Hesperia Municipal Code Art. VII Multiple-Family Residential Design Guidelines

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 2011-10, § 3(Exh. A), adopted Aug. 16, 2011, amended Article VII in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Art. VII, §§ 16.16.275—16.16.300, pertained to the limited agricultural district. See the ordinance list and disposition tables for full derivation.

All new multiple-family or multi-family developments constructed in the R3 designation shall provide and maintain design standards and guidelines in compliance with the provisions of this article. It is the duty of the development services department to enforce all permitting and entitlement provisions of this article. The director or his/her designee may impose such conditions deemed necessary to achieve the purpose of this article.

The City of Hesperia's Multifamily and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards is incorporated by reference into this chapter. The Multifamily and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards shall be treated as if contained within the City's Zoning Ordinance.

All new multi-family developments and mixed-use developments shall provide and maintain design standards and guidelines in compliance with the provisions of this article. The Objective Design Standards apply to all new construction projects that meet the following criteria:

1. Multi-family residential projects consisting of three or more dwelling units. including detached and attached condominiums.

2. Mixed-use projects. A project featuring a combination of multi-family units and compatible commercial uses. either arranged vertically within the same building or horizontally in separate buildings on the same site. Mixed-use projects may also consist of separate buildings or structures on the same parcel, provided that there are clearly defined pedestrian connections that integrate and unify the overall development.

If an applicant so chooses. they may request in writing to opt out of the City's Multi-family and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards in lieu of their project being reviewed against the design standards and guidelines listed below.

(Ord. No. 2011-10, § 3(Exh. A), 8-16-11; Ord. No. 2025-06, § 3(Exh. A), 11-4-25)

While there is no specific architectural style required for buildings in the multiple-family residence (R3) designation, high quality, innovative architecture is strongly encouraged. The primary focus is to develop a high quality residential environment. The architectural style and design of building elements should be consistent within the development and complementary with the neighborhood in terms of scale, materials, and color, but it does not need to copy or duplicate existing buildings. Variation of building styles produces healthy design diversity and is encouraged. New projects should meet or exceed the standards of quality that have been set by surrounding development and contribute to the improvement of the area. Refer to the Citywide Objective Design Standards for specific multiple-family residential design standards.

A. Building Articulation and Detailing.

1. Individual units should be articulated to diminish the massing of large buildings and be compatible with the scale of surrounding development. Building design shall avoid large monotonous facades, long straight line building fronts, plain box shapes, and barren exterior treatment.

2. Avoid designing buildings that are longer than one hundred twenty-five (125) feet. Facades of multi-family buildings should be divided into shorter modules a maximum of thirty (30) feet in width to give the appearance of an assemblage of smaller buildings, with each of the units individually recognizable. This can be accomplished through the use of porches, balconies and architectural projections; varied unit setbacks within the same building; staggered or jogged building planes; and a mix of different unit types within the same unit cluster. Units can be further articulated by the rhythm and pattern of windows and doors. The use of mansard roofs or segments of pitched roof applied at building's edge is not an acceptable method to provide articulation.

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3. When located adjacent to lower-density residential zones, the bulk of multi-family developments can be imposing on adjacent residential uses. This necessitates that the scale of projects be considered within the context of their surroundings. Buildings of greater height may require additional setbacks so as not to dominate the character of the neighborhood. Buildings of greater mass should be separated into smaller, units that better resemble single-family homes.

4. For projects that front arterial streets, the street floor building level should be raised between two and four feet to protect the privacy of ground floor units.

5. Distinctive architectural elements, materials and colors should be used to denote primary building entries or individual unit entries.

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6. Awnings, moldings, pilasters and comparable architectural embellishments are encouraged.

7. The incorporation of balconies, porches and patios within multi-family buildings is encouraged to break up large wall masses, provide offsets between floors on multi-level buildings, and add human scale to buildings.

