City of Haslet, TX Article V Design and Development Standards

§ 5.1 APPLICABILITY OF THIS ARTICLE.

5.1.1 

General Applicability

Table 5.1-1 shall establish the applicability of the different standards in this section.

Table 5.1-1 Design and Development Standards Applicability Matrix
+ = section applies "blank cell"= section does not apply
Section --> Development Request	Landscaping & Buffering	Screening & Fences	Open Space	Off-Street Parking & Loading	Residential Building Design	Nonresidential Building Design	Old Town Building Design	Transportation and Connectivity	Exterior Site Lighting	Comments
A. New Construction	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+
B. Change of use/expansion of existing use (with NO increase in building area)				+
C. Any increase in value of improvements with NO increase in building area (interior remodel only)
D. Expansion of Building Area
i. 0%-49% increase in building area
1. Standards in applicable sections shall apply only to the expansions	+	+	+	+	+	+	+*	+	+
ii. 50% or greater increase of building area
1. Standards in applicable sections shall apply to the site including retrofitting of the existing building and site, if nonconform ing	+	+	+	+	+	+	+*	+	+	**
E. Expansion of parking area only (not in conjunction with a building or use expansion)
i. Up to 10 spaces									+
ii. 11 or more additional spaces	+	+		+				+	+
F. Facade changes to existing buildings (regardless of value of improvements proposed)
i. Addition of nonair conditioned space such as patios, porches, arcades, canopies, and outdoor seating areas
ii. Changes to any street facing facades					+	+*

Notes:

* City Council may waive sections if it is unfeasible or impractical to retrofit the site through the Site Plan process for all development in the Old Town District.

** City Council may waive sections if it is unfeasible or impractical to retrofit the site through the Site Plan process for nonsingle-family residential sites.

(Ordinance 025-2021 adopted 10/4/21)

§ 5.2 LANDSCAPING AND BUFFERING STANDARDS.

5.2.1 

Purpose

The standards of this section are intended to enhance the quality of development through the provision of appropriate landscaping and buffering. The landscaping regulations serve to safeguard and enhance property values while protecting public and private investment. The regulations encourage the preservation of the existing natural environment to aid in the stabilization of the environment’s ecological balance whenever possible, and require property owners to provide landscape amenities, setbacks, and buffering that promote a positive image and pride for new development in the city. It is also the intent of this section to provide flexible requirements that encourage and allow for creativity in landscape design. The results of this effort will be to attract and maintain quality businesses and residential neighborhoods in the city of Haslet.

5.2.2 

Applicability

A. 

GENERAL:

This section establishes minimum standards for landscaping and buffering for all new development and redevelopment in the City of Haslet as follows:

1. All single-family residential development in subdivisions with Zoning Change approved or Preliminary Platted after the adoption of this Ordinance and per Table 5.1-1 shall meet the standards in Section 5.2.3 on Residential Landscaping and Buffering.

2. All multifamily and nonresidential development per Table 5.1-1 shall meet the standards in Section 5.2.4 on Nonresidential and Multifamily Landscaping and Buffering.

3. All surface parking lots per Table 5.1-1 and with 10 or more parking spaces shall meet the standards in Section 5.2.5 on parking lot landscaping.

B. 

PARCEL SPECIFIC:

Landscaping and buffering requirements in other sections or parcel-specific development approvals:

1. Any use that is required to provide landscaping or buffering pursuant to Section 4.2, Additional Use Standards, shall comply with such requirements. In the event of a conflict between the additional use standards and the requirements of this section, the additional use standards shall control.

2. Any use that is required to provide landscaping or buffering pursuant to a parcel-specific ordinance, including PD or MU zoning and/or approval conditions, shall comply with such requirements. In the event of a conflict between the parcel-specific zoning ordinance and/or conditions and the requirements of this section, the parcel-specific standards shall control.

C. 

LANDSCAPING AND BUFFERING PLAN:

Prior to the issuance of a building or construction permit for any use other than single-family or duplex dwellings, a landscape plan reflecting all landscaping and buffering required under this section shall be submitted in conjunction with a site plan application. The landscaping plan may be combined with any site plan, screening plan, grading plan, or other plan required for compliance with other sections of this Ordinance:

1. Landscaping plans for all nonresidential and multifamily sites shall be prepared by a registered landscape architect and shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:

2. Minimum scale of one inch equals 50 feet or appropriate scale for legibility;

3. North arrow;

4. Date of preparation of the Landscaping Plan;

5. Location, size and species of all trees to be preserved;

6. Location of all plant and landscaping material to be used including plants, paving, benches, screens, fountains, statues, or other landscape features including proposed topography of site using 1' contours;

7. Identification of all plant material to be used (Common and Botanical);

8. Size of all plant material to be used at the time of planting with appropriate spacing indicated on the plan;

9. 

Irrigation Plan:

a. Layout and description of irrigation, sprinkler or water systems including placement of water sources and including freeze/rain sensors on sprinkled systems;

b. Irrigation plan must be prepared by a licensed irrigator in the State of Texas.

10. Size and location of all existing and proposed utilities, including easements and duct banks, if any;

11. Planting and/or other details or cross sections as required for clarification by the city; and

12. Description of maintenance provisions for the landscape plan.

5.2.3 

Residential Landscaping and Buffering Requirements

This section shall apply to all single-family detached and attached residential uses.

A. 

FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING:

1. 

Purpose:

Landscaping should be selected and placed in the front yards of residences to soften the effect of the built environment and create attractive streetscapes. An arrangement of vegetation such as trees, bushes, and grass, together with other suitable materials such as flowering plants, ground cover, mulch, etc., arranged in a complementary fashion, is desired.

2. All residential lots shall have vegetation established per the requirements of this section prior to certificate of occupancy.

3. 

Canopy Trees:

a. Trees selected from the tree list included in Appendix A of this Ordinance shall be planted on all single-family residential lots based on the zoning district as specified in Table 5.2-1.

b. Fifty percent of the required canopy trees or at least one canopy tree shall be placed in the front yard.

Table 5.2-1 Canopy Trees in Residential Districts
Zoning District	Number of Canopy Trees Required per Residential Lot
R-1	4
R-2	2
R-M	2

4. 

Front yard vegetation:

In addition to the canopy tree requirement, all residential lots shall provide one of the following front yard landscaping options:

a. 

Option 1 - Percentage Vegetative Cover:

At least 10 percent of the front yard shall be landscaped with vegetative cover (trees, shrubs, ground covers, or ornamental grasses) other than turf grass. For the purposes of this requirement, front yard means the area between the house and the front property line.

b. 

Option 2 - Required Materials:

The front yard shall be landscaped with at least ten shrubs of at least two different species, and one ornamental tree.

B. 

DESIGN AND PLANTING STANDARDS.

1. Each ornamental tree shall count for 20 square feet of the required vegetative cover in the landscaped area.

2. The use of native vegetation, drought-tolerant plants, or rain gardens is encouraged.

3. In addition to Options 1 and 2, front yard landscaping on corner lots shall wrap around the side for a minimum of 20 feet along the side street.

C. 

RESIDENTIAL STREETSCAPE STANDARDS.

1. 

Purpose:

The intent of this requirement is to provide appealing and comfortable pedestrian street environments in order to promote pedestrian activity that, in turn, promotes public health through increased physical activity. An attractive streetscape is a significant community asset, and often helps maintain neighborhood values. Homes designed in relation to the streetscape become part of the neighborhood rather than a solitary residence.

2. 

Applicability:

a. This section is applicable to internal residential streets within a new development of 20 or more single-family detached dwelling units.

b. This section also applies to streets within the MU-Transition and MU-Neighborhood zones.

3. 

Requirements:

Streets shall be designed to include the following:

a. A landscaped buffer area at least six feet in width shall be provided between the sidewalk and the back of the curb. The landscaped buffer area shall be designed as follows:

i. Street trees shall be located within the buffer area and provided at the quantity and spacing of an average of one canopy tree per every 40 linear feet.

ii. Trees shall be centered at a minimum distance of three feet from the back of the curb.

iii. Trees shall be selected from the list of species approved in Appendix A. No single species of tree shall represent more than 30 percent of the trees required to satisfy the street tree requirement.

iv. Trees shall be planted based on the standards for planting in this Section.

v. Street lampposts, street signs, mail kiosks and mailboxes shall be located in this buffer area, subject to post office regulations for mailboxes.

vi. Street trees shall not be located closer than 10 feet to a lamppost.

b. 

Sidewalk Zone:

A continuous sidewalk at least five feet in width shall be provided on both sides of the street at least six feet distant from and generally parallel to the back of the curb. Meandering sidewalks may be approved by the Administrator to preserve trees and create a more informal streetscape.

c. 

Walkways:

Separate walkways that connect the front doorway or porch to the sidewalk and to the driveway are recommended. These walkways shall be at least four feet wide.

D. 

SUBDIVISION PERIMETER LANDSCAPING:

Refer to Section 5.3 Screening and Fence Requirements in this Article.

E. 

TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE:

The provisions of the Texas Local Government Code Section 211.016, regulating the timing of the placement of landscaping for single-family residential lots, shall be applicable to the requirements of this section.

5.2.4 

Nonresidential and Multifamily Landscaping and Buffering Requirements

A. 

APPLICABILITY:

1. This section shall apply to all nonresidential and multifamily development per Table 5.1-1.

B. 

PARKING LOT LANDSCAPING:

Any nonresidential surface parking area that contains ten (10) or more parking spaces shall provide interior landscaping, in addition to the required landscaped street buffer, as follows:

1. Fifteen (15) square feet of landscaping for each parking space shall be provided within the paved boundaries of the parking lot area.

2. Where an existing parking lot area is altered or expanded to add 10 or more spaces or results in a parking lot of twenty (20) spaces or more, interior landscaping shall be provided on the new portion of the parking lot in accordance with this Ordinance.

3. All surface parking lots shall incorporate the required landscaping in landscape islands as follows:

a. Landscape islands shall be installed at the terminus of each row of parking.

b. Landscape islands shall not be separated by more than ten (10) parking spaces. Where there is a landscaped median between two rows of head-in parking, landscaped islands shall be provided every fifteen (15) spaces.

4. 

Landscape Island Design:

a. Landscape islands shall contain at least one canopy tree (minimum 3" caliper) and at least 50 percent vegetative cover other than turf grass. Other materials may be approved by the Administrator.

b. Landscaped islands shall be a minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) square feet, not less than eight feet (8') wide and a length equal to the abutting parking space.

c. All landscaped areas shall be protected by a raised concrete curb. The Administrator may approve a curbless design per iSWM (integrated Stormwater Management Manual, NCTCOG) standards.

5. No paving and/or back-of-curb shall be permitted within four (4) feet of the center of a tree trunk.

6. In order to preserve a protected tree on-site, the Administrator may authorize up to a ten percent reduction in the required number of parking spaces or ten percent compact parking spaces, through the Administrative Modifications process, if the Administrator determines that reduction in the number or size of certain parking spaces could preserve a protected tree that would otherwise be removed to provide for required parking.

C. 

LANDSCAPE BUFFERS:

1. All development with any off-street surface parking between any building and the street right-of-way shall provide a landscape buffer that is based on the roadway frontage specified in Table 5.2-2. A landscape buffer shall not be required when the building is located in a zoning district requiring 10 feet or less of a front yard setback.

Table 5.2-2 Landscape Buffer Required
Street Frontage/Type	Minimum width of Landscape Buffer along the Roadway
Highway Frontage Road	20 feet
Arterial	20 feet
Collector	15 feet
All other streets	10 feet

2. The landscape buffer area shall consist of living trees, turf, or other living ground cover shall be provided adjacent/parallel to the right-of-way on all properties per Table 5.2-2.

3. One (1) Canopy Tree, three inch (3") caliper minimum, shall be planted on forty foot (40') centers within the required landscape buffer area. A minimum of fifteen (15) shrubs with a minimum size of five gallons (5 gal.) each will be planted in the landscaped area for each forty feet (40') of linear frontage. Parking abutting the landscape area will be screened from the adjacent roadway per section 5.2.4.D below. If a vegetative screen is chosen, it may be counted towards the required shrubs in the landscape buffer.

