City of Lubbock, TX Division 3.2 Building Types and Design

§ 39.03.003 General provisions.

a. 

Compliance required.

1. Mixed-use districts. Development in districts listed in Section 39.02.005, Base Mixed-Use Districts, shall comply with the standards in this Section and Section 39.03.004, Mixed-Use Building Design Standards, through Section 39.03.006, Mixed-Use Frontage Types.

2. Non-mixed-use districts. Development with nonresidential and mixed uses, as permitted, in districts listed in Section 39.02.004, Base Residential Districts, and Section 39.02.006, Base Public and Nonresidential Districts, shall comply with the standards in this Section and Section 39.03.007, Nonresidential Building Design Standards.

b. 

Screening.

1. Rooftop mechanical equipment. Rooftop mechanical or other equipment more than three feet in height shall be screened from public view utilizing screening techniques that, in the judgment of the Director of Planning, either blend with the building or complement its design. Screening materials shall be architecturally compatible with materials used elsewhere on the structure, in the judgment of the Director of Planning.

2. Outdoor dining. Outdoor dining areas shall be completely surrounded by a fence designed to prevent trash from being blown onto adjacent areas. Where abutting a public right-of-way, such fencing shall be three feet in height. Fences shall be compatible with the quality and appearance of the associated building.

(Ordinance 2023-O0054 adopted 5/9/2023)

§ 39.03.004 Mixed-use building design standards.

a. 

General building type provisions.

In addition to the standards in Section 39.02.005a, General Mixed-Use Standards, the following applies to all building types.

b. 

Building types and land uses.

1. Residential. Table 39.03.004-1, Residential Building Types and Associated Uses, shows the residential building types that may accommodate each residential use.

2. Mixed-use and nonresidential.

A. Building types and land uses. Except for the shop building type, and as exempted in Subsection b.2.B, Exemption, below, no mixed-use or nonresidential building type is directly associated with any particular mixed or nonresidential land use; however, all mixed and nonresidential uses are required to be situated in a permitted building type, as set forth in Table 39.03.004-2, Building Compatibility Matrix.

B. Exemption. A permitted light manufacturing use shall take place in a shop building type, as described in Section 39.03.005h, Shop.

Table 39.03.004-1 Residential Building Types and Associated Uses
Residential Building Type	Associated Residential Use
House	Single-Family Detached Dwelling
	Industrialized Housing
	Boarding or Rooming House
	Short-Term Rental
	Group Home
Duplex	Duplex
Multiplex	Multiplex
	Fraternity/Sorority House
	Retirement Housing
Townhouse	Townhouse
Apartment	Apartment
	Dormitory
	Retirement Housing
	Vertical Mixed-Use
Live-Work	Live-Work Unit

C. Exemption. Principal uses in the following use categories as set forth in Table 39.02.016-1, Permitted Uses by District, are not required to take place in any particular building type and are exempt from the requirements of this Division:

i. Agricultural Uses;

ii. Industrial and Manufacturing Uses, except for light manufacturing uses; and

iii. Transportation, Utility, and Communication Uses.

D. Graphics. Precedent images in this Division are for illustrative purposes only to demonstrate the intent of the standards. They are provided as examples to visually aid the applicant's designer in achieving compliance with the standards, and shall not imply that every element in the image is permitted.

c. 

Building compatibility matrix.

1. Legend. The building types in Table 39.03.004-2, Building Compatibility Matrix, below, are permitted or prohibited based on the following symbols:

A. Permitted (P); and

B. Prohibited (—).

2. Other applicable standards. The standards of this Section are applied in addition to the other applicable standards of the UDC including Article 39.03, Building and Site Design; Article 39.04, Subdivision Standards, and Article 39.05, Environmental Management.

Table 39.03.004-2 Building Compatibility Matrix
	Base Mixed-Use
Building Type	MU-1	MU-2	MU-3	MU-5	Specific Standards
Residential
House	P	P	P	—	§ 39.03.005a
Duplex	P	—	P	—	§ 39.03.005b
Multiplex	P	P	P	—	§ 39.03.005c
Townhouse	P	P	P	P	§ 39.03.005d
Apartment	P	P	P	P	§ 39.03.005e
Live-Work	P	P	P	P	§ 39.03.005f
Nonresidential and Mixed-Use
Civic and Institutional	P	P	P	P	§ 39.03.005g
Shop	P	—	—	P	§ 39.03.005h
General Commercial	P	P	P	P	§ 39.03.005i
Neighborhood Store	P	P	P	P	§ 39.03.005j
Liner	P	P	P	P	§ 39.03.005k

3. Other building type requirements. The following applies to all building types.

A. Other dimensional requirements. Refer to Division 2.2, Zoning Districts and Standards, for building setback, height, and other requirements.

B. Most similar building type. If the applicant proposes to expand or alter an existing structure, standards of the most similar housing or building type shall apply. In cases of uncertainty, the Director of Planning may determine the building type that most closely corresponds to the existing structure. The Director of Planning's determination shall be based on the following aspects of the existing structure:

i. The dimensional aspects of the structure;

ii. The placement of the structure on the lot;

iii. The uses currently and customarily associated with the structure;

iv. The number of legally established residential and/or nonresidential units within the structure (where applicable); and

v. The frontage type of the structure.

C. Multiple buildings. Where multiple principal buildings are proposed for a single property, the applicant shall provide a Master Development Plan in accordance with Section 39.07.034, Master Development Plan.

(Ordinance 2023-O0054 adopted 5/9/2023; Ordinance 2025-O0095 adopted 8/18/2025)

§ 39.03.005 Mixed-use building types.

a. 

House.

1. Overview. A house is a residential building type that is generally one to two stories in height and may contain habitable attic space. This building type is required to have the Stoop, Open Yard, Porch, or Terrace frontage type to provide eyes on the street. This building type may share an accessory dwelling unit in the backyard. Garage access from the rear alley is preferred and allows fewer curb cuts on the front street, reducing possible pedestrian collisions and creating a more walkable street.

House Building Type
House in suburban context with Open Yard frontage type	House with Porch frontage type with smaller setback
House building type with Porch frontage type and parking in back	House building type plan view

2. Design standards.

Building Form
Minimum Ground Floor Elevation (Above Sidewalk or Finished Grade)	0'
Minimum First Floor Height	9'
Minimum Upper Floors Height	8'

3. Additional standards.

A.	Parking shall be located behind the building. When garage access from the rear alley is unavailable, garage doors shall be subordinate to the principal facade, using one of the following options:
	i.	The garage is detached and located entirely in the rear yard;
	ii.	If front-facing, the garage door(s) extend no more than 50% of the principal facade width or 28', whichever is greater;
	iii.	The garage door(s) are set back at least 10' from the principal facade; or
	iv.	The garage door(s) are oriented perpendicular to the street or face the opposite direction from the street.
B.	Service areas and trash disposal facilities shall not face primary streets, parks, squares, or significant pedestrian spaces.
C.	Outbuildings shall not exceed two stories and 750 square feet of habitable space.

b. 

Duplex.

1. Overview. A duplex is a residential building type where only two units share a party wall. The duplex can easily blend in with the house building type. Garage access from the rear alley is preferred and allows fewer curb cuts on the front street, reducing possible pedestrian collisions and creating a more walkable street.

Duplex Building Type
Two-story duplex with Porch frontage type	Duplex with both Porch frontage type and Open Yard frontage type
A side-by-side duplex with Porch frontage type and garage parking in back	Duplex building type plan view

2. Design standards.

Building Form
Minimum Ground Floor Elevation (Above Sidewalk or Finished Grade)	0'
Minimum First Floor Height	9'
Minimum Upper Floors Height	8'

3. Additional standards.

A.	Parking shall be located behind the building. When garage access from the rear alley is unavailable, garage doors shall be subordinate to the principal facade, using one of the following options:
	i.	The garage door is detached and located entirely in the rear yard;
	ii.	If front-facing, the garage door(s) extend no more than 50% of the principal facade width or 28', whichever is greater;
	iii.	The garage door(s) are set back at least 10' from the principal facade; or
	iv.	The garage door(s) are oriented perpendicular to the street or face the opposite direction from the street.
B.	Service areas and trash disposal facilities shall not face primary streets, parks, squares, or significant pedestrian spaces.
C.	Outbuildings shall not exceed two stories and 750 square feet of habitable space.
D.	Curb cuts for driveways shall maintain a similar or greater spacing than those for house building types along or across the street from the duplex.
E.	Alley access shall be designed to appear as a driveway, rather than as a completely paved parking area.

c. 

Multiplex.

1. Overview. A multiplex is a residential building type where three to four units share the structure. The multiplex appears as a large house building type. It can easily blend in with houses and duplex building types, although each unit shall have its own primary entrance. Garage access from the rear alley is preferred and allows fewer curb cuts on the front street, reducing possible pedestrian collisions and creating a more walkable street. Front, rear, and side yards are shared amongst residents, often with individual parking or garage areas located along the alley.

