6.1.1 Context and architectural character. Proposed buildings should relate to the architectural characteristics of surrounding buildings, especially historic buildings, in order to be more compatible with their neighbors. The intent is not necessarily to replicate or emulate historic buildings, but to allow for a range of architectural expressions that complement the existing urban fabric. Therefore, proposed building designs should be based on and reflect thorough analysis of their surrounding patterns with regard to the following:

• Building orientation;

• Horizontal and vertical building articulation;

• Architectural style;

• Building scale and proportion;

• Roof line and form;

• Fenestration pattern and detailing;

• Architectural detailing;

• Exterior finish materials and colors; and

• Lighting and landscape patterns.

Even where there is no consistent architectural character or pattern found in the surrounding area, building design and massing can be used to complement architectural characteristics of neighboring buildings. In some cases, where the existing context is not so well-defined, or may be undesirable, a proposed project can establish an architectural character and pattern from which future development can take its cues.

6.1.2 Building massing and articulation.

6.1.2.1 Each building should have at minimum a distinctive: horizontal base; occupied middle; and eave, cornice and/or parapet line that complement and balance one another. Horizontal articulations can be produced by material changes or applied facade elements.

6.1.2.2 Each building should have a clear and harmonious pattern of vertically-oriented façade openings including entries, windows, and bays and columns or other exposed vertical supports. Vertical articulations can be produced by variations in rooflines; window groupings; applied façade elements such piers or pilasters, bay windows and balconies; entrance stoops and porches; and subtle changes in materials and vertical planes that create shadow lines and textural differences. Vertical elements break up long, monolithic building facades along the street. In the UCDB and UC areas, major vertical elements should be a maximum of 50 feet apart measured center-to-center, which reflects the historic parcel increment of much of downtown. In all other zones, major vertical elements should be a maximum of 40 ft apart measured center-to-center.

6.1.2.3 In all districts other than UCBD, UC and UV, buildings should generally be designed to the scale and form of single-family houses.

6.1.2.4 Building base—This may be as simple as a small projection of the wall surface and/or a different material or color. It may be created by a heavier or thicker design treatment of the entire ground floor for a building of two or more floors, or by a setback of the upper floors.

6.1.2.5 Pattern of features—Windows, wall panels, pilasters, building bays, and storefronts should be based on a module derived from the building's structural bay spacing. Features based on this module should be carried across windowless walls to relieve blank, uninteresting surfaces.

6.1.2.6 Building entrances to upper floors—Should be directly visible from the street and easy to identify.

a.

For buildings in the UV, UCBD and UC.

i.

Main building entrances—Should be easily identifiable and distinguishable from first floor storefronts. At least one of the following treatments is recommended:

a)

Marked by a taller mass above, such as a tower, or within a volume that protrudes from the rest of the building surface;

b)

Located in the center of the façade, as part of a symmetrical overall composition;

c)

Accented by architectural elements, such as columns, overhanging roofs, awnings, and ornamental light fixtures;

d)

Marked or accented by a change in the roofline or change in the roof type.

e)

Entries to shops or lobbies should be spaced a maximum of 50 feet apart.

ii.

Corner buildings—Should provide prominent corner entrances for shops and other activity-generating uses. Walls should be designed to be parallel to the right-of-way.

b.

For buildings in other zones.

i.

A clear entry sequence should lead from the sidewalk to the front door. The following elements are recommended:

a)

Low hedges, fences and/or entry gates—To define the edge between the public street and private property.

b)

Stairs, stoops, and open porches—Are recommended to create attractive semi-public spaces.

(1)

Stairs—All stairs should be boxed and framed by attractive stepped bulkheads walls or balustrade railings. Bullnose treads are recommended. Open or "floating" exterior stairs should not be used.

(2)

Open porches—Should have attractive bulkheads or balustrade railings and a roof that complements the pitch and materials of the main roof.

(3)

Ornamental lighting—For porches and walks to add attractiveness, safety, and security.

(4)

Freestanding landscape elements—Such as trellises, arbors, and special landscape materials that add character to yard spaces and/or accent the entry sequence.

(5)

Pedestrian access to subsurface parking garages—Should be provided along the building frontages to increase streetside pedestrian activity. Access ways could link directly to the main entrance stoop/porch, or be provided in a separate location. In either case, they should be designed as a prominent, visible element in the overall façade composition.

6.1.3 Building walls.

6.1.3.1 Configuration.

a.