8. Exterior stairways should be designed as an integral part of the architecture of a project and should incorporate solid wall portions, columns, and/or a decorative balustrade. They should be of the same materials, color and detail of the building. Thin-looking, open metal, prefabricated stairs shall not be used. Design of railings and steps should be varied from unit to unit if possible, but must maintain continuity.

B. Height and Roof Lines.

1. Roof lines should be segmented and varied within an overall horizontal context. Varying heights are encouraged. Combinations of one, one and a half, and two-story units create variation and visual interest, and are encouraged. Flat roof design should be avoided.

2. In some cases, it may be desirable to "step back" the upper stories of new multi-family buildings to "scale down" facades that face the street, common space, and adjacent residential buildings.

3. Hipped or gabled roofs covering the entire building are preferable to mansard roofs and segments of pitched roofs applied at the building's edge.

4. The roof pitch for a porch may be slightly lower than that of the main building.

5. Carport roofs visible from buildings or streets should incorporate roof slope and materials to match adjacent buildings. Flat carport roofs are discouraged.

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C. Doors and Windows.

1. The placement and relationship of doors and windows is important in creating a unified building composition. Wherever possible, window sizes should be coordinated vertically and horizontally and window design should be consistent in terms of style and general arrangement on all building sides.

2. All doors and windows should be related with the chosen architectural style. Windows with widely varying styles are strongly discouraged. All doors and window frames should be composed of consistent material.

3. For new multi-family developments, double glazing should be used consistent with energy code requirements.

4. Knockers or door bells should be provided on doors. Entrance doors should provide viewers for safety and security.

5. Shutters, trim and moldings on windows are encouraged. Proposed window mullion widths, window trim or surrounds, material, and type should complement all existing windows. Mullion widths should be in scale with the windows and the building. Wider trim sizes, such as 1 × 4's and 1 × 6's, is preferred to narrower trim sizes, such as 1 × 2's.

6. Raw or clear anodized aluminum window frames are strongly discouraged.

7. Operable windows should have screens so they can be used for ventilation.

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D. Materials and Finishes.

1. The building and its elements should be unified by textures, colors and materials. Materials should be consistently applied and should be chosen to work harmoniously with adjacent materials. Piecemeal embellishment and frequent changes in materials should be avoided.

2. Building should be treated as a whole and finished appropriately on all sides to provide continuity. Materials tend to appear substantial and integral to the building when material changes occur at changes in plane. Material changes not accompanied by changes in plane appear "tacked-on" and are strongly discouraged.

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3. Exterior columns for trellises, porches or colonnades should utilize materials and colors that are compatible with the adjacent building.

4. Exposed gutters and downspouts should be colored to match fascia or wall materials, unless designed as an outstanding architectural feature of the overall theme.

5. Accessory and service buildings/structures, such as carports, detached garages, recreational buildings, laundry facilities, and storage buildings/structures, should be designed as an integral part of the project architecture and should be similar in material, color, and detail to the primary buildings.

6. Building materials should be high quality, durable, and require low maintenance.

7. Materials that are responsive to climate, i.e. those suitable to the High Desert environment, adjacent context and site orientation are encouraged. Natural materials are encouraged. Materials such as brick, stone, copper, etc. should be left in their natural colors. Synthetic materials made to simulate natural wood and masonry are discouraged. Other suitable materials include textured concrete, trowel-finish concrete, metal cladding, and glass curtain or glass block walls.

8. Stucco and plaster finishes should be consistent with the architectural style of the building. A smooth trowel or fine sand float finish is desirable while the use of rough, "knock-down" stucco finishes is discouraged.

9. The use of sustainable building materials is strongly encouraged. This includes using quality materials with a long lifespan, selecting materials that are not energy-intensive to manufacture, using building products made from recycled materials, and repairing and maintaining well-built existing buildings/structures to the fullest extent possible.

