§ 70-146.3. Design features., Article XVII. Business B District, Chapter 70. Zoning, Code of Ordinances, North Hempstead

A big-box commercial use shall be designed to provide visual interest at the scale of the pedestrian, reduce massive aesthetic effects, recognize local character and, at a minimum, shall contain the following:

(1)

Facades and exterior walls. Developments with facades over 100 feet in linear length shall incorporate wall projections or recesses a minimum of three feet in depth and a minimum of 20 contiguous feet within each 100 feet of facade length and shall extend over 20% of the facade. Developments shall use animating features such as arcades, display windows, entry areas or awnings along at least 60% of the facade.

(2)

Rooflines. Rooflines shall be varied with a change in height every 100 linear feet in the building length. Parapets, mansard roofs, gable roofs, hip roofs, or dormers shall be used to conceal flat roofs and rooftop equipment from public view. Alternating lengths and designs may be approved by the Commissioner of Planning and Buildings.

(3)

Entrances. All sides of a principal building that directly face an abutting public or private right-of-way shall feature at least one customer entrance. Where a principal building directly faces more than two abutting public or private rights-of-way, this requirement shall apply only to two sides of the building, including the side of the building facing the primary street and another side of the building facing a secondary street.

(4)

Unenclosed areas for the storage and sale of seasonal inventory. Unenclosed areas for the storage and sale of seasonal inventory shall be permanently defined and screened with walls and/or fences. Materials, color and designs of screening walls and/or fences and the cover shall conform to those used as predominant materials and colors of the building. If such areas are to be covered, then the covering shall conform to those used as predominant materials and colors on the buildings.

(5)

Sidewalks. Sidewalks at least six feet in width shall be provided along all sides of the lot that abut a public or private right-of-way, excluding interstates, expressways and parkways, or as otherwise approved by the Commissioner of Planning and Buildings. Sidewalks, no less than five feet in width, shall be provided along the full length of the building along any facade featuring a customer entrance and along any facade abutting public parking areas. Such sidewalks shall be located at least six feet from the facade of the building to provide planting beds for foundation landscaping, except where features such as arcades or entryways are part of the facade.

(6)

Pedestrian walkways. Continuous internal pedestrian walkways, no less than five feet in width, shall be provided from the public sidewalk or right-of-way to the principal customer entrance of all principal buildings on the site. At a minimum, walkways shall connect focal points of pedestrian activity such as, but not limited to, transit stops, street crossings and building and store entry points and shall feature adjoining landscaped areas that include trees, shrubs, benches, flower beds, ground covers or other such materials for no less than 50% of their length.