A. Design Issues. Hotels and motels are quasi-residential uses and should be designed and sited to minimize the effect of noise from Murrieta's two freeways. Although they are quasi-residential, the scale of, and activities associated with hotels and motels often make them problematic neighbors for adjacent residential properties. If a residential interface cannot be avoided, it should be carefully designed to mitigate any potential adverse impacts on existing or future adjacent residents. Because hotel and motel architecture is often thematic, presenting a strong temptation to over design the building's front and to neglect the other sides, it is important to remember that all sides of a building require consistent architectural treatment.
B. Site Planning.
1. The primary presence along the major street frontage shall be the building and driveway approach, not the parking lot.
2. Only a few (no more than five) short term parking spaces shall be provided near the office for check-ins.
3. Exterior corridors on multi-level buildings are strongly discouraged and shall not be located adjacent to residential uses.
4. Delivery and loading areas shall not be located where visible from residential uses.
5. Mechanical equipment of all types, including swimming pool equipment, shall be located to assure that it cannot be heard at any residential property line.
6. Recreational facilities (e.g.. as swimming pools) shall be located where guests can use them in some privacy; they shall not be exposed to public streets to function as advertising.
7. Avoid locating driveway, garage ramps or loading and service areas where they interfere with the flow of pedestrian movement or impact the privacy of guest rooms.
8. Utilize parking lots and other open spaces on the site to help buffer the hotel/motel from any adjacent in-compatible uses.
C. Building Design.
1. Noise attenuation techniques shall be included in the design of buildings near major noise generators, (e.g., major streets, freeway). Techniques may include: double paned glass, earthberms, thick tree groves over thirty (30) feet in depth or lowering the grade of the subject building below the roadway elevation. Solid masonry walls over five feet high are not desirable in Murrieta.
2. The scale of buildings shall be related to the surrounding development patterns.
3. Walkway. stairway, and balcony railings and other similar details shall be visually substantial (handrails with a thickness exceeding two and one-half (2½) inches and balusters over two inches thick) and stylistically consistent with the basic building design.
4. Air conditioning units shall not be visible from public streets. Structures over three stories shall avoid exterior exposed air-conditioning units for each room.
5. Guest rooms shall be accessible from hallways within the hotel, not exterior balconies. Avoid room en-trances directly adjacent to parking lots or exterior walkways.
FIGURE 3-15
(Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)