[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.1, 4-27-2004]
The general intent of these standards is to ensure that infill, redevelopment and renovation within Clayton Gardens and the Clayshire Subdivision is compatible with the established character and variations within each neighborhood by utilizing complementary design characteristics, setbacks, massing and building heights.
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.2, 4-27-2004]
A. 
The Clayton Gardens Urban Design Zoning District is bounded by the northern City limits on the north, the western City limits on the west, Brentwood Boulevard on the east and the southernmost property lines of residentially zoned properties north of Maryland Avenue, as depicted below:
B. 
The Clayshire Subdivision Urban Design Zoning District is bounded by I-170 on the east and north, by the western City limits on the west and by Clayton Road on the south, limited to those properties zoned "R-2" as depicted below:
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.3, 4-27-2004]
The regulations of these urban design zoning districts shall supersede or supplement, as applicable, the regulations of the base zoning district. Where conflict results between the regulations of the urban design zoning district and the provisions of the base zoning district, the provisions of the urban design zoning district shall control.
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.4, 4-27-2004]
The uses permitted by right and by conditional use permit are listed in the Table of Permitted Uses found in the base zoning district. If a "P" (permitted by right) or a "C" (permitted by conditional use permit) is not indicated for a use in the base zoning district or a use is not included in the base zoning district, it is prohibited.
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.5, 4-27-2004; Ord. No. 6068 §1, 4-14-2009; Ord. No. 6700, 5-25-2021; Ord. No. 6986, 1-27-2026]
A. 
The open, park-like appearance of the front setback is a significant character-defining element. It provides a soft, landscaped buffer between the homes and the street creating an inviting, unified appearance. Paving and other hard materials, in excess, can detract from this appearance and should be limited to the narrow driveways and walkways as traditionally found.
B. 
The open character of the front setback should be maintained as redevelopment occurs.
1. 
Lots zoned "R-2" shall have a minimum of sixty percent (60%) of the required front yard setback covered by greenspace.
2. 
Lots zoned "R-4" in Clayton Gardens shall have a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the required front yard setback covered by greenspace.
3. 
Driveways shall narrow to a maximum of ten (10) feet in width at the street edge or per the City of Clayton standards.
4. 
Turnarounds or circular drives shall not be permitted within a front setback.
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.6, 4-27-2004; Ord. No. 6068 §1, 4-14-2009; Ord. No. 6700, 5-25-2021; Ord. No. 6986, 1-27-2026]
A. 
The presence of open lawn and landscaped areas throughout Clayton Gardens and Clayshire is a strong character-defining feature of the neighborhoods. New development should utilize similar lot coverage as traditionally found along a block to maintain the open character of the street and ensure compatibility with adjacent homes.
1. 
A minimum of sixty percent (60%) of the total lot shall be covered by greenspace. Incentives for additional lot coverage may be earned in Section 410.375, Garage Width and Location.
2. 
Lots zoned "R-4" in Clayton Gardens shall have a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the total lot covered by greenspace. No additional bonuses may be earned.
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.7, 4-27-2004]
A. 
Building entrances have typically been oriented towards the front yard and the street, accenting the primary facade of the building and creating a uniform line along the street. New structures should be designed to be consistent with the typical organization of the neighborhood.
B. 
For buildings located on lots zoned "R-2" and lots zoned "R-4" in Clayton Gardens, the front entrance to a building shall be located on the front facade of the building oriented towards the front yard and street as found typically in Clayton's residential neighborhoods.
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.8, 4-27-2004; Ord. No. 6430 §1, 6-14-2016]
The shady canopy provided by mature trees is an important character-defining feature in many of Clayton's older residential neighborhoods. This is particularly true in the Clayton Gardens and Clayshire where large, evenly spaced trees line the street, buffering homes from traffic and giving the neighborhood a more intimate feeling for pedestrians and residents. Also contributing to this character are the many additional large caliper trees scattered among the homes. As larger homes are introduced, they should be sensitive to this character, preserving trees and vegetation. Specific requirements are set forth in Article XXX: Trees and Landscaping Regulations.
Large canopy trees are an important character-defining feature and should be preserved.
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.9, 4-27-2004; Ord. No. 6430 §1, 6-14-2016]
The wooded, gently rolling topography typical of the St. Louis area contributes to the visual interest and variety of Clayton's residential neighborhoods. Disturbing existing site topography to accommodate larger homes with walk-out basements or below-grade garages can lead to significant drainage problems, particularly for adjacent properties. New homes should minimize site disturbances and should mitigate runoff. Specific requirements are set forth in Article XXX: Trees and Landscaping Regulations.
Alterations to existing site topography should be minimized to prevent drainage problems.
