The purpose of this zone is to promote the revitalization of historic Becker Avenue and to maintain a special character of mixed-use development for the properties along the street. This zone is also intended to provide a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere and a gathering place for the community. To the extent possible, historical and cultural elements of the properties along Becker Avenue shall be preserved and enhanced.

(Ord. No. 2015-14, 11-16-2015)

A.

The Becker Avenue Zone shall be delineated on the Belen zone atlas. All properties that have frontage along Becker Avenue from Main Street to First Street shall be included in the Becker Avenue Zone.

B.

The Becker Avenue Zone shall be administered as an additional zone district with special requirements. Any development within the Becker Avenue Zone shall be subject to the administrative procedures and regulations provided in this section.

(Ord. No. 2015-14, 11-16-2015)

A.

Building Height. No building or structure shall exceed forty-five (45) feet in height.

B.

Building Design. In order to preserve and enhance the special character within the Becker Avenue Zone, buildings shall be designed using the following guidelines:

1.

Painting or decorating buildings with bold patterns or large graphics, or using buildings as signs is prohibited.

2.

Thin skin "curtain wall" buildings including aluminum siding, metal panels, and mirrored or otherwise dominating glass, are prohibited.

3.

In order to continue a visual pattern of historic architectural elements reflected through brick building construction, at least fifty (50) percent of the total facade on all new or reconstructed buildings fronting Becker Avenue shall be composed of brick.

4.

Exterior mounted mechanical and electrical equipment, including solar hardware and satellite dish antennas, shall be architecturally screened.

C.

Signs. All signs in the Becker Avenue Zone shall conform to sign regulations provided in chapter 17.58 of the Belen Municipal Code.

D.

Pedestrian Walkways. A minimum of twelve (12) feet measured from the curb line into abutting properties shall be reserved and developed for pedestrian activity. There shall be no obstruction within a pedestrian walkway which would impede pedestrian circulation. The minimum width of pedestrian walkways shall be six (6) feet, to allow for wheelchair access.

E.

Off-Street Parking. The off-street parking requirements defined in chapter 17.56 of the Belen Municipal Code may be reduced by a maximum of fifty (50) percent of the total number of spaces pertaining to the list of land uses in section 17.56.010. The reduction of spaces required for land uses in the Becker Avenue Zone shall be subject to the administrative procedures provided in this chapter.

F.

Street Trees. Within five (5) feet of the curb line of Becker Avenue, trees shall be planted approximately every thirty (30) linear feet of street frontage. General policies for street trees are as follows:

1.

Whenever possible, street trees shall be placed between the curb and pedestrian walkways.

2.

Suitable street trees for Becker Avenue are mostly hardwood, non-fruit-bearing, deciduous trees. Low water consumption and nonallergenic trees are preferable.

3.

Adequate vertical clearance below street tree branches shall be maintained at no less than eight (8) feet over pedestrian walkways and nine (9) feet over streets.

G.

Area Lighting. The lighting of buildings and parking lots within the Becker Avenue Zone shall conform to the following guidelines:

1.

The exterior lighting of any buildings, structures and surrounding grounds shall provide illumination for safety purposes, and shall be placed and screened such that it does not shine directly or reflect into any adjoining residential properties or streets.

2.

Fixtures used in exterior lighting shall be selected for functional and aesthetic value and shall not contain fluorescent lamps.

3.

Parking lot lighting shall provide for adequate security but must be shielded to prevent light from shining directly onto abutting residential lots.

H.

Drainage. In areas where a centralized stormwater collection system is not available, on-site stormwater retention shall be directed to the back portion of the lot.

(Ord. No. 2015-14, 11-16-2015)

A.

Site Plan Required. All development, redevelopment, and major improvements to property within the Becker Avenue Zone shall be constructed in accordance with a site plan which shall be reviewed and accepted by the zoning enforcement officer to establish compliance with the regulations provided herein. The site plan shall contain the following:

1.

A plat or property map plan showing the location, dimensions, height, and setback of all buildings and structures on the development site;

2.

Location and description of all signs, lighting, parking and loading areas, traffic access and circulation routes, and pedestrian areas;

3.

Preliminary sketch drawings or elevations of proposed buildings;

4.

A landscaping plan showing location and type of street trees and other proposed and existing vegetation of the development site.

B.

Plan Review and Acceptance. In order to obtain acceptance for any proposed development within the Becker Avenue Zone, the required site plan shall be submitted to the zoning enforcement officer who shall determine compliance with the provisions and intent of the Becker Avenue Zone. A written decision of acceptance or non-acceptance shall be rendered by the zoning enforcement officer within thirty (30) days following receipt of the required site plan. Such written decision shall provide any special conditions of acceptance, or reasons for non-acceptance if applicable. Appeal of any decision of the zoning enforcement officer may be carried out through the provisions established by the appeal process in the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the city of Belen.

(Ord. No. 2015-14, 11-16-2015)