[Added 7-27-1999 by Ord. No. 283]
A. 
These Exton Town Center design standards shall be an extension of the subdivision design standards of Article IV.
B. 
These Exton Town Center design standards shall apply to those areas of the Township within the Town Center Zoning District, as shown on the Zoning Map of West Whiteland Township.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Zoning Map is included at the end of Ch. 325, Zoning.
The plan review procedure for proposed development within the Town Center District shall be in accordance with the procedure for development plans of Article II, except that the following shall apply:
A. 
Prior to the submission and review of sketch plans as provided in § 281-9, and/or prior to the submission and review of preliminary plans as provided in § 281-10, an applicant may elect to meet with the West Whiteland Township staff to engage in an informal discussion of proposed development and its relationship to the Exton Town Center design standards.
B. 
The Township staff may meet with an applicant to informally discuss the proposed development and its relationship to the Exton Town Center design standards prior to formal plan submission, to assist an applicant in understanding the design goals and objectives for the town center.
[Amended 3-12-2014 by Ord. No. 411]
As used in Article VII, terms which are not defined herein shall have the meanings as defined in A Visual Dictionary of Architecture, by Francis D. K. Ching, published by Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, latest edition.
[Amended 3-12-2014 by Ord. No. 411]
A. 
All proposed buildings and architectural improvements within the Town Center Mixed Use District shall provide architectural documentation which demonstrates compliance with the architectural design standards herein prior to receiving a building permit.
(1) 
Proposed buildings and architectural improvements which require land development approval, but are not conditional uses, shall submit conceptual architectural documentation to West Whiteland Township which demonstrates compliance with the architectural design standards as part of the preliminary land development application.
(2) 
Proposed buildings and architectural improvements which are conditional uses shall submit conceptual architectural documentation to West Whiteland Township which demonstrates compliance with the architectural design standards as part of the conditional use application.
(3) 
The Township reserves the right to refer conceptual architectural documentation that is submitted to the Township for review, as described above, to a Township Architectural Review Committee.
B. 
Articulation of building facades. Building facades which abut a street, parking lot, access drive or public way shall be articulated to create an interplay between light and shadow, express the rhythm of architectural bays, reduce the scale of building masses, and exhibit a high level of craftsmanship. Architectural documentation submitted to the Township for review shall include shadow projections created by facade articulations.
(1) 
All building facades shall have horizontal and/or vertical offsets in conformance with the standards below.
(a) 
Architectural elements such as plinths, water tables, scarcements, blinds, string courses, expressed sills, expressed lintels, relief arches, and cornices shall be used to create horizontal and/or vertical offsets.
(b) 
Within the first 12 vertical feet of a facade measured from the finished floor elevation of the ground level of a building, the maximum area of an uninterrupted individual wall surface plane, without horizontal and/or vertical offsets and/or a change in surface material, shall not exceed 350 square feet.
(c) 
Within the first 12 vertical feet of the finished floor elevation of the ground level of a building, the maximum length of a facade without windows, glass display windows or glass storefronts shall not exceed 100 horizontal feet.
(d) 
Individual wall surface planes with an area greater than 350 square feet shall be permitted as background areas for the installation of tenant signage, provided that the area is not less than 12 vertical feet above the finished floor elevation of the ground floor of the building.
(2) 
Building facades shall be articulated through the use of three or more of the following architectural elements: colonnades, arcades, porticos, pediments, friezes, cornices, canopies, awnings, pilasters, piers, blinds and/or water tables.
(a) 
The constituent components of columns, pilasters and piers such as bases, plinths, and capitals shall be expressed architecturally though changes in surface planes, surface profiles, materials, surface textures, and/or finishes.
(3) 
Building facades composed of masonry walls shall be articulated and display a level of craft and tectonic expression through the use of masonry coursing to express architectural elements. Masonry walls shall be articulated through the use of three or more of the following design elements:
(a) 
Soldier courses.
(b) 
Sailor courses.
(c) 
Diagonal bonds.
(d) 
Corbelling.
(e) 
Contrasting material colors and textures.
(f) 
Accent material courses.
(4) 
Fenestration patterns shall be accentuated through the expression of two or more of the following design elements:
(a) 
Window sills.
(b) 
Window heads.
(c) 
Lintels.
(d) 
Window moulding.
(e) 
Mullions.
(f) 
Muntins.
C. 
Primary building entrances. Primary building entrances for the public shall be clearly defined with architectural elements and shall include at least one of the following:
(1) 
Tower.
(2) 
Portico.
(3) 
Entablature.
(4) 
Pediment.
(5) 
Architrave.
(6) 
Architectural canopy.
(7) 
Porch.
(8) 
Awning.
D. 
Rooflines. Variations in building rooflines shall be provided.
(1) 
Buildings with flat roofs shall have parapets of sufficient height to screen HVAC equipment for view from the ground.
(a) 
No facade parapet shall exceed 100 feet in length without having at least two vertical changes in height. Each change in height shall be no less than 18 inches.
(b) 
No facade parapet shall exceed 200 feet in length without having at least four vertical changes in height. Each change in height shall be no less than 24 inches.
(2) 
Buildings which have sloped roofs, faux sloped roofs, or mansard roofs shall have variations in ridge heights.
(a) 
No roof ridge shall exceed 60 feet in length without having at least one vertical change in height. The change in height shall be no less than 12 inches.
(b) 
The incorporation of gables and dormers which are subordinate to the primary roof slope is encouraged.
E. 
Building materials. Building materials should contribute to reinforcing the character and identity of the Town Center.
(1) 
No facade wall shall be composed of the following materials:
(a) 
Generic concrete masonry units (CMU) that do not have a distinct architectural grade surface or color finish.
(b) 
Precast concrete panels that do not have a distinct architectural grade finished surface or color finish.
(c) 
Cast-in-place concrete surfaces that do not have a distinct architectural grade finished surface or color finish.
(d) 
Metal panels with a highly reflective surface finish.
(e) 
Aluminum siding.
(2) 
The use of highly reflective or mirrored surface glass is prohibited.
F. 
Predominant building colors. The predominant colors of building materials and finishes, including roofs, shall be subtle, low-intensity, and have a low reflectance value. High-intensity, fluorescent, and/or reflective material finishes are prohibited. Building trim, doors, window frames and similar architectural details may be finished with higher-intensity accent colors.
[Amended 3-12-2014 by Ord. No. 411]
A. 
Benches.
(1) 
One bench shall be installed and maintained for every 5,000 square feet of gross leasable area (GLA) of building.
(2) 
Benches shall be five feet to six feet in width and shall be anchored in a footing to provide stability.
(3) 
Benches for nonresidential uses shall be steel with a black powder coat or black epoxy paint finish. The bench type and style shall complement other proposed site furnishings.
B. 
Bike racks.
(1) 
A bicycle rack shall be installed for all nonresidential buildings or developments with a gross leasable area (GLA) greater than 10,000 square feet.
(2) 
One additional rack shall be installed for each additional 30,000 of gross nonresidential building floor area.
(3) 
Each bicycle rack shall be designed to accommodate at least five bicycles.
(4) 
Bike racks shall be permanently anchored to promote stability and security and should be located near primary building entrances and pedestrian walkways.
(5) 
Bike racks shall have a black powder coat or black epoxy paint finish.
C. 
Bollards.
(1) 
Bollards shall be used to limit access or serve as an edge or containment feature necessary for minimizing pedestrian and vehicular conflicts wherever curblines are flush between vehicular and pedestrian areas for a distance of 10 feet or greater.
(2) 
Bollards shall have a concrete footing, direct burial or sleeve, with a minimum depth of three feet below grade.
(3) 
Bollards shall be at a height of 30 inches to 42 inches above grade, with a minimum diameter of six inches.
(4) 
Bollards shall be composed of cast iron or reinforced concrete.
(5) 
Cast iron bollards shall have a black powder coat or black epoxy paint finish.
D. 
Waste (trash) receptacles.
(1) 
One waste (trash) receptacle shall be installed and maintained for every 5,000 square feet gross leasable area (GLA) of building.
(2) 
Waste (trash) receptacles shall be constructed of steel straps, have integral dome lids, black plastic liner bins, operable side door access, and a black powder coat or black epoxy paint finish.
(3) 
Waste (trash) receptacles shall be anchored to a concrete pad or other hard surface.
E. 
Bus stop shelters.
(1) 
Bus stop shelters shall be installed and maintained for any development where the gross leasable area (GLA) is greater than 100,000 square feet, if bus service to the site is available or proposed by the applicant.
(2) 
Sidewalks and pedestrian paths shall be provided to connect bus stops/bus shelters to shops/stores and other civic spaces.
(3) 
Bus stops shall be adequately illuminated to provide visibility during darkness.
(4) 
Bus shelters shall provide protection from rain and wind and must accommodate at least eight people. Seating must be provided for at least four people.
(5) 
All metal components shall have a black powder coat or black epoxy paint finish.
(6) 
Bus stop shelter designs shall be reviewed by the Township's Architectural Review Committee.
F. 
Fencing.
(1) 
Fencing shall be installed and maintained to help define pedestrian space, courtyards, and civic spaces and shall be in compliance with § 325-29 of Chapter 325, Zoning.
(2) 
Details for fence construction, footings, gates, sizes, etc., shall be shown on a plan which shall be submitted for Township review and approval.
(3) 
Metal fencing shall have a black powder coat or black epoxy paint finish.
G. 
Guide rail.
(1) 
As an alternative to conventional galvanized steel guide rail, wooden guide rails may be used in parking lots and along private access drives.
(2) 
The posts for wooden guide rail shall be no less than eight inches in diameter and composed of treated or rot-resistant wood buried at least 36 inches below grade. Post spacing shall be approved by the Township.
(3) 
The horizontal components of the guide rail shall have a minimum sectional dimension of three inches by eight inches.
(4) 
All plans and details for wooden guide rail shall be submitted to the Township for review and approval.
(5) 
All such wooden guide rails shall be installed and maintained. Any guide rail which becomes damaged or destroyed shall be replaced.
(6) 
All metal components shall have a black powder coat or black epoxy paint finish.
H. 
Streetlight poles and fixtures.
(1) 
Streetlight poles and fixtures within the Exton Town Center shall be pedestrian scaled and exhibit a high quality design and construction.
(2) 
The maximum height of a streetlight shall not exceed 18 feet, from the ground to the top of the fixture.
(3) 
Streetlight poles and fixtures shall have a black powder coat or black epoxy paint finish.
I. 
Traffic signals and mast arms. Traffic signals and mast arms shall have a black powder coat or black epoxy paint finish.
[Amended 3-12-2014 by Ord. No. 411]
A. 
Pedestrian crosswalk/sidewalk intersection pavers.
(1) 
Pedestrian crosswalks shall be demarcated by brick, stone, or precast concrete pavers, or by colored concrete or asphalt stamped with a texture to simulate brick or stone. Such crosswalks shall connect defined pedestrian walkways/sidewalks on opposite sides of street intersections and vehicular access drives.
(2) 
Concrete perimeter curbs, 18 inches in depth, which are flush with the cartway and walking surface shall bound the crosswalk paving area.
(3) 
The total width of these pedestrian crosswalks, inclusive of the perimeter curbs, shall be no less than 10 feet.
(4) 
All such pavers shall be installed and maintained in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations. Any such pavers which become damaged, misplaced or destroyed shall be replaced within 60 days of notice from the Township.
B. 
Surface parking lot pedestrian circulation. All surface parking lots/facilities with more than 100 parking spaces for motor vehicles shall be designed to include a pedestrian walkway/sidewalk network within the parking lot to minimize the distance pedestrians must walk within vehicular drive aisles and through automobile parking spaces.
