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Taos City Zoning Code

§ 16.16.230.10

Building scale and site plans.

A. 
Instructions.
1. 
Lots and buildings located within a TND district shall be subject to the requirements of this TND district.
2. 
Building scale and site plans shall show the following, in compliance with the standards described in this TND district:
a. 
Building disposition.
b. 
Building configuration.
c. 
Building function.
d. 
Compliance with architectural standards.
e. 
Compliance with parking location standards.
Such plans require administrative approval by the code administrator prior to construction. Such approval shall be granted by the code administrator if the plans comply with all applicable regulating map or maps and the standards of the TND district (see section 16.16.230.3 of this chapter) and the standards of this code.
3. 
A certificate of occupancy shall be issued provided that the project as constructed meets all building code and related requirements and the constructed project meets the following additional standards of this section (see section 16.16.230.3 of this chapter):
a. 
Landscape standards.
b. 
Signage standards.
c. 
Lighting standards.
B. 
Specific to T-1 natural zone.
1. 
Buildings in the T-1 natural zone may be permitted by conditional use permit and only as an edge yard (see section 16.16.230.11, table 7, item A and table 12, item I of this chapter).
C. 
Building disposition.
1. 
Specific to zone T-2:
Building disposition shall be determined by conditional use permit and only as an edge yard (see section 16.16.230.11, table 7, item A, table 12, item I, and table 13A of this chapter).
2. 
Specific to zones T-3, T-4, T-5:
a. 
Newly platted lots shall be dimensioned according to section 16.16.230.11, table 12, item F and tables 13B through 13E of this chapter.
b. 
Building disposition types shall be as shown in section 16.16.230.11, table 7 of this chapter.
c. 
Buildings shall be disposed in relation to the boundaries of their lots according to section 16.16.230.11, table 12, item G and tables 13B through 13E of this chapter.
d. 
One principal building at the frontage and one outbuilding to the rear of the principal building may be built on each lot as shown in section 16.16.230.11, table 15, item C of this chapter.
e. 
Lot coverage by all buildings shall not exceed that recorded in section 16.16.230.11, table 12, item F and tables 13B through 13E of this chapter.
f. 
Facades shall be built along a minimum percentage of the frontage length at the setback, as specified in section 16.16.230.11, table 12, item G and tables 13B through 13E of this chapter.
g. 
Setbacks for principal buildings shall be as shown in section 16.16.230.11, table 12, item G and tables 13B through 13E of this chapter. In the case of an infill lot, setbacks shall match one of the existing adjacent setbacks.
h. 
Rear setbacks for outbuildings shall be a minimum of twelve feet (12') measured from the centerline of the rear alley or rear lane easement. In the absence of rear alley or rear lane, the rear setback shall be as shown in section 16.16.230.11, table 12, item H and tables 13B through 13E of this chapter.
3. 
Specific to zone T-5:
The principal entrance shall be on a frontage line.
D. 
Building configuration.
1. 
General to zones T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5:
a. 
The private frontage of buildings shall conform to and be allocated in accordance with section 16.16.230.11, tables 5A and 5B and table 12, item J of this chapter.
b. 
Buildings on corner lots shall have two (2) private frontages as shown in section 16.16.230.11, table 15, item E of this chapter. Prescriptions for the parking layers pertain only to the principal frontage. Prescriptions for the first layer pertain to both frontages.
c. 
Building heights and step backs shall conform to section 16.16.230.11, table 6 and table 12, item K of this chapter.
d. 
Stories may not exceed fourteen feet (14') in height from finished floor to finished floor, except for a first floor commercial function, which shall be a minimum of eleven feet (11') and may be a maximum of eighteen feet (18'). A single floor level exceeding fourteen feet (14'), or eighteen feet (18') at ground level, shall be counted as two (2) stories. Mezzanines extending beyond twenty-five percent (25%) of the floor area shall be counted as an additional story.
e. 
In a parking structure or garage, each level counts as a single story regardless of its relationship to habitable stories.
f. 
