1.
Applicability.
[Ord. No. 2579, Repealed and Replaced, 3-20-2012; Ord. No. 2599, Amended, 12-18-2012; Ord. No. 2892, Amended, 6-7-2022; Amended 4-15-2025 by Ord. No. 2959]
This section is applicable as follows:
TABLE 50.06.001-1: BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS APPLICABILITY | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
/A/ = Applicable /blank/ = Not Applicable | |||||||||
Base District | R-15 | R-10 | R-7.5 | R-6 | R-5 | R-3 | R-2 | R-0 | Additional Standards |
Structure Design – Residential Zones 50.06.001.2 | A | A | A | A | A [1] | A [1] | A [1] | A [1] | § 50.05.006, Old Town Neighborhood Design |
Garage Appearance and Location 50.06.001.4 | A | A | A | A | A | A [1] | A [1] | A[1] | § 50.05.006, Old Town Neighborhood Design |
Zone Additional Standards 50.06.001.3 (R-6) | A | ||||||||
Commercial, Industrial, and Multi-Family Not Located in FMU Zone Standards for Approval 50.06.001.5 | A [2][3] | ||||||||
Development Located in FMU Zone Standards for Approval 50.06.001.6 | A [4] | ||||||||
Notes: | |
|---|---|
[1] | Standards only apply to detached single-family dwellings and middle housing, and structures that are accessory to these development types. |
[2] | Ministerial development: development involving mechanical equipment, limited to LOC § 50.06.001.5.b.viii (mechanical equipment screening). |
[3] | Minor and major development: development involving a structure for commercial, industrial, institutional, public use (including major public facilities and minor public facilities), multi-family residential, townhouses (three or more units), and to all minor development within the R-DD zone. This standard is also applicable to exterior modifications of a structure which does not qualify as a ministerial development. |
[4] | Development involving either mechanical equipment, or development involving structures, or both, including new development and exterior modifications, in the FMU zone. |
2.
Structure Design – Residential Zones.
[Ord. No. 2579, Repealed and Replaced, 3-20-2012; Ord. No. 2643, Amended, 11-4-2014; Ord. No. 2732, Amended, 2-21-2017; Ord. No. 2832, Amended, 1-7-2020; Ord. No. 2892, Amended, 6-7-2022; Ord. No. 2938, Amended, 4-2-2024; Amended 4-15-2025 by Ord. No. 2959]
a.
Applicability.
i.
This subsection is applicable to all structures in any base residential districts, except R-W and R-DD or otherwise noted in Table 50.06.001-1.
ii.
Conversions of single-family dwellings that result in the creation of middle housing and are not classified as an expansion or addition are exempted from the standards of this subsection; provided, that the conversion does not increase nonconformance with applicable standards.
iii.
For additions to single-family dwellings that result in the creation of middle housing, this subsection 2.a shall apply only to the newly added and any replaced portion(s) of the structure. Existing nonconforming portions of the structure to remain in place are exempted from the standards of this subsection.
b.
Street Front Setback Plane.
Except as set forth in LOC § 50.06.001.2.d and for flag lots, the profile of a structure that fronts on a street shall fit behind a plane that starts at the setback line (front yard or side yard abutting a street) and extends upward to 20 ft. in height, then slopes toward the center of the lot up to the maximum base height of the zone, as illustrated below in Figure 50.06.001-A: Street Front and Street Side Setback Plane. Except as identified in LOC § 50.06.001.2.d, the finished grade at the foundation shall be used as the grade elevation at the setback line for purposes of measuring the setback plane.
The slope of the street front setback plane is dependent upon whether it applies to a front yard or side yard abutting a street, as follows:
c.
Street Front Setback Plane Exceptions.
i.
Roof Form.
Any individual roof form, such as a dormer or gable end, may penetrate the street front setback plane if it is less than one-third of the structure width, as illustrated in Figure 50.06.001-B: Exceptions to Street Front Setback Plane. Two or more separate and distinct roof forms may penetrate the street front setback plane if they are less than one-half of the structure width. For the purposes of this standard, a projecting dormer(s) must be enclosed in the roof form on at least two sides. All portions of a compliant dormer may project.
ii.
Plane Extension Limitations.
Any eaves, bay windows, chimneys and other decorative features, front porch, cornices, eaves, gutters, belt courses, leaders, sills, pilasters, lintels, ornamental features, and other architectural features, canopies, sunshades, chimneys, and flues that are allowed to project into the front yard setback shall fit below the extension of the street front setback plane, as illustrated in Figure 50.06.001-C.
d.
