(A) Intent and purpose. The Downtown District is intended to create a distinctive, walkable neighborhood that features a variety and concentration of valuable destinations and activities. In conjunction with the Downtown Master Plan and the Downtown Design Guidelines, it is intended to:
(1) Create a more viable, walkable shopping experience;
(2) Introduce additional residents to the area;
(3) Create a compelling space for socializing and community events;
(4) Improve resident and visitor hospitality; and
(5) Improve and maintain the overall appearance.
(B) Permitted uses.
(1) Retail.
(a) Antique shops.
(b) Appliance stores.
(c) Art galleries, studios and sales.
(d) Art and school supply stores.
(e) Auto accessory stores, retail sales only, no repairs.
(f) Bakeries, in which manufacture of goods is limited to those retailed on the premises.
(g) Bicycle shops, sales and repairs.
(h) Book stores.
(i) Bridal shops.
(j) Business machine sales and service.
(k) Butcher shops.
(l) Camera stores.
(m) Camping equipment sales and rental (excluding trailers and similar campers).
(n) Candle shops.
(o) Candy and confectionery stores.
(p) Card shops.
(q) Carpet stores.
(r) Cell phone store.
(s) Children's apparel shops.
(t) China and glassware stores.
(u) Christmas shops.
(v) Clothing, sales, repair and alterations.
(w) Coin and philatetic (stamp collector) stores.
(x) Computers, sales and service.
(y) Convenience store.
(z) Creative industries.
1. Paint-it pottery.
2. Scrapbook stores.
3. Dance studios.
4. Martial arts studios.
(aa) Drapery sales and service.
(bb) Drug stores and pharmacies.
(cc) Dry cleaning and laundry.
(dd) Florist shops.
(ee) Food stores, including grocery, convenience and specialty (coffee, fudge, health, vitamins, and the like).
(ff) Furniture and home furnishing stores.
(gg) Gift shops.
(hh) Hardware, paint, and wallpaper stores.
(ii) Hearing aid stores.
(jj) Hobby shops.
(kk) Jewelry stores, watch repair and sales.
(ll) Ladies apparel stores.
(mm) Leather goods and luggage stores.
(nn) Linen and bath shops.
(oo) Men's apparel stores.
(pp) Millinery and haberdasheries.
(qq) Musical instrument sales and repairs.
(rr) Music stores dealing in the sales of phonographs, records, tape recorders, tapes, sheet music, compact discs, laser discs, and/or cassette tapes.
(ss) Newsstands.
(tt) Office supplies and equipment stores, retail sales.
(uu) Orthopedic and medical appliance stores.
(vv) Packaged liquor stores, provided that no more that 40% of the square footage of the retail establishment is used for liquor sales.
(ww) Pet stores, sales and supplies.
(xx) Photo studios.
(yy) Plumbing supplies sales and service.
(zz) Pottery shops.
(aaa) Radio and television sales and service, including video recorders, tapes, sales and rentals.
(bbb) Catalogue (order taking) offices of mail-order houses, retail.
(ccc) Sewing machine sales and services.
(ddd) Shoe sales and repair.
(eee) Special import stores.
(fff) Sporting goods sales, service, and rental.
(ggg) Sports card, comic book stores.
(hhh) Stationary stores.
(iii) Tobacco shops.
(jjj) Toy stores.
(kkk) Variety and notion stores.
(lll) Farmer's market.
(2) Dining and entertainment.
(a) Restaurants and eating places (without drive-through).
(b) Ice cream stores or stands.
(c) Delicatessens.
(d) Amusement centers, indoor only.
(3) Business and services.
(a) Artist and design studios.
(b) Depository and non-depository credit institutions, banks, currency exchanges, pay day loans, and similar uses subject to the following conditions.
1. Drive thrus are not permitted.
2. Indoor and parking lot security cameras are required in conformance with this chapter.
3. Development of new depository and non-depository credit institutions, banks, currency exchanges, pay day loans, and similar uses.
a. New construction on heretofore vacant lots must be a minimum of two stories in height.
b. The second story must be functional and cover a minimum of 75% of the floor area of the first floor.
c. New institutions in existing buildings are not required to add a second story.
