A.   Within the City's Zoning Ordinance, certain Zoning Classifications include a regulatory framework based upon a combination of Building Types, Frontage Types, and in some instances Architectural Styles, to ensure that proposed development is consistent with the City's goals for preservation of neighborhood character, compatibility with existing development context, and integration of compatible uses.

   B.   The purpose of this chapter is to establish the range of Frontage Types that correspond to the appropriate Zoning Classifications and to establish general standards applicable to all Frontage Types.

   C.   This chapter also identifies the standards unique to each Frontage Type.

(Ord. 3229 (part), 2016).

   A.   A frontage acts as a transition between the private realm of a building and the adjoining public or semi-public realm.

   B.   Subject to the requirements of the applicable Zoning Classification, a proposed Building Type shall be designed with one or more of the Frontage Types identified in this section.

   C.   The unique standards beginning in Section 15.12.030 are applicable to the ground floor of a building.

   D.   The building frontage shall face a street (public or internal) unless otherwise specified by the Zoning Classification. For certain street types, the building frontage is permitted with the side elevation instead facing the street. In this "turn to side" configuration, the building frontage shall turn to face a common open space area or pedestrian paseo.

(Ord. 3229 (part), 2016).

   Porch is a Frontage Type where an entry door and corresponding landing area (entrance) and usable open space are provided on the front elevation of a building on the ground floor.

   a)   Configuration Standards

   •   All or a portion of the entrance and steps may encroach into the setback area established by the Zoning Classification. The entrance may be elevated or level with the surrounding grade.

   •   The entrance shall be at least 50% and not exceed 80% of the width of the front elevation of the corresponding dwelling unit. These percentages do not preclude a wrap around porch on a corner lot. The porch shall be a minimum of 6 feet clear in depth and a minimum of 12 feet wide clear for a centered entry; or a minimum of 10 feet clear for asymmetrical entry.

   •   A porch or shed roof may cover the entrance.

   •   The surrounding setback area may be elevated. In no case, however, can the elevation of the surrounding setback area be higher than the elevation of the 1st floor.

   •   Non-retaining fences or walls defining the porch/yard or setback area shall not exceed 36 inches from the highest adjacent finished grade.

   •   A landscaping area with a minimum width of 2 feet shall be provided between any fence or wall and the sidewalk or similar hardscape area.

   Illustrative photo 1 depicts the Porch frontage type on a House.

   Illustrative photo 2 depicts the Porch frontage type on a detached Rowhouse.

(Ord. 3229 (part), 2016).

   Stoop is a Frontage Type where an entry door and corresponding landing area (entrance) are provided on the front elevation of a building on the ground floor. The entrance is elevated above the adjoining ground level and connected to it by stairs. The landing area may be designed such that it creates a usable, but not required, space beyond that needed for entry.

   a)   Configuration Standards

   •   All or a portion of the entrance and steps may encroach into the setback area established by the Zoning Classification.

   •   The entrance and steps shall not exceed 40% of the width of the front elevation of the corresponding dwelling unit. Usable space created by the landing area in excess of 40% shall not cause the frontage to become a porch.

   •   A porch or shed roof may cover the entrance.

   •   The surrounding setback area may be elevated. In no case, however, can the elevation of the surrounding setback area be higher than the elevation of the 1st floor.

   •   Non-retaining fences or walls defining the stoop or in the setback area shall not exceed 36 inches from the highest adjacent finished grade.

   •   A landscaping area with a minimum width of 2 feet shall be provided between any fence or wall and the sidewalk or similar hardscape area.

   Illustrative photo 1 depicts the Stoop frontage type.

   Illustrative photo 2 depicts the stoop frontage type combined with a terrace.

(Ord. 3229 (part), 2016).

   Shopfront is a Frontage Type where a storefront, including entrance(s) is provided on the front elevation of a building on the ground floor. The storefront is generally level with the adjoining ground level.

   a)   Configuration Standards

   •   The storefront shall comply with the setback area established by the Zoning Classification however, portions may be recessed up to 10 feet to accommodate an entrance or provide for variation in design.

   •   The storefront shall be at least 65% of the width of the front elevation of the corresponding building.

   •   The storefront shall provide a vertical opening a minimum of 12 feet, as measured from the ground. Glass shall be clear and not have opaque or reflective finish, however, the storefront system may be divided by one or more dimensional muntins.

   •   Unless the storefront glass terminates directly at grade, a physical transition in the form of a bulkhead between 18 inches and 36 inches tall shall be provided between the glass of the storefront and the adjacent sidewalk or similar hardscape area. Aluminum storefront or spandrel panel may not substitute for a bulkhead.

   •   Awnings and signs shall be located at least 8 feet above the adjacent sidewalk or similar hardscape area and may project to a maximum encroachment of 3 feet, subject to any required approvals from the Public Works Department.

   •   Awnings shall only cover storefronts and entrance openings so as to not cover the entire facade.

   •   Security gates on storefronts are prohibited unless approved by the Director of Community Development.

   Illustrative photos 1 and 2 depict the shopfront frontage type.

(Ord. 3229 (part), 2016).