The following development and design guidelines are established to ensure that all new development or redevelopment complies with the purpose and objectives of this Chapter, as set forth in Section 1266.01. These guidelines are in addition to the Criteria for Appearance Codes; in the event there is a conflict between these guidelines and the Appearance Code, the guidelines contained in this Chapter shall govern.
(a) General Criteria.
(1) The proposal shall enhance and improve the character of the community and be appropriate and compatible with its surroundings in accordance with the intent, objectives and development requirements set forth in this Chapter.
(2) Buildings, structures and landscaping should be designed and located on the site and be of a scale and massing to complement adjacent buildings and enhance the character of the surrounding area.
(3) Buildings are encouraged to be placed near the street to provide a sense of enclosure and definition to the street. This criteria nevertheless recognizes that the internal portion of the site will also be developed with new buildings or renovations and/or additions to existing buildings.
(4) Each building or unit of a multiple building development should have its own distinct identity, yet should also be compatible with adjacent units or buildings in terms of proportion, color, and materials.
(5) Where natural or existing topographic patterns positively contribute to the appearance and utility of a development they shall be preserved and developed. Modification to topography will be permitted providing the modifications do not effect surrounding property or the overall quality of the proposed development in an adverse way.
(6) Pedestrian activity shall be encouraged and safe pedestrian connections shall be provided between the principal uses in the project area and between the principal uses, adjacent uses and sidewalks.
(b) Design of Buildings.
(1) Architectural style is not restricted, but the evaluation of the project's appearance -shall be based on the quality of its design and relationship to the prevailing design characteristics of the surrounding area.
(2) Building components, such as windows, doors, eaves, and parapets, shall be composed on a building facade so as to create a proportional and harmonious relationship with one another and surrounding buildings.
(3) Architectural features should be placed upon a building facade so that a well-balanced pattern with a constant rhythm and harmonious appearance results.
(4) Buildings and principal building entrances shall be oriented toward the street so as to define the street edge and contribute to a dynamic pedestrian and street environment.
(5) Buildings surrounding public spaces shall be oriented so as to focus activity on that area.
(6) Buildings located at street intersections and other important pedestrian or automobile entry points shall employ distinctive architectural features to distinguish these areas.
(c) Building Materials.
(1) Buildings shall have finish materials on all sides. Finish materials shall not include exposed concrete, cinder block or stucco (commonly known as "dryvit") unless it is utilized with bands of accent color, recessed or protruding belt courses, wide reveals or combinations thereof.
(2) A combination of materials, textures, colors, and finishes are preferred to create visual interest.
(d) Design of Parking Areas.
(1) Walkways should be provided in large parking areas and in parking areas that are associated with a high pedestrian volume and shall be clearly distinguished and separated from the automobile parking spaces and aisles.
A. These walkways shall be integrated with existing sidewalks and pedestrian routes and coordinated with the surrounding neighborhoods where pedestrian routes are located.
B. Such walkways shall be constructed of concrete, stone, or brick and set apart and enhanced with landscaping and lighting.
(2) Entrances and exists to parking areas should be located so as to minimize traffic volumes and conflicts with pedestrians, residential streets, and busy intersections.
(3) Parking structures should be designed with a facade treatment that reasonably screens the parked vehicles, at each level of the parking structure, from view from the street.
(e) Landscaping.
(1) Landscape treatment shall be provided to emphasize a pedestrian environment, separate pedestrian ways from parking areas, enhance architectural features, provide shade, and strengthen vistas and important axes between the development and other locations near the Cedar/Warrensville intersection.
(2) Trees and shrubs shall be arranged to create varied and attractive views.
(3) Plant material should provide a variety of color and displayed throughout the year.
(f) Fire Protection. All development and redevelopment shall comply with the National Fire Prevention Associations 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and their Appurtenances.
(1982 Code, § 1118.12) (Ord. 2000-05. Passed 2-7-2000.)