The intent is to create building facades that are varied and articulated to provide visual interest to pedestrians. On file in the city are illustrative examples of the architectural concepts for most buildings within the Galleria specific plan area. A "quasi-Mediterranean" architectural design style has been specified for this development. All buildings, including those that may not be specifically represented within the illustrations, shall execute the quasi-Mediterranean style through building design, types of materials, colors implemented and other measures which are consistent and complementary to other existing buildings within the development. Buildings should provide a unifying theme while maintaining each building's individual character.
A. Design: The following should be considered in the design of each building within the Galleria Development:
1. Buildings should be proportioned and defined by clear facade elements such as a base, middle, and top.
2. Buildings shall implement variation in the building planes and footprints in order to break up otherwise long expanses and to provide visual interest. Materials should change with the change in building planes and a variety of complementary building materials should be implemented; however, all material should keep within the chosen theme.
3. There are no "backs" of buildings; all buildings shall have three hundred sixty degree (360°) architecture. All sides of all buildings should be treated with the same level of architectural style and detail. Particular attention shall be paid to transitioning between the residential and commercial uses.
4. The appropriate measure to fully screen undesirable building elements, mechanical (both ground and rooftop mounted) and electrical equipment, including electrical transformers and meters shall be implemented. When feasible, screening measures shall be incorporated into the building architecture through the use of wing walls, raised parapets, etc.
5. Fenestration (door and window openings) shall be sized to the scale of the building and detailed appropriately to the pedestrian theme. Use of repeating window patterns and details are encouraged to unify the design.
6. Trim and structural elements such as posts or columns shall be sized to the scale of the building and detailed appropriately to the theme. Parapets and other building elements which extend above rooflines shall be of adequate depth to provide visual structural integrity. The backs of any visible architectural element shall be treated to a finished state rather than left in a structural state.
7. Entrances into buildings should be easily identified through the use of building design and detailing. Projected or recessed entryways, higher rooflines, awnings or changes in building material are examples that can create this effect.
8. Reflective glass or mirrored glass is discouraged. Efforts should be made to use clear glass on storefronts, windows and doors to promote the linkage of the interior and exterior of buildings.
9. Corporate franchise design, where the building functions as a trademark is strongly discouraged. Elements of the corporate prototype shall be permissible only if the building design also incorporates significant architectural elements which are compatible with and carry the overall theme and uniqueness of the Galleria Development.
B. Materials: The use of brick, acceptable stone or masonry shall be incorporated into the building architecture on all sides of the structure, unless the development planning and inspection manager determines that the use of alternate building materials enhances the physical appearance and accomplishes a compatible structure with the overall development. Masonry materials shall be implemented in such a manner as to give the appearance of three-dimensional elements and to provide authenticity to the materials. Smooth faced concrete block, tilt-up concrete panels, or prefabricated steel panels are prohibited as the predominant exterior building materials unless it is determined by the development planning and inspection manager that the overall building design meets the intent of the specific plan.
C. Residential: In addition to the above stated design criteria, the following shall apply specifically to residential developments:
1. Garages or accessory structures should incorporate architecture details through the use of windows, doors and other facade detailing. Garages visible from public streets or properties outside of but adjacent to the Galleria Development shall be architecturally enhanced to break up the mass and disguise their purpose through the use of materials, additional roof peaks, incorporation of windows, etc.
2. Four (4) out of five (5) medium density homes within a development must provide a front porch, covered stoop or balcony. The area must provide a significant usable outdoor area no less than five feet (5') in depth.
3. Eighty percent (80%) of multi-family units within a development must provide a balcony or patio at least five feet (5') deep, which may extend into the setback, yet may be no closer than five feet (5') to the property line.
4. Fenestration (door and window openings) shall be sized to the scale of the building and detailed appropriately to the pedestrian theme. Use of repeating window patterns and details are encouraged to unify the design.
5. Trim details shall be accentuated through the use of appropriate and noticeable widths and details.
6. Entrances into buildings should be easily identified through the use of building design and detailing. Projected or recessed entryways, higher rooflines, awnings or changes in building material are examples that can create this effect.
D. Canopies, Including Gas: Pump stations and other drive-through canopies must be designed to incorporate the building's architecture through the use of similar building materials, roof design and color, including the application of brick or stone to canopy support columns. When possible, canopies should be designed as an extension of the building rather than an added on element. (Ord. 1920, 5-31-2011)