Multiplex Building Type
Multiplex with four units using gable roof, dormers, and Porchfrontage type to blend into a residential neighborhood	Three-story multiplex providing a variety of unit sizes.
Multiplex with three separate private entries indicated by separate Porches. Parking is provided by rear accessed garages.	Multiplex in plan view showing accessory buildings providing rear garage access from alley

2. Design standards.

Building Form
Minimum Ground Floor Elevation (Above Sidewalk or Finished Grade)	0'
Minimum First Floor Height	9'
Minimum Upper Floors Height	8'

3. Additional standards.

A.	Parking shall be located behind the building. When garage access from the rear alley is unavailable, garage doors shall be subordinate to the principal facade, using one of the following options:
	i.	The garage door is detached and located entirely in the rear yard;
	ii.	If front-facing, the garage door(s) extend no more than 50% of the principal facade width or 28', whichever is greater;
	iii.	The garage door(s) are set back at least 10' from the principal facade; or
	iv.	The garage door(s) are oriented perpendicular to the street or face the opposite direction from the street.
B.	Service areas and trash disposal facilities shall not face primary streets, parks, squares, or significant pedestrian spaces.
C.	Outbuildings shall not exceed two stories and 750 square feet of habitable space.
D.	The same frontage type shall be used for each entrance.
E.	Individual unit and garage entrances shall be located on at least three facades or designed in a manner so as to appear as a single-familydwelling.
F.	Curb cuts for driveways shall maintain a similar or greater spacing than those for house building types along or across the street from the multiplex.
G.	Alley access shall be designed to appear as a driveway, rather than as a completely paved parking area.
H.	Individual dwelling units shall not have their own separate fenced yard areas but may each have smaller fenced areas within an overall fenced yard.

d. 

Townhouse.

1. Overview. A townhouse (sometimes called a rowhouse) is a residential building type referring to one of a series of not less than two or more than 10 units under a common roof with a common exterior wall and separated from one another by single partition walls without openings from basement to roof. Townhouses are each on their own lot and often feature a private yard or patio between the main structure and the rear out-building. Garage access from the rear alley allows fewer curb cuts on the front street, reducing possible pedestrian collisions and creating a more walkable street. This building type often has a parapet roof and is set closer to the property line in urban areas with a greater mix of nonresidential uses. A townhouse has a gable roof and may be set back from the property line in areas with more residential uses to keep with the character of neighboring homes.

Townhouse Building Type
Townhouse with gable roof and Porch	Townhouse with parapet roof and Stoop in urban area
Townhouse with parapet roof and Porch	Townhouse with parapet roof

2. Design standards.

Building Form
Minimum Ground Floor Elevation (Above Sidewalk or Finished Grade)	0'
Minimum First Floor Height	9'
Minimum Upper Floors Height	8'

3. Additional standards.

A.	Porches and Stoops may occur forward of the build-to line or zone. Refer to Section 39.03.006, Mixed-Use Frontage Types, for specific requirements.
B.	Parking shall be located behind the building and accessed from a rear alley, out of view from primary streets.
C.	Service areas and trash disposal facilities shall not face streets, parks, squares, or significant pedestrian spaces.
D.	Outbuildings shall not exceed two stories and 650 square feet of habitable space.
E.	Any portion of a townhouse closer than 20 feet from a property line that abuts a residential building type other than an apartment, or another townhouse shall be no taller than 12 feet above the height of the adjacent residential building. This does not apply if the other residential buildings are within the same development proposal.
F.	A grouping of townhouses shall not exceed 250 linear feet.
G.	In all Mixed-Use districts other than MU-1 and MU-3, a townhouse shall have a parapet roof. In MU-1, a townhouse shall have a gable roof. In MU-3, a townhouse shall have either a gable or parapet roof.
H.	A minimum of 15 percent of the lot shall consist of private yard area.

e. 

Apartment.

1. Overview. The apartment is a residential building type containing five or more units accessed via a main entrance on the primary frontage. Apartment buildings have five or more units and may be managed as a rental property or a condominium, where each unit is privately held. Apartment buildings are often arranged around a Forecourt frontage type or small courtyard to maximize light and ventilation.

Apartment Building Type
Apartment building showing variation in articulation and gabled roof to match smaller residential structures on the same block	Apartment house that appears like single-family with single entry but has separate units with their own balconies
Apartment with parking in the back	Apartment building type in plan view

2. Design standards.

Building Form
Minimum Ground Floor Elevation (Above Sidewalk or Finished Grade)	0'
Minimum First Floor Height	14'
Minimum Upper Floors Height	8'

3. Additional standards.

A.	Parking shall be located behind or to the side of the building, out of view from primary streets. Parking may also be located within 1/4 mile of the building site, either on-street or in a common parking structure or lot. The primary entrance for handicapped accessibility should generally be in the front, convenient to on-street parking.
B.	Loading docks, service areas, and trash disposal facilities shall occur off the alley, and shall not directly face primary streets, parks, squares, or significant pedestrian spaces.
C.	Accessory dwelling units are not permitted.
D.	Any portion of an apartment closer than 20 feet from a property line that abuts a residential building type other than a townhouse, or another apartment shall be no taller than 12 feet above the height of the adjacent residential building. This does not apply if the other residential buildings are within the same development proposal.
E.	Monolithic roof structures that cover more than 4,000 square feet shall include changes in direction or treatments that break up the appearance of mass. Such treatments may include elements such as dormers, towers, or chimneys.
F.	Stairs that provide primary access to units on upper floors shall be covered, or if uncovered, visible only from an alley.

f. 

