§ 21.70.090. Commercial design guidelines.

A.

Commercial Building Design Guidelines.

1.

To avoid flat walls, building modulation should be considered to reduce the mass and bulk of the structure. This can be achieved by utilizing the following:

a.

Building setbacks on upper floor levels;

b.

Recessed or clearly defined entryways;

c.

Building ornamentation;

d.

Varying roof lines, pitches, and shapes;

e.

Overhangs, awnings and marquees;

f.

Dormers, balconies, porches, staircases;

g.

Window and door fenestration.

For building walls that are located away from public viewing, landscaping, trellises with climbing vegetation, or art work can be utilized.

2.

Buildings located within a multiple building complex should consider utilizing similar colors, materials, window patterns and roof forms.

3.

For commercial structures developed along arterial or collector roadways, the building should be placed as near as possible to the adjacent sidewalk. This will allow the building walls to frame/anchor the streetscape.

4.

Structures that are located on corner lots will be permitted additional height of up to six stories. Additional height to structures on corner lots can create an entryway into a complex while also creating a definite street edge. Building heights should step back from the lower level to increase building modulation. Usage of different building materials to differentiate the lower level from the upper stories can provide visual interest as well.

5.

Consideration should be given to colors and materials. Each should complement the other and enhance existing buildings.

6.

Consideration should be made for weather protective devices to be incorporated into the building design. Such items as extended roof overhangs, canopies or awnings can offer protection from the elements.

7.

Consistency should be used with architectural elements to ensure that building walls that are highly visible to the public are compatible with one another.

8.

For commercial uses proposed within a neighborhood commercial zone, building design shall blend with the adjacent neighborhood. Items to consider include such things as scale, building height, colors and materials.

B.

Site Design Guidelines.

1.

For structures proposed on corner lots, consideration shall be made to incorporate a special design feature. This can be done with distinctive entryways, annual flower arrangements, planter boxes, or other landscaping materials, decorative tile at entryways, banners, or even artwork.

2.

Service areas should not be located between the building area and the street unless there is no possible alternative location. Screening in the form of landscaping shall be used to diminish public visibility. Service areas should not be located to face a residential area.

3.

For those commercial uses that utilize outdoor seasonal display items, they shall be located so they do not impede pedestrian access to the building or required fire lanes. Such stored items shall be stacked in an orderly manner. Furthermore, aisle way widths shall meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and building and fire codes. Truck containers used for storage are prohibited.

4.

Site features such as fences, walls, refuse and recycle enclosures, and light fixtures should be deigned to be consistent with the scale and aesthetic character of the building. These features should also be designed to contribute towards a pedestrian environment.

5.

Any mechanical equipment that is not attached to a structure shall be enclosed within an enclosure that is an aesthetic amenity to the building. For mechanical equipment attached to the building, it shall be enclosed within the roof form or within a screening structure.

6.

To enhance the pedestrian environment, commercial uses should consider pedestrian amenities such as large windows, outdoor eating areas, street furniture such as benches, bike racks and trash receptacles.

7.

Meet all applicable requirements of Sections 21.70.100 and 21.70.110.

C.

Landscaping. In addition to meeting the landscaping standards established in Chapter 21.80 of the county Zoning Code, window boxes, planter boxes and hanging flower baskets should be considered as accents to create a friendly pedestrian environment.

D.

Signs.

1.

All signs shall meet standards of Chapter 21.75 of the Lacey UGA Zoning Code.

2.

Window signs should be considered in instances where architectural elements would be covered by a wall sign.

E.

Site Lighting.

1.

Establishments shall install lighting throughout the site for entryways, parking lots, and pedestrian areas. This shall be achieved both at a pedestrian and overall site level.

2.

Lighting shall be activated by photo electric cells or timers.

3.

Lighting fixtures shall complement project design and shall be oriented to avoid direct glare to adjacent properties.

F.

Compatibility with Residential Developments. Where neighborhood commercial zones are developed and where commercial establishments in other zones are to be located adjacent to residential zones, care shall be taken to ensure compatibility and integration of the development with the adjacent residential neighborhood. This will include the physical layout of the site plan, the architectural design of the buildings and improvements, and consideration of mitigation techniques to reduce or eliminate identified impacts to the residential environment. Impacts such as, but not limited to, light/glare, noise and traffic shall be considered. In development of the site plan, consideration shall be given to how the layout fits into the neighborhood and how it may become a desirable focus point for neighborhood services and pedestrian activities. Architectural design shall consider compatibility with the neighborhood character and style with special emphasis for pedestrians. Special techniques shall be considered to adequately address impacts, such as security and automobile light and noise issues through such techniques as landscaping, buffering and other measures.

(Ord. 11274 § 1 (part), 1996)