A. 
Purpose.
(1) 
The purpose of §§ 350-21 and 350-22, hereafter collectively "the character-based zoning sections," is to facilitate building and site improvements, new development, and public realm improvements that are consistent with the City's goals for preservation, enhancement, or transformation of various areas in the City as expressed in:
(a) 
The Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan; and/or
(b) 
Intent statements in this Zoning Ordinance; and/or
(c) 
Other topical or area-wide plans that may be adopted by the Planning Board in order to detail or refine the goals and objectives of the Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan.
(2) 
The character-based zoning sections establish a range of zoning standards based on established principles of urban design to ensure cohesive design of:
(a) 
The public realm (streets, sidewalks, public open spaces, etc.); and
(b) 
Private realm (buildings, driveways, off-street parking, private and semipublic outdoor spaces);
(c) 
With particular attention paid to the interface between the public and private realms.
(3) 
The character-based zoning sections also have the following purposes:
(a) 
To increase flexibility for ground floor uses in selected mixed-use districts.
(b) 
To facilitate the evolution of uses over time, particularly outside of the most central portions of downtown Northampton and Florence Center.
(c) 
To create more detailed design predictability for buildings, landscaping, and site design.
(d) 
To create more predictability for streetscape improvements required within the sidewalk and tree belt area and to coordinate public and private investments in these areas.
(e) 
To streamline permitting by:
[1] 
Reducing the number of projects subject to special permits.
[2] 
Providing explicit design standards so that applicants and review boards know what is desired from project inception.
[3] 
Shrinking the area subject to Central Business Architecture Committee review to the historic core of downtown Northampton while expanding the area that is subject to a more detailed review of architecture via the existing site plan review process by the Planning Board.
B. 
Intent. When reviewing site plans and special permits, the permit granting authority shall make a determination that projects meet the following:
(1) 
Projects are consistent with the goals of the Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan including by making the City increasingly more walkable, bikeable, and transit-oriented; promoting a wide variety of housing types; and recognizing the unique history and fostering the desired character and function of each of Northampton's centers, gateways, corridors, and neighborhoods.
(2) 
Inclusion of urban design principles, embracing the following:
(a) 
Use of buildings to shape outdoor spaces.
(b) 
Demarcation of public, semipublic, and private space. Public and semipublic space should be in view from buildings and the public realm.
(c) 
Building entrances oriented toward public streets and sidewalks with clearly legible entrances.
(d) 
Human-scale building and site design.
(e) 
A rhythm, hierarchy, proportion, and interest at all levels of building design.
(f) 
Buildings located on corner lots should use design elements that emphasize the importance of both streets.
(g) 
Alignment of block face facades with consistent distances from the street. The front setback may vary from its context when it fulfills a specific urban design function, including creation of a pedestrian-oriented space like a plaza, or to accentuate the prominence of a civic building.
(h) 
Consolidation of off-street parking into shared lots and locate them behind buildings. Minimize curb cuts.
(i) 
Creation of a comfortable outside environment for people while reducing demand for mechanical heating or cooling.
(3) 
Creation of a public realm with high-quality streetscape, outdoor amenity spaces, and active public spaces that enhance private development and improve the functionality, attractiveness, and sustainability of the City's centers, gateways, corridors and neighborhoods.
(4) 
Support of commercial uses by facilitating development and redevelopment of commercial spaces within supportive districts and corridors.
(5) 
Alignment of public and private investments to create cohesive places.
A. 
Organization of the character-based zoning sections (§§ 350-21 and 350-22).
(1) 
Section 350-21 establishes a general framework for character-based zoning standards. It establishes a typology of character-defining elements of the public and private realm and establishes standards for those elements that are common to all character-based districts. Section 350-22 establishes character-based districts and customizes the standards presented in § 350-21 to the districts.
(2) 
When used in §§ 350-21 and 350-22, the terms "this section," "these sections," "character-based zoning sections," "character-based districts," "Downtown [Northampton] and Florence [Village] Center Zoning" or similar shall refer to both sections in their entirety, unless the context makes another meaning clear.
B. 
Applicability.
(1) 
The provisions of the character-based zoning sections apply to all districts and uses designated as subject to character-based zoning standards, unless otherwise specified.
(2) 
Except where explicitly provided by § 350-9, the following activities must hereafter comply with all applicable standards of these sections:
(a) 
Creation or modification of lots.
(b) 
New construction of buildings and structures.
(c) 
Reconstruction of buildings and structures.
(d) 
Alteration of more than 60% of the exterior of a structure.
(e) 
Any expansion of the gross floor area unless the Planning Board finds, as part of site plan review, that the standard is not applicable given the context of the existing conditions and the proposed alternative meeting the intent of the standards.
(f) 
The addition of six parking spaces or more.
(g) 
Alteration of more than 60% of site other than routine maintenance within a five-year period.
(h) 
A use that triggers site plan and/or special permit approval.
(3) 
In order to further the City's goals and objectives as expressed by the Comprehensive Plan and in order to implement the intent of this section, applicants may be required to bring the public realm into compliance with the standards contained within these §§ 350-21 and 350-22.
(4) 
The applicant may request a waiver from the Planning Board from strict compliance with standards. The Planning Board shall grant the waiver when it finds that due to unique site characteristics strict compliance would create an undue burden and would be inconsistent with the intent of this section or the standard is not applicable given the context of the existing conditions.
(5) 
The character-based zoning standards established in §§ 350-21 and 350-22 are the minimum necessary to meet the purpose and intent of the sections.
(6) 
The character-based standards in §§ 350-21 and 350-22 are in addition to other applicable standards of the Zoning Chapter, including, but not limited to, § 350-7, Signs.
(7) 
In case of any conflict between these §§ 350-21 and 350-22 and other provisions of this Zoning Chapter, these sections shall control.
C. 
Meaning and interpretation of text and graphics.
(1) 
Terms used in these subsections are generally defined herein or in § 350-2.1.
(2) 
The term "guideline" is used for actions or built outcomes that are strongly encouraged to fulfill the intent of specific sections of this chapter. Guidelines are intended to guide the Planning Board (and applicants) in its approval of new projects. They are also helpful in guiding applicants in their particular design-development phase.
(3) 
Examples are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible built outcomes. Illustrations, graphics, and pictures included in this section are provided for clarity, while specific dimensions called out in diagrams are regulatory standards.
A. 
Character-based zoning districts.
(1) 
The following districts are designated as character-based zoning districts:
(a) 
Central Business-Core (CB-Core).
(b) 
Central Business-Side Street (CB-Side Street).
(c) 
Central Business-Gateway (CB-Gateway).
(d) 
Florence Village-Center (FV-Center).
(e) 
Florence Village-General (FV-General).
B. 
Zoning Map. The character-based zoning districts are located and bounded as shown on a map entitled ''Northampton Zoning Map,'' copies of which are available on the City's website. The Zoning Map, with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby made a part of this Zoning Chapter.
A. 
Purpose.
(1) 
Public realm standards are intended to ensure that public and private improvements are coordinated, predictable, and implement the vision for the public realm.
(2) 
This section establishes standards for the design of various parts of the public realm.
B. 
Applicability. Standards in this section apply when a new building is proposed and when a project will disturb elements in the public right-of-way or on public property, or as a condition of plan approval to show compliance with site plan approval standards.
C. 
Diagram of public realm zones.
Key to Diagram
1
Vehicle Throughway
See § 350-21.5E.
2
Furnishing and Utility Zone
See § 350-21.5F.
3
Pedestrian Throughway Zone
See § 350-21.5G.
4
Public Frontage Zone
See § 350-21.5H.
5
Lot Frontage Zone
See §§ 350-21.5I and 350-21.6D.
D. 
Dimensions and standards, overview.
(1) 
Dimensions of public realm zones (Note: "Zone" is used here in its general meaning: an area of land with common characteristics. Public realm zones are not zoning districts.) within the public right-of-way. The applicable dimensions for public realm zones shall be determined on a case-by-case subject to Subsection D(1)(a) and (b) below.
(a) 
Dimensions of the Vehicle Throughway will be determined by the Department of Public Works on a case-by-case basis.
(b) 
The district standards found in § 350-22 establish minimum dimensions for the Furnishing and Utility Zone, the Pedestrian Throughway Zone, and the Public Frontage Zone. Where there is insufficient space to accommodate all of these zones within the existing right-of-way, space shall be allocated to meet the minimum requirements for zones in this order: Pedestrian Throughway, then Furnishing and Utility Zone, then Public Frontage Zone.
(2) 
Standards for the overall design of public realm zones are described in §§ 350-21.5E through 350-21.5I below.
(3) 
Standards for the design of specific uses of public realm zones are described in the section Public realm components (§ 350-21.10).
E. 
Vehicle Throughway.
(1) 
Overview.
(a) 
The Vehicle Throughway is the area of the public right-of-way that is dedicated to multiple modes of vehicular traffic.
(b) 
Illustration of Vehicle Throughway. The Vehicle Throughway is indicated with the number
1
in the illustration below.