Height limits do not apply to attics, masts, belfries, clock towers, chimney flues, water tanks, or elevator bulkheads.
2. 
Specific to zones T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5:
The minimum size of a residential function within a principal building shall be four hundred fifty (450) square feet in interior space. The footprint of an outbuilding shall not exceed four hundred forty (440) square feet.
3. 
Specific to zone T-3:
a. 
No portion of the private frontage may encroach the sidewalk.
b. 
Open portals may encroach the first layer fifty percent (50%) of its depth (see section 16.16.230.11, table 15, item D of this chapter).
c. 
Balconies and bay windows may encroach the first layer twenty-five percent (25%) of its depth.
4. 
Specific to zone T-4:
a. 
Balconies, open portals, and bay windows may encroach the first layer fifty percent (50%) of its depth (see section 16.16.230.11, table 15, item D of this chapter).
b. 
Awnings may encroach the sidewalk to within two feet (2') of the curb but must clear the sidewalk vertically by at least eight feet (8').
5. 
Specific to zone T-5:
a. 
Awnings, public portals, and portals may encroach the sidewalk to within two feet (2') of the curb but must clear the sidewalk vertically by at least eight feet (8').
b. 
Balconies, bay windows, and terraces may encroach the first layer one hundred percent (100%) of its depth. Balconies and bay windows may encroach the sidewalk twenty-five percent (25%) of its depth (see section 16.16.230.11, table 15, item D of this chapter).
c. 
Loading docks and service areas may be permitted on frontages only by conditional use permit.
d. 
In the absence of a building facade along any part of a frontage line, a streetscreen shall be built coplanar with the facade.
e. 
Streetscreens shall be between three (3) and six feet (6') in height. The streetscreen may be replaced by a hedge or fence. Streetscreens shall have openings no larger than necessary to allow automobile and pedestrian access.
E. 
Building function.
1. 
General to zones T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5:
Buildings in each transect zone shall conform to the functions identified in section 16.16.230.11, table 8, table 10 and table 12, item L of this chapter. Specific uses permitted by right or by conditional use permit are identified in section 16.16.230.11, table 10 of this chapter.
2. 
Specific to zones T-2, T-3:
Accessory functions of restricted lodging or restricted office shall be permitted within an outbuilding (see section 16.16.230.11, table 8 of this chapter).
3. 
Specific to zones T-4, T-5:
Accessory functions of limited lodging or limited office shall be permitted within an outbuilding (see section 16.16.230.11, table 8 of this chapter).
4. 
Specific to zone T-5:
a. 
First story commercial functions shall be permitted.
b. 
Manufacturing functions within the first story may be permitted by conditional use permit.
F. 
Parking calculations.
1. 
Specific to zones T-2, T-3:
Required parking for each lot shall be determined by the actual parking provided within the lot as applied to the functions permitted in section 16.16.230.11, table 8 of this chapter. The shared parking factor is not available.
2. 
Specific to zones T-4, T-5:
a. 
Required parking on a lot shall be determined by the sum of the actual parking calculated as that provided: 1) within the lot, 2) along the thoroughfare corresponding to the lot frontage, and 3) by purchase or lease from a civic parking reserve within the pedestrian shed, if available.
b. 
The actual parking may be adjusted according to the shared parking factor of section 16.16.230.11, table 9 of this chapter to determine the effective parking.
c. 
Based on the effective parking available, the density of the projected function shall be limited according to section 16.16.230.11, table 8 of this chapter.
d. 
The total density within each transect zone shall not exceed that specified by an approved regulating map or maps.
e. 
Liner buildings less than thirty feet (30') deep and no more than one story may be exempt from parking requirements by conditional use permit.
G. 
Parking location standards.
1. 
General to zones T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5:
a. 
Parking shall be accessed by rear alleys or rear lanes when such are available.
b. 
Uncovered parking areas shall be masked from the frontage by a building or streetscreen.
c. 
For buildings on B-grids, open parking areas may be allowed unmasked on the frontage by conditional use permit.
2. 
Specific to zones T-2, T-3:
a. 