Two or more wall materials may be combined on one façade only with one above the other, lighter materials above those more substantial (e.g. wood above stucco or masonry, or stucco above masonry); dependent, however, upon the chosen style.

b.

All building elements that project from the building wall by more than 16 inches, including, but not limited to, decks, balconies, porch roofs and bays, shall be visibly supported by pilasters, piers, brackets, posts, columns, or beams that are sized proportionally to the structure above. This requirement does not apply to cantilevered elements that are typical for a specific style.

6.1.3.2 Wall surface materials.

a.

[Surfaces.] If the building mass and pattern of windows and doors is complex, simple wall surfaces are preferable (e.g. stucco); if the building volume and the pattern of wall openings are simple, additional wall texture and articulation should be employed (e.g. bricks or blocks, rusticated stucco, ornamental reliefs). In both cases, pilasters, columns, and cornices should be used to add visual interest and pedestrian scale.

b.

[Palette.] The palette of wall materials should be kept to a minimum, preferably two (e.g. stucco and tile, brick and stone) or less. Using the same wall materials as adjacent or nearby buildings helps strengthen the district character.

i.

Brick—Brick veneers should be mortared to give the appearance of structural brick. If used, brick tile applications should use wraparound corner and bullnose pieces to minimize a veneer appearance.

ii.

Stone and stone veneers—Are appropriate as a basic building material or as special material for wall panels or sills in combination with other materials, such as brick or concrete.

iii.

Poured-in-place concrete—Options in terms of formwork, pigments, and aggregates should be explored to create rich surfaces. When used, include accents such as ceramic tile or stone for decorative effect.

c.

[Ceramic tile.] Ceramic tile is recommended as an accent material.

d.

[Stucco.] Stucco and/or painted stucco may be used in order to reduce maintenance and increase wear. All stucco surfaces should be smooth to prevent the collection of dirt and surface pollutants, and the deterioration of painted surfaces.

e.

Wood siding. Painted horizontal lap wood or cementitious siding with detailed trim is the only recommended "Main Street" use of wood. For residential application other wood siding configurations are acceptable.

f.

[Curtain wall systems.] Curtain wall systems -should only be used for limited areas, such as connections between buildings, entrance lobbies, etc.

g.

Parapet and cornice cap flashings. Note: Sheet metal parapet cap flashings should be painted to match wall or trim color.

h.

Inappropriate wall surface materials.

i.

[Simulated finishes.] Simulated finishes, such as artificial or manmade stone.

ii.

Wood shingles and shakes. Vertical board and batten, shingles, or shakes are not recommended in the UCBD and UC districts; they have a residential character.

iii.

Plywood siding.

6.1.3.3 Side and rear building façades—Should have a level of trim and finish compatible with the front façade, particularly if they are visible from streets, adjacent parking areas or residential buildings.

6.1.3.4 Blank wall areas—Without windows or doors are only permitted on internal-block side-property line walls. Such blank walls should reflect the ground level building increment, building massing and organization, and façade compositions guidelines, A through D above. Surface reliefs, decorative vines, and/or architectural murals and other surface enhancements should also be considered. Any blank exterior wall should also be treated with a graffiti-resistant coating.

6.1.3.5 Color—In general, drab earth tones should not be used. Building walls should contrast trim colors; for example, neutral or light walls with dark colors and saturated hues for accent and ornamental colors; white or light window and door trim on a medium or dark building wall. Colors of adjacent buildings should be taken into consideration.

a.

Secondary color—Can be used to give additional emphasis to architectural features such as building bases (like a wainscot), plasters, cornices, capitals, and bands.

b.

Bright colors—Should be used sparingly. Typical applications are fabric awnings. A restrained use of bright colors allows display windows and merchandise to catch the eye and stand out in the visual field.

6.1.4 Wall openings.

6.1.4.1 Windows are an important element of building composition and an indicator of overall building quality:

a.

[Unifying elements.] All windows within a building, large or small, should be related in operating type, proportions, and trim. Other unifying elements should be used, such as common sill or header lines.

b.

For storefront buildings. Window-to-wall proportion— In general, upper stories should have a window-to-wall area proportion (typically 30 percent to 50 percent) that is smaller than that of ground floor storefronts.

c.

Window inset. Glass should be inset a minimum of three inches from the exterior wall surface to add relief to the wall surface; this is especially important for stucco buildings.

d.

