The following standards are intended to: Improve site planning to enhance the image of the city, reflect unique site characteristics, and provide strong neighborhood environments; provide useable open space, maintain natural areas for use and enjoyment by residents of the multifamily development; and provide a safe, pedestrian friendly environment in the development.

(Ord. 2006-22 § 1 (part))

As used in this chapter:

"Duplex" means a dwelling on a single lot and under single ownership, designed exclusively for occupancy by two families living independently of each other.

"Multifamily residential development" means a dwelling designed for and containing three or more dwelling units including units that are located one over another, the occupants of which live independently of each other.

(Ord. 2006-22 § 1 (part))

(Ord. No. 2018-02, § 1, 1-23-2018)

A.

Applicability.

1.

The provisions of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall apply to multifamily residential development and duplexes containing more than two bedrooms per dwelling unit.

2.

All new multifamily development and all major rehabilitation of an existing multifamily structure shall comply with these standards. Major rehabilitation shall mean any renovation, restoration, modification, addition, or retrofit of a structure or site that exceeds fifty (50) percent of the current appraised value of any structure or site. Rehabilitation costs shall be aggregated over a five year period to determine whether the development is subject to these rules. Major rehabilitation shall not include routine maintenance and repair of a structure or other feature on the surrounding site, such as roof replacement or general repairs to a parking area or other site feature.

B.

Review Process. These multifamily residential design standards shall be applied in the review process for, as applicable, rezonings, site plans, subdivision plats, and development plans, as set forth in Chapter 17.104.

C.

Variances and Deviations Allowed.

1.

Variances. The board of appeals may grant variances from the standards contained in these multifamily residential design standards pursuant to Section 17.104.030 of this code.

2.

Deviations. As a complete alternative to a variance under subsection (C)(1) of this section, the plan commission and city council may grant deviations from the standards contained in these multifamily residential design standards under the terms of an approved general development plan for a planned unit development according to Section 17.72.070 of this code.

3.

Modifications to Allow Alternative Compliance. In addition, the plan commission and city council may waive or modify any design standard contained in these multifamily residential design standards in order to encourage the implementation of alternative or innovative practices that implement the intent of the modified standard(s) and provide equivalent public benefits without significant adverse impacts on surrounding development.

4.

Conditions of Approval. In granting a variance, deviation, or modification the board of appeals, city council, or plan commission may require conditions that will substantially secure the objectives of the modified standard and that will substantially mitigate any potential adverse impact on the environment or on adjacent properties, including, but not limited to, additional landscaping or buffering.

5.

Conflicting Provisions. If the provisions of these multifamily residential design standards are inconsistent with one another, or if they conflict with provisions found in other adopted codes, ordinances, or regulations of the City of River Falls, the more restrictive provision will control unless otherwise expressly provided.

(Ord. 2006-22 § 1 (part))

(Ord. No. 2018-02, § 2, 1-23-2018)

A.

Building Siting. The siting of buildings can reduce the perceived density of multifamily residential developments, maximize open space areas, provide "eyes on the street" surveillance, and enhance neighborliness by creating community gathering spaces.

1.

Developments shall be oriented so that the main facade faces the public street or the development's private street adjoining its site with some degree of setback variation in order to provide visual interest.

2.

Multifamily units shall be built close to the street setback line with front doors oriented towards the street.

3.

Floor elevations of units shall be varied to reflect natural topography.

B.

Parking and Vehicle Access. Siting shall minimize the impact of parking and driveways on the pedestrian environment, adjacent properties, and maximize pedestrian safety.

1.

Parking shall be dispersed into smaller parking lots located in the side or rear yards, away from the primary pedestrian walkway.

2.

A landscape peninsula shall be installed to separate each section of ten (10) parking spaces from additional spaces.

3.

Parking areas shall be separated from each other by dwelling units or by landscaped buffers.

4.

The number of driveways and curb cuts shall be minimized.

5.

Parking areas shall be landscaped or screened by a fence or wall from adjacent properties.

C.

Open Space. Buildings incorporated into multifamily residential developments shall be sited to maximize the opportunities for creating usable, attractive, well-integrated open space. The following site plan elements shall be included.

1.

Safe and efficient access to open space, whether public or private, for recreation and social activities including, but not limited to tot lots. The design and orientation of these areas shall take advantage of available sunlight and shall be sheltered from the wind, noise, and traffic of adjacent streets.

2.

Common areas and courtyards conveniently accessible to the majority of units. Private open spaces, where provided, shall be contiguous with the units they serve, with direct access from the unit and adequate screening from public view.

D.

Pedestrian Circulation. Pedestrian circulation provides safe, efficient access to facilities and dwelling units for residents, encourages opportunities for casual social encounters, and allows natural surveillance by residents. The following pedestrian circulation site plan elements shall be included:

1.

All site plans shall illustrate designated pedestrian circulation areas. Designated pedestrian circulation areas shall include, but not be limited to, pedestrian walkways/paths, sidewalks, and bench seating areas.

2.

Cross circulation between vehicles and pedestrians shall be minimized. A continuous, clearly marked walkway shall be provided from the parking areas to main entrances of the buildings. Walkways shall be provided between residences, parking areas, and all site facilities for safe access.

3.

Walkways shall not be sited directly against a building. A landscaped planting area shall be installed between walkways and building facades.

4.

Walkways shall be accessible to disabled persons and in conformance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

E.

Pedestrian Entrances Visible from the Street. Pedestrian entries that are visible from the street make a development more approachable and encourage a sense of association among neighbors. The following pedestrian entrance site plan elements shall be included:

1.

The dwelling entry shall be a prominent facade feature;

2.

Clearly identifiable and lighted pedestrian entries to buildings from both the streets and the parking lots shall be provided;

3.

Clearly marked paths using buildings and landscaping elements shall be installed to enhance building entries that are not on the street.

F.

Building Design. Building facades shall be broken up to give the appearance of a collection of smaller structures. Each of the units shall be individually recognizable, accomplished through the use of architectural details and design.

1.

Garage doors shall be offset between adjacent units and recessed beyond the front building face or front porch facade a minimum of four feet or located to the rear or side of the front building face or front porch facade, along with providing a variety of styles as it relates to color, texture and trim.

2.

Projection eaves and gables shall relate to the building mass and extend a minimum of two feet from the facade while utilizing architectural facade treatments.

3.

A variety of building heights, color, architectural elements, and styles shall be incorporated as part of the overall building.

G.

Adjacent Sites. In designing a multifamily residential development, compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood shall be given consideration. Buildings shall relate to adjacent properties by being so situated on their lots to minimize abrupt height, bulk and scale changes and minimize the disruption of privacy and outdoor activities of residents in adjacent buildings. The building's height, bulk and scale shall create a transition from the adjacent existing residential development, rather than form abrupt changes.

H.

Common Services. Common services for multifamily residential developments shall not be visible from public areas. All mechanical equipment, utility meters, transformers, and stationary trash bins shall be screened from view at the public right-of-way and neighboring properties. Utility meters and transformers shall be screened in a manner that does not restrict the accessibility of the municipal utilities. All screening devices are to be compatible with the architecture and color of the adjacent structures.

I.

Landscaping. Landscaping, such as plant material, special pavement, trellises, planters, site furniture or similar features, shall be incorporated into the design to enhance the development. Examples of ways to enhance design through landscaping include:

1.

Landscape all areas not covered by structures, drives, parking or other hardscape features;

2.

A variety of plants, including trees, tall shrubs, grass, and groundcover shall be provided. Trees can be used to provide shading and climatic cooling for nearby units and moderate prevailing winds;

3.

Landscaping shall be provided at the foot of buildings to soften the transition between hardscape areas on the ground place and building materials on the vertical plane;

4.

Landscaping or screening with a fence or wall shall be required along street edges that abut arterial streets and along property lines that abut nonresidential land uses.

J.

Bicycle Parking.

1.

Bike parking shall be provided at one space per two bedrooms in developments with more than four bedrooms.

2.

Required spaces shall be at least two feet by six feet. Racks shall be situated to allow a minimum of two feet between adjacent bike parking stalls.

3.

Inverted-U or similar style racks specifically designed for bike parking are required. Racks shall support the bike frame at two points and be mounted on an adequately sized concrete pad that also provides solid surface for bike access and storage in the rack.

4.

Bike parking should be located near building entries and shall not be permitted in the front yard, shall not interfere with pedestrian circulation, and shall be well-lit.

(Ord. 2006-22 § 1 (part))

(Ord. No. 2018-02, § 3, 1-23-2018)