The following nonresidential and mixed use design standards apply to new or modified non-residential and mixed use structures and auxiliary structures. They are intended to facilitate the design review process and inform applicants about Yountville's unique built environment. These design standards supplement the development standards in the Zoning Ordinance and further the goals and policies of the General Plan which encourage high quality design. It is acknowledged that each property is different, and this condition is considered when applying these standards. All development proposals are considered on a case-by-case basis, which provides flexibility for decision-making based on existing conditions.
The nonresidential and mixed use design standards are subjective design criteria which are mandatory for commercial projects unless waived through design review approval to allow alternative design approaches deemed appropriate for the unique conditions of the subject site and its surroundings.
The district design intent is a description of the valuable design characteristics and elements present in each of the nonresidential zoning districts which should be used to guide new design review applications.
(Ord. 21-501 § 9)
The following descriptions define the design intent for new nonresidential structures in the applicable zoning districts:
A. 
Residential-Scaled Commercial buildings are intended to provide an appropriate transition between commercial and residential areas. Typically, these buildings are similar in size to single-family houses and other residential buildings. The design standards outlined below intend to encourage the development of multiple, small, pedestrian-oriented buildings that combine to form publicly accessible courtyards and passageways, with parking at the rear of the site.
B. 
Old Town Commercial is a land use classification intended to reflect Yountville's commercial beginnings in the period between 1870 to 1920 and in so doing create a distinct commercial district. To preserve the building and site layouts typical of this period and to avoid development of an auto-oriented commercial strip, new development should be street-oriented and configured in multiple small pedestrian-oriented buildings.
It is also the intent of this classification to promote an interesting, attractive environment for pedestrians, and enhance the interface between commercial uses and the street. The design of new construction and alterations to existing buildings shall enhance the area's appearance as an historic commercial retail area.
C. 
Retained Commercial District buildings should establish a transitional buffer between the Town's commercial core and the residences in the Old Town Historic District. The existing scale of multiple, small, pedestrian-oriented buildings should be retained.
D. 
Primary Commercial buildings on the east side of Highway 29 are intended to reinforce Washington Street as Yountville's commercial main street, while accommodating the needs of merchants, visitors, and residents. Therefore, the design standards outlined herein encourage new commercial buildings that will be compatible with Yountville's small-town character. New buildings should face Washington Street, promote walkability, and create internal courtyards and interior passageways to encourage public use.
E. 
Public Facility buildings are intended to accommodate uses that provide a public service or otherwise benefit the community on a Town-wide scale. The types of buildings in the Public Facility zone vary greatly depending on use. Buildings that directly serve the public, like Town Hall, the Post Office, the Community Center/Library, and the former Yountville Elementary School, form Yountville's civic core and have building styles that reinforce and enhance Yountville's small-town character. Other Public Facility buildings, like the wastewater treatment plant and the water pump station, serve the public indirectly and so these uses are screened and isolated from residential and commercial areas. Historic and legacy uses which predate the Town, like the Veterans Home and Pioneer Cemetery, are also included in the Public Facility designation. New buildings in this designation should, where appropriate, strengthen the cohesion of the civic core or otherwise be sympathetic to existing uses as well as historic and environmental resources.
(Ord. 21-501 § 9)
The following are design standards which all nonresidential projects are required to conform with, unless waived by design review approval as regulated by Chapter 17.188 of this title.
A. 
Building Scale and Massing.
1. 
Use massing techniques that mitigate heavy or bulky forms, such as modulating building mass, partial upper stories, setbacks for upper story volume, and varying roof forms.
2. 
Break up the massing of buildings and the scale of long façades to fit the rhythm of the surrounding block.
3. 
Avoid placement of structures or dense landscaping which obstructs public view corridors as defined in the General Plan
4. 
In the Residential-Scaled Commercial District, proposed development should consist of multiple small buildings rather than one large building. If total proposed building square footage exceeds 5,000 square feet, consideration and preference shall be given to multiple buildings. Building size and location should take into account existing trees or similar site conditions which are considered important to the Town's character.
5. 
In the Old Town Commercial District, proposed development should consist of multiple small buildings rather than one large building. If total proposed building square footage exceeds 2,500 square feet in size, consideration and preference shall be given to multiple buildings. Building size and location should take into account existing trees or similar site conditions that are considered important to the Town's character.
6. 
In the Old Town Commercial District, there shall be a combination of different building heights with an emphasis on one-story buildings.
7. 
Blank walls (facades without doors or windows) shall be less than 30 feet in length if visible from adjacent street(s).
B. 
Street Frontage.
1. 
Buildings should be pedestrian oriented, creating an attractive and active sidewalk and street frontage.
2. 
Create or reinforce a well-defined rhythm of intervals of built and open spaces. Pedestrian passageways between buildings should generally be at least 12 feet in width.
3. 
Where possible, provide open spaces adjacent to the sidewalk and design public frontages to support direct engagement with the street to encourage pedestrian activity and informal community gathering.