(c) Beauty and barber shops.
(d) Brokerage houses.
(e) Catering services.
(f) Chambers of commerce.
(g) Charitable organizations.
(h) Child day care facilities or mini day care center (See § 159.003 for definition).
(i) Civic associations.
(j) Clothing and costume rental store.
(k) Clubs and lodges, private, fraternal or religious.
(l) Credit agencies.
(m) Currency exchanges.
(n) Data processing centers.
(o) Dry cleaning shops.
(p) Employment agencies.
(q) Electrical and household appliance sales and repair.
(r) Exhibition centers, meeting halls, community center.
(s) Furniture repair.
(t) Funeral parlor, mortuary (may include cremation as an accessory use).
(u) Furrier shops, storage and conditioning.
(v) General repair shops (not automotive).
(w) Gift wrapping and mailing services.
(x) Interior decorating sales and service.
(y) Laundries.
(z) Libraries.
(aa) Locksmiths.
(bb) Mailing and business centers (faxing, mailboxes, and the like).
(cc) Merchants' associations.
(dd) Newspaper offices.
(ee) Pet groomers, without overnight stays.
(ff) Photocopying and printing (including blueprints).
(gg) Photographic and art studio.
(hh) Picture framing.
(ii) Radio and television: service, repair and studios.
(jj) Real estate offices.
(kk) Security and commodity brokers.
(ll) Shoe repair shops.
(mm) Tailor or dressmaker shop.
(nn) Theaters, indoor only.
(oo) Travel agency.
(pp) Upholstery stores.
(qq) Video rentals.
(4) Professional offices.
(a) Accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping offices.
(b) Attorney and law offices.
(c) Business and management consultants.
(d) Engineering and architectural services.
(e) Insurance agencies.
(f) Investment companies.
(g) Land surveyors.
(h) Landscape architects.
(i) Professional consultants.
(j) Real estate offices.
(5) Medical offices - Doctor's, surgeon's and/or physician's offices including:
(a) Chiropractor's offices.
(b) Dentist's offices.
(c) Opticians.
(d) Ophthalmologists.
(e) Osteopath's offices.
(f) Podiatrist's offices.
(g) Medical clinic.
(6) Personal care.
(a) Barber.
(b) Hair salon.
(c) Nail salon.
(d) Tanning salon.
(e) Tailor or dressmaker shop.
(7) Institutional.
(a) Civic buildings.
(b) Museum.
(c) Post office.
(d) Theatres and auditoriums.
(e) Personal communication facility, located on property owned by the village or other government entity.
(f) Churches and church-schools, and other places or worship.
(8) Conditional uses - Normantown and Independence. The following uses are permitted in buildings located within 150 feet of Normantown Road or Independence Boulevard provided that they face and their lots have frontage on Normantown Road or Independence Boulevard.
(a) Drive-thru facilities for banks.
(b) Drive-thru facilities for pharmacies or drug stores.
(c) Drive-thru facilities for restaurants.
(d) Drive-thru facilities for ice cream stores.
(e) Christmas tree sales lots, subject to the requirements of § 159.072(E).
(f) Public parking garages.
(g) Community centers.
(h) Health clubs, tennis/racquet clubs.
(i) Commercial or trade schools (dance studios, music schools, or martial arts).
(j) Business schools.
(9) Conditional uses - residential. The following uses are permitted only on the south side of Alexander Circle and on the lots that are bounded on the west by Dalhart Avenue and on the east by Townhall Drive. (See picture, Appendix B(D))
(a) Three story multi-family condominiums buildings.
(b) Single-family, attached residences.
(10) Special uses. The following uses are permitted in the D-D as special uses.
(a) Apartments above ground floor commercial uses.
(b) Multi-family multi-story condominium buildings.
(c) Four-story buildings provided that the fourth-storey incorporates superior architectural detailing.
(d) Drive-thru facilities for banks.
(e) Drive-thru facilities for restaurants.
(f) Pubs. (The applicant shall be required to provide a business plan which shall describe the nature of the property, the size of the bar, the customer areas, whether there will be live entertainment, whether food will be served, and such other information as the Village shall reasonably require, including but not necessarily limited to a depiction of the proposed interior of the premises.)