Street Front Setback Plane on Steeply Sloped Lots.
i.
Down Slope.
On steeply sloped lots where the average elevation of the ground surface at the setback line fronting a street is below the average elevation of the centerline of the street, the elevation at which the street front setback plane height is measured shall be the average elevation of the centerline of the street, as illustrated in Figure 50.06.001-D: Street Front Setback Plane on Steeply Sloped Down Slope Lot, below.
For this measurement, the average elevation of the street centerline shall be measured at points along the street centerline where a perpendicular line extended from the centerline would intersect the abutting property corners, as illustrated in Figure 50.06.001-E: Measurement Locations, below.
ii.
Upslope.
The front profile of a structure shall fit behind a plane that starts at the setback line fronting a street and extends upward, to 24 ft. in height, then slopes toward the center of the lot at a slope equal to the slope measured from the lot line abutting a street to the most distant point of the structure for a horizontal distance of ten ft., at which point the structure may rise to the maximum allowed height for the zone. The standard is illustrated in Figure 50.06.001-F: Front Setback Plane on Upslope Lots, below.
e.
Side Yard Setback Plane – Interior Yards.
Except as set forth in subsection 2.e.ii of this section, the side profile of a structure shall fit behind a plane that starts at the side property line and extends upward to 12 feet and slopes toward the center of the lot at a slope of 12:12 up to the maximum allowed height at the peak as illustrated in Figure 50.06.001-G: Side Yard Setback Plane, below. The finished grade at the foundation shall be used as the grade elevation at the property line for purposes of measuring the setback plane.
i.
Roof forms may penetrate into the side yard setback plane required under subsection 2.e of this section, as follows:
(1)
Any individual roof form, such as a dormer or gable end, may penetrate the side setback plane if it is less than one-third of the structure length at 12 ft. in height. Two or more separate and distinct roof forms may penetrate the side setback plane if they are less than one-half of the structure length at 12 ft. in height. For the purposes of this standard, a projecting dormer(s) must be enclosed in the roof form on at least two sides. All portions of a compliant dormer may project.
(2)
Building projections allowed under LOC § 50.04.003.8, General Exceptions for Building Projections, Decks, and Walkways and Pathways to Setbacks, may project up to two ft. into the side yard setback plane. Chimneys are exempt from the setback plane requirement.
ii.
On steeply sloped lots, no side yard plane is required.
f.
Side Yard Appearance and Screening.
At least one of the following design treatments shall be applied along side yards or side elevations. This section is applicable to both interior side yards and side yards that abut streets.
i.
Treatment 1 – Maximum Side Yard Plane.
(1)
When the side elevation of a primary structure is more than 500 sq. ft. in area in an R-0, R-2, R-3, R-5, or R-6 zone ("Group 1") or more than 750 sq. ft. in area in an R-7.5, R-10, or R-15 zone ("Group 2"), the elevation must be divided into distinct planes of 500 sq. ft. or less for Group 1or 750 sq. ft. or less for Group 2. For the purpose of this standard, areas of side yard wall planes that are entirely separated from other wall planes are those that result in a change in plane, such as a recessed or projecting section of the structure that projects or recedes at least two ft. from the adjacent plane, for a length of at least six ft.
(2)
Except in the R-0, R-2, R-3, and R-5 zones, the maximum side yard plane may be increased by 10% on a side for every additional five ft. of side yard setback provided beyond the minimum required by the zone, on the side property line.
ii.
Treatment 2 – Side Yard Features.
(1)
The side elevation of a structure shall consist of two or more planes that are offset by a minimum of 16 in. The wall planes shall be a minimum of four ft. in width, and shall result in a change in a wall plane for one full story.
Exception: Window bays may be utilized to satisfy the requirement for offsets. Such windows shall extend a minimum of 12 in. outward from the main wall of a building and shall form a functional bay or alcove in an interior room. Bay windows used to meet this requirement shall not be exempt from setback requirements.
(2)
Walls shall include a roof eave overhang of 16 in. or greater, and
(3)
Windows and/or doors shall occupy a minimum of 15% of the side elevation facing the street, and all windows shall have a window trim that is a minimum of four in. in width.
iii.
Treatment 3 – Screening.
The applicant shall provide screening and buffering of the wall plane with a minimum of one standard plant unit for every 50 linear ft. of side building elevation or fraction thereof. Planting shall occur within an area that is defined by the length of the side elevation plus 20 ft. beyond the width of the building at either end, and outward 20 ft. from the side elevation of the building, towards the side lot line, as shown in Figure 50.06.001-H: Screening and Buffering.