E. Color and Texture.

1. For most architectural styles, the number of colors on the exterior should be limited to a maximum of three, with an additional contrasting color for accent. In general, the lighter colors should be used for the main body, with darker shades for trim and accent. The larger and simpler the building design, the more subtle the color should be to reduce the massiveness of large wall planes.

2. Earth tones are best suited and are appropriate for most of the architectural designs found in the city. The use of strong or bright, unnatural colors, including the bright "white-on-white" color schemes for exterior stucco, wood siding, trim doors and shutters, should be avoided. However, the use of strongly contrasting, natural colors can be appropriate for accent use, such as for shutters and doors.

3. Color and finishes on exterior of all elevations of a building should be coordinated to provide a total continuity of design. Unusual patterns and color schemes should be avoided. Garish, non-harmonious, or out-of-character colors should not be used.

4. The blending of compatible colors in a single facade or composition is a good way to add character and variety, while reducing, or breaking up the mass of a building. Lower wall wainscots and built-up or recessed reveals may be employed to add interest and break up vertical monotony.

5. Details such as trim, shutters, posts, etc. should be articulated by the use of color, texture or both.

F. Roofing Materials.

1. Roofing materials should be compatible with the architectural style and design of the building. Permanent roof materials, such as concrete and clay tile, are encouraged because of their low maintenance and consistent appearance over time. Asphalt shingle roof is not allowed.

2. Natural barrel clay tile roofs should be replaced with the same material. For repairs, remodels, and additions, care should be taken in the selection of material and installation to match as closely as possible the color of the "aged" tiles, so that the finished roof does not have a patched look.

3. The colors of natural roofing materials, such as barrel tile and slate should be left natural and not be altered by staining or painting. Colors of synthetic roofing materials should simulate natural materials and should be consistent with the architectural style of the project.

4. Roofing materials with glossy surfaces appear unnatural and are strongly discouraged.

G. Noise Impacts.

1. Units within the project should be adequately insulated to protect residents from noise intrusion from adjoining units. In addition to insulation between common walls, vertical insulation on exterior walls and from floor-to-floor should be provided.

2. Loading docks, service entries, mechanical equipment and recreational play areas should be sited as far away from adjoining single-family properties as reasonably possible.

3. Projects adjacent to major arterials or railroad tracks should incorporate additional noise mitigation measures to protect residents. Mitigation measures include, but are not limited to, double-glazed windows, sound walls, and earth berms.

(Ord. No. 2011-10, § 3(Exh. A), 8-16-11; Ord. No. 2025-06, § 3(Exh. A), 11-4-25)

Multiple-family or multi-family developments are characterized by higher density residential buildings comprised of attached units and common facilities such as parking, open space and recreation areas. If not properly designed, multi-family development can result in projects surrounded by high walls, projects with monotonous blank facades, or projects dominated by large parking areas with minimal landscaping and open space areas. The primary goal of these guidelines is to help mitigate the effects of these situations and to provide a pleasant residential environment within multi-family developments. New projects should meet or exceed the standards of quality set by surrounding development and contribute to improvement of the area. Refer to the Citywide Objective Design standards for specific multi-family site design standards.

A. Setbacks.

1. While respecting the minimum front and side yard setbacks as established in Article V (Residential Development Standards) of this development code, the front and side yard setbacks of a new multi-family residential development should generally approximate that of adjacent development, with some variation in setbacks to provide visual interest and varying shadow patterns.

2. The setback area should be used for planting landscape screens to protect the privacy of the ground floor units.

B. Building Orientation, Siting and Entrances.

1. Multi-family developments should have a strong street presence with public entrances oriented towards the street. The majority of unit entrances must be accessed from the street or from the main open space. Where there is a common building entrance for all units, it should be accessed from the street or main open space.

2. Multi-family units in large projects should be clustered, or broken up into groups of buildings. The use of long access balconies and corridors should be avoided. Access points to individual units in large projects should be clustered in groups of four or less.