(2) 
Vehicle Throughway, design and construction.
(a) 
A vehicle throughway on an existing street must be designed and constructed in accordance with any relevant specifications established by the Department of Public Works.
(b) 
A vehicle throughway on a new street, or the functional equivalent thereof, must be designed and constructed in accordance with any relevant specifications in the Subdivision Regulations.
(c) 
In the absence of official standards, throughways must be designed and constructed according to standards deemed to be appropriate by the City Engineer and the Planning Board.
F. 
Furnishing and Utility Zone.
(1) 
Overview.
(a) 
The Furnishing and Utility Zone is the area of the sidewalk where pedestrians might pause or rest on benches or cafe seating and where many of the utilities, like lighting and hydrants, are located. This is the area typically planted with street trees. The Furnishing and Utility Zone varies in width.
(b) 
Illustration of Furnishing and Utility Zone. The Furnishing and Utility Zone is indicated with the number
3
in the illustration below.
(2) 
Required width. See § 350-22. (Note: Also see § 350-21.1A.)
(3) 
Surfacing. Unless otherwise specified in this chapter or in specifications adopted by the Department of Public Works (DPW), the Furnishing and Utility Zone must be surfaced with concrete and edged with a granite curb on the street side. Pervious concrete unit paving, per the specifications of the DPW, may be used over areas contributing to street tree minimum recommended soil volumes. (See Street Tree and Tree Pit Standards.[1])
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 350-21.10C.)
G. 
Pedestrian Throughway Zone.
(1) 
Overview.
(a) 
The Pedestrian Throughway Zone is the primary portion of the sidewalk used for active movement and travel by pedestrians.
(b) 
Illustration of Pedestrian Throughway Zone. The Pedestrian Throughway Zone is indicated with the number
4
in the illustration below.
(2) 
Required width. See Table of Character-Based Requirements at § 350-22. (Note: Also see § 350-21.1A.)
(3) 
The Throughway Zone must remain clear of obstacles, and its paving surface must be relatively level.
(4) 
All new and reconstructed sidewalks must be accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rules and Regulations of the Massachusetts Access Board (521 CMR), as amended.
(5) 
Pedestrian Throughways (sidewalks) must be constructed of cement concrete that is four inches deep. Where a driveway crosses a sidewalk, the sidewalk's cement concrete must be six inches deep.
(6) 
Diagram of Pedestrian Throughway; dimensional standards.
Dimensional Standards
A
Minimum width
See Table of Character-Based Requirements at § 350-22.
B
Control joint maximum spacing
1 control joint per 5 feet
C
Expansion joint maximum spacing
1 expansion joint per 25 feet. Wherever possible, align control and expansion joints with boundaries between sidewalk zones and facade segments.
Sidewalk depth
4 inches typical conditions; 6 inches where a driveway crosses a sidewalk
H. 
Public Frontage Zone.
(1) 
Overview.
(a) 
The Public Frontage Zone is the area between the Pedestrian Throughway and the front lot line. The size and character of the Public Frontage Zone varies widely depending on context. On narrow streets, the Public Frontage Zone may be absent. On wide streets, the Public Frontage Zone provides a transitional space for people who are entering or exiting a building or pausing to read a menu or peer through a shop window. The materials and design of the Public Frontage Zone is often indistinguishable from the Pedestrian Throughway or the Lot Frontage Zone. The zones differ in their functions and the public realm components they can accommodate.
(b) 
Illustration of Public Frontage Zone. The Public Frontage Zone is indicated with the number
5
in the illustration below.
(2) 
Required width. See § 350-22. (Note: An encroachment into the Public Frontage Zone may require a permit from the Department of Public Works or Massachusetts Department of Transportation per City Ordinance § 285-9.) [Note: Also see §§ 350-21.1A and 350-21.6B(2).]
(3) 
Unless otherwise specified by the Department of Public Works, the materials and construction of the Public Frontage Zone must match, and be indistinguishable from, the Pedestrian Throughway.
(4) 
Unless otherwise specified by the Department of Public Works, the standards found in §§ 350-21.5G(4) through 350-21.5G(6) shall apply.
I. 
Lot Frontage Zone.
(1) 
Overview. The Lot Frontage Zone includes the front portion of a lot that abuts a public right-of-way. Though often private property, the Lot Frontage Zone is a crucial part of the public realm. This area shapes the public realm (both horizontally and vertically), helps to define its character, and impacts how the public realm is perceived by people. Functionally, the lot frontage area provides a transition between the public realm and the private realm. It accommodates semipublic or private outdoor spaces like plazas, dining terraces, and gardens or yards. It also accommodates transitional spaces between indoors and outdoors like shop fronts, porches or stoops.
(2) 
The Lot Frontage Zone is made up of the combination of the build-to-zone (Note: The build-to-zone (BTZ) is the area between the minimum front setback and maximum front setback.) and the area (if any) between the front lot line (also known as the "street line") and the minimum front setback.
(a) 
Diagram.
(3) 
The Lot Frontage Zone is measured perpendicular to the street line of any lot frontage. If the lot is on a street corner, lot frontage standards apply to both frontages. (Note: See § 350-21.6D for additional standards related to the Lot Frontage Zone.)
(4) 
Illustrations of Lot Frontage Zone.
(a) 
The Lot Frontage Zone is indicated with the number
6
in the illustrations below.
(b) 
The illustrations above show two uses of the Lot Frontage Zone
6
. The top image shows a building built to the front lot line. The building occupies the Lot Frontage Zone. The bottom image shows an outdoor seating area and garden in the Lot Frontage Zone.
A. 
Lot dimensions.
(1) 
Diagrams showing lot dimension terminology. (Note: See § 350-21.5I for an overview of the Lot Frontage Zone.)
(2) 
The build-to-zone is the area between the minimum and maximum front setback. The build-to-zone is measured perpendicular to the street line of any lot frontage. If the lot is on a street corner, the build-to-zone applies to both frontages.
(3) 
When a district requires a minimum percentage of open space on a lot, allowed landscape components shall be counted toward the minimum required open space.
(4) 
All principal buildings and accessory structures must satisfy any required minimum and maximum front, side, and rear setbacks except as otherwise permitted by this section or elsewhere in this chapter.
(5) 
Lot dimensions for the character-based zoning districts are set for each district in § 350-22 below.
B. 
Increased front setbacks to provide required Pedestrian Throughway and/or Public Frontage Zone.
(1) 
Where a lot abuts a Pedestrian Throughway with less than the required width, the minimum and maximum front setbacks shall be increased until the required width is provided. The resulting area shall be designed and constructed per the standards for a Pedestrian Throughway in § 350-21.5G. Providing public access to the area is encouraged, but not required.
(2) 
Where a lot abuts a Public Frontage Zone with less than the required width, the minimum and maximum front setbacks shall be increased until the required width is provided. The resulting area shall not contain any permanent structure that is greater than 18 inches tall, other than seating. Providing public access to the area is encouraged, but not required.
(3) 
The Planning Board, by site plan approval, may approve alternative means to meet Subsection B(1)and (2) immediately above when the Planning Board finds that:
(a) 
Such will allow a building facade to align with the predominant pattern of front setbacks on the block face; and
(b) 
The predominant pattern of front setbacks on the block face fulfills the desired character intent of the district.
C. 
Special permit to increase the maximum front setback. The Planning Board may grant a special permit to increase the allowed maximum front setback when it finds that:
(1) 
The resulting front setback will be consistent with the pattern of other front setbacks on the block face and the existing pattern of front setbacks on the block face fulfills the design intent of the district; and/or
(2) 
The increased front setback will accommodate additional high-impact pedestrian and/or open space amenities that are consistent with the intent of the district.
D. 
Use of the Lot Frontage Zone.
(1) 
The full area of the Lot Frontage Zone must be designed to reinforce the intended public realm character of the district and must be occupied by one or more of the following:
(a) 
Building(s);
(b) 
Allowed landscape components;
(c) 
Allowed public realm components; and/or
(d) 
A driveway, when allowed.
(2) 
Any structure or use located in the lot frontage zone must meet the standards of this section and/or relevant design standards or guidelines adopted by the Planning Board.
(3) 
District standards in § 350-22 below set a maximum portion of the Lot Frontage Zone that can be occupied by a driveway or parking.
(4) 
Door swings and other building components located in the Lot Frontage Zone must not obstruct the Pedestrian Throughway.
(5) 
Driveways, parking spaces, passenger dropoffs, garage entrances, loading and service areas are not permitted between the front of a building and the street line.
(6) 
Exhaust vents, mechanical equipment, utility boxes, long-term refuse or recycling storage, and similar utility elements are not permitted between the front of a building and the street line. When located in the Lot Frontage Zone, these elements must be located and designed in a manner that minimizes disruption of the use and visual intrusion into the Lot Frontage Zone.
E. 
Building frontage occupancy.
(1) 
District standards in § 350-22 below establish a minimum percentage of the width of a lot's street frontage within the build-to-zone that must be occupied by a building. This is known as "building frontage occupancy."