Standard Plant Units are defined in Table 50.06.001-2. All landscape plants shall be grouped and clustered within the side yard to visually break up wall planes into smaller segments.
Notes: |
|---|
*Preferred for year around screen. |
**May be required where vision clearance is required for safe automobile operation. |
Existing landscaping may be used to meet the screening requirement provided the landscaping meets the minimum size requirements set forth above or if multiple plants exist, the caliper, dimensions, and sizes of plants cumulatively meet the cumulative minimum sizes required. |
g.
Corner Lots – Side Yards That Abut Streets.
As an alternative to the treatments set forth in this subsection 2.f, Side Yard Appearance and Screening, on a corner lot, either of the following treatments can be used for the side elevation that abuts a street:
i.
Corner Treatment 1 – Covered Side Porch.
The side yard elevation shall include a covered porch. The porch shall be a minimum of 80 sq. ft. in area, a minimum of five ft. deep, and shall extend along a minimum of 25% of the side elevation that faces the street. The porch must meet setbacks.
ii.
Corner Treatment 2 – Balcony.
The side yard elevation shall include a second floor balcony. The balcony shall be a minimum 30 sq. ft. in area, and a minimum of three ft. deep. The balcony may encroach four ft. into the setback.
h.
Long Wall Planes.
To break up building mass and provide greater privacy on narrow lots, on a lot that has greater than 2.5:1 ratio of lot depth to the average of the lengths of the front and rear setback lines, no portion of a residential structure shall exceed 18 ft. high for a cumulative length greater than 60 ft., unless the excess portion of the residential structure more than 18 ft. high beyond the 60 ft. cumulative length is set back not less than 20 ft. from the side lot lines. This is illustrated in Figure 50.06.001-I: Changes to Wall Planes, below.
i.
Rooftop Decks.
Rooftop decks are prohibited on the pitched portion of any roof exceeding 2% slope. Decks on flat roofs shall not extend above the coping of the roof.
3.
R-6 Residential Zone Additional Requirements.
[Ord. No. 2579, Repealed and Replaced, 3-20-2012; Ord. No. 2612-A, Amended, 5-21-2013; Ord. No. 2648, Amended, 2-17-2015; Ord. No. 2840, Amended, 6-16-2020; Ord. No. 2892, Amended, 6-7-2022]
a.
Roof Design.
i.
The minimum roof pitch for primary roof forms of a single-family or middle housing dwelling shall be 6:12. Shed type and flat roofs are not permitted as primary roof forms on single-family or middle housing dwellings. Secondary roof forms, such as sunrooms, balconies, dormers, porticos, or bays, may be flat or shed roof types. See Figure 50.06.001-J: Identification of Primary and Secondary Roofs.
ii.
Roof pitch on an accessory structure shall either match the pitch of the primary structure or be a minimum pitch of 6:12.
b.
Front Porch Required.
i.
All new primary structures shall include a covered front porch at an entry. When applied to cottage clusters, this standard applies to cottages for which there are no other structures between it and the front lot line.
ii.
The porch shall have a minimum depth of six ft. and a minimum width of either 50% of the building width, as measured within 40 ft. of the front lot line, or 15 ft., whichever is greater. See Figure 50.06.001-K: Minimum Front Porch Width.
iii.
On corner lots, the covered front porch and entry shall be provided on the narrow street frontage. On lots with more than two street frontages, the front porch and entry shall be provided on the front yard providing the full depth required by the zone, as determined by LOC § 50.04.003.6.
iv.
The covered front porch shall be open and unobstructed by structures on the side of the porch that faces the narrow street, except for porch supports and railings. Porch supports shall be provided on the front porch and shall be wood or masonry or a solid material with the appearance of wood or masonry. Railings shall not exceed 44 in. in height or the minimum height required by the building code, whichever is greater.
c.
Alleys.
Alleys shall be surfaced in the following manner:
d.
Street Trees.
Two street trees for every 50 ft. of street frontage are required as a condition of approval of a new structure. Existing street trees can be counted in order to comply with this requirement, as long as the type, location and viability of the existing trees are sufficient to provide a full street-scape of trees.
4.
Garage Appearance and Location.
[Ord. No. 2579, Repealed and Replaced, 3-20-2012; Ord. No. 2643, Amended, 11-4-2014; Ord. No. 2840, Amended, 6-16-2020; Ord. No. 2892, Amended, 6-7-2022; Ord. No. 2938, Amended, 4-2-2024]
a.
R-0, R-2, R-3, R-5, R-7.5, R-10, and R-15 Residential Zones.
The following standards for garage appearance and location shall be applicable:
ii.
Garage Wall Facing Street.
When a garage has wall(s) other than the wall containing the garage opening facing a street, these wall(s) shall have more than one plane or shall include fenestration equal to at least ten percent of the garage wall.
iii.
iv.
Garage Location and Appearance.
The garage shall comply with subsections 4.a.iv(1) through (3) of this section:
(1)
Maximum Garage Width.
(a)
For lots with a width of 50 ft. or more, garage openings shall not occupy more than 60% of the width of the combined facade of the dwelling and garage.
(b)
For lots with a width of less than 50 ft., garage openings may occupy up to 75% of the width of the front facade of the dwelling and garage when the following criteria are satisfied:
(i)
The total combined width of all garage openings does not exceed 36 ft.;
(ii)
Living area is provided above the garage. The front facade of the living area must have fenestration that is not less than 20% of the facade; and
(iii)
The garage location and appearance standards in Table 50.06.001-3, below.
TABLE 50.06.001-3: GARAGE LOCATION AND APPEARANCE STANDARDS | ||
|---|---|---|
Width of Garage as Percent of Front Facade | Minimum Garage Setback § 50.06.001.4.a.iv(2) | Minimum Number of Garage Appearance Standards § 50.06.001.4.a.iv(3) |
Less than 30% | None | 2 |
30% to 60% | 2 ft. | 3 |
60% to 75% | 4 ft. | 4 |
(2)
Minimum Garage Offset from Dwelling.
(a)
If the width of the garage is less than 30% of the width of the front facade of the dwelling, then the garage shall not be located closer to the street than the dwelling. For the purpose of meeting this subsection, the exterior wall of at least one room of habitable space, other than any habitable space above the garage, shall be located closer to the street than the garage door. Habitable space above a garage shall be considered an acceptable method of meeting this standard for remodeling projects involving homes built prior to August 2004 in the R-5, R-7.5, R-10, and R-15 zones, and July 1, 2010, in the R-0, R-2, and R-3 zones.
(b)
If the width of the garage exceeds 30% of the width of the front facade of the building, then the garage must set back further from the front lot line than the dwelling. The minimum additional garage setback is provided in Table 50.06.001-3.
(c)
If the garages for the units are adjacent to one another, the horizontal planes of the garage doors shall be offset no less than two ft.
(3)
Garage Appearance Standards.
Garages shall comply with a minimum number of the following appearance standards intended to minimize the appearance of the garage. The minimum number of appearance standards that must be met is provided in Table 50.06.001-3.
(a)
Provide individual garage doors, not to exceed 75 sq. ft. each, for each parking stall.
(b)
Provide separate garage openings offset from one another by at least two ft. horizontally.
(c)
Provide windows on each garage door that make up a minimum of 15% of the area of the door.
(d)
Provide a decorative trellis, pergola, or other feature that will provide a shadow line giving the perception that the garage opening is recessed. The feature shall be provided across the top and along the width of the garage door(s) and shall be at least 12 in. deep and six ft. tall.
(e)
Provide a covered porch that occupies at least 25% of the combined facade of the dwelling and garage.
(f)
Provide a patio with a surrounding screening wall at a height of four ft. located between the front of the house, the garage, and the public right-of-way. The enclosure shall consist of wood, wrought iron, brick, stucco, stone, or other masonry fencing (excluding concrete block) and include an operable entryway gate as shown in Figure 50.06.001-L: Garage Design Requirements.
v.
Multiple Garage Opening Setbacks.
In any instance where a garage or a set of adjacent garages is designed to park three or more vehicles, only the garage openings for the first two vehicles may occupy the same building plane. Each additional building plane with a garage opening shall be offset by a minimum of two feet from the previous garage building plane.
Exceptions:
b.
R-6 Residential Zones.
In addition to compliance with the accessory structure setback requirements in LOC § 50.04.001.2, a garage shall comply with the following requirements:
i.
Access.
(1)
Garages shall be accessed from an alley, if available.
(2)
If a property is located on a corner lot, garages may also be accessed from the street that abuts the side of the primary dwelling when the following criteria are met:
ii.
Garage Wall Facing Street.
When a garage has a wall(s) facing a street other than the wall containing the garage opening, these wall(s) shall have more than one plane or shall include fenestration equal to at least ten percent of the garage wall.
iii.
Garage Width.
(1)
For interior lots, garages shall be located so that the garage is set back a minimum of 15 ft. behind the front yard setback line of the house (excluding a porch). See Figure 50.06.001-M: Front Porch and Garage Measurements.
(2)
Where no alley access is available, the garage shall comply with the following standards:
(a)
For lots with a width of 50 ft. or more, the garage opening shall not occupy more than 60% of the width of the combined facade of the dwelling and garage.
(b)
For lots with a width of less than 50 ft., garages may occupy up to 75% of the width of the combined front facade of the dwelling and garage when the following criteria are satisfied:
(c)
If the garages for the units are adjacent to one another, the horizontal planes of the garage doors shall be offset no less than two ft.
iv.
Garage Location and Appearance.
(1)
Minimum Garage Offset from Dwelling.
(a)
If the width of the garage is less than 30% of the width of the front facade of the dwelling, then the garage shall not be located closer to the street than the dwelling. For the purpose of meeting this subsection, the exterior wall of at least one room of habitable space, other than any habitable space above the garage, shall be located closer to the street than the garage door. Habitable space above a garage shall be considered an acceptable method of meeting this standard for remodeling projects involving homes built prior to July 7, 2022.
(b)
If the width of the garage exceeds 30% of the width of the front facade of the building, then the garage must set back further from the front lot line than the dwelling. The minimum additional garage setback is provided in Table 50.06.001-2.
(2)
Garage Appearance Standards.
Garages shall comply with a minimum number of the following appearance standards intended to minimize the appearance of the garage. The minimum number of appearance standards that must be met is provided in Table 50.06.001-2.
(a)
Provide individual garage doors, not to exceed 75 sq. ft. each, for each parking stall.
(b)
Provide separate garage openings offset from one another by at least two ft. horizontally.
(c)
Provide windows on each garage door that make up a minimum of 15% of the area of the door.
(d)
Provide a decorative trellis, pergola, or other feature that will provide a shadow line giving the perception that the garage opening is recessed. The feature shall be provided across the top and along the width of the garage door(s) and shall be at least 12 in. deep and six ft. tall.
(e)
Provide a covered porch that occupies at least 25% of the combined facade of the dwelling and garage.
(f)
Provide a patio with a surrounding screening wall at a height of four ft. located between the front of the house, the garage, and the public right-of-way. The enclosure shall consist of wood, wrought iron, brick, stucco, stone, or other masonry fencing (excluding concrete block) and include an operable entryway gate as shown in Figure 50.06.001-L: Garage Design Requirements.
5.
Commercial, Industrial, and Multi-Family Development Not Located in the FMU Zone, and Minor Development in the R-DD Zone Standards for Approval.
[Ord. No. 2579, Repealed and Replaced, 3-20-2012; Ord. No. 2526, Amended, 12-18-2012; Ord. No. 2599, Amended, 12-18-2012; Ord. No. 2612-A, Amended, 5-21-2013; Ord. No. 2723, Amended, 10-18-2016; Ord. No. 2851, Amended, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2884, Amended, 4-5-2022; Ord. No. 2892, Amended, 6-7-2022; Ord. No. 2909, Amended, 2-7-2023; Amended 4-15-2025 by Ord. No. 2959]
a.
Applicability.
This standard is applicable in all zones except the FMU zone to:
i.
Ministerial development: development involving mechanical equipment, limited to LOC § 50.06.001.5.b.viii (mechanical equipment screening); and
ii.
Minor and major development: development involving a structure for commercial, industrial, institutional, public use (including major public facilities and minor public facilities), private recreational use, multi-family residential, townhouses (three or more units), and to all minor development within the R-DD zone. This standard is also applicable to exterior modifications of a structure which does not qualify as a ministerial development pursuant to LOC § 50.07.003.13.a.ii(3).
b.
Design Standards.
Buildings shall be designed and located to complement and preserve existing buildings, streets and paths, bridges and other elements of the built environment, and to assure accessibility for bicyclists, pedestrians, and users of other transportation modes.
i.
Design buildings to be complementary in appearance to adjacent structures of good design that, if newly constructed, would either be subject to this standard or to a design overlay building design standard with regard to:
(1)
Materials;
(2)
Setbacks (for retail/commercial part specifically);
(3)
Rooflines;
(4)
Height; and
(5)
Overall proportions.
Exceptions: | |
(1) | This standard does not apply to seasonal restaurant enclosures. |
(2) | If there are existing buildings on a multibuilding site, the new building is exempt from this standard and must comply with subsection 5.b.ii of this section. |
ii.