3. The use of distinctive architectural elements and materials to denote entrances is encouraged. Weather protection, such as a porch covering or canopy, should be provided for individual entry doors.

4. New projects shall have transitional spaces in the form of stoops, overhangs and porches between public areas and entrances to the units. Front porches are encouraged on all street front units.

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5. Multi-family developments should be distinguished by entry and edge design features such as ornamental landscaping, open space areas, natural features, architectural monumentation and enhanced paving.

6. Multi-family residential uses should be buffered from incompatible development. Intensified landscaping, increased setbacks and appropriate building orientation should be utilized as a means of providing adequate separation between such land uses. In addition, where possible, residential projects should utilize parking areas, in addition to landscaping, as a buffer along edges common with commercial or industrial uses.

C. Buildings Fronting Arterial Streets.

1. Some multi-family developments within the city will be located on shallow lots along major arterial streets. These streets will need to be taken into account in the project design. The perceived front yard will be created by parkways and street trees, together with landscaped setbacks, and should be considered in providing appropriate buffer for the street facing units from traffic.

2. Raising the ground floor level by up to three feet can provide additional privacy and noise buffer for street-facing ground floor units. Another means is to provide transitional spaces in the form of raised stoops and entry porches.

3. Additional landscaping with taller shrubs and groundcover in the front setbacks will also contribute to the privacy and sound-buffering objective for these units.

D. Scale and Mass.

1. The scale and mass of a new multi-family residential development should be consistent with neighboring developments and not overwhelm them with disproportionate size or a design that is out of character.

2. Larger multi-family projects should avoid massive apartment-type buildings. Windows shall be provided facing the street for all units adjacent to the street to break up massing and to contribute to "eyes on the street" which helps neighborhood security.

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3. Heights of individual buildings should be varied to reduce building mass by using a combination of single-level and two-story units, as well as varying the roof pitch within a project.

4. As the vertical height of a building increase, it should increasingly step back from the street (i.e. when possible, the second story of a building should be set back further than the first floor).

5. Buildings located on properties directly adjacent to a residential and agricultural designated properties shall be designed to provide a transition between the two designations; i.e. the units directly adjacent to the street should be of a single story design if the adjacent residential neighborhood is developed primarily with single-story homes.

E. Environmental Considerations.

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1. To the extent possible, site grading should relate to the natural surroundings and be designed to minimize grading by following the natural ground contours and recognizing existing drainage patterns. Graded slopes should be rounded to blend with existing terrain.

2. Multi-family developments should be designed to be sensitive to their natural surroundings and should be sited to maximize views of the High Desert and surrounding mountains, particularly from common and private open space areas.

3. Significant existing trees, vegetation and any other natural site attributes should be preserved to the greatest extent possible in the project's design and development. Site design that requires altering land forms and removing trees is strongly discouraged.

4. A new multi-family development should be designed to make best use of available sun, light and shade. This can be accomplished in the following ways:

a. Use windows for natural light as much as possible. Design windows for through airflow to promote natural cooling.

b. Use trees or roofs with large overhangs to shade the units, particularly over south facing windows.

c. Use patios and porches to buffer the units from heat gain.

d. Locate private and common open space in a manner to maximize use of sun and shade patterns, natural drainage and existing trees and vegetation.

5. Maximize vegetative ground cover on the lot to absorb rainwater, provide drainage to large trees on the site, and reduce runoff. Extensive paving is strongly discouraged. Consideration should be given to the reduction of landscape maintenance and water consumption when selecting landscape materials.

F. Privacy Between Buildings.

1. Buildings should be oriented to promote privacy to the greatest extent possible.

2. Windows, balconies or similar openings above the first story should be oriented so as not to have a direct line-of-sight into adjacent units within the development. In addition, units above the first story should be designed so that they do not look directly onto private patios or backyards of adjoining residential property or units.

