Bernardsville City Zoning Code
§ LD-12-12.24
Frontages.
[Added 10-13-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-1852]
a.
Intent. The design of frontages, or the interface of building fronts and the public right-of-way, is an important consideration. This section focuses on the pedestrian area between the travelway and private property. The intent is to promote an environment at street level that is attractive and comfortable for pedestrians.
b.
Public Frontage Guidelines. Public frontages include the area within the public right-of-way. For development and redevelopment that requires improvements to the public right-of-way, the following standards should guide the design of frontages as suggested by subdistrict (see Attachment 3-Downtown Zoning District Guidebook). Actual design may vary depending on the width or condition of the sidewalk and whether an owner or developer is required to improve the sidewalk along the frontage of the development.
1.
Sidewalk and Tree Grate. The Sidewalk-Tree Grate public frontage maximizes the walkable zone and pedestrian amenity zone by maximizing paved area and including street trees in tree grates. The clear walkable zone should be a minimum of five feet wide. Trees should be placed a maximum of 40 feet on center within five foot tree grates that include sufficient planting area for tree roots below grade.
2.
Sidewalk and Planter. The Sidewalk-Tree Planter public frontage attempts to balance walkability with streetscaping. Street trees are located in planters that can aid in stormwater infiltration as well as provide additional area for tree growth and supplemental plantings. The clear walkable zone should be a minimum of five feet wide. Trees should be placed a maximum of 40 feet on center within five foot by eight foot minimum planters. Supplemental plantings in planter may include grasses, low shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers.
3.
Sidewalk and Planting Strip. The Sidewalk-Planting Strip public frontage maximizes the planting area for street trees. It should be used in areas where pedestrian activity is anticipated to be the lightest. The clear walkable zone should be a minimum of five feet wide. Trees should be placed a maximum of 40 feet on center within a minimum five-foot wide planting strip.
c.
Private Frontages. Private frontages include the area between the public right-of-way and the building face. The following standards should guide the design of frontages as required by subdistrict (see Attachment 3 - Downtown Zoning District Guidebook).
1.
Shopfront. The shopfront features buildings close to the sidewalk, shopfront windows, at street level, and most often active uses on the ground floor.
2.
Forecourt. The forecourt is similar to the Shopfront in that buildings are typically built close to the sidewalk, but recesses are permitted to accommodate elements such as outdoor dining or small courtyards.
3.
Stoop. The stoop is common on residential-type buildings built close to the sidewalk. It is shallow, covered, and typically raised above the sidewalk.
4.
Porch. The porch is common on residential-type buildings that have a shallow yard between the building and sidewalk. Porches are deep enough to function as a covered outdoor extension of the building.
5.
Parking. The parking frontage acknowledges that certain areas may require parking between the building and the street. Such parking is typically limited and is screened from the sidewalk by a year-round landscaped buffer.
6.
Yard. The yard is simply a deeper lawn between the face of the building and the sidewalk. The lawn typically contains turf grass but may include landscaping and trees.