[Frames and sills.] Shaped frames and sills should be used to enhance openings and add additional relief. They should be proportional to the glass area framed; e.g. a larger window should have thicker framing members.

e.

Mullions. "True divided light" windows or sectional windows are recommended where a divided window design is desired; "snap-in" grilles or mullions should not be used.

f.

Glazing. Clear glazing is strongly recommended. Reflective glazing should not be used. If tinted glazing is used, the tint should be kept as light as possible; green, gray, and blue are recommended.

g.

Replacement/renovation. Wood windows should be replaced with wood windows of the same operating type (e.g. double-hung, casement, etc.; vinyl-covered wood windows are available for lower maintenance). If aluminum replacement windows or doors are used, they should be:

i.

Same operating type and orientation as the original windows (e.g. do not replace a double hung window with a horizontal sliding window).

a)

Factory painted or fluorocoated to match the original; color anodized is also acceptable.

b)

Similar in size and thickness to the original frame and mullions.

6.1.4.2 Storefronts are like small buildings with their own base, "roofline," and pattern of window and door openings.

a.

Base. A panel of tile or other special material is recommended below display windows. Materials recommended for walls (next section) are generally suitable. Base materials should be the same or "heavier" materials visually than walls.

i.

Brick and wood should only be used if the rest of the wall surface is the same material; neither material should be used exclusively.

ii.

Ceramic tile is frequently used as a storefront base. Dark tile with light stucco is an effective combination. Different colors and sizes of tile may be used for decorative effect.

b.

Display windows. Large pane windows encompassing a minimum of 60 percent of the storefront surface area are recommended. Where privacy is desired for restaurants, professional services, etc., windows should be divided into smaller panes.

c.

Clerestory windows are horizontal panels of glass between the storefront and the second floor. They are a traditional element of "main street" buildings, and are recommended for all new or renovated storefronts. Clerestory windows can be good locations for neon, painted-window, and other relatively non-obtrusive types of signs.

d.

Recessed entries are recommended as another traditional element of the main street storefront. Recommended treatments include:

i.

Special paving materials such as ceramic tile;

ii.

Ornamental ceilings such as coffering;

iii.

Decorative light fixtures.

e.

Doors should be substantial and well detailed. They are the one part of the storefront that patrons will invariably touch and feel. They should match the materials, design and character of the display window framing. "Narrowline" aluminum frame doors are not recommended.

f.

Cornices should be provided at the second floor (or roofline for a one-story building) to differentiate the storefront from upper levels of the building and to add visual interest; this also allows the storefront to function as the base for the rest of the building.

g.

New or renovated storefronts within historic buildings should emulate or re-create a previous storefront (from historic photos or drawings) in order to harmonize with the overall building architecture. This can be flexibly interpreted, for example when the general form of a new storefront is like the original but the materials are contemporary.

6.1.5 Roofs.

6.1.5.1 Forms. Roof forms should complement the building mass and match the principal building in terms of style, detailing and materials. Double-pitched roofs (such as gable, hip, pyramid), dormer windows, and chimneys are recommended to add variety and visual interest. Roofs of historic buildings in Bradenton and neighboring areas should be used as an inspiration for new designs. Flat roofs are acceptable in the UCBD ad UC districts if a strong, attractively detailed cornice and/or parapet wall is provided. Single-pitched or "shed" roofs should not be used for the principal building.

6.1.5.2 Parapet walls are recommended; they should have a distinct shape or profile (e.g. a gable, arc, or raised center).

6.1.5.3 "Commercial mansards," i.e., wraparound roofing panels that do not enclose a habitable floor or rooftop mechanical equipment, should not be used.

6.1.5.4 Mansards should only be used when emulating a traditional building style that typically employs mansard roofs, (e.g. beaux arts, Victorian, etc). The following guidelines should apply:

a.

Buildings are three stories or greater height;

b.

They enclose no more and no less than one floor of habitable space; and

c.

Dormer windows and other architectural features should occupy a minimum of 25 percent of the roof length.

6.1.5.5 Accent elements such as flags, cut-out openings, grilles and latticework, ornamental medallions or building numbers are recommended.

6.1.5.6 Mechanical equipment on rooftops should be screened, preferably behind a parapet roof. Latticework, louvered panels, and other treatments that are compatible with the building's architecture may also be appropriate.

6.1.5.7 Materials. Encouraged roof surface materials are identified as follows:

a.

