The Common Council of the City of Oneonta declares its intent
to adopt design guidelines that apply to nonresidential development
and mixed-use development that includes residential components in
the Downtown Mixed-Use (MU-1) and the Gateway Mixed-Use (MU-2) Districts.
The design guidelines seek to encourage a mix of uses within the designated
districts with an emphasis on improved site design, greater economic
activity, and more dynamic social interaction. Within the designated
districts, regulation will be largely based on form and impact of
development as well as use. The guidelines provide design criteria
and suggest development approaches, which will help both the City
and applicants consider issues of site organization, site design,
public spaces and architecture. The purposes are to:
A. Reduce delays and confusion that developers, property owners, or
business operators may encounter during the design phase of the proposed
projects.
B. Continue to attract appropriate development in order to expand the
economic and fiscal base of the community in a manner that maintains
the unique character of the City with a high quality of life.
C. Encourage the highest quality of architectural and site design that
is compatible with their surroundings.
D. Encourage buildings that provide an appropriate transition between
the commercial areas of the City and the surrounding neighborhoods.
E. Encourage buildings that are protective of important natural and
public spaces.
F. Encourage conservation of our resources and avoid or minimize adverse
impacts to our natural environment.
G. Establish a clear and consistent method for reviewing plans for new
buildings and renovation or exterior alteration of existing buildings
and sites.
H. Minimize land use conflicts.
When applicable, projects should incorporate the following design
concepts.
A. Sustainability.
(1) New buildings and the adaptive reuse of historic buildings should
as much as possible use green building technologies for mechanical
systems, energy needs and construction materials.
(2) The adaptive reuse of the valuable historic building stock is an
effective sustainable practice and is strongly encouraged.
(3) Site development technologies that conserve resources and reduce
environmental impacts are strongly encouraged.
(4) Emphasis should be placed on the use of and development of public
transportation and pedestrian systems, and the reduction of automobile
use wherever possible.
B. Use integration.
(1) Development should encourage the full mix of uses as may be allowed
within each of the districts that are both pedestrian friendly and
amenable to being served by public transportation where it is provided.
(2) Development should encourage residential uses in conjunction with
commercial activities in order to create an active street life, enhance
the viability of businesses and reduce traffic.
(3) Development should provide opportunities for mixed-use developments
by permitting existing residential and commercial uses to be combined
on unified development sites.
(4) Street-level facades should include active uses such as shops, restaurants,
cafes, fitness centers, exhibition spaces, galleries, meeting space,
commercial lobbies, residential entrances, services, etc.
C. Streetscape and the pedestrian environment
(1) Building facades at and near the street level should be designed
with human-scaled elements and details that promote pedestrian interests,
comfort, and safety.
(2) Projects should look to create a network and continuity of active
spaces and avoid disconnected spaces.
(3) Projects should incorporate streetscape improvements, including appropriate
and unified street furniture (e.g., benches, bus shelters, trash receptacles,
planting containers, pedestrian lighting, kiosks, etc.), to encourage
pedestrian activity, avoiding dull/bleak streetscapes that discourage
walking.
(4) Street trees and pedestrian-scaled lighting (in addition to vehicle
area lighting) should be incorporated into designs to enhance the
project area and surrounding areas.
(5) New pedestrian crosswalks should be constructed to enhance connections
across streets.
D. Architectural and massing considerations.
(1) Projects should complement the City's architectural and cultural
heritage by conserving and/or reflecting dominant design elements
and characteristics of areas, and maintaining area proportions of
scale and mass.
(2) Public buildings, structures, and spaces should be designed and constructed
to the highest standards in order to reflect community values, inspire
future development, foster civic pride, and serve as a model to others.
(3) Scale, massing, and dominant architectural elements should contribute
to the overall composition and developing character of the surrounding
area.
(4) Projects should seek to unify architectural elements, details, and
materials, such that all components appear integral to the whole.
(5) Building massing should create a transition of height, bulk, and
scale to less intensively developed neighboring properties.
(6) Advertising features should be oriented towards the pedestrian, and
complement the architecture of the building.
(7) Rooftops should be designed for visual interest and avoid a lack
of design attention.
(8) Climate-sensitive, energy efficient, and environmentally conscious
design considerations should be incorporated to create healthier,
more productive, and more sustainable places to live and work.
(9) Projects should complement Oneonta's natural setting and conserve
scenic public views and view corridors, whenever possible.