HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Clerk ChecklistCITY CLERK FILE CHECKLIST
Project Name: Design Review
File No. CPA 08-01 1
Contact Name: Planning Department Phone:
884-5533
Date Received from Planning and Zoning Department: October 14, 2008
Planning and Zoning Level: Hearing Date: November 20, 2008
FRI Transmittals to agencies and others:
❑X Notice to newspaper with publish dates:
❑ Certifieds to property owners:
❑ Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation:
Notes:
City Council Level:
❑ Transmittals to agencies and others:
❑ Notice to newspaper with publish dates:
October 14, 2008
3-Nov-08 17-Nov-08
❑ Approve 0 Deny
Hearing Date:
❑ Certifieds to property owners:
❑ City Council Action: Approve
❑ Findings / Conclusions / Order received from attorney on:
Findings / Conclusions / Order:
❑ Approved by Council:
❑ Copies Disbursed:
❑ Findings Recorded
Development Agreement:
❑
Sent for signatures:
❑
Signed by all parties:
❑
Approved by Council:
❑
Recorded:
❑
Copies Disbursed:
Ordinance No.
❑
Approved by Council:
Resolution No. C9 c
I — L l - C9
❑ Recorded: Deadline: 10 days tQ I A--
❑ Published in newspaper: N
❑ Copies Disbursed: 1') / Ar
Notes:
and
❑ Deny
RwwYtlwn:
Ongirrel Res / Copy Cert: Miretxbook
Copy Res / Copy Cert: City Clerk
Gty Engineer
City Pl.—
City Attorney
sterfing Cobfiers
Project File
N" Clerk
Copy Res / On" Cert.
Ads C—nty (CPAs
Appficert (norFCPAs)
Origirei hfinutebock
Copies to: city clerk
Stffie T. Comm.
StAo Tress . Au6tor, Assessor
Sterling Coelfiers
City Attorney
City Engineer
city Planer
Project file
Appficard(if a W.)
Deputy Clerk
FWWkVo I Orders:
Ortgi: PA eAsboak
Copies to: AppficM
Project file
Gty Engineer
City Planner
City Attorney
Deputy Clerk
•• Record Vscstlon FWMWW ••
R—rded Mwbpiewk AgssmwRs:
Onginal:Fireproof File
Copies to.Ppplicent
Project file
City Er, —
City Plarner
City Attorney
Do" Clerk
Mayor Tammy de Weerd
City Council Members:
Keith Bird
Joe Borton
Charles Rountree
David Zaremba
TRANSMITTALS TO AGENCIES FOR COMMENTS ON
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITH THE CITY OF MERIDIAN
To insure that your comments and recommendations will be considered by
the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission please submit your
comments and recommendations to Meridian City Hall
Attn: Jaycee Holman, City Clerk, by:
Transmittal Date: October 14, 2008
Hearing Date: November 20, 2008
November 13, 2008
File No.: CPA 08-011 & ZOA 08-002
Request: Public Hearing -Amend the Comprehensive Plan by adding the Design Manual as an addendum and to
amend & add to the current provisions of the Unified Development Code (Title 11 of Meridian City Code) relating to
adoption of a new administrative design review process & associated implementation procedures for Design Review
By: City of Meridian Planning Deparment
Location of Property or Project:
Joe Marshall (No FP)
David Moe (No FP)
Wendy Newton-Huckabay (No FP)
Michael Rohm (No FP)
Tom O'Brien (No FP)
Tammy de Weerd, Mayor
Charlie Rountree, C/C
Brad Hoaglun, C/C
Keith Bird, C/C
David Zaremba C/C
Water Department
Sewer Department
Sanitary Services (No VAR, VAC, FP)
Building Department / Rich Greene
Fire Department
Police Department
City Attorney
City Engineer
City Planner
Parks Department
Economic Dev. (CUP only)
Your Concise Remarks:
Meridian School District (No FP)
Meridian Post Office (FP/PP/SHP only)
Ada County Highway District
Ada County Development Services
Central District Health
Nampa Meridian Irrig. District
Settlers Irrig. District
Idaho Power Co. (FP,PP,CUP/SHP only)
Owest (FP/PP/SHP only)
Intermountain Gas (FP/PP/SHP only)
Bureau of Reclamation (FP/PP/SHP only)
Idaho Transportation Dept. (No FP)
Ada County Ass. Land Records
Downtown Projects:
Meridian Development Corp.
Historical Preservation Comm.
South of RR / SW Meridian:
NW Pipeline
New York Irrigation District
Boise-Kuna Irrigation District
City Clerk's Office • 33 E. Idaho Avenue, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone 208-888-4433 *Fax 208-888-4218 • www.meridiancity.org
.3 ading Date: November 20, 200
Project Name: Design Review
File No.: CPA-08-011
Request: Request to amend the Comprehensive Plan by adding the Design Manual as an
addendum, by Meridian Planning Department
File No.: ZOA-08-002
Request: Request to amend and add to the current provisions of the Unified Development
Code (Title 11 of Meridian City Code) relating to adoption of a new
administrative design review process and associated implementation procedures,
by Meridian Planning Department.
�.
14
l - *'
a
CA
f
C��fIERQ!AN,�---
of Review Requested (check all that
❑ Alternative Compliance
❑ Annexation and Zoning
❑ Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment
0 Comprehensive Plan Teat Amendment
❑ Conditional Use Permit
❑ Conditional Use Permit Modification
❑ Design Review
❑ Final Plat
❑ Final Plat Modification
❑ Planned Unit Development
❑ Preliminary Plat
❑ Private Street
❑ Rezone
❑ Time Extension (Commission or Council)
H UDC Text Amendment
❑ Vacation (Council)
❑ Variance
❑ Other
Planning Department
COMMISSION & COUNCIL REVIEW APPLICATION
` O
STAFF USE ONLY:
File number(s): C&-0$-01(
Project name: 1)0 3 ca ZB J r o W
Date filed: I n ° 6 Date complete:
Assigned Planner: lT w u'a <
Related files:
Hearing date: 1% 120 _ 21 Commission ❑ Council
Applicant Information
Applicant name: Pete Friedman AICP Comprehensive Planning Mgr. Meridian Planning Dept Phoi
Applicant address: 660 Watertower St., Suite 202 Meridian, ID 83462 Zip:
Applicant's interest in property: ❑ Own ❑ Rent ❑ Optioned R-4er
Owner address:
Agent name (e.g., architect, engineer, developer, representative):
Firm name:
Address:
Primary contact is: cant ❑ Owner ❑ Agent ❑ Other
Contact name:
E-mail:
Subject Property Information
Location/street address:
Assessor's parcel number(s):
Township, range, section: _
Current land use:
Total acreage:
Current zoning district:
Zip:
Phone:
Zip: _
Phone:
Fax:
660 E. Watertower Lane, Suite 202 • Meridian, Idaho 83642
Phone: (208) 884-5533 • Facsimile: (208) 888-6854 • Website: www.meiidiancity.org
1
Owner name:
2 or more Bedrooms:
Proposed building height:
Average property size (s.f.):
Net density (DU/acre-excluding roads & alleys):
Acreage of open space:
(See Chapter 3, Article G, for qualified open space)
Type of open space provided in acres (i.e., landscaping, public, common, etc):
Type of dwelling(s) proposed: ❑ Single-family ❑ Townhomes ❑ Duplexes ❑ Multi -family
Non-residential Project Summary (if applicable)
Number of building lots: Other lots:
Gross floor area proposed:
Number of building lots:
Number of common and/or other lots:
Proposed number of dwelling units (for multi -family developments only):
Project Description
Project/subdivision name: Unified Develg ment Code and Comprehensive Plan Text Amendments- Meridian
Design Guidelines
General description of proposed project/request: The amendments are proposed to implement a citvwide design
review process and attendant guidelines The application includes two specific amendments to the text of the
Comprehensive Plan, a design manual containing the guidelines and a number of UDC text amendments to provide
internal code consistencv and incorporate the amended design review process with the City's current development
review process . Please refer to the attached narrative for the specific amendments
Proposed zoning district(s):
Acres of each zone proposed:
Type of use proposed (check all that apply):
❑ Residential ❑ Commercial ❑ Office ❑ Industrial ❑ Other
Amenities provided with this development (if applicable):
Who will own & maintain the pressurized irrigation system in this development?
Which irrigation district does this property lie within?
Primary irrigation source:
Secondary:
Square footage Of landscaped areas to be irrigated (if primary or secondary point of connection is City water):
Residential Project Summary (if applicable)
Number of residential units:
1 Bedroom:
Minimum square footage of structure(s) (excl. garage):
Minimum property size (0):
Gross density (Duacre-total land): _
Percentage of open space provided:
Percentage of useable open space: _
Existing (if applicable):
Hours of operation (days and hours): Building height:
Percentage of site/project devoted to the following:
Landscaping:
Total number of employees:
Building:
Paving:
Maximum number of employees at any one time:
660 E. Watertower Lane, Suite 202 • Meridian, Idaho 83642
Phone: (208) 884-5533 • Facsimile: (208) 888-6854 • Website: www.meridiancity.org
2 (Rev. 414108)
Number and ages of students/children (if applicable):
Total number of parking spaces provided:
Authorization
Print appli
Applicant
Seating capacity:
Number of compact spaces provided:
Date: 8
660 E. Watertower Lane, Suite 202 • Meridian, Idaho 83642
Phone: (208) 884-5533 • Facsimile: (208) 888-6854 • Website: www.meridiancity.org
3 (Rev. 414108)
City of Meridian Pre -a
Project/Subdivision Name: 0,0C.0
Applicant/Contact:
City Staff.
