Severance City Zoning Code

ARTICLE 6

Design Standards

Sec. 16.6.10.- Intent.

The intent of this Article is to establish the minimum design and development standards for all projects within the Town. These standards are intended to achieve the following:

Provide minimum standards for enhanced architectural character throughout the community;

Promote a higher quality of community-wide design and development;

Protect the character of new and existing neighborhoods;

Create appropriate transitions and compatibility, where possible, of adjacent land uses;

Prevent neighborhood blight, deterioration, and decay;

Create diversity in design between different neighborhood areas and land uses;

Promote the creation of distinct places within the community.

(Ord. No. 2025-15, § 3(Exh. A), 8-12-25)

Sec. 16.6.20. - Applicability.

(a)

The standards of this Article apply to all properties within the Town, where applicable.

(b)

The Town will, from time to time, conduct studies and analysis of neighborhood areas, corridors, and development nodes that identify additional development and design criteria. This criteria may be established by resolution of the Town Council. When established by resolution, such criteria are hereby incorporated by reference into this Article, and all projects within these areas must comply with the applicable design criteria.

(Ord. No. 2025-15, § 3(Exh. A), 8-12-25)

Sec. 16.6.100. - Intent.

(a)

Purpose. The intent of this Section is to apply enhanced design criteria and guidelines to all uses within the Town classified as "multi-family dwellings" under this Code.

(b)

Provisions. The provisions of this Section are in addition to the requirements of the underlying zone district and supersede the zone district requirements in the event of a conflict.

(Ord. No. 2025-15, § 3(Exh. A), 8-12-25)

Sec. 16.6.110. - Multi-family building design standards.

The following Tables 16.6.110.a. and 16.6.110.b. establish the design standards for all multi-family development and mixed-use development that incorporates multi-family housing. The tables capture building materials, colors, architectural variety, and architectural details. The following details support the interpretation and use of the table below.

An X denotes a requirement for that zone district.

The use of n/a reflects that the associated standard does not apply for the specific zone district.

An asterisk denotes additional standards apply and are specified below the table.

Information other than an X or n/a indicates specific development standards as specified.

SP column is the Suburban Perimeter Zone District.

DN column is the Development Node Zone District (including the Industrial Subzone).

TC column is the Town Core Zone District.

The Rural Residential Zone District is not included as it does not permit multi-family.

Table 16.6.110.a.
Building Materials and Color Design for Multi-Family Residential Uses by Zone District.

Building Material Requirements*	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
Primary materials	20% Minimum	30% Minimum	30% Minimum
Secondary materials	80% Maximum	70% Maximum	70% Maximum
Accent materials	5% to 10% Building Facades

Building Colors	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
Colors shall be compatible with character of the surrounding area.	X	X	X
Colors shall be of subdued and muted tones.	X	X	X
Earth-tone and neutral colors are encouraged as the primary color.	X	X	X
Reflective or neon primary and secondary colors shall not be permitted as exterior paint colors on any structure. Reflective or neon colors may be allowed for trim and accent elements as approved by the Town Manager and/or their designee.	X	X	X
Roof material colors should be darker and warm, earth-toned hues that accent and complement other building colors.	X	X	X

(a)

Supplemental building materials provisions for multi-family residential.

(1)

Permitted materials. Exterior materials shall be permitted as follows.

Primary materials include the following:

Brick.

Stone.

Secondary materials include the following:

Any primary materials.

Glass.

Metal siding.

Color concrete.

Stucco (or equal or better simulated material).

Horizontal wood clap board (or equal or better simulated material).

Accent materials include the following:

Any Primary or Secondary Materials may be used as an accent material.

Wood trim (or equal or better simulated material).

Precast stone, or wood moldings or similar architectural details (or equal or better simulated material).

Prohibited materials include the following:

Vinyl Siding.

Exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS).

Material changes. Except for accent materials, changes in the façade material should only occur at horizontal expression lines.

Table 16.6.110.b.
Architectural Variety and Details for Multi-Family Residential Uses by Zone District

Architectural Variety	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
Shall have varied building heights, styles, colors, and building details.	X	X	X
Shall incorporate one model for every four buildings at a minimum. Models shall be evenly utilized to the maximum extent practicable.	X	X	X
Distinct building designs, as required above, shall be easily distinguished through a minimum of two of the following criteria: A variation in length of 30% or more. A variation in the footprint of the building of 30% or more. A distinct variation in use of materials. A variation in the type of dwelling unit contained in the building that results in a significantly different scale and mass (i.e., apartments vs. townhomes vs. duplexes). A distinct variation in building height and roof form.	X	X	X
For developments of three or more stacked buildings, a floor plan may be repeated; however, identical building facades shall not be replicated more than twice within the development.	n/a	X	X
Facades shall be articulated through the incorporation of four or more of the following elements within every 35 feet length of the façade and on a minimum of 75% of the façade area. Balconies. Bay or box windows. Recesses, projections, or significant offsets in the wall plane. Porches. Dormers. Variations in materials. Variations in roof forms. Each building shall feature walls that are articulated by distinct, individualized, and covered entrances. Chimneys that project from the wall plane. Balconies and/or other outdoor living space. Bay or box windows.	X	X	X
All buildings shall have a 15-foot step-back on all floors over two stories when adjacent to single-family residential uses.	X	X	X
All facades shall have a clear base, middle, and cap.	X	X	X
Facades shall be designed to incorporate visually heavier and more massive elements at the building base, and lighter elements above the base. Upper stories shall not appear heavier or demonstrate greater mass than the lower stories of the building.	X	X	X
Buildings shall provide concentrated dwelling unit access points. Monotonous access balconies and corridors running the length of a building shall be prohibited.	X	X	X
Blocky, uniform facades are prohibited.	X	X	X
Buildings shall feature a combination of primary and secondary roof forms. Primary pitched roof forms shall be articulated by at least one of the following elements: Changes in plane and elevations. Dormers, gables, or clerestories. Transitions to secondary roofs over entrances, garages, porches, or bay windows.	X	X	X
Roofs shall incorporate pitches of between 3:12 and 12:12; however, alternative roof forms may be permitted at the discretion of the Town Manager and/or their designee.	X	X	X
Roofing materials shall be appropriate to the architectural style of a building.	X	X	X
Where exposed to public view, roof materials shall be selected from enameled standing seam metal, concrete or clay tiles, copper metal, wood textured (architectural grade), or composition asphalt shingles.	X	X	X
The use of plastic, fiberglass, other metal, or glass visible to public view is prohibited.	X	X	X

(b)

Supplemental architectural design details for multi-family residential.

(1)

Rooftop amenities are not permitted within the suburban perimeter zone district. These amenities are permitted within the development node and Town Core Zone Districts.

Rooftop open space areas shall be included in all open space requirements and calculations.

Rooftop open spaces shall maintain adequate safety features to reduce the possibility of harm to residents, guests, and employees during use. These safety mechanisms shall be shown on the site plan submittal.

(2)

Ground floor active uses are required within the development node and Town Core Zone Districts.

(Ord. No. 2025-15, § 3(Exh. A), 8-12-25)

Sec. 16.6.120. - Multi-family landscaping and streetscape standards.

The following Table 16.6.120.a establishes the landscape and streetscape design standards for all multi-family development and mixed-use development that incorporates multi-family housing. Additional regulations pertaining to open space, buffering, and pedestrian circulation can be found in Article 5, Division 1 of this Code. The following details support the interpretation and use of the table below:

An X denotes a requirement for that zone district.

The use of n/a reflects that the associated standard does not apply for the specific zone district.

An asterisk denotes additional standards apply and are specified below the table.

Information other than an X or n/a indicates specific development standards as specified in the cell.

SP column is the Suburban Perimeter Zone District.

DN column is the Development Node Zone District (including the Industrial Subzone).

TC column is the Town Core Zone District.

The Rural Residential Zone District is not included as it does not permit Multi-Family Development.

Table 16.6.120.a.
Multi-family Landscaping and Streetscaping Design Standards by Zone District

Landscaping	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
A minimum of one tree for every 1,000 sq. ft. of landscaped area shall be provided, subject to adopted water conservation policies.	X	X	X
A minimum of one shrub for every 150 sq. ft. of landscaped area shall be provided and must be grouped and distributed throughout the site. With the Town Manager's and/or their designee's approval, trees may be substituted for up to one-half of the required shrubs at the rate of one tree for every 10 shrubs.	X	X	X
Irrigated turf or an alternative as approved by the Town Manager and/or their designee, shall be utilized for active recreation areas, and maintained to appropriate industry standards.	X	X	X
Native grass is highly encouraged for areas that will not function as active recreation areas. Native grass must be weed-free and maintained at a maximum height of eight inches following industry standard establishment timeframes.	X	X	X
Live materials shall be located between the front of the building and adjacent roadways at the following minimum rates.	65%	50%	10%

Streetscaping	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
Perimeter treatment adjacent to roadways should include a landscape buffer of varying widths, with a minimum width of 10 feet and a maximum width of 20 feet. An exception may be granted by the Town Manager and/or their designee for infill Town center projects.	X	X	X
A pathway at least six feet in width shall be provided parallel to the street.	X	X	X
A landscape strip 10 feet in width shall be planted with at least 1 large tree per 35 feet of frontage between the street and pedestrian pathway. An exception may be granted by the Town Manager and/or their designee for infill Town center projects.	75% shade and/or deciduous species 25% other approved species
Coniferous or evergreen trees must be placed a minimum of 10 feet off the southern edge of a bike path or curb to minimize shading and icing concerns where possible.	X	X	X

(Ord. No. 2025-15, § 3(Exh. A), 8-12-25)

Sec. 16.6.130. - Amenity points for multi-family residential.

Amenities for residents should include active and passive spaces that are age-appropriate for current and future residents of all abilities. Credit shall be given for incorporated features as listed below. Credit may be provided for amenity features not included in this list. Such credit shall be based on the determination of the Town Manager and/or their designee, based on a review of the variety of amenities proposed. Final decision by the Town Manager and/or their designee may be appealed in accordance with the appeals procedures of this Code.

Table 16.6.130.a.
Amenity Point Calculations for Multi-family Developments

Residential Unit Breakdown	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
Up to 10 Dwelling Units	1	1	1
11 to 30 Units	2	3	2
31 to 50 Units	3	5	5
51 to 150 Units	5	6	6
More than 151 Dwelling Units	7	7	7

(a)

The following features are worth two (2) amenity points each:

(1)

Pool.

(2)

Community clubhouse with Fitness Center included—Large (more than two-thousand and five hundred (2,500) square feet).

(3)

Multifunctional playgrounds with commercial grade equipment—Large (greater than two-thousand and five hundred (2,500) square feet playground zone area).

(b)

The following features are worth one amenity point each:

(1)

Community clubhouse—Small (less than two thousand and five hundred (2,500) square feet).

(2)

Fitness center (five (5) or more pieces of equipment).

(3)

Dog park—Large.

(4)

Multifunctional playgrounds with commercial grade equipment—Medium (one thousand (1,000) to two thousand and five hundred (2,500) square foot playground zone area).

(5)

Court games (tennis, volleyball, basketball, etc.) at least one thousand (1,000) square feet in size shall each count.

(6)

System of trails throughout the entire development.

Trails shall be designed to provide interesting and distinct areas for walking, bicycling and/or riding in areas separate from and in addition to traditional sidewalks. Trails shall be designed and constructed as required by the Town, see Article 5 of this Code.

(c)

The following features are worth one-half (0.5) amenity point each:

(1)

Dog run.

(2)

Fitness center (fewer than five (5) pieces of equipment).

(3)

Plazas, courtyards, community gazebo, or community gardens with irrigation systems and defined garden edges of at least one thousand (1,000) square feet in size.

(4)

Public art, as approved by the Town Manager and/or their designee.

(5)

Picnic or barbeque areas with commercial grade equipment.

(6)

Multifunctional playgrounds with commercial grade equipment—Small (less than one thousand (1,000) square foot playground zone area).

(7)

Rooftop solar arrays.

(Ord. No. 2025-15, § 3(Exh. A), 8-12-25)

Sec. 16.6.200. - Intent.

(a)

Purpose. The intent of this Section is to apply enhanced design criteria and guidelines to all non- residential development within the Town.

(b)

Provisions. The provisions of this Section are in addition to the requirements of the underlying zone district and supersede the zone district requirements. In the event of a discrepancy between the two (2), the Town Manager's and/or their designee's decision shall be final.

(c)

Applicability. These standards apply to the following:

(1)

New nonresidential commercial and office development.

(2)

Modifications or additions to existing nonresidential commercial and office development, but only the portion of the development being modified.

(3)

Mixed-use developments that incorporate multi-family housing shall be subject to the multi-family design criteria of this Code.

(d)

Site design considerations.

(1)

Buildings shall be arranged to frame, enclose, or give prominence to pedestrian corridors, outdoor gathering spaces, main street pedestrian or vehicle access corridors, or the corners of street intersections or entry points into the development.

(2)

Elements that shall be coordinated between adjacent sites include the following:

Shared driveways for access;

Linkages of internal vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems;

Linkages of open space systems;

Areas and access for refuse and recycling collection;

Drainage and detention facilities; and

Other improvements where a coordinated approach benefits the larger area.

(3)

Rooftop open space shall be included in all open space requirements.

Rooftop open spaces shall maintain adequate safety features to reduce the possibility of harm during their use. These safety mechanisms shall be shown on the site plan submittal and shall be approved by the Town Manager and/or their designee.

(Ord. No. 2025-15, § 3(Exh. A), 8-12-25)

Sec. 16.6.210. - Nonresidential commercial and office design standards.

The following Tables 16.6.210.a., 16.6.210.b., and 16.6.210.c. establish the design standards for all nonresidential commercial and office development. The tables capture building materials, colors, entrance features, vertical and horizontal articulation, transparency, and roof form. The following details support the interpretation and use of the tables below.

•An X denotes a requirement for that zone district.

•The use of n/a reflects that the associated standard does not apply for the specific zone district.

•An asterisk denotes additional standards apply and are specified below the table.

•Information other than an X or n/a indicates specific development standards as specified in the cell.

•SP column is the Suburban Perimeter Zone District.

•DN column is the Development Node Zone District (including the Industrial Subzone).

•TC column is the Town Core Zone District.

•The Rural Residential Zone District is not included as it does not permit Multi-Family Development.

Table 16.6.210.a.
Nonresidential Building Materials and Color Design by Zone District

Building Material Requirements*	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
Primary materials	50% to 90%
Secondary materials	20% to 40%
Accent materials	10% to 30%

Building Colors	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
Colors shall complement one another and fit the overall architectural character of the area and be context sensitive to surrounding buildings.	X	X	X
Intense, bright, or fluorescent colors and glossy finishes shall not be used as the predominant color on any exterior wall or roof of any structure.	X	X	X

(a)

Exterior building materials should be simple, durable, and shall be compatible with the idea of agrarian architecture. While some diversity in exterior building materials and color is a part of the tradition of commercial districts, the range should be limited to promote a sense of visual continuity for the Town. Simple material finishes are encouraged, and matte finishes are preferred.

(1)

Permitted materials. No more than four (4) materials should be used, including the use of secondary and accent materials. Exterior materials shall be permitted as follows:

Primary materials include the following:

Brick.

Natural stone.

Other quality materials, such as repurposed materials.

Secondary materials include the following:

Any primary materials may be used as a secondary material.

Glass (i.e., clear, and semi-transparent).

Metal Siding (twenty-five percent (25%) maximum per building façade).

Color concrete.

Stucco (masonry).

Quality wood or composite siding or panels.

Architectural tiles.

Fiber cement board.

Other quality materials, such as repurposed materials.

Accent materials include the following:

Any primary or secondary materials may be used as an accent material.

Wood trim (or equal or better simulated material).

Precast stone, or wood moldings or similar architectural details (or equal or better simulated material).

Prohibited materials include the following:

Vinyl siding.

Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS).

Reflective or mirror glass.

Table 16.6.210.b.
Nonresidential Building Entrance Designs, Vertical and Horizontal Articulation Design Standards by Zone District

Building Entrances	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
Building facades fronting a public street or civic open space shall include a primary entrance feature at ground level that is directly accessible from an adjacent sidewalk or pedestrian pathway.	X	X	X
Primary entrances must be clearly identifiable and directly oriented toward adjacent sidewalks or designated pedestrian routes to ensure convenient and visible pedestrian access	X	X	X
Entrance features shall occur along a building frontage.	Every 75 feet	Every 75 feet	Every 50 feet
For a single-tenant building, façades shall be differentiated by horizontal massing techniques.	X	X	X
Public entryways shall create architectural interest and variation from other portions of the building by incorporating the following features: Changes in building planes through recesses and/or projections a minimum of two feet in dimension. Canopies, awnings, arcades, galleries, or other overhangs. Raised corniced parapets over the door. Peaked roof forms. Display windows. Integrated architectural embellishments such as moldings. Changes in building material, color, and/or texture. Special paving treatments. Other substantial design elements that add visual interest.	Minimum of three features	Minimum of three features.	Minimum of five features
Corner buildings to be designed with angled entrances at the corner, where practical.	n/a	In a walkable context	In a walkable context

Horizontal Articulation	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
Building façades greater than 50 feet in length shall incorporate variations in the wall plane with projections, recesses, or other variations from the main mass having a depth of at least two feet.	X	X	X
Building façades shall incorporate a change of materials as follows. At least three materials for street facing façades or when facing other public areas. At least two materials for all other facades.	X	X	X
Each building façade shall incorporate the following elements: Change in building colors. Change in textures. Variation in window design. Other substantial design elements that add visual interest.	Minimum of two elements	Minimum of two elements	Minimum of three elements
Remaining blank wall areas shall be broken-up by patterns of windows and doors, ornamental architectural details or changes in materials that are consistent with the architectural style of the building.	X	X	X

Vertical Articulation	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
Buildings taller than 20 feet shall be designed so the massing or façade articulation of the building presents a clear base, middle, and top.	X	X	X
Visually heavier and more massive elements shall be incorporated at the building base with lighter elements above the base. Upper stories shall not appear heavier or demonstrate greater mass than the lower stories of the building.	X	X	X
Lower levels of multi-story buildings are to be differentiated by incorporating elements such as the following: Veneer banding or wainscot. Change in materials and/or change in textures. Heavier materials and darker colors on lower levels. Integrated covered walkways, trellises, or architectural awnings. Low planters and walls. Other design elements that distinguish lower levels.	X	X	X
Buildings shall incorporate four-sided design where all parts are perceived as a coordinated part of a unified whole. All sides shall exhibit the same quality, continuity, and durability of design including the same primary and secondary materials. Important sides can reflect priority in the allocation of materials. All sides visible from streets, public spaces, or active portions of adjacent sites shall have a similar level of trim, accent material, details, and ornamentation. Greater importance shall be given to areas closest to the public realm or with greater visibility. Parts not exposed to the public may be designed for utility.	X	X	X

Table 16.6.210.c.
Nonresidential Transparency and Roof Form Design Standards by Zone District

Transparency (windows, doors, and openings)	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
Ground floor façades facing a public street or other public area shall contain windows and/or doorways.	50% minimum of the total area
Upper floor facades facing a public street or other public area shall contain windows and/or doorways.	15% minimum of the total area
Storefront display windows and doors shall allow visibility into and out of the store, unless security or safety reasons dictate otherwise.	X	X	X
Windows shall be accented and defined with detailed elements, such as frames, sills, and lintels.	X	X	X

Roof Form	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
No roofline along any building elevation shall exceed 30 feet in length without a visual variation that incorporates any of the following: Projections or recessions of at least two feet in depth. Dormers. Change in roof height of at least two feet. Distinct architectural features.	X	X	X
Roofs of buildings shall have parapets or enclosures concealing flat roofs and rooftop equipment from public view and be constructed of materials that match the building in quality and detail. Three-dimensional cornice treatments shall be incorporated as part of the architectural design.	X	X	X
Roofs shall be designed to accommodate solar energy systems to the maximum extent practical.	X	X	X
Roofing materials shall be appropriate to the building architecture.	X	X	X

(Ord. No. 2025-15, § 3(Exh. A), 8-12-25)

Sec. 16.6.220. - Screening of ancillary uses and utilities.

(a)

Ancillary uses such as outdoor storage areas, trash and recycling areas, loading, and unloading areas, service areas, HVAC equipment, and on-site utilities shall be screened to the greatest extent possible from view of public rights-of-way, amenity and public spaces, and adjacent properties by a combination of walls, fences, landscaping, or other similar device and be incorporated into the overall site and building design.

(b)

Building mounted utilities and equipment shall be screened from view of public rights-of-way, amenity and public spaces, and adjacent properties by a combination of walls, fences, landscaping, or other similar devices, and shall be painted to match the adjacent wall color, when applicable.

(c)

Ancillary uses shall be located to the rear of the property or in a way that mitigates their potential impacts on surrounding properties and the public realm.

(d)

Views of ancillary uses shall be separated from sidewalks and on-site pedestrian ways. Screening structures shall be made of the same materials as the principal structure if not placed behind the building.

(e)

Outdoor display and storage areas shall not encroach on any portion of a walkway, drive aisles, required parking spaces, or landscape area unless otherwise authorized by this Code.

(Ord. No. 2025-15, § 3(Exh. A), 8-12-25)

Sec. 16.6.230. - Nonresidential commercial and office landscaping and streetscape design standards.

Table 16.6.230.a. below establishes the landscaping and streetscape design standards for all non- residential commercial and office developments. Additional regulations pertaining to open space, buffering, and pedestrian circulation can be found in Article 5, Division 1 of this Code. The following details support the interpretation and use of the tables below.

•An X denotes a requirement for that zone district.

•The use of n/a reflects that the associated standard does not apply for the specific zone district.

•An asterisk denotes additional standards apply and are specified below the table.

•Information other than an X or n/a indicates specific development standards as specified in the cell.

•SP column is the Suburban Perimeter Zone District.

•DN column is the Development Node Zone District (including the Industrial Subzone).

•TC column is the Town Core Zone District.

•The Rural Residential Zone District is not included as it does not permit nonresidential commercial and office development.

Table 16.6.230.a.
Nonresidential Landscaping and Streetscaping Design Standards by Zone District

Landscaping	SP Zone District	DN Zone District	TC Zone District
The following areas are required to be landscaped: Buffer yards. Plazas and courtyards. Parking areas using islands/medians /perimeterplantings. Streetscapes. Stormwater areas. Unused and unoccupied portions of a site.	X	X	Site Dependent
A minimum of one tree for every 1,000 sq. ft. of landscaped area shall be provided, subject to adopted water conservation policies.	Minimum 50% shade and/or deciduous Minimum 25% coniferous
A minimum of one shrub for every 150 sq. ft. of landscaped area shall be provided and must be grouped and distributed throughout the site. With approval, trees may be substituted for up to one-half of the required shrubs at the rate of one tree for every 10 shrubs.	X	X	X
Irrigated turf or an alternative as approved, shall be utilized for active recreation areas and maintained to appropriate industry standards.	X	X	X
Native grass is highly encouraged for areas that will not function as active recreation areas. Native grass must be weed-free and maintained at a maximum height of eight inches following industry standards for establishment timeframes.	X	X	X
Landscaped areas shall be covered with live irrigated, lower water consuming ground cover, except for areas where additional hardscape is allowed or an alternative as approved.	Minimum 75% of landscape area	Minimum 75% of landscape area	Site dependent
Pedestrian walks and other hardscape landscape features and amenities may comprise the required landscape areas. Includes features such as outdoor seating areas, plazas with recreation and entertainment areas, water features, public art, and approved permeable pavement.	Maximum 50% of landscape area	Maximum 50% of landscape area	Maximum 75% of landscape area
Landscape buffers shall be provided in accordance with the buffering criteria of this Code.	X	X	Site dependent
Parking lot landscaping shall be provided in accordance with the parking lot design criteria of this Code.	X	X	X
Plazas and courtyards shall include following amenity element types: Seating at one space for every 150 square feet of plaza/courtyard area seating may be provided with chairs and tables, benches, and/or seating walls); Trees appropriate for the space planted at one tree for every 750 square feet of plaza or courtyard area; Art or creative features (i.e., water features, fire features, interactive features for families and kids); Areas and facilities for recreation, entertainment, or educational activities; Other appropriate amenities or design elements.	Minimum of three element types	Minimum of three element types	Minimum of four element types
Perimeter treatment adjacent to roadways should include a landscape buffer of varying widths, with a minimum width of 10 feet and a maximum width of 20 feet. An exception may be granted by the Town Manager and/or their designee for infill Town Core projects.	X	X	X
A pathway at least six feet in width shall be provided parallel to the street. The pathway shall be designed to provide adequate space for pedestrians, street furniture, outdoor seating areas, landscaping, and other amenities to enhance the pedestrian experience.	X	X	Site Dependent
A landscape strip 10 feet in width shall be planted with at least one tree for every 35 feet of frontage between the street and pedestrian pathway. The landscape strip, where applicable, shall be landscaped with irrigated lower water-consuming grass or other material suitable for the area. An exception may be granted by the Town Manager and/or their designee for infill Town Core projects.	75% shade or deciduous species 25% other approved species
Coniferous or evergreen trees shall be placed a minimum of 10 feet from the southern edge of a public street, sidewalk, or trail to minimize winter icing concerns where possible.	X	X	X

(Ord. No. 2025-15, § 3(Exh. A), 8-12-25)

Sec. 16.6.240. - Supplemental provisions for open space and landscaping.

This design criteria supplements and supports the criteria located in this Code pertaining to topics such as open space, landscaping, buffering, pedestrian circulation, and parking design standards. Any applicant or entity wishing to develop or construct within the Town shall review and conform to all applicable criteria of this Code.

(a)

Open space and landscaping.

(1)

Open spaces should be designed to serve multiple requirements of this Code including buffers, screening, stormwater, or formal open space. In no instance should open space design and integration compromise other design objections and functions such as site drainage.

(2)

Plazas and courtyards may be required for mixed-use or nonresidential developments based on consideration of the scope and scale of the proposal and mix of uses, the proposed building placement and design, and the quality of the proposed landscape and screening design.

(3)

Plazas and courtyards shall be centrally located within the development area and accessible to residents, customers, and guests they are intended to serve.

(Ord. No. 2025-15, § 3(Exh. A), 8-12-25)