Santa Clara Zoning Code § 7.1 Intent

The standards in this section ensure that new development reflects the rhythm and scale of the historic Downtown and that new large developments do not have massive, monolithic facades that feel overbearing to pedestrians Large developments are required to be broken into multiple Massing Increments per the techniques in Sections 7.3 Massing Increments are visually discrete design compositions that:

1. Are distinguishable from each other;

2. Have a coherent look and character from the ground to the top of the facade;

3. Shall appear to be either distinct buildings or distinct parts of a single building, per Section 7.3.C

Not only does subdividing a long building facade make for a more dynamic and interesting streetscape, but it also makes the building more resilient Should the market change in the future, the building can be configured to be easily modifiable by Massing Increment to meet the needs of different tenants or to adapt to other uses

AVOID: This facade would feel massive and monotonous in Downtown Santa Clara

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