4. Where a nonresidential development is adjacent to the property line of single-family zoned parcels or areas shown as single-family uses on the Future Land Use Plan, one (1) Canopy Tree, three inch (3") caliper minimum, shall be planted on thirty foot (30') centers in a fifteen foot (15') wide landscape area. Areas where truck docks or loading spaces are adjacent to such property zoned single-family, canopy trees shall be planted on twenty-five foot (25') centers. Vegetation used for perimeter buffering may be evergreen trees and shrubs selected from Appendix A.

5. Where a nonresidential development is adjacent to the property line of parcels zoned for uses other than residential land use categories on the Future Land Use Plan:

a. A five-foot (5') wide landscape area is required.

b. If the property line is the centerline of a fire lane or drive aisle, five-foot (5') wide landscape area will begin at the edge of the lane/aisle. If the drive aisle or fire lane only allows access to parking spaces, or if the site is part of a larger coordinated development the landscape area may be eliminated or moved at the discretion of the Administrator.

c. The five-foot (5') wide landscape area may be eliminated for a building where the building is attached to another building and the attached buildings are shown on an approved Site Plan.

d. One (1) ornamental tree and one (1) five gallon (5 gal.) shrub will be planted every fifteen linear feet (15'). These trees and shrubs may be clustered in lieu of placing them every fifteen feet (15').

D. 

PARKING LOT SCREENING:

1. All parking, maneuvering, customer loading areas, vehicular display and storage areas that are not screened by on-site buildings shall be screened from view of public streets pursuant to the standards of this section.

2. Parking lot screening shall be a minimum of three (3) feet in height (or minimum of two feet at the time of planting for vegetative buffers) and planted within the landscape buffer.

3. Parking lot screening materials may be either:

a. The same building material as the principal structure on the lot, or

b. A vegetative screen composed of shrubs planted to be opaque at maturity, or

c. A combination of the two.

4. If a vegetative screen is selected, the shrub species shall be selected from the Planting List in Appendix A and may count towards the planting requirement in the landscape buffer area.

5. Parking lot screens shall not block any required sight triangles along a cross street or driveway.

6. Parking lot screens may include breaks to provide pedestrian access from any surface parking or service area to the public sidewalk.

7. Wheel stops shall be provided for parking spaces adjacent to a landscape setback where no curb is provided to prohibit any car overhang over the planting area. Wheel stops shall be located two feet from the landscape setback.

Illustration of Required Parking Lot Screening

E. 

MINIMUM LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS FOR NONVEHICULAR OPEN AREAS:

In addition to the landscaping required for off-street parking, vehicular use, and buffer areas, all remaining open areas, with the exception of areas designated for required retention/detention, shall conform to the following minimum requirements:

1. Grass, ground cover, shrubs and other landscape materials shall be used to cover all open ground within 20 feet of any building or paving or other use such as storage.

2. Landscaping shall be provided on each developed lot in accordance with the following standards:

a. A minimum of 15 percent of the total site area shall be devoted to feature landscaping with no less than 50 percent of that landscaping being located in the required front yard unless the building is built at the property line along the street. All parking lot landscaping and landscape buffers along streets and perimeter buffers shall count towards this requirement.

b. Trees shall be planted in nonvehicular open areas to meet the requirements in Table 5.2-3. Existing trees that are preserved on a site may be credited at three caliper inches for every tree required as established in Table 5.2-3 below.

Table 5.2-3: Nonvehicular Open Area Tree Requirements
Percentage of Site in Nonvehicular Open Area (excluding retention/detention area)	Tree Ratio per Nonvehicular Open Space
Less than 30	1 tree/2,500 square feet
30–49	1 tree/3,000 square feet
Over 50	1 tree/4,000 square feet

5.2.5 

General Landscaping Standards

The following criteria and standards shall apply to landscape materials and installation:

A. All required landscaped areas shall be covered with living plant material. Mulch and other materials can be used around required shrub and tree plantings. Supplemental plantings, hardscape, or other design elements may be considered by the Administrator on a case-by-case basis. Landscape Plans must meet the minimum requirements of this Ordinance prior to approval by the Administrator. Other plant materials in excess of the quantities required in this Ordinance may be smaller than the required material.

B. Tree and plant materials shall be selected for energy efficiency and water efficiency; adaptability and relationship to the native environment; color, form and pattern; ability to provide shade; soil retention; and resistance to fire. The overall landscape plan shall be integrated with all elements of the project, such as buildings, parking lots, and streets, to achieve both an attractive environment and a desirable microclimate and minimize energy demand.

C. Trees and plants installed to satisfy the requirements of this section shall meet or exceed the plant quality and species standards of the North Central Texas SmartScape program. The plant list in Appendix A identifies appropriate plant species for use in Haslet.

D. Plants shall be nursery-grown and adapted to the local area. Grass seed, sod, and other material shall be clean and reasonably free of weeds and noxious pests and insects. No artificial plants or vegetation shall be used to meet any standards of this section.

E. New or proposed plant materials will be measured and sized according to the Texas Association of Nursery (TAN) standards.

F. The landscaping for every development shall consist of a combination of three or more of the following types of planting materials including, but not limited to grass, trees, shrubs, ground cover, and/or other forms of plant material.

1. 

Trees:

a. Canopy trees shall be of a minimum of three inches (3") in caliper as measured twelve inches (12") above natural soil level and seven feet (7') in height at time of planting.

b. Canopy trees shall be placed a minimum of three feet (3') from sidewalks, utility lines, screening walls and/or other structures. Ornamental trees can be placed closer than three feet (3') with approval from the Administrator. Any reduction in spacing requires a root barrier approved by the City. Utility installation that includes common trench and conduit banks is exempt from the canopy tree planting distance requirements.

c. Evergreen trees such as conifers intended for screening will have a minimum height of six feet (6') at the time of planting. Evergreen shrubs intended for required screening shall be a minimum of seven gallons (7 gal.) and be capable of attaining six feet (6') in height in two growing seasons.

d. Ornamental trees may be substituted for canopy trees at the rate of three ornamental trees for each canopy tree with approval of the Administrator. Ornamental trees will have a minimum size of one and one-half inch (1-1/2-") caliper at the time of planting. This substitution shall not be allowed for required street trees.

e. Trees shall be selected from the list of species approved in Appendix XX [Appendix A].

f. No single species of trees (canopy tree, evergreen tree, ornamental tree) shall represent more than 30 percent of the respective tree requirement.

2. 

Tree Preservation Credits:

a. Existing trees that are to remain in a living and growing condition may be used to satisfy the tree planting requirements with the approval of the Administrator. The Administrator shall consider the location, type and size of trees, their health, and the degree of protection received both during and after construction. Any credits for existing trees shall be indicated on the landscaping plan.

b. Credit for existing trees shall be revoked if such trees are damaged due to, among other things, construction, broken branches, soil compaction or soil cut/fill.

c. If existing trees are preserved, the minimum distance between parking spaces and the saved existing tree may need to be expanded, subject to approval by the Administrator.

d. For the preservation of existing trees, extreme care shall be taken to prevent the compaction of soil and/or the placement of impermeable hard surfaces within the tree’s dripline.

3. 

Shrubs, Vines, and Grasses:

a. Shrubs other than dwarf variety shall be a minimum of two feet (2') in height when measured immediately after planting. A screening hedge, where required, shall be planted and maintained so as to form a continuous, unbroken, solid visual screen that will be three feet (3') in height within one (1) year after planting or a minimum of two feet (2') in height at the time of planting.

b. All shrubs intended for public, nonresidential, or multifamily developments should be at least two gallons (2 gal.) or more.

c. Vines shall be a minimum of two feet in height immediately after planting and may be used in conjunction with fences, screens, or walls to meet screening requirements as specified.

d. Ground covers used in lieu of grass must provide complete coverage within one (1) year of planting and/or growing season. Ground cover planting must provide and maintain adequate coverage as approved by City.

4. 

Ground cover:

a. Grass may be sodded, plugged or sprigged except that solid sod shall be used in swales, berms or other areas subject to erosion.

G. 

Berms:

Earthen berms, if used, shall not exceed a 3:1 slope; [three feet (3') of horizontal distance for each one foot (1') of height]. All berms will contain adequate drainage and preventive erosion measures as may be required by the Administrator. Berms will not include construction debris. Slippage or damage to the smooth finish grade of the berm must be corrected prior to any certificate of occupancy or acceptance of improvements.

H. 

SIGHT TRIANGLES:

Rigid compliance with these landscaping requirements shall not be such as to cause visibility obstructions and/or blind corners at driveway and street intersections. Whenever a street or driveway intersects a public right-of-way, a triangular visibility area, as described in the City’s adopted infrastructure standards, shall be created.

5.2.6 

Irrigation Standards

A. 

RESPONSIBLE PARTY:

The owner shall be responsible for the health and vitality of plant material through irrigation of all landscaped areas, turf and plant materials, and shall:

1. Provide a moisture level in an amount and frequency adequate to sustain growth of the plant materials on a permanent basis.

2. Be in place and operational at the time of the landscape inspection for certificate of occupancy.

3. Be maintained and kept operational at all times to provide for efficient water distribution.

B. 

IRRIGATION METHODS:

1. 

Landscaped areas -

One of the following irrigation methods shall be used to ensure adequate watering of plant material in landscaped areas:

a. 

Conventional system -

An automatic or manual underground irrigation system which may be a conventional spray or bubbler type heads.

b. 

Drip or leaky-pipe system -

An automatic or manual underground irrigation system in conjunction with a water-saving system such as a drip or a leaky-pipe system.

c. 

Temporary and aboveground watering -

Landscape areas utilizing xeriscape plants and installation techniques, including areas planted with native grasses and wildflowers, may use a temporary and above ground system, and shall be required to provide irrigation for the first two growing seasons only.

2. 

Natural Areas and Undisturbed Areas:

No irrigation shall be required for undisturbed natural areas or undisturbed existing trees.

3. 

Compliance with state law -

All irrigation systems shall comply with all applicable state laws, as may be amended.

5.2.7 

Landscape Maintenance

The owner, tenant and their agent, if any, shall be jointly responsible for the maintenance of all required landscaping. All required landscaping shall be maintained in a healthy and growing condition as is appropriate for the current season. This shall include mowing, edging, pruning, fertilizing, watering, weeding, and other such activities common to the maintenance of landscaping. Landscaped areas shall be kept free of trash, litter, weeds and other such material or plants not a part of the landscaping. Plant materials which die shall be replaced with plant material of similar variety and size of materials that died within 30 days or as approved by the Administrator.

(Ordinance 030-2017 adopted 11/20/17; Ordinance 030-2022 adopted 10/17/22)

§ 5.3 SCREENING AND FENCES.

5.3.1 

Purpose

The purpose of these standards is to ensure that less intensive development is protected from negative effects that may occur when uses that are more intensive or structures are developed on adjacent sites through the use of nonvegetative screens or fences.

5.3.2 

Applicability

A. 

GENERAL:

This section establishes minimum standards for screening and fencing for all new development and redevelopment in the City of Haslet as follows:

1. All single-family residential development in subdivisions with Zoning Change approved or Preliminary Platted after the adoption of this Ordinance and per Table 5.1-1 shall meet Section 5.3.4 on Single-family Residential Screening and Fences.

2. All multifamily and nonresidential development per Table 5.1-1 shall meet the standards in Section 5.3.3 on Nonresidential and Multifamily Screening and Fences.

3. All outdoor storage, service and utility functions shall be screened per standards in Section 5.3.5 on Residential Screening of Utility Equipment.

B. 

PARCEL SPECIFIC:

Screening and fence requirements in other sections or parcel-specific development approvals:

1. Any use that is required to provide screening pursuant to Section 4.2, Additional Use Standards, shall comply with such requirements. In the event of a conflict between the additional use standards and the requirements of this section, the additional use standards shall control.

2. Any use that is required to provide screening or fencing pursuant to a parcel-specific ordinance, including PD or MU zoning and/or approval conditions, shall comply with such requirements. In the event of a conflict between the parcel-specific zoning ordinance and/or conditions and the requirements of this section, the parcel-specific standards shall control.

C. 

SCREENING PLAN:

Prior to the issuance of a building or construction permit for any use other than single-family or duplex dwellings, a screening plan reflecting all requirements under this section shall be submitted in conjunction with the Landscape and Buffering Plan at the time of site plan approval.

