1143.08 DESIGN STANDARDS.
   The Director of Public Service and Commissioner of Building and Zoning shall apply the following standards in addition to the other applicable provisions the Planning and Zoning Code and other laws and ordinances in reviewing and deciding whether or not to approve a site plan. (Ord. 005-2007. Passed 1-22-07.)
   (a)   Natural resources will be utilized within the district wherever possible. Detailed landscaping plans together with irrigation plans, must be approved in accordance with Chapter 1152. Mounding and/or plantings in the district shall be of sufficient height so as to shield the view of parking areas from any adjacent roadways. Examples of acceptable landscaping and mounding area shall be made available from the City.
(Ord. 056-2011. Passed 6-13-11.)
   (b)   Outdoor storage (e.g. materials, supplies, equipment, waste containers) shall be permitted only where screened from view by a permanent wall, mounding or other appropriate permanent screen and confined to approved locations. This provision shall be applicable to the materials, equipment and supplies stored in relation to and as part of the construction of the permanent structures upon a parcel, which materials, equipment and supplies shall be removed immediately.
   (c)   All lighting must be arranged or shielded as to avoid excessive glare reflecting onto any portion of any adjacent street or into the part of oncoming vehicles or onto any adjacent parcel.
   (d)   The area between the property lines and setback lines is to be used for landscaped areas, lawns, walks or off-street parking, providing that no parking will be allowed between the setback line and any existing or proposed right-of- way line, and such areas will be designated as a landscaped area kept free of any improvements other than trees, shrubs and lawns, except that drives and walks will be allowed. No fence, wall or mass planting shall be permitted to extend beyond the building lines established herein. The building construction and both shall be used to create a structure with equally attractive sides rather than to place all emphases on the front elevation of the building by neglecting or downgrading the aesthetic appeal of the side elevations of the building. The accessory buildings and enclosures, whether attached to or detached from the main building, shall be similar compatible design or materials.
   (e)   All parking areas will be paved. Off-street parking shall not be permitted within the right of way of a dedicated street. The Service Director may prohibit parking wherever the same constitutes a hazard, increases congestion or causes inconvenience, or otherwise adversely impacts on the development of the district.
   (f)   All loading and unloading of vehicles shall be conducted upon the parcel and not on any right of way. No loading dock may be placed on any side of a building having street frontage. Sufficient loading and unloading places shall be provided for each parcel, with provisions for handling all freight either by railroad or truck located only on those sides of the building which do not face any street.
   (g)   The grounds of each parcel will be maintained in a neat presentable manner. It shall be the duty of owners, lessees, sublessees and occupants of each and every unimproved parcel to keep the weeds and/or grasses cut to their respective portions, unless currently used for agricultural purposes. Any owners, lessees, sublessees and occupants shall carefully maintain their parcels and all improvements of whatever nature thereon in a safe, clean and wholesome manner and in first-class condition and repair at all times. All exterior painted surfaces shall be maintained in first class condition.
   (h)   All utility services to the front of any building to the property line must be underground. Exterior power equipment in front or side yards must blend with other improvements.
   (i)   All signage for the district must be approved as to size, location, height, letter styles, colors, lighting and materials in the sign plan review process. This review is designed to ensure that signs are located in a landscaped setting and provided the desired continuity and street scene effect. These requirements are in addition to those contained in Chapter 1337.
   (j)   All exterior building materials and colors must be compatible with neighborhood properties.
   (k)   The following harmony standards will be considered in the site plan review and are equally as important as any previous requirement:
      (1)   Conformity and harmony of external designs and general quality with the existing standards of the neighborhood and adjacent properties.
      (2)   The use or improvement of the proposed building and the materials of which it is to be built in relation to the parcel upon which it is to be erected or improved.
      (3)   The effect of the improvement on adjacent and neighboring properties.
      (4)   The effect of the improvement, as planned, on the outlook from the adjacent neighborhood properties.
         (Ord. 005-2007. Passed 1-22-07.)