3. Landscaping should be used to aid in privacy screening.

4. Outdoor lighting should be positioned so that no direct light extends onto neighboring properties.

G. Vehicle Circulation and Access.

1. Site access and internal circulation in multi-family developments should promote safety, efficiency, and convenience. Vehicular traffic should be adequately separated from pedestrian circulation. Vehicular entrances should be clearly identified and easily accessible to minimize pedestrian/vehicle conflict.

2. Principal vehicular access into multi-family developments should be through an entry drive rather than a parking aisle.

3. The number of site access points or driveway aprons shall be minimized for aesthetic purposes, to achieve efficient and productive use of paved accessways, and to eliminate traffic hazards. They should be located as far as possible from street intersections (a minimum distance of one hundred (100) feet is recommended) and should be coordinated with existing or planned median openings and driveways on the opposite side of the roadway. Common driveways that provide vehicular access to more than one site are encouraged.

4. When possible, and especially for properties containing more than one hundred fifty (150) feet of street frontage, landscaped islands shall be incorporated into the driveway entry area to separate driveway lanes for ingress and egress. Continuous driveways, uninterrupted by landscaping are not permitted.

5. Continuous circulation should be provided throughout the site to the greatest extent possible. Dead-end driveways should be minimized. Adequate areas for maneuvering, stacking, and emergency vehicle access should be provided.

6. Project entries and driveway areas should contain design features, including landscaping and textured paving, to break up the expanse of paving in a project. Paving materials should complement the architectural design. The use of stamped concrete, stone, brick, pavers, exposed aggregate or color concrete is encouraged. Long, uninterrupted broom finished concrete should be avoided. The use of asphalt for driveways and walkways is prohibited.

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7. Alley improvements should coincide with site planning to minimize alleyway deterioration and address problems such as debris, safety, and any nuisance odors or hazards.

H. Pedestrian Circulation.

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1. Multiple-family developments shall include pedestrian walkways. Pedestrian circulation should be adequately separated from vehicular traffic. Pedestrian entrances and walkways should be clearly identified and easily accessible to minimize pedestrian/vehicle conflict.

2. Pedestrian walkways should link dwelling units with common open space and recreation areas, parking areas, and the street at the project entries. Where possible, multi-family developments should incorporate pedestrian connections to adjoining residential and commercial projects, and other compatible land use facilities.

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3. Pedestrian walkways should be safe, visually attractive, and well defined by landscaping and lights. Use of varied surfaces and decorative pavement is encouraged. At a minimum, decorative paving should be used to delineate crossings at circulation drives and parking aisles.

4. Curvilinear and off-set paths provide a more inviting and interesting experience and are generally preferred over long, straight alignments. Paths that traverse open space areas are encouraged.

5. Pedestrian walkways should be a minimum of four feet in width. If combined with a bicycle path, as a part of a dedicated public path/paseo, the minimum total walkway width shall be fourteen (14) feet.

6. Pedestrian access to the first floor units should be via traditional residential front doors. Entry walks from the sidewalk to the front door should reflect the residential character of the project. The width of entry walks should not exceed five feet.

7. Transit shelters should be provided near major concentrations of residents. As far as feasible, where a transit stop is planned adjacent to a project of at least five acres in size, the developer should coordinate with the transit district to determine a suitable location for a transit shelter onsite. Freestanding shelters should be integrated architecturally with the project with respect to color, materials and architectural style to the extent allowed by the transit provider.

I. Parking.

1. Parking for multi-family developments shall be provided on site in on-grade or underground structures, parking courts, carports, or attached garages. Adverse visual impacts from parking areas, carports, structures, and garage doors on the residential character of the street or project site should be minimized through proper siting and design.

2. Parking shall be located within close proximity to the building and located to the rear of the parcel wherever possible. Parking shall be designed to avoid awkward turning maneuvers and the backing of vehicles into public streets.

3. Pedestrian walkways should be safe, visually attractive, and well defined by landscaping and lights. Use of varied surfaces and decorative pavement is encouraged. At a minimum, decorative paving should be used to delineate crossings at circulation drives and parking aisles.