(2) 
Building frontage occupancy is measured as a percentage determined by dividing the length of the front facade of a building or buildings on a lot
A
by the length of the street frontage of the lot
B
. Both lengths are measured parallel to the street line.
(a) 
Diagram.
(b) 
The applicant may request that the Planning Board grant a waiver from the building frontage occupancy standard by site plan approval. The Planning Board may grant the waiver when it finds that:
[1] 
A building's front facade has adequate length, but the front facade is set back beyond the build-to-zone in order to:
[a] 
Accommodate a building element in front of the front facade (for example, a porch, arcade, or gallery); or
[b] 
Because the building has recessed bay(s), or a front courtyard; or
[c] 
On a street corner lot, where the facade is retracted to emphasize a corner entry to a building.
F. 
Ground floor use limitation area.
(1) 
Diagram of ground floor use limitation area.
(2) 
District standards below specify limitations on the allowed use of the front portion of the ground floor of a building.
(3) 
The ground floor use limitation area is measured from the front facade of a building.
(4) 
The ground floor use limitation area applies to any building located in the Lot Frontage Zone. If no building on a lot is located within the Lot Frontage Zone, it applies to the front-most building on the lot.
(5) 
Use limitations.
(a) 
Within a ground floor use limitation area, only commercial or civic uses that are open to the public are allowed, including, but not limited to:
[1] 
Retail.
[2] 
Restaurant.
[3] 
Entertainment.
[4] 
Municipal.
[5] 
Personal service.
[6] 
Office.
(b) 
Within a ground floor use limitation area, the following uses are not allowed:
[1] 
Residential.
[2] 
Parking/drive aisles.
[3] 
Auto repair or other auto-oriented use.
[4] 
Any other use that is not open to the public.
(6) 
Exceptions. The exceptions below apply to the ground floor use limitation area.
(a) 
Uses that are not allowed in the ground floor use limitation area may nonetheless have access at the street line by an entrance or entrances that lead to the upper floors of the building or to the rear of the building.
(b) 
Residential and other uses that are not open to the public are allowed within a ground floor use limitation area, when:
[1] 
The use is within a building that does not front on a public way or public park maintained by the City. For the purposes of this provision, rail trails and shared use paths will not be considered public parks; or
[2] 
The use is located within a building that is behind another building that is located in the lot frontage zone; or
[3] 
By special permit, when the Planning Board finds that locating the use within the ground floor use limitation area:
[a] 
Will make a significant contribution to foot traffic in the area; and
[b] 
Will not significantly interrupt the appeal of the block for pedestrians.
G. 
District transitional buffer.
(1) 
A district transitional buffer is required where a lot in a character-based district abuts a residentially zoned lot.
(2) 
The required width and screening height of a district transitional buffer is found in the district standards.
(3) 
Design standards for buffers are found at § 350-21.8H, Buffer landscaping. (Note: The character-based zoning districts establish design standards for buffers that supersede those found at § 350-6.5. See § 350-21.8H.)
(4) 
See § 350-21.7C(4)for limitations on building heights adjacent to a district transitional buffer.
H. 
Setback encroachments. Where setbacks exist, the following encroachments are allowed, provided that adequate clear height and space is maintained for anticipated pedestrian or vehicular movement and activities, including maintenance:
(1) 
Cornices, belt courses, sills, buttresses and other architectural features may encroach up to two feet.
(2) 
Building eaves and roof overhangs may encroach up to three feet.
(3) 
An awning, entry canopy, balcony or bay window may encroach into a setback, provided that there is adequate space to maintain the building component.
(4) 
Unenclosed fire escapes, HVAC equipment, or emergency egress stairways may encroach up to four feet into a required side or rear setback, provided that at least two feet is maintained from any lot line.
(5) 
Mechanical equipment associated with residential uses, such as HVAC units and security lighting, may encroach into a required side or rear setback, provided that at least four feet of clearance is maintained from any lot line.
(6) 
Allowed landscape components may encroach into a required front or side setback.
(7) 
Structures below and covered by the ground may fully encroach into a required setback.
(8) 
Minor structures accessory to utilities, such as hydrants, manholes, transformers, and other cabinet structures, may fully encroach into a required setback.
(9) 
Accessory structures and uses, such as driveways, fences and walls, signs, and landscape buffers may encroach into a required setback, except where specified in this Zoning Chapter.
(10) 
Additional setback encroachments are allowed when specified elsewhere in this chapter.
I. 
Number of buildings on a lot. More than one principal building may be built on a lot if the overall development satisfies the dimensional, density, parking, building, and other applicable standards in the character-based zoning §§ 350-21 and 350-22.
A. 
Applicability and review of guidelines in this section.
(1) 
All projects subject to site plan approval and/or special permit shall comply with any design guidelines in this § 350-21 and any design guidelines adopted by the Planning Board in connection with §§ 350-21 and 350-22. All other projects are encouraged to comply with the aforementioned design guidelines.
(2) 
When projects in the Central Business Core (CB-Core) District are subject to site plan approval, the Planning Board may hold a joint public hearing with the Central Business Architecture Committee (CBAC) to review the standards and guidelines in this § 350-21.7; and the Central Business Architecture Design Guidelines Manual (or the latest guidelines adopted pursuant to Chapter 156 of the City of Northampton’s Code of Ordinances).
B. 
Building orientation on a lot.
(1) 
Illustration.
(2) 
The primary facade of a principal building must be built generally parallel to a front lot line or to the tangent of a curved front lot line. On a corner lot, the facade may be retracted to emphasize a corner entry to a building, to allow for a landscape component, and/or to allow for safe sight distance at the corner. The requirements pertaining to corner visibility in § 350-6.8D may be reduced or waived by the Planning Board where the Planning Board in consultation with the City Engineer finds that a smaller triangle of clear sight visibility will be sufficient to maintain safe movement of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
C. 
Building height.
(1) 
Standards for building height, story height, and ground floor elevation are regulated per the district standards in § 350-22.
(a) 
For measurement methods see the definitions at § 350-2.1.
(b) 
Other features are subject to height limit exceptions in accordance with § 350-6.8C.
(2) 
Ground floor elevation. Ground floor elevation is measured from the average top grade of the edge of the sidewalk closest to the front lot line to the top of the finished floor of the ground story of a building.
(a) 
Diagram.
(b) 
Minimum and maximum ground floor elevations are established by district in § 350-22.
(3) 
Upper story stepback at front of lot.
(a) 
District standards in § 350-22 set the maximum allowed height of a building at the front lot line. Stories above that height may go up to the maximum allowed building height if they are stepped back the required distance from the front lot line designated in the district standards in § 350-22.
(b) 
Illustration.
(c) 
Upper story stepback standards augment maximum height requirements. While a maximum height requirement states the tallest a building can be anywhere on a lot, the upper story stepback standard further limits the allowed building height on the front portion of a lot.
(d) 
Upper story stepback standards do not supersede minimum or maximum front setback requirements for required building stories.
(4) 
Diagram of building height adjacent to a district transitional buffer; dimensional standards.
Dimensional Standards
A
Minimum setback
The minimum setback (side or rear setback, depending on context) or the minimum required transitional buffer, whichever is greater
C
Property line
D. 
Roofs.
(1) 
Minimizing visual impact of large roofs.
(a) 
A roof visible from a public way or public park must comprise less than 1 1/3 of the visible area of the walls below it. Fenestrated areas shall be included in the calculation of wall area. For the purposes of this provision, rail trails will not be considered public parks or public ways.
[1] 
Diagram.
(b) 
A roof visible from a public way or park that is longer than the thresholds set within district standards must incorporate one or more of the following roof variations: a change of roof height of at least one foot, a change of roof pitch of at least 2:12, or change of the direction of roof pitch, or a dormer.
(c) 
All pitched roofs must be designed and configured to prevent the snow and ice from sliding onto any path, walkway, building entrance or exit.
(2) 
Mansard and gambrel roofs are only allowed on buildings with three or more stories.
(3) 
A building with a flat roof must include an architectural feature that visually expresses the top of the building and distinguishes the roof from the building’s uppermost story through use of elements such as articulated parapets or a projecting overhang.
(4) 
A gable roof must have a pitch between 6:12 and 12:12 and must be symmetrically pitched.
(5) 
A hip roof must have a pitch of 4:12 or greater and must be symmetrically pitched.
(6) 
A shed roof must have a pitch that is between 4:12 and 7:12.
(7) 
Rooftop structures.
(a) 
Mechanical equipment.
[1] 
All rooftop mechanical equipment, including air conditioning, piping, ducts, and conduits external to the building, must be fully screened and positioned to minimize view from public street level at the front facades.
[2] 
Design guidelines. Screening should be incorporated in a manner consistent with the overall architectural design of the building, and may consist of parapets, screens, penthouse, latticework, louvered panels, or other similar methods.
(b) 
Wind turbines and wireless telecommunication equipment.
[1] 
Wind turbines and wireless telecommunication equipment must be positioned to minimize view of them from the street level at the front facade.
[2] 
Design guidelines. Camouflaging or shrouding should be incorporated in a manner consistent with the overall architectural design of the building.
(c) 
Solar collection devices that are placed on, or incorporated into, a roof must be no more than 10 feet above the roof surface.
E. 
Facades.
(1) 
Diagrams of terms related to facades.
(2) 
Bays.
(a) 
Articulation of bays for horizontally proportioned buildings. A building that is more than twice as long
B
as it is tall
A
must further articulate architectural bays
C
. This articulation may be achieved through the use of surface relief, change in material or color, shadow line, or another technique. [Note: Additional standards and guidelines related to bays apply to the CB-Core District. See § 350-21.7K(7).]
[1] 
Diagram.
(b) 
Buildings more than 100 feet long. When a street-facing building facade is longer than 100 feet, one or more architectural bays must either recess or project from the average plane of the facade by at least two feet. The resulting bays must be between six feet and 50 feet in width. The change in plane must extend the full height of the facade.
(c) 
Design guidelines. A street-facing building facade may be vertically articulated with architectural bays between six feet and 50 feet in width.
[1] 
The width of architectural bays should be derived from the building’s structural bay system or historic precedents in the district, if applicable.
[2] 
Pilasters, or other features defining each architectural bay should either extend all the way to the ground or terminate at any horizontal articulation defining the base of the building.
(3) 
Blank wall area.
(a) 
District standards in § 350-22 set a maximum allowed blank wall area.
(b) 
Blank wall area is any contiguous portion of a facade that does not include fenestration (doors and windows) or surface relief. Any wall areas that are less than five feet tall, less than five feet wide are exempt from blank wall area limitations.
(c) 
Blank wall area is measured separately for each floor.
(d) 
Diagram.
F. 
Ground floor facade types.
(1) 
This section establishes types of ground floor facades and design guidelines and design standards for them. It applies to ground floor facades that are located within the Lot Frontage Zone. District standards in § 350-22 specify which ground floor facade types are allowed in a district.
(2) 
Design standards for all ground floor facade types.
(a) 
Awning and canopies. See §§ 350-21.7I(3)and 350-21.7I(4).
(b) 
Security elements. Security grills, gates, and roll-down security doors and windows are not allowed except where such devices are at least 50% transparent and located on the interior side of a window or door.
(c) 
Utility elements. Vents, ducts, permanent air conditioners, and other utility elements are not allowed on a ground floor building facade except where such elements are enclosed, camouflaged, screened, obscured.
(d) 
Drainage systems. If present, drainage systems must be architecturally integrated into the design of the building facade.
(3) 
Storefront.
(a) 
Definition: a type of ground floor facade where the building facade is aligned close to or at the street line with at-grade entries for each ground level use. This type is commonly associated with retail, service or hospitality uses. It is predominantly glazed and includes a high level of design detail. It may include an awning or canopy that may encroach into the Public Frontage Zone or Pedestrian Throughway Zone.
(b) 
Illustrative examples.
(c) 
Diagram and standards.
Standards
A
Ground floor glazing (minimum)
60%
B
Height of bottom of ground floor window sill (minimum/maximum)
12 inches to 30 inches above average grade at facade
C
Distance between fenestration (maximum)
3 feet
D
Depth of recessed entryway (minimum)
3 feet
E
Width of recessed entryway (maximum)
20 feet
Depth of unobstructed view behind ground floor windows (minimum)
4 feet1
Required building components in front of front facade
N/A
NOTE:
1
The Planning Board may modify this requirement by site plan review when unique characteristics of the use make an unobstructed view into the ground floor infeasible or undesirable.
(d) 
(Reserved)
(e) 
Design guidelines.
[1] 
Diagram.
[2] 
The diagram above shows typical elements of a storefront on Main Street in downtown Northampton. Use of these elements is recommended because it creates a consistency and legibility of storefront design.
[3] 
Entrances. Where recessed entrances (or alcoves) to ground floor spaces are provided, display windows, should wrap around the recessed area on both sides of the entrance.
(4) 
Commercial.
(a) 
A type of ground floor facade where the building facade is aligned close to the street line or is set back from it a small distance. A commercial facade has substantial glazing on the ground floor, although not as much as is typical of a storefront. The bottom sills of ground floor windows may be higher than those in storefronts to provide a degree of privacy.
(b) 
Illustrative examples.
(c) 
Diagram and standards.
Standards
A
Ground floor glazing (minimum)
50%
B
Height of bottom of ground floor window sill (minimum/maximum)
—/3 feet above ground floor elevation
C
Distance between fenestration (maximum)
8 feet
D
Depth of recessed entryway (minimum)
—
E
Width of recessed entryway (maximum)
20 feet
Depth of unobstructed view behind ground floor windows (minimum)
2 feet1
Required building components in front of front facade
N/A
NOTE:
1
The Planning Board may modify this requirement by site plan review when unique characteristics of the use make an unobstructed view into the ground flood infeasible or undesirable.
(5) 
Residential.
(a) 
Definition: a type of ground floor facade where the building facade is set back from the street line with an intervening porch, stoop/ramp, or portico providing a transition between the public realm and the private realm. A residential facade is often elevated above the adjacent public realm. It includes at least one pedestrian entrance. This type of facade is commonly associated with residential use, but may also be used for commercial uses, especially in locations where commercial and residential uses are in close proximity. A residential facade has a moderate level of glazing.
(b) 
Illustrative examples.
(c) 
Diagram and standards.
Standards
A
Ground floor glazing (minimum)
20%
B
Height of bottom of ground floor window sill (minimum/maximum)
—/3 feet above ground floor elevation
C
Distance between fenestration (maximum)
12 feet
D
Depth of recessed entryway (minimum)
—
E
Width of recessed entryway (maximum)
12 feet
Depth of unobstructed view behind ground floor windows (minimum)
N/A
Required building components in front of front facade
Porch, portico or stoop
(d) 
(Reserved)
(e) 
Design standards.
[1] 
The residential facade type must be used in conjunction with a porch, stoop or portico building component.
(6) 
Civic.
(a) 
Definition: a ground floor facade type that is associated with civic uses. Design characteristics of this type vary widely. Percent of fenestration may be higher or lower than the other facade types. The ground floor may be substantially elevated to accentuate the prominence of the building. Setbacks vary widely but are typically large. The entrance is quite prominent.
(b) 
Illustrative examples.
(c) 
Diagram and standards.
Standards1
A
Ground floor glazing (minimum)
—
B
Height of bottom of ground floor window sill (minimum/maximum)
—
C
Distance between fenestration (maximum)
—
D
Depth of recessed entryway (minimum)
—
E
Width of recessed entryway (maximum)
—
Depth of unobstructed view behind ground floor windows (minimum)
—
Required building components in front of front facade
—
NOTE:
1
The design for a civic ground floor facade is subject to site plan review.
(d) 
(Reserved)
(e) 
Design standards.
[1] 
The civic ground floor façade type does not have typical dimensions.
[2] 
This facade type need not comply with ground floor fenestration and blank wall requirements found elsewhere in this section.
(f) 
New buildings proposed with this facade type are allowed by right with site plan review for the following uses:
[1] 
Religious and educational uses protected by MGL c. 40A, § 3.
[2] 
Publicly accessible government use.
[3] 
Publicly accessible library.
[4] 
Publicly accessible museum.
[5] 
Publicly accessible nonprofit community center.
[6] 
Publicly accessible nonprofit arts or cultural use.
[7] 
Public transit station.
(g) 
This facade type for new construction is subject to a special permit with site plan review from the Planning Board for any use that is not listed above. In granting a special permit for this facade type the Planning Board must find that:
[1] 
The use will make a contribution to the civic life of Northampton, including, but not limited to, promoting education, arts, culture, governance, civic discourse, and/or community cohesion; and
[2] 
The building is designed to be a landmark worthy of special prominence in the district.
G. 
Ground floor pedestrian entrances.
(1) 
Each building must have at least one pedestrian entrance. It must be located on the front facade of a building, provide both ingress and egress, and be operable during normal hours of operation of the use.
(2) 
A separate front-facing, ground floor pedestrian entrance must be provided for each ground floor commercial space that has frontage in a building.
(a) 
The applicant may request that the Planning Board grant a waiver to allow a shared front-facing entry for more than one commercial space. The Planning Board may grant the waiver when it finds that:
[1] 
The applicant shows and the Planning Board finds that there are benefits to a shared street-facing entry; and
[2] 
The applicant will provide public realm improvements that will offset any loss of additional access in the public realm.
(3) 
Pedestrian entrance spacing.
(a) 
Diagram.
(b) 
The distance between pedestrian entrances
A
on street-facing facade of a building must not exceed the distance specified for the district.
(c) 
The spacing is measured as the distance between the edge of a door to the edge of the next door along the facade.
(d) 
The spacing must be met for each building individually,
(e) 
The spacing does not apply to the distance to a pedestrian entrance on an adjacent or abutting building, unless both buildings are part of a common plan of development.
(f) 
A minimum of 50% of a required entrance must be glazed.
H. 
Fenestration.
(1) 
A minimum portion of a building facade must have fenestration (windows and doors). The portion is calculated as a percentage of the total area of the facade for each story independently.
(a) 
Fenestration requirements are only applicable to facades facing a street.
(b) 
Fenestration may be included in the calculation only if the glazing meets the following criteria:
[1] 
For ground story fenestration, glazing must have a minimum 60% visible light transmittance (VLT) and no more than 15% visible light reflectance (VLR).
[2] 
For upper story fenestration, glazing must have a minimum of 40% VLT and no more than 15% VLR.
(c) 
Diagram and standards.
Dimensional Standards for Measuring Fenestration
A
Ground floor fenestration, bottom of measured area
Storefront: 1 foot above the average grade of the adjacent Pedestrian Throughway or Public Frontage Zone
Other ground floor facade types: 2 feet, measured as above
B
Ground floor fenestration, top of measured area
12 feet above the average grade of the adjacent Pedestrian Throughway or Public Frontage Zone
C
Upper floor fenestration, measured area
Top of finished floor to the bottom of the finished floor above
D
Top floor fenestration, measured area
Top of finished floor to the bottom of the wall plate above
(2) 
Design guidelines for street-facing fenestration in all character-based districts.
(a) 
Window glass and doors in walls with masonry cladding should be recessed from the exterior wall plane of the facade by at least two inches.
(b) 
Fenestration should generally align vertically within each bay and horizontally across each story of a building. Alternative alignments may be approved by the Planning Board in buildings that create new architectural character.
(c) 
The variety of window and door sizes and proportions should be limited. Generally, no more than five different sizes or shapes of windows and doors should be used on a building facade.
I. 
Building components.
(1) 
Building components are allowed in the Lot Frontage Zone subject to the character-based district standards in § 350-22.
(2) 
Encroachment of building components into public space. With approval of the Department of Public Works, an awning, entry canopy, balcony or bay window may encroach into a public right-of-way or other public space if there is adequate vertical clearance for anticipated vehicle and pedestrian movement. (Note: The encroachment may require a permit from the Department of Public Works or Massachusetts Department of Transportation.)
(3) 
Awning.
(a) 
Definition: a lightweight, wall-mounted, pitched covering extending from a building to provide shade and weather protection for pedestrians.
(b) 
Illustration.
(c) 
An awning must be securely attached to, and supported by, the building and secured such that it does not permanently impact the architectural elements of the building.
[1] 
An awning must be made of durable, weather-resistant material.
[2] 
An awning must be approximately the same width as the windows or doors with which the awning is associated.
(d) 
Design guidelines.
[1] 
Canvas is strongly preferred over vinyl.
(4) 
Entry canopy.
(a) 
Definition: a permanent wall-mounted structure that provides shade and weather protection over a building entrance.
(b) 
Illustration.
(c) 
The width of an entry canopy must be equal to or greater than the width of the doorway it is mounted over.
(d) 
Design guidelines.
[1] 
A canopy should be mounted between columns, or pilasters; above doorway and window openings; below the sign fascia band; and above or below transom windows, if these elements are present.
(5) 
Balcony.
(a) 
Definition: a platform with a railing mounted on the exterior of the upper story of a building. A balcony is accessible from the building's interior.
(b) 
Illustration.
(c) 
A balcony may be recessed, projecting, a combination of the two, or attached to the roof of a portico, porch, or bay.
(d) 
A balcony must not be fully enclosed by walls.
(6) 
Bay window.
(a) 
Definition: a window assembly extending from the main body of a building to permit increased light, multidirection views, and to articulate a building's facade.
(b) 
Illustration.
(7) 
Arcade.
(a) 
Definition: a ground floor colonnade with habitable space above. An arcade sits in front of the front facade of a building and is deep enough to allow for pedestrian passage along the building facade.
(b) 
Illustration.
(c) 
An arcade may not encroach into the public right-of-way.
(8) 
Gallery.
(a) 
Definition: a structure attached to the front facade of a building that is supported by columns. It provides outdoor space adjacent to the public realm. It may be more than one story, but it may not be enclosed on more than three sides. The space between the columns and the front facade is deep enough to allow for pedestrian passage along the building facade.
(b) 
Illustration.
(c) 
Exterior stairs to a gallery may not be located in the Lot Frontage Zone.
(d) 
A gallery may not encroach into the public right-of-way.
(9) 
Porch.
(a) 
Definition: a structure that sits in front of the front facade of a building that provides for transitional space between the public realm and the building's entrance. A porch is covered from the elements. It may be elevated or at ground level. The front of a porch is open to the elements. Often the sides are open to the elements too. A porch does not provide habitable space.
(b) 
Illustration.
(c) 
The floor area of a porch must be at least six feet by eight feet.
(d) 
An upper story porch may be stacked on a lower story porch. An external staircase or ramp to reach an upper story porch is not allowed within the Lot Frontage Zone.
(e) 
A porch may not encroach into the public right-of-way.
(10) 
Stoop, portico, or lightwell.
(a) 
Definition: a structure that sits in front of the front facade of a building, or is recessed within it, that accommodates a grade change between ground level and the floor elevation of a building. It has a landing and stairs and/or a ramp. It may be above or below grade.
(b) 
Illustrations.
(c) 
The landing must be fully covered by an awning or an entry canopy, or by being recessed into the building.
(d) 
The floor area of the landing must be at least five feet by five feet.
(e) 
A stoop or portico may not encroach into the public right-of-way.
J. 
Building type. (Reserved)
K. 
Additional building design standards and guidelines for the CB-Core District. [Note: This section is also used by the Central Business Architecture Committee (CBAC) for review under Chapter 156.]
(1) 
Purpose: to ensure that building renovations and new construction are consistent with the historic character of the CB-Core District.
(2) 
The following design standards and guidelines are in addition to those found elsewhere in these sections.
(3) 
Projects in other districts are encouraged, but not required, to follow these standards and guidelines.
(4) 
Variations in the following design standards and guidelines for the CB-Core may be approved by the CBAC in accordance with Chapter 156 when the CBAC determines that alternatives proposed contribute to the vitality of the overall character of the district and fulfill the intent of the district.
(5) 
Roofs; additional design standards.
(a) 
All pitched roofs must have:
[1] 
Eaves that overhang the primary structure.
[2] 
Rakes (gable end) that extend beyond the wall.
(b) 
Flat roofs.
[1] 
A flat roof must be surrounded on all sides by an articulated parapet that acts as a structural expression of the building facade and its materials. The parapet must be a minimum of two feet in height and a maximum of six feet in height, measured from the top of the roof joists to the top of the parapet.
[2] 
Any facade of a building with a flat roof that fronts on a public way must include a cornice that has a design and dimensions that are consistent with historic precedents in the CB-Core District.
(6) 
Facade proportions; additional design guidelines. A building facade should be primarily composed of vertical proportions, whether in part or whole. Vertical proportions should be used in bays, window and door openings, and elements that convey vertical structural support. Horizontal proportions, though secondary, should balance vertical proportions. Horizontal proportions should be used to demarcate transitions between stories of the building, and in elements that convey horizontal structural support.
(7) 
Facades, bays; additional design standards and guidelines.
(a) 
Design guidelines. Bays should have an easily recognizable pattern of scale and repetition. An equal, central, or end articulated facade composition is recommended.
(b) 
Articulation of bays for horizontally proportioned buildings. A building that is more than twice as long
B
as it is tall
A
must further articulate architectural bays
C
:
[1] 
In the CB-Core District, the use of vertical dividing pilasters that are at least 12 inches wide and that project from the wall by at least four inches is recommended. The CBAC may accept an alternative method for articulating bays when it finds the method will provides equal or greater visual separation of bays.
[2] 
Diagram.
(8) 
Surface relief with architectural features; additional design guidelines. A street-facing building facade should provide surface relief through the use of some of the following: bay windows, cladding, columns, corner boards, cornices, door surrounds, moldings, pilasters, sills, sign bands, windows, or other equivalent architectural features that either project or recess from the surface of a facade by 3/4 of an inch or more.
(9) 
Horizontal articulation; additional design guidelines.
(a) 
Building facades should be horizontally articulated with a clearly defined base, middle, and top.
(b) 
Diagram.
(c) 
Materials appearing heavier in weight should be used for the building's base, with materials appearing similar or lighter in weight used above.
(d) 
When a building is two stories or taller, the following guidelines apply:
[1] 
The bottom story of a facade, or the bottom two stories if the building is five stories or more, should visually support assumed vertical building loads. The base should be visually differentiated from the stories above by a belt course, horizontal expression line, or cornice and include a change in color, building material, or pattern of fenestration.
[2] 
The central portion of each facade should be visually integrated as an expression of the building's middle. The middle should be visually differentiated from the base and top by a belt course, horizontal expression line or cornice and include a change in color, building material, or pattern of fenestration.
[3] 
The top of a building should visually terminate the building and protect it from the elements through the use of a cornice, overhanging roof, or change in massing.
[4] 
When a building is five stories or more, the top story should be articulated by a belt course, horizontal expression line, or a change in color, building material, or pattern of fenestration. The expression line typically occurs at or below the bottom sill of the top floor windows. Typically, the top row of windows is shorter than windows on the floors below and/or a different shape.
(10) 
Street-facing windows; additional design standards.
(a) 
Window openings must correspond to interior spaces and not span across an interior floor or wall.
(b) 
Repetitive openings must be proportioned so that the height is between 1.67 and three times the width. The following windows are exempt from this restriction:
[1] 
Basement and attic windows.
[2] 
Storefront windows.
[3] 
Top floor windows on buildings with more than two stories, as long as the height to width ratio of each window is at least 1:1.
[4] 
Street-facing windows; additional design standards.
[a] 
Window openings must correspond to interior spaces and not span across an interior floor or wall.
[b] 
Repetitive openings must be proportioned so that the height is between 1.67 and three times the width. The following windows are exempt from this restriction:
[i] 
Basement and attic windows.
[ii] 
Storefront windows.
[iii] 
Top floor windows on buildings with more than two stories, as long as the height to width ratio of each window is at least 1:1.
[iv] 
Single focal architectural features, such as a door opening, a bay window or a feature window, as long as the height to width ratio of the feature is at least 1:1.
[5] 
Single focal architectural features, such as a door opening, a bay window or a feature window, as long as the height to width ratio of the feature is at least 1:1.
(11) 
Street-facing upper floor windows: additional design standards.
(a) 
The CBAC may waive the requirements of Subsection K(11)(b) through (f) below for alternative designs that are consistent with the project context.
(b) 
Upper floor windows must follow a symmetrical pattern with a consistent system of window proportions and spacing. An application to CBAC or for site plan review must include an annotated drawing of the building facade that explains the geometric system underlying the placement and proportions of windows.
(c) 
All repetitive window openings on an upper floor of a building must be the same size and shape and must be horizontally aligned.
(d) 
Individually placed and evenly spaced windows.
[1] 
Diagram and dimensional standards.
Dimensional Standards
A
Window width, recommended
2 feet to 3 feet
B
Window separation (maximum)
1.25 x
A
C
Distance between edge of window and edge of building (maximum)
1.25 x
A
(e) 
Grouped windows.
[1] 
Diagram and dimensional standards.
Dimensional Standards
A
Window width, recommended
2 feet to 3 feet
B
Window separation (maximum)
A
/2
C
Distance from between window groups or between window and edge of building (maximum)
6 feet
(f) 
Ganged windows.
[1] 
Diagram and dimensional standards.
Dimensional Standards
A
Width of a window component within a ganged window unit, recommended
2 feet to 3 feet
B
Width of ganged window unit (maximum)
2 x
A
or 6 feet
C
Separation between ganged window units (maximum)
1.25 x
A
, if gangs are evenly spaced
A
/2, if gangs are grouped
D
Distance from edge of building, grouped window (maximum)
6 feet
A. 
Standards for landscape components in the Lot Frontage Zone.
(1) 
Subsections B to G below establish standards for landscape components in the Lot Frontage Zone. The standards apply when a project is subject to site plan approval or special permit, or when the component is required as a condition of plan approval by the Planning Board.
(2) 
Landscape components are subject to any relevant design standards adopted by the Planning Board.
(3) 
See § 350-21.6H(6) above regarding permitted encroachments into required front setbacks for landscape frontage types.
(4) 
Any landscape space intended for public access must be accessible to, and usable by, persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rules and Regulations of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (521 CMR), as amended.
(5) 
Landscape components may include seating, landscaping, cafes, and/or outdoor display areas for public or private use so long as the space is accessible and meets ADA standards.
(6) 
The maximum allowed height difference between the average grade along a lot's street line and the topmost point of a terrace in the lot frontage zone is four feet.
B. 
Sidewalk extension.
(1) 
Diagram.
Key to Diagram
Street line
(2) 
A sidewalk extension is a linear paved area running along the lot frontage adjacent to a public sidewalk in the Public Frontage Zone or Pedestrian Throughway Zone.
(a) 
A sidewalk extension must meet and match the grade of the abutting public sidewalk.
(b) 
A sidewalk extension must be constructed of materials with equivalent durability to cement concrete that is four inches deep. Where a driveway crosses a sidewalk extension, the sidewalk extension must be constructed of materials with equivalent durability to cement concrete that is six inches deep.
C. 
Front plaza.
(1) 
Diagram.
Key to Diagram
Street line
(2) 
A front plaza must not obstruct access to the principal entrance of a building.
(3) 
At least 20% of the front edge of a front plaza must be directly accessible to the adjacent Pedestrian Throughway or Public Frontage Zone.
D. 
Front yard, terrace or garden.
(1) 
Diagram.
Key to Diagram
Street line
(2) 
All plantings must be arranged and maintained such that they do not obscure views or operational space necessary for pedestrians, motor vehicle, or bicycles.
(3) 
Must be maintained to be free of refuse and debris.
(4) 
Illustrative example.
E. 
Landscape path. A landscape path may provide additional pedestrian circulation to cement concrete walks and must be:
(1) 
A minimum of three feet wide.
(2) 
At least seven feet of clear height above a landscape path
(3) 
Constructed of a durable, low-slip, all-weather surface, and free of tripping hazards.
F. 
Front ramp.
(1) 
Diagram.
Key to Diagram
Street line
(2) 
Site design must avoid the use of front ramps where practicable by, for example: minimizing the grade change between a public sidewalk and a building's ground floor elevation; or by providing walkways with a slope of less than 5%.
(3) 
A front ramp must incorporate at least one change in direction of travel of at least 45° after every 30 feet of running length.
(4) 
A front ramp may be freestanding or incorporated into a terrace, a building, or another structure.
(5) 
A railing on a front ramp must be at least 50% visually transparent.
(6) 
The sidewall of a ramp that runs parallel to the street, or at an angle that is less than 90° to the street, and that is more than 18 inches tall, must be screened with vegetation, public seating, or other allowed public realm elements.
G. 
Fence or landscape wall.
(1) 
Any fence or wall in the landscape frontage zone that is greater than 18 inches and less than 50% transparent must be screened with vegetation, public seating, or other allowed public realm elements.
(2) 
The maximum height of a fence or landscape wall in the Lot Frontage Zone is:
(a) 
Three feet tall if it is less than 50% visually transparent.
(b) 
Four feet tall if it is at least 50% visually transparent.
(3) 
The applicant may request that the Planning Board grant a waiver from the requirements in § 350-21.8G(1) above.
(a) 
The Planning Board shall grant the waiver when a retaining wall is necessary to address a variation in the grade of the land within the Lot Frontage Zone.
(b) 
The Planning Board may grant the waiver, if the fence or wall is used for screening.
H. 
Buffer landscaping.
(1) 
Diagram of buffer landscaping; dimensional standards for buffer landscaping.
Dimensional Standards for Buffer Landscaping
A
Buffer width (minimum)
See district standards.
B
Screening height (minimum)
See district standards.
(2) 
(Reserved)
(3) 
Design standards.
(a) 
A buffer must entirely obstruct views from one side of the buffer to the other side up to the required minimum screening height.
(b) 
At the time of occupancy of the lot, vegetation in the buffer must block views up to three-fifths of the required height.
(c) 
A buffer may include earthworks, preexisting or new vegetation, fences and/or walls.
[1] 
Design guidelines. Where possible, existing trees and noninvasive vegetation should be preserved to reduce the need for additional planting.
(d) 
Buffer plantings must be a mix of heights and habits upon maturity such that vegetation fills all vertical and horizontal layers of the buffer zone up to the required screening height.
(e) 
A majority of the plants shall be native or naturalized species or noninvasive exotic species. Plants selected shall be suitable for the given site conditions (soil, moisture, pollution, light) to minimize the need for irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides.
(f) 
Buffer plantings must fulfill one or more of the following additional functions: green stormwater management; providing habitat for native wildlife; or providing visual interest through harmony and variation of the size, shape, color and/or texture of plants and/or their leaves, flowers, seed heads, fruits, stems and bark.
(g) 
All plants must be maintained by the owner or occupants to provide a visually impervious screen year-round. All landscaping must be maintained in a healthy growing condition, neat and orderly in appearance, and free of refuse and debris.
(h) 
All plantings must be arranged and maintained to allow sight distance needed for safe walking, or safe operation of a motor vehicle or bicycle.
(i) 
Design guidelines. A mix of deciduous and evergreen plants is recommended. A mix of trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and tall grasses is recommended.
(j) 
Where a buffer includes a wall or fence that is the required screening height, the required width of the buffer is reduced by half. The fence or wall must:
[1] 
Be sight-impervious.
[2] 
Provide at least as much noise mitigation as the vegetated buffer area that is allowed to be reduced.
[3] 
Be constructed of substantial natural materials, including wood, stone, or metal. Chain-link fence is not allowed.
[4] 
Have the finished side facing out [i.e., facing the street or abutting lot(s)].
[5] 
Be maintained in good condition by the owner or occupants of the lot.
(4) 
Additional standards for district transitional buffers.
(a) 
Waiver. The applicant may request that the Planning Board grant a waiver from the height and width requirements of a district transitional buffer. The Planning Board may grant the waiver when it finds that:
[1] 
The requirements are not necessary to create a compatible transition with the adjacent lot. In making its decision, the Planning Board shall consider whether:
[a] 
An abutting lot has a use with a similar impact to that which is proposed; and/or
[b] 
Physical conditions of the lot(s) would mitigate the need for a district transitional buffer (for example, a grade change between the lots, or an existing feature that provides an adequate buffer).
(5) 
Additional standards for parking buffers.
(a) 
A parking buffer must include at least one tree for every 25 feet of buffer along the lot's frontage.
(b) 
The tree must comply with design standards for street trees set forth in this section.
(c) 
Trees shall be selected from the City of Northampton's tree planting guidelines.
(d) 
A wall or fence must be not more than 3 1/2 feet tall within five feet of the front lot line or not more than five feet tall beyond this point.
(e) 
Waiver. The applicant may request that the Planning Board grant a waiver to allow deviation from the required buffer requirements including width and screening height. The Planning Board shall grant the waiver when it finds:
[1] 
It is necessary to allow for safe sight lines into and out of a site; or
[2] 
Other unique characteristics of the site hide the parking without need for a landscape buffer.
A. 
Purpose.
(1) 
Green infrastructure is encouraged throughout the character-based zoning districts.
(2) 
Some forms of green infrastructure are only appropriate in certain public and private realm areas.
B. 
Green infrastructure types. Green infrastructure types in the table below shall be defined and designed according to the Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook, which shall be superseded by Northampton's Chapter 281, Stormwater Management Ordinance, or any regulations pursuant thereto.
C. 
Allowed locations. The following table establishes where green infrastructure types are allowed and encouraged. Bullets indicate where green infrastructure is allowed.
Green Infrastructure Type
Furnishing and Utility Zone
Pedestrian Throughway
Public Frontage Zone
Lot Frontage Zone
Building
Lot Interior
Tree box filter
•
•
•
Stormwater planter
•
•
•
•
Bioretention, rain garden, bioswale
•
•
•
Subsurface infiltration chamber
•
•
•
•
•
Pervious pavement, permeable pavers
•
•
•
•
•
Green wall
•
•
•
Green roof
•
•
Cistern
•
•
Gray water reuse
•
•
A. 
Applicability of standards for public realm components.
(1) 
The applicant must bring a public realm component into compliance with the standards of this section when the component the applicant proposes will disturb an existing one, or an upgrade of the component is required by the Planning Board as a condition of plan approval in order to meet the standards within the site plan approval criteria.
(2) 
The applicant may request that the Planning Board grant a waiver from strict compliance with specific public realm component standards. The Planning Board shall grant the waiver when it finds that due to unique site characteristics strict compliance would create an undue burden or would not further the intent of this section.
B. 
Public realm components and public realm zones.
(1) 
Typical location. The second through fifth columns of the table below establish which public realm components are allowed in each public realm zone. When a component is allowed it is indicated by a "•" symbol.
(2) 
Table: Typical Locations of Public Realm Components in Public Realm Zones.
Public Realm Component
Vehicle Throughway
Furnishing and Utility Zone
Pedestrian Throughway Zone
Public Frontage Zone
Lot Frontage Zone
DPW design and construction standards compliance
•
•
•
•
•
Bicycle facilities
•
Crosswalks
•
On-street parking lanes
•
Curb extensions
•
Bus facilities
•
•
•
•
Utilities
•
•
•
•
•
Parklets
•
•
Landmarks and public art
•
•
•
•
Green infrastructure
•
•
•
•
•
Street trees and tree pits
•
•
•
•
Public seating
•
•
•
•
Bicycle parking
•
•
•
•
Driveway and alley crossings
•
•
•
•
•
Sidewalks
•
•
•
Outdoor cafe seating
•
•
•
Outdoor retail displays
•
•
Landscape components
•
•
C. 
Street trees and tree pits.
(1) 
New street trees must be planted within the Furnishing Zone to fill any gaps greater than 25 feet long between existing street trees. The applicant may request that the Planning Board grant a waiver from this requirement. The Planning Board shall grant the waiver if the DPW and City Tree Warden determine the requirement is not feasible.
(2) 
Planting locations and standards specified by the City's Tree Warden must be followed.
(3) 
Street trees must be planted in the Furnishing and Utility Zone unless there is insufficient space as determined by the City's Tree Warden. In this case, the trees must be planted in the Public Frontage Zone or the Lot Frontage Zone as close to the Pedestrian Throughway as is feasible.
(4) 
The soil area around a street tree must be protected from compaction due to foot traffic in accordance with standards given by the Tree Warden.
D. 
Public seating.
(1) 
Ample public seating is an essential component of Northampton's public realm. Public seating can take a variety of shapes, including chairs, benches, seating walls, or low tables.
(2) 
Illustrative examples of public seating.
(3) 
Any seating within the Furnishing and Utility Zone, or the Public Frontage Zone will be considered public seating. Public seating must be available for public use and must comply with the standards in this section.
(4) 
Allowing public use of seating located in the Lot Frontage Zone is encouraged, but not required.
(5) 
If used, public seating must be sited according to the following design standards:
(a) 
Prevent obstructions.
[1] 
It must not be placed such that it narrows the Pedestrian Throughway below a five-foot minimum width.
[2] 
It must not obstruct access to a building entrance or exit.
[3] 
It must not obstruct access to bicycle parking, parking kiosks, fire hydrants, trash receptacles, utilities, or other fixtures or street furniture.
(b) 
Public seating must be permanently affixed to the ground.
[1] 
Moveable furniture is acceptable if it is maintained by a proponent in good working order and it is removed at night and during snow emergencies, and it is replaced as necessary.
(c) 
At least 50% of public seating must have seat backs.
(6) 
Design guidelines. Seating areas longer than four feet should provide armrests or other dividers.
(7) 
Public seating should be sited according to the following design guidelines:
(a) 
Site benches oriented toward views and/or pedestrians.
(b) 
Provide seating in a variety of microclimates for: summer shade, preferably from street trees; winter sun, especially adjacent to surfaces that will hold that heat, like stone or brick walls.
(c) 
Maintain adequately spaced pathways from parked cars and loading zones.
(d) 
Provide one foot between the front of the bench and any Pedestrian Throughway so that the legs of people sitting on the bench do not obstruct the throughway.
(e) 
Provide a one-foot clear path between any public seating and where the back of the seat abuts a building, wall, or other obstruction.
(8) 
Public seating should generally be oriented so that it faces the nearest Pedestrian Throughway Zone or organized into groupings with seating facing other seating at a conversational distance.
(a) 
Illustrations of public seating orientation.
E. 
Bicycle parking.
(1) 
The standards of § 350-8.11 apply with the addition of the provisions in this section (§ 350-21.10E).
(2) 
Diagram of bicycle parking and dimensional standards.
Dimensional Standards
A
Minimum space between bicycle racks
2.5 feet on center if arranged side-by-side; 8 feet if arranged end-to-end
B
Minimum length of space
6 feet
C
Minimum Pedestrian Throughway adjacent to bicycle parking
5 feet
D
Minimum clear height above bicycle parking space
7 feet
(3) 
(Reserved)
(4) 
The following list sets out the City's preferred locations for bicycle parking in the character-based districts. The most preferred location to the least preferred location for bicycle parking is: the Furnishing and Utility Zone, the Public Frontage Zone, the Lot Frontage Zone, beside a building, behind a building.
(5) 
Installation of a bicycle rack within the public realm requires Department of Public Works approval.
F. 
Driveway/alley crossings.
(2) 
A driveway or alley that crosses a paved or planted Furnishing Zone:
(a) 
Must be designed to maintain the grade and clear width of the adjacent Pedestrian Throughway;
(b) 
Must include sloped flares on either side of the driveway apron; and
(c) 
Must include curb returns.
(3) 
The appearance of any walkway (i.e., materials) must be maintained across any driveway or alley to demarcate the hierarchy of the pedestrian path over the vehicular access.
(4) 
A curb cut may be no wider than the driveway or vehicular entrance it serves, excluding flares or returned curbs. See § 350-8.8G and H for additional curb cut standards.
(5) 
Shared driveways are permitted and encouraged.
G. 
Outdoor cafe seating.
(1) 
Outdoor cafe seating is permitted as an ancillary activity of any restaurant, take-out restaurant, or other eating and drinking establishment when:
(a) 
The Department of Public Works provides a permit for use of the public way.
