Storefronts located immediately behind the sidewalk;

Stores with large windows that permit window shopping;

Awnings and arcades that provide shade for pedestrians;

A variety of stores in a small area - facilitating pedestrian shopping;

Off-street parking is located to the rear or to the side of buildings;

Architectural styles that reflect Firebaugh's history and that of the San Joaquin Valley.

Consistent with standards of the C-2 Zone, new buildings in the downtown must be located along the front property line, at the back of the sidewalk. On-site parking must be located to the rear or to the side of buildings.

New development on corner lots must be situated immediately at the corner (rather than the parking lot being located on the corner).

Usable open spaces such as courtyards and plazas with outdoor seating, landscaping, water features, etc. are encouraged. Pedestrian corridor access (paseos) should be provided to link rear parking lots to the street. Sidewalk dining is also encouraged (see Exhibit 23-2), as long as a sufficient distance from the curb is maintained (usually eight feet, minimum).

Side and rear setbacks should be determined on a case-by-case basis. In most cases it is preferred that downtown buildings be designed to cover the entire lot, with no side yard setbacks.

The following urban design elements are considered most desirable for new downtown development or redevelopment (see Exhibit 23-3):

The following design elements are considered undesirable and should be avoided for new downtown development or redevelopment:

The height and scale of new development should be compatible with the scale of surrounding development. Scale is the relationship between the size of the structure and the size of adjoining structures. Scale is also the manner in which the proposed building's size relates to the size of a human being. Large-scale building elements can appear overwhelming if situated in a visual environment that is predominantly smaller in scale.

The scale of a large building should be broken up or reduced by creating horizontal emphasis of the building. This can be accomplished through the proper use of window patterns, roof overhangs, the use of trim moldings, awnings, eaves, or other ornamentation, by using a combination of complimentary colors, and through the use of landscaping.

Blank solid walls of buildings visible from public view, including bland areas above cantilevered canopies, should be avoided. If such walls are necessary for interior or structural reasons, the structure wall shall be treated with some form of articulation such as larger awnings, cornice bands, dentils or similar materials.

The facades of adjacent structures should be considered in the design of new buildings to avoid clashes in architectural style and materials.

Buildings with flat or oversimplified facades (e.g., straight rooflines without definition) should utilize parapet walls and/or cornice detailing to give greater stature to the building as well as the entire block on which the structure is located.

Canopies and awnings are desirable elements in the downtown and are encouraged to shelter the openings of each building from sun and rain. New canopies and awnings should be respectful of the style and character of the structure on which they are attached, particularly in terms of materials and colors. The highest point of a canopy or its support structure shall not be higher than the midpoint of the space between the second story window sills and the top of the first floor store front window, awning, canopy or transom. Awnings should also be set inside vertical elements on the building such as columns, pilasters or storefronts that are indented.

Awnings, trellises and other accessory structures that do not restrict pedestrian or vehicular movement may project into the public right-of-way, subject to clearance requirements specified in the Zoning Ordinance. In general, awnings should be no less than eight feet above the sidewalk.

Existing historically significant buildings should be maintained. Any physical changes shall be done in a manner that is consistent with the original architectural style.

For safety, identification and convenience, entrances of buildings and parking areas shall be well illuminated.

Rooftop mechanical equipment (e.g., air-conditioning units) should be screened from view from the public right-of-way through the use of parapets, cornices or other treatments. Mechanical equipment should not be mounted on street arcades, in front windows or other visible locations.