(11) Accessory uses.
(a) For the purposes of this subchapter, accessory uses shall include buildings or other structures customarily incidental to, and commonly associated with a permitted or special use. These uses shall be permitted, provided they:
1. Are operated and maintained under the same ownership and are located on the same lot as the permitted or special use.
2. Do not include structures or structural features inconsistent with these uses.
(C) Site and structure requirements.
(1) Building height.
(a) Purpose. Multi-story buildings will line the Downtown streets creating an interesting, pedestrian-friendly environment.
(b) Description. The Downtown District will feature a variety of multi-story buildings housing different uses. As in a traditional downtown, heights will vary based on the use of the building and its location.
(c) Criteria /standard/regulations.
1. Commercial and mixed use buildings are subject to the following requirements:
a. The minimum building height is 20 feet.
b. Buildings must be at least two stories tall.
c. The maximum building height in 40 feet.
d. Additional height, in the case of superior architectural elements, may be permitted by special use permit subject to such conditions as the Village Board may reasonably require. See division(C)(10)(c).
2. Townhomes are subject to the following requirements.
a. Townhomes shall be between two and three stories in height, allowing the Downtown to step down in intensity into the surrounding neighborhoods.
b. The minimum height of the townhomes shall be 18 feet.
c. The maximum height of the townhomes shall be 35 feet.
d. Additional height, in the case of superior architectural elements, may be permitted by Special Use Permit subject to such conditions as the Village Board may reasonably require. See division(C)(10)(c).
3. Multi-family condominium buildings are subject to the following requirements.
a. Building height shall be maintained at three stories for multi-family condominium buildings. The Village Board may approve, as a special use, taller multi-family condominium buildings with superior arch- itectural elements, subject to such conditions as the Village Board may reasonably require. See division(C)(10)(c).
b. The minimum height of the multi-family condominium buildings shall be 25 feet.
c. The maximum height of the multi-family condominium buildings shall be 30 feet, unless taller buildings are approved by special use permit.
(2) Building setbacks.
(a) Purpose. The buildings in the Downtown District will be located close to the street to foster an animated, pedestrian- friendly environment.
(b) Discussion. By locating buildings closer to the street, the pedestrian experience is enhanced thereby fostering walking and window shopping. Buildings will be located such that they frame the pedestrian realm while providing ample space for business operation and private yards on the townhomes.
(c) Criteria/standard/regulation.
1. The building setbacks are as follow.
a. New construction and infill buildings must maintain the alignment of facades along the sidewalk edge by following a build-to line. Exceptions may be granted if the setback is pedestrian-oriented and contributes to the quality and character of the streetscape. (See diagram, Appendix B(E))
b. There is no minimum front/corner side yard setback except along Normantown Road and Independence Boulevard.
c. The front /corner side yard building setback line may be extended to 15 feet along all streets except Normantown Road and Independence Boulevard if the setback is pedestrian-oriented and contributes to the quality and character of the streetscape. (Examples are for outdoor dining areas and front yards on townhomes.) The setback must be covered in a hard surface and must be consistent with the village's Uniform Paving Plan. At a minimum, the hard surface must be concrete with a heavy brush finish and California score joints. Brick pavers, slate, and stamped concrete are also acceptable surface materials.
d. The minimum front/corner side yard setback is 40 feet along Normantown Road and Independence Boulevard, inclusive of one row of parking and a drive aisle.
e. The front/corner side yard building setback line may be extended to 55 feet along Normantown Road and Independence Boulevard if the setback is pedestrian-oriented and contributes to the quality and character of the streetscape. The setback must be covered in a hard surface and must be consistent with the village's Uniform Paving Plan. At a minimum, the hard surface must be concrete with a heavy brush finish and California score joints. Brick pavers, slate, and stamped concrete are also acceptable surface materials.
f. The minimum rear building setback line shall be ten feet.
g. There shall be no minimum setback line for interior sideyards.
(3) Building massing and form.
(a) Purpose. The streets of Downtown shall be reminiscent of a traditional downtown with a variety of different stores and buildings constructed over an extended period of time.
(b) Discussion. To give the impression of a traditional downtown, buildings shall either be small be multidimensional in scale.