Live-work.

1. Overview. A live-work building is a building type with a mixed-use residential and work component. The live-work building provides flexible space at the street level for retail, office, or artisan micromanufacturing with a complete living unit above. The ground floor should be designed to accommodate changes in use.

Live-Work Building Type
Three-story live-work with brick and metal details to fit into a historic warehouse district that needed more residential development	Live-work with private entries to residential dwellings along with Shopfront entrances to commercial ground floor
Live-work building with residential balcony providing shade to pedestrians and the Shopfront frontage type	Live-work building with alley-accessed parking for residents

2. Design standards.

Building Form
Minimum Ground Floor Elevation (Above Sidewalk or Finished Grade)	0'
Minimum First Floor Height	9'
Minimum Upper Floors Height	8'

3. Additional standards.

A.	Porches and Stoops may occur forward of the build-to line or zone. Refer to Section 39.03.006, Mixed-Use Frontage Types, for specific requirements.
B.	Parking shall be located behind the building and accessed from a rear alley, out of view from primary streets.
C.	Service areas and trash disposal facilities shall not face streets, parks, squares, or significant pedestrian spaces.
D.	Outbuildings shall not exceed two stories and 650 square feet of habitable space.
E.	A grouping of live-work buildings shall not exceed 250 linear feet.

g. 

Civic and institutional.

1. Overview. A civic and institutional building is located and designed to accommodate a building containing uses in the Civic and Institutional use category in Table 39.02.016-1, Permitted Uses by District. The design and construction of civic and institutional buildings shall reflect the importance of these buildings within the community and with their function as landmarks in mind. Flexibility in building placement allows civic and institutional buildings to be distinguished from surrounding residential and commercial buildings and to be a prominent landmark in the community. This building type may occur in any part of a neighborhood. Very large civic and institutional sites such as those sometimes required for public schools or for places of worship with regional congregations should be located at the periphery of neighborhoods so as not to overwhelm the neighborhood with parked cars.

Civic and Institutional Building Type
Buddy Holly Center anchors the Buddy and Maria Elena Holly Plaza	First United Methodist Church terminates the view of Avenue N

Building Placement
Civic building terminates the view of a street
Civic building anchors the square at a prominent corner
Civic building anchors the space from within the square

2. Design standards.

Building Form
Minimum Ground Floor Elevation	None
Minimum First Floor Height	None
Minimum Upper Floors Height	None
Building Scale
Classification of Street from which Access is Taken1	Maximum Gross Floor Area
Arterial Street or Highway	No Maximum
Collector Street	20,000 sq. ft.
Local Street or Cul-de-Sac	5,000 sq. ft.

1

Alternative Compliance for Side-Street Access. The maximum gross floor area for a civic and institutional building on a lot that is bounded by streets of different classification may be based on the bounding street of the higher-order (i.e., an arterial street or highway is of higher-order than that of a collector street, which are of higher order than a local street or cul-de-sac), provided that no point of access is across the street from the front yard of a single-family detached or duplex.

3. Additional standards.

A.	Civic and institutional buildings shall be sited in locations of particular geometric importance, such as anchoring a major public space, or terminating a street vista.
B.	The scale of civic and institutional buildings shall be larger than surrounding buildings in order to be more prominent and visible across greater distances.
C.	Floor-to-floor heights and architectural details shall be proportionately larger than those of private buildings that exist or are proposed to be part of the same development within adjacent blocks.
D.	Prominent roof forms and additive elements such as cupolas shall visually extend the height of the building and shall be permitted to exceed the maximum height limit.
E.	Parking shall be located behind or to the side of the building, out of view from primary streets.
F.	When a civic and institutional building is located within a Civic Space completely surrounded by streets, then parking shall be accommodated on-street or within mid-block locations within 1/4 mile of the civic and institutional building's front door.
G.	Service areas and trash disposal facilities shall not face primary streets, parks, squares, or significant pedestrian spaces.

h. 

Shop.