Location: (n/%
Existing Zoning: --
Proposed Zoning:
Property Size:
lication Meei
oteS Date: 10/ 1
Contiguous and Within AOI (AZ only):
Number of Units and/or Lots:
Dwelling Type (if residential):
Surrounding Uses:
Comprehensive Plan Designation(s):
Street Buffers and/or Land Use Buffers:
Open Space/Amenities/Pathways: r ka
Street System/Stub Streets/Access:
Sewer and Water Service:
Topography/Hydrology/Floodplain Issues:
Canals/Ditches/Irrigation and/or Hazards: —
Historv:
Other Agencies/Departments to Contact (circle):
Ada County Highway District
Nampa and Meridian Irrigation
Idaho Transportation Department
Settlers Irrigation
Sanitary Services Corporation
Fire Department
Central District Health
Police Department
Applications Required (circle all
that apply):
Accessory Use
Design Review
Alternative Compliance
Final Plat Modification
Annexation
Misc. (DA Modification)''
Certificate of Zoning Compliance
Planned Unit Development
Co Plan Map Amendment
Preliminary Plat
Comp P an Text Amendment
Private Street
Conditional Use Permit
Rezone
Parks Department
Public Works Department
Building De artment
Other: r NA. N
Short Plat
Time Extension
UDC ext endment
Vacation
Variance
Other:
Additional Pre -Application Conference (circle one): Required Not Required
Anticipated Submission Date: Anticipated Hearing Date:
NOTES: 1) Applicants are required to hold a neighborhood meeting,''in accordance with UDC 11-5A-5 , prior to
submittal of an application requiring a public hearing. 2) Except for UDC Text Amendments, Comprehensive Plan
Text Amendments and Vacation applications, all other applications requiring a public hearing shall be posted in
accordance with UDC 11-5A-5 D. 3) The information provided during this meeting is based on current City Code and
Comprehensive Plan. Any subsequent changes to City Code and/or the Comprehensive Plan may affect your
submittal and/or application. This pre -application meeting shall be valid for 4 months.
MERIDIAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND
UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENTS
September 22, 2008
This application proposes two specific text amendments and an addendum to the City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan and a number of amendments to the Unified Development
Code (UDC). The proposed addendum, Meridian Design Manual, is a supplement to the plan
and will be referenced in the UDC for application to physical development in the City. The
application contains the following sections:
➢ Overview (provides background and process that created the guidelines)
➢ CPA Application Narrative (answers the question required in the application form)
➢ Attachments containing the specific amendments.
Overview
In January 2007, the City Council directed the Planning Department to implement a citywide
design review process in Meridian. In their direction, the Council made it clear that the new
review process be incorporated with the existing development review processes as an
administrative function and not necessitate another review committee or board. In addition,
the Council indicated that they were interested in non- prescriptive guidelines. Thus, the intent
of the proposed design manual is to establish a set of guiding principles and flexible standards
that encourage creativity as opposed to mandating specific standards or styles.
With the direction to develop a citywide design review process and design guidelines, the
Planning Department hired staff with training and education in architecture to develop both
the both the process and the guidelines. In designing the process, staff felt it was critical to
involve and seek the counsel of design professionals and developers working in Meridian. A
steering committee comprised of architects, developers, representatives from the Chamber of
Commerce and a city council member was convened to review the guidelines as they were
developed by staff.
The thirteen member committee met regularly over seven months in a detailed, point -by -point
review of draft guidelines. The result is an all encompassing design manual that contains
underlying objectives and principles, a description of the design process (users guide) and the
guidelines with text and graphics. Rather than codifying them as specific zoning standards,
the guidelines will be referenced in the Unified Development Code as an addendum to the
Comprehensive Plan thereby providing both flexibility and enforceability.
Meridian Design Guidelines
Page 1 of 6
CPA Application Questions (from Meridian's CPA application form)
I. Specific details of the change requested.
The Comprehensive Plan currently contains goals and objectives encouraging and
promoting the public interest in a well designed community. Existing plan language
focuses on developing design ordinances for Old Town, gateways and landscaping. The
specific text amendments expand the scope of review to the entire city. The specific
proposed text is attached to this narrative as Attachment A.
The Design Manual is proposed to be adopted as an addendum the City's Comprehensive
Plan (Plan) and is proposed to be a stand-alone document, an addition to the existing Plan.
The design guidelines address the following issues:
• Building Orientation
• Building Form Scale and Materials
• Fagade Treatment, Entrances and Roofs
• Pedestrian Pathways and Connectivity
• Streetscape Design
• Site Design
• Parking
The Draft Design Manual is Attachment B. of this narrative.
2. Address how the proposed amendment provides an improved guide to future growth
and development of the City.
Design Review is not a new concept in the city. Currently, design review is required for
development located in designated entryway corridors, the Old Town and Traditional
Neighborhood Center zone districts or for structures over specific size thresholds in the
commercial and light office zone districts.
The proposed Design Manual and design review process is intended to establish standards
to encourage and foster rather than dictate quality building and site design. By authorizing
process, the City Council recognized that quality design in the built environment is in the
best interests of the citizens of Meridian, enhances property values and contributes to the
overall aesthetics of the city.
Public interest for . a well designed, attractive community is expressed in the
Comprehensive Plan, Chapter V., Community Design. The plan articulates this interest in
the Goals, Objectives and Actions for Old Town and in city gateways. Action 8. in Goal II
directed the creation of the currently adopted downtown design guidelines. As the City
continues to grow, attract new businesses and expand the range of housing choices there
Meridian Design Guidelines
Page 2 of 6
has been clear direction that this new growth should be developed in a well designed,
attractive and coordinated manor
The City recognizes that the design guidelines may create an additional expense to
development projects when compared to cheaper construction alternatives. Conversely,
the design guidelines will enhance the appearance and customer attraction of commercial
areas, attract business, improve the livability of residential neighborhoods and increase
property values. The entire city and its residents stand to benefit from a well -designed
community well worth the added investment created by the guidelines.
3. Specific information on any property involved.
Not applicable.
4. Unified Development Code (UDC) Amendments
As mentioned above, design review is not new to the City's land use development review
process. It is currently required in the Old Town Zone District, for projects along
designated entryway corridors and for commercial structures over certain size thresholds.
Staff is recommending specific amendments to the UDC to provide for consistency in the
citywide application of the proposed design guidelines and to avoid duplicative or
conflicting standards in the Code.
The specific amendments are found on Attachment C.
Meridian Design Guidelines
Page 3 of 6
Attachment A
Comprehensive Plan
Specific Text Amendments
Chapter V.
Page 38.
C. Future Conditions
Upgrading community design standards for landscaping, site design, and signs ean continues
to be accomplished through the adoption of updated ordinance criteria to ensure that
development occurs in a compatible, attractive manner. The City has also adopted design
guidelines and a citywide design review process encourages 44 development in Meridian
which expresses concerns and appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of the physical and built
environment and results in an attractive livable community.
Page 41.
Goal III: Enhance Meridian's historical, cultural, agricultural and community
character.
Objective B:
Provide landscaping, pedestrian friendly areas, and signage in downtown and gateways; well
designed development sites and areas; and high quality, attractive buildings.
Meridian Design Guidelines
Page 4 of 6
Attachment B.
Design Manual (under separate cover)
Meridian Design Guidelines
Page 5 of 6
Attachment C.
Unified Development Code Amendments
Meridian Design Guidelines
Page 6 of 6
UDC Text Changes for Design Manual
Section Proposed Text Change
11-2A-3G Roof Design: All residential dwelling structures shall have a pitched roof not less than
three feet (3') in height for each twelve feet (12') in length. Alternative roof designs for
attached single-family, duplex townhouse and multi -family residential dwelling structures
may be approved through administrative design review.
Table 11-213-3 DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS IN THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
mnsi eonal Standards C-N C-C C-G L-O M-E H-E
Di
approval as set forth
AA im„m hi,•IrJinn ci�e ?�
sort'en 1 1 3A 10 f th' - [
.,.,.• � v--vrzrnv d
title (in,square feo
Awl AWWWWW I-
11-2D-3C Street And Pedestrian Systems:
1. Street Layout: The street system shall be primarily based on a grid with
connections to the existing street system. Street systems shall be consistent with
section B-1.2.3, Street Networks of the City of Meridian Design Manual
2. Block Length: No block face shall have a length greater than five hundred feet
(500') without a dedicated street or alley, or no block face shall have a length greater
than sew six hundred feet (7600') without a pedestrian connection. This standard
may be varied for site design constraints or hardship considerations through the
alternative compliance process as set forth in section 11-513-5 of this title.
11-2D-413 Number Of Stories: Minimum number of stories for new construction is two (2) and/or as
set forth in the City of Meridian Design Manual.
11-2D-4D Administrativ
e Design R
n n
this title.
"DowRtewn
MeFidiaR DesigR Guidelines".
use permit
as determined by the direGtGF, shall be subjeGt
as set fe Fth n rhn ,ta�C—AdmiRistrati$R", of this fi},mac
11-2D-5E AdministFatiye design ro ,ioe,•
n n
}hi
Traditional Neighborhood Ge-nter DeSigR n
n
n n
, of this
11-3A-19 STRUCTURES AND SITE DESIGN STANDARDS:
A. ohs
large ofn nWrec
3—To Pnnn, -r-age high quality mateFials d IeRgevity large StFUGWres.
Attachment C
UDC Text Changes for Design Manual
ergo StF WFe and 6reateattraGtive pede�-n ar - iti
5. To provide greater atteRtiGR to the design and IGGatiOR of large GtFUGWres
relationship te the 66IFF06IRdoRg street-.
8. To guide the design Of StFUGtLAFes, nOt Gentpel the type, iRtensity or deRSity of the use,
eg-uirements of this con4ip-R,
.�aii c� � �..� �w u�ra-ucvcTvrr.
N '�'r-�ZriStFi Gt;
3. All StFUGt6IFes gFeater than sixty theusand (60,000) square feet in the G G distri
aPA
distrRGt.
The following minimum standards shall apply in addition to the detailed guidelines as
set forth in the City of Meridian Design Manual:
1. Architectural Character:
a. Facades: Buildings facades visible from a public street or public space shall
incorporate modulations in the facade, including but not limited to reef! ine retie&SeS
and-projections, recesses and step -backs that articulate wall planes and break up
building mass o
) Gf the length of the faGade-.
Facades shall be modulated and articulated in accord with the City of Meridian Design
Manual. (Ord. 05-1170, 8-30-2005, eff. 9-15-2005)
b. Primary P-ubli Entrance(s): The primary building entrance(s) shall be clearly defined
by the architectural design of the building.
c.
