ord. 2023-5042, 12-18-2023)