1. Overview. A shop combines a commercial unit with an integrated workspace for light industrial uses. The workspace is secondary to the primary commercial use. This allows tenants to create their goods or provide their services on-site while maintaining a retail type shopfront. This building type is conducive to areas trying to maintain active streets with a Shopfront frontage type while also providing for manufacturing on-site with a setback requiring a Type A Bufferyard around the rear.

Shop Building Type
The Charles Adams Gallery has an outdoor space between two buildings with opaque fence and gate to screen activities from the public.	A shop has a Shopfront and benches for pedestrians but maintains production in back away from the public.
Shop with Shopfront and Awning frontage types with rear screening	Shop with screened rear yard and alley access to rear yard

2. Design standards.

Building Form
Ground Floor Elevation (Above Sidewalk or Finished Grade)	0'
Minimum First Floor Height	14'
Minimum Upper Floors Height	8'

3. Additional standards.

A.	All operations related to Industrial use shall be conducted completely within a building, except limited daily outdoor operations and storage may occur behind the building.
B.	Parking shall be located behind the building.
C.	Service areas and trash disposal facilities shall not face primary streets, parks, squares, or significant pedestrian spaces.

i. 

General commercial.

1. Overview. A general commercial building type varies greatly in size and may house large corporations or smaller businesses, such as medical and law offices. A general commercial building facing a street, park, square, or significant pedestrian space shall provide doors and windows facing the public space and shall reinforce the urban character of a Mixed-Use district with continuous walkable street frontages. General commercial buildings in infill settings shall keep similar setbacks to adjacent buildings as required in Section 39.02.005a.4.

General Commercial Building Type
One-story general commercial with Awning and Shopfront frontage types	General commercial with mix of Awning and Shopfront frontage types on street with pedestrian lighting and street trees
Smaller footprint general commercial provides a continuous walkable frontage with zero setback and lining a parking lot with alley access. The general commercial building is anchored by a larger footprint retail store sharing the parking lot.

2. Design standards.

Building Form
Minimum Ground Floor Elevation (Above Sidewalk or Finished Grade)	0'
Minimum First Floor Height	14'
Minimum Upper Floors Height	8'

3. Additional standards.

A.	Parking shall be located behind or to the side of the building, out of view from primary streets.
B.	Service areas and trash disposal facilities shall not face primary streets, parks, squares, or significant pedestrian spaces.

j. 

Neighborhood store.

1. Overview. A neighborhood store building type is a small footprint building that provides necessary services to a residential area. This building type is an alternative to large footprint grocery stores and serves local needs of residents within a walkable distance, reducing the need for on-site parking. If the neighborhood store building is one story in height, the minimum floor-to-ceiling height shall be increased in order to define the street edge. Such buildings are required to provide habitable frontages along facades that face streets, parks, or public spaces, and therefore continue a connected system of walkable street frontages.

Neighborhood Store Building Type
Neighborhood store with Shopfront frontage type set on the corner	Neighborhood store with Gallery frontage type and on-street parking

2. Design standards.

Building Form
Minimum Ground Floor Elevation (Above Sidewalk at Finished Grade)	0'
Minimum First Floor Height1	12'
Minimum Upper Floors Height	8'

1	If the neighborhood store building is one story in height, the minimum floor-to-ceiling height shall be increased to 15 feet in order to define the street edge.

3. Additional standards.

A.	An awning, canopy, or marquee is required on the neighborhood store building and may occur forward of the buildto line or zone.
B.	Outdoor dining is permitted in front of the building and may occur forward of the build-to line including within the public right-of-way with approval of the entity that has control over the public right-of-way.
C.	A minimum of five feet of clear sidewalk access for pedestrians shall be maintained or four feet where the temporary use of sidewalks are permitted.
D.	Parking shall be located behind the building.
E.	Service areas and trash disposal facilities shall not face primary streets, parks, squares, or significant pedestrian spaces.

k. 

Liner.

1. Overview. A liner building type may be constructed to create a pedestrian environment and to screen parking structures, warehouses, or other buildings that cannot comply with the building placement or frontage requirements of this UDC from public view. Liner buildings are shallow and oriented toward the street with no or minimal openings to the rear. Liner buildings allow those uses to continue on-site while creating a more pedestrian-conducive appearance on primary frontages.