5.3.3 

Nonresidential and Multifamily Screening

A. 

APPLICABILITY:

Standards in this section shall apply to all development in the AF, I, NC, GC, PI, and OE zoning districts.

B. 

SCREENING OF DRIVE-THRUS AND STACKING LANES.

Stacking lanes for drive-through service windows shall be screened according to the following:

1. Stacking lanes for drive-through service windows shall be screened to a height of three feet between the lane and the adjacent parking or maneuvering areas.

2. Screening shall be opaque and consist of one or a combination of screening shrubs, fences, and/or berms.

3. Screening shrubs shall be spaced a minimum of three feet on center. The shrubs shall be a minimum planting size of five gallons and shall be capable of reaching a minimum height of three feet within 18 months of planting.

C. 

SHOPPING CART STORAGE.

1. Outdoor shopping cart corrals shall be made of a material suitable for withstanding weathering and rusting. Plastic corrals are prohibited.

2. All shopping carts shall be stored overnight inside the building they serve. Overnight outside storage is not permitted in the corrals.

D. 

SCREENING OF TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION AREAS.

All refuse facilities, including new refuse facilities placed on an existing development, shall be large enough to accommodate a trash dumpster and shall be completely screened from view of public streets and adjoining properties by:

1. Screening on three sides by a minimum eight-foot masonry fence or wall enclosed by an evergreen living screen. Screening shrubs shall be a minimum of four feet in height at installation and shall provide a minimum six-foot high screen when fully grown.

2. An opening shall be situated so that the container is not visible from adjacent properties or public streets. The opening shall include a metal-clad opaque gate. Chainlink gates are not permitted. Gates shall have tiebacks to secure in the open position.

E. 

SCREENING OF SERVICE, LOADING, AND OUTDOOR STORAGE AREAS.

1. All service areas in the NC, GC, OE, and PI zoning districts must be placed at the rear or side of the buildings and screened from:

a. All public streets; and

b. Any residential district that abuts or is directly across a public street or alley from the lot.

2. All service areas in the AF and I zoning districts must be placed at the rear or side of the buildings and screened from:

a. Arterial streets, as indicated on the city’s thoroughfare plan; and

b. Any residential district that abuts or is directly across a public street or alley from the lot.

3. The screening device shall consist of an opaque architectural screen or fence that substantially conforms to the color, detailing, and building materials of the principal structure.

4. The height of the device shall not be less than the height of the materials stored or eight feet (whichever is greater). All service areas including truck berths; loading docks; and areas designated for permanent parking or outdoor storage of heavy vehicles, equipment, or materials shall be screened.

5. Screening shall be long enough to screen the maximum size trailer that can be accommodated on site. Sites that can accommodate a full size tractor-trailer shall provide a 48-foot wing wall, where wing walls are used.

F. 

SCREENING OF GROUND-MOUNTED AND ROOF-MOUNTED UTILITY EQUIPMENT.

1. 

Applicability:

The standards of this section shall apply to all of the following:

a. Air conditioning and heating equipment;

b. Ductwork used to heat, cool, or ventilate;

c. Swimming pool and spa pumps and filters;

d. Power systems, transformers, and generators for the building or site upon which the equipment is located; and,

e. Similar installations as identified by the Administrator.

2. The standards of this section are not intended to impede systems that use solar or wind energy to reduce the costs of energy, if such systems are otherwise in compliance with applicable building codes, city ordinances and zoning requirements.

3. 

Roof-Mounted Mechanical Equipment:

shall be screened by a parapet wall or similar feature that is an integral part of the building’s architectural design. The parapet wall or similar feature shall be of a height equal to or greater than the height of the mechanical equipment being screened.

4. 

Ground-Mounted Mechanical Equipment:

shall be screened from view by landscaping or by a decorative fence that is compatible with the architecture and landscaping of the site. The fence shall be of a height equal to or greater than the height of the mechanical equipment being screened.

5. 

Alternate Screening:

Where site constraints or other design limitations are present, the Administrator may allow mechanical equipment that is not screened in full compliance with the screening standards of this section to use alternative screening methods through an Administrative Modification. Alternate screening methods may include, but shall not be limited to, increased setbacks, increased landscaping, grouping the equipment on specific portions of a site, and painting or otherwise camouflaging the equipment.

G. 

SCREENING FROM RESIDENTIAL USES.

1. Any commercial or industrial use or parking lot that has a side or rear contiguous to any residential district, shall be screened with a masonry fence (tilt wall or concrete block are prohibited; however, precast walls made to look like masonry may be approved at the time of Site Plan approval), six feet in height, in addition to any landscape buffers that are required by Section 5.2.4.C. As an alternative, berms in conjunction with a minimum of a six-foot wrought fence and a combination of trees and shrubs can be utilized to meet the screening requirements if the Administrator determines that the proposed alternative will provide sufficient screening. The screen shall be located no closer to the street than the property line. Any ordinances concerning sight obstructions of intersections shall be applicable to the screen where it is intersected by a street or driveway.

2. Prior to construction of any required screens, complete plans showing type of material, depth of beam, and structural support shall be reviewed to determine whether or not:

a. The screen will withstand the pressures of time and nature; and

b. The screen adequately accomplishes the purpose for which it was intended.

3. Plans shall be sealed by a registered engineer or they shall conform to the City’s standard design for screening walls.

4. Such screen shall be constructed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for any building or portion thereof.

5. The areas adjacent to the required screening wall, or areas adjacent to a public street or right-of-way, shall be maintained by the property owner in a clean and orderly condition, free of debris and trash in accordance with the applicable codes of the city.

5.3.4 

Single-Family Residential Fencing

A. 

APPLICABILITY.

1. These standards are applicable in all zoning districts, except the following:

a. Planned Development and Mixed Use zoning districts that have fence design standards established through development specific ordinances,

b. Old Town Core and Old Town Expansion zoning districts. (See subsection 5.3.4.C for Old Town Residential Fencing Standards)

2. Standards in Section 5.3.4.B and 5.3.4.C are applicable to replacement and new residential fences.

B. 

RESIDENTIAL FENCING TYPES.

Residential fencing standards are divided into two main categories: perimeter fencing and privacy fencing. Perimeter fencing is required to be completely installed by the developer for the boundary of the approved final plat in the areas as set forth below, prior to the issuance of a building permit. Privacy fencing is an option left up to the builder or homeowner, but if built it shall follow the standards listed below.

1. Fencing in AG, R-1 and R-2 zoning districts:

a. 

Height:

The height shall not exceed six feet measured from the highest adjacent grade within ten feet of the fence.

b. 

Approved Materials:

i. Post and rail construction;

ii. Pipe and cable construction;

iii. Pipe rail; or

iv. Woven wire.

c. 

Prohibited Materials:

i. Chainlink fence

ii. Barbed wire

iii. Electric fence (may only be located interior of a fence of approved materials)

2. 

Subdivision Perimeter Fencing:

In the interest of public safety and privacy, perimeter fencing, meeting the standards in this section, shall be required on lots where the rear and/or side yards are adjacent to a highway frontage road, arterial, or collector as identified on the city’s adopted Thoroughfare Plan. Along all other streets, perimeter fencing shall be optional, but if provided, standards in this section shall apply.

a. 

Height:

Six feet minimum and eight feet maximum as measured from the highest adjacent grade within ten feet of the fence. In order to create variation in the design of the fence, at certain locations for no more than 10 percent of the total linear length of the fence, the height may be increased to 10 feet with approval from the Administrator.

b. 

Approved Materials:

100 percent masonry (brick, stone, architecturally finished reinforced concrete), or any other sustainable material with more than 30-year life expectancy to give a long lasting, aesthetically pleasing appearance. Materials should preferably have a low maintenance factor and be complemented with landscaping, where appropriate. Ornamental metal rail fencing may be used to provide at least 75 percent transparency for the portions of the subdivision abutting an internal park/open space or to emphasize the landscaping at the entrance.

c. 

Prohibited Materials:

Chainlink, vinyl, and wood fencing are prohibited.

d. 

Design:

Adjacent to major thoroughfares, the fence should be curved or angled at corner locations to accommodate appropriate visibility and add variety. Wall sections greater than 50 feet in length should incorporate at least one of the following design features that are proportionate to the fence length:

i. A minimum one foot change in a fence’s horizontal plane and/or vertical height for at least ten feet, after at least every 20 feet; or

ii. Use of columns at 35-foot intervals; or

iii. Any other feature, approved by the Administrator that provides adequate relief from the monotony of a continuous fence.

e. 

Construction Standard:

It is intended that all fences erected pursuant to this section be constructed in such a manner to last 30 years with minimal maintenance required during said period. As such, all fences required by this section shall conform to the following minimum standards:

i. The Administrator and/or the Building Inspection Department shall approve plans and specifications for fences and foundations. Such plans and specifications shall be submitted at the same time as construction plans for other subdivision infrastructure improvements are required.

ii. Fences shall be located on or within the private property and outside of the public right-of-way. Fences may be in an offset configuration as long as there is no encroachment into the right of way.

iii. The material, color, and design of fences shall be as specified within an approved preliminary plat, unless otherwise approved by the Administrator.

iv. All fences shall be placed outside any utility easements unless otherwise allowed by the utility company or franchise.

f. It shall be the responsibility of any person, firm, corporation or other entity who shall own or occupy any lot or lots on which a fence was constructed pursuant to the terms of this section to adequately maintain the fence and to prevent it from becoming dilapidated or unsightly, unless otherwise specified as the responsibility of a mandatory homeowners association or other entity.

3. 

Residential Privacy Fences on Single-Family Residentially Zoned Lots:

This section applies to replacement of residential fences or construction of new fences. A permit shall be required for replacement of fencing.

a. 

Height:

shall not exceed eight feet as measured from the highest adjacent grade within ten feet of the fence.

b. 

Approved Materials:

i. Masonry (brick, stone, reinforced cement concrete) or any other sustainable material with more than a 30-year life expectancy;

ii. Ornamental metal rail fencing;

iii. Cedar and redwood;

iv. Composite fencing;

v. Vinyl fencing; and

vi. Other wooden picket fences, only if constructed with metal posts, metal brackets, and metal caps. Chemically pre-treated wooden horizontal members shall be at least 2" X 4".

c. 

Prohibited materials:

i. Chainlink (unless replacing or repairing an existing chainlink fence);

ii. Sheet, roll, or corrugated metal; and,

iii. Cast off, secondhand, or other items not originally intended to be used for constructing or maintaining a fence.

d. 

Location of Fence:

Privacy fences may be located along the property line with the following exceptions:

i. In the interest of public safety and considering fences shall not block any sight/visibility triangles on any corner lots.

ii. Any fence that is more than two feet high shall be set back at least five feet from the side property line of a corner lot. In the case of a reverse corner lot, any fence that is more than two feet high shall be set back at least 7.5 feet from the side property line.

e. 

Orientation of Fence:

When any fence or other screening device, whether required or not, is located on a lot adjacent to a public street, said fence or screening device shall orient the side with exposed posts or rails away from view from the adjacent public street.

4. 

Fencing Adjacent to Floodplains, Parkland or Designated Open Space:

The following standards shall apply to all privacy fences where the rear and/or side yards share a common property line with a designated floodplain, open space or parkland.

a. 

Height:

shall not exceed eight feet as measured from the highest adjacent grade within ten feet of the fence.

b. 

Approved Materials:

i. Ornamental metal rail fencing with columns (brick or stone) or ornamental metal posts shall be used to provide at least 75 percent transparency.

ii. In the interest of privacy, homeowners may choose to plant vines or shrubs along the fence on their property.

c. 

Prohibited Materials:

i. Chainlink;

ii. Wood;

iii. Sheet, roll or corrugated metal; and

iv. Cast off, secondhand or other items not originally intended to be used for constructing or maintaining a fence.

5. 

Fences in the Front Yard:

Shall not be permitted unless they are:

a. Permitted in the AG or R-1 zoning districts per Section 5.3.4.B.1.

b. A maximum of four feet in height and materials shall be limited to open wood picket fences, vegetative, or ornamental metal fencing only in all other zoning districts.

C. OLD TOWN SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL FENCING.

1. 

Applicability.

These standards are applicable for all Single-Family Residential properties in the Old Town Core and Old Town Expansion zoning districts, except the following:

a. Planned Development zoning districts.