0
d-. Rooflines: Roof design shall provide variations in profile through modulation and/or
articulation in accord with the City of Meridian Design Manual including but not limited
to demonstrate twe (2) nr mere the following: 1) overhanging eaves; 2) sloped roofs;
3) two (2) or more roof planes; 4) varying parapet heights; and 5) cornices.
ed. Pattern Variations: Architectural building design shall not create blank wall
segments along public streets and/or adjacent public spaces Architectural elements
including, but not limited to windows awnings and arcades shall have At least twe
design=color, texture and/or materials -to mitigate blank walls.
fe. Mechanical Equipment: All ground level and mechanical equipment shall be
screened to the height of the unit as viewed from the property line. All rooftop
mechanical equipment shall be screened as viewed from the farthest edge of the
adjoining right-of-way. (Ord. 05-1170, 8-30-2005, eff. 9-15-2005; amd. Ord. 08-1372, 7-
8-2008, eff. 7-8-2008)
2. Color And Materials: F=Aerio.r building walls shall dprnnn.,z
bleGk, tilt up--G�Fete panel
high quality materials of stene, bFiGk, teed n , r Ather natsup materials. AGGepta_Ne
a GGeRrr ateFi
�rruro-
Attachment C
UDC Text Changes for Design Manual
11-3B-2
11-3C-5A7
11-4-3-27136
11-4-3-27C4
a. Exterior building designs shall demonstrate the appearance and use of high quality
materials, including but not limited to stone brick wood or other natural materials
tinted or textured masonry block textured or architecturally detailed concrete panels or
stucco or stucco like synthetic materials
b. Smooth faced concrete block, prefabricated steel panels and/or vinyl are prohibited
as finish materials but may be approved as accent materials in accord with the City of
Meridian Design Manual
c. Un-textured concrete panels are prohibited as finish and/or accent materials
3. Parking Lots: No more than seventy fib percent (:�50%) of the total off street
parking area for the S+rUt6lFe site shall be located between the fFen building facades of
the c+� .ru�ct.�e and abutting streets,
4. Pedestrian Walkways:
a. A continuous internal pedestrian walkway that is a minimum of eight five feet (85') in
width shall be provided from the perimeter sidewalk to the main building entrances for
non-residential uses. The walkway width shall be maintained clear of any obstructions,
such as vehicles outdoor sale displays, vending machines, or temporary structures.
b. The internal pedestrian walkway shall be distinguished from the vehicular driving
surfaces through the use of pavers, colored or scored concrete, or bricks.
c. Unobstructed Wwalkways at least eight five feet (9!f) in width, shall be provided for
any aisle length that is greater than one hundred fifty (150) parking spaces or two
hundred feet (200') away from the ma+a primar building entrance.
d. The walkways shall have weather protection (including, but not limited to, an awning
or arcade) within twenty feet (20') of all customer entrances.
BB. Alternative Compliance: If 1) the location of existing buildings or structures prevents
conformance with the standards of this section and/or the guidelines of the City of
Meridian Design Manual or 2) strict adherence to the such standards and/or guidelines
would create inconsistency in the design objectives of the proposed development the
director may consider an alternative design proposal through the alternative
compliance provisions as set forth in section 11 5B 5 of this title The director may
approve, or recommend approval of, such an alternative compliance proposal +n esseFd
with pt -§, "Admin+stratie 'IT -of this when the overall design, as proposed by
the applicant, meets or exceeds the intent and the requirements of this section and the
City of Meridian Design Manual and is shall not be -detrimental to public health, safety,
and welfare.
APPLICABILITY: A landscape plan shall be required for the following:
A. All development, redevelopment, additions, or site modifications except detached of d
attached single-family and secondary dwellings two-family duplexes, and tGWRhause
dwelliRg URitS.
B. All common lots in all subdivisions.
C. All applications for a conditional use permit (CUP), preliminary plat (PP), final plat (FP),
certificate of zoning compliance (CZC), administrative design review (DES) or
planned unit development (PUD).
All parking areas shall provide on site turnarounds, or connections through to adjacent
Parking areas or streets in accord with the Meridian fire department standards for all off
street parking spaces and loading facilities.
The parking shall meet the requirements set forth in chapter 3, "Regulations Applying To
All District", of this title and shall be in accord with the Cityof Meridian Design Manual.
Unless otherwise approved through the conditional use process-Scommon open space
areas shall not be adjacent to collector or arterial streets unless separated from the street
Attachment C
UDC Text Changes for Design Manual
Fby a berm or constructed barrier at least four feet (4') in height, with breaks in the berm or
barrier to allow for pedestrian access.
11-4-3-27E1 All building elevations shall have a minimum portion of the elevation devoted to
architectural features designed to provide articulation and variety. These features shall
include, but are not limited to, windows, bays and offsetting walls, in accord with the City
of Meridian Design Manual th ,t cZYtr�.,rl -+ ioas++w, foo+ (2>). F8GeSsed a
ranGes; and
GhaRges iR maternal types. ChaRges in material types shall h-a�.,e -A minimum c1mmensmen
twe feet (2') and minimum are eftweRtV five , ) square feet.
11-4-3-27F1 Development shall meet the minimum landscaping requirements in accord with chapter 3,
"Regulations Applying To All Districts", of this title, nd shall be in accord with the City of
Meridian Design Manual.
11-5A-2 D. Design Professionals Committee: The Design Professionals Committee a group of
design professionals selected from the general area of the Treasure Valley, shall convene
to offer recommendations to the Director on administrative design review matters.
Members of the Committee shall be licensed architects or landscape architects. The
Committee shall be comprised of no more than five (5) and not less than three (3)
members and shall meet as needed by the director.
E. Summary Of Actions And Authority:..
11-5A-2C 6. The director may convene a committee of design professionals to provide
recommendations on the interpretation and application of the guidelines contained in the
City of Meridian Design Manual The Committee may also review and make
recommendations on alternative compliance requests related to administrative design
review. The director shall review and act on recommendations from the Committee and
shall issue a final determination
11-5A-2C1c Withhold any certificate of zoning compliances or administrative design review approvals
on any property where structures or uses are in violation of this unified development code;
and
TABLE 11- DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY AND PROCESS BY APPLICATION
5A-2
Decision Making
Application Recommending Body Body Process
Accessory use, home occupation None
D N �.
with customers clients, and/or
employees
Administrative design review None or Design D
_A
Professionals Review
Committee or None
11-5A-4 ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS: /
agg-r�d by the diFenter's
Attachment C
UDC Text Changes for Design Manual
until the end of the fifteeR (15) day appeal peFied.
A. For purposes of this section "parties of record" shall include the applicant property
owners of record within one hundred feet (100') of the exterior boundary of the
application property and any person who in writing specifically requests such status
as to a particular application
B. Where the process specified by Table 11-5A-2 is administrative with public notice
1. Prior to submittal of an application the applicant shall hold a neighborhood
meeting in accord with section 11-5A-5(C) except that notice of such
neighborhood meeting shall be provided to all property owners of record within one
hundred feet (100') of the exterior boundary of the application property
2. Upon submission of a complete application The Planning Director shall review
such application and shall:
a. Prepare a final decision of denial which decision shall be supported by written
findings of fact and conclusions of law in accord with Idaho Code section 67
6519; or
b. _Prepare a final decision of approval which decision shall be supported by
written findings of fact and conclusions of law in accord with Idaho Code
section 67-6519 and shall set forth any and all conditions of approval
3. The Planning Director shall provide to the applicant notice of the final decision
4. The Planning Director shall provide to parties of record notice of the final decision
and notice of the opportunity and time within which to seek city council review of
such decision pursuant to section 11-5A-6
C. Where the process specified by Table 11-5A-2 is administrative:
1. Upon submission of a complete application The Planning Director shall review
such application and shall:
a. Prepare a final decision of denial which decision shall be supported by written
findings of fact and conclusions of law in accord with Idaho Code section 67
6519.
b. Prepare a final decision of approval which decision shall be supported by
written findings of fact and conclusions of law in accord with Idaho Code
section 67-6519 and shall set forth any and all conditions of approval; and/or
c. Convene the Design Professional Committee to provide recommendations on
an administrative design review application and/or an alternative compliance
request related to an administrative review application
2. The Planning Director shall provide to the applicant notice of the final decision
3. The Planning Director shall provide to parties of record notice of the final decision
and notice of the opportunity and time within which to seek city council review of
such decision pursuant to section 11-5A-6.
11-5B-5 TABLE 11-5B-5
ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE
Attachment C
UDC Text Changes for Design Manual
11-513-8 11-51B-8: ADMINISTRATIVE DESIGN REVIEW:
A. . Purpose:
1. To produce attractive developments with unique character and quality architectural
design.
2. To minimize the impact of the scale bulk and color of large structures on
surrounding properties
3. To encourage high quality building design that employs the use of good design
principles and features quality, durable materials
4. To protect the safety and convenience of pedestrian access within developments
and to build attractive pedestrian amenities
5. To provide greater attention to the design and location of structures in relationship to
the surrounding street
6. To locate noise generating activities away from any adjacent residential uses
7. To create attractive and quality designed structures reflecting the unique character
of Meridian along the city's entryway corridors
8. To promote quality growth patterns that support economic development and the
efficient use of resources
9. To guide the design of structures not control the type intensity or density of the use
B. Applicability.
1. Administrative design review shall be required for all new commercial industrial
institutional, public or quasi -public development subject to the following approvals
conditional use, certificate of zoning compliance and/or building permit;
2. Administrative design review shall be required for all exterior building alterations
including, but not limited to. the addition removal or modification of architectural
elements such as doors windows awnings, and arcades; building remodels where all
or a portion of a structure is modified including entrances facades rooflines and
building expansions, a change in exterior materials and/or color scheme, or any other
alteration that modifies the exterior a earance of the ig, approved conditions
and/or the requirements in this title and/or the City of Meridian Design Manual
3. Administrative design review shall be required for all site alterations including but
not limited to. the addition removal or modification of site improvements and/or
features, such as access, parking and landscaping or any other alteration that
modifies the site approved conditions and/or the requirements in this title and/or the
City of Meridian Design Manual
4. Administrative design review shall not apply to interior tenant improvements
5. Administrative design review shall not apply to the construction addition removal or
modification of detached single family homes and/or seconds dwellings unless
required as part of a development agreement
C. Process:
1. For projects requiring conditional use approval the applicant shall submit a written
application for administrative design review concurrent with the conditional use
qpplication.
2. For projects requirinq only certificate of zoning compliance approval the applicant
shall submit a written application for administrative design review prior to or concurrent
with the certificate of zoning compliance application
3. An application and fees in accord with article A "General Provisions" of this
chapter, shall be submitted to the director on forms provided by the planning
department.
4. The director shall apply the standards listed in Section 11-3A-19 and the -guidelines
re set forth in the Cityof Meridian Desi n Manual to review the administrative desi n
review request
Attachment C
UDC Text Changes for Design Manual
5. The administrative desi n review a roval shall expire if the applicant fails to obtain
certificate of zoning com liance approval and commence construction within ei hteen
(18) months from date of approval
D. Required Findin.gs In order to.grant approval for an administrative design review the
director shall determine that the proPosed structural and/or site designs conform to the
standards and meet or exceed the intent of the City of Meridian Desi n Manual.
Attachment C
CITY OF MERIDIAN
DESIGN MANUAL
OCTOBER 2008
1
City ofMeridion Design Manual
CONTENTS
Introduction........................................................... 1
Guiding Principles...................................................... 2
Design Manual: Applicability ............................................ 3
How to Use the Design Manual .......................................... 4
A. Development Context & Character .................................... 7
1.0 The Development Matrix..............................................9
Applicability................................................................9
Principles of Context & Place Making.......................................10
The General Process & Use of the Matrix....................................11
How to Use the Development Matrix.......................................12
The Development Context Worksheet......................................13
2.0 Development Matrix Organization....................................14
Matrix Structure...........................................................14
Matrix Land Use Groups....................................................16
Matrix Zoning Groups......................................................17
Matrix Development Categories..........................................18
General Development Contexts............................................20
B. Design Guidelines for Urban Developments .......................... 23
Introduction...............................................................25
Purpose...................................................................25
Applicability...............................................................25
1.0 Site Character........................................................26
1.1 Coherent Plan..........................................................26
1.2 Street Networks........................................................28
1.3 Access & Connectivity..................................................30
1.4 Orientation & Layout...................................................32
1.5 Parking.................................................................35
1.6 Public & Open Space....................................................37
1.7 Streetscape............................................................39
2.0 Architectural Character...............................................41
2.1 Cohesive Design........................................................41
2.2 Building Scale..........................................................42
2.3 Building Form..........................................................44
2.4 Architectural Elements.................................................46
2.5 Materials...............................................................48
2.6 Signs & Lighting........................................................SO
October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
CONTENTS (CONT.)
C. Design Guidelines for Urban/Suburban Developments ................ 53
Introduction...............................................................55
Purpose...................................................................55
Applicability...............................................................55
1.0 Site Character....................................................... 56
1.1 Coherent Plan..........................................................56
1.2 Access & Connectivity..................................................58
1.3 Orientation & Layout...................................................60
1.4 Parking .................................. ............................63
1.5 Public & Open Space....................................................65
1.6 Landscaping...........................................................67
2.0 Architectural Character...............................................69
2.1 Cohesive Design........................................................69
2.2 Building Scale..........................................................71
2.3 Building Form..........................................................73
2.4 Architectural Elements.................................................75
2.5 Materials...............................................................77
2.6 Signs & Lighting........................................................79
3.0 Specific Criteria.......................................................81
3.1 Industrial Developments................................................81
3.2 Residential Conversions................................................82
D. Design Guidelines for Suburban Developments ....................... 85
Introduction...............................................................87
Purpose...................................................................87
Applicability...............................................................87
1.0 Site Character....................................................... 88
1.1 Coherent Plan..........................................................88
1.2 Access & Connectivity..................................................90
1.3 Orientation & Layout...................................................92
1.4 Parking.................................................................95
1.5 Public & Open Space...................................................97
1.6 Landscaping............................................................99
2.0 Architectural Character .............................................
101
2.1 Cohesive Design.......................................................101
2.2 Building Scale.........................................................103
2.3 Building Form.........................................................105
2.4 Architectural Elements................................................107
2.5 Materials.............................................................
109
2.6 Signs & Lighting.......................................................111
3.0 Specific Criteria......................................................113
3.1 Neighborhood Centers................................................113
October2008 - iv-
City ofMeridian Design Manual
CONTENTS (CONT.)
E. Design Guidelines for Residential Developments ..................... 117
Introduction.............................................. ..............119
Purpose..................................................................119
Applicability..............................................................119
1.0 Site Character...................................................... 120
1.1 Coherent Plan.........................................................120
1.2 Access & Connectivity.................................................122
1.3 Orientation & Layout..................................................124
1.4 Common & Open Space...............................................127
2.0 Architectural Character ............................................. 130
2.1 Cohesive Design.......................................................130
2.2 Building Scale.........................................................132
2.3 Building Form.........................................................134
2.4 Architectural Elements................................................136
2.5 Materials..............................................................138
Appendix............................................................ 141
Terms & Definitions.................................................... 143
v - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
INTRODUCTION
The Meridian Planning Department, at the direction of the City Council, has
developed a Design Manual to support the City's mission to establish 'a vibrant
and caring community that promotes itself as a premier place to live, work, and raise
a family.'
The manual centers on design as an integrated component of the development
review process to encourage creative and innovative development solutions
that enhance the quality and character of built environments throughout the
City and to make Meridian an attractive, livable community.
The concept for "livable communities" focuses on a holistic approach that bal-
ances the economic, social, and environmental impacts of growth. This con-
cept embraces the idea that managing growth and development can occur in a
responsible, effective and efficient way that promotes the enhancement of the
general character, quality and health of the community.
Design, in terms of the physical and visual characteristics of development, has
an integral part in the creation of an attractive, livable and vibrant community.
When used properly with understanding and discipline, design can contribute
more than just an aesthetic appearance to development. It can also provide an
integrated, functional, and coherent solution that corroborates the principles of
a livable community and the values of the City of Meridian as expressed in the
Comprehensive Plan.
The Design Manual establishes expectations for proposed developments subject
to Design Review based on a hierarchical framework. The framework categorizes
the City of Meridian into general development contexts that correspond with
design guidelines to convey the expected physical and visual characteristics that
are necessary for developments to create distinctive areas throughout the com-
munity.
In addition to providing the City with a planning tool that uses design guidelines
to address the functional and aesthetic qualities and characteristics of develop-
ment, the manual lays the foundation for growth and development to create
attractive, lasting, and quality built environments that contribute to the progres-
sion of Meridian as a livable community.
1 October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Purpose:
The guiding principles provide direction for proposed developments and iden-
tify the underlying concepts and design fundamentals that are necessaryfor the
City of Meridian to evolve into an integrated, livable, and vibrant community.
Proposed developments should use the guiding principles as a foundation to
create integrated, functional, and quality built environments that enhance the
character and livability of Meridian within the hierarchical development frame-
work established in the Design Manual.
Applicability:
The guiding principles apply to new developments, and to existing develop-
ments where all or a portion of the improvements change the size of the build-
ing or structure, impact the site, and/or alter existing uses, including, but not lim-
ited to, fa4ade alterations, building or structure additions, and site modifications,
with the exception of individual single-family detached residential units.
Guiding Principles:
■ A livable community promotes diversity by providing citizens a variety of
housing options, shopping and recreational experiences, employment
opportunities, and transportation alternatives.
■ Mixed -use and compact developments support urban activity areas, neigh-
borhood and transit centers, and employment areas that strengthen the
identity, character and livability of the community.
■ Infill and redevelopment of areas like Old Town provide opportunities to
focus growth inward toward the city center and other economic and activity
areas.
■ Commitment to creating an attractive community promotes quality growth
patterns that support economic development and the efficient use of
resources.
■ Building orientations, arrangements, and site layouts are essential to the
development of attractive built environments.
■ Increased connectivity provides multiple mobility options for residents and
visitors, including vehicular, pedestrian, and transit accommodations that
support a walkable community.
■ Cohesive building designs that employ the use of good design principles and
feature quality, durable materials promote attractive buildings that enhance
property values and promote an aesthetic development character.
■ Accessible public and open spaces integrated throughout the City enhance
the civic character and identity of the community, provide attractive places
and amenities for residents and visitors, and encourage formal and informal
social interactions.
■ Public art provides an opportunity to educate and promote the commu-
nity's cultural identity and heritage as well as provide interest for buildings
and public spaces.
October2008 - 2 -
ofMeridian Design Manual
DESIGN MANUAL: APPLICABILITY
Applicability:
Administrative design review as established in Chapter 5, Article B, Section 8
of the Unified Development Code and conformance with the City of Meridian
Design Manual shall be required for all:
1. New commercial, industrial, institutional, public or quasi -public develop-
ment subject to the following approvals: conditional use, certificate of zon-
ing compliance and/or building permit.
2. Exterior building alterations, including, but not limited to: the addition,
removal, or modification of architectural elements, such as doors, win-
dows, awnings, and arcades; building remodels where all or a portion of a
structure is modified, including entrances, facades, rooflines, and building
expansions; a change in exterior materials and/or color scheme; or any other
alteration that modifies the exterior appearance of the building, approved
conditions, and/or the requirements in the UDC and/or the City of Meridian
Design Manual.
3. Site alterations, including, but not limited to: the addition, removal, or modi-
fication of site improvements and/or features, such as access, parking, and
landscaping, or any other alteration that modifies the site, approved condi-
tions, and/or the requirements in UDC and/or the City of Meridian Design
Manual.
Administrative design review and conformance with the City of Meridian Design
Manual shall not be required for interior tenant improvements and detached
single-family and/or secondary dwellings unless required as part of a develop-
ment agreement.
Alternative Compliance:
The director may consider an alternative design proposal through the alternative
compliance provisions asset forth in Chapter 5, Article B, Section 5 of the Unified
Development Code for the following conditions:
1. If the location of existing buildings or structures prevents conformance with
the guidelines of the City of Meridian Design Manual, or
2. If strict adherence to the guidelines would create inconsistency in the design
objectives of the proposed development.
The director may approve, or recommend approval of, such an alternative com-
pliance proposal when the overall design, as proposed by the applicant, meets
or exceeds the intent of the City of Meridian Design Manual and the require-
ments of Chapter 3, Article A, Section 19, Structure and Site Design Standards,
of the Unified Development Code and is not detrimental to public health, safety,
and welfare.
-3- October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
HOW TO USE THE DESIGN MANUAL
The manual was created for both private sector users and City planning staff. The
private sector should reference the manual throughout the process of planning
developments within the City of Meridian and Areas of Impact. Planning staff
will use the guidelines to facilitate the review process and ensure that proposed
developments are capable of achieving the objectives and goals of the commu-
nity.
As the development process is undoubtedly unique to each proposal, it is there-
fore not practical for the Design Manual and guidelines to address every possible
solution. The City encourages the creative and innovative use of current and
emerging development and design practices.
The manual consists of five sections:
Section A. Development Context & Character
Section B. Design Guidelines for Urban Developments
Section C. Design Guidelines for Urban/Suburban Developments
Section D. Design Guidelines for Suburban Developments
Section E. Design Guidelines for Residential Developments
In Section A, the Development Matrix provides a mechanism for proposed
developments to determine an appropriate development context and character.
Sections B through E contain the site and architectural design guidelines that
express the general expectations and objectives for developments.
Together these sections direct development to meet the expectations of planned
land uses, intensity levels, and the anticipated character envisioned by the com-
munity.
The following steps are a general outline to prepare and review development
applications and plans:
1. Review the existing conditions, types of land uses, and intensities of the site
and surrounding areas in relation to planned land uses and intensity levels
as indicated on the Future Land Use Map.
2. Use the Development Matrix in Section A to determine an appropriate con-
text for the proposed development and the associated physical and aes-
thetic expectations that define the general character of the development.
3. Identify the corresponding manual sections that contain the design guide-
lines that are necessary to establish an integrated development and achieve
the anticipated development context and character.
4. Conduct a pre -design meeting with the Planning staff to review the pro-
posed development context and expectations for development and deter-
mine Design Review applicability.
5. Develop a site plan to establish a suitable development context.
October2008 - 4 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
How To USE THE DESIGN MANUAL (CONT.)
6. Develop architectural and landscape plans, elevations, and additional draw-
ings or other communicative media as needed to convey an appropriate
character that reinforces the development context.
Review the Comprehensive Plan, guiding principles, and the guideline
objectives as needed to direct development toward achieving an appropri-
ate context, an aesthetic character, and a functional, integrated built envi-
ronment.
8. Conduct a pre -application meeting with the Planning staff to review the
proposed development prior to submitting applications.
- 5 October2008
A.
DEVELOPMENT
CONTEXT &
CHARACTER
OCTOBER 2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Develonmant rr)ntovt
A. DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & CHARACTER
1.0 THE DEVELOPMENT MATRIX
APPLICABILITY
Applicability:
The use of the Development Matrix shall be required for develop-
ments subject to administrative design review; however, all develop-
ments are encouraged to use the matrix to plan for and anticipate the
development of appropriate contexts throughout the City.
Developments subject to administrative design review should pro-
pose an appropriate development context as determined from the
matrix. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide suffi-
cient evidence in support of the proposed development context. The
City invites and strongly encourages applicants to work with staff to
understand the Development Matrix and its application to determine
development contexts prior to beginning site and building design.
2
Where there is confusion, conflict or disagreement, the director shall
determine the appropriateness of the proposed development and its
associated context.
HD MD LD
intensity
- 9 October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual Development Context
A. DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & CHARACTER
1.0 THE DEVELOPMENT MATRIX
PRINCIPLES OF CONTEXT & PLACE MAKING
General Principles of Context and Place Making:
Developments are encouraged to seek and take advantage of oppor-
tunities that establish context and create distinctive places that pro-
mote identity within the community and contribute to the City's
efforts to establish Meridian as a quality place to live, work, and raise
a family.
Use the Development Matrix and the general principles of context
and place making below to determine and define appropriate con-
texts for developments throughout the City.
1. Think of context as places within places, and use this concept to
focus on the relationships between developments and the influ-
ences that components of development have on one another.
2. Developments should use context as a spatial reference to iden-
tify boundaries and edges of districts, areas, and places within
the community.
3. Context and place making are an exercise in spatial organization;
developments should consider the spatial structure and relation-
ships of individual components within an overall composition.
4. Context develops and evolves over time; developments within
the City should not only relate to existing patterns and relation-
ships, but are also encouraged to anticipate and establish pat-
terns as planned and envisioned in the Comprehensive Plan.
October2008 - 10 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Develonment Context
A. DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & CHARACTER
1.0 THE DEVELOPMENT MATRIX
THE GENERAL PROCESS & USE OF THE MATRIX
Objectives:
The general process below outlines the use of the Development
Matrix to accomplish the following objectives. CLAND usE
1. To determine and define an appropriate context and character ZONING
for proposed developments
2. To identify the applicable section(s) and design guidelines in the IE�)
Design Manual
Process:
MATRIX
The process for any proposed development starts by compiling
known or anticipated information about a subject property or devel-
opment, such as its location and designated land use, zoning district,
RESULT
and general information about the proposed development, like types
and intensity of uses, as well as surrounding and planned develop-
ments (reference graphic on the right).
GENERAL
CONTEXT GUIDELINES
The next step is to use the Development Matrix and the information
+
compiled for the proposed development to determine a single matrix
result. (See How to Use the Development Matrix on page 12 of the
L!1ROPRIATE
ONTEXT
Design Manual.)
+
From the matrix result, a general development context is determined
=DC
that in turn identifies the appropriate design guideline sections in the
Design Manual.
DIRECT
A more detailed development context within this general context can DEVELOPMENT
be defined that lays out the development expectations, fundamen-
tal site and building relationships, and the design objectives that are
critical to the establishment of an appropriate and compatible devel-
opment context.
Developments must comply with the standards and requirements in
the UDC, in addition to using an appropriate context and applicable
design guidelines that direct developments to create quality built
environments that provide aesthetic site and architectural character.
- 11 - October2008
City ofMeridion Design Manual Development Context
A. DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & CHARACTER
1.0 THE DEVELOPMENT MATRIX
HOW TO USE THE DEVELOPMENT MATRIX
How to Use the Development Matrix:
Use the sequence of steps below and the Development Context
Worksheet to determine an appropriate general context and appli-
cable design guidelines for proposed developments.
The steps follow the general process as outlined on the previous page;
however, because of the structure and organization of the Develop-
ment Matrix, alternative sequencing of the steps may also direct
development to an appropriate context.
The City recognizes that the set of steps below is not the only sequence
to determine development context, but the City does encourage pro-
posed developments to start the process by identifying land uses and
the associated designations.
Development Matrix Process Steps:
1. Verify the proposed development's location, land use designa-
tion, adjacent and surrounding land uses, current zoning, if any,
and other characteristics or constraints that may influence con-
text.
2. Identify the land use group(s) and development matrix row(s)
that correspond to the information from the previous step.
3. Identify the zoning group(s) and Development Matrix column(s)
that correspond to the informationfrom step 1. If none, proceed
to the next step.
4. Use the Development Matrix to determine the associated devel-
opment categories from the row(s) and column(s) identified in
steps 2 and 3.
5. Use the Development Matrix to determine the possible "matrix
result(s)"from the previous steps.
6. Evaluate the matrix result(s) from step 5 to determine an appro-
priate development context. Use the land use descriptions and
community objectives in the Comprehensive Plan; the zoning
and development descriptions in the UDC; the inherent associa-
tions, adjacencies, and descriptions in the Development Matrix
and organization; and the development vision of the City and/
or the development team. Note: The purpose of this step is to
narrow the results and to consider what an appropriate context
might be for a development and surrounding area.
7. Choose one of the remaining results and use the Development
Context Worksheet to determine the general context and iden-
tify the corresponding design guidelines.
8. Select a zoning district and identify the associated zoning
group(s), check zoning district for compatibility with step 7.
October2008 - 12 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Development Contayt
A. DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & CHARACTER
1.0 THE DEVELOPMENT MATRIX
THE DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT WORKSHEET
c
c
ru
1
c
to
.Q
7
2
2
HD MD LID
intensity
General Development Contexts:
Urban: 1 A, 1 B, 2A, 2B
Urban/Suburban: 2C, 36, 3C, 3D
Suburban: 4C, 4D, 4E, 5D
Rural: 5E
Land Use Groups: Comprehensive Plan (& Ten Mile Specific Area) Designations
1 Old Town, (MUC = Mixed -use Commercial), (HIDE = High -density Employment),
(MUR = Mixed -use Residential), High -density Residential (HDR)
Old Town, Commercial, (MUC = Mixed -use Commercial), Mixed -use Community, (HIDE = High -density
2 Employment), (ME = Mixed Employment), (LC = Lifestyle Center), (MUR = Mixed -use Residential), High -density
Residential (HDR), Med/High-density Residential (MHDR)
Mixed -use Regional, (LC = Lifestyle Center), Mixed -use Interchange, Mixed -use Community, (MUC = Mixed -use
3 Commercial), Commercial, (ME = Mixed Employment), (LDE = Low -density Employment), Office, Industrial (IND),
(MUR = Mixed -use Residential), Med/High-density Residential (MHDR), Med-density Residential (MDR)
4 Mixed -use Community, Mixed -use Neighborhood, Office, N.C. = Neighborhood Center,
Med-density Residential (MDR), Low -density Residential (LDR)
5 Low -density Residential (LDR)
Zoning Groups:
A 0-T, TN-C, H-E
R-40,R-15
B O-T, TN-C, C-C, H-E, M-E, I-L
TN-R, R-40, R-15
Cu: C-G, C-C, M-E, ki-, I-H, TN-C, R-15
C Cs: C-C, C-N, L-0, TN-R, R-8
D TN-R, R-8, R-4
TN-C, C-N, L-O
E R-4, R-2
I-L (urban farms)
Development Categories:
ETransit -oriented
■ Urban/Activity Center
Transitional
Neighborhood
u Rural Settina
-13-
City ofMeridion Design Manual
Development Context
A. DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & CHARACTER
2.0 DEVELOPMENT MATRIX ORGANIZATION
MATRIX STRUCTURE
The Development Matrix Structure:
The organization of the Development Matrix is based on a 5 x 5 matrix
that utilizes two scales and three organizing groups to determine a
general context for proposed developments.
The horizontal rows are delineated with a scale that the matrix uses to
identify an appropriate character for potential sites and/or buildings.
The character scale sets the top two rows as urban, the next two rows
as suburban, and the last row as rural.
The vertical columns are delineated with an intensity/density scale
that decreases from left to right. The matrix uses these columns to
indicate an expectation of development intensity and/or appropriate
density for housing units: (HD = High -density, MD = Medium -density,
LD = Low -density).
The three organizing groups (land use, zoning, and development
category) are arranged on the matrix according to an appropriate
fit using the two scales. The content and composition of each group
are explained on the following pages. In addition, the following page
shows each group's general arrangement in the matrix; note that a
group's general arrangement may differ from the arrangement in the
Development Matrix.
The Development Context Worksheet contains the Development
Matrix and each organizing group along with a fourth group, gen-
eral context, that arranges the possible matrix results (group combi-
nations) under the following general development contexts, Urban,
Urban/Suburban, Suburban, and Rural.
Use the worksheet as an aid to determine an appropriate context and
the associated expectations for proposed developments. In addition,
the general context group also identifies the applicable design guide-
lines.
HD MD LD
intensity
K
October2008 - 14 -
CityofMeridion Design Manual
Development Context
A. DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & CHARACTER
2.0 DEVELOPMENT MATRIX ORGANIZATION
MATRIX STRUCTURE (CONT.)
2
2
c
c
fu
2
HD Mn in
:ontext
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
intensity
HD MD In
:ontext
A
B
C
D
E
A
B
A
B
C
B
C
D
C
D
E
D
E
intensity
HD MD LD
Land Use
most intensive, traniit-oriented,
emphasize vertical mixed -use
2
more intensive, emphasize vertical
mixed -use
m
3
horizontal mixed -use, commercial &
service -oriented
less intensive, emphasize neigh-
4
borhood & residential uses
5
least intensive, open space & natural
uses, limited residential
1
Zoning
A
most suitable for urban developments
B
more suitable for urban
v
developments
C
suitable for urban or suburban
ru
developments
"
D
more suitable for suburban
developments
E
more suitable for rural & natural
environments
2
Development Category
■patterns that support the use of local &
regional transit facilities
Spatterns that support districts, urban
centers, & neighborhoods
encourage transitions between urban &
s
suburban patterns
Kpatterns
that support livable &
connected neighborhoods
❑define
city edges & maintain rural
settings
intensity g
- 15 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual Development Context
A. DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & CHARACTER
2.0 DEVELOPMENT MATRIX ORGANIZATION
MATRIX LAND USE GROUPS
Purpose:
Organizing the general land use designations listed in the Comprehensive and Ten Mile Specific Area plans into
groups based on the expected uses and intensity outcomes establishes a development hierarchy for the City.
Organization:
The groups arrange the land use designations according to the expected use intensity for non-residential and
densityfor residential. Each group has a number associated with it;'1'represents the most intense land uses and
'S'the least intensive. The table below shows the land use groups with their associated land use designations.
Groups 1 and 2 emphasize the forms and intensities found in vertical mixed -use environments. They include the
land use designations that encourage the establishment and appropriate compatibility of such uses, intensities,
and densities within an urban environment.
Group 3 emphasizes the forms and intensities found in horizontal mixed -use environments. It includes those
designations that warrant compatibility and transition between uses, intensities, and densities with other
adjacent and neighboring urban and suburban developments.
Groups 4 and 5 emphasize the establishment of functional residential neighborhoods. They include those
designations that establish the appropriate uses, intensities, and densities of functional suburban neighborhoods.
Group 4 allows the development of a concentrated urban presence through mixed -use neighborhood centers.
Group 5 emphasizes the incorporation, preservation, and connection of open space.
Groups:
Land Use - Comprehensive Plan (& Ten Mile Specific Area) Designations
Old Town, (MUC = Mixed -use Commercial), (HDE = High -density Employment),
(MUR = Mixed -use Residential), High -density Residential (HDR)
Old Town, Commercial, (MUC = Mixed -use Commercial), Mixed -use Community, (HDE = High -
density Employment), (ME = Mixed Employment), (LC = Lifestyle Center), (MUR = Mixed -use
Residential), High -density Residential (HDR), Med/High-density Residential (MHDR)
Mixed -Use Regional, (LC = Lifestyle Center), Mixed -Use Interchange, Mixed -Use Community,
3 (MUC = Mixed -use Commercial), Commercial, (ME = Mixed Employment), (LDE = Low -density
Employment), Office, Industrial (IND), (MUR = Mixed -use Residential), Med/High-density
Residential (MHDR), Med-density Residential (MDR)
4 Mixed -Use Community, Mixed -use Neighborhood, Office, N.C. = Neighborhood Center*,
Med-density Residential (MDR), Low -density Residential (LDR)
5 Low -density Residential (LDR)
* See Comprehensive Plan description for development and context intent.
October2008 - 16 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Development Context
A. DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & CHARACTER
2.0 DEVELOPMENT MATRIX ORGANIZATION
MATRIX ZONING GROUPS
Purpose:
Organizing the zoning districts from the Unified Development Code into'groups based on the collaborative
potential of the districts within a group reinforces the development hierarchy established from the
organization of land uses. These zoning groups represent development potential for the type and intensity
of uses that correspond to an associated context, such as urban or suburban.
Organization:
The groups combine the zoning districts based on compatibility and the potential to develop the desired
mix of uses and intensities that support certain development characters and forms (for example, vertical
mixed use). Each group has a letter associated with it:'A'represents the districts that are most suitable for
intense urban development within the City;'E'represents the districts that are more suitable for less intense
uses (rural and natural settings).
Note: Not all districts and their allowed uses are compatible with the intended land use designation or
desired development character. Refer to character descriptions, development hierarchy, comprehensive
land use designation, and district purpose to determine the appropriateness and compatibility of
proposed developments.
Groups A and 8 emphasize the uses and development forms that would support vertical mixed -use
environments and the establishment of an urban context. These groups encourage developments to
incorporate compatible uses, intensities, and densities to create and enhance urban areas.
Group Cemphasizes the uses and development forms that would support horizontal mixed -use environment.
This group encourages developments to incorporate the appropriate compatibility of uses, intensities, and
densities to create and strengthen compatibility and transitions between uses, intensities, and densities
with neighboring urban and suburban contexts. Note that this group is divided into two sub -groups, one
being more urban and the other more suburban.
Groups D and E emphasize residential and associated uses for the development of functional neighborhoods.
These groups encourage development of a suburban context that creates sustainable neighborhoods, small
urban centers, and connections to adjacent areas and open spaces.
Groups:
Zoning
A O-T, TN-C, WE
R-40,R-15
B O-T, TN-C, C-C, H-E, M-E, I-L
TN-R, R-40, R-15
C CU: C-G, C-C, M-E, I-L, 1-H, TN-C, R-15
CS: C-C, C-N, L-O, TN-R, R-8
D TN-R, R-8, R-4
TN-C, C-N, L-O
R-4, R-2
I-L (urban farms)
- 17 October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual Development Context
A. DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & CHARACTER
2.0 DEVELOPMENT MATRIX ORGANIZATION
MATRIX DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES
Purpose:
Assigning a general description to the development hierarchy provides an overview of the function of
developments within a certain context and establishes a base of expectations. These brief descriptions,
organized by basic relationships between intensity, uses, form, character, and connectivity, support the
objectives of the community to create and enhance quality environments throughout the City.
Organization:
The categories combine general uses, development intensities, and expected relationships to describe a
general character and form. The descriptions identify key relationships between the location of land uses,
development hierarchy, and appropriate context.The development character matrix distributes the categories
to form associations with land use and zoning group combinations.
Categories:
Development Patterns
transit
urban
transitional
neighborhood
rural setting
Descriptions:
Transit — Pedestrian -oriented, highest intensity vertical mixed -use developments near a transit station/
stop and supported by an adjacent urban center or urban neighborhood. Encourage public, commercial/
retail, entertainment and cultural uses at or near ground level with office and/or residential uses above.
Buildings and structures articulated architecturally and oriented on the site to form a cohesive urban setting
and environment with integrated pedestrian and public space amenities. Physical and visual connections
provided to other districts, urban neighborhoods, and mixed -use developments.
Urban — Pedestrian -oriented, medium -high to high -intensity vertical mixed -use developments clustered
to form economic and/or social/cultural centers. Encourage public, commercial/retail, entertainment and
cultural uses at or near ground level with office and/or residential uses above. Establish urban centers and
mixed -use neighborhoods to promote and maintain the Downtown District and the main street atmosphere
throughout the City. Buildings and structures articulated architecturally and oriented on the site to form a
cohesive urban setting and environment with integrated pedestrian and public space amenities. Physical
and visual connections provided to other districts, urban neighborhoods, transit centers, and adjacent
commercial/employment areas.
October2008 - 18 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Development Context
A. DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & CHARACTER
2.0 DEVELOPMENT MATRIX ORGANIZATION
MATRIX DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES (CONT.)
Transitional —Pedestrian -friendly and automobile -accommodated medium to medium -high intensity vertical
and horizontal mixed -use or single -use developments integrated along urban and suburban edges creating
areas of transition between contexts. Provide employment, services, and goods that support adjacent urban
and suburban developments, including, but not limited to, commercial, industrial, office, medical, educational,
parks and mixed residential. Buildings and structures form a cohesive compact development appropriate
for establishing a mixed (transitional) character compatible with adjacent and neighboring contexts. The
architecture and site layout emphasize the mix of urban and suburban settings through the integration of
pedestrian, public, and open space amenities. Physical and visual connections provided to nearby urban
districts, employment areas, and residential neighborhoods.
Neighborhood — Pedestrian -friendly, integrated, livable residential neighborhoods connected to urban and
town centers. Provides mixed housing options for residents and limits non-residential development for
essential services and needs. Buildings and structures employ design principles to develop character and
identity. Street and roadway patterns provide access to other areas and districts in the City and promote
the internal connectivity of the neighborhood. Provide sufficient quantity, quality, and access to integrated
pedestrian, neighborhood, and open space amenities. Physical and visual connections provided to urban
districts, employment/commercial areas, adjacent neighborhoods, and the rural/natural setting.
Rural Setting — Emphasize the incorporation, preservation, and connection of open space, the dedication of
a rural/city edge and residential developments that utilize sustainable low -impact strategies to maintain
and contribute to the appearance of rural character. Buildings and structures employ design principles that
reduce the impact of development on the environment and minimize the extension of City services. Physical
and visual connections provided to adjacent neighborhoods and nearby urban or town centers.
- 19 - October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Development Context
A. DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & CHARACTER
2.0 DEVELOPMENT MATRIX ORGANIZATION
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT CONTEXTS
Purpose:
To combine individual matrix groups of similar land use, development characteristics, and intensities from
the development matrix into general context categories that establish links between development hierarchy
and the physical and functional attributes associated with the expected outcomes of development within an
appropriate context.
Organization:
The matrix results (group combinations) are arranged into four categories that represent the accepted general
contexts for development in Meridian. Each category contains one or more results with similar characteristics,
intensity levels, and development patterns based on adjacencies in the Development Matrix and development
hierarchy.
Each category corresponds to a Design Manual section containing design guidelines that address key relationships
between sites and buildings. The successful outcome of development and the general context is dependent on
the integration of the design guidelines to establish these relationships in a functional and aesthetic. way that
promotes place making.
Categories:
General Context
urban center/transit village, pedestrian -oriented, vertically
Urban - 1 A, 1 B, 2A, 26 integrated mixed -use
Urban/Suburban - 2C, 313, 3C, 3D transitional development, pedestrian -friendly, urban
neighborhood, retail/service, industrial
Suburban - 4C, 4D, 4E, 5D limited development, light service/retail, suburban
neighborhood, open space
minimal development, rural residential,
Rural - SE natural open space/urban farms
October2008 - 20 -
Be
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR
URBAN
DEVELOPMENTS
OCTOBER 2008
Oty ofMeddian Design Manual
URBAN DEVELOPMENTS
Introduction:
The guidelines in this section describe and illustrate important physical and
visual characteristics that enable developments to create functional and quality
built environments that define livable, vibrant, and attractive urban places.
Use these guidelines for development proposals in this category to enhance
existing urban areas and establish new urban environments throughout the City
as designated in the Comprehensive Plan and specific area plans.
Urban developments should convey an appropriate urban context based on
the site and architectural characteristics outlined in the design guidelines and
emphasize the establishment of pedestrian environments and community con-
nectivity through the integration of street networks and attractive streetscapes.
Urban developments should incorporate various public and open spaces and
design these spaces as amenities that draw people to urban areas.
Urban environments that provide a mix of uses, public and open spaces, trans-
portation options, and encourage pedestrian activity will contribute to the liv-
ability and vitality of Meridian.
Purpose:
These guidelines address basic physical and visual relationships necessary for
developments, within an urban context, to be successful as pedestrian -oriented
environments and create urban neighborhoods, districts, and activity centers
that present quality characters with aesthetically pleasing designs.
The City encourages the creative and innovative use of current and emerging
development and design practices that meet or exceed the general expectations
of the community as expressed in the Compressive Plan, the guiding principles
of the Design Manual, and the objectives of the guidelines.
Applicability:
The guidelines in this section of the manual applyto development proposals with
an Urban Development Context as determined from the development matrix.
Apply these guidelines to non-residential developments and coordinate resi-
dential developments with Section E. Design Guidelines for Residential Develop-
ments.
25 October 2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.1 COHERENT PLAN
B-1.1.1. Notes:
B-1.1.1.1. The City recognizes that designated and anticipated
urban environments throughout the community will
develop under different conditions and the guidelines
should be applied accordingly. For example, Old Town
and the Downtown District have an existing urban
framework, while other areas may be infill or greenfield
developments.
B-1.1.1.2. Individual developments, regardless of size, are encour-
aged to create their own identity and character, but
should use the Design Manual to ensure that the devel-
opment establishes a compatible contribution to the
anticipated urban environment.
B-1.1.2. Objective:
B-1.1.2.1. To encourage the creation, enhancement, and evolution
of compatible urban and mixed -use developments that
promote functional, integrated, and attractive built envi-
ronments.
B-1.1.3. Guidelines:
B-1.1.3.1. Development should contribute to the anticipated urban
form and character and enhance the existing urban envi-
ronment as appropriate.
B-1.1.3.1.1. Emphasize a compatible mix of uses, including retail,
commercial, office, residential, civic, cultural, and
educational, that support functional, attractive, and
livable urban neighborhoods, districts and activity
centers.
B-1.1.3.1.2. Relate proposed development, including land uses
and activities, to adjacent and surrounding uses and
public spaces as appropriate to maintain compatibil-
ity and establish the continuity of the planned urban
form and character.
Figure 1. This illustration shows the cumulative affect of using
consistent and similar building designs to establish an appro-
priate urban form with a usable pedestrian environment and
streetscape.
'Res..
Res•
�'VM1L
Figure 2. This concept diagram shows how compatible uses
might be arranged in a vertical mixed -use orientation.
October2008 - 26 -
City of Meridian Design Manual Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.1 COHERENT PLAN (CONT.)
B-1.1.3.2. Anticipate the addition of future transit systems to the
transportation network and plan for the integration of
appropriate transit facilities and infrastructure.
B-1.1.3.2.1. Coordinate routes, placement of facilities, and infra-
structure improvements with the appropriate trans- _
portation authorities and any adopted or accepted'-�-
long-range plans.
B-1.1.3.3. Appropriately address the critical issues of site layout
that influence urban development character, including, ° �►
but not limited to, street networks and patterns, block
configurations, vehicular access, pedestrian connectivity,
building orientation and site layout, parking, and public
spaces.
Figure 3. A coherent plan anticipates future needs of the com-
munity, such as accessible transit and linked pedestrian environ-
ments.
- 27 October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.2 STREET NETWORKS
B-1.2.1. Notes:
B-1.2.1.1. Development proposals should extend the use of an
existing urban framework or establish a new street and
block pattern as appropriate to the location of the proj-
ect within the City.
B-1.2.1.2. Interconnected street networks provide multiple pedes-
trian and vehicular connections and support the devel-
opment of the physical form of the urban environment.
B-1.2.2. Objective:
B-1.2.2.1. To establish a foundational framework, with suitable
urban street patterns, that encourages the development
of functional, attractive, and integrated urban environ-
ments.
B-1.2.3. Guidelines:
B-1.2.3.1. Use an appropriate urban development pattern, such as
a grid, grid and squares, radial, web or other combination
of geometric forms, as a framework for street networks
and block configurations.
B-1.2.3.1.1. Development proposals in the Downtown District
and Old Town should extend the use of a grid pat-
tern.
B-1.2.3.2. Create street networks using a hierarchy of roadway
typologies and classifications consistent with the high-
way district standards.
B-1.2.3.2.1. Use local, collector, and arterial roadways, as appro-
priate, to establish an interconnected street network.
Coordinate traffic movements and direction with the
surrounding roadway pattern.
B-1.2.3.2.2. Where appropriate, preserve or create and use alleys
as part of the street network. Alleys allow for inter-
nal access to blocks and reduce the need for direct
access off roadways.
Figure 4. Example of an alternative street network; base grid
with bisecting radial roadways thatgenerate from a central loca-
tion and enhanced with public or open spaces.
C
Figure S. Example of an alternative street network; base grid
with offsetting blocks that establish street corridors to frame pub-
lic and open space, or significant civic or cultural architecture.
October2008 - 28 -
City of Meridian Design Manual Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.2 STREET NETWORKS (CONT.)
B-1.2.3.3. Establish blocks that are compatible with the urban
framework and street network. Where appropriate,
enhance or restore existing blocks configurations.
B-1.2.3.3.1. Blocks should generally be square, slightly elongated
rectangles, or
�'
011
geometrically shaped (if the urban
development pattern used is other than a grid).
B-1.2.3.3.2. Use block configurations that provide relative uni-
formity in size, spacing, shape, and orientation.
B-1.2.3.3.3. Generally, blocks should not exceed a length greater
EX] 1:1 El El 0
than 500 feet along any side; however, greater block
lengths may be appropriate on a case -by -case
Figure 6. Example of apossible block configuration including
basis after considering the need or purpose of the
elongated blocks and blocks designed to accommodate open
Increased length.
space orothersite and community amenities.
- 29 October2O08
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.3 ACCESS & CONNECTIVITY
B-1.3.1. Notes:
B-1.3.1.1. Multiple modes of transportation are essential through-
out the urban environment; however, development
should emphasize pedestrian mobility, connectivity, and
access to transit facilities.
B-1.3.1.2. Modes of transportation include vehicular, pedestrian,
cycling, bus, rail, and other accessible means of travel
from one place to another.
B-1.3.2. Objectives:
B-1.3.2.1. To promote connectivity and accommodate various
modes of transportation by establishing contiguous
pedestrian environments, integrating accessible transit,
and linking urban and public spaces.
B-1.3.2.2. To mitigate the physical and visual impacts that vehicular
accommodations have on the urban form and character,
particularly along roadways.
B-1.3.3. Guidelines:
B-1.3.3.1. Limit direct vehicular access off major roadways to
maintain the continuity of pedestrian environments,
streetscapes, and the urban character.
B-1.3.3.1.1. Where appropriate, use alleys to provide vehicular
access to blocks, sites, and buildings.
B-1.3.3.1.2. The preferred options to provide access are alleys
and local roadways. Access from arterial and collec-
tor roadways is discouraged.
B-1.3.3.1.3. Coordinate access points with adjacent sites and uses
to limit interruptions along roadways, streetscapes,
and pedestrian environments. Individual building
and site access points are discouraged.
B-1.3.3.2. Provide pedestrian connections that establish contigu-
ous pedestrian networks throughout the urban environ-
ment.
B-1.3.3.2.1. Use sidewalks, mid -block passages, on -site pedes-
trian circulation, alleyways and multiuse corridors to
link adjacent uses, including blocks, buildings, pub-
lic spaces, and parking facilities.
B-1.3.3.2.2. Where appropriate, multiple pedestrian routes
should converge on significant urban places, such
as transit facilities, parks, plazas, civic buildings, and
other public spaces.
Figure 7. Limited and combined site accesspoints reduce poten-
tial vehicle to vehicle conflicts and provide opportunities for well-
defined, safe pedestrian environments.
