Division 9.02 — Glossary

Sections:

9.02.000: Purpose 9.02.005: Applicability 9.02.010: Glossary of Terms and Phrases

The purpose of this Division is to define common nomenclature used in explaining, depicting, expressing, illustrating, or portraying urban planning and architectural design concepts and elements.

A. Unless otherwise apparent from the context, the urban planning and architectural design nomenclature stated in this Division may be used in the implementation of the development and design standards of this Development Code.

B. The words, terms, phrases, abbreviations, and acronyms defined in this Division shall be maintained in correct alphabetical order.

A. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "A."

Acoustical Separation. An area or component provided for the purpose of restricting sound transmission between abutting areas or building modules.

Arcades. Covered walkways attached to buildings and supported on one side by columns. Arcades provide pedestrians with shelter and can serve to provide large buildings with a more human scale.

Articulation. The visible expression of architectural or landscape elements through form, structure or materiality. Articulation provides a method for reducing the scale and breaking up the mass of buildings and plazas.

Awnings. Roof-like shelters, generally of canvas, that project from the wall of a building. Awnings serve to provide protection for buildings and pedestrians against the harsh elements of sunlight and weather.

B. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "B."

Bank. A sloping surface often used to create separation. See also "Berm."

Base. The bottom portion of a building, which generally supports its upper portions, both structurally and visually.

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Bays. The term "bays" may be used when referring to the structural design of a building or when referring to parking lot design, as follows:

1) Bays of a Building. Structural modules occurring between the vertical means of support. Structural bays generally occur between columns or load-bearing walls.

2) Parking Bays. Bays in parking lots are a "complete" parking module consisting of a drive aisle with perpendicular or diagonal parking on one side (single-loaded parking bays) or both sides (double-loaded parking bays) (see figure, right).

Double-Loaded Parking Bay

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Parking Bays
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Bay Windows. Window assemblies that protrude beyond the wall plane of a building. Bay windows may be semi-circular, faceted, or rectangular, and often have their own roof. They are used to provide a wider view, bring in more light, and contribute to the articulation of a building's exterior.

Berm. An artificial bank of earth usually located along roadsides and off-street parking areas. Berms serve to physically and visually separate areas by raising the level of plants and other landscape elements.

Bollard Light. A short post, generally not more than 3 feet in height, with a built-in light fixture at its uppermost portion (see example, right).

Build-Out. Development of land to its full potential or theoretical capacity as permitted under current or proposed planning or zoning designations.

Bollard Light

Build-To Lines. Building edges that are required to be placed at given locations, as established by the development standards of the City. Build-to lines are generally defined as a given distance from a property line, and can be used to encourage building fronts, entrances and windows to line and spatially define streets, parks, or plazas.

C. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "C."

Can Sign. A sign that is internally or externally illuminated, which is generally formed into a square or rectangular-shaped box.

Canopy. A structure or architectural projection of rigid construction over which a covering is attached that provides weather protection, identity, or decoration, and may be structurally independent or supported by attachment to a building.

Cantilever. A horizontal projection without external bracing. Cantilevers may appear visually awkward, as they typically appear to have no apparent source of support.

Cap. The crowning feature of a wall. Caps protect walls from the weather and provide architectural detailing that contributes to the wall's visual interest.

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Cobrahead Light. A streetlight whose luminaire is supported on a cantilevered arm, which extends over the street, having a profile vaguely resembling that of a cobra snake (see example, right).

Clapboard Siding. A building sheathing made up of overlapping horizontal boards.

Clerestory Windows. Windows with high sills that are often used to bring in light when lower windows are undesirable because of privacy concerns.

Common Open Space. Semi-public areas intended for the use of residents or workers within a project. Common open spaces may include gardens, plazas, or recreational spaces.

Cobrahead Light

Connecting Walkways. Pedestrian paths that connect buildings or open spaces directly to the street and are not overly circuitous. See also "Pedestrian Connections."

Cornice. Horizontal ornamentation on a building's façade, which is generally located near the top of a building's façade and is often located near the floor line of upper stories (see example, right).

Cupola. A small hat-like projection occurring the ridgeline of a roof. Cupolas traditionally covered the place where large structures, like barns, were vented.

; Cornice

D. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "D."

Detailing. The manner in which separate building elements are assembled. Careful detailing will minimize the effects of weather on buildings and promote an attractive and longlasting appearance.

Dormers. Upright windows built out from a sloping roof.

Downspouts. Pipes that carry rainwater from a roof gutter to the ground or sewer.

E. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "E."

Eaves. The portion of a sloping roof that extends beyond the exterior wall of a building. See also "Overhang."

Egress. The point of exit.

Emulate. To represent or re-create the qualities of something else, without duplicating it literally. For example, historic styles may be emulated without copying an historic building.

Entry. The doorway into a building, along with the architectural treatments that accompany it.

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F. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "F."

Fast Food. Those food service establishments offering relatively immediate service of preprepared food in disposable containers.

Fenestration. The arrangement of windows in a building.

Finishes. The materials applied to the surface of buildings or landscape elements. Properly applied finishes contribute to an attractive appearance and long-lasting wear.

Freestanding. To be supported at the ground and without support from a building or other structure.

G. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "G."

Gable Roof. A type of roof that slopes upward on two sides from the eaves to the ridge (see example, right).

Gateway. Generally, a major entry into a district or area, which is often emphasized through landscaping.

Gable Roof

Gazebo. A small, free-standing structure with a roof, which

is open on all sides. Traditionally, gazebos are used as an outdoor room within gardens, or to cover musicians performing in community concerts.

Glazing. The glass within a window.

Grade. The surface of a building site or its vertical elevation (often measured as feet above sea level).

Grasscrete. A paving material that supports the weight of an occasional vehicle, while also permitting groundcover to grow. Also referred to as "turf block".

H. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "H."

Hip Roof. A type of roof that slopes upward on all sides, from the eaves to the ridge (see example, right).

I. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "I."

Ingress. A point of entry.

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Hip Roof
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J. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "J."

Reserved

K. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "K."

Reserved

L. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "L."

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Landscape Architectural Feature. Decorative structural elements in a landscaped area, such as walks, benches, patios, terraces, water features, and the like.

Landscaped Buffer. An attractive arrangement of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that acts as a divider between incompatible uses or activities.

Lattice. An open framework of wood or other members that is often used to partly block views or support vines.

Loggia. A roofed deck that is integrated within an upper level of a building.

Lotting Pattern. A recognizable arrangement of residential lots, which are of the same or varying sizes and widths.

M. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "M."

Major Entry. The most common point or points of ingress for a development project or building.

Mansard Roofs. Extremely steep as they slope up from the eaves; this steeply sloped roof may end in a roof with a shallow roof or a parapet. Mansard roofs are a popular way of decorating tall parapets, such as are used to screen the rooftop equipment above fast food restaurants (see example, right).

Mass. The overall volume or form of a building or building element.

Mansard Roof

Median. An area dividing opposing travel lanes at or near the middle of a road, which is often landscaped.

Metal Standing Seam Roof. A sheet metal roof that has its joints folded together and raised above the roof surface in order to attach metal sheets and prevent leaks.

Modules. Similar units or subcomponents that are combined to create a total building

system.

Mullion. The outer structural vertical and horizontal members of a glazing system, which forms a division between the glazing units.

Muntin. The nonstructural vertical and horizontal members of a window that divides the window into individual lites and holds (or appears to hold) the individual panes of glass.

Muted. A softened or less-vivid color tone.

N. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "N."

Neotraditional. A form of design that attempts to recreate positive features of neighborhoods from an earlier generation.

O. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "O."

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Oblique View. A view at an angle that allows one to see more than one side of a building.

On-Site Parking. Parking stalls and aisles that occur on parcels outside of a street right-of-way.

On-Street Parking. Parking stalls provided within the street right-of-way. On-street parking is often in a parallel configuration, along the edge of curbs.

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Roof Overhang
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Opaque. Not transparent or semi-transparent.

Overhang. [1] The portion of a building that extends horizontally beyond the building's exterior wall (also referred to as the "eaves"); or [2] the portion of a motor vehicle that extends beyond the tires, to the front or back of a car (see examples, right).

P. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "P."

Parapet. A wall that extends above the roof, which is often used to protect the edge of the roof, hide roofmounted equipment, and express ornamentation.

Motor Vehicle Overhang

Park. A place for public recreation that generally contains landscaped ground surfaces, such as lawns and gardens.

Pavers. Units of pavement assembled to form the "floor" of a plaza or street. Pavers are often made of concrete or terra cotta (brick).

Pavilion. A small, lightweight structure, often with a roof, used for recreation or shelter in a garden, park or plaza.

Pedestrian Connections. Sidewalks that provide convenient routes between destinations. Pedestrian connections are generally lined by landscape and building features for the pedestrian's comfort and visual interest. See also "Connecting Walkways."

Pedestrian Oriented. Designing to make a building or structure inviting to pedestrian traffic.

Pilaster. A vertical architectural member that is integrated within a wall but is architecturally treated as a column and usually projects one-third or less of its width from the wall.

Place Making. The creation of pleasant and memorable spaces.

Plaza. A place for public recreation that generally contains hard surfaces, such as seating areas and ornate pavement.

Podium Apartments. A ground floor parking structure with one or more levels of residential units above.

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Porte Cochere. A roofed extension of a building over a driveway that shelters passengers getting into and out of vehicles.

Portico. A roofed porch that may be open or partly enclosed.

Prefab. A construction method in which shop-manufactured pieces undergo final assembly on-site.

Primary Building Entry. A publicly accessible and commonly used place of building ingress.

Public Way. A path or road that is accessible by, and generally maintained, by the public.

Q. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "Q."

Reserved

R. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "R."

Recessed Panel. An indentation within a building facade, such as occurs between pilasters or within other framed openings.

Reveals. Depressions or notches, primarily at an edge or corner, used to provide architectural detail by showing depth and enriching character.

Ridge. The line of intersection between opposing sides or slopes of a roof.

S. Definition of Words Beginning With the Letter "S."

Scale. The proportion of one thing relative to the size of another. Something that is "human" in scale has elements that are comparable to the size of a person. Scale of a building is the proportional system that relates the various-sized building elements to each other and to people.

Setback. The required distance that a building, structure, parking space, drive aisle, or other designated item must be located from a lot line or other designated location. Setback requirements provide a way of encouraging the spatial definition of open space; the separation of uses, activities or facilities; or the provision of yards and landscaping.

Staggered Walls. Sections of walls placed in shifted planes.

Structural Podium . See "Podium Apartments."

T. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "T."

Tandem. An arrangement of things placed one behind the other. Tandem parking places one car behind another.

Terrace. An outdoor paved platform extending from a building that complements the use or activities located within the building.

Tops. The uppermost portions of a building and often include cornice treatments, roof overhangs, or parapets.

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Transformers. Electrical switching equipment used for converting electricity from highvoltage to common current. They are often located in ground-mounted boxes.

Trellis. A light framework of horizontal and/or vertical members, often used to support climbing plants.

U. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "U."

Unit. One of many similar or identical components that comprise a greater whole. Unit is also a single dwelling, either on its own lot (in the case of single-family homes) or grouped as part of a multi-family complex.

V. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "V."

Value. A color's relative lightness or darkness.

Vehicular Access. An entrance or exit for cars or trucks.

Vestibule. An entrance hall or lobby of a building.

W. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "W."

Wainscot. An area of facing or paneling on the lower portion of the walls of a room.

Wall Footings. Structural foundation elements that carry the weight of a structure to the ground.

Window Stem Walls. Low walls that support a large window, generally on a storefront.

X. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "X."

Reserved

Y. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "Y."

Reserved

Z. Definition of Words Beginning with the Letter "Z."

Zero Lot Line. A development approach in which a building is sited on a lot in such a manner that one or more of the structure's sides rest directly (to the extent possible) on a lot line. The intent is to allow more flexibility in site design and to increase the amount of usable open space on a lot.

Zone Division Walls. Walls constructed for the purpose of buffering adjacent incompatible land uses.

Zoning Map. The official zoning map of the City, which delineates the location of the zoning districts of the City, governing the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings.

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