§ 9. Architectural and site design standards.

No building shall be erected or more than 50 percent of an existing building altered that does not address the following development guidelines:

(1)

Exterior walls shall consist of one or more of the following:

a.

Brick stone and other natural and manmade masonry or cementatious materials, including for example but not by limitation, brick, stone, glass, EIFS, stucco, tilt up panels, etc.

b.

Brass, stainless steel, aluminum and other decorative metal panel systems that offer a function and durability that is equivalent to the materials listed above.

c.

Wood, metal, plastic and other manmade and natural all-weather materials as decorative elements.

(2)

Blank street-level walls are not permitted on any street frontage in the NCD. Architectural design shall be utilized to create visual interest through the use of texture variations, complementary colors, shadow lines, contrasting shapes, applied features and related architectural devices.

(3)

At least 50 percent of the ground-level wall area of any new or reconstructed building facing a public street shall be devoted to interest creating features, such as building entrances, awnings, display windows or windows affording a level of transparency and architectural variety.

(4)

All windows and doors must include framing architectural elements.

(5)

Building entrances facing a street shall be recessed into the face of the building to a depth that permits the entry door to open and close without projecting into the public right-of-way. Entryways must have a strong design consistent with the architecture of the rest of the building. Elements of strong entryway design include canopies, awnings, porticos, raised cornice parapets over the door, peaked roof forms, arches, large windows, or architectural details such as tile work and moldings that are integrated into the building structure and design.

(6)

Building rooftops shall have the following features:

a.

Parapets, screens, false facades or other architectural treatments that conceal flat roofs and roof top equipment and fixtures.

b.

Overhanging eaves, recessed entrances or similar structures defining the pedestrian areas of the facade and at least partially protecting entrances and walkways from the weather.

(7)

The overall size, shape and proportion of elements of a building as a whole, the building's relationship to other structures, the lot's area, open space and site improvements shall be consistent or compatible with like measures and features of existing buildings, lots and developments in the surrounding area.

(8)

Architectural materials and treatments to the building(s) and the use of screening devices shall be consistent and compatible throughout the site on all facades of all buildings visible from off site and public areas on site.

(9)

Landscaping shall be used to complement and enhance a building's design, color and material. All landscaping areas shall be irrigated to promote the longevity and a healthy appearance of the planted materials and utilize native or acclimatized species that thrive in these types of environments in which they are planted.

(10)

Appropriate screening and landscape buffering shall be utilized wherever a commercial development abuts a residential, recreational or institutional zone or use. Issues of screening from both ground level and upper levels of adjoining parcels and structures must be taken into consideration in the planning and design of landscaped areas and structural screens.

(11)

Roof and ground mounted equipment, including ventilators, HVAC equipment, antennae, generators, trash and grease receptacles, etc. shall be screened from view (100 percent opacity) or isolated so as not to be visible from adjoining public-rights-of way, parcels and structures. The appearance of structural screening shall be architecturally coordinated with the building to maintain a unified appearance.

(12)

Loading docks, trash enclosures, approved or authorized outdoor storage and sale, and similar facilities and functions shall be incorporated into the overall design of the building and site, shall generally be located near the service entrances of buildings and shall be 100 percent screened with vegetation or structures in a manner that is architecturally compatible with the development. Trash storage and disposal facilities that can be seen from adjoining rights-of-way or residentially zoned or used properties and structures shall be screened 100 percent from view.

(Ord. No. 09-03, § 1, 1-12-09)