Uncovered parking areas may be provided within any layer. Driveways, drop-offs and unpaved parking areas may be located at the first lot layer (section 16.16.230.11, table 15, item D of this chapter).
b. 
Garages shall be located at the third lot layer except that side or rear entry types may be allowed in the first or second lot layer by conditional use permit.
3. 
Specific to zones T-3, T-4:
Driveways at frontages shall be no wider than ten feet (10') in the first layer.
4. 
Specific to zone T-4:
a. 
Uncovered parking areas shall be located at the second and third lot layers, except that driveways, drop-offs, and unpaved parking areas may be located at the first lot layer (section 16.16.230.11, table 15, item D of this chapter).
b. 
Garages shall be located at the third lot layer.
5. 
Specific to zone T-5:
a. 
All parking lots, garages, and parking structures shall be located at the second or third lot layer (section 16.16.230.11, table 15, item D of this chapter).
b. 
Vehicular entrances to parking lots, garages, and parking structures shall be no wider than twenty-four feet (24') at the frontage.
c. 
Pedestrian exits from all parking lots, garages, and parking structures shall be directly to a frontage line (i.e., not directly into a building) except underground garage levels which may be exited by pedestrians directly into a building.
d. 
Parking structures on A-grids shall have liner buildings lining the first and second stories.
e. 
A minimum of one bicycle rack shall be provided within the public or private frontage for every ten (10) vehicular parking spaces.
H. 
Landscape standards.
1. 
General to zones T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5:
a. 
Impermeable surface shall be confined to the ratio of lot coverage specified in section 16.16.230.11, table 12, item F of this chapter.
b. 
All applicants shall be required to remove all prohibited and noxious plants prior to receiving a certificate of occupancy. Noxious plants are identified in title 15, chapter 15.12 of this code.
c. 
All trees shall be a minimum of fifteen (15) gallon size and six feet (6') tall. Any tree less than two inches (2") caliper size shall be staked or guyed.
d. 
Artificial plants are not permitted.
e. 
Trees must provide a canopy with an understory height clearance of at least eight feet (8') for a sidewalk, path, bicycle lane, bicycle route, bicycle trail, or parking space, at least twelve feet (12') for thoroughfares and driveways, and fifteen feet (15') for loading spaces.
f. 
Landscape fabric (weed barrier) shall be used under vegetative or inorganic ground cover to inhibit the growth of weeds.
g. 
Water used in constructed water features such as fountains, streams, and ponds shall be recirculated.
2. 
Specific to zones T-2, T-3, T-4:
The first layer may not be paved, with the exception of driveways as specified in subsections G.2 and G.3 of this section (see section 16.16.230.11, table 15, item D of this chapter).
3. 
Specific to zone T-3:
a. 
A minimum of two (2) trees shall be planted within the first layer for each thirty feet (30') of frontage line or portion thereof (see section 16.16.230.11, table 15, item D of this chapter).
b. 
Trees may be of single or multiple species as shown in section 16.16.230.11, table 4 of this chapter.
c. 
Trees shall be naturalistically clustered.
d. 
Natural turf may be permitted not to exceed five hundred (500) square feet per half acre and if irrigated by a rainwater harvesting system approved by the code administrator.
4. 
Specific to zone T-4:
a. 
A minimum of one tree shall be planted within the first layer for each thirty feet (30') of frontage line or portion thereof (see section 16.16.230.11, table 15, item D of this chapter).
b. 
The species shall be a single species to match the species of street trees on the public frontage, or as shown in section 16.16.230.11, table 4 of this chapter.
c. 
Natural turf shall be permitted not to exceed five hundred (500) square feet per half acre if irrigated by a rainwater harvesting system approved by the code administrator.
5. 
Specific to zone T-5:
a. 
Trees shall not be required in the first layer.
b. 
At retail frontages, the spacing of trees may be irregular to avoid visually obscuring the shopfronts.
c. 
The first layer may be paved to match the pavement of the public frontage.
d. 