Where existing buildings are to remain on site, new development shall be designed to:
(1)
Integrate the remaining buildings into the overall design; or
(2)
Provide separate landscaping, remodeling or other treatment which establishes a distinct character and function for the remaining buildings.
Where a residential building is to remain, a lot meeting the zone requirements must be provided. |
iii.
Design accessory structures, bus shelters, drinking fountains, benches, mailboxes, etc., to be complementary in appearance to the main building.
iv.
Design those elements listed below to be complementary in appearance to those buildings or structures upon which they are associated:
Awnings |
Chimneys |
Decks and railings |
Doors |
Downspouts |
Foundations |
Lights |
Mailboxes |
Mechanical equipment |
Signs |
Stairs |
Utility connections and meters |
Vents |
Windows |
Weather vanes, aerials, and other appendages attached to the roof or projecting above the roofline |
v.
Design awnings, seasonal restaurant enclosures, signs, and lights to define the first floor or retail cornice height.
vi.
Use trees and other natural elements to help define building proportion relationships and to provide scale to the structure as a whole.
vii.
Limit the variety of styles of building elements.
viii.
Screen mechanical equipment from view, or place in locations where they will generally not be visible.
c.
Buildings shall be designed and located to complement and preserve existing natural land forms, trees, shrubs and other natural vegetation.
i.
Consider land forms and trees as design elements which must relate to building elevations to determine scale and proportion.
ii.
Design foundations to match the scale of the building being supported. Berming, resiting, or sheathing the foundation structure with wall siding are examples of methods which accomplish this purpose.
iii.
Use decks, railings, and stairs to relate a building to the contours of the land.
d.
Building shall be designed and constructed to reduce noise impacts on interior occupied spaces and adjacent property.
i.
Use solid barriers such as fences, berms, natural land forms and structures to reduce sound levels. The effectiveness of the barrier increases as barrier height increases and as it is moved closer to either the source or the receiver.
ii.
Minimize the window surface on sides facing adverse sound sources, where possible.
iii.
Mechanical equipment, including heat pumps and air conditioning equipment, shall meet the required setbacks of the zone and be located so that operating noise does not affect use of living areas such as bedrooms, outdoor decks or patio areas and adjacent property.
e.
Buildings shall be designed and constructed with roof angles, overhangs, flashings, and gutters to direct water away from the structure.
f.
Buildings shall incorporate features such as arcades, roofs, alcoves, porticos and awnings to protect pedestrians from the elements. These projections shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 13 ft. six in. where over fire lanes.
g.
Building orientation shall be designed to encourage pedestrian access from public streets and make the street pedestrian friendly.
i.
Applicability.
(1)
This subsection shall apply to:
(a)
New construction, including removal of existing buildings and construction of new buildings within existing footprint; and
(b)
Modifications of existing buildings that are not removed and reconstructed, and that expand the building footprint by more than 50% as measured cumulatively from the footprint existing on December 6, 2005.
(2)
This subsection is not applicable to construction or modifications of structures in the PF and PNA zones where conformance to this standard conflicts with the operational needs of the use, or to nonhabitable buildings.
ii.
Building orientation shall include:
(1)
Locating buildings within 30 ft. of a public street except where prevented by topographic constraints, existing natural resources, or where, in multi-building complexes, the configuration of the lot prevents locating all buildings within 30 ft. of a public street.
(2)
Buildings located on sites with multiple frontages on public and/or transit streets shall provide at least one public entrance within 30 ft. of the transit street.
(3)
Buildings located on sites adjacent to a transit street shall have at least one public entrance within 30 ft. of the transit street.
h.
Rooftop Decks.
Rooftop decks are prohibited on the pitched portion of any roof exceeding 2% slope. Decks on flat roofs shall not extend above the coping of the roof.
6.
Development in the FMU Zone Standards for Approval.
[Ord. No. 2599, Added, 12-18-2012]
a.
Applicability.
This standard is applicable to all development involving mechanical equipment and development involving structures in the FMU zone, including new development and exterior modifications.
7.
Clear and Objective Housing Standards for Approval.
[Ord. No. 2651, Added, 2-17-2015; Ord. No. 2667, Amended, 10-20-2015; Ord. No. 2832, Amended, 1-7-2020]
a.
Purpose.
The following standards are intended to promote well-designed structures that include housing. By compliance with the clear and objective standards of this article, the following purposes will be met:
i.
The structures will be constructed with high quality, durable materials, and have visually interesting and attractive building facades that respond to the individual identity and character of Lake Oswego’s commercial centers, employment districts, and neighborhoods.
ii.