2. 

Residential fencing types.

Residential fencing standards are divided into two main categories: perimeter fencing and privacy fencing. All fencing is an option left up to the builder or homeowner, but if built it shall follow the standards listed below.

3. 

Perimeter fencing in old town core and old town expansion zoning districts.

a. Height: For front yard fences, the height shall not exceed three feet measured from the highest adjacent grade within ten feet of the fence and shall not be less than 50% transparency. For fences in the rear yard, the height shall not exceed four feet measured from the highest adjacent grade within ten feet of the fence.

b. Approved Materials:

i. Decorative steel,

ii. Split Rail (only natural and wood stain colors).

c. Prohibited Materials:

i. Chainlink fence.

ii. Barbed wire.

iii. Electric fence (may only be located interior of a fence of approved materials).

iv. Sheet, roll or corrugated metal; and

v. Cast off, secondhand or other items not originally intended to be used for constructing or maintaining a fence.

4. 

Privacy Fencing in Old Town Core and Old Town Expansion zoning districts.

a. Location: Shall not be located in the front yard.

b. Height: Shall not exceed six feet as measured from the highest adjacent grade within ten feet of the fence.

c. Approved materials:

i. Cedar pickets.

d. All wood privacy cedar fences shall be board-on-board construction and finished with a cedar top cap. The bottom of the fence shall be spaced no less than 1.5" above the ground to allow for drainage. Fence shall be constructed using metal posts set in at least 2 feet of 3000 psi concrete, metal brackets, and metal caps. Chemically pretreated wooden horizontal rails shall be at least 2" X 4". All hardware and fasteners shall be rated for exterior use.

e. If metal posts are visible from street, they shall be encased with same materials used on remainder of fence.

5.3.5 

Residential Screening of Utility Equipment

A combination of trees and shrubs can be utilized to screen any residential utility equipment on residential lots from view along any adjacent street. Trees and shrubs shall be planted at a spacing that provides adequate screening from the street. The screen shall be located no closer to the street than the property line. Any requirements concerning sight or visibility triangles at intersections shall be applicable to the screen where it is intersected by a street or driveway.

(Ordinance 030-2017 adopted 11/20/17; Ordinance 007-2023 adopted 3/6/2023)

§ 5.4 OPEN SPACE STANDARDS.

5.4.1 

Purpose

Common open spaces are set aside for the use and enjoyment of a development’s residents, employees, or users. Common open space serves numerous purposes, including preservation of natural areas and resources, ensuring greater resident access to open areas and recreation, reducing the heat island effect, enhancing stormwater quality, and providing public health benefits.

5.4.2 

Applicablity

All development subject to this article shall set aside the following minimum amounts of land area as common open space that meets the standards of this section unless alternative standards are established as part of a PD or MU ordinance for a specific development.

A. For multifamily development with more than five units: at least 10 percent of the total gross site area.

B. For nonresidential and mixed-use buildings with a gross floor area greater than 10,000 and up to 50,000 square feet: 10 percent of total gross site area.

C. For nonresidential and mixed-use buildings with a gross floor area greater than 50,000 square feet: 12 percent of total gross site area.

5.4.3 

Common Open Space Standards

A. 

GENERAL:

The following shall be credited toward the common open space requirement:

1. 

Natural Features:

a. Shall include any of the following:

i. Creeks, floodplains, buffer zones, and conveyance areas

ii. Water features, including wetlands, and lakes

iii. Retention/detention and drainage channels areas that are enhanced

iv. Hillsides and exposed slopes of more than 15% slopes

v. Wildlife habitat areas for threatened and endangered species

b. 

Design and Maintenance Requirements:

i. Where natural features exist, the developer or owner shall give priority to its preservation as common open space. Placement of a conservation easement over the protected natural feature areas is encouraged.

ii. In reviewing the proposed location of common open spaces, the Administrator shall use all applicable plans, maps, and reports to determine whether significant resources exist on a proposed site that should be protected.

iii. Maintenance of natural areas should be limited to a minimum removal and avoidance of hazards, nuisances, or unhealthy conditions.

2. 

Active Recreational Areas:

a. Shall include any of the following:

i. Mini-park/Playgrounds

ii. Sports Complex/Ball Fields/Tennis Courts

iii. Trails and Pathways

b. 

Design and Maintenance Requirements

i. In no case shall active recreation constitute more than 25% of the total common open space area within a residential or mixed-use district.

ii. Land shall be compact and contiguous unless the land is used to link to an existing or planned open space resource.

iii. At least 50% of the perimeter of the site shall be adjacent to a public street. Landscaping shall be planned along all rights-of-way to provide a buffer to surrounding areas.

3. 

Plazas and Neighborhood Parks

a. Includes any of the following:

i. Neighborhood Park

ii. Playground (even if located with a school facility)

iii. Community Park

iv. HOA/Private Park

v. Squares, forecourts or plazas

b. 

Design and Maintenance Requirements

i. Where provided these features shall have a minimum size as follows: neighborhood parks: 5 acres; playgrounds: 900 square feet, community parks: 15 acres; HOA/Private Park: 3 acres, squares, forecourts or plazas: 400 square feet.

ii. At least 50% of the perimeter of such features shall abut at least one direct-access road, public or private; the only exception being squares, forecourts or plazas that shall abut a public trail or sidewalk.

iii. Surrounding buildings shall be oriented toward the square, forecourt, or park when possible and a connection shall be made to surrounding development.

4. The following may not be credited toward the open space requirement:

a. Property within the rear yard

b. Vehicular paving

c. Required parking lot tree islands

d. Building footprint

e. Utility yards, or

f. Required landscape buffers

g. Retention/detention and drainage channels with no amenities associated

B. 

GENERAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMON OPEN SPACE:

Land set aside for required common open space shall meet the following standards:

1. 

Location:

Where appropriate, open space shall be located to be readily accessible and useable by residents and users of the development. To the maximum practical extent, a portion of the open space should provide focal points for the development.

2. 

Configuration

a. The lands shall be compact and contiguous unless the land is used as a continuation of or link to an existing of planned adjacent open space resource or where specific natural or topographic features require a different configuration.

b. Where open areas, trails, parks or other open space resources are planned or exist adjacent to the development, the open space shall, to the maximum extent practical, be located to adjoin, extend, and enlarge the presently existing trail, park, or other open area land.

3. 

Orientation of Adjacent Lots and Buildings

a. Lots and buildings adjacent to required open space, not including perimeter landscape buffers, shall have at least one entrance facing the open space.

b. Provision in Multi-Phase Developments:

i. Development proposed in phases shall be considered as a single development for the purposes of applying the open space requirements.

ii. Open space requirements and improvements shall also be phased proportionally with the development phases.

iii. Development shall not be phased in such a manner as to place the burden of all the open space provision to the last phase.

4. 

Landscaping:

Section 5.2 shall apply unless an alternative landscaping plan has been approved in conjunction with a City Council approved Concept Plan or Development Plan.

C. 

DETENTION OR RETENTION PONDS AND DRAINAGEWAYS.

1. A detention or retention pond and drainageways may count toward the open space requirement only if it meets the following:

a. Ponds located between the building and the street or in the front yard of the development,

b. Ponds viewable from public space or street,

c. At least 60% of the slope of the pond area does not exceed a 5 (horizontal):1 (vertical) slope

d. Ponds and drainageways accessible to the public

2. Detention or retention ponds and drainageways must include the following amenities to be considered toward the usable open space requirement:

a. Seating area, public art, or fountain, trails/sidewalks[;] and

b. One tree or planter at least sixteen (16) square feet for every two hundred (200) square feet of open space, and be located within or adjacent to the detention or retention pond or drainageway.

(Ordinance 030-2017 adopted 11/20/17)

§ 5.5 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS.

5.5.1 

Purpose

The regulations of this section are intended to ensure provision of off-street parking and loading facilities in rough proportion to the generalized parking, loading, and transportation demands of different land uses. By requiring such facilities, it is the intent of this section to help avoid the negative effects associated with spillover parking into adjacent neighborhoods, while at the same time avoiding the negative environmental and urban design effects that can result from large surface parking lots and other vehicular use areas. The provisions of this section are also intended to help protect the public health, safety, and general welfare by:

A. Helping avoid and mitigate traffic congestion;

B. Encouraging pedestrian safety;

C. Providing methods to help reduce stormwater runoff and the heat island effect of large paved parking areas; and

D. Providing flexible methods of responding to the changing transportation and access demands of various land uses in different areas of the city.

5.5.2 

Applicability

A. 

GENERALLY:

The off-street parking and loading standards of this section shall apply to all parking lots and parking structures accessory to any building constructed and to any use established in every district. Except when specifically exempted, the requirements of this section shall apply to all temporary parking lots and parking lots that are the principal use on a site.

B. 

EXPANSIONS AND ENLARGEMENTS:

The off-street parking and loading standards of this section shall apply when an existing structure or use is expanded or enlarged. Additional off-street parking and loading spaces shall be required to serve the enlarged or expanded area, provided that in all cases the number of off-street parking and loading spaces provided for the expanded use shall equal 100 percent of the minimum ratio established in Tables 5.5-1 and 5.5-2.

C. 

CHANGE IN PERMITTED USES:

A permitted use that does not meet the parking requirements of this section may be converted to another permitted use without full compliance with the required number of parking spaces if the Administrator determines:

1. The maximum amount of parking spaces possible is provided without removing or partially removing a structure.

2. If a structure or a portion of a structure is voluntarily removed, the resulting area shall be used to provide the additional parking spaces necessary towards fulfilling the requirements of Tables 5.5-1 and 5.5-2.

3. The amount of parking available at least 75 percent of the parking required for the new use in Tables 5.5-1 and 5.5-2.

D. 

LOCATION:

Required off-street parking, loading, and vehicle stacking spaces shall be located on the same lot as the principal use, except as otherwise provided in this section.

E. 

USE LIMITED TO PARKING:

No required off-street parking facility or loading space shall be used for sales, nonvehicular or rental vehicle storage, repair, or service activities unless specifically provided for in this Ordinance.

5.5.3 

Off-Street Parking Standards

A. 

OFF-STREET PARKING SCHEDULE A:

The off-street parking requirements for uses allowed by this Ordinance are listed in Table 5.5-1. The vehicle stacking requirements of Section 5.5.6, Drive-Through Vehicle Stacking, may also be applicable to certain uses.