Clay, ceramic or concrete tile—Colorful glazed ceramic tiles are recommended for decorative roof shapes, such as parapets, domes, and turrets.

b.

Metal seam roofing should be anodized, fluorocoated or painted. Copper and lead roofs should be natural or oxidized.

6.1.6 Miscellaneous building elements.

6.1.6.1 Trellises, canopies, awnings and other building-mounted accessories.

a.

Awnings are recommended. They should be a colorful fabric mounted over a metal structure that is framed and attractive in design. Fabric awnings are generally preferable to permanent canopies. Backlit awnings are strongly discouraged.

b.

Trellises and canopies. Materials, colors, and form should be derived from the building architecture.

c.

Height and projection. Trellises, canopies and awnings should be a minimum of nine feet above the sidewalk, and project no more than seven feet out from the building wall.

d.

Placement of trellises, canopies and awnings should be above the display windows and below the storefront cornice or sign panel. They should not cover piers, pilasters, clerestory windows or other architectural features. An individual awning or canopy for each storefront or building bay complements the building more effectively than one continuous awning does.

e.

Accessories. Ornamental brackets and poles should be used to add variety to the street. Hanging flower or plant baskets suspended from ornamental brackets of metal or wood are recommended for storefronts.

6.1.6.2 Accessory buildings.

a.

General. Outbuildings of all types should have architectural treatments derived from the main building: surface materials, trim, fenestration, roof materials, and colors.

b.

Freestanding garages should be unobtrusive, preferably located at the rear of properties to minimize visual impact.

c.

Single-car garage doors are strongly recommended, with windows, surface panels, trim, and other forms of architectural detailing to reduce their impact and scale.

d.

Built-in garages should blend with the form of the residence.

6.1.7 Site improvements.

6.1.7.1 Public and semi-public open space where provided as part of new development; e.g. pedestrian spaces, arcades, malls, courtyards, etc.

a.

Spatial definition. Spaces should be defined by buildings or landscape elements on a minimum of two sides.

b.

Linkage. Spaces should be publicly accessible during daylight hours and linked to adjacent streets and sidewalks.

c.

Sequence. Gateways, trellises, special lighting, planting, etc., should be used to create a sequence for pedestrians; for example, an ornamental gate at the sidewalk, a passage lined with columns, and arrival at a courtyard.

6.1.7.2 Walls, fences and piers should be used to define public and private boundaries and spaces.

a.

Design. Walls, fences, and piers should be designed to be compatible with the character of the principal building(s).

i.

Walls and fences should be open and/or low along street frontages to maintain both a public character and sight distance for driveways where they occur.

ii.

Fence and wall panels should be divided into regular modules that reflect the module of the principal building.

iii.

Thick and thin elements should be used, with thicker pieces for supports and panel divisions. Fence posts and support columns should be emphasized and/or built-up.

iv.

Walls should have a base and coping.

b.

Materials should be compatible with the principal building. Post or pier materials may differ from fence materials, such as metal fences with masonry piers.

c.

Fences. Wrought iron, cast iron, aluminum, or welded steel ornamental fences; wood or PVC picket fences of substantial design. Metal fences also may be mounted on a low masonry wall, and/or spanning masonry piers. Wooden fences in non-residential areas should be painted, preferably a light color.

d.

Walls. Recommended are brick, stone, concrete, precast concrete, and stucco-faced concrete or concrete block.

e.

Piers. For spatial separation, a line of piers is acceptable. A continuous chain suspended between piers can be an effective and attractive device for creating a separation.

i.

Spacing. No more than eight feet on center.

ii.

Thickness. At least 16 inches per side or diameter.

iii.

Height. At least three feet, no more than six feet.

iv.

Materials. Should be the same as or complementary to the principal building.

f.

Not recommended.

i.

Chain link fences. If used, chain link should be coated with nylon, preferably of a dark color. Chain link fences can be made more attractive by using masonry or heavy wood posts.

ii.

Unfinished or unsurfaced concrete block walls should not be used; block walls should be coated with stucco or a similar surface.

iii.

Rustic wood fences should not be used.

iv.

Barbed wire/plaza wire should not be used.

6.1.7.3 Paving materials recommended for pedestrian surfaces are listed below. In general, a maximum of two materials should be combined in a particular application:

a.

Stone such as slate or granite.

b.

Brick pavers.

c.

Concrete unit pavers.

d.

