The Old Montgomery Gateway District (OMG) is established in order to impose specific design criteria for both rehabilitation and new construction projects within the Old Montgomery Gateway District. Therefore the purposes of this chapter are to:

   (A)   Ensure that new development in the Old Montgomery Gateway District shall conform to the city's general plans for the physical development of this district as embodied in the city's Gateway Area Plan.

   (B)   Guide development and redevelopment in the Old Montgomery Gateway District to protect and enhance the city's image.

   (C)   Ensure that new development and redevelopment respects the city's historic qualities and resources through thoughtful and compatible design.

   (D)   Provide the basis for consistency and objective decision making by providing criteria and a review process to be used by the Zoning Administrator, Landmarks Commission, Planning Commission and City Council when evaluating proposed development.

   (E)   Provide standards for property owners, architects and contractors to aid in the preparation of appropriate plans.

   (F)   Increase public awareness of the value of good design in the gateway into the city.

   (G)   To create a more cohesive development pattern and density in the city's OMG and core.

   (H)   To strengthen the current historic district by promoting redevelopment in the OMG that enhances the visual and economic vitality of the downtown.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   All properties designated OMG-Old Montgomery Gateway District on the official zoning map of the City of Montgomery shall be subject to the regulations of this chapter.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   All uses in the Old Montgomery Gateway District shall be governed as listed in § 151.1203, Schedule of Permitted Uses.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   All lots, buildings and structures in the Old Montgomery Gateway District shall comply with the standards set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   Lot requirements for all residential uses as permitted in the Old Montgomery Gateway District shall be regulated as set forth in § 151.1006.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   (A)   Cohesive, multi-structure developments are desirable and are strongly encouraged in the Old Montgomery Gateway District to enhance the existing urban features of the adjacent Heritage District and to present a more coordinated gateway to the city. Any site within the Old Montgomery Gateway District which is equal to or greater than two acres shall be required to be developed with multiple structures, and a mix of uses. Lots of two or more acres recorded as of the date of adoption of this chapter may not be subdivided into smaller lots to avoid this regulation.

   (B)   After a final site plan has been approved in accordance with Chapter 150.14, an applicant may subdivide the total development into separate parcels for tax billing purposes. The subdivided parcels shall remain subject to the approved development plan and shall not be considered as nonconforming lots or uses when developed under the approved plan. Any subsequent redevelopment of the subdivided lots must be consistent with the approved site plan and shall be considered as a modification to the approved plan subject to the review and approval process of Chapter 150.14, unless such modification is exempted as provided therein.

   (C)   When feasible, multiple smaller lots (less than two acres) are encouraged to be consolidated and redeveloped under a single plan in a manner that is consistent with the standards of the OMG for multiple building developments.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   The layout of principal buildings, accessory structures and parking areas along Montgomery Road and Main Street are a primary identifying feature of the city. The Old Montgomery Gateway District is the entrance into an existing urbanized area that features a strongly defined street wall which creates an attractive, pedestrian street environment. The street wall is defined by buildings which are set close to the street. Creating a strongly defined street wall in the Old Montgomery Gateway District will improve the visual appearance and distinguish the city from the more suburban areas to the south. Standards for single structure developments and multi-building developments are presented as follows.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   The setbacks for buildings in the OMG shall be determined as follows:

   (A)   The use of a parking structure for setback purposes shall be determined as follows: a parking structure shall be considered non-residential unless residential and only residential uses are built above the parking structure at the point of measure.

      (1)   The front yard setback shall be established between a minimum of zero and a maximum of ten feet from the right-of-way.

      (2)   To meet the required setback, a building's façade must meet the site layout and building configuration requirements of § 151.1509(A)(1).

      (3)   For panhandle lots see § 151.1509(C)(2).

      (1)   Buildings shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the side lot line when adjacent to any non-residential use outside of the OMG.

      (2)   When adjacent to a residential use, a building must be setback a minimum of 15 feet or one-half the height of the building, whichever is greater from the side lot line.

      (3)   Zero side lot line structures with a shared firewall may be permitted in a development under initial common ownership.

      (1)   Commercial structures shall be setback 15 feet from the rear property line when abutting a lot within the OMG district or other non-residential district or use.

      (2)   Zero rear lot line structures with a shared firewall may be permitted in a development under initial common ownership.