The building, site, and landscape elements will create a cohesive design that is contextually appropriate, maintains compatibility between land uses (including visual, sound, and other considerations), and is reasonably accessible to bicyclists, pedestrians, and users of other transportation modes.
b.
Clear and Objective Track 2 Alternative Applicability.
i.
Development that complies with subsection 7.b.ii of this section may comply with this article in lieu of compliance with LOC §§ 50.06.001.1 through 50.06.001.6.
ii.
This article is applicable in all zones except the FMU zone to development that creates new dwelling units involving a residential mixed use, multi-family, or attached single-family (three or more units) residential structure.
c.
Design Standards.
New buildings shall meet the following massing and compositional standards. The standards achieve the above purpose by requiring buildings to be articulated, avoiding large uninterrupted wall planes; have detailing that creates visual interest with appropriate proportions, rhythm, and scale; utilize attractive, high quality materials that are durable; and employ architectural styles that are contextually appropriate.
i.
Standards for Multi-Family and Residential Mixed Use Structures.
(1)
Building Articulation.
Multi-family and residential mixed use structures shall comply with the following standards (also see Figure 50.06.001-N):
(a)
All building elevations facing a street, public courtyard or plaza shall be articulated along all stories by providing a minimum two-ft. horizontal change in building plane at least every 30 ft. For elevations not facing a street, public courtyard or plaza, articulation shall occur at least every 40 ft. For each story over two stories, the required horizontal change shall be increased by one ft. A change in plane shall be provided through at least two of the following:
(i)
Projecting bays measuring at least six ft. in width.
(ii)
Building recesses measuring at least six ft. in width.
(iii)
Upper level balconies (projecting or recessed), measuring at least four ft. in width and projecting not more than two ft. beyond the building facade.
(iv)
Front porch or stoop projections, measuring at least six ft. in width.
(v)
Recessed building entries measuring at least six ft. in width.
Ground floors providing commercial uses are exempt from this requirement; they must comply with the standards for building facade elements in subsection 7.c.i(2) of this section. |
(b)
Roofline articulation shall be provided in a manner that corresponds with the facade articulation. This shall be accomplished by providing the following roofline or roof form elements at least every 30 ft., as viewed from adjacent street(s), public courtyards, and plazas.
(i)
Roofline articulation shall include gables, dormers, offsets in ridgeline, stepped parapets, cornice lines, or changes in roofline elevation.
(ii)
The distance between rooflines where articulation occurs shall be measured from the center point of the street-facing gable, dormer, or offset, to the center point of the next street-facing gable, dormer, or offset, or to the edge of the roof if that is the next closest break in the roofline (see Figure 50.06.001-N).
(c)
Ground floor entries to individual residential units shall provide a covered front porch, or a front entry that is recessed a minimum of two ft. behind the front building facade.
(d)
Primary building entries (including shared entries to residential units) shall provide an awning or canopy, or be recessed a minimum of two ft. behind the front building facade.
(2)
Building Facade Elements.
The front building elevation of multi-family and residential mixed use structures with multiple stories shall meet the following standards, which are intended to avoid large uninterrupted wall planes and provide a defined building base, middle, and top as follows. Single-story multi-family and residential mixed use structures shall provide a defined building base and top (see Figure 50.06.001-O).
(a)
Base: The "base" of a multi-story building extends from the sidewalk or landscape grade, as applicable, to the bottom of the second story or the belt course/string course/cornice that separates the ground floor from the upper levels of the building. The base of a single-story building extends from the sidewalk or landscape grade, as applicable, to the ceiling. The building base shall be defined by providing the following elements:
(i)
All ground floor building entries shall be protected from the weather by canopies, or recessed behind the front building facade at least two ft.
(ii)
Buildings providing a ground floor commercial component shall provide all of the following additional elements:
(A)
The street-facing ground floor shall be divided into distinct architectural bays measuring not more than 30 ft. on center. An architectural bay is the zone between the outside edges of an engaged column, pilaster, post, or vertical wall area that provides a ground floor windowsill/base.
(B)
A belt course/string course/cornice shall separate the ground floor from upper floors.
(C)
Weather protection shall be provided in the form of structurally integrated canopies, awnings or projecting roof or arcade along a minimum of 50% of the length of the street-facing ground floor facade. Canopies shall project at least four ft. from the facade or half the width of the sidewalk/pathway, and shall provide a minimum clearance of seven ft. from the bottom of the awning/canopy to the sidewalk. Canvas awnings are not permitted.
