Newton City Zoning Code
PFD
PRAIRIE FIRE DESIGN OVERLAY DISTRICT
§ 158.085 INTRODUCTION.
(A) The Prairie Fire Design Overlay District is intended to create a sense of place and individual identity of this development area through the application of design guidelines and standards. “Prairie Fire” is a reflection of this area’s environmental heritage in the prairie landscape as well as the dynamic and rejuvenating effect fire has in that environment. The city hopes that this becomes an area of excitement, invigoration and restoration. Presently, the district is a blank slate that has potential of being developed into a high-quality area that residents take pride in and visitors take note of. These guidelines and standards rely on the natural environment as well as landscaping, infrastructure and way-finding signage that is being implemented by the city to guide new architectural design, sign design and site planning in the district.
(B) The Prairie Fire Design Overlay District is located south of Interstate 80 at exit 168. Because of its location south of the interstate and away from the downtown, this area will most likely be automobile oriented with pedestrian activity coming from future trail systems in the area. It is important that these design guidelines are implemented consistently as future development occurs to create an identifiable area that is highly visible from the interstate.
(C) While the city wants to encourage development styles which complement the surrounding natural environment, public infrastructure and other private buildings, the purpose of the design district is not to create an entirely homogeneous area. The city encourages the pursuit of individual business identity within these guidelines.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.1)
§ 158.086 BOUNDARIES.
The boundaries of the Prairie Fire Design Overlay District include (clockwise):
(A) Beginning at the point where the centerline of Iowa Speedway Drive intersects with a point on the city limits line and is located north of Exit 168 right-of-way of Interstate 80,
(B) Thence following the city limits line westerly, then southerly, then easterly around the west half of the Exit 168 right-of-way of Interstate 80 back to the centerline of Iowa Speedway Drive,
(C) Thence generally south and west in a clockwise direction along the city limits line to a point where the city limits line intersects with the west line of Section 12, Township 79, Range 19,
(D) Thence north along the east line of Section 11, Township 79, Range 19 and continuing north along the west line of Section 11, Township 79, Range 19 to a point on the centerline of South 13th Avenue East,
(E) Thence east along the centerline of South 13th Avenue East to a point of intersection with the centerline of Iowa Speedway Drive,
(F) Thence southeasterly along the centerline of Iowa Speedway Drive to the point of beginning.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.2) (Ord. 2373, passed 4-20-2020)
§ 158.087 GOALS AND PRINCIPLES.
(A) Goals. The Prairie Fire Design Overlay District provides guidelines and standards intended to promote and enhance the identity of the area and create a sense of place. The Planning and Zoning Commission generated these goals in the Spring of 2006. Specifically, the goals for overlay district are:
(1) To promote storefront, shopping center or industrial building design that enhances the physical appearance of the corridor and establishes an identity distinguishing it from development found elsewhere on Interstate 80 and in the state;
(2) To promote the application of these design guidelines while still allowing companies to maintain their own identity and ability to be easily recognized by the general public; and
(3) To promote individual site planning to ensure that the internal and external vehicular and pedestrian circulation pattern in the district is safe and easy to navigate.
(B) Design principles. The Prairie Fire Design Overlay District is based upon the following set of principles.
(1) Consistency. The city hopes that development in the district will be diverse and feature a mixture of development types such as shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, recreational facilities and museums. Design of all these facilities is guided by the individual business use and site constraints. Within that context, development within the district should maintain a consistency and compatibility between the different uses through the selection of exterior surface materials, landscape materials and sign programs.
(2) Safety. Public safety is critical to the success of commercially zoned districts. Public safety not only refers to safety from criminal activity, but also safety for automobile and pedestrian traffic. This can be addressed through site planning considerations such as lighting, landscaping, internal sidewalks and bike/walking trails.
(3) Simplicity. Simplicity refers to the reduction of visual clutter and the implementation of an architectural/sign/site design that fits into the existing and future development of the whole district.
(4) Organically. Organically refers to the style of development the city hopes to see occur within the district. The prairie is the source of inspiration for the district, and the city wants building and landscape designs to reflect that natural environment. Highly manicured plantings and shrubs, as shown in Image 2, would not likely fit into this natural development style. In addition to reflecting this natural environment, landscaping, erosion controls and layouts should also work to protect and restore the prairie.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.3)
§ 158.088 ADMINISTRATION.
(A) General. All projects within this district will be reviewed for compliance with the design guidelines before approval of a development plan and issuance of a building or sign permit. All development projects within the Prairie Fire Design Overly District are subject to administrative approval within 15 working days after submittal of the application for development plan approval.
(B) Required submittal materials. The following elements are required when submitting a development plan in the Prairie Fire Design Overlay District for administrative approval. In addition to the requirements of Ch. 155 of this code of ordinances, the following items should also be submitted as part of the development plan:
(1) Architectural drawings of buildings and structures that include photographs or catalog cuts of building materials when available;
(2) Copy of the sign program for the subdivision that indicates location of the high-rise signage;
(3) Detailed landscaping plan;
(4) Design details of signage;
(5) Design details of lighting fixtures; and
(6) Design detail of fences and free-standing walls.