      (3)   Residential structures shall be located no closer than ten feet to the rear lot line when abutting a lot within the OMG district or other non-residential district or use. Residential structures shall be setback ten feet or one-half the height of the building, whichever is greater, from the rear lot line when abutting a residential use outside of the OMG district.

(Ord. 6-2010, passed 7-7-10; Am. Ord. 16-2013, passed 11-6-13; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   (A)   General site layout. Along Montgomery Road and Main Street frontages, the general site layout shall conform to the following standards.

      (1)   A minimum of 60% of a development's frontage on either Montgomery Road or Main Street must be occupied by building frontage, and an additional 10% may be occupied by building frontage or a site wall as specified below, which is located no farther than ten feet from the front property line. The site wall shall be an extension of the principal or accessory building(s). The Planning Commission may allow up to 50% of a building's surface to be setback between 10 to 20 feet from the right-of-way to create façade articulation. Of that 50%, the building's surface may be setback farther than 20 feet provided that a plaza, raised terrace, balcony or another useful outdoor pedestrian space is incorporated along the frontage.

      (2)   On panhandle lots the building may be setback more than ten feet from the public right-of-way when the lot has less than 25 feet of frontage along Montgomery Road or Main Street. The building must setback a minimum of 20 feet from the rear property line of the parcel in front of the panhandle lot.

      (3)   Site walls (including wing walls, retaining walls or screen walls attached to the building) shall be constructed of solid masonry and shall have a height not less than three feet nor greater than eight feet, not including ornamentation or other features.

      (4)   The remaining 30% of a development's frontage on either Montgomery Road or Main Street may be used for necessary vehicle and pedestrian access ways, or public use space.

      (1)   Parking lots shall meet the setback standards as established in § 151.1207.

      (2)   Freestanding above-grade parking structures shall not be located in the front yard and shall meet the side and rear project boundary setbacks established for buildings in § 151.1508.

      (3)   Below grade parking structures, which are part of a building's foundation, may be permitted to project above-grade. Whenever a below-grade parking structure is constructed such that a portion of the garage extends above finished grade, no more than 50% of the footprint shall extend more than five feet above grade. For purposes of this section, above-grade garage walls which are shielded from view by a building shall be considered as less than five feet in height. Any portion of a below-grade garage that projects above finished grade, which is visible from the right-of-way and not screened by a building, must have the structural components clad in a permitted primary building material as defined in § 151.1515(A)(l). The Planning Commission may also require additional architectural detail and/or landscaping that creates a pedestrian friendly streetscape.

      (4)   Parking lots and parking structures shall be buffered or screened at a minimum as required in this code per § 151.3408.

   (C)   In multi-building developments, a parking lot may be located between a rear building and a building fronting on Montgomery Road or Main Street.

         (a)   When a building is located south of Hartfield Place and within 200 feet of Montgomery Road, the building footprint shall not exceed 20,000 square feet.

         (b)   When the majority of the building footprint is located more than 200 feet from Montgomery Road or Main Street with no building frontage on Montgomery Road or Main Street, the building may be permitted to have a footprint of up to 30,000 square feet.

         (c)   When a building located within 200 feet of Montgomery Road or Main Street has a lineal frontage along Montgomery Road or Main Street of 100 feet or less, the building may be permitted to have a footprint of up to 19,000 square feet.

         (d)   Under no circumstances may a building's footprint exceed 30,000 square feet;

         (e)   Adequate parking for the building's use as specified in § 151.3204 can be accommodated in whole or in part in on-site structured parking, which is integrated into the development design;

         (f)   Off-street loading areas are provided for the building in accordance with § 151.3211;

         (g)   The building and required parking are screened from the public right-of-way by smaller buildings that address the street and meet the minimum setback and the standards of § 151.1508;

         (h)   The loading, parking, and trash dumpsters are adequately screened from adjacent residential uses; and

         (i)   The building meets all other building design standards as specified by this chapter.

   (E)   Loading and service areas. Loading and service areas shall be located and designed in such a way as to minimize visual and noise impact on adjacent residential uses. The use of solid walls and buffer landscaping are encouraged to reduce the visual and noise impact of loading and service areas from adjacent rights-of-way and residential areas.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 16-2013, passed 11-6-13; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   Safe, efficient, and convenient circulation and access to and between developments should be provided for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic. By creating a safe continuous network of pedestrian walkways within the Old Montgomery Gateway District development and adjacent Heritage District development, pedestrians will feel more inclined to safely walk (rather than drive) between stores. A pedestrian network that offers clear circulation paths from the parking areas to building entries creates a friendlier, more inviting image.