4. Curvilinear and off-set paths provide a more inviting and interesting experience and are generally preferred over long, straight alignments. Paths that traverse open space areas are encouraged.

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5. Parking should not occupy more than thirty (30) percent of any linear street frontage and parking in the front setback areas is discouraged.

6. Except for townhome projects with attached garages, all multi-family parking should be in efficient, multiple stall configurations. Large multi-family parking areas should be divided into a series of connected smaller parking courts. Long runs of parking spaces are discouraged.

7. Parking courts should be treated as important spaces whose character is clearly defined by landscaping, lighting, building massing, and pedestrian/vehicular circulation areas. Parking courts should be separated from buildings by a walkway (minimum four feet wide) and landscape strip (minimum seven feet wide).

8. Carport structures should be architecturally compatible with the design of the main building in the project. Pitched roofs for carports are strongly encouraged. Flat aluminum carport structures are prohibited, particularly in long interrupted runs. Carports shall meet setback and building separation requirements.

9. If tuck-under parking is provided, the first floor of the residential units shall not occur more than four feet above the finished street/sidewalk grade level. Parking may need to be below grade or occur behind the living spaces. These parking areas shall not be visible from the street.

10. The visual impact of parking courts, carports, and parking structures shall be mitigated with landscaping. Landscaping materials should have adequate room to grow and be protected from abuse by cars. Continuous six-inch concrete curbs shall be provided as wheel stops where parking adjoins landscaping.

11. Parking areas, driveways and pedestrian areas shall contain automatically controlled lighting.

12. Bicycle parking shall be provided for multi-family developments.

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J. Open Space.

1. Residents of multi-family developments should have safe and efficient access to usable open space for recreation and social activities. The design and orientation of these areas should take advantage of available sunlight and should be sheltered from the noise and traffic of adjacent streets or other incompatible uses.

2. Open space areas should be provided in large meaningful and usable areas, pursuant to the requirements of Article V of this development code.

3. Common open space areas should be convenient to the majority of dwellings and should be secure and visible from dwellings to ensure safe use. Common open space areas should contain amenities appropriate to the project's size; i.e. pools, spas, recreation buildings are encouraged for large projects, while barbecue areas and gazebos, may be more appropriate for smaller projects. Children's play areas shall be sited to be visible from residential units.

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4. Private open space should be contiguous to the unit they serve and should be screened from public view for privacy. All balconies and patios that front a public street should be substantially enclosed to screen items being stored on the balcony or patio.

K. Fences, Walls, Gates and Hedges.

1. Walls and fences should be planned and designed as an integral part of multi-family development, and should be consistent with the landscaping and building design.

2. If street fencing is required for security reasons, decorative types of view fencing, such as wrought iron, are encouraged. Solid fencing, such as stucco or masonry, is strongly discouraged when they will block the view of the buildings or provide hiding places.

3. Perimeter walls or fencing that do not front a public street should be of decorative masonry (split-face block, plaster/stucco finish), decorative metal (wrought iron), wood, hedges, or a combination of materials. They should be designed in a style, material and color to complement the development. Both sides of walls should be architecturally treated.

4. Tiered planting should be provided adjacent to project perimeter walls along street frontages to soften their appearance.

5. Walls should be eliminated or sited to provide additional setback areas at project entries to accommodate landscaping, ornamental gateways, signage and street furniture.

6. Wall sections greater than fifty (50) feet in length fronting a street shall incorporate at least two of the following design features, in proportion to the length of the wall:

a. A minimum two-foot change in horizontal plane for at least ten feet.

b. A minimum eighteen-inch change in height for at least ten feet.

c. A minimum eighteen-inch high raised planter for at least half the length of the wall.

d. Use of pilasters at twenty-five-foot maximum intervals and at changes in wall planes.

