23.66.336

A. General Requirements. To retain and enhance the visual order of the District, which is created by existing older buildings that provide unique character and form through their subtle detailing and quarter-block and half-block coverage, new development, including exterior remodeling, should respect the architectural and structural integrity of the building in which the work is undertaken, through sympathetic use of colors, material and style. Exterior building facades shall be of a scale compatible with surrounding structures. Window proportions, floor height, cornice line, street elevations and other elements of the building facades shall relate to the scale of the existing buildings in the immediate area. B. Asian Design Character District. The boundaries of the Asian Design Character District of the International District are as shown on Map B for 23.66.326. To strengthen and preserve the existing Asian architectural character of the Asian Design Character District, tiled awnings, recessed balconies, heavy timber construction, and materials and colors as specified below are encouraged. 1. Materials. Building facades are limited to earthen materials such as brick, concrete, stucco and wood. Other materials may be used if approved by the Director of Neighborhoods. Brick and concrete may not be painted unless approved by the Director of Neighborhoods. Stucco may be used in conjunction with other contrasting materials such as dark stained wood. Decorative ceramic glazed roof tiles are encouraged, as are tiled awnings and marquees if appropriately integrated into the overall design. 2. Colors. Building facade colors must be reviewed by the Special Review Board and approved by the Director of Neighborhoods. Colors shall be compatible with those of adjacent buildings. 3. Surfaces. Textured concrete, brick and wood surfaces are preferred over non-textured surfaces. Recesses and voids that break up monotonous surface areas and create visual relief are encouraged. The design and location of mechanical equipment visible from the street must be reviewed by the Board and approved by the Director of Neighborhoods. 4. Transparency Requirement. Street-level uses shall have highly visible linkages with the street. Transparent surfaces shall be provided for at least 50 percent of the exposed street-facing facade measured between sidewalk level and a height of 10 feet or the height of the second floor level, whichever is less. The average height of window sills shall be no greater than 3 feet above the sidewalk. A decrease in the percentage of required transparency may be permitted by the Board if: a. There is a design constraint, such as permanent wainscoting, and removal or alteration would detract from the structural or architectural integrity of the building; or b. The existing layout of the building or other physical constraints such as the placement of load bearing walls or columns creates a hardship. If transparency requirements are reduced, wall murals, landscaping, colored awnings, display cases, or other means appropriate to the setting shall be provided to create visual interest. 5. Awnings. Awnings shall be functional, serving as weather protection for pedestrians at street level. Awnings over sidewalks shall overhang the sidewalk a minimum of five feet. All awnings shall be of a design compatible with the architecture of the area. C. Exterior Building Design Outside the Asian Design Character District. Outside the Asian Design Character District, earthen colors and masonry construction with nonmetallic surfaces are preferred. Concrete construction will also be permitted if treated in a manner or incorporated into a design that provides visual interest and avoids large unbroken surface areas. (Ord. 123589, § 92, 2011; Ord. 116744 § 51, 1993; Ord. 112134 § 1(part), 1985.)