(D)
Storefront windows ("glazing") with not less than 40% visual light transmittance shall be provided on a minimum of 60% of the street-facing ground floor building facade. The bottom edge of windows shall be constructed at or between 12 in. and 30 in. above the abutting walkway surface. Minimum glazing includes any glazed portions of doors.
(b)
Middle: The “middle” of the building extends from the top of the belt course/string course/cornice at the top of the building base to the ceiling of the highest building story. The middle of the building shall be defined by providing all of the following elements:
(i)
A minimum of 60% of all upper story windows shall be vertically oriented, with a minimum vertical to horizontal dimension ratio of 1.5:1. This vertical orientation applies to individual windows, as opposed to grouped window arrays as illustrated in Figure 50.06.001-O.
(ii)
Upper building stories shall provide a minimum of 30% glazing on upper level building facades facing a street or public space. For the purposes of this standard, minimum glazing includes any glazed portions of doors.
(iii)
In addition to the required “middle” elements outlined above, two of the following building elements shall be provided in the middle section:
(c)
Top: The “top” of the building extends from the ceiling of the uppermost floor to the highest vertical point on the roof of the building. The top of the building shall be defined as follows:
(i)
All flat-roofed structures shall provide a cornice or parapet measuring at least 12 in. in height and distinguished from the wall plane either with a minimum six-in. projection or a change in building material and/or color.
ii.
Standards for Townhouse/Rowhouse Structures.
(1)
All building elevations facing a street or public space shall be articulated along all stories by providing a minimum two-ft. horizontal change in building plane between abutting dwelling units (or units sharing a common wall). A change in plane shall be provided through at least two of the following:
(a)
Projecting bays measuring at least six ft. in width.
(b)
Building recesses measuring at least six ft. in width.
(c)
Upper level balconies (projecting or recessed), measuring at least four ft. in width and projecting not more than two ft. beyond the building facade.
(d)
Front porch or stoop projections measuring at least six ft. in width.
(e)
Recessed building entries measuring at least six ft. in width.
(2)
Roofline articulation shall be provided in a manner that corresponds with the facade articulation. This shall be accomplished by providing the following roofline or roof form elements at least every 30 ft., as viewed from adjacent street(s), public courtyards, and plazas.
(a)
Roofline articulation shall include gables, dormers, offsets in ridgeline, stepped parapets, cornice lines, or changes in roofline elevation.
(b)
The distance between rooflines where articulation occurs shall be measured from the center point of the street-facing gable, dormer, or offset, to the center point of the next street-facing gable, dormer, or offset, or to the edge of the roof if that is the next closest break in the roofline (see Figure 50.06.001-N).
(3)
The front entry to each individual unit shall either provide a covered porch or stoop that is at least six ft. in depth, or be recessed at least two ft. into the front building elevation.
(4)
All building elevations facing a street or public space shall provide a minimum of 25% glazing. Glazing may be provided in windows or doors.
iii.
Rooftop mechanical equipment shall be screened by either a parapet or architectural screen along the building facade that is at least as tall as the equipment, or by setting back the equipment from the roof edges at least three ft. for each foot of height of the equipment. Solar or other renewable energy systems are exempt from this screening requirement, provided they meet the standards of LOC § 50.04.003.4.b.
d.
Buildings shall be designed and constructed with roof angles, overhangs, flashings, and gutters to direct water away from the structure.
e.
(Reserved)
f.
Building orientation shall be designed to encourage pedestrian access from public streets and make the street pedestrian friendly.
i.
Applicability. This subsection shall apply to:
(1)
New construction, including removal of existing buildings and construction of new buildings within existing footprint; and
(2)
Modifications of existing buildings that are not removed and reconstructed, and that expand the building footprint by more than 50% as measured cumulatively from the footprint existing on December 6, 2005.
ii.
Building orientation shall include:
(1)
Locating buildings within 30 ft. of a public street except where prevented by topographic constraints, existing natural resources, or where, in multi-building complexes, the configuration of the lot prevents locating all buildings within 30 ft. of a public street.
(2)
Buildings located on sites with multiple frontages on public and/or transit streets shall provide at least one public entrance within 30 ft. of the transit street.
(3)
Buildings located on sites adjacent to a transit street shall have at least one public entrance within 30 ft. of the transit street.
(4)
Buildings that are within 30 ft. of a public street shall have a public entrance directly from the street.
g.
Rooftop Decks.
Rooftop decks are prohibited on the pitched portion of any roof exceeding 2% slope. Decks on flat roofs shall not extend above the coping of the roof.


























