9303.1. - Site plan design.

All uses and structures not requiring any other discretionary approvals shall not be permitted unless a site plan review is obtained pursuant to the provisions of chapter 6. The following site design criteria shall be utilized in conjunction with the general development standards, as set forth in chapter 6:

A.

Existing site conditions. Existing site conditions such as mature vegetation, slopes, drainage courses, rock outcropping and views should be all considered as possibilities for inclusion in the project. Use of valuable existing site elements will assist in formulating a focused design theme.

B.

Building orientation. Placement of the buildings shall be done in a manner compatible with surrounding existing and planned uses and buildings. The setback from streets and adjacent properties is directly proportionate to the scale of the proposed building and those around it. Larger buildings will require more setback area for a balance of scale and for the protection of solar access to the proposed building and adjacent sites. Lastly, placement of the building should provide the most aesthetic public views.

C.

Access/circulation. The access and circulation of a development should be designed to provide a safe and efficient system, both on and off the site. Points of access shall be designed in conformance with the city access regulations. The circulation system shall be designed to reduce conflicts between vehicular and pedestrian traffic, minimize impacts on adjacent properties, combine circulation and access areas where possible, and provide adequate maneuvering areas. Points of access shall not conflict with other planned or existing access points. Clearly delineated pedestrian connections between business areas and parking areas, and to adjoining neighborhoods and districts shall be provided, which provide safety and amenities to pedestrians.

D.

Parking areas. The visual prominence of parking areas shall be minimized in the overall design of a project through site design and landscaping. Parking areas should be screened from streets through combinations of mounding, landscaping, low profile walls and grade separations. The design of parking areas shall also minimize auto noise, lights and glare, and ambient air temperature. This can be accomplished through the use of sound walls, site location, use of well-designed lights, and landscaping throughout the parking lot. Parking lots shall incorporate well-designed and articulated pedestrian pathways from the parking areas to the businesses to create a safe and pleasant pedestrian environment. Bicycle parking racks or other public bike storage shall be provided in convenient locations of the development.

E.

Landscape/open space. Landscaping and open spaces should be designed as an integral part of the overall site plan design. Landscaping and open spaces should enhance the building design, enhance public views and spaces, provide buffers and transitions, provide for a balance of solar uses, and provide screening. Additionally, the landscape design should accent the overall design theme through the use of structures such as arbors or trellises, hardscape, and special paving.

F.

Walls/screening. The use of any walls should be consistent with the overall design theme. Walls are discouraged unless needed for a specific screening or safety purpose. Where they are needed, color, material and variation of the vertical/horizontal plane are needed to blend with the site and building and design.

G.

Lighting. On-site lights should provide a safe, functional and aesthetic design. Enough lighting should be provided to ensure a safe environment while at the same time not cause areas of intense light or glare. Fixtures and poles shall be designed and placed in a manner consistent and compatible with the overall site and building design.

H.

Utilities and ancillary equipment. On-site utilities and equipment shall be located in inconspicuous areas, away from public view, wherever feasible. Where they are located in public view, they shall be screened

with a combination of material that best suits the overall design theme.

I.

Compatibility with adjacent uses. Commercial uses adjoining residential neighborhoods shall be designed to be compatible with the neighborhoods through locating automobile and truck access and unloading areas so that they do not directly front residential uses, or by providing adequate screening of landscaping and/or decorative walls in areas adjacent to the residential uses.

(Ord. No. 11-388, § 12, 12-14-2011)