Sec. 58.563 - Appearance Review Standards for Multiplexes.
A. Articulation. Each façade that faces a street must include projections or recesses such as a front porch, front stoop, bay window, building recesses, or other feature to prevent a boxy shape.
B. Orientation. All buildings must include a primary pedestrian entrance that faces a street. For projects with multiple principal buildings, the front units must face the street, while more flexibility will be allowed for the internal and rear units.
C. Transparency. A minimum 15% transparent material is required on all façades facing a public street, private street, or courtyard, on each story below the roof line. A minimum 10% transparent material is required on all interior side façades on each story below the roof line.
D. Landscaping. Multiplex developments are required to meet the multi-family standards of the landscaping code (Chapter 60) for the development site as a whole. In addition, stormwater swales or ponds are not allowed in the front or street side setbacks unless low impact design standards for rain gardens are met.
E. Mechanical Equipment Screening. Utilities such as backflow preventers, metering boxes, gang mailboxes, and mechanical equipment must be placed to the side or rear of the site, and must be screened with landscaping, a decorative enclosure, or a wall.
F. Compatibility. The appearance review official will consider the following factors when evaluating the compatibility of multiplex development with the surrounding neighborhood:
1. Logic of overall design.
2. Site plan.
3. Landscaping and pervious surface.
4. Driveway design, circulation and parking.
5. Environmental features and tree preservation.
6. Alignment of curb cut(s) to maximize ability to plant street trees and preserve on-street parking.
7. Where applicable, compliance with the traditional city standards and requirements for residential development in Section 62.600.
8. Compatibility with adjacent land uses.
9. Features of existing development and neighborhood form.
The City may also make recommendations pertaining to alternate setbacks and building height. Although these items are regulated by code, adjustments may be appropriate to improve neighborhood compatibility, address site constraints, or improve the design and character of the building.
G. Architectural Style. Each building must have consistent architectural elements that create a recognizable architectural style, including but not limited to classical revival, colonial revival, craftsman, Florida vernacular, Mediterranean revival, mid-century modern, minimal traditional, Florida ranch, or other style identified in an industry-accepted architectural guidebook. All architectural elements, details, features, and finishes on the exterior of the building must be both consistent and compatible with the architectural style employed. Architectural elements and variations cannot be restricted to a single façade and must be wrapped along the entire length of all street-facing facades. The appearance review official will consider the following elements when evaluating conformance with this requirement:
1. Roof type, pitch, form, material and overhang.
2. Exterior elevation, materials and finishes.
3. Window proportions, groupings, trim, muntins and details.
4. Column size, taper, base and moulding.
5. Balcony width and depth.
6. Porch width, depth, elevation and railings.
7. Chimney details.
8. Dormers/parapets.
9. Brackets, shutters, railings, rafter tails and decorative details.
10. Transparency.
11. Building projections and recesses.
12. Entryway and front door design.
13. Garage placement and door design.
14. Exterior lighting.
15. Incorporation of architectural features into any fire separation wall.
16. Other generally accepted architectural elements, as determined appropriate by the appearance review official.
Together, these elements should create a cohesive structure that avoids boxy, flat facades; highlights architectural features using authentic and durable materials; provides distinct identity to each unit in a manner appropriate to the style employed; and minimizes the visual impact of garages from the public right-of-way.
(Ord. No. 2018-44, § 4, 9-4-2018, Doc. #1809041202)