Liner Building Type
Attached liner building with grocery store on ground floor	Attached liner building with exterior garage wall maintaining the architectural character of the rest of the structure.
Liner building for parking garage	Liner building for parking garage
Liner building for parking lot	Liner building for parking lot

2. Design standards.

Building Form
Minimum Ground Floor Elevation (Above Sidewalk or Finished Grade)	0'
Minimum First Floor Height	14'
Minimum Upper Floors Height	8'
Minimum First Floor Depth	15' of habitable space

3. Additional standards.

A.	Liner buildings shall be at least the height of the primary building.
B.	Liner buildings may be attached or detached from the primary building.
C.	Liner building may be used for any purpose allowed in the zoning district, except for the following use categories as set forth in Table 39.02.016-1, Permitted Uses by
	District: Automobile and Related Uses, Transportation, Utility, and Communication Uses, or Industrial and Manufacturing Uses.
D.	Entrances to upper story commercial space or dwelling units shall be through a street-level lobby and/or corridors accessed directly from the street.
E.	Uses generating visitor or customer traffic (such as retail sales, personal service, and restaurants) shall be located on the ground floor facing the sidewalk, whereas uses generating limited pedestrian activity (such as office or residential) shall be located on upper floors.

(Ordinance 2023-O0054 adopted 5/9/2023)

§ 39.03.006 Mixed-use frontage types.

a. 

General provisions.

1. Compliance required. Building frontages in this Section shall conform to the requirements of this Section.

2. Frontages. Frontage consists of the area between the front facade of a principal building and the property line adjacent to a street, internal driveway, or open space. The standards of this Section regulate the design of the frontage of a building and how it relates to the street, internal driveway, or open space.

3. Corner lots. On a corner lot, the building and its frontage shall be sited in the following priority order:

A. At the corner of two public streets;

B. At the corner of a public street and a private street or internal driveway;

C. At the corner of two private streets or internal drives; or

D. At the corner of a public or private street or internal driveway and open space.

b. 

Gallery & arcade.

Gallery or Arcade Frontage Type

Gallery & Arcade
1.	Description
In the Gallery or Arcade frontage type, a covered walkway with or without habitable space above encroaches over a sidewalk or walkway. An arcade should be used to provide pedestrian circulation along a frontage, and it should extend far enough from the building to provide adequate protection and circulation space for pedestrians. An arcade is intended for buildings with ground floor commercial uses and is common along public courtyards and walkable streets.
2.	Size
Minimum Depth, Clear		8'	A
Minimum Ground Floor Height, Clear		11'	B
Minimum Upper Floor Height, Clear		9'	C
Maximum Height		2 stories with encroachment	D
Minimum Setback from Back of Curb		2'	E
Minimum Width		75% of facade width	F
3.	Miscellaneous
A.	Arcade frontages shall be used in conjunction with the standards for the Shopfront frontage type. In case of a conflict between them, the Arcade frontage type standards prevail.		G
B.	Arcades shall have a consistent depth along a frontage.
C.	Arcades with more than two floors of habitable space above the colonnade shall not encroach onto a public right-of-way and shall be located so that they abut the right-of-way.

A gallery with slender metal columns
A wood framed gallery	A masonry gallery with habitable space on second floor

c. 

Shopfront.

Shopfront Frontage Type

Shopfront
1.	Description
In the Shopfront frontage type, the front facade of the building is at or near the frontage line with an at-grade entrance along the public right-of-way. The Shopfront frontage also includes a canopy or awning element that overlaps the sidewalk along the majority of the frontage. The canopy is a structural cantilevered shed roof, and the awning is canvas or similar material and is often retractable. A Shopfront may be used in conjunction with other frontage types.
2.	Size
Maximum Distance between glazing		2'	A
Minimum Ground Floor Transparency		70% and should allow a view of at least 5 feet of interior space
Minimum Upper Floors Transparency		30%	—
Maximum Depth of Recessed Entries1		5'	B
3.	Canopy or Awning
Minimum Depth		4'	C
Minimum Width, Cumulative		70% facade width	—
Minimum Setback from Back of Curb		2'	D
Minimum Height, Clear		8'	E
4.	Miscellaneous
A.	Doors may be recessed as long as the front facade is at the build-to-zone.
B.	Operable awnings are encouraged.
C.	Open-ended awnings are encouraged.
D.	Windowsills shall be located at a maximum of 30 inches above the finished grade at the building line.

Notes:
1	A recessed entry may be designed in a variety of configurations (recessed door, sawtooth pattern, etc.) and may be located on the front facade or the corner of a building.

A shopfront with a centered doorway

A shopfront with a recessed doorway

d. 

Forecourt.

Forecourt Frontage Type

Forecourt
1.	Description
In the Forecourt frontage type, the primary portion of the building's front facade is at the build-to-zone while a small percentage is set back, creating a courtyard space. This space can be used as an entry court or garden space, or for outdoor seating, dining, or retail.
2.	Size
Minimum Width, Clear		12'	A
Minimum Depth, Clear		12'	B
3.	Miscellaneous
A.	Forecourts are especially useful along larger, more auto-dominant thoroughfares in order to provide well-shaped, intimately sized public outdoor spaces.
B.	The proportions and orientation of courtyard spaces shall be carefully considered for solar orientation and user comfort.

An elevated forecourt

e. 

Stoop.

Stoop Frontage Type

Stoop
1.	Description
In the Stoop frontage type, the front facade of the building is at the build-to-zone or setback line and the elevated stoop projects forward. The stoop is elevated above the sidewalk to ensure privacy within the building. The stoop usually is composed of stairs and a landing.
2.	Size
Minimum/Maximum Width, Clear		5'/8'	A
Minimum/Maximum Depth, Clear		5'/8'	B
Minimum Height, Clear		8'	C
Maximum Height		1 story
Minimum Finish Level Above Sidewalk		1.5'	D
3.	Miscellaneous
A.	A stoop is appropriate for residential uses with small setbacks.
B.	Stoops may extend forward of the build-to-zone or setback line and, if permitted by a Street Use License, into the right-of-way.
C.	A six-foot minimum clear zone for pedestrians shall be maintained on the sidewalk.
D.	Stairs may be perpendicular or parallel to the building facade.
E.	The entry doors are encouraged to be covered or recessed to provide shelter from the elements.
F.	Gates are not allowed.
G.	All doors shall face the street.

A stoop to civic and institutional use

An uncovered stoop to residential use

f. 

Porch.

Porch Frontage Type

Porch
1.	Description
In the Porch frontage type, the front facade of the building is at the build-to-zone or setback line and the porch projects forward. The porch is used to access a first floor that is elevated above the sidewalk to ensure privacy within the building. A porch is large enough to function as an outdoor living space. Stairs from the porch may descend forward or to the side. Porches may extend forward of the build-to-zone or setback line.
2.	Size
Minimum Width, Clear		8'	A
Minimum Depth, Clear		5'	B
Minimum Height, Clear		8'	C
Maximum Height		2 stories
Minimum Finish Level Above Sidewalk		1.5'	D
3.	Miscellaneous
A.	Stairs from the porch may extend into the right-of-way if permitted by a Street Use License.
B.	A six-foot minimum clear zone for pedestrians shall be maintained on the sidewalk.

Metal porch

Porch on house building type encroaching into front build-to-zone

g. 

Open yard.

Open Yard Frontage Type

Open Yard
1.	Description
In the Open Yard frontage type, a landscaped yard separates the building and the street. It is intended for non-urban areas with moderate to considerable setbacks. It is also appropriate for areas transitioning from non-urban residential to non-urban commercial where the frontage maintains the residential character of the street. A maximum 50% opaque and 42-inch tall fence at the frontage line may help to maintain privacy and street spatial definition. A visually continuous yard can be created without fencing. If there is a porch it is a secondary feature.
2.	Size
Minimum Finish Level above Sidewalk		0" in MU-3 12" in all other MU Districts	A
3.	Miscellaneous
None

An open yard along West Broadway in MU-1

An open yard with porch in suburban context

h. 

Terrace.

Terrace Frontage Type

Terrace
1.	Description
In the Terrace frontage type, the building facade is set back from the lot line by an elevated terrace. This frontage element type tends to buffer residential uses from urban sidewalks and removes the private yard from public encroachment. Terraces are suitable for use or conversion to outdoor dining.
2.	Size
Minimum Depth		8'	A
Minimum Length		25% of frontage	B
Minimum Finish Level Above Sidewalk		1.5'	C
3.	Miscellaneous
A.	If used for outdoor dining, a low fence or garden wall shall be required to designate the dining area.

Outdoor dining terrace on West Broadway in MU-1

Elevated terrace to distance residential building from public sidewalk in urban residential area

i. 

Awning, canopy, marquee.

Awning
Design Standards
1.	Size
Minimum Depth		5' (measured perpendicular to the wall face)
Minimum Underside Clearance		8'
Length		75–100% of frontage
2.	Additional Standards
A.	The above requirements apply to first-floor awnings. There are no minimum requirements for awnings above the first floor.
B.	Awnings shall occur forward of the build-to line or zone, and may encroach within the right-of-way, but shall not extend closer than two feet to the curb line.
C.	Awnings shall be made of durable fabric and may be either fixed or retractable. High-gloss or plasticized fabrics are prohibited. Backlit awnings are also prohibited.
D.	An awning may be used in combination with other frontage types, except for Gallery & Arcade.

Canopy
Design Standards
1.	Size
Minimum Depth (measured perpendicular to the wall face)		5'
Minimum Underside Clearance		8'
Roof Pitch		1:12 Minimum 8:12 Maximum
Length		75–100% of frontage
2.	Additional Standards
A.	The above requirements apply to first-floor canopies. Canopies above the first floor are not permitted.
B.	Bracketed canopies should have regularly spaced, appropriately sized visual means of support.
C.	A canopy may be used in combination with other frontage types, except for Gallery & Arcade.

