Sec. 1.5.10. Blank Wall Area

  1. Defined
    1. Blank wall area means any portion of the street-facing facade(s) of the building that does not include a substantial material change; windows or doors; or columns, pilasters or other articulation greater than 12 inches in depth.
    2. Substantial material change means a change between materials such as wood, metal, glass, brick, architectural block, stone or stucco. Substantial material change should occur at an inside corner, where feasible. Paint color is not a substantial material change.
  2. Intent
    1. The blank wall area regulations are intended to prevent large, monotonous expanses of undifferentiated building mass.
    2. The level of architectural detail should be most intense at the street level, where it is within view of the pedestrians on the sidewalk.
  3. General Requirements
    1. Blank wall area applies in both a vertical and horizontal direction.
    2. Blank wall area applies to both ground and upper stories.
      Blank Wall Area
  4. Design Alternate Findings
    The Planning Commission or Design Review Commission performing the quasi-judicial duties of the Planning Commission (as designated by the City Council), after conducting a duly noticed quasi-judicial evidentiary hearing in accordance with Sec. 10.2.17., shall approve additional blank wall, if all of the following findings are satisfied:
    1. The approved alternate is consistent with the intent of the blank wall area regulations;
    2. The increase in blank wall area is offset by additional architectural treatments and increased vertical landscaping;
    3. The approved alternate proposes a design compatible with adjacent context and does not produce adverse outcomes for neighbors or pedestrians.
    4. The approved alternate uses blank wall to elevate the overall design.