TABLE 5.5-1: Off-Street Parking Schedule A
USE CATEGORY	USE TYPE	PARKING REQUIREMENT sf = Square feet GFA = Gross Floor Area
RESIDENTIAL USES
Household Living	Dwelling, single-family detached	2.0 per dwelling unit
	Dwelling, townhouse (SF attached or multifamily)	2.0 per dwelling unit
	Dwelling, live/work	2.0 dwelling unit (work area calculated as retail, office, or commercial use)
	Dwelling, multifamily (4DU/lot or fewer)	2.0 per dwelling unit
	Dwelling, multifamily (more than 4DU/lot)	2.0 per dwelling unit
	Accessory dwelling unit	1 per dwelling unit
	HUD-Code manufactured home	2 per dwelling unit
Group Living	Assisted living facility (=6 residents)	1 per bed plus 1 per 100 sf of common area
	Assisted living facility (=7 residents)	1 per bed plus 1 per 100 sf of common area
	Boarding house | fraternity or | sorority house | private dorm	1 per bed
	Community, group, or foster home	2 per dwelling unit, not to exceed 1 per bedroom
	Independent senior living facility	1 per dwelling unit plus 1 per 100 sf of common area
	Nursing home	1 per 2 beds plus 1 per 100 sf of common area
PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL USES
Civic and Cultural Facilities	Art gallery, museum, or special purpose recreational institution	1 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Civic, social, philanthropic, or fraternal organizations	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Labor or political organizations	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Business or professional organizations	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Religious Assembly and Institutions	1 per 4 seats. If no fixed seating, then based on 25% maximum capacity of the assembly areas, as determined by adopted Building/Fire Code.
Parks and Recreation Facilities	Community Garden	1 per 5,000 sf of lot area
	Farmers’ Market	Schedule C
	Park or playground	Schedule C. Playfields (soccer, baseball, etc.) shall have minimum of 20 spaces per field.
	Nature preserve	Schedule C
	Recreation Center	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Clinics and labs	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
Health and Human Services	Nursing and other rehabilitative services	1 per 2 beds plus 1 per 100 sf of common area
	Hospital	1 per 4 beds based on 80% of maximum capacity, plus 3 per 1,000 sf GFA of office area, plus parking as required for accessory uses
	Social assistance and welfare services	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Funeral homes and services (with or without cremation services)	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Cemetery	Schedule C
Public and Other Government Functions	Legislative and executive functions	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Courts (local, state, and federal)	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Correctional institutions	Schedule C
	Public safety facility	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Other government functions	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
Educational Service Establishments (public and private)	Child-day care	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Nursery and pre-school	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Elementary and Middle Schools	2 per classroom
	Senior and High Schools	6 per classroom and 1 per 300 sf of administrative office space
	Colleges and Universities	Schedule C
	Technical, trade, and specialty schools	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
COMMERCIAL USES
Agriculture	All	None
Animal Production and Ranching	All	None
	Veterinary clinic	2 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Kennels, commercial	1 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Stables, commercial	1 per 5 stalls
	Pet and animal-related sales and services (including grooming and care)	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
Auto Sales, Equipment, and Repair	Motor vehicle sales, new	2 per 1,000 sf GFA of sales floor area
	Motor vehicle sales, used	2 per 1,000 sf GFA of sales floor area
	Large vehicle sales and service	1 per 1,000 sf GFA of sales floor area
	Specialty vehicle sales, new	2 per 1,000 sf GFA of sales floor area
	Specialty vehicle sales, used	2 per 1,000 sf GFA of sales floor area
	Auto repair and service, minor	2 per 1,000 sf GFA of sales floor area
	Auto repair and service, major	2 per 1,000 sf GFA of sales floor area
	Car and truck wash	2 spaces plus any stacking spaces required. See Section 5.6.6 [Section 5.5.6]
	Auto-related parts and accessory sales	2.5 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Gasoline sales pumps	Stacking spaces required. See Section 5.6.6 [Section 5.5.6].
Retail Sales	Furniture and home furnishings	= 20,000 sf: 3 per 1,000 sf GFA Over 20,000: 1 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Building materials, Home and Garden Centers	= 20,000 sf: 3 per 1,000 sf GFA Over 20,000: 1 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Swimming pool, spa, and accessory sales and service	2 per 1,000 sf GFA
	All other retail uses (other than those specifically listed here)	3 per 1,000sf GFA
	Any retail sales use with gasoline sale pumps	Stacking spaces required. See Section 5.6.6 [Section 5.5.6].
	Any retail sales use with drive-thru facilities	Stacking spaces required. See Section 5.5.6.
Financial Services	All uses	2.5 per 1,000 sf GFA
Rental and Leasing	Car rental	2.5 per 1,000 sf GFA
	RV, trailers, and truck rental	2 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Recreational and consumer goods rental	2 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Commercial and industrial machinery leasing and rental	1 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Video, music, or software rental	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
Food and Beverage Services	Full-service restaurant	8 per 1,000 sf GFA, including outside dining/drinking areas.
	Cafe or self-service restaurant	8 per 1,000 sf GFA, including outside dining/drinking areas.
	Restaurant with take-out or delivery only	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Snack, coffee, juice, ice cream, or specialty food sales	8 per 1,000 sf GFA, including outside dining/drinking areas.
	Catering service	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Any food and beverage establishment with drive-thru facility	6 per 1,000 sf GFA, including outside dining/drinking areas plus any stacking spaces required. see Section 5.6.6 [Section 5.5.6]
	Any food and beverage establishment with outdoor or sidewalk service	Same as full-service restaurant
Lodging Facilities	Short-term rentals	1 per guest room
	Limited Service Hotels/Motels (including extended stay hotels)	1 per guest room or residence unit up to 100 units, then 0.75 per unit over 100. 50% of spaces may be counted to satisfy parking requirements of accessory uses
	Full-service hotels	1 per guest room or residence unit up to 100 units, then 0.75 per unit over 100. 50% of spaces may be counted to satisfy parking requirements of accessory uses
Business, Professional, and Technical Services	All office uses other than specified in this section	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Medical and Dental Offices	4 per 1,000 sf of GFA
Personal Services	Bail bond service	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	General personal services (other than listed)	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Massage therapy clinic	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Tattoo parlor or piercing studio	3 per 1,000 sf GFA
Recreation and Entertainment (Indoor)	Banquet or meeting facility	8 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Fitness club, gym, or sports club	8 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Games arcade	8 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Skating rink (ice, roller skating, etc.)	Schedule C
	Bowling, billiards, pool, bingo, etc.	8 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Indoor amusement establishment	Schedule C
	Shooting club	2 per target area
	Theater (movie, music, drama, or dance)	1 per 4 seats
	Recreation, indoor (other than listed)	Schedule C
Recreation and Entertainment, Outdoor	Country club	4 per 1,000 sf GFA
	Golf course	4 per green
	Gun club, skeet, or target range (outdoor)	2 per target area
	Major tourist attraction	Schedule C
	Recreation, general outdoor (other than listed)	Schedule C
	Marina	Schedule C
Sexually Oriented Business	All uses	8 per 1,000 sf GFA
INDUSTRIAL USES
Manufacturing and Wholesale Trade	Food and beverage processing	Schedule B
	Microbrewery, micro distillery, winery	Schedule B
	Paper and printing materials	Schedule B
	Furniture and related products	Schedule B
	Machinery, appliance, electrical equipment, electronics, and components	Schedule B
	Transportation equipment and automobiles	Schedule B
	Miscellaneous manufacturing (jewelry, toys, games, office supplies, custom crafts, etc.)	2 per 1,000 sf GFA
Wholesale Trade	All uses	Schedule B
Warehouse and Storage	Cold Storage Plant	Schedule B
	Distribution center or warehouse	Schedule B
	Self-storage or mini storage	1 per 20 storage units, plus 2.5 per 1,000 sf GFA of office area
Construction-related businesses	All uses	Schedule B
Transportation-related Uses	Air transportation related uses	2.0 per 1,000 sf GFA of passenger terminal area
	Rail transportation related uses	Schedule C
	Local transit related uses (vans, buses, commuter rail, light rail, etc.)	Schedule C
	Intercity bus and charter service uses	Schedule C
	Taxi and limousine service	Schedule C
	Courier, messenger, and postal services	Schedule C
	Truck and freight transportation services	Schedule B
Utilities and Utility Services	Utility lines, towers or metering/pumping station	Schedule C
	Sewer, solid waste, recycling, and related services	Schedule C
	Natural gas, petroleum, fuel related services	Schedule C
	Electric utility services (includes generating plants and substations)	Schedule C
	Telecommunications equipment and facilities (building mounted)	None
	Telecommunications towers	1 space
	All other utility related uses (other than listed)	Schedule C

B. 

OFF-STREET PARKING SCHEDULE B:

Uses that reference Schedule B in Table 5.5-1, Off-Street Parking Schedule A, shall provide the minimum number of spaces identified in the table below.

TABLE 5.5-2: Off-Street Parking Schedule B
Use or Activity		Required Number of Spaces
Office or administrative area		2 per 1,000 square feet GFA
Indoor sales area		3 per 1,000 square feet GFA
Indoor storage, warehousing, assembly, vehicular service, or manufacturing area:	1–3,000 square feet of floor area	3 per 1,000 square feet GFA
	3,001–5,000 square feet of floor area	2 per 1,000 square feet GFA
	5,001–10,000 square feet of floor area	1.25 per 1,000 square feet GFA
	10,001 or more square feet of floor area	0.8 per 1,000 square feet GFA
Outdoor sales, display, or storage area (3,000 square feet or less)		1.25 per 1,000 square feet GFA
Outdoor sales, display, or storage area (more than 3,000 square feet)		1 per 1,000 square feet GFA
NOTE: The total number of required spaces is cumulative based on the variety of different functions present in a single use.

C. 

OFF-STREET PARKING SCHEDULE C:

Uses that reference Schedule C in Table 5.5-1, Off-Street Parking Schedule A, have widely varying parking characteristics that make it difficult to establish a single standard. Upon receiving an application for a use subject to Schedule C standards, the Administrator shall apply the off-street parking standard specified for the listed use that is deemed most similar to the proposed use. The Administrator may also establish off-street parking requirements based on a parking analysis prepared by the applicant. Such analysis shall include estimates of parking demand based on recommendations of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, or other acceptable estimates, and shall include other reliable data collected from uses or combinations of uses that are the same as or comparable with the proposed use. Comparability shall be determined by density, scale, bulk, area, type of activity, and location. The analysis shall document the source of data used to develop the recommendations.

5.5.4 

Computation of Parking and Loading Requirements

A. 

FRACTIONS.

When measurements of the number of required spaces result in a fractional number, any fraction exceeding 0.5 shall be rounded up to the next higher whole number.

B. 

MULTIPLE USES.

Lots containing more than one use shall provide parking and loading in an amount equal to the total of the requirements for all uses. No off-street parking space provided for one type of use or building shall be included in calculation of the off-street parking requirements for any other use or building except as prescribed in Section 5.5.7, Alternative Parking Plan, of this Ordinance.

C. 

AREA MEASUREMENTS.

Unless otherwise specified, all square footage-based parking and loading standards shall be computed based on gross floor area of the use in question. Structured parking within a building shall not be counted as gross floor area in such measurement.

D. 

OFF-STREET LOADING AND SERVICE AREAS.

Required off-street loading spaces shall not be counted as off-street parking spaces in computation of required off-street parking spaces. Parking spaces located in buildings used for repair garages or carwashes, and spaces in drive-through lanes shall not be counted as meeting the required parking.

E. 

PARKING BASED ON OCCUPANTS.

Except as provided for in this section, when the standards use the number of occupants as a unit of measurement, all calculations shall be based on the occupant load as determined by the city’s adopted Building and Fire Codes.

F. 

PARKING BASED ON SEATING.

When the standards use seating as a unit of measurement, all calculations shall be based on the occupant load of the areas used for seating as determined by the city’s adopted Building and Fire Codes.

G. 

PARKING FOR UNLISTED USES.

Parking requirements for uses not specifically listed in Table 5.5-1, Off-Street Parking Schedule A, shall be determined by the Administrator based on the requirements for the closest comparable use, as well as on the particular parking demand and trip generation characteristics of the proposed use. The Administrator may alternately require the submittal of a parking demand analysis that justifies estimates of parking demand based on the recommendations of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, and includes relevant data collected from uses or combinations of uses that are the same or comparable to the proposed use in terms of density, scale, bulk, area, type of activity, and location.

H. 

SPECIAL PARKING REQUIREMENTS IN CERTAIN ZONING DISTRICTS.

1. 

Mixed Use Districts.

a. In the Mixed Use District, the total requirement for off-street parking facilities shall be the sum of the requirements for the various uses computed separately.

b. The total number of required parking spaces in a Mixed Use District may be reduced by the Administrator if the applicant prepares a parking demand study that demonstrates a reduction is appropriate based on the expected parking needs of the development, internal trip capture, and similar factors. The parking demand study shall be prepared in a form and manner prescribed by the Administrator.

c. Surface parking lots, off-street parking spaces, and associated driving aisles shall not be permitted between the building and pedestrian-oriented streets. However, the Administrator may approve an off-street area for passenger drop-off or pick-up activity such as porte-cocheres.

2. 

Old Town District.

a. Given the mixed use and redevelopment goals of the Old Town District in addition to the focus on walkability, Table 5.5-3 shall establish the parking schedule for all uses in the Old Town District.

Table 5.5-3 Old Town Parking Schedule
Old Town Sub-District-->	Old Town Core	Old Town Transition	Additional Criteria
Min. Off-Street Parking Requirement
All Nonresidential uses and ground floor Commercial Ready spaces	1 space per 500 sq. ft. of building area (the first 2,000 sf of a building shall be exempt from any parking requirement)	1 space per 400 sq. ft. of building area	1. Off-site parking may be provided per Section 5.5.7. Alternative Parking Plan. 2. Landscaping within surface parking lots shall meet standards in Section 5.2 of this Ordinance.
Residential uses	0.5 spaces per each dwelling unit	1.0 space per each dwelling unit
Lodging uses (hotels and motels)	0.5 spaces per guest room; all other areas shall be parked at the nonresidential rate above	0.75 spaces per guest room; all other areas shall be parked at the nonresidential rate above	3. A shared parking plan or alternative parking plan may be approved by the Administrator as an Alternative Parking Plan 4. On-street parking located along any public street shall not count towards the required off-street parking

5.5.5 

Accessible Parking

In addition to the required off-street parking identified in Section 5.5.3, Off-Street Parking Standards, accessible parking shall be provided for multifamily and all nonresidential uses in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Texas Accessibility Standards.

