Unified Development Ordinance

Sec. 4.7.5. General Design Principles

Sec. 4.7.5. General Design Principles aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 10:22

If applicable, the following general design principles will be considered when reviewing an application for a PD District.

  1. When at least 20 residential units are proposed, the project includes a variety of housing stock that serves a range of incomes and age groups, and may include detached houses, attached houses, townhouses, apartments and dwelling units above first floor commercial spaces.
  2. Uses are compact and well-integrated, rather than widely separated and buffered.
  3. Compatibility among different uses is achieved through effective site planning and architectural design.
  4. A variety of business types are accommodated, from retail and professional offices to live-work. Office uses vary from space for home occupations to conventional office buildings. Retail uses range from corner stores to larger format supermarkets.
  5. Special sites, such as those at a terminated vista, are reserved for public or civic buildings and spaces that serve as symbols of the community, enhancing community identity.
  6. The project includes a variety of street types designed to be accessible to the pedestrian, bicycle and automobile. Streets are connected in a way that encourages walking and reduces the number and length of automobile trips.
  7. Bicycle circulation is accommodated on streets and on dedicated bicycle paths, greenways or trails with adequate bicycle parking facilities being provided at appropriate locations.
  8. Building facades spatially delineate the streets and civic spaces, and mask parking lots.
  9. Architecture and landscape design are based on the local climate, topography, history and building practice.
  10. The project includes open space as a significant element of the project's design. Formal and informal, active and passive open spaces are included. Open spaces may include, but are not limited to, squares, plazas, greens, preserves, farmers markets, greenways and parks.
  11. The project is compatibly integrated into established adjacent areas, and considers existing development patterns, scale and use.
  12. The project is a clearly identifiable or legible place with a unique character or unique tradition.
  13. Public art, including but not limited to, monuments, sculpture and water features, is encouraged. 
  14. N. Entertainment facilities, including but not limited to, live music venues and theatres, are encouraged.