(c) Criteria/standard/regulations.
1. Buildings shall face the streets on which they have frontage.
2. For every 50 linear feet of building frontage, there must be a change in horizontal plane to break up the large wall plane. The projection may consist of setbacks, recesses, changes in plane accompanied by material changes, roof decks, balconies, or bay windows. (See picture, Appendix B(F))
3. For every 50 linear feet of building frontage, there must also be a change in vertical plane. Height variations, stepped roofs, and gables may be used to satisfy this requirement.
4. There shall be no maximum lot coverage.
(4) Architectural theme. A variety of urban architectural themes may be used in the Downtown District. The architecture of Downtown will not be limited to one era as a variety of complimentary styles will create a diverse district with the appearance of a downtown built over time.
(5) Franchise/signature architecture franchise architecture or signature architecture (building design that is trademarked or identified with a particular chain or corporation and is generic in nature) is not allowed.
(6) Building design - commercial buildings.
(a) Purpose. Downtown will incorporate interesting and animated streetscapes that encourage pedestrianism.
(b) Discussion. Buildings in Downtown will be designed at a pedestrian scale to encourage people to stroll along the streets and visit multiple destinations. This involves the use of detailed building elements, especially along the ground floor elevation, that are interesting at a walker's pace.
(c) Criteria/standard/regulations.
1. Commercial buildings - essential elements. The following elements are essential to creating a pedestrian-oriented environment and must be incorporated into the design of each commercial and/or mixed-use building.
a. Buildings must maintain the quality of their character from any viewing angle (360 degree architecture). All sides of a building must be elevated. The materials used and horizontal design elements (such as banding) used on the primary facades must be wrapped around the building. (See picture, Appendix B(G))
b. The ground floor must generally be located as close to the sidewalk elevation level as possible so that it is at the same level as pedestrians passed by. (See picture, Appendix B(H))
c. Buildings shall maintain a distinction between ground floor and superior floor architectural treatments where the ground floor incorporates larger scaled display windows and weather protected entries and the superior floors incorporate smaller windows and design elements.
d. Building components, such as windows, doors, roofs, and balconies, shall have good proportions and relationships to one another. (See picture, Appendix B(I))
e. The buildings must be compatible with neighboring buildings. Buildings must be designed so that at least two of the following elements are similar to those on adjacent buildings.
(i) Wall heights.
(ii) Design of eaves.
(iii) Design and location pf parapets.
(iv) Location and scale of awnings.
(v) Design and scale of entryways.
(vi) Window styles.
f. An entrance must be provided to each business. Corner entrances and entrances facing each street are encouraged for businesses with frontage on multiple streets.
g. The primary entrance must be accentuated through the use of architectural embellishments such as columns, roof overhangs, and pilasters.
h. Pedestrian weather protection, in the form of an awning, canopy, recessed entry, or other building element must be incorporated into the design of each primary entrance to provide a covered pedestrian space. The space must meet the criteria set forth in these regulations.
i. The materials and colors, roof forms, fenestration, entries, signage and lighting used on the buildings must meet the supplemental regulations also contained in these guidelines.
(d) Commercial buildings - options. In addition to meeting the above requirements, building facades which face sidewalks or rights-of-way must incorporate at least three of the following elements.
1. Bay windows or other window treatments that extend out from the building facade.
2. Articulated or varied roof forms.
3. Columns defining the pedestrian area or entryway.
4. Detailed paneling framing the entry and windows.
5. Balconies or roof decks at upper stories.
6. Decorative iron railings (ex. Parisian balconies) at superior floor doors and windows.
7. Decorative iron railings to define pedestrian space.
8. Detailed window arch- itecture such as arched tops, columns framing windows and decorative lintels.
(e) Residential buildings - essential elements. The following elements are considered essential to creating an interesting residential streetscape and must be incorporated into the design of residential buildings.
1. Thirty-six inch tall decorative wrought iron fences shall be installed along the perimeter of the front yards of the townhome properties.
2. A mix of shrubbery must be installed around the base on the townhome or multi-family condominium buildings to screen the foundation.
3. Each townhome unit shall incorporate a front porch not less than five feet deep across no less than 50% of the front facade of the building. The front porch may project up to eight feet into the front yard or corner side-yard setback.