Poured-in-place concrete with any of the following treatments: integral pigment color, special aggregate, special scoring pattern, ornamental insets such as tile, pattern- stamped.

e.

Not recommended—Asphalt, with the exception of bike paths.

6.1.7.4 Furnishings, art work, and special features are recommended for public and/or common outdoor spaces.

a.

[Seating recommendations.] Permanent outdoor seating is recommended in all publicly-accessible ways and spaces. Seating should be either:

i.

Incorporated as part of the design of the building base, or;

ii.

Custom designed in a style related to the architecture of the building (permanent benches of stone, brick or precast concrete), or;

iii.

Catalog items of substantial materials appropriate for the center of the city;

b.

Portable seating. Movable chairs, tables for cafes and other furniture should be of substantial materials, preferably metal or wood rather than plastic. Tables used for outdoor dining within the public right-of-way (i.e. in sidewalk areas) shall be a maximum of three feet in diameter if round and three [feet] along the longest side if rectangular.

c.

Street clocks, directory kiosks, and permanent freestanding showcase displays are encouraged for commercial buildings, subject to city review for adequate clearances, safety, and design. Designs should reflect the architecture of the sponsoring building or storefront

d.

Fountains are recommended in open courtyard and passage spaces. The design and materials should be related to the principal building.

e.

Public art such as sculpture, wall murals and other paintings, lighting displays and special public open spaces are encouraged.

i.

Location of public art should be in highly visible places specifically designed or modified for the purpose of accommodating it; public art should not be located in semi-private areas such as the rear of buildings or in courtyards.

ii.

Symbolic content of public art should relate to and represent the rich history of the city where appropriate; abstract as well as literal representative elements are appropriate.

iii.

Murals should reflect the color and architectural composition of the buildings on which they are painted, and, to the extent appropriate, that of neighboring buildings. Murals are strongly recommended for exposed firewalls and other windowless wall areas that extend two or more floors above neighboring buildings. See section 4.3.14 for specific use standards for public art murals.

f.

Surface parking lots should be included in space defining elements, such as arcades, trellises, columns, light standards, walls and railings, stairs and ramps, trees, climbing vines, arbors, and hedges to provide visual interest; use of these elements should be consistent with the principal building and other site features.

6.1.7.5 Plant material and landscaping should contribute to a comfortable, yet urban, downtown environment. Drought tolerant plant materials should be used as appropriate.

a.

Plant materials along street frontages should contribute to a harmonious and civic character.

i.

Street trees shall be planted along all streets at a spacing of approximately 30 feet on center to create a buffer between pedestrians and automobiles. Consistency in tree species, tree size, and spacing should be used to establish a strong street identity.

ii.

Trees with open branching structures should be used. Deciduous trees are recommended to create shade in the summer.

iii.

Curb side planting strips shall be drought-tolerant grasses or low-growing ground cover; materials that might cause pedestrians to trip shall not be used.

iv.

Streetside planting areas should have a simple palette of plant species. Drought-tolerant and/or native plants should be used. Common non-native species may be approved by the director of planning and community development.

v.

Plant materials that exhibit annual or seasonal color[are] recommended to highlight special locations (e.g. flanking main building entries and driveways).

b.

Plant materials in other locations should be selected and placed to reflect both ornamental and functional characteristics.

i.

Deciduous trees - should be the predominant large plant material used. They should be located adjacent to buildings and within parking areas to provide shade in summer and allow sun in winter. Species should be selected to be drought-tolerant, provide fall color and minimize litter and other maintenance problems.

ii.

Evergreen shrubs and trees should be used as a screening device, for example, along rear property lines, around mechanical appurtenances.

iii.

Flowering shrubs and trees should be used where they can be most appreciated: adjacent to walks and recreational areas, or framing building entries, stairs, and walks.

iv.

Plants with annual or seasonal color are recommended to highlight special locations, such as courtyards, building entrances, or access drives.

v.

Decorative vines should be considered for use along fences, property boundaries, perimeter walls, and on blank building elevations.

vi.

Palm trees should be used sparingly, and only used to establish an identification of certain streets. Palms planted in other locations should be singular or in tight groupings so as not to compete with the visual importance of these streets.

vii.

Drought-tolerant and/or native plants should generally be used.

c.

Mounding earth—Freestanding earth berms and/or earth berms against buildings are a suburban landscape approach that are not appropriate in the downtown planning areas.