4. 
Support adjacent sidewalks and public spaces with active ground floor uses and amenities such as seating and public art.
5. 
Create a human-scale environment at street level with architectural detailing that adds variety and rhythm to the facade.
6. 
Give prominence to pedestrian entrances over vehicle access.
7. 
Create focal points and integrated public spaces at prominent corner sites.
8. 
Ground floor façades shall be articulated, with a variety of measures to create a streetscape of interest, such as indentations in plane, change of materials in a complementary manner, façade modulation, and façade elements like transparency, building entries and other architectural details that engage the pedestrian.
9. 
In the Old Town Commercial District, all new construction and expansions of existing structures shall be required to install and maintain pedestrian pathways along the Washington Street frontage in accordance with the Town Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathways Master Plan. Pedestrian pathways shall be interrupted with the minimal number and width of driveways. In consideration of the site limitations along Washington Street, various types of pathways shall be permitted including at-grade paving changes, poured-concrete sidewalks with curb and gutter or other pathway designs that meet the approval of the Zoning and Design Review Board or Town Council.
C. 
Exterior Building Materials and Colors.
1. 
Buildings shall have consistent materials, details, and architectural theme on all sides of the buildings. Materials that appear faux or veneer-like should be avoided, and joints, or raw edges of materials shall be concealed to create an appearance of authenticity.
D. 
Parking and Driveways.
1. 
Locate at-grade parking and vehicular access away from active pedestrian areas wherever possible and screen at-grade parking from public view. Limit the amount of Washington Street frontage that can be used for parking or vehicular access.
2. 
In larger developments, parking should be provided in smaller lots, rather than one large lot.
3. 
Provide bicycle parking near access points and active areas to maximize visibility and convenience.
4. 
Consider measures that maximize the amount of onsite and offsite parking, including valet, tandem, parking structures and other creative solutions provided they take into account neighborhood context, view corridors, setbacks, screening and massing.
5. 
Access drives to off-street parking shall be designed and constructed to provide adequate safety for pedestrians and drivers. In no case shall car movements result in blocking of the street right-of-way. The number of access drives shall be limited to the minimum that will accommodate anticipated traffic.
6. 
To minimize the amount of paved area, the sharing of driveways and access to parking lots is encouraged. An easement providing for shared use shall be recorded.
7. 
Where practical, on-site paving for vehicles should be of a permeable material.
8. 
Lighting for parking areas shall be designed to confine emitted light to the parking areas, and the light source shall not be visible from adjacent properties. Average illumination at the ground shall be no more than one foot candle, except where an increase in lighting level is recommended by a lighting consultant or qualified professional as necessary for safety.
E. 
Open Space.
1. 
Use landscape design to connect a network of open spaces appropriate to the project context. This open space network could include the streetscape and building frontages, spaces between buildings, or a series of planted areas and hardscape intended for outdoor use and pedestrian circulation.
2. 
Encourage interaction between the building's interior uses and exterior public space, including plazas, seating areas and other hardscape areas to support public activities appropriate to the site context and building use.
3. 
Choose plantings that complement the proportions and scale of the building, offer color and interest throughout the year, and are water efficient.
4. 
Locate deciduous trees to complement passive solar strategies, providing shade in summer and allowing sun in the winter.
5. 
Use public art as required by Chapter 17.148 of this title to enhance buildings and publicly accessible spaces.
F. 
Utilities and Auxiliary Structures.
1. 
Locate utility areas away from public areas and adjacent sensitive uses.
2. 
Integrate utilities and service functions into the architectural design. Screen rooftop equipment from view and group roof penetrations to the extent feasible.
3. 
Utilities and refuse storage areas are not permitted in any setback area or front yard.
4. 
All new electrical, telephone, CATV and similar service wires or cables shall be installed underground. Risers on poles or buildings are permitted.
5. 
Electrical vaults and meter boxes must be screened from view and discreetly located. Fire pipes and extinguishers must be easily identified, but discreetly located.
6. 
Refuse storage areas shall be screened from public and adjacent properties view or located within a building. All refuse storage areas shall be maintained to minimize odor and other impacts.
7. 
Trash and recycling areas shall be fully enclosed structures with solid roofs and shall conform with all mandated water quality requirements and building codes, including accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. Chain link fencing and gates with wood or plastic slats shall not be used for trash and other utility enclosures.
8. 
All exterior mechanical and electrical equipment shall be screened by landscaping or fencing or incorporated into the design of buildings so as not to be visible from the street. Equipment to be screened includes, but is not limited to, all roof-mounted equipment, air conditioners, heaters, cable equipment, telephone entry boxes, irrigation control valves, electrical transformers, pull boxes, and all ducting for air conditioning, heating, and blower systems.
9. 
Reduced pressure backflow prevention devices are required for connection to the Town's water system, and are required to be above ground, but shall be screened from adjacent public street(s) by landscaping or fencing while allowing access for annual testing.
(Ord. 21-501 § 9)