(f) Residential buildings - options. Residential buildings (townhomes or multi-family condominiums) shall include at least three additional ornamental features such as:
1. Decorative sills.
2. Cantilevered windows.
3. Copper/stone elements.
4. Bay windows or other window treatments that extend out from the building facade.
5. Articulated or varied roof forms.
6. Columns defining the entrance.
7. Balconies or roof decks at upper stories.
8. Decorative iron railings (ex. Parisian balconies) at superior floor doors and windows.
(7) Building materials and colors.
(a) Purpose. Building materials will be durable and complement the character of Downtown.
(b) Discussion. The village desires high quality materials on the exterior facades of buildings. Building material and color must be harmonious with others in the area. For example, limestone has a rich history in the area and should be utilized when possible on building exteriors.
(c) Criteria/standard/regulations.
1. Materials. The following guidelines pertain to exterior finishes in the Downtown District.
a. Medium to dark brick shall be used either as the primary building material or to accent other building materials. Dissimilar materials may be used when incorporating scale, form, color and other characteristics.
b. Materials shall be durable. Brick, stone and wood are permitted.
c. Aluminum, vinyl siding, T-111 or equivalent, and scored plywood are prohibited.
d. Modular brick is an acceptable material for all building types; however, oversize or large size bricks (greater than 30 square inches in area) may only be used as an accent.
e. Adding detail through the use of decorative banding and color or texture transitions is encouraged.
f. Plaster - stucco - and other similar materials (such as EIFS) are acceptable when used as a secondary material only, comprising no more than 30% of a single facade and not located on the ground floor elevation. Finishes must be smooth; no "cake icing".
g. Precast concrete and cast stone are acceptable if they embody the characteristics of natural stone.
h. Cement board siding is acceptable.
i. Pressure treated wood in not allowed as a finished material.
j. The use of wood shingle siding as an accent in dormers and gable as well as a wall finish is encouraged if compatible with the overall design of the building.
2. Material transitions.
a. When transitions in material are made, different materials shall meet only at a transition piece or a change in plane, for instance an inside corner.
b. Materials will not transition directly at an outside corner edge. One material will turn the corner and carry over to the side elevation to a point at which the corner looks solidly finished.
c. Corner trim pieces may be used where appropriate.
3. Color.
a. The color of buildings must complement the adjacent buildings' colors. At least 80% of the building shall be in a neutral color with light and bright colors used only as minor accents.
b. The color of brick or other natural building materials shall dictate the color family choice. Bricks in the red and brown tones are encouraged. Acceptable brick colors are listed in the table below; however, others are allowed provided that they fall within the color range of those listed in the table.
Acceptable Brick Colors | |
Cloud: | Old Smoky, Burgundy |
Denver Brick: | Old Settler, Rockford, Quarum, Black Walnut, Tuscany, Country Colonial, Hartford, Maison Rouge, Maplewood, Olde World, Brandywine |
Robinson Brick: | Cooperstown |
Pine Hall: | Vintage Red, Old Colonial |
(8) Awnings, canopies and arcades.
(a) Purpose. The pedestrian experience in Downtown will be improved by providing weather protection at each entry.
(b) Discussion. Canopies, awnings, arcades or recessed entrances will be required at the entrance to each business to shelter visitors. They will be designed to complement the human-scaled design.
(c) Criteria/standard/regulation.
1. The following standards apply to all commercial or mixed-use buildings.
a. Awnings must be sized, shaped and placed such that they fit within individual bays or structural divisions of the building facade rather than extend beyond a single bay to enhance the architectural quality of the buildings.
b. Glass canopies may be used as an alternative to awnings especially on darker or north-facing building facades to provide rain protection while allowing daylight to filter through to storefronts and second story windows.
c Vinyl and plastic awnings are prohibited.
d. The use of windows awnings on second stories and above to create a consistent design image for the building facade is encouraged. These awnings should be similar to those used on the ground floor in terms of style, materials, and color. (See picture, Appendix B(J))
(9) Building roofs.
(a) Purpose. Rooflines shall enhance the urban character of the Downtown District.