      (1)   Sites that are more than two acres shall emphasize pedestrian orientation by creating attractive pedestrian spaces that are landscaped and include other appropriate elements to facilitate pedestrian activity. Efforts should be made to incorporate public open spaces into the design of the development.

      (2)   All commercial developments shall provide attractive well marked pedestrian links between parking and buildings. The connections shall be clearly marked to provide safe access across traffic lanes and landscaped areas. Such walkways shall utilize decorative paving at key locations.

      (3)   All commercial buildings shall be public accessible via a path or walkway from a public sidewalk.

      (4)   Any sidewalk or walkway shall be designed to connect to adjacent walkways of either existing or future development.

      (5)   All redevelopment along Montgomery Road and Main Street in the OMG must comply with the streetscape master plan for the Heritage District.

      (6)   Streetscape design elements and materials used to construct new public walkways, connecting sidewalks and streetscape enhancements may vary from the Heritage District standards provided that such variations are complementary to the Heritage District standards.

      (7)   Parking area design shall include provisions for pedestrian access from parking areas to building entrances.

         (a)   A site shall not be separated into additional tracts or plats to artificially allow additional access points.

         (b)   The development shall minimize the number of curb cuts with shared access being preferred.

         (c)   Provide adequate improvements to the right-of-way to handle increases in traffic generated by the development. These improvements may include but are not limited to, turn lanes and traffic control devices.

         (d)   Where possible, access points should align with previously-approved or constructed access points on the opposite side of the street to reduce conflict points.

         (a)   Streets internal to the development should be designed with a hierarchy of circulation: major access drives from Montgomery Road and/or Main Street shall have no parking for a distance of 150 feet from Montgomery Road and/or Main Street, while on-street parking shall be encouraged on secondary streets which connect to major access drives.

         (b)   Internal driveways or aisles that are intersected by crossing traffic should either have their centerlines aligned or be offset by at least 60 feet.

         (a)   Truck circulation paths shall be designed with adequate curve radii and maneuvering room so that trucks do not fully obstruct traffic flow in the public right-of-way during loading.

         (b)   Loading areas must be designed such that trucks do not partially or fully obstruct traffic flow on Montgomery Road or Main Street during loading activities.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 16-2013, passed 11-6-13; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   Parking in an urban setting is often difficult and in order to promote an urban setting, surface parking and structured parking shall be designed in a way to reduce its visual impact from Montgomery Road and Main Street.

   (A)   To promote an urban density parking should be provided as follows in multi-building developments:

      (1)   Structured parking is encouraged for 50% of the required parking on sites with multi-building developments.

      (2)   The city may, at its discretion, permit a reduction in the number of off-street parking spaces required for a development to as much as 50% of the required spaces per § 151.3204.

      (1)   Surface parking shall be limited to no more than 35% of the site area. Parking on public streets shall not be included in the 35% surface parking limitation.

      (2)   Adequate screening and interior landscaping shall be provided for surface-parking as specified in § 151.3408.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 16-2013, passed 11-6-13; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   The architecture and general design of the buildings in the Old Montgomery Gateway District will be the strongest feature in creating an image for the gateway into the city. Building design for the gateway should be of a high quality with attention to the creation of a human scale environment that ties into the historic architectural character of the Heritage District.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   The relationship of a building's height to its apparent width is a major contributing factor to the overall character of the Old Montgomery Gateway District. Buildings in the Old Montgomery Gateway District should respect the historic architectural character of the adjacent Heritage District in scale and massing. The following standards shall apply to all buildings in the Old Montgomery Gateway District.

   (A)   Building height. The vision for the Old Montgomery Gateway District is to allow for mixed-use developments with increased density and shared below grade public parking garages to promote a pedestrian-friendly environment which is complementary to the Heritage District. Due to significant topography changes in the Old Montgomery Gateway District, it may be necessary for below-grade parking structures which are incorporated into a building's foundation to extend above finished grade. For the purposes of this section, the top of the garage podium shall be considered the final-grade for the purposes of measuring a building's height. The height of all buildings in the Old Montgomery Gateway District shall meet the following standards:

      (1)   The minimum height for all buildings shall be two stories.