Natural turf shall be permitted not to exceed five hundred (500) square feet per half acre and if irrigated by a rainwater harvesting system approved by the code administrator.
I. 
Signage standards.
1. 
General to zones T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5:
a. 
There shall be no signage permitted additional to that specified in this section other than a “construction sign” or a real estate sign which shall be defined and permitted according to section 16.20.010.5 of this title.
b. 
The address number, no more than six inches (6") measured vertically, shall be attached to the building in proximity to the principal entrance or at a mailbox.
2. 
Specific to zones T-2, T-3:
Signage shall not be illuminated.
3. 
Specific to zones T-4, T-5:
Signage shall be externally illuminated, except that signage within the shopfront glazing may be neon lit. Illumination shall comply with title 15, chapter 15.28 of this code (night sky protection ordinance).
4. 
Specific to zones T-2, T-3, T-4:
One (1) blade sign for each nonresidential function may be permanently installed perpendicular to the facade within the first layer. Such a sign shall not exceed a total of four (4) square feet and shall clear eight feet (8') above the sidewalk.
5. 
Specific to zone T-5:
a. 
Blade signs, not to exceed six (6) square feet for each separate business entrance, may be attached to and should be perpendicular to the facade, and shall clear eight feet (8') above the sidewalk.
b. 
A single external permanent sign band may be applied to the facade of each building, providing that such sign does not exceed three feet (3') in height by any length.
6. 
Specific to zone T-5b:
Monument signs, not to exceed six feet (6') in height and four feet (4') in width, shall be permitted for each mixed use frontage. Such sign may contain the names of all tenant(s) or occupant(s) of the building and there shall be a maximum of one (1) monument sign per frontage.
J. 
Density calculations.
1. 
General to zone T-2, T-3, T-4, T-5:
a. 
Density shall be measured by the maximum lot coverage as specified in section 16.16.230.11, table 12, item F of this chapter.
b. 
Density for each transect zone shall be subject to further adjustment at the building scale as limited by section 16.16.230.11, tables 8 and 9 of this chapter.
K. 
Architecture standards.
1. 
General to zones T-3, T-4, T-5:
a. 
Building wall materials may be combined on each facade only horizontally, with the heavier below the lighter.
b. 
Streetscreens should be constructed of a material matching the adjacent building facade.
c. 
All openings, including portals, arcades and windows, with the exception of storefronts, shall be square or vertical in proportion.
d. 
Openings (fenestration) on the second story shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total building wall area, with each facade being calculated independently.
e. 
Doors and windows that operate as sliders (those that move horizontally, not vertically) are prohibited along frontages.
f. 
Pitched roofs, if provided, shall be symmetrically sloped no less than six to twelve (6:12), except that portals and attached sheds may be no less than two to twelve (2:12).
g. 
The exterior finish material on all facades shall be limited to stucco, stone, wood siding, or cementitious siding.
h. 
Flat roofs shall be enclosed by parapets a minimum of forty-two inches (42") high, or as required to conceal mechanical equipment from view of the public frontage.
i. 
Balconies and portals shall be made of wood.
j. 
Fences or walls at the first lot layer shall be stuccoed or made from latillas. Fences at other layers may be of wood board or chainlink.
2. 
Standards mandatory.
The architectural design and site planning standards established by section 16.20.030 of this title shall be mandatory for all structures containing a nonresidential use.
L. 
Lighting standards.
1. 
All lighting shall comply with title 15, chapter 15.28 of this code (night sky protection ordinance).
2. 
General to all zones T-1, T-2, T-3, T-4, and T-5:
Streetlights shall be of a general type as illustrated in section 16.16.230.11, table 3C of this chapter.
3. 
Specific to zone T-1:
No lighting level measured at the building frontage line shall exceed 0.5 fc (footcandle).
4. 
Specific to zones T-2, T-3, T-4:
No lighting level measured at the building frontage line shall exceed 1.0 fc (footcandle).
5. 
Specific to zone T-5:
No lighting level.
(Ordinance 09-01 adopted 2009; Ordinance 17-07 adopted 2017)