(C) Maintenance.
(1) Design guidelines are only one part of the equation for producing and keeping a high-quality development area over time. It is the responsibility of the individual properties to maintain their site in a presentable manner.
(2) The following guidelines should be followed in addition to the guidelines found in Ch. 94 of this code of ordinances.
(a) Landscaping shall be maintained appropriately. Dead plant material shall be removed and replaced with the same or similar type plant.
(b) Broken curbing, sidewalks or other pavement shall be patched and repaired in accordance with the approved site plan when necessary.
(c) The space behind a curb shall be properly back-filled and seeded. Image 3 illustrates poorly maintained grass behind a curb.
(d) Painted parking spaces, traffic lanes and directional arrows in the parking area shall be maintained to a level that is clearly visible.
(e) Building exteriors should be consistently maintained by painting, power-washing and/or repairing/replacing broken exterior materials.
(D) Appeals. Appeals of the decisions on projects within the Prairie Fire Design Overlay District shall occur in the same manner as site plan decisions. If the submitted plan is administratively disapproved or the Zoning Administrator has not taken action within 15 working days of the submittal of the plan, the applicant shall have the privilege of requesting Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council review and action. It is the responsibility of the applicant to file a written appeal with the Zoning Administrator no later than ten working days after the Zoning Administrator’s decision to ensure a Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council hearing date, review and action.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.4) (Ord. 2373, passed 4-20-2020)
§ 158.089 DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ARTICULATION. The interruption of the building, fence, wall or other structure facade through the use of directional change, depth change, awnings, arches, display windows, change in materials, or other architectural elements which provide interest and texture. Image 4 illustrates both horizontal and vertical ARTICULATION.
ECLECTIC. Composed of elements from a variety of sources, systems, materials or styles.
FENCE, SCREENING. A fence that is constructed of a solid material, such as wood, that serves the purpose of concealing or hiding.
HARMONY. The implementation of site and architectural style that works with and complements the development patterns and style as well as the natural environment of the surrounding area.
OVERLAY DISTRICT. A district which is placed on top of the base zoning to modify the development guidelines and to achieve a specific purpose for that area. The regulations of the underlying zoning district and all other regulations remain in effect.
SIGN, FREE-STANDING. A sign that is not attached to a building.
SIGN, HIGH RISE. A free-standing sign that is oriented toward the interstate and is typically larger in size and taller than other free-standing signs.
SIGN, POLE. A free-standing sign where a sign face or sign faces are attached to a single pole or multiple poles and are not enclosed by a framing element. Image 5 illustrates a POLE SIGN.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.5)
§ 158.090 GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS.
(A) The purpose of these guidelines and standards are to promote high-quality development and serve as an extension of the Zoning, Subdivision, and Site Plan Ordinances. The city has established consistency between these ordinances and this design overlay district. However, in some instances, these guidelines are more restrictive than the Zoning, Subdivision or Site Plan Ordinances. Whenever the case, the most restrictive regulations shall apply.
(B) As noted earlier, the city encourages businesses to pursue their individual identities within these guidelines. Because today’s market has such a vast selection of building materials, the city does not wish to advocate the use of any one particular material. However, the city does wish to advocate the use of materials that are going to produce high-quality construction and landscaping that will enhance the look and feel of the district. Throughout the following guidelines and standards, pictures and sketches are used to convey the expectation in quality, feel and appearance.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.6)
§ 158.091 EXTERIOR FINISH AND BUILDING DESIGN.
(A) (1) Guideline 1. To promote the eclectic use of building materials, natural or synthetic, that produces a high-quality development and street-level scale of design.
(2) Standards.
(a) All sides of the buildings open to or viewable from the public right of way should be treated with the same level of architectural style as well as the same building materials.
(b) At least two different building materials shall be incorporated into the exterior finish to increase visual interest. Highlighting architectural elements, such as changes in facade plane, is encouraged. Image 6 illustrates how multiple building materials can be incorporated into the exterior finish and can be used to highlight architectural elements.
(B) (1) Guideline 2. To encourage the use of architectural elements to provide visual interest and interrupt long facade expanses.
(2) Standards.
(a) Achieve roofline changes through the alteration of roof style, material and height across long building expanses.
(b) Entrances into buildings should be easily identifiable and could be projected or recessed to create visual interest.
(c) A combined use of arches, awnings, display windows, articulation, changes in building materials, or other architectural features shall be incorporated into the building design. Image 7 illustrates how a combination of awnings, different building materials, windows and height changes break up a long wall on a large retail store.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.7)
§ 158.092 FREESTANDING WALLS AND FENCES.
(A) Guideline 1. To incorporate structures, other than buildings, into the visual landscape of the district through the application of the design principles.
(B) Standards.