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.10, 4-27-2004]
A. 
The consistent appearance of a broad, landscaped front setback and uniform building edge creates a sense of visual continuity along the street and creates an open appearance characteristic of the neighborhood. As redevelopment occurs, the open character of the front setback should be preserved.
New homes should respond to the existing character of the
neighborhood by utilizing similar front setbacks.
1. 
The front yard setback shall not be less than the average of those found along the block.
2. 
Open, covered porches or terraces shall not project into the required front yard setback more than five (5) feet.
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.11, 4-27-2004; Ord. No. 6068 §1, 4-14-2009; Ord. No. 6700, 5-25-2021; Ord. No. 6986, 1-27-2026]
A. 
General. The garage has not typically been a dominant feature in Clayton Gardens and Clayshire. Locating the garage to the rear or side of the home, as is typical in these neighborhoods, allows the architectural details of the home and front yard to define the character of the street. Below-grade front garages have been introduced in several areas of Clayton Gardens. In many cases, the garage and associated driveway replace the yard and dominate the street, completely changing its character. To protect the established character of these neighborhoods, garage placement and scale need to be carefully considered to minimize visual impacts upon the street and surrounding development.
B. 
East Of Forsyth.
1. 
At-grade, side-loading garages or detached garages or rear-loading garages are preferred in all cases and shall be utilized where fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the homes on the block have them. The following incentives shall apply:
a. 
A side-loading, rear-loading or detached garage, all at-grade condition, shall warrant up to a five percent (5%) reduction in the required total lot greenspace.
East of Forsyth, detached rear garages are typical and are the preferred configuration for new homes.
2. 
Front-loading and/or below-grade garages are strongly discouraged in all cases and shall be prohibited unless they are featured on fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the homes on the block.
3. 
Front-loading garages, at or below-grade, shall not exceed twenty-four (24) feet in width or fifty percent (50%) of the total length of the home's front facade, whichever is less.
No
Front-loading, below-grade garages are not compatible with the existing character of the neighborhoods and are strongly discouraged in all cases.
4. 
Third (3rd) garage doors on front facade shall be prohibited. Third (3rd) or fourth (4th) garage stalls shall be provided in the form of a separate detached garage located at the rear of the lot or as a side entry condition.
C. 
West Of Forsyth (Not Including Clayton Gardens "R-4").
1. 
At-grade, side-loading garages or detached garage or rear-loading garages are preferred in all cases and shall be utilized where fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the homes on the block have them.
West of Forsyth, at grade, side-loaded garages, like the one on this infill home, are preferred.
Rear-entry garages preserve the character of the street and are also encouraged for infill development.
a. 
An at-grade, side-loading, rear-loading or detached garage condition shall warrant up to a five percent (5%) reduction in the required total lot greenspace.
2. 
Below-grade and/or front-loading garages are strongly discouraged in all cases and shall be prohibited unless they are featured on fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the homes on the block.
Front-loading garages are permitted where they are featured on 51% or more of the homes on the block.
3. 
Front-loading garages shall not exceed twenty-four (24) feet in width or fifty percent (50%) of the total length of the home's front facade, whichever is less.
4. 
Third (3rd) garage doors on front facade shall be prohibited. Third (3rd) or fourth (4th) garage stalls shall be provided in the form of a separate, detached garage located at the rear of the lot or as a side entry condition.
D. 
Clayshire.
1. 
At-grade, side-loading garages or detached garages or rear-loading garages are preferred in all cases and shall be utilized where fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the homes on the block have them.
This Clayshire home illustrates a preferred detached, rear garage configuration.
The following incentives shall apply:
a. 
An at-grade, side-loading, rear-loading, or detached garage condition shall warrant up to a five percent (5%) reduction in the required greenspace.
b. 
At-grade and/or below-grade, front-loading garages shall be prohibited unless they are featured on fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the homes on the block.
2. 
Front-loading garages shall not exceed twenty-four (24) feet in width or fifty percent (50%) of the total length of the home's front facade, whichever is less.
3. 
Third (3rd) garage doors on front facade shall be prohibited. Third (3rd) or fourth (4th) garage stalls shall be provided in the form of a separate, detached garage located at the rear of the lot or as a side entry condition.
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.12, 4-27-2004]
A. 
Clayton Gardens and Clayshire Subdivision have traditionally been dominated by the use of masonry building materials. Standard size brick in a variety of red tones is the primary material found, although the original brick has been painted in some instances. Accent materials vary and include: wood lap siding, stone and stucco. Materials and colors utilized for significant renovations or for new homes should be compatible with those found in the neighborhood.
1. 
The number of different materials used on a wall surface shall be limited to brick and one (1) accent material. The accent material shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of any wall elevation.