      (2)   The maximum building height of buildings fronting onto Montgomery Road, north of Hartfield Place, or Main Street is three stories, not to exceed 48 feet. For buildings within 200 feet of Montgomery Road or Main Street located north of Hartfield Place, the top of building shall not exceed the elevation of 850 feet.

      (3)   Buildings fronting on Montgomery Road, with their entire footprint south of Hartfield Place, may have a height of up to four stories, not to exceed 60 feet. For buildings within 200 feet of Montgomery Road located south of Hartfield Place, the top of building shall not exceed the elevation of 860 feet.

      (4)   The maximum height of buildings abutting a residential use within the Heritage District shall not exceed 40 feet.

      (5)   The maximum height for all other buildings shall not exceed 60 feet or an elevation of 850 feet.

   (B)   A building's vertical and horizontal dimensions should be roughly in proportion to each other, without over-emphasis of either dimension. Horizontally oriented long buildings shall be visually broken up through the use of recesses or setback variations, to cause the façade to appear as a series of proportionally correct masses. The building's articulation should help establish a human scale and provide visual rhythm and interest.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   To create a more interesting and inviting environment, all buildings shall include architectural details, including but not limited to cornices and window and door trim. Buildings shall be designed with an architectural style that respects the historic character of the Heritage District but adequately accommodates the intended modern uses. When authentic architectural details such as windows and doors are not feasible, simulated openings may be approved.

      (1)   For approximately every front 60 feet of building façade, a variation of roof type is encouraged to reduce visual monotony and assist in development of a human scale environment.

      (2)   Gabled roofs are encouraged; however, other roof types may be approved by the Planning Commission on a case-by-case basis.

      (3)   When gabled roofs are used, the design of the roof pitch may vary, but should not be less than one-fourth of the building height as measured from the grade line to the gutter.

      (4)   When flat roofs are used, decorative cornices and parapet roof lines shall be incorporated.

      (1)   When a commercial building has frontage on Montgomery Road or Main Street, the building entrances should be encouraged to face onto Montgomery Road or Main Street when feasible.

      (2)   When a residential building has frontage on Montgomery Road or Main Street, the first floor entrances should be located facing onto Montgomery Road or Main Street when feasible. Access to upper stories from Main Street and Montgomery Roads is strongly encouraged.

      (3)   When a new road is proposed for interior circulation and meets the streetscape standards as detailed in the city's streetscape plan, buildings may be oriented to face on to these streets and the entrance may also be oriented to these streets.

      (4)   In all cases the main entrance of the building shall be easily identifiable, and should provide an introductory statement for a building using architectural articulation or landscaping or a combination of both.

      (5)   Entrances should be designed to allow individual business to present a clear image without compromising the sense of unity of the façade or development.

      (1)   Windows in all structures shall exhibit symmetry and proportion to the building. Individual window proportions shall be more vertical than horizontal, with the height being approximately one and a half times the width of the window. Display windows on the first floor of commercial structures may be larger and have more of an emphasis on the horizontal dimension.

      (2)   Windows that are visible from a public right-of-way shall be divided into vertically proportioned components, through multi-part windows or other divided lights. Other than first-floor display windows and bay windows in residential structures, windows should be detailed with architectural elements, such as projecting sills, molded surrounds, lintels, transoms and/or mullions. Grilles in airspace and snap-on grille style windows are prohibited.

      (3)   Window and door openings on the ground floor of a commercial building should occupy no less than 50% of the building's façade length on any façade facing Montgomery Road or another public street.

         (a)   Windows shall be constructed of clear glazing and tinted glazing shall not be used.

         (b)    All-vinyl windows are prohibited. Extruded aluminum-clad or vinyl-clad wood windows may be permitted, if appropriate. Composite wood/PVC/fiberglass windows are permitted (i.e. Fibrex).

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 16-2013, passed 11-6-13; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   The character of the Old Montgomery Gateway District is enhanced by the use of quality building materials that reflect the desired image of the City of Montgomery. The following standards apply to the exterior of all buildings in the Old Montgomery Gateway District.

         (a)   Buildings in the gateway shall have a primary exterior covering of brick, stone, natural wood clapboard, wood board and batten, wood shingles or modern manufactured materials that create the appearance of the materials listed above except as prohibited herein.

         (b)   The color of brick is encouraged to be in the red-orange range. The color should be uniform rather than being mottled or speckled.

      (3)   Other materials that are not listed as prohibited may be approved by the Landmarks Commission on a case-by-case basis as a primary or accent building material.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 16-2013, passed 11-6-13; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   (A)   Permitted colors. The base colors used on buildings in the Old Montgomery Gateway District should be the natural color of the material in the case of brick or stone or of a neutral, muted palette. Brighter, more vivid colors should be reserved for limited use as trim or accent. Permitted colors may be further regulated as established in § 151.1523(A).

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   Variation of materials and colors on façades is permissible, provided the variation enhances the human scale of the buildings and is used to define specific elements of the building. General guidelines for variations in materials are:

   (A)   A maximum of three colors, excluding the natural color of brick or stone, may be used on a single structure, except in the case where the building's façade is designed to appear as more than one building. In such case, each element may use a combination of colors as approved by the Landmarks Commission but the overall color scheme of the building should be coordinated.

   (B)   Changes in materials should occur at inside corners of buildings or transition with an appropriate trim detail. Material changes at outside corners or in the middle of a wall give an impression of thinness and artificiality which should be avoided.

   (C)   The use of a coordinating trim material is encouraged on all façades of a building, and should be used to break larger wall planes into smaller more human scale elements.

   (D)   The number of materials on the exterior of a building should be limited to a few complementary materials.

   (E)   A palette of proposed materials and colors should be submitted by the applicant for approval by the Landmarks Commission.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 16-2013, passed 11-6-13; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   (A)   Signage shall comply with the standards of § 151.30, Sign Regulations.

   (B)   Signs should respect the overall architectural composition of the building and its scale while not overwhelming the façade.

   (C)   Sign colors shall relate to the style and period of the building. In general sign colors shall be muted rather than vivid. Paint shall be flat, satin or semi-gloss.

   (D)   Corporate identity colors or logos may be permitted and shall be used with restraint.

   (E)   Sign materials may be wood, composite wood, metal, polycarbonate or high density urethane (HDU) with painted or vinyl letters. Other materials may be permitted, if appropriate.

   (F)   Wall signs should be affixed on a continuous, flat, vertical, opaque surface and cannot project more than six inches from the building surface. Signs may not cover architectural features.

   (G)   Wall and projecting signs should have a simple design and shall not have more than three lines of letters.

   (H)   Illuminated signs are permitted in compliance with § 151.3014(N). The illumination source for a sign should be compatible with the sign and the building.

   (I)   Neon signage is prohibited, with the exception of internally illuminated "Open" signs in the window, not to exceed three square feet in size.

   (J)   Window signs are permitted in compliance with § 151.3012(F).

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 16-2013, passed 11-6-13; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   (A)   Lighting shall be appropriate to the district in type, design, location and quantity.

   (B)   Lighting shall be used in a limited manner, and only to highlight architectural details on a building, illuminate a sign, or to illuminate walkways and/or parking areas.

   (C)   Lighting used to illuminate parking areas shall meet the standards established in § 151.3213(C), Lighting.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   (A)   Landscaping and screening shall be provided as specified in Chapter 151.34, Landscaping and Screening Regulations.

   (B)   Any principal access or new roads constructed in a development shall meet the standards for streetscaping, tree planting and pedestrian elements as established in the city's streetscape plan.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   Adequate public facilities must be available to support the proposed development.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)

   (A)   The Zoning Administrator, subject to approval by the Landmarks Commission, may adopt certain rules and regulations setting forth the palette of colors, roof materials, building materials and other construction materials acceptable in the Old Montgomery Gateway District for the enforcement of this code.

   (B)   All new and redevelopment projects in the Old Montgomery Gateway District shall be subject to the development plan review procedures set forth in Chapter 150.14.

   (C)   Applications for exterior changes to property in the Old Montgomery Gateway District that is neither a listed landmark nor subject to development plan review shall comply with the procedures set forth in § 150.1207.

(Ord. 7-2006, passed 4-19-06; Am. Ord. 9, 2018, passed 7-11-18; Am. Ord. 2, 2022, passed 4-6-22)