(A)
Structures must adhere to one (1) of the following Architectural Styles for architectural elevations facing public rights-of-way within the NC, CC, HC, RC, and OP zoning districts, and for structures constructed on a lot fronting any arterial or collector roadways in the GC zoning district. All structures that are in excess of five thousand (5,000) square feet of area on the main floor shall provide an area on the site for the purpose of creating an outdoor public space. These areas are inclusive of benches, sitting areas, bicycle racks, display fountains and/or landscaping.
(1) Florida Vernacular Architectural Style.
(a) Masonry or frame construction.
(b) Stuck stucco or lap siding finish.
(c) Brick wainscot.
(d) Architectural shingles or galvalume metal roof acceptable.
(e) Exposed lookouts at truss ends, dentil molding, operable shutters that match the window width, period style lighting.
(f) Limited color palette to pastel colors or white.
(g) A front porch or overhang that has a minimum of sixty inches (60") width and encompasses a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the main building façade.
(h) No blank wall area to exceed four hundred (400) square feet of area.
(i) No singular façade shall exceed one hundred (100) lineal feet of run without a minimum sixteen inch (16") break, by utilizing a directional or material change.
(j) Pre-engineered metal buildings or metal buildings that utilize a fastened metal horizontal girder by which an exterior wall is attached to is not permitted. No part of the exterior finish shall utilize metal cladding.
(k) All structures in excess of five thousand (5,000) square feet of area on the main floor shall provide an area on the site of the main floor shall be utilized for the creation of an outdoor public space — these areas are inclusive of benches, sitting areas, bicycle racks, bus stops, display fountains and/or landscaping.
(2) Mediterranean/Spanish Colonial.
(a) Masonry or frame construction.
(b) Heavy stucco or concrete finish.
(c) Barrel vaulted elements over windows and doors.
(d) Flat or low hip roof lines with interlocking terra-cotta roof tile.
(e) Terra cotta detailing, quoins, metalwork around windows and doors, relief around cornices, parapets, balconies and balustrades.
(f) Limited color palette of white, parchment and coral colors.
(g) Pre-engineered metal buildings or metal buildings that utilize a fastened metal horizontal girder by which an exterior wall is attached to is not permitted. No part of the exterior finish shall utilize metal cladding.
(h) All structures in excess of five thousand (5,000) square feet of area on the main floor shall provide an area on the site for the creation of an outdoor public space — these areas are inclusive of benches, sitting areas, bicycle racks, bus stops, display fountains and/or landscaping. Structures that exceed fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of the area on the main floor shall provide an area on the site equivalent to three percent (3%) of the main floor area for an outdoor public space.
(3) Spanish Revival.
(a) Masonry or frame construction.
(b) Heavy stucco or masonry finish.
(c) Barrel arch over windows and doors.
(d) Flat, gable and/or hip roof lines with interlocking barrel style roof tile.
(e) Iron work around windows.
(f) Trim work around doors, parapets, windows and entryways.
(g) Color palette of white or the patina of the masonry.
(h) Pre-engineered metal buildings or metal buildings that utilize a fastened metal horizontal girder by which an exterior wall is attached to is not permitted. No part of the exterior finish shall utilize metal cladding.
(i) All structures in excess of five thousand (5,000) square feet of area on the main floor shall provide an area on the site for the creation of an outdoor public space — these areas are inclusive of benches, sitting areas, bicycle racks, bus stops, display fountains and/or landscaping.
(4) Commercial American.
(a) Traversable arcade of fabric awning or structural roof.
(b) Recessed entryway and string course over storefront.
(c) Flat or low slope roof.
(d) Parapet with minor course banding and/or cornice.
(e) Concrete or brick construction.
(f) Large fixed plate glass storefront windows.
(g) Minor trim or fretwork.
(h) Color palette typically reflects the base material (brick) or lighter colors.
(i) Pre-engineered metal buildings or metal buildings that utilize a fastened metal horizontal girder by which an exterior wall is attached to is not permitted. No part of the exterior finish shall utilize metal cladding.
(j) All structures in excess of five thousand (5,000) square feet of area on the main floor shall provide an area on the site for the creation of an outdoor public space — these areas are inclusive of benches, sitting areas, bicycle racks, bus stops, display fountains and/or landscaping.
(5) Bungalow.
(a) Brick or concrete wainscot or base.
(b) Gable roof line with exposed rafters and secondary rooflines.
(c) Decorative shake or shingle roof or metal roof.
(d) Horizontal siding.
(e) Tapered columns.
(f) Exposed structural elements for detailing such as beams, ridge vents, rafters and purlins.
(g) Useable front porch.
(h) Color palette may vary.
(i) Pre-engineered metal buildings or metal buildings that utilize a fastened metal horizontal girder by which an exterior wall is attached to is not permitted. No part of the exterior finish shall utilize metal cladding.
(j) All structures in excess of five thousand (5,000) square feet of area on the main floor shall provide an area on the site for the creation of an outdoor public space — these areas are inclusive of benches, sitting areas, bicycle racks, bus stops, display fountains and/or landscaping.
(B) The predominant exterior color shall be applied to all sides of the structure.
(C) The design requirements listed in subsections (A) and (B) above shall be applicable to all new construction in the district, and in the case of additions or renovations to, or development of, an existing building or project, where the renovation or redevelopment exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the square footage of the existing structure(s). A mirror building, defined as a building meant to compliment a pre-existing structure by use of identical material finishes, scale and form, shall be exempt from the design requirements. New buildings that are part of an overall campus plan that has an established architectural theme shall also be exempt from the design requirements herein.
(D) The design requirements listed in subsections (A) and (B) above shall be applicable to all accessory buildings also. Any accessory structure not meeting this requirement shall be screened so as to not be visible from the public right-of-way. Mechanical equipment such as gasoline pumps, air and vacuum machines, drive-through menu boards and speaker stations, drive-through teller stations, ATM's, and similar appliances which require direct access by the public shall be exempt from the design review requirements of this subsection. All HVAC, wireless communication devices, Fire Suppression, Solar Panels, wind generation devices and similar equipment placed on any roof or above the roof line of any commercial structure shall be effectively screened as to not be seen by the public.
(E) Compliance with the requirements set forth in this subsection shall be demonstrated by submittal of building front elevations and color and material samples at the time of site plan review.
(F) Structures in the following use categories are exempt from the design review requirements of this subsection: public utility equipment, hospitals, churches, model home centers and buildings having federal, state or locally designated historical status.
(G) The Sign Code shall be adhered to with the following exceptions:
(1) Materials: The color, construction, and material of each sign shall be compatible with the architecture on the site.
(2) Design: Every sign frame or support shall be designed as a sympathetic architectural element of the building(s) to which it is principally related.
(3) Freestanding signs shall have landscaping at the base that is a minimum width of the sign above.
(4) Freestanding signs over twenty-five (25) feet in height shall be exempt from the design review requirements of this subsection but will require landscaping at the base of each sign that is a minimum width of the sign above.
(H) Alternative Architectural Styles.
(1) The intent of City Council is that commercial structures adhere to the Architectural Style Requirements as described above during the administrative site plan review process for the city. The appeals process described below is intended to provide relief from those provisions only in unusual and unique circumstances. This subsection describes an alternative process for Architectural Styles that do not conform to the style requirements of subsections (A) through (G) above.
(a) Alternative Architectural Styles. When an applicant proposes an architectural style that does not conform to subsections (A) through (G) above, the applicant may pursue an Architectural Style Exception through the Growth Management Director for a final administrative decision. The exception shall be in the form of a letter indicating the reasons for the request and the applicant's opinion of their adherence to the requirements. In rendering the final decision, the Growth Management Director shall take into account the overall level to which the architectural design complies with the requirements. If the applicant is not satisfied with the Final Administrative Decision, they may appeal that decision pursuant to § 59.04(6).
(I) Appeals.
(1) Applicants who desire to appeal the decision of the Growth Management Director, shall file a written appeal to the Palm Bay City Council pursuant to this subsection.
(2) The City Council shall hold a minimum of one (1) public hearing in accordance with Chapter 59 to consider the appeal. The decision of Council shall be based upon the following:
(a) The level to which the plans exceed the minimum requirements of the Palm Bay Code of Ordinances.
(b) The economic impact to the local tax base of the City.
(c) The impact of the project on other properties within the City.
(d) Adherence to corporate branding.
The City Council's decision shall be considered the final City action on the matter.
(3) Prior to the public hearing required above, city staff shall prepare a report to Council that describes how the submitted site and architectural plans adhere to the Code, the requested exception, and the justification for the Final Administrative Decision.
(Ord. 2008-27, passed 5-1-08; Am. Ord. 2009-16, passed 5-7-09; Am. Ord. 2010-76, passed 11-4-10; Am. Ord. 2016-17, passed 4-21-16; Am. Ord. 2016-76, passed 11-17-16; Am. Ord. 2022-05, passed 1-20-22)