Primary building materials are limited to brick, with one accent material not to exceed 25% of the total wall coverage.
2. 
Brick color shall be compatible with that found on other homes along the block. Brick may be painted when compatible with the existing neighborhood.
3. 
The following materials shall be permitted as accent materials not to exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of any wall elevation:
a. 
Stucco;
b. 
Wood lap siding; or
c. 
Stone or similar product.
4. 
The use of the following materials shall be prohibited:
a. 
EIFS,
b. 
"Jumbo" brick, or
c. 
Split-faced block.
5. 
A brick ledge or stepped foundation shall be provided to allow no more than twelve (12) inches of exposed concrete.
6. 
Retaining walls shall be constructed of materials similar in color, texture and scale as those used on the primary structure. The following materials shall not be used for any retaining walls visible from the street or from the ground level of any adjoining residence:
a. 
Wood ties,
b. 
Versa-lok,
c. 
Keystone,
d. 
Windsor, or
e. 
Similar modular block wall systems.
7. 
Asphalt shall not be used for driveways or driveway aprons. These features shall be constructed of one (1) of the following materials:
a. 
Exposed aggregate;
b. 
Brick pavers; or
c. 
Stamped concrete.
8. 
Metal shall not be used as a primary roof material.
 
These infill homes demonstrate how the effective use of materials can help integrate new development into an existing neighborhood context.
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.13, 4-27-2004]
A. 
As described in the character analysis, the established character of development varies on either side of Forsyth. West of Forsyth, homes have traditionally been one-story ranch designs with a strong horizontal orientation. Homes and accessory structures built with increased heights and densities in this area tend to be highly visible in contrast to the established neighborhood, often dramatically reducing lawn areas and the traditionally open character of the lots. In contrast, homes along Gay Avenue and east of Forsyth are more typically two-story in height, making the integration of new development somewhat easier. Designs in each area should be responsive to surrounding development, ensuring that they are compatible in terms of mass, scale and height with existing homes along a block. Within the limited area of "R-4" zoning along Gay Avenue in Clayton Gardens, height will be evaluated for compatibility by the Architectural Review Board at the time of submittal, unless otherwise noted.
1. 
The maximum building height shall be limited to two (2) stories or thirty (30) feet above the average existing grade of the site, whichever is less. Partial stories above the second (2nd) story shall be prohibited to minimize the potential mass of homes.
The maximum building height shall be limited to 2 stories or 30 feet above the average existing grade of the site, whichever is less.
2. 
To avoid tall, blocky building forms, new structures and additions shall incorporate a transition in height and scale through one (1) of the following techniques:
a. 
"Stepping-down" to meet the approximate height of the adjacent structure.
Partial stories under sloping roofs are preferred. Tall, blocky building forms should be avoided.
b. 
Utilizing dormers and sloping roofs to accommodate upper stories for major renovations and new construction.
c. 
Concentrating significant mass or square footage being added to an existing home towards the rear of the lot.
d. 
Increasing the side yard setback one (1) foot for every five (5) feet the height of the structure exceeds the height of the adjacent structure at the side yard.
e. 
Utilizing a roof pitch and overhang similar to that of the adjacent structures.
Single-family structures should "step-down" to meet the approximate height of the adjacent structure.
f. 
Installing canopy trees twenty (20) feet on center within the side yard to help break up the appearance of the taller structure. Trees must be installed per recommendation by the City's landscape architect.
3. 
The height of accessory structures shall be limited to one and one-half (1½) stories or sixteen (16) feet above the average existing grade of the site, whichever is less.
[Ord. No. 5814 §7a.14, 4-27-2004]
A. 
Architectural detailing on homes in Clayton Gardens and Clayshire is typically fairly modest. Homes generally have gently sloped roofs, regardless of their height, and often incorporate dormers as part of a partial story. Simple facades are punctuated by a variety of window styles, most accented with contrasting shutters. The design of infill development should incorporate elements that complement the character of existing development along a block.
1. 
Flat, mansard and other exotic roof forms not compatible with established neighborhood character shall not be permitted.
Flat, mansard and other exotic roof forms shall not be permitted.
2. 
New structures shall utilize a solid-to-void (wall-to-window) ratio similar to that found on the block.
New structures shall utilize a solid-to-void (wall-to-window) ratio similar to that found on the block.
3. 
Windows and doors shall be of a similar size, shape and orientation as those found on the block.
4. 
Blank walls shall not be visible from the street.
5. 
Exposed concrete foundation shall not be visible from the street.
6. 
Columns shall be compatible with the predominant architectural style of the neighborhood. Size, materials and proportions of the columns to the structure shall be provided on submitted plans.