§ 70-195.23. Recommended design standards.

The following guidelines are recommended, but not mandatory, design elements for properties within the Overly District:

A. 

Storefronts.

(1) 

Designs should emphasize the role of the storefront as the focus of the building facade. A storefront should act as the unifying element within the block by creating strong horizontal elements such as continuous display windows, a consistent design frieze and use of colorful awnings.

(2) 

Main entrances should be recessed and inviting, allowing for views into commercial areas.

(3) 

Storefront designs should maximize window exposure and include at least one display window. At least 60% of the ground floor facade should be transparent.

(4) 

Architectural features and details such as projecting storefront cornices, decorative below-window panels, prominent display windows, etc., are encouraged.

(5) 

Landscape treatment to establish an attractive link between rear building entrances and parking areas.

B. 

Building facades.

(1) 

Upper floor windows should be vertically oriented to reflect the prominent facade treatment found in many buildings on Main Street.

(2) 

Varied roof forms involving use of gables, dormers and decorative cornices are encouraged.

(3) 

Building materials are to be compatible with nearby structures. Use of brick, stucco, stone and clapboard is appropriate in this regard.

(4) 

Facade articulation using bay windows, setbacks, pilasters and other features are encouraged to create architectural interest and to maintain a human scale along the street.

(5) 

Improved rear building entrances that should consider recessed doorways and installation of protective canopies and awnings.

C. 

Roofs and rooflines.

(1) 

Peaked roofs are encouraged as a means to promote architectural variety and streetscape quality.

(2) 

To reduce stormwater runoff, reduce heat sinks, and to promote energy efficiency, the use of green roofs and rooftop gardens is encouraged.

(3) 

All mechanical equipment, television antennas, satellite dishes, or other communications antennas shall be screened from view from the street or adjoining properties.

D. 

Signs.

(1) 

The design of wall signs should be consistent in terms of materials and colors with the architectural character of the associated building.

(2) 

The use of natural materials such as wood is encouraged.

(3) 

Signs should have a minimum of information in order to avoid clutter and confusion. The use of bold, easily recognized symbols, logos and simple illustrations that identify a business or activity is encouraged.

(4) 

Signs should have dark background colors with light-colored letters since this minimizes the apparent size of signs within the streetscape. The number of colors used in a sign should be limited to three unless used in an illustration.

(5) 

Wall signs should not obscure or cover architectural features of the building facade.

(6) 

Lettering styles should complement the style and period of the building on which they appear. Traditional block and curvilinear styles which are easy to read are preferred. No more than two different type styles or fonts should be used on the same sign to avoid a cluttered appearance.

(7) 

The use of pedestrian-scale hanging signs is encouraged and should be designed to illustrate the use of the building or products/services offered. Hanging signs should be limited to a maximum of six square feet in area and should be located at least seven feet six inches above the sidewalk level.

(8) 

Window signs, painted or attached to the inside surface of a window, should be limited to 25% of the total glass area. Temporary window advertising signs should be limited as much as possible.

E. 

Awnings.

(1) 

Awnings and canopies should complement the scale and proportion of buildings with colors or patterns that enhance the materials used on facades.

(2) 

Awnings should be of traditional form; curvilinear ("waterfall") forms are not permitted.

(3) 

Awnings should be made of nonglossy, weather-resistant fabric (such as canvas).

(4) 

Lettering should be focused on awning aprons. Any signage on awning fronts should be limited to the store name or to a logo/symbol that identifies the business or activity.

F. 

Loading and service areas.

(1) 

Any loading and maneuvering of service vehicles and all other related service activities necessary for the construction or operation of the development shall be accommodated entirely within lot lines and shall not impede traffic on adjacent streets.

(2) 

All service areas shall be adequately screened from view from adjacent streets and from neighboring residential units.

(3) 

There shall be no outdoor storage of materials, refuse, garbage, or unlicensed vehicles. Garbage dumpsters, where approved, shall be screened from public view at all times.

G. 

Outdoor lighting.

(1) 

Lighting should be of a height and intensity to ensure a pleasant and safe sidewalk for pedestrians.

(2) 

The use of light-emitting diodes or other alternative to high-pressure sodium or metal halide is preferred.

(3) 

Lighting should be shielded to ensure a minimum amount of light is directed towards the sky or creates off-site glare.

H. 

Landscaping and pedestrian walkways.

(1) 

All land not covered by structures or parking areas shall be landscaped with lawn, vegetative ground cover, shrubs, trees, or appropriate pedestrian walkways or amenities.

(2) 

To minimize water consumption, xeriscaping and/or the use of indigenous or drought-resistant species is preferred.