The purpose of the Downtown Zone is to establish additional standards to Section 12.005 and Chapter 14 for those items that affect the physical and aesthetic aspect of the downtown environment. Pertinent to appearance is the design of the site, building and structures, paved areas, planting, signs, street hardware and miscellaneous other objects, which are observed by the public.

These standards are not intended to restrict imagination, innovation or variety, but rather to assist in focusing on design principles which can result in creative solutions that will develop a satisfactory visual appearance within the downtown, preserve taxable values and promote public health, safety and welfare.

These standards represent a special commitment to preserving and improving the visual qualities of the Downtown area.

The site shall be planned to accomplish a desirable transition with the streetscape and to provide adequate planting, safe pedestrian movement and parking areas.

Parking areas shall be treated with decorative elements (amenities such as landscaping, seating areas, artwork etc.), building wall extensions, plantings, or other innovative means so as to largely screen parking areas from view from public ways. Parking areas shall also have lighting directed downward and shielded so that all of the luminous flux falls upon the surface of the structure to be illuminated or on the ground.

The height and scale of each building shall be compatible with its site and existing (or anticipated) adjoining buildings, if the adjoining building meets the design standards.

Newly-installed utility service and service revisions necessitated by exterior alterations, shall be underground.

The line of storefronts along the sidewalk edge should be maintained. Where the storefront line must be recessed, the line shall be maintained with other elements such as columns, paving materials, planters or railings.

The traditional division between upper and lower floors shall be maintained.

A landscape transition to adjoining properties shall be provided.

The horizontal and vertical lines of façades should be reinforced along a block.

Where natural or existing topographic patterns contribute to beauty and utility of a development, they shall be preserved and developed.

Grades of walks, parking spaces, terraces and other paved areas meet ADA standards.

Landscape treatment shall be provided to enhance architectural features, strengthen vistas and provide shade.

Plant material shall be selected for visual interest in its structure, texture and color and for its ultimate growth and hardiness.

In locations where plants will be susceptible to injury by pedestrian or motor traffic, they shall be protected by appropriate curbs, tree guards or other devices (that meet ADA requirements).

Parking areas and traffic ways shall be enhanced with landscaped spaces containing trees or tree groupings.

Screening of service yards and other places that tend to be unsightly shall be accomplished by use of walls, fencing, planting or combinations of these. Screening shall be equally effective in winter and summer.

In areas where plantings will not prosper, other materials such as fences, walls and pavings of wood, brick, stone and cobbles shall be used. Plants shall be combined with such materials where possible.

Exterior lighting shall enhance the building design and adjoining landscape. Lighting standards and building fixtures shall be of a design and size compatible with the building and adjacent areas. Exterior lighting shall be directed downward and shielded so that all of the luminous flux falls upon the surface of the structure to be illuminated or on the ground.

Architectural style is not restricted, except for historically significant structures, which are provided in Section 12.768. Evaluation of appearance of a project shall be based on quality of its design and relationship to surroundings.

Buildings shall be compatible in character with structures in the immediate vicinity, considering mass, bulk, architecture, materials and color.

Primary building façades shall include some elements that provide a change in plane that create interest through the interplay of light and shadow. Such as:

Materials.

Building components such as windows, doors, eaves and parapets shall have good proportions and relationship to one another.

Appropriate color will be used for the base color, major trim, and minor trim. The following is a guide used to define groups of architectural elements:

Mechanical equipment or other utility hardware on roof, ground or buildings shall be screened from public view with harmonious, matching, or complementary materials to the building; or the mechanical equipment or other utility hardware shall be so located as not to be visible from any public ways.

Exterior lighting shall be part of the architectural concept. Fixtures, standards and all exposed accessories shall match or be complementary to the building design.

Refuse and waste removal areas, service yards, storage yards and exterior work areas shall be screened from view from public ways, using materials stated in subsection G.

The traditional configuration of the storefront opening shall be maintained or created.

The traditional storefront line along the sidewalk shall be maintained or created (see Figure 12-2).

If an interior dropped ceiling is used, it shall be held no less than three feet horizontally from the windows.

