The intent of the following standards is to ensure that multifamily residential development results in the creation of functional, safe and aesthetically pleasing high quality, living environment. A high quality living environment is one that is designed to create living arrangements which meet the needs of the residents with high-quality, long lasting building construction and minimum standards for safety in the design of the built and site environment. It should also provide an environmentally compatible and pedestrian friendly environment, which harmoniously co-exists with lower density residential development and commercial development, which may be located nearby.

(1)

Maximum building size: in accord with the applicable zoning district standard.

(2)

The maximum height of any building, structure or use shall be in accord with the applicable zoning district standard.

(3)

The size, bulk and shape of buildings shall be compatible with the shape and size of the parcel of land which it is located upon. Also the building massing shall be compatible with the buildings located on parcels in the surrounding neighborhood. When such surrounding buildings consist of dramatically different sizes and styles that may not be compatible with each other, new buildings shall be designed to provide a transition between such other buildings. Where there are few or no surrounding buildings, the size, bulk and shape of buildings shall be consistent with the planned character of what will be the surrounding development as reflected in City's Comprehensive Plan and other adopted plans for the area.

(4)

When a single building is constructed on an individual lot, the front facade of the structure shall be oriented towards the street frontage of the site.

(5)

Front building facades shall not utilize a garage as the most predominant architectural element visible from the street, depending upon the overall layout of the site. When attached individual garages are constructed, the garage should be connected to the residential unit through the rear or side, in a manner that de-emphasizes the garage. Detached garages shall also be located in a manner which does not make it a predominant architectural element.

(6)

Buildings, particularly large structures, shall be designed to reduce the physical and visual scale and/or appearance through the use of varied design elements, including, but not limited to, varied setbacks, building height, roof treatments, multiple gables, door and window openings, balconies and patios, and other structural and decorative elements. In addition, consideration should be given to varying the vertical walls of buildings with exterior horizontal wall protrusions and recesses and also the tops of walls and roof eaves through the use of varying vertical heights from the ground plane. Multifamily residential buildings shall have residential-styled gabled or hip roofs, except where the character of surrounding buildings suggest that other roof styles are appropriate.

(7)

All buildings shall have structure or dwelling unit entrances clearly visible from parking areas and defined with varied facade materials, roofs, canopies, porticos or other features that identify them and invite residents and visitors to them. Large buildings with central doors/hallways to individual units shall provide multiple entrances convenient to parking and pedestrian improvements. Separate entrances shall be provided for each residential unit for smaller buildings, where practical.

(8)

Exterior building materials shall be durable and low maintenance. Buildings must consist primarily of wood, brick, stucco and/or similar materials. The Site Plan Review Coordinator may approve the moderate use of residential character vinyl and seamless metal siding, when the building incorporates architectural features which limit long sections of siding along any elevation.

(9)

Building design and architectural elements shall be applied to all sides of buildings with particular attention to elevations that face lower density residential uses and public streets.

(10)

Multiple buildings on one lot or multiple buildings constructed in a single development on individual lots shall include consistent architectural design elements which create a unified development pattern.

(11)

Roof materials shall be consistent with that of Section 42-440(a)(11)(f), unless an alternative roof material is architecturally appropriate in a particular location as determined by the Site Plan Review Coordinator.

(12)

In general, colors used on the exteriors of buildings should be nonreflective, subtle or neutral tones. Bright, vibrant or highly reflective colors or surfaces shall not be used.

(13)

All permanent trash/recyclable storage areas shall be completely screened from view by an opaque vertical wall or fence that is a minimum of five feet in height or greater as necessary to adequately screen the trash enclosure. Said wall or fence shall be constructed of the same or complimentary materials as the building that it serves. Loading and trash storage areas shall be designed in consultation with professional service providers in order to accommodate all desired functions within the screened area. Loading and trash storage areas shall be proximal to the building they serve in order to provide convenience in access for residents using such facilities.

(14)

Ground mounted mechanical equipment shall be located out of site from adjoining public streets and screened with landscaping, walls which are incorporated into the facade by the same or similar building material or fences.

(15)

Site layouts shall be done in a manner which maximizes open space on a site. This is particularly important for sites which have multiple buildings. Surface parking shall be prohibited in front and corner side yard setback areas. Methods to maximize open space include, but are not limited to, promoting multiple-story buildings, utilizing underground parking and clustering of buildings on a development site. Buildings which incorporate 30 or more units shall be constructed with secure, underground parking.

(Code 1976, § 18.35.030)