Sec. 58.513. - Appearance Review Standards for Townhomes.
To ensure that each townhome development is harmonious and architecturally compatible with existing development in the surrounding neighborhood, an appearance review in accordance with Part 3, Chapter 62 of this Code and the following additional standards are required prior to the issuance of a building permit.
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 diminish the boxy townhome shape.
B. Orientation All dwellings must include a primary pedestrian entrance that faces a street or a courtyard.
C. Pedestrian access A pedestrian path from the public sidewalk to the primary pedestrian entrance is required.
D. Ground floor elevation For street facing dwellings, building foundations must be elevated a minimum of 18" above the finished grade as measured at the front façade of the dwelling.
E. Porches If constructed, a porch that meets the standards of Section 62.600(g) may encroach up to 6 feet into the required front and street side yard setbacks.
F. Minimum Landscaping Area Townhomes are required to meet the multifamily 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.
G. Transparency A minimum 15% transparent materials is required on all façades facing a public street, private street, or courtyard, on each story below the roof line. A minimum 10% transparent materials is required on all interior side façades on each story below the roof line.
H. Screening of utilities 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.
I. Fire walls Protrusions of fire walls must be minimized and incorporated into the architecture of the building.
J. Compatibility. The appearance review official will consider the following factors when evaluating the compatibility of townhome 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.
K. 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. of 9-16-1991, Doc. #25094; Ord. of 6-4-2001, § 6, Doc. #33841; Ord. No. 2018-44, § 4, 9-4-2018, Doc. #1809041202)
