The purpose of this district is primarily intended to accommodate for a wide range of pedestrian-oriented and pedestrian-dependent business, public, and residential uses, in close proximity to one another, within the core of the City. The district preserves the mixture of compatible and pedestrian-friendly retail, service, office, public, residential, and other appropriate uses within buildings that are appropriately scaled and designed to create distinct storefront character and pleasant gathering, shopping, business, and living environment for residents, business owners, and visitors alike. Building forms and types in this district preserve and enhance the traditional "downtown" character, including buildings that are generally two to three stories, oriented to and abutting the sidewalk, and include a mixture of pedestrian-oriented retail and other appropriate businesses on the lower floors with upper floors used for office, service, and residential purposes.

Only the following uses are permitted within this district, provided that in addition to the supplemental regulations for specific uses established in Article XX, all applicable general use provisions in Article XIX and elsewhere in this chapter are met. Uses permitted by special exception are subject to the approval by the Zoning Hearing Board pursuant to a public hearing set forth with the provisions of Article XXIII of this chapter. Uses permitted by conditional use are subject to the approval by the City Council pursuant to a public hearing set forth with the provisions of Article XXII of this chapter.

In addition to other applicable sections of Article XIX, General Regulations, all development or uses permitted within this district shall also comply with the following design standards, as applicable:

If located within or affected by the following zoning overlay districts, development or uses shall meet the requirements of the applicable overlay provisions in accordance with: