The following design guidelines create standards for yards, open space, landscaping, signage, setbacks, connectivity, and screening. These standards are the basis for development design for commercial development unless more restrictive requirements exist elsewhere in this chapter.

These standards apply to all new nonresidential development, expansions, or redevelopment, except for smaller additions or modification to an existing use. This exception would permit any existing lot in the commercial zone on which a building or structure is located to have additions to the principal building and/or construction of any accessory building or structures without a need for a variance or design waiver from these standards and requirements. The intent is not to overwhelm existing businesses with new regulations and standards, but to encourage reinvestment and improvements to properties over time. Examples of exceptions to ordinance standards include properties where: