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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 9563 (Downtown Design Guidelines)RESOLUTION NO. 9563 RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL ADOPTING DOWNTOWN DESIGN GUIDELINES WHEREAS, in June, 1993, the City of San Rafael celebrated the culmination of two years of community effort to create a Vision for Downtown with the presentation of Our Vision of Downtown San Rafael to the San Rafael City Council; and WHEREAS, Vision design principles speak to emphasizing quality architecture with varied and distinctive building design as well as sensitive treatment of historic resources, and to ensuring that all buildings are comfortable for people at the ground level; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Advisor Group, appointed by the San Rafael City Council to translate Our Vision into General Plan policies and Zoning regulations and guidelines, worked with the San Rafael Design Review Board to create design guidelines for Downtown; and WHEREAS, the San Rafael Planning Commission has reviewed and recommended adoption of the Downtown Design Guidelines. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council finds that the Downtown Design Guidelines will assist with implementing General Plan policies encouraging diversity in architectural design, enhancing Downtown's identity, and improving the overall pedestrian environment. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the City Council finds that the Downtown Design Guidelines are consistent with zoning regulations to promote design excellence and creativity, and to contribute to the attractiveness of the city. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the City Council does hereby adopt the Downtown Design Guidelines, included as Attachment A, to be used by property owners, design professionals, the Design Review Board, the Planning Commission and the City Council in reviewing and approving the design of proposed development in Downtown San Rafael. I, JEANNE M. LEONCM, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of said City held on Monday, the fourth day of March, 1996, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Phillips & Mayor Boro NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Zappetini DISQUALIFIED: COUNCILMEMBERS: Zappetini (due to conflict of interest) G\ eanne M. Leonc1ni, City Clerk a ATTACHMENT A DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL DESIGN GUIDELINES Introduction The intent of the following discretionary Downtown Design Guidelines is to provide more specific guidance to designers and others involved in development review as to how to achieve the community values of "pedestrian friendly" and people -oriented" design, including the design of "pedestrian friendly" public spaces, recognizing different parts of Downtown have distinct characters; and to clarify ways to "respect our historic heritage." These guidelines are used by staff and the Design Review Board in evaluating quality of projects and in making recommendations for project approval. In Downtown, colors and materials may be used which are appropriate to the architectural style, harmonious with the site, and/or compatible with the character of the surrounding buildings. (The Design Review Board or the Planning Director may find that a design is acceptable even if it does not meet these guidelines.) Guidelines A. Pedestrian -friendly design for the Active Pedestrian Commercial Streets as shown on Map A. Fourth Street, and portions of cross streets close to Fourth are active, pedestrian friendly shopping and mixed use areas. The intents here are to enliven these commercial and mixed use areas by encouraging window shopping; by orienting buildings to the street to increase street activity, by including usable, active public plazas, and by minimizing parking lots and driveways which interrupt the pedestrian flow, and by encouraging appropriate signage. 1. Setback pattern. Buildings should be located to reinforce the street edge. This means much of the front or street side facades of the ground floors should extend close to the property line. Exceptions to this pattern are encouraged for public plazas or courtyards. 2. Driveways. Parking Areas. Pedestrian safety, interest and activity are the primary concerns on these streets. Driveway cuts and widths should be minim;zed, and ground level parking areas should be placed behind buildings. 3. Building Entrances. The pedestrian life of a building is at its entry. a. The primary ground floor entrances of non-residential and any residential uses should be oriented to the street - or in some cases public plazas or courtyards - rather than to parking lots. b. Ground floor entries should be frequent. c. Entries should be well-defined, and well -lighted for pedestrian safety. 4. Windows. Large storefront windows provide views into the building and a unifying design element. Large storefront window display areas should be provided at the street level on nonresidential buildings (i.e., approximately 75 percent clear glass on the primary street level frontage). 5. Building, Design. Building design should provide interest and variety at the street level, through, for example, awnings, or in limited instances marquees; as well as entries and window displays as noted above. Long, monotonous, uninterrupted walls should be avoided. Differences in facade treatment between ground level and upper levels also add visual interest to a building and are encouraged. 6. Public plazas and courtyards. Where included in a development, exterior public and semi- public spaces, such as courtyards or plazas, should enhance the surrounding buildings and provide amenities for users. Public spaces should be designed to be used, not just looked at. a. Public spaces are an integral part of the pedestrian system, and should not be separated from the sidewalk with walls or stairs. b. Other sides of the public space should provide a sense of enclosure, for example, by defining with buildings, landscaping, street furniture, railings. c. The public space should be adequately landscaped and include street furniture. d. The public space should be located to take advantage of sun, and shield wind exposure. e. Shopping or eating opportunities are encouraged within or adjacent to the public space. 7. Landscaping.. Landscaping adds interest. Colorful, small scale plants, including hanging plants are encouraged in small areas along the streetfront for variety and interest. Artificial plants are discouraged. 8. Sun. Sunny areas are important on Fourth Street for pedestrian comfort and activity. Multistory building design on the south side of Fourth Street should consider stepbacks or other design techniques to retain sunny sidewalk areas on the north side of the street. Awnings. Awnings help add color, interest and continuity to a building and provide weather protection. If awnings are used, they are encouraged to: a. Provide colors compatible with the colors of the building and of adjacent buildings. b. Provide uniform treatment for multi -tenant buildings c. Provide varied awning designs on a block. d. Avoid internally illuminated awnings. In addition, the following building code standards are included for reference and must be met: e. Minimum Height Above Grade f. Horizontal Projection (from the face of the building) 8 feet; 14 feet at alleys, parking lots or other areas with vehicular traffic 7 feet, or 66% of the distance between the building and curb, whichever is less g. Distance to the curb 2 feet clearance between the awning and curb K 10. Signs. Appropriate signage enhances the pedestrian atmosphere and promotes Downtown's image of an active, interesting high quality shopping district and business location. Sign standards are included in the sign ordinance for wall signs, freestanding signs, etc. These additional guidelines promote pedestrian oriented signs not specifically described in the ordinance. a. Signs should be designed to be viewed primarily by pedestrians and persons in vehicles nearby at the street level, not from long distances. b. They should be designed as an integral part of the building's architectural design. c. Message simplification, including the use of graphic symbols, is encouraged. Lettering should be legible, simple, and appropriate to the image of the building. d. Surface brightness or lighting intensity beyond that necessary to attract nearby persons is discouraged. e. Projecting signs are encottraged to provide signage oriented to the pedestrian passing on the sidewalk in front of the building . They may project up to 48 inches from the face of the building, and provide a minimum clearance of 12 inches between the building face and sign. (The sign ordinance requires that no sign project within 2 feet of the street curb.) The projecting sign face should generally be no more than 3 square feet in size. They should be mounted with at least 8 feet vertical clearance from the sidewalk, and at or below the sill of the second floor window in a multi -story building, or the eave line of a single story building. - They should provide attractive mounting brackets. - To avoid visual clutter, they should generally be at least 15 feet apart. - Only one face of the sign shall be counted. Awning signs are often more visible from passing automobiles and from pedestrians from the opposite side of the street and are also encottraged as interesting alternatives to wall signs considering the following criteria: - Allowed wall signage may be transferred to ground floor awning faces and sides. - As with wall signs, lettering must be set in 10 percent from the edges of the awning. - Letter height should be limited (generally between 6 - 12 inches). - Signage/graphics should not overwhelm the awning: suggested coverage limits: up to 50 percent of the face area and 50 percent of awning side areas (see illustration C). - Signage on the sides of an awning count as one sign only. - To avoid visual clutter, signs on sides of awnings should generally be provided where there is 15 feet or more distance between awnings. g. Neon signs add liveliness to the retail commercial environment and are allowed subject to a design review permit. h. Addresses assist shoppers. Street numbers up to 2 sq. ft. in size are exempt from the sign ordinance. M B. "Pedestrian friendly" design for the Fifth/Mission District and Environs as shown on Map A. In this area of Downtown, providing a pleasant walking environment comfortable for people at the ground level is important. They are less active, but attractive streets to stroll along. 1. Building Design. To provide visual interest, long, monotonous walls are to be avoided. Where retaining walls are needed, they should be low. Entries should be well defined and orient to the street rather than a parking lot. 2. Setbacks. Where setbacks are provided, they should be landscaped. Street trees are an important element to retain and enhance in this area. 3. Residential Design. Residential building types that are oriented to and bring vitality to the street are encouraged. These types include, for example, townhouses and podium apartments with garages no more than 1/2 level above grade. 4. Signage. Pedestrian -oriented signs are encouraged and may be provided as described above. C. "Pedestrian Friendly" design for the Second/Third Corridor and Environs as shown on Map A. Second and Third Streets are to be attractive, landscaped major transportation corridors. While increased pedestrian safety and comfort is desired on Second and Third, greater pedestrian itse of the cross streets is encouraged. 1. Building Desi, n. To provide visual interest, long, monotonous walls are to be avoided. Building walls should be articulated; windows are not required. 2. Streetscape. To create a boulevard effect along Second and Third, varied, landscaped setbacks are identified as being appropriate (see Illustration D). Additional street trees are strongly encouraged. 3. Residential Design. Residential buildings in this area should orient to the more pedestrian friendly side streets. Main entries should be well defined and orient to the street or plaza adjacent to the street, rather than to a parking lot. 4. Parking, lots. Entrances to parking lots should be distinctive and easy -to find. Parking lots must be landscaped between the street and parking lot. D. Respecting Our Historic Heritage. There are many historic and architechtrally significant bitildings Downtown. Ottr Vision welcomes well-designed diverse architectitre styles that respect oitr historic heritage. These guidelines are intended to assist in achieving these objectives, recognizing there are always design exceptions. These guidelines apply to new buildings in the immediate vicinity of the architechtrally significant bitildings listed in the San Rafael Historical/Architectitral Survey which are shown on Map B. 1. Pattern and Scale. Respect the pattern and scale of architecturally significant buildings in the vicinity. 2. Transition. Provide an appropriate transition in height between low rise and taller buildings through, for example, careful use of building stepbacks or variable roof heights. 3. Windows. Windows should be vertically proportioned. To the extent possible, upper story windows should be vertically aligned with the location of windows and doors on the ground level. 4. Horizontal lines. On streets such as portions of Fourth Street, which has a well defined pattern or rhythm, preserve and compliment horizontal lines, such as cornice lines and window frames, of adjacent architecturally significant buildings. 5. Proportions of Openings. On streets such as portions of Fourth Street, which has a well defined pattern, the size and proportion of window and door openings should be similar to those on surrounding facades. 6. Materials. On streets such as portions of Fourth Street, an infill facade should be composed of materials similar to adjacent facades and should not stand out against the others. 7. Differentiation between ground floor and uBper floors. Older buildings, particularly mixed use buildings, tend to differentiate between first floor and upper floor facade treatments. This may be a helpful design element in some cases. 8. Roof Shapes. Relate new roof forms to those found in the area. In addition, the City continites to encourage retention and renovation of existing historic and architectitrally significant Downtown buildings. 9. Historic and Architecturally Significant Buildings. Buildings on the "San Rafael Historical/Architectural Survey" as most recently adopted (and shown on Map B), are encouraged to be protected and renovated to retain and enhance historic and architecturally significant building characteristics. Where there are substantial changes to the facade, the Cultural Affairs Commission reviews and recommends on the appropriateness of the proposal. In addition, the City wishes to evalitate the impact projects might have on commitnity views of the St. Raphael's Church spire as seen from Francisco Blvd. West and from Highway 101 north. 10. View of St. Raphael's Church Spire. A view analysis must be conducted for projects over one story in height within the shaded area of the map below to determine the impact the development will have on views of St. Raphael's church spire. J3I111� I �r I View iJ- Evaluation Area 11 CITY Or BAIM IW.►CL rLJM r Dir FtA FAT s��t ....� I ...sF=1 t LU 111�J{� s 9 LI4m0 :� "• MVIS SM31315 l5 ��413H J I' f ' 3nKmv ter., i c I J �W 43 94 s Q m U N N N U) U) U) (n in U) a) Q) a) C C C a) a) a) vv:2 :3 :3 7 0 0 U C C C sp (.U.N 000 n'o e 47CD0 N Q 0 OR �! V I II Z <U) Q lLJ 0'u w C O w CL O•C Q n < �.. O r� _• o LLIT =i Ar �3nrri v .,• ��;yam �� � �^�� ' _�,. . r3nN31r. .- N70JNn 71-PL� -- --�-- - L lit y; o L �� �3�S S&I-3, ��133a,s owam --- i 133NLs owaxn sN3tooi lwm 133Ur15 Si100N9 F1 J-�r —/ yaw r s I 11 , L�— 133tl{S r _ r, nVI I F1 13111LS , i - -- __� 133eus U - -J 0, Cnm m 1331LLS 3 •_ m a) •1-+ v —Q) v O X `Z• CD W C C)°°>, >>— Z4j o U U U W N N 41 4-j i (�!E !E O W m —�QQ= 4 41 C U = w- - oE�-v U CnV)c O +'•— o•E 2 Q m Ua Map B Address Listing of Historic and Architecturally Significant Buildings Mission 705 823-25 828 907 1130 1135 1312 Elks 1408 Falkirk' Third 706 1325 Second 1115 1212 1307 1416 Lincoln 1016 1104 1110 1203 Latham 11 Tamalpais 927 930 Court 1123 G Street 3 6 301 Fifth 633 637 918 1104 1313 1415 1505' 1517 1607 1618 1623-27* 1628 1629 1634 1637 1800' A Street 728 1007-11 B Street 724' 747 810 819-23 822 826-32 838-40 844-48 924 926-30 1010 1125 Boyd House and Park` Fourth 709 801 802-06 812 813-19 827-31 866 (Fifth Ave. Facade) 881 917-21 1118 Theater 1149' 1200-16 1221 1222 1225 1240 1300 1301-11 1310 1313-17 1321 1330 1333 1447 1553 1850 E Street 809-11 814 824 1016 1022 1023` 1100 (Fifth Ave Facade) *Buildings indicated with an * have landmark or Historic District status and are subject to a Certificate of Appropriateness for alteration ILLUSTRATION C M 820 School thC, 'ovtS Awning Face Signs Suggested limit: 25% of face Example: Awning Face=75 sq. ft 25%= 19 sq. ft Valance= 7.1 sq. ft. Logo= Zsq- ft Total= 14 sq. ft or 19% Address signs: Street numbers up to 2 sq. ft. in size are (proposed to be) exempt, thus are not counted in total U onu2n ..Id 122,1; 122,1 j22J' U) Y V W A d N ,22„ V d CL CO H 13 C J 122, V d 'C W 1221'