Marquee
Design Standards
1.	Size
Minimum Depth		6' (measured perpendicular to the wall face)
Minimum Underside Clearance		8'
Length		75–100% of frontage
2.	Additional Standards.
A.	The above requirements apply to first-floor marquees. Marquees above the first floor are not permitted.
B.	Marquees shall occur forward of the build-to line or zone, and may encroach within the right-of-way, but shall not extend closer than two feet from the curb line.
C.	Marquees typically are used above the primary entrances to buildings such as cinemas, hotels, and office buildings. They may be cantilevered (with structure hidden internally) or supported from above by suspension cables or chains.
D.	A marquee may be used in combination with other frontage types, except for Gallery & Arcade.
E.	Signs on marquees shall comply with the standards in Division 3.5, Signs.

(Ordinance 2023-O0054 adopted 5/9/2023)

§ 39.03.007 Nonresidential building design standards.

a. 

Applicability.

Except for buildings housing Industrial and Manufacturing uses and Transportation, Utility, and Communication uses, as set forth in Table 39.02.016-1, Permitted Uses by District, the provisions of this Section apply to all nonresidential and mixed-use developments outside of a Mixed-Use district.

b. 

Front parking.

In the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) and Office (OF) districts, a freestanding building with parking located between the front of the building and the street shall have:

1. Landscape area. An increase in the landscape area plantings to one canopy tree and two ornamental trees and two shrubs for every 1,500 square feet of required landscaped area; and

2. Trees. Two canopy trees within each required landscaped island as required in Division 3.4, Trees, Landscaping, and Buffering.

c. 

Pedestrian circulation.

In the NC and OF districts, walkways shall connect from public sidewalks on the perimeter of the site to all buildings and between buildings on the same or adjoining development sites. Pedestrian walkways shall be distinguished from vehicular areas by a change in pavement material, pattern, color, or striping and signage.

d. 

Neighborhood Commercial district building design.

The following standards shall apply in the NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district.

1. Scale. The maximum gross floor area of a single building shall be limited in scale as follows:

A. Minor or Principal Arterial street (as depicted on the current City of Lubbock Master Thoroughfare Plan): 20,000 square feet;

B. Collector street: 15,000 square feet; and

C. Local street: 10,000 square feet.

2. Articulation. The following shall apply to building facades visible from a public right-of-way.

A. Buildings with a gross floor area less than 15,000 square feet shall include wall recesses, projections, or other techniques for every 40 linear feet of building wall length to break up wall planes.

B. Buildings greater than or equal to 15,000 square feet of gross floor area shall include wall recesses and projections equal to 15 percent of the building height. Articulation is required in intervals equal to 2.5 times the building height, or portion thereof (e.g., a 20-foot tall building would require articulation every 50 feet).

C. Vertical articulation techniques may include recessed entries, projections, recesses, alcoves, pergolas, porticos, or other features that provide for different wall planes and clearly identifiable building entrances.

3. Interior side and rear elevations. The above articulation is required when either or both elevations abut a drive-through lane or a parking lot on the same or an abutting property. Otherwise, articulation is not required.

4. Windows.

A. Windows shall be at least 20 percent and may be no greater than 75 percent of any street-facing building elevation.

B. Windows above the first story of a building shall be arranged so that they are not invasive of the privacy of abutting single-story residential uses.

5. Architectural detailing. Buildings with a gross floor area greater than 15,000 square feet shall include four or more of the following features or details on each street-facing elevation (inclusive of the articulation requirements):

A. Canopies, awnings, porticos with colonnade, or arcades;

B. Raised pilaster cornices (end columns at corner), or quoined corners;

C. Vertical elements (tower, cupola, turret, arches, etc.);

D. Windows and doors framed with smooth cobble, cast stone, limestone, or other decorative masonry headers and sills or dormer windows; or

E. Decorative ornamentation such as corbels, medallions (non-signage), niches, wrought iron, balconets, or horizontal and rhythm patterned brickwork.

e. 

Big box retail.

A big box retail building with parking located in a front or street-side yard shall:

1. Trees.

A. Increase the landscape area plantings to one canopy tree and two ornamental trees and two shrubs for every 1,500 square feet of required pervious area; and

B. Provide two canopy trees within each required landscaped island.

2. Landscaping. Meet the parking and pervious area landscape requirements for all remaining areas of street frontage, together with the required street tree and building foundation landscaping; or

3. Parking lot setback. Increase the parking lotsetback by 15 feet more than required in Division 3.3, Parking, Loading, Stacking, and Access.

(Ordinance 2023-O0054 adopted 5/9/2023)