(b) 
The operator of the outdoor cafe seating maintains the cafe area, including properly disposing all trash.
(c) 
It is located in the Lot Frontage Zone, Public Frontage Zone, or Furnishing and Utility Zone.
(2) 
Diagrams of outdoor cafe seating and dimensional standards.
Dimensional Standards
A
Pedestrian Throughway width
With approval of the DPW
B
Cafe seating depth
4 feet minimum to 15 feet maximum measured perpendicular to the street line
C
Cafe seating length
Not greater than the street frontage of the establishment it serves
D
Width of clear path of access to entrances of buildings
4 feet minimum
Table surface, longest dimension
3 feet 6 inches maximum
Standing or stooled table ledge, depth
18 inches minimum
(3) 
(Reserved)
(4) 
Furniture.
(a) 
Allowed furniture is limited to moveable tables, chairs, and umbrellas, required enclosures, planters, lighting, and portable or mounted heaters.
(b) 
All furniture must be commercial grade and manufactured for outdoor use of safe, sturdy, and durable materials, such as wood, steel, or wrought iron.
(c) 
When not intended for use during the winter months, outdoor cafe furniture must be removed and stored indoors.
(d) 
Heaters may be used to extend the use of outdoor cafe seating during colder weather. The following standards apply:
[1] 
Heating fixtures require approval by the Fire Department.
[2] 
Portable heaters must be stored out of view from the public way when the business is closed.
(5) 
Design guidelines for weather protection.
(a) 
Awnings or individual table umbrellas are encouraged to provide protection from the weather. (See § 350-21.7I.)
(6) 
Illustrative examples of cafe seating.
H. 
Outdoor retail displays. Note: Also see § 285-5.
(1) 
Purpose. Outdoor retail displays located within the public realm can increase the visibility and viability of businesses and can enhance the walkability of an area.
(2) 
Standards. The placement for display and sale of merchandise within the Lot Frontage Area or the Public Frontage Area adjacent to a retail business may be allowed without a Department of Public Works permit under the following standards:
(a) 
Display is out only during hours when the associated establishment is open for business.
(b) 
It does not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic or corner visibility.
(c) 
It is located at least two feet outside of the required width of a Pedestrian Throughway Zone.
(d) 
It does not obstruct building entrances. The passage must be four feet to six feet wide minimum adjacent to an outdoor retail display.
(e) 
Outdoor retail displays must be located two feet from any fire hydrant, street furnishing, street tree, or other fixture, and must not infringe upon any area required for the operation of bicycle parking.
(f) 
Furniture and equipment must not be anchored to a ground surface nor be attached or affixed to any tree, post, sign or other structure.
(g) 
It must not exceed 100 square feet of ground space.
A. 
Exemptions from and additions to § 350-8.
(1) 
Unless otherwise specified in this section, or elsewhere in § 350-21 or 350-22, the parking standards found in §§ 350-8.2 through 350-8.11 apply.
(2) 
Shared driveways are permitted by right and are encouraged.
(3) 
See the relevant Table of Character-Based Requirements in § 350-22 for any additional standards related to parking or a driveway.
B. 
Driveway.
(1) 
A new driveway requires a permit in accordance with City Code § 285-30.
(2) 
All driveways must comply with the standards in § 350-8.8.
(3) 
No driveway may be located between the street line and the front facade of a building.
(4) 
A driveway must be laid out such that its direction of travel is as nearly perpendicular to the street line as is practicable.
(5) 
The entrance to a new driveway must be at least 50 feet from the entrance to any existing driveway or intersecting street.
(6) 
See the relevant Table of Character-Based Requirements in § 350-22 for additional standards related to a driveway or curb cut.
(7) 
A driveway or alley that crosses a paved or planted Furnishing Zone must:
(a) 
Be designed to maintain the grade and clear width of the adjacent Pedestrian Throughway.
(b) 
Include sloped flares on either side of the driveway apron and/or include curb returns, per the specifications of the DPW.
[1] 
Illustrative example of sloped flares.
[2] 
Illustrative example of curb returns.
(8) 
The appearance of any walkway, including materials, scoring pattern or special paving, must be maintained across any driveway or alley to demarcate the hierarchy of the pedestrian path over the vehicular access.
(9) 
A curb cut may be no wider than the driveway or vehicular entrance it serves, except for additional width required for flares or returned curbs.
(10) 
A curb cut serving a corner lot must be located on the secondary frontage, not the primary frontage. The Planning Board shall determine which frontage is primary and which is secondary.
(11) 
Shared driveways are permitted and encouraged.
(12) 
See § 350-8.8G and H for additional curb cut standards.
(13) 
New curb cuts are not allowed by right in all districts. See the applicable district standards.
C. 
Parking placement.
(1) 
No parking, except for underground parking, may be located between the street line and a building. This area must be designed to physically prevent access by cars through the use of a bollard, curb, vegetation, or other means.
(2) 
See the relevant Table of Character-Based Requirements in § 350-22 for any additional standards related to parking location.
(3) 
Diagram of parking placement.
D. 
Screening of side parking from view from streets or sidewalks.
(1) 
Private parking that it is not located behind a building must be screened from view from a street or sidewalk by a landscape buffer.
(2) 
The required width and screening height of a parking buffer is found in the district standards.
(3) 
Design standards for a parking buffer are found at § 350-21.8H, Buffer landscaping. (Note: The character-based zoning districts establish design standards for buffers that supersede those found at § 350-6.5. See § 350-21.8H.)
A. 
Development site.
(1) 
A development site is any lot or group of contiguous building lots owned or controlled by the same person or entity proposed for development and may include more than one principal building.
(a) 
Diagram.
(2) 
Uses. A development site may include a combination of uses.
(3) 
For the purposes of applying §§ 350-21 and 350-22 to development sites, private streets in development sites shall be built to the public realm standards and in accordance with the Subdivision Regulations. In addition, any driveway or parking aisle within a development site that is expected to have more than 100 vehicle trips per day shall be designed in accordance with the public realm standards.
B. 
Development block standards. These standards establish maximum block length along public or private streets within a development site as a method to ensure that access and walkability are integrated into the placement of buildings, outdoor amenity spaces, and site utility areas. Generally, blocks are laid out in order to orient buildings to the street while concentrating utility elements such as electrical service, parking, and refuse collection to the center of blocks, at the rear of the buildings.
(1) 
Diagram.
(2) 
Design standards.
(a) 
Size and dimension. The maximum length of a block face shall be 200 feet and the maximum length of a block perimeter shall be 800 feet.
[1] 
The applicant may request that the Planning Board grant a waiver to allow a longer block face or block perimeter.
[2] 
The Planning Board shall grant the waiver where it finds that:
[a] 
Block faces are articulated and have multiple entrances to buildings.
[b] 
The block will be highly walkable through the use of high-quality public realm improvements.
[c] 
Any block longer than 400 feet includes at least one mid-block pedestrian passage aligned on each side of the street. The mid-block pedestrian passage must lead to a mid-block crosswalk that includes curb extensions and that is at grade with the adjacent sidewalk.
(b) 
Access and utilities. Access to the interior utility area of a block will be made by a private alley street type as specified in the Subdivision Regulations.
(c) 
A mid-block pedestrian passage is required every 200 linear feet along a block face where shared parking areas or community space is located within the interior of the block.
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish standards for the continued utilization of existing buildings and site improvements in character-based zoning districts that were constructed prior to the effective date of this section.
B. 
Applicability. Where the provisions of this section conflict with § 350-9, Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots, this section shall apply.
C. 
Additions to nonconforming buildings.
(1) 
When an existing building that does not meet the lot frontage standards in § 350-21.5I is expanded, the expansion is subject to all applicable standards of §§ 350-21 and 350-22, except as specified in Subsection C(2)and (3)below.
(2) 
Front addition.
(a) 
Diagram.
(b) 
Standards. Any addition to the front of a building must be placed within the front build-to-zone unless the Board determines that improvements between the addition and the maximum front setback will add to the character of the district visually and physically. No new parking may be located in front of a front addition. The addition is exempt from minimum building frontage occupancy but must comply with any other applicable Lot Frontage Zone occupancy standard.
(3) 
Upper story addition.
(a) 
Diagram.
(b) 
Standards. Upper story additions are allowed up to the maximum story and building height for the district.
D. 
New detached buildings.
(1) 
When a new freestanding building is being constructed on a lot or site with an existing building, the new building must be placed within the build-to-zone.
(2) 
Diagram.
E. 
Nonconforming building or site retrofit.
(1) 
A development project that results in changes to more than 60% of exterior structural elements must comply with the standards of §§ 350-21 and 350-22.
(2) 
The addition of more than five parking spaces triggers requirements for landscaping (§ 350-21.8), green infrastructure (§ 350-21.9) and off-street parking and driveways (§ 350-21.11).
(3) 
A project that expands gross floor area by 100% or more or that includes a use that triggers site plan approval shall comply with the standards of §§ 350-21 and 350-22, unless alternatives are approved by the Planning Board.