(1) 
The maximum distance, measured along the most direct path of travel, that a pedestrian shall be required to walk before arriving at a pedestrian walkway/sidewalk network shall be 150 feet.
(2) 
Pedestrian walkway/sidewalk networks shall provide a continuous route to connect parking lots/facilities to the facilities they serve.
(3) 
Pedestrian walkway/sidewalk networks shall comply with all accessible route design standards.
(4) 
Pedestrian walkways/sidewalks within parking lots shall be composed of materials which physically contrast adjacent vehicular ways and parking lots/facilities.
C. 
Pedestrian walkways/sidewalks. Pedestrian walkways/sidewalks within the Town Center District shall comply with § 281-31 and the following:
(1) 
When serving commercial or mixed-use buildings, pedestrian walkways/sidewalks shall have a minimum width of six feet.
(2) 
When located between the curbline of a parking lot or cartway and a public entrance of a commercial or mixed-use building, pedestrian walkways/sidewalks shall have a minimum width of 11 feet, measured perpendicular to the curbline.
(3) 
Pedestrian walkways/sidewalks shall be placed on both sides of all streets and drives which are within the limits of the property.
(4) 
No less than 20% of the pedestrian walkway/sidewalk shall be composed of brick, stone, or precast concrete pavers, or by colored concrete or asphalt stamped with a texture to simulate brick or stone.
[Amended 3-12-2014 by Ord. No. 411]
A. 
The screening buffer and perimeter buffer planting standards in § 281-35 shall not be applied to Group II commercial and municipal uses with a tract size less than 10 acres within the Town Center Mixed Use District because required minimum setbacks are less than the respective minimum widths required to implement screening buffer and perimeter buffer plantings. Notwithstanding, the site element screens requirements in § 281-35G, H(1), I, J and K shall apply to all uses within the Town Center Mixed Use District.
B. 
Site element screens shall be used along Route 30 and Route 100 frontages to define and reinforce the boundaries of the corridors. Low decorative walls or fences are encouraged to be used to achieve the site element screening objectives in these locations.
[Amended 3-12-2014 by Ord. No. 411]
A. 
A plaza, square, or courtyard shall be provided for all Group I residential uses with 150 dwelling units or greater.
(1) 
No less than 10 square feet of improved plaza, square, or courtyard area shall be provided for each dwelling unit.
(2) 
The total required plaza, square, or courtyard area (square footage) may be distributed throughout the community; however, the minimum size of any single plaza, square, or courtyard shall not be less than 500 square feet.
B. 
A plaza, square, or courtyard shall be provided for all Group II commercial and municipal uses with a gross leasable area of 100,000 square feet or greater.
(1) 
One square foot of improved plaza, square, or courtyard area shall be provided for each 100 square feet of gross leasable area.
(2) 
The total required plaza, square, or courtyard area (square footage) may be distributed throughout the property; however, the minimum size of any single plaza, square, or courtyard shall be 1,000 square feet.
C. 
Each plaza, square, or courtyard shall include the following:
(1) 
At least 50% of its perimeter shall be defined by seating walls, decorative fencing, hedges or a combination thereof.
(2) 
Paved surfaces composed of stone, brick and/or precast concrete unit pavers.
(3) 
At least one bench, no less than five feet in length, for each 150 square feet of plaza, square, or courtyard area.
(4) 
At least one shade tree with a minimum caliper of three to 3 1/2 inches for every 500 square feet of such space.
(5) 
Lighting in conformance with § 281-48.
D. 
Each plaza, square, or courtyard with a total area greater than 1,500 square feet shall include a pavilion, pergola, trellis, canopy or other structure which forms an overhead plane or roof, which covers an area no less than 250 square feet.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former §§ 281-72 through 281-105, which immediately followed this section, were repealed 3-12-2014 by Ord. No. 411.