The transom window shall be preserved, restored or created.

The horizontal alignments or architectural components such as store front windows, bulkheads or kickplates, first story lintels, parapet cornices and window sills shall be preserved, restored or created.

Openings, such as storefront windows and doors shall comprise at least 75% of a building's street level façade.

All doors and windows on all building façades shall have clear glass to increase transparency.

The original façade, materials and ornamentation, shall be maintained and/or restored. Missing façade elements shall be replaced with new materials that match the original as closely as possible.

The original configuration of the storefront opening shall be maintained or restored.

Theme design or coverings that obliterate or disguise the original character of a historically significant building shall not be allowed.

The original storefront line along the sidewalk shall be maintained or restored.

Coverings that obliterate the size and shape of upper story windows shall be removed.

If an interior dropped ceiling is used, it shall be held back no less than three feet horizontally from the windows.

Replacement windows shall be used that fit exactly into the original window opening. Storm windows should be placed on the interior of the window, whenever possible.

The applied covering material or awning shall not extend vertically beyond the original ground floor cornice molding.

The original transom window shall be preserved or restored.

The original piers or columns dividing the bays shall be maintained. Applied covering material shall not extend horizontally beyond the original opening or bay.

The horizontal alignments or architectural components such as storefront windows, kickplates, first story cornices, parapet cornices and window sills should be recreated or restored.

Historic signs painted on buildings should be preserved using only appropriate restoration techniques.

Fences installed on lots containing historic buildings shall be constructed in the style and materials found in the period in which the building was constructed.

Where the original storefront is missing and no evidence of its character exists, a new design that uses traditional elements may be considered; however, the new design shall continue to convey the character of typical storefronts, including transparency of display windows.

New additions to historical buildings shall:

Awnings shall be fit to the dimension of the storefront opening within the bay to emphasize its proportions. Multiple awnings in a building with multiple bays are more appropriate than a single long awning.

Second floor window awnings are appropriate exterior shading devices.

Awnings should be aligned with others on the block where possible. It is particularly important to align the bottom line of the awning.

The top edge of the awning should be mounted to align with the top of the transom or the framing that separates the transom from the storefront window.

Appropriate awning materials: canvas, vinyl coated canvas and synthetic canvas materials.

Awnings over the rear entrance should match or be compatible with those on the front of the same building.

Awning valance shall not exceed 24 inches in height.

Awning colors should complement the colors of the building to provide a unified image.

Miscellaneous structures and street hardware shall be designed to be harmonious with the architectural concept of design and landscape within the Downtown area. Materials shall be compatible with buildings and surroundings and proportions shall be attractive. Miscellaneous structures are structures other than buildings visible from public ways. Examples are: antenna, water tanks, towers, sheds, shelters, fences, walls, transformers, and drive-up facilities. Examples of street hardware are lampposts, utility posts, traffic lights, traffic signs, benches, litter containers, planting containers, and hydrants.

Lighting in connection with miscellaneous structures and street hardware shall meet the standards applicable to site, landscape, buildings and signs.

Continued good appearance depends upon the extent and quality of maintenance. The choice of materials and their use, together with the types of finishes and other protective measures, must be conducive to easy maintenance and upkeep.

Materials and finishes shall be selected for their durability and wear as well as for their beauty. Proper measures and devices shall be incorporated for protection against the elements, neglect, damage and abuse.

Provision for washing and cleaning of buildings and structures and control of dirt and refuse, shall be included in the design. Configurations that tend to catch and accumulate debris, leaves, trash, dirt and rubbish shall be avoided.

Conformance to the Downtown Klamath Falls Design Guidelines;

Logic of design;

Exterior space utilization;

Architectural character;

Attractiveness;

Material selection;

Compatibility;

Circulation—vehicular and pedestrian; and

Maintenance aspects.

Fencing of vacant lots is permitted with an open type of fencing such as post and chain. Graveling of vacant lots is specifically prohibited.

The nonconforming structure and use provisions of Article 20 (Nonconforming Uses and Structures) shall not apply to the requirements of this section.