(b) Discussion. Flat roofs with architectural detailing shall be used to foster an interesting urban atmosphere.
(c) Criteria/standard/regulations.
1. Special roof shapes on corner locations can be used to help accent corners of blocks.
2. Use a visual terminus, such as a heavy cornice, at the tops of buildings to help articulate Downtown architecture.
3. Embellish parapets with brick detailing and stepped or sloped to achieve a visually interesting yet harmonious sequence along the building facade.
4. Use articulated and varied roof shapes on taller buildings.
(10) Windows, glazing, and doors.
(a) Purpose. Windows and doors will enhance the pedestrian experience by providing a visual connection to the inside of the buildings with commercial on the ground floor while aesthetically and functionally serving the building and users on upper floors and in residential areas.
(b) Discussion. By providing minimum standards for glazing (windows and doors) the aesthetics of buildings will improve and the pedestrian experience will be enhanced. Moreover, the windows will provide display areas for the businesses.
(c) Criteria/standard/regulation. The following criteria apply to all commercial and mixed-use buildings.
1. All street facing facades shall be lined with windows. Unless unavoidable due to physical constraints of the building or site, there shall be no horizontal expanse greater than 20 feet without a window or door.
2. Windows must cover at least 50% of the building area between two feet and eight feet above ground. However, expanses of glass greater than ten linear feet must be broken with other building materials to create an identifiable pedestrian-scale.
3. On ground floors, individual windows must be at least 60% transparent. For example tinted glass, frosted glass, textured glass, and materials applied to the interior of the windows to block views cannot cover more than 40% of the window surface.
4. Windows must cover at least 15% of the building's rear façade facing a public right of way, parking area or open space.
5. When appropriate to the architectural style of the building, bay windows are encouraged to articulate building elevations.
(11) Signage.
(a) Purpose. Attractive signs, at the appropriate scale for Downtown, shall identify businesses.
(b) Discussion. Signage shall be designed, lit, and constructed of materials appropriate for a downtown area. Large, back-lit box signs and other signs geared towards fast-moving automobiles are not appropriate. Pedestrian-scaled signage and signs geared to slow moving traffic shall be used.
(c) Criteria/standard/regulation.
The following criteria apply to business signage. Signs are prohibited on residential lots.
1. Projecting signs (geared toward the pedestrian) are encouraged. These signs shall be no greater than eight square feet. No less than 8 feet of clearance shall be provided between the sidewalk elevation and the lowest point of the projecting sign. Maximum distance between sign and building face is one foot. Signs cannot block or obliterate design details, windows or cornices of the building upon which they are placed. (See picture, Appendix B(K))
2. Flush mounted signs are permitted provided that they are either signboards or are constructed of die-cut letters made from materials consistent with the building. Letters and signboards cannot exceed two feet in height.
3. Window signs of high quality materials, such as paint or gold leaf, or that are etched into glass are permitted. They may not exceed 30% of the total area of the windows.
4. Individual letters identifying the businesses are permitted on the valence of awnings. The lettering must be consistent with the design and color scheme of the building and may not exceed ten inches in height.
5. Freestanding signage is not permitted in the Downtown District.
6. Internally illuminated signage is not permitted in any location.
7. Spot lights are acceptable for lighting signs but they must be oriented and shielded such that the source of light is not directly visible. (See Figure 11-4 pictures, Appendix B(L))
(12) Lighting.
(a) Purpose. Lighting in the Downtown District will foster a safe environment for pedestrians and automobilists.
(b) Discussion. Lighting in Downtown must be sufficient to foster a safe pedestrian environment. Lighting must be scaled such that it enhances the streetscape and urban environment.
(c) Criteria/standard/regulations. The following criteria apply to all commercial and mixed-use buildings.
1. Pedestrian scale ornamental lighting shall be used to replace or supplement taller, vehicular lighting while still maintaining safe roadway lighting levels.
2. Freestanding ornamental lights shall be no taker than 22 feet.
3. Building lights shall be diverted onto the buildings or the ground immediately adjacent to the building and shall not cast light above the roofline of the building.