5.5.6 

Drive-Through Vehicle Stacking

The following standards shall apply to businesses that contain a drive-through establishment, regardless if the drive-through is part of another use (e.g., restaurant or financial institution) or if it is a stand-alone use (e.g., automatic teller machine).

A. 

LOCATION OF STACKING LANES AND USE OF ORDERING DEVICES.

1. Stacking lanes shall not be located between the building and the primary street rights-of-way nor shall they be located adjacent to any single-family residentially zoned property.

2. Ordering devices or menu boards such as audible electronic devices with loudspeakers, automobile service order devices, and similar instruments shall not be audible beyond the property line of the site.

3. No service shall be rendered, deliveries made, or sales conducted within the required front yard or corner side yard; customers served in vehicles shall be parked to the sides and/or rear of the principal building.

4. All drive-through areas, including but not limited to menu boards, stacking lanes, trash receptacles, loudspeakers, drive up windows, and other objects associated with the drive-through area shall be located in the side or rear yard of a property to the maximum extent feasible, and shall not cross, interfere with, or impede any public right-of-way.

B. 

STACKING SPACE AND LANE REQUIREMENTS:

The number of required stacking spaces shall be as provided for in Table 5.5-4, Stacking Space Requirements.

C. 

DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS:

Stacking lanes shall be provided for any use having a drive-through establishment and shall comply with the following standards:

1. Drive-through aisles must be physically separated from parking and circulation areas with a five-foot wide landscaped median or island, and:

a. Cannot interfere with the on-site parking and circulation for other vehicles on the site;

b. Cannot interfere with on-site parking; and

c. Cannot result in traffic queuing into a drive aisle, adjacent property or street.

2. Drive-through stacking lanes shall have a minimum width of ten feet.

3. Drive-through by-pass lane shall be provided.

TABLE 5.5-4: Stacking Space Requirements
Activity	Minimum Stacking Spaces (per lane)	Measured From:
Bank, Financial Institution, or Automated Teller Machine (ATM)	3 spaces or 60 feet	Teller or Window
Restaurant	2 spaces or 40 feet before ordering device and 3 spaces or 60 feet between ordering device and first window.	Pick-Up Window
Full Service or Automated Vehicle Washing Establishment	3 spaces or 60 feet	Entrance to Washing Bay
Fuel or Gasoline Pump Island	1 space or 20 feet	Pump Island
Other uses with drive-through windows (pharmacy, dry cleaners, etc.)	2 spaces or 40 feet	Pick-up window

5.5.7 

Alternative Parking Plan

The Administrator may approve alternatives to providing the number of off-street parking spaces required by Section 5.5.3, Off-Street Parking Standards, in accordance with the following standards.

A. 

OFF-PREMISES PARKING.

The Administrator may permit an off-premises parking facility to accommodate either required or additional parking subject to the following conditions:

1. The off-premises parking facility shall be located within 400 feet from an entrance, as measured along the shortest practical walking route, to the structure for which it will be used.

2. Off-premises parking should be connected to the use by a sidewalk or paved walkway.

3. Residential parking or accessible parking may not be provided in off-premises facilities.

4. Off-premises parking shall have the same or more intensive zoning classification as the primary use served.

B. 

SHARED PARKING.

The Administrator may approve shared parking facilities for developments or uses with different operating hours or different peak business periods if the shared parking complies with all of the following standards:

1. 

Location:

Shared parking spaces shall be located within 400 feet of a public entrance to the uses served unless remote parking shuttle bus service is provided.

2. 

Zoning Classification:

Shared parking areas for nonresidential uses shall not be located on residentially zoned property including multifamily residential property.

3. 

Shared Parking Analysis:

Where shared parking is contemplated, the applicant may be required to include parking accumulation analyses as a part of the request for approval. The analysis shall include the parking demand for each hour over a 12- to 24-hour period for a typical high volume day. This will determine the minimum number of spaces that shall be provided. Based on the analysis submitted, if the maximum number of vehicles accumulated during a peak hour or hours for all overlapping uses exceeds the number of spaces that are required to be provided, shared parking shall be limited. A prorated number of shared parking spaces may be permitted based on the justification information of the analysis.

4. 

Agreement for Shared Parking:

A shared parking plan will be enforced through a written agreement among all owners of record. An attested copy of the agreement between the owners of record shall be submitted to the Administrator for review and approval. The applicant shall record the agreement prior to the issuance of a building permit or certificate of occupancy for any use to be served by the shared parking. A shared parking agreement may be terminated if all required off-street parking spaces are to be provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 5.5.3, Off-Street Parking Standards.

5. Shared parking agreements that existed prior to the adoption of this Ordinance shall continue in force.

6. Amendments to pre-existing agreements shall be made pursuant to the terms of this Section and shall be done by written agreement.

C. 

PUBLIC PARKING.

1. 

Credit for Nearby Public Parking:

Spaces available in public parking areas located within 400 feet of the subject use may be counted toward the total amount of required off-street parking if the Administrator determines that the spaces are reasonably available for the use.

D. 

ADDITIONAL REDUCTIONS IN PARKING.

The Administrator may allow an additional reduction in the required number of parking spaces (less than what is determined using the adjusted off-street parking calculation). A parking demand analysis, prepared in accordance with the Administrator’s guidelines by a qualified parking or traffic consultant, substantiating the basis for granting a reduced number of spaces is required.

5.5.8 

Parking Facility Location and Design

A. 

PARKING SPACE DIMENSIONS.

1. No parking space shall be less than 18 feet in length and nine feet in width, except as provided below.

2. Parking spaces may be reduced in length when a tire-stop curb is installed 16 feet from the maneuvering lane and a clear space of two feet is provided for a vehicle to overhang. The overhang is not permitted over public property, sidewalks, a landscaped area, or a setback in which parking is not permitted. Such reduction is permitted only when the width of the maneuvering lane is maintained at 26 feet.

3. A maximum of 20 percent of the required parking spaces may be designed and reserved for compact cars. Compact car parking spaces will be a minimum of eight feet by 16 feet and shall be clearly identified with either a sign or pavement marking limiting the spaces to compact cars.

4. The minimum two-way parking aisle width is 24 feet unless designated as a fire lane in which case the standard for a fire lane shall supersede.

B. 

DESIGN OF PARKING SPACES:

The following shall apply in all zoning districts:

1. 

Parking Prohibited in Rights-of-Way and Drive Lanes:

a. No off-street parking facility shall be located, in whole or in part, in a public street or sidewalk, parkway, alley, or other public right-of-way.

b. No off-street parking or loading space shall be located, either in whole or in part, within any fire lane required by ordinance of the City or within aisles, driveways, or maneuvering areas necessary to provide reasonable access to any parking space.

2. All parking areas, drive aisles, and fire lanes shall be of concrete paving unless alternative paving materials are approved as part of a site plan.

C. 

PARKING AREA LOCATION AND LAYOUT IN NONRESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.

The following shall apply in the nonresidential zoning districts except in the MU District.

1. 

Parking Location:

Sites shall be designed with buildings closer to the street with parking located to the side and rear of the site to avoid views of large, paved parking areas from public rights-of-way. However, the Administrator may adjust this requirement based on the prevailing development patterns or future vision for the area in order to be consistent with the established pattern of development along the street or creating a better context for the future of the area.

2. 

Parking Area Layout:

Surface parking areas shall be divided into sub-areas, each accommodating no more than 200 vehicles. Each parking sub-area shall be separated by a minimum 20-foot wide landscaped island, which shall include pedestrian walkways and shade features such as trees or arbors. This technique shall be used to minimize the view of a “sea of parking” between the building and the principal street and to require that the majority of off-street parking be located to the side or rear of the buildings served. Surface parking lots shall comply with the requirements in Section 5.2.4.B, Parking Lot Landscaping and Screening.

3. 

Circulation Area Design:

Circulation areas shall be designed to facilitate the safe movement of vehicles without posing a danger to pedestrians or impeding the function of the parking area. Parking lots shall maintain safe circulation patterns and access to public streets.

4. 

Parking Area Location and Design in the MU District:

Shall not be located between the principal building and any Pedestrian Priority Street.

5.5.9 

Minimum Off-Street Loading Standards

A. Off-street facilities shall be provided and maintained for receiving and loading of merchandise, supplies, and materials within a building or on the premises.

B. Required off-street loading facilities may be adjacent to an existing public alley or private service drive, or may consist of a berth within a structure.

C. No portion of a loading facility may extend into a public right-of-way or into an off-street parking facility.

D. The off-street loading spaces or truck berths shall provide maneuvering areas on site to prevent any blockage of public right-of-way.

E. Off-street loading spaces shall be screened in compliance with the provisions of Section 5.3.1 [Section 5.3.3.E], Screening of Service, Loading, and Storage Areas.

(Ordinance 030-2017 adopted 11/20/17; Ordinance 030-2022 adopted 10/17/22; Ordinance 006-2023 adopted 3/6/2023)

§ 5.6 RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS.

5.6.1 

Purpose

The standards of this section are intended to:

A. Promote high-quality residential developments that are distinctive, have character, and relate and connect to established neighborhoods;

B. Provide variety and visual interest in the exterior design of residential buildings;

C. Create new neighborhoods that age gracefully and add long-term value to the City;

D. Enhance the residential streetscape and diminish the prominence of garages and parking areas; and

E. Protect property values.

5.6.2 

Single-Family Residential Building Design Standards

A. 

Applicability.

1. This section shall not apply to single-family detached dwellings in the Old Town District subject to applicability criteria in Section 5.8.2.B [sic].

2. This section shall apply to all new single-family residential development in all other zoning districts with the following exceptions:

a. Planned Development and Mixed Use districts that have specific design standards and are approved after the adoption date of this Ordinance, and

b. Any lot platted prior to the adoption of this Ordinance.

B. 

Facade Design:

Facades must be articulated by using color, arrangement, or change in materials to emphasize the facade elements. Exterior wall planes may be varied in height, depth or direction. Design elements and detailing, including the presence of windows and window treatments (for walls that face the public right-of-way), trim detailing, and exterior wall materials, must be continued completely around the structure. Doors and windows must be detailed to add visual interest to the facade.

C. 

Garage Design.

1. All lots less than 40' in width shall provide garages along alleys.

2. All street facing garages shall be articulated single garage doors. The garage width as a proportion of the front facade shall be no more than 50%.

3. The following graphics indicate the accepted location and placement of garages (attached or detached).

D. 

Building Entrances:

1. All buildings shall have at least one primary entry door oriented towards the primary street. The main entry to the home shall be visible from the street.

2. Provide a prominent entry feature (either projected or recessed) that reflects the home’s architectural style. Common projected entries are porches and stoops.

E. 

Building Materials:

1. 

Approved Facade Materials:

Each residential building facade shall contain a minimum of 65 percent (surface area excluding doors and windows) masonry (natural stone, brick, or 3-step stucco).

2. When using a mix of primary facade materials, a maximum of 2 primary materials shall be permitted on any facade. An even split of materials (i.e., 50/50) on the facades shall not be permitted. One material shall be at least 2/3rds of the facade.

3. 

Roof Materials:

May be shingles (slate, metal, or asphalt), standing seam metal, or tiles (clay or concrete).

5.6.3 

Multifamily Residential Building Design Standards

A. 

Applicability:

1. This section shall apply to all single-family attached and multifamily dwellings in the Old Town District subject to applicability criteria in Section 5.8.2.B.

2. This section shall apply to all new multifamily residential buildings in all other zoning districts with the following exceptions:

a. Planned Development and Mixed Use districts that have specific design standards and are approved after the adoption date of this Ordinance, and

b. Any lot platted prior to the adoption of this Ordinance.

B. 

Site Design and Building Orientation.

1. 