7. Gates or comparable design solutions should be provided in perimeter walls or fences to allow emergency access and facilitate convenient pedestrian access to activity areas and adjacent uses.

8. Walls should be curved or angled at corner locations along street frontages to allow sight line views around the corner.

9. Barbed wire and chain link fencing are prohibited.

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L. Exterior Lighting.

1. Every multi-family project shall have adequate lighting to provide for security and visibility. Site lighting should not be pervasive or impact surrounding or neighboring properties. The type and location of site and building lighting should preclude direct glare onto adjoining property, public rights-of-way, or skyward. All lighting fixtures must be shielded to confine light spread on-site and to prevent nighttime light pollution.

2. The design of all exterior light fixtures shall be compatible with the building's architecture.

3. Pedestrian scale/decorative lighting along walkways and driveways is strongly encouraged. "High mast" poles are discouraged. The maximum height of walkway lighting shall be fifteen (15) feet.

4. Main entrances to parking areas or buildings should have strong architectural lighting, particularly for project name or addresses.

5. Open spaces should be adequately lighted with durable low maintenance fixtures.

6. The location of light fixtures should correspond to anticipated use. Lighting of pedestrian movement paths should illuminate changes in grade, path intersections, seating areas and any other uses along the movement path that, if left unlighted, would create an unsafe situation.

7. Night lighting of buildings is encouraged, but should be accomplished in a selective manner, avoiding overall building illumination that produces an undesirable look. Night lighting of buildings may be used to highlight special building features, emphasize repeated or decorative features, and use the juxtaposition of light and shadow to articulate the building facade.

M. Utility and Mechanical Equipment Screening.

1. All exterior mechanical equipment, except solar collectors, whether on a roof, side of a building, or on the ground, shall be appropriately screened from public view. The method of screening shall be architecturally integrated with the primary building in terms of materials, color, shape and size. Where individual equipment is provided, a continuous screen is desirable.

2. Roof mounted equipment should be avoided or appropriately concealed. For rooftop equipment, the screening materials shall be at least as high as the equipment being screened. Equipment requiring screening includes, but is not limited to, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration equipment, plumbing lines, ductwork, and transformers. Mechanical equipment shall not be permitted on any exposed portion of a pitched roof, except as may be approved through the site plan review process.

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3. Equipment should be placed in locations that are not exposed to view from the street or they should be suitably screened. Ground-mounted utility equipment such as, but not limited to, transformers, backflow devices, cable television boxes, electric power transformers and distribution facilities, water pumps, and telecommunications facilities (not including pole-mounted equipment) shall be screened from view on all sides with solid masonry walls or similar permanent buildings. Such masonry wall or building shall be of a neutral color. Screening with wood, chain-link, or similar fencing materials shall not be permitted. Electric and other metering equipment and panels shall be painted to match adjacent building and wall surfaces.

4. All screening devices should be compatible with the architecture and color of the main building(s) and should not look like a "tacked on" addition.

5. All antennas should be placed in building attics or interiors. All new units should be prewired to accommodate cable reception. Satellite dishes shall be located away from public view and should be considered early in the design process in terms of location and screening from view from the street and from common recreation areas.

N. Refuse and Storage Areas.

1. Decorative treatment of trash and storage enclosures shall be used to minimize the adverse visual impact of these areas. Trash disposal areas, including dumpsters, shall be screened from view by a six-foot high enclosure with gates. Trash and storage enclosures shall be architecturally compatible with theproject design, and landscaping shall be incorporated into their design to screen them and deter graffiti. Screening materials shall consist of fences, landscaping, and/or berming, and the use of natural terrain where possible.

2. Trash enclosures should be located for the convenience of the residents and should be easily accessible for trash and recyclables collection, but should not impede circulation during loading operations. They should be designed to avoid areas that are dark or hidden from view of residents or neighbors.

(Ord. No. 2011-10, § 3(Exh. A), 8-16-11; Ord. No. 2025-06, § 3(Exh. A), 11-4-25)