4. The following lighting standards are recommended for streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian walkways. (Source: ANSI/IESNA RP-8-00)
Minimum Maintained Average Value (lux) | Minimum Maintained Average Value (fc) | Uniformity Ratio Eavg/Emin | Veiling Luminance RatioLvmax/Lavg | |
Collector Level Road | 12.0 | 1.2 | 4.0 | 0.4 |
Local Level Road | 6.0 | 0.6 | 4.0 | 0.4 |
5. The following lighting standards are recommended for parking lots. Lighting Levels (Source: ANSI / IESNA RP-8-00)
Minimum Horizontal Illuminance (lux) | 2 |
Minimum Horizontal Illuminance (fc) | 0.2 |
Uniformity Ratio, Maximum to Minimum | 20:1 |
Minimum Vertical Illuminance (lux) | 1 |
Minimum Vertical Illuminance (fc) | 0.1 |
If personal security or vandalism is a likely and/or severe problem, a higher lighting level may be required. | |
4. Higher lighting levels (four foot-candles) must be provided at building entries.
(13) Off-street parking.
(a) Purpose. Parking lots shall provide convenient access for users but shall not dominate the street.
(b) Discussion. Parking lots shall be sited, designed, and landscaped such that they are convenient, safe, and architecturally pleasing.
(c) Criteria/standard/regulation.
1. Location.
a. Parking lots are only allowed in rear yards, except along Normantown Road and Independence Boulevard.
b. One row of parking and one drive aisle shall be provided in all yards adjacent Normantown Road and Independence Boulevard.
c. Wherever possible, parking lots shall be shared.
2. Circulation.
a. Driving lanes, parking spaces and pedestrian routes will be clearly defined.
b. Medians will be used along drives and at the caps of parking aisles to delineate the parking spaces from the driving lanes. The medians will be at least four feet wide and will be landscaped with a variety of shrubs and flowers.
c. Pedestrian walkways will be provided throughout the parking lots. The walkways shall be delineated by using a variation in paved texture and/or color such as through the use of stone, brick or granite pavers, exposed aggregate, or stamped or colored concrete. Paint striping is not acceptable. (See picture, Appendix B(M))
d. Parking aisles will be interconnected. Dead-end parking lanes are discouraged. Dead-end parking lanes serving more than six spaces are prohibited.
3. Landscaping.
(a) Parking must be screened with fencing and plant material.
(b) Wrought iron fencing with masonry posts and details must be located along the perimeter of parking lots. The edges must be softened through the use of appropriate plant materials.
(c) The screening material must be designed such that sufficient access is provided to the site for safety. (See picture, Appendix B(N))
4. Residential parking requirements.
a. At least one interior parking space must be provided for each condominium unit in a multi-family building. The parking spaces must be located in a parking structure. The parking structure may be located underground, in the rear yard of the building provided that it is screened from view, or on the ground floor of the building in areas that do not front the street.
b. At least two interior parking spaces must be provided for each townhome unit. They must be provided in private garages on the individual lots.
c. Garages on townhome lots must be accessed from alleys.
d. Garages may either be attached to the dwelling or may be freestanding in the rear yard.
e. There is no minimum setback for townhome garages provided that they do not interfere with the vision triangle.
(14) Drive-through facilities.
(a) Purpose. Drive-through facilities will complement the Downtown without providing negative impacts to aesthetics and circulation.
(b) Discussion. Drive-through facilities are a reality in today's commercial climate. They are thus permitted in edge business locations but their impact must be mitigated through proper design.
(c) Criteria/standard/regulations.
1. When drive-throughs are utilized, they must be designed to minimize the appearance and impact of the drive-through stations through building style, materials and massing consistent with that of the principal structure. (See picture, Appendix B(O))
2. At least five on-site automobile stacking spaces must be provided for each establishment with a drive-through. In the event that there are multiple drive-through bays, three stacking spaces must be provided for each bay.
(Am. Ord. 06-0369, passed 2-1- 06; Am. Ord. 07-0509, passed 2- 21-07; Am. Ord. 08-0651, passed 5-21-08; Am. Ord. 10-0870, passed 8-4-10; Am. Ord. 11-0924, passed 10-5-11; Am. Ord. 12-0984, passed 5-2-12; Am. Ord. 18-1482, passed 5-16-18)