Site Access.

a. New multifamily developments with 100 or more units shall have primary access from an arterial street and shall comply with the following standards:

i. A minimum of one secondary point of ingress/egress into a multifamily development may be required for public safety access as determined by the Fire Department.

ii. No primary vehicular access from a multifamily development shall be provided on a local street serving existing single-family detached development; however, secondary vehicle access may be provided onto local streets.

b. New multifamily development with fewer than 100 units may take primary access from a collector street, if approved by the Fire Department.

2. 

Entry feature design:

The following landscaping standards shall apply to the primary entrance:

a. The main site entry for multifamily developments shall be treated with special landscape elements that will provide an individual identity to the project.

b. Site entry and access drives for multifamily development shall include at least three (3) of the following:

i. a minimum 5-foot wide and 50 foot long landscaped median;

ii. textured paving, interlocking pavers, or other decorative pavement;

iii. gateway elements such as lighting, bollards, entry fences, or monuments;

iv. a roundabout containing landscaping, water feature, or artwork; or

v. other improvements as approved by the Administrator.

3. 

Building Orientation and Common Open Space.

a. 

Building Orientation:

i. Buildings must be oriented towards either the perimeter streets, or an internal drive (i.e. private street) or open space amenity (excludes required yards) that recreates a traditional grid, rather than orientation only to internal parking lots.

ii. Garage entries, carports, parking areas, and parking structures shall be internalized in building groupings or oriented away from the street frontages.

b. 

Common Open Space:

i. Shall be a minimum of 10% of the gross site area and shall meet standards in Section 5.4 of this Ordinance.

ii. Large open space should be the fundamental organizing element of the site. Common open space should be well defined by buildings and streets. Buildings should be oriented in such a way as to create courtyards and open space areas.

iii. Large existing trees and other natural features should be integrated into the site.

iv. Common open space should be centralized and directly accessible to a majority of the surrounding units. Where possible, it shall be linked by a minimum 5' sidewalk to adjacent parks, paths, and open space areas.

v. The open space shall be useable areas and no more than 25% of the open space shall be riparian areas or slopes exceeding 3:1.

C. 

Site Amenities Required:

In conjunction with the common open space requirements, all multifamily projects shall provide two or more site amenities listed below for the residents. Amenities shall be centrally located for a majority of the residents, and may be located within the common open space areas.

1. Swimming pool.

2. Sports courts, such as tennis, basketball, or volleyball.

3. Natural open space area with accessible and connected benches.

4. Jogging trails.

5. Fountains, art, or sculpture.

6. Playgrounds[.]

7. Other comparable amenity as approved by the Administrator.

D. 

Building Design:

1. 

Four-sided architecture:

All sides of a multifamily building shall display a comparable level of quality and architectural detailing as on the front elevation.

2. 

Articulation:

a. Maximum length of any multifamily residential building shall be 200 feet.

b. No more than 6 townhomes may be attached in any single block.

c. Each elevation greater than 30 feet in length, measured horizontally, shall incorporate wall plane projections or recesses having a depth of at least 10 percent of the length of the facade, and extending at least 20 percent of the length of the facade.

d. The elevations of all multifamily buildings shall be articulated through the incorporation of at least five or more of the following:

i. Balconies, a minimum of 25 square feet in area;

ii. Bay or box windows;

iii. Porches or covered entries;

iv. Dormers;

v. Awnings or canopies;

vi. Structural offsets a minimum of four feet from the principal plane of the facade;

vii. Accent materials such as brick, stone, or stucco with banding highlights;

viii. Ornamental or decorative window grills and shutters;

ix. Vertical elements such as towers or building end-caps that demarcate building modules; or

x. Other comparable feature as approved by the Administrator.

3. 

Building Entrances:

a. Building entries next to a public street, private drive or parking area must be pedestrian-scaled, providing an expression of human activity or use in relation to building size. Doors, windows, entranceways, and other features such as corners, setbacks, and offsets can be used to create pedestrian scale.

b. Upper floor residential units shall be accessed via internal corridors and external common balconies on perimeter walls providing access to units are prohibited.

4. 

Windows:

a. All walls and elevations on all floors of multiple household buildings must have windows, except when necessary to assure privacy for adjacent property owners as determined by the Administrator.

b. Windows should be located to maximize the possibility of occupant surveillance of entryways and common areas.

5. 

Roof Design:

a. On buildings with pitched roofs, the minimum roof pitch is 6:12.

b. On buildings where flat roofs are the predominant roof type, parapet walls must vary in height and/or shape once every 50 ft. along a wall.

c. Changing roof forms or towers must be designed to correspond and denote building elements and functions such as entrances and stairwells.

E. 

Building Materials:

1. A minimum of 80% of all exterior surfaces (excluding doors and windows) shall be finished with the following materials: Masonry (natural stone or brick), cultured or cast stone or split faced architectural block (CMU) in natural colors made to look like stone.

2. Fiber cement siding (hardie plank) may be used on upper floor facades only.

3. Stucco, concrete block, architectural metal, etc., may be used as secondary exterior materials.

4. In no case shall a building have more than three building materials on any facade (primary and secondary materials only and excludes any trim details, moldings, or decorations)[.]

F. 

Roof Materials:

1. Roof materials must be high quality, durable and consistent with the architectural style established for the overall development.

2. Acceptable roof materials include asphalt shingles, metal shingles, composite or synthetic shingles, standing-seam metal, or tile roofs.

(Ordinance 030-2017 adopted 11/20/17; Ordinance 012-2018 adopted 7/16/18; Ordinance 030-2022 adopted 10/17/22)

§ 5.7 NONRESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS.

5.7.1 

Purpose

The intent of this section is to establish design and development standards that foster high-quality, attractive, and enduring nonresidential development. The standards are intended to:

A. Protect and enhance the character and quality of retail, office, and industrial areas in Haslet;

B. Protect and enhance the long-term market value of property within Haslet;

C. Enhance the human and pedestrian scale of retail and office developments and ensure compatibility between residential neighborhoods and adjacent commercial uses;

D. Mitigate negative visual impacts arising from the scale, bulk, and mass of large commercial and industrial buildings and centers;

E. Promote building designs and construction practices that are enduring and adaptable to multiple uses for extended building lifecycles;

F. Establish a sense of place for the commercial areas in Haslet; and

G. Balance the community’s economic and aesthetic concerns.

5.7.2 

Applicability

A. The general applicability standards in Section 5.1, Applicability of this Article, shall apply to this section.

B. These nonresidential design standards shall apply to the following:

1. All new nonresidential buildings and building expansions per Table 5.1-1 in all zoning districts except:

a. Old Town District (Standards in Section 5.8 [sic] shall apply)

b. Planned Development and Mixed Use Districts that have alternative building design standards adopted as part of any development specific Ordinance.

5.7.3 

Site Design and Building Organization

A. 

PURPOSE:

Site design standards address a development’s relationship to its surrounding natural features, street network, and land uses. They also address the relationship between key elements within the site. Careful site design is critical to the success of nonresidential projects, and the standards of this Section should be considered at the outset, and throughout, the design process. The standards of this Section are intended to:

1. Ensure development is sensitive to the physical characteristics of the site;

2. Ensure building scale, orientation, and design relates to the surrounding uses and streets, and creates a cohesive visual identity and an attractive street scene, especially Commercial areas;

3. Ensure site design for efficient pedestrian and vehicular circulation patterns, and create a high-quality pedestrian environment where appropriate;

4. Promote design environments built to human scale where appropriate; and

5. Ensure delivery, trash, and loading facilities are located so as to be visually appealing and not impede regular vehicular and pedestrian circulation and access routes.

B. 

BUILDING ORGANIZATION AND ORIENTATION:

1. 

Individual Buildings.

a. Development composed of one or two buildings shall be oriented so that the front facade faces the primary street. On corner lots, the building(s) shall face the higher street designation per the City’s adopted Thoroughfare Plan unless adjoining development provides a context for street frontage along the lower designation street as determined by the Administrator.

b. In cases where the longer side of a building is perpendicular to the primary street, the portion of the building facing the primary street shall be designed as a building front with entrances, signage, and transparent windows.

2. 

Multiple Buildings:

Development composed of three or more buildings shall be configured to:

a. Break up the site into a series of smaller internal “blocks” defined by on-site driveways, private streets, vehicle access ways, pedestrian walkways, or other circulation routes;

b. Buildings should frame internal streets and parking should be located in the middle of the block;

c. Large parking areas should be broken up into smaller parking areas defined by internal landscaped drives designed as “quasi” streets;

Figure 5.7.1 Illustration of Site Organization of a Multiple Building Development

3. 

Building Entry Design:

a. All buildings shall have their primary entrance directly off the street or through a recessed area, courtyard, or plaza located adjacent to the street.

b. The primary entryway shall be readily apparent as a prominent architectural component from the street, thus creating a focal point. However, nonresidential buildings with multiple tenants on the ground floor or multiple primary entrances shall have all entrances treated architecturally.

c. Primary building entrances are to be defined and articulated with architectural elements such as pediments, columns, porticos, porches, and overhangs.

C. 

HEIGHT TRANSITIONS:

Transitions between nonresidential buildings and adjoining residential neighborhoods shall be provided by using a combination of the following techniques:

1. Concentrating the tallest buildings at the center of the site or along primary street frontages; or

2. Stepping down the height of buildings along any shared residential lot line or street frontage to the average height of the adjacent residential structures.

5.7.4 

Building and Facade Design

A. 

PURPOSE:

Building design directly influences the character and function of nonresidential development. The standards of this Section are intended to:

1. Ensure that multiple building or phased commercial developments use compatible schemes of materials, colors, and architectural styles to ensure consistency. This includes accessory structures such as freestanding canopies, accessory and maintenance buildings, and dumpster enclosures;

2. Ensuring that individual buildings have a single definitive, consistent style. Mixing of various architectural styles on the same building is discouraged;

3. Ensure that buildings are designed to a human scale; and

4. Encourage adaptable development by designing buildings to be adaptable for multiple uses over time based on changing market demand.

B. 

3-SIDED ARCHITECTURE:

At least three sides of each building (except any rear or service facades) shall be architecturally finished with comparable levels of materials and detailing (e.g., tiles, moldings, cornices, wainscoting, etc.). Blank walls void of architectural details or other variation are prohibited.

C. 

BUILDING FORM AND MASS:

A single, large, dominant building mass shall be avoided in new commercial buildings and redevelopment projects under this Ordinance. Changes in mass shall be related to entrances, tenant spaces, the integral structure and/or the interior space organization and activities, and not just for cosmetic effect.

D. 

EXTERIOR WALLS:

All exterior walls (with the exception of rear/service facades) shall be designed with a base and top.

1. 

Base:

Facades and walls shall have a recognizable base with (but not limited to):

a. thicker walls, ledges or sills;

b. integrally textured materials such as stone or other masonry; or

c. Storefront windows and displays.

2. 

Top:

Facades and walls shall also have a recognizable top with (but not limited to):

a. cornice treatments, other than colored stripes or bands alone, with integrally textured materials such as stone or other masonry or differently colored materials;

b. sloping roof with overhangs and brackets; or

c. stepped parapets.

E. 

BUILDING ARTICULATION:

Buildings shall be designed to reduce apparent mass by dividing facades into a series of smaller components. No individual component shall have a length of more than 60 feet. Components shall be distinguished from one another through two or more of the following:

1. Variations in roof form or variations in roof height or parapet of two feet or more;

2. Changes in wall plane of 10 feet or less in width for 24 inches of more in depth;

3. Variations in the arrangement and recessing of doors and windows;

4. Recognizable changes in texture or material; or

5. Decorative columns.

F. 

WINDOWS AND TRANSPARENCY:

1. At ground level, buildings shall have a high level of transparency. Facades and walls that face the street, pedestrian walkways, plazas and parking areas (excluding the building rear or side) must have transparent windows (visual transmittance of 0.6 or above) for at least 40% of the facade between 2 ft. and 7 ft. above the grade.

2. Side facades (nonstreet fronting) must have transparent windows (visual transmittance of 0.6 or above) for at least 20% of the facade between 2 ft. and 7 ft. above the grade.

3. Where the internal arrangement of a building makes it impossible to provide transparency along a portion of a wall as determined by the Administrator, a combination of changing color or texture to imitate the rhythm of windows or storefront displays may substitute for 50% of required transparent areas, except when fronting plaza or sidewalk cafe areas.

G. 

ROOF FORMS:

Variations in rooflines shall be used to add interest and reduce the scale of large buildings. Roof features shall correspond to and denote building elements and functions such as entrances, arcades, canopies, etc. They shall also complement the character of the overall development.

1. 

Flat Roofs:

Flat roofs shall include parapets that adhere to articulation requirements for the main face of the structure. The average height of the parapet shall not exceed 15 percent of the height of the supporting wall, unless rooftop equipment cannot be sufficiently screened. A three-dimensional cornice treatment is encouraged for parapets. Parapets shall look complete from all sides if visible at any distance from the ground. Parapets shall be constructed of the same material as the primary facade.

2. 

Sloped Roofs:

Pitched roofs shall have a minimum pitch of 4:12 for all structures. This requirement excludes roofs for entries and dormers. Any overhanging eaves shall extend at least 2.5 feet past the supporting walls.

H. 

DESIGN OF GAS PUMPS AND CANOPIES.

1. There shall be at least 20 ft. for one vehicle stacked behind the vehicle at the far end of a row of gas pumps, and room for other vehicles to bypass stacked vehicles at fueling areas.

2. Canopies shall include design elements found on the main building, including color, materials and roof pitch.

3. Canopy support poles shall include decorative corbels consistent with the overall architectural theme of the site, or pole covers at least 18 in. wide with a similar surface material and architectural treatments as the dominant material on the main structure.

4. Canopy fascias must be the same color as the dominant color of the main building. Striping and banding on canopies is prohibited.

5.7.5 

Building Materials

A. 

EXTERIOR WALLS:

1. All exterior walls, including parking structures, garages, and accessory structures shall be finished with 80 percent of an approved material. A maximum of 20 percent of each elevation may include accent materials not listed on the approved material list but may be approved by the Administrator.

2. No single building material shall cover more than 70 percent of any street fronting building facade.

3. The approved material coverage calculation shall not include doors, windows, chimneys, dormers, window boxes, or bay windows that do not extend to the foundation.

B. 

APPROVED MATERIALS:

shall be defined as:

1. Native stone, brick, or tile laid up unit by unit and set in mortar;

2. Stucco (exterior portland cement plaster with three coats over metal lath or wire fabric lath);

3. Cultured stone or cast stone;

4. Architecturally finished block (i.e. burnished block, split faced concrete masonry units, or architecturally finished tilt wall that is made to look like masonry); and

5. Architecturally finished pre-cast wall that is profiled, sculptured, or provides three dimensional interest similar to masonry.

C. 

REAR FACADES:

Rear facades that are not adjacent to residential uses or visible from any public street may be constructed with tilt wall concrete, concrete block, or aggregate concrete in addition to the materials permitted in this subsection.

D. 

ROOF MATERIALS:

Sloped or pitched roofs shall be constructed of asphalt shingles, synthetic shingles, metal shingles, standing seam metal, or tile. Flat roofs may be constructed of any industry-standard material as approved by the Administrator, unless prohibited by this section.

E. 

PROHIBITED MATERIALS:

The following materials are prohibited as exterior cladding or roofing materials:

1. Aluminum siding or cladding (with the exception of Architectural metal which is allowed as an accent material),

2. Galvanized steel or other bright metal (with the exception of Architectural metal which is allowed as an accent material),

3. Wood or plastic (vinyl) siding,

4. Cementitious fiberboard (may only be allowed on upper floors of buildings with residential or lodging uses),

5. Unfinished or smooth concrete block/masonry units or concrete wall,

6. Exposed aggregate,

7. Reflective, mirrored, or opaque glass, and

8. Wood shingles, corrugated metal, tar paper, and brightly colored asphalt shingle roof materials are prohibited on all roof types.

F. 

FACADE COLOR:

Facade colors shall be low reflectance, subtle, neutral, or earth tone colors. The use of metallic colors, black, or fluorescent colors is prohibited.

5.7.6 

Shade Requirements

A. All development shall provide shaded internal pedestrian walkways along at least 50 percent of all building facades with storefront entrances.

B. Buildings should be oriented to minimize direct solar exposure on the primary building facade and areas of high pedestrian activity.

C. Shade may be provided through any or a combination of the following:

1. Arcades, canopies, or galleries;

2. Canopy trees;

3. Trellises or pergolas; or

4. Any other shading device as approved by the Administrator.

(Ordinance 030-2017 adopted 11/20/17)

§ 5.8 (RESERVED)

Editor’s note–Former section 5.8 pertaining to the old town building design standards and deriving from Ordinance 030-2017 adopted 11/20/17, was deleted in its entirety by Ordinance 030-2022 adopted 10/17/22.

§ 5.9 TRANSPORTATION AND CONNECTIVITY.

5.9.1 

Purpose

The purpose of this section is to support the creation of a highly connected transportation system within the city in order to provide choices for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians; increase effectiveness of local service delivery; promote walking and bicycling; connect neighborhoods to each other and to local destinations such as employment, schools, parks, and shopping centers; reduce emergency response times; mitigate the traffic impacts of new development; and free up arterial capacity to better serve regional long-distance travel needs. These standards attempt to avoid the creation of large, isolated tracts without routes for through traffic or pedestrian and bicycle connections.

5.9.2 

Traffic Impact Mitigation

The transportation system for new development shall be capable of supporting the proposed development in addition to the existing and future uses in the area. Evaluation of system capacity shall be undertaken through a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) unless waived by the City Engineer, a written Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) meeting City criteria shall be required for all development proposals when trip generation for a development proposal is expected to exceed 2,000 trips per day or as otherwise determined by the City Engineer.

5.9.3 

Streets and Vehicular Circulation

A. 

STREET STANDARDS.

All streets shall meet the standards in Chapter 10, Exhibit A, Subdivision Ordinance, Section 3 or Section 4, as applicable.

B. 

STREET CONNECTIVITY.

1. 

Purpose:

Street and block patterns should include a clear hierarchy of well-connected streets that distribute traffic over multiple streets and avoids traffic congestion on principal routes. Within each development, the access and circulation system should accommodate the safe, efficient, and convenient movement of vehicles, and pedestrians through the development, and provide ample opportunities for linking adjacent neighborhoods, properties, and land uses. Local neighborhood street systems are intended to provide multiple direct connections to and between local destinations such as parks, schools, and shopping. These connections should knit separate developments together, rather than forming barriers between them.

C. 

RESIDENTIAL STREETS.

1. New developments shall provide street connections to adjacent developments, allowing access between developments for neighborhood traffic and to enhance pedestrian and bicycle connectivity as recommended in the Comprehensive Plan.

2. The use of cul-de-sac streets shall be limited within new developments to the greatest extent possible. The City Council shall have the authority to determine whether or not the use of cul-de-sacs in a development meets the intent of this section during consideration and approval of the Preliminary Plat.

3. Should topography or other constraints require the use of straight local streets that extend more than 600 feet without interruption, a traffic-calming device, or similar feature shall be used to slow traffic and break-up the “runway” appearance. In addition, traffic-calming devices may be required to address public safety concerns.

4. To the maximum extent practicable, streets shall be arranged to follow the natural contours of the site.

D. 

VEHICULAR ACCESS TO PUBLIC STREETS AND ADJACENT LAND.

1. All development shall provide public or private street connections to all existing, adjacent public streets.

2. If there are no adjacent public streets, subdivisions and/or sites shall provide for connections along each boundary abutting adjacent vacant land for future connections spaced at intervals not to exceed 1,000 feet for arterials, 600 feet for other street types, or as otherwise approved.

3. When connections to surrounding streets are proposed or required by the City, public right-of-way or private access easement shall be dedicated and streets developed to existing paved rights-of-way. The Administrator may also require temporary turnarounds to be constructed for temporary cul-de-sacs between development phases.

E. 

DRIVEWAYS AND ACCESS.

1. Every lot shall have access that is sufficient to afford a reasonable means of ingress and egress for emergency vehicles, as well as for those needing access to the property in its intended use.

2. Shared driveway access and/or joint/cross access easements shall be required between adjacent nonresidential development sites as determined by the Administrator.

3. All driveways and access shall be designed in conformance with the City’s Standard Details available from the Engineering and Public Works Department.

4. Visibility at Intersections: On all lots or parcels of land on which a front setback is required, no obstruction that will obscure the view of motor vehicle drivers shall be placed within the triangular area formed by the adjoining street property lines as specified in the City’s adopted infrastructure standards, except that trees may be permitted within said triangular area provided that those trees are placed in the street planter strip and the limbs are pruned to at least six feet above the grade level of the adjacent street.

5.9.4 

Pedestrian Circulation

A. 

Multifamily residential and mixed-use pedestrian connections.

All multifamily residential and mixed-use developments shall provide an on-site system of pedestrian walkways that are maintained by the property owner. They shall be a minimum of six feet in width designed to provide direct access and connections to and between the following:

1. The primary entrance or entrances to each building;

2. Any sidewalks, walkways, or multi-use paths on adjacent properties that extend to the boundaries shared with the development;

3. Any parking areas intended to serve the development;

4. Any sidewalk system along the perimeter streets adjacent to the development;

5. Any adjacent residential neighborhoods (planned or existing) where opportunity exists; and

6. Any adjacent or on-site public park, trail system, open space area, greenway, school, or other public or civic use as applicable.

B. 

Nonresidential on-site pedestrian connections.

1. 

Applicability:

This section shall apply to all commercial and mixed-use development in the NC, GC, OE, MU, OT and PD Districts unless development specific standards are approved as part of any PD or MU District ordinance.

2. All development shall provide a network of on-site pedestrian walkways with a minimum width of six feet to and between the following areas:

a. Entrances to each commercial building on the site, including pad site buildings; and

b. Public sidewalks or walkways on adjacent properties that extend to the boundaries shared with the subject development.

3. On-site pedestrian walkways and crosswalks shall be identified to motorists and pedestrians using one or more of the following methods:

a. Changing paving material, patterns, or paving color, but not including the painting of the paving material;

b. Changing paving height;

c. Decorative bollards;

d. Raised median walkways with landscaped buffers; or

e. Stamped or stained concrete.

4. Pedestrian circulation routes shall be emphasized with special design features that establish them as areas where pedestrians are physically separated from the flow of vehicular traffic and/or are protected from the weather per standards in Section 5.7.6, Shade Requirements. Techniques shall include at least one shade feature and one or more of the following:

a. Pedestrian light features;

b. Bollards;

c. Seat walls or benches;

d. Wayfinding signs;

e. Water fountains; and

f. Landscape planters.

(Ordinance 030-2017 adopted 11/20/17; Ordinance 001-2025 adopted 1/13/2025)

§ 5.10 EXTERIOR SITE LIGHTING.

5.10.1 

Purpose

The primary goal of the exterior illumination design and installation is to establish a sense of safety, direction, and movement. Light levels should be adequate to insure reasonable automobile and pedestrian safety. All illuminated areas shall at minimum conform to current light (luminance and illuminance) levels and uniformity (contrast) ratios as established by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES).

The design philosophy for exterior illumination is to identify, within the site, elements to be illuminated. Those site "lighting elements" typically are specific surfaces and/or objects that have identifiable and/or well defined extents. The design intent is to illuminate within this defined areas as uniformly as possible and simultaneously minimize the quantity of light (LUMENS) falling outside of this defined area.

Fixture orientation and design (visual and optical cut-offs) shall minimize the fixture as a source of direct glare, both within the site and particularly as viewed from the street, adjacent sites, and by air. In addition, light trespass from the site into the sky, adjacent sites, and streets shall be limited to no greater than 10% of the design lumens exiting any given fixture. All direct downlighting shall be accomplished by utilizing light fixtures with total cutoff above 90 degrees (i.e., the horizon).

The exterior illumination system controls shall allow flexibility in the operation of the various subsystems such that it will differentiate between weekday and weekend, everyday and special event, winter and summer, sunset to midnight, midnight to sunrise.

5.10.2 

Applicability

This section establishes exterior site lighting standards for all new development and redevelopment in all zoning districts in the City of Haslet with the exception of the Alliance Airport Overlay District.

5.10.3 

Lighting Plan

A lighting plan meeting the standards and requirements of this section shall be submitted to the City as part of the preliminary plat or development plat application for the property.

(Ordinance 025-2021 adopted 10/4/21)