The intent is to encourage a sense of place through street level activity by allowing the imaginative and efficient utilization of land and to develop a sense of community by promoting year round pedestrian and outdoor activities at the street level.
A. Open Space/Plaza Requirements: Each site plan shall include at least one plaza, courtyard, or patio space, to be located near the building's entry, which may consist of landscaping, seating, alternative paving, water features and outdoor art. The size of the outdoor space shall be proportional, as determined by the director of development services, to the size of the building. If, during the review of the development application, it is determined that several buildings could share in the creation of a plaza space, a detailed agreement as to the responsibilities of the applicants shall be submitted. These areas shall provide ample opportunities for pedestrian interaction through activity areas, sidewalk cafes, and seating. At the review of the site plan, the applicant must demonstrate how the plaza/activity area design meets the following intents:
1. Creates spaces that allow for the day and evening interaction among pedestrians;
2. Provides as many seating opportunities as possible through the placement of moveable chairs, sidewalk cafes and planter/seat walls;
3. When possible, the integration of storm drainage and detention should be designed to enhance the public space, which would include the creation of ponds, waterfalls or landscaped waterways;
4. Creates an outdoor room, by limiting the interaction with moving vehicles and partially surrounding the space by buildings, landscaping elements and architectural features; and
5. Provides elements that enrich the space. Elements shall include, but are not limited to, artwork, fountains, flowers, banners, and children's play environment.
B. Central Plaza/Roundabout: To further define the roundabout area, as noted on the specific plan map on file in the city, a consistent streetscape design shall be applied. The streetscape requirements specifically apply to the area surrounding the roundabout and should continue to the end of the four (4) driveways. On file in the city are examples of the chosen roundabout design. At a minimum, the area should have pedestrian seating, street trees, flowers, and a focal point such as a fountain located in the center of the roundabout. The central plaza including the features shown on the documents on file in the city shall be installed no later than one year after the recordation of the final plat. (Ord. 1738, 3-26-2007)