(1) Free-standing walls and fences shall have both vertical and horizontal facade articulation. Vertical articulation shall be required for structures six feet or more in height and can be achieved through the addition of stepping, landscaping or addition of visual interest. Horizontal articulation shall be required for structures over 75 feet in length and shall include a change in depth of at least three feet.
(2) Free-standing walls and fences shall incorporate design elements and building materials found within the site it is located on as well as complement the surrounding sites and public infrastructure.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.8)
§ 158.093 SIGN PROGRAM.
(A) (1) Guideline 1. Enhance the individuality of businesses through the use of individual company logos and color schemes while still promoting the characteristics of the design district and reducing “sign clutter”.
(2) Standards.
(a) Commercial and industrial sites within the design overlay may have only one individual free-standing sign on-site at the district level. Utilization of the district level free-standing sign is exclusive from utilization of a high-rise sign when allowed. Total number of signs (including wall, projecting, mansard or free-standing) and maximum height and sign area shall be determined by the underlying zone.
(b) All signs, including wall signs and projecting signs, shall be constructed to enhance the design district and shall be framed in.
(c) Directional signage, such as those indicating entrances and exits, shall be used in such a way that does not distract from the visual landscape of the district.
(d) Free-standing signs shall be constructed of materials and designed in such a way that compliments way-finding and gateway signage established by the city.
(e) Free-standing signs shall be surrounded by landscaping that consists of natural features that contribute to the “prairie fire” theme. The natural features could include, but are not limited to, prairie flowers, prairie grasses, ornamental grasses or stone. However, if plantings would detract from the design elements of the solid base, this landscaping could be reduced or eliminated.
(f) District level free-standing signs (not including high-rise signs) shall have a solid base constructed of materials that compliment the building materials of the primary building on site as well as the way-finding and gateway signage established by the city. Image 8 shows what a solid base could look like. District level free-standing signs shall be framed in. Pole or pylon signs at the district level are not allowed.
(B) (1) Guideline 2. Promote the consolidation of high-rise signage among businesses to reduce “sign clutter.”
(2) Standards.
(a) A sign program shall be designed for existing, undeveloped subdivisions under one ownership at the date of the adoption of these guidelines as well as for all subdivisions created after the date of the adoption of these guidelines.
(b) Location of signage (private and public) on adjacent properties shall be shown on the site plan to ensure that signs for businesses are evenly distributed throughout the district.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.9)
§ 158.094 SPECIAL ARENA SIGN ALLOTMENTS.
(A) Guideline 1. To allow the necessary additional signage for major community entertainment arenas and facilities.
(B) Standards.
(1) Such facilities must be capable of serving at least 5,000 patrons at a time.
(2) Inward facing signage would not be regulated, but all outward facing signage would be regulated.
(3) A sign program indicating location of all proposed signage on a plot plan as well as on architectural plans shall be submitted.
(4) Attractiveness, durability and quality of proposed signage shall be considered. All proposed signage shall enhance the appearance of the site, coordinate with the prairie fire theme and facilitate circulation and safety.
(5) Efforts to reduce on-site sign clutter should be well established.
(6) Section 158.158 of this chapter shall be enforced.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.10)
§ 158.095 LANDSCAPING.
(A) Guideline 1. Landscaping should reflect and complement the natural prairie environment.
(B) Standards.
(1) Landscaping should be flowing and natural. Highly manicured shrubs, trees and bushes are discouraged.
(2) Incorporation of prairie grasses, prairie flowers, ornamental grasses, trees and bushes, stone and other natural elements is encouraged.
(3) Parking areas shall be properly landscaped along the perimeters as well as within the actual parking area.
(4) Planters or landscaped areas shall be provided along and adjacent to the front of the building.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.11)
§ 158.096 LIGHTING.
(A) Guideline 1. Lighting should improve public safety, enhance the design of the district and be in harmony with the lighting found elsewhere in the district.
(B) Standards.
(1) Lighting should be down-cast to prevent excess light pollution within the district.
(2) Use of decorative lighting is encouraged in this district.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.12)
§ 158.097 UTILITIES AND SERVICE AREAS.
(A) Guideline 1. Promote the incorporation of necessary utilities and service areas in a way that does not detract from the visual appearance and consistency within the district.
(B) Standards.
(1) All on-site utilities lines shall be placed underground. Transformers and other utility units shall also be placed underground when technically possible. If not a transformer or other utility unit cannot be placed underground, then shall be screened to the best extent possible.
(2) Dumpsters, recycling bins and trash receptacles not for public use shall be enclosed with a screening fence that meets the intent and general design principles of the district.
(3) Loading and service areas shall be located where not visible from the public street whenever possible. If a loading or service area is visible from the public street, efforts should be made to screen the area to the best extent possible.
(4) Storage of shopping carts along the building shall be screened or incorporated into the architecture of the building. Image 10 illustrates how outside storage of shopping carts can be incorporated into the design of the building.
(5) Roof-top mechanical equipment is discouraged. If roof-top mechanical equipment is necessary, then it shall be screened from public view.
(2011 Code, § 34.04060.13)