The following standards and criteria shall be utilized by the Planning Commission in reviewing all site and building development plans. These standards are intended to provide a frame of reference for the applicant in the development of site and building plans, as well as a means of review for the reviewing authority. These standards shall not be regarded as inflexible requirements. They are not intended to discourage creativity, invention and innovation. However, they must meet the minimum Building Code requirements. The specification of one or more particular architectural styles is not intended by these standards.
(a) Preservation of Landscape. The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar as practicable, by minimizing tree and soil removal, and any grade changes shall be in keeping with the general appearance of neighboring developed areas.
(b) Relation of Proposed Buildings to Environment. Proposed structures shall be related harmoniously to the terrain and to existing buildings in the vicinity that have a visual relationship to the proposed buildings. The achievement of such relationship may include the enclosure of space in conjunction with other existing buildings or other proposed buildings and the creation of focal points with respect to avenues of approach, terrain features or other buildings.
(c) Drives, Parking and Circulation. With respect to vehicular and pedestrian circulation, including walkways, interior drives and parking, special attention shall be given to the location and number of access points to the public streets, the width of interior drives and access points, general interior circulation, the separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic and the arrangement of parking areas that are safe and convenient and that do not detract from the design of proposed buildings and structures and neighboring properties. The treatment and design of proposed screening shall be indicated. Approaches, drives and parking areas shall be considered as they affect the appearance from the street. The relationship of paving to buildings shall be appropriate, considering factors such as safety, drainage and landscaping.
(d) Electrical and Telephone Service. Electrical and telephone service shall be underground wherever practicable. Any utility installation remaining above ground shall be located so as to have a harmonious relationship to the neighborhood properties and the site.
(e) Advertising Features. The size, location, design, color, texture, lighting and material of all permanent signs and outdoor advertising structures or features shall not detract from the design of proposed buildings and structures and the surrounding properties, nor create confusion with traffic or any other signs.
There shall be no building or feature in the round which is purely representational, e.g. Brown Derby, ice cream cone, etc., and no ragged outlines of buildings clearly used as eyecatchers in lieu of internal functions.
(f) Accessory Features. Storage areas, exterior machinery installations on all levels, service areas, truck loading areas, utility buildings and structures and similar accessory areas and structures shall be reasonably treated to prevent their being incongruous with the existing or contemplated environment and the surrounding properties.
(g) Landscaping. Landscaping shall be appropriate for the size and use of the area and for its relationship to buildings, streets, parking areas, walks and adjacent buildings.
(h) Lighting. Lighting shall be considered for the appropriateness of nighttime illumination of the grounds, drives, walks, parking areas and buildings and for its effect upon surrounding areas.
(i) Architectural Details and Ornaments. Architectural details and ornaments shall be meaningful to the overall design and appropriate for the size and scale of the building and for weathering.
(j) Mechanical Equipment. Mechanical equipment shall be considered as it affects rooftop appearance, sidewall openings, sound levels, smoke and other nuisance aspects. Also, mechanical equipment shall be considered as it relates to overhead wires, gas and electric meter stations and any other visible appurtenances.
(k) Materials. Materials shall be appropriate for the use of buildings, for weathering and for their relationship to other materials, including those used on adjacent buildings.
(l) Colors and Textures. Colors and textures shall be appropriate for the size and scale of the building, for weathering and for their relationship to the site and adjacent buildings.
(m) Buffering and Fences. Buffering and fences must adhere to existing codes.
(n) Specific Design Standards. Specific design standards established by legislation for designated areas shall prevail.
(o) Comprehensive Master Plan. The Board shall review plans and make aesthetic, building material quality, landscape and relationship to natural features recommendations in accordance with the overall planning policy recommendations made in the Master Plan and any subsequent Master Plan documents.
(Ord. 13-152. Passed 2-4-14.)