0
Figure S. Multiple connections between sites and buildings pro-
videpedestrians greater mobility and reduce vehicle trips within
a site, area, or destination.
October2008 - 30 -
City ofMerldian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.3 ACCESS & CONNECTIVITY (CONT.)
B-1.3.3.3. Plan for access and connectivity to future transit facili-
ties, including, but not limited to, pullouts, stops, and
shelters.
B-1.3.3.3.1. Coordinate with the appropriate agencies and orga-
nizations to ensure the successful integration of
transit facilities and infrastructure as integrated ele-
ments of the urban environment.
B-1.3.3.3.2. Provide adequate pedestrian connections from
adjacent public spaces that allow convenient, direct
access to transit facilities.
Figure 9. Successful urban environments develop the capacity
to accommodate multiple modes of transportation and intercon-
nected routes forgreatermobility.
-31-
October 2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.4 ORIENTATION & LAYOUT
B-1.4.1. Objective:
B-1.4.1.1. To ensure that site organization, including, but not lim-
ited to, the placement and orientation of buildings,
structures, and public spaces, as well as the location and
layout of service and parking areas, contributes to the
establishment of an appropriate urban form and charac-
ter.
B-1.4.2. Guidelines:
B-1.4.2.1. Locate buildings to establish an appropriate urban form
that enhances the character and attractiveness of the
building and surrounding uses.
13-1.4.2.1.1. Place building fa�adesatorclose tothe build -to -lines
(property lines and/or setbacks as appropriate in the
zoning district and/or streetscape standards) to pro-
vide street walls as elements of the urban form.
B-1.4.2.1.2. Orient building fa4ades toward roadways and public
spaces to enclose and delineate pedestrian environ-
ments and streetscapes.
B-1.4.2.1.3. Where appropriate, extend building fa4ades to inte-
rior lot lines (and rear setbacks on alleys) to establish
a continuous street wall along block lengths.
B-1.4.2.1.4. Use buildings that incorporate articulated fa4ades
and architectural elements or integrated public
spaces to anchor block corners at intersections.
B-1.4.2.2. Primary building entries for ground level and upper story
uses should be oriented to provide access from adjacent
roadways and public spaces. Secondary and alterna-
tive entries may access buildings and uses from parking
areas, parking structures, and other areas with available
access to the public.
Figure 10. Establish an appropriate urban form by bringing
buildings up close to roadways to enhance pedestrian environ-
ments and streetscapes.
Figure 11. Primary building entrances on the street provide
comfortable access and walking distances; secondary building
entrances may accommodate patrons that arrive by vehicle.
October2008 - 32 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.4 ORIENTATION & LAYOUT (CONT.)
B-1.4.2.3. Strategically locate public and urban spaces to encour-
age pedestrian activity, enhance the attractiveness of
the community, and create landmarks that add character
and identity to urban environments.
B-1.4.2.3.1. Integrate public spaces with street patterns, block
configurations, and building placements to estab-
lish a network of various urban amenities, including
gathering places, open spaces, and streetscapes.
B-1.4.2.3.2. Frame urban and public spaces with building
facades, enhanced streetscapes, or other appropri-
ate enhancements that create a sense of enclosure
and delineate space for the intended activities.
B-1.4.2.3.3. Building fa4ades designed to accommodate court-
yards, outdoor seating or dining areas, and other
such spaces should coordinate with the streetscape
and minimize the setback beyond the build -to -lines
to maintain the continuity of the street wall and
urban form.
B-1.4.2.3.4. Where appropriate, incorporate public space to
anchor prominent intersections and street termi-
nuses. Use squares, parks, common greens, plazas,
or other suitable urban spaces that serve as destina-
tions within the urban environment.
B-1.4.2.4. Place transit facilities adjacent to or near public spaces
and/or prominent buildings as integrated urban ele-
ments.
B-1.4.2.5. Parking areas within urban environments should not
detract from establishing an appropriate urban form and
character.
B-1.4.2.5.1. Place parking primarily behind orto the side of build-
ings and public spaces and away from block corners
and major roadways.
B-1.4.2.5.2. Use a parking strategy that includes one or a com-
bination of the following: structured parking, on -
street parking, integrated small parking areas, and/
or shared parking as an alternative to general sur-
face parking.
B-1.4.2.5.3. Where appropriate and consistent with roadway
typologies and classifications, provide on -street
parking integrated with adjacent streetscape.
Figure 12. Buildings that frame public and open spaces, like
this plaza, provide an additional backdrop for pedestrian ac-
tivity; building fafades that face public space should provide a
detailed and attractive architectural character.
C=a
Figure 13. Parking areas pulled back away from corners and
roadways allow buildings to contribute more frontage to the
streetscape and urban environment.
Figure 14. On -street parking provides convenient access for
business patrons; parking is encouraged to be short-term with
long-term parking provided by parking structures and small
surface lots.
- 33 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.4 ORIENTATION & LAYOUT (CONT.)
B-1.4.2.5.4. Orient parking structures to reserve the area of the
ground floor adjacent to roadways for tenant spaces
with active uses, such as retail or office.
B-1.4.2.6. Site services, building utilities, and mechanical equip-
ment should not detract from the attractiveness of the
urban environment and should be located to minimize
impacts on adjacent uses.
B-1.4.2.6.1. Place service areas .and utilities behind buildings
and provide access from internal parking areas and/
or alleys.
B-1.4.2.6.2. Where possible, avoid placing service areas adja-
cent to roadways, public spaces, or in locations that
inhibit pedestrian and vehicle circulation.
B-1.4.2.6.3. Place utility lines underground and away from plant-
ing zones whenever possible.
B-1.4.2.7. Where possible, coordinate the placement of public
spaces, parking, buildings, pedestrian environments,
and/or site services with adjacent properties to encour-
age integrated developments.
Ou dpST
LOCATE
REAR a
SITE
Figure 15. Service areas and mechanical equipment are less
obtrusive to views and activities when integrated with site and
building designs.
October2008 - 34 -
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.5 PARKING
B-1.5.1. Objective:
B-1.5.1.1. To incorporate parking as an integrated element of urban
environments and address issues, such as the appropri-
ate location for parking, size of parking areas, paving
materials, landscaping, and screening, that influence the
physical and visual characteristics of parking areas.
B-1.5.2. Guidelines:
B-1.5.2.1. Design surface parking as an integrated and attractive
element of the urban environment that promotes pedes-
trian comfort and safety.
B-1.5.2.1.1. Divide surface parking into smaller, separated mod-
ules, and arrange parking to minimize large paving
areas. Use pedestrian circulation, landscaping, and/
or public space to separate parking areas.
B-1.5.2.1.2. Coordinate vehicular and pedestrian circulation pat-
terns that clearly delineate parking stalls and vehicle
travel lanes from pedestrian walkways and adjoining
public spaces, including roadways.
B-1.5.2.1.3. Use trees, landscaping, hardscapes, and architec-
tural elements to provide shade, create interest and
human scale for pedestrians, and add aesthetic qual-
ities to parking areas.
B-1.5.2.1.4. Shade pedestrian walkways and parking, including
stalls and drive aisles, with the appropriate type and
class of trees, and arrange tree plantings in configu-
rations that will provide shade for at least 50 percent
of parking surfaces at mature growth.
B-1.5.2.1.5. Integrate appropriately scaled and distributed light-
ing to provide a safe and comfortable environment
for vehicular and pedestrian use.
B-1.5.2.1.6. Screen parking adjacent to public spaces, roadways,
and pedestrian walkways with landscaped buffers,
low walls, architectural elements, or a combination
that provides continuous screening at a height of 3
feet. Additional elements above 3 feet should pro-
vide 70 percent transparency.
B-1.5.2.2. Design parking areas, or portions thereof, to accom-
modate other uses, such as markets, plazas, and other
pedestrian -oriented gathering spaces, that temporarily
shift focus away from vehicle use and promote pedes-
trian activity.
Figure 16. Smaller parking areas that share access can reduce
the negative impacts imposed by parking on the urban environ-
ment. Appropriately designed and landscaped parking areas
may also add an aesthetic quality.
Figure 17. Consideration in the design and implementation of
screening techniques can provide an attractive solution to miti-
gate parking along roadways and public spaces.
- 35 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.5 PARKING (CONT.)
B-1.5.2.2.1. Where possible, place parking areas designed to
accommodate other uses adjacent to public and
urban spaces, and organize the parking area as an
extension of the public or urban space.
B-1.5.2.2.2. Combine architectural elements, paving materials,
landscaping, plantings, and/or other features to
enhance multiuse parking areas and maintain iden-
tifiable circulation patterns that delineate vehicle
use and parking.
B-1.5.2.3. Parking structures should be compatible with adjacent
and nearby uses. Use the urban architectural guidelines
to design parking structure fa4ades to appear as building
fa4ades.
B-1.5.2.3.1. Coordinate the location and design of vehicular
ingress/egress to maintain safe visibility for adjacent
pedestrian and roadway circulation.
B-1.5.2.3.2. Locate parking level ramps internally away from
roadways to avoid the structural expression of diag-
onal elements on exterior fa4ades.
B-1.5.2.3.3. Use solid panels or other architectural elements to
screen vehicles and parking levels from public view.
Vehicles parked along the perimeter of parking levels
should use pedestrian lines of sight from the farthest
edge of the adjoining right-of-way to determine the
height and effectiveness of screening.
B-1.5.2.4. Design and arrange on -street parking to produce a traffic
calming effect adjacent to pedestrian environments and
streetscapes.
B-1.5.2.4.1. Coordinate the location, orientation, and design of
on -street parking with traffic patterns, cycling lanes,
transit facilities, streetscapes, pedestrian environ-
ments, and public spaces.
B-1.5.2.4.2. Integrate traffic calming strategies and techniques,
such as landscape islands, bulb -outs, and detailed
crosswalks, to increase safety and enhance the urban
character along roadways.
a�
Figure 18. On -street parking can provide a traffic -calming
effect, and when designed well, in an appropriate location, on -
street parking can increase safety along roadways.
October2008 - 36 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.6 PUBLIC & OPEN SPACE
B-1.6.1. Notes:
B-1.6.1.1. The majority of public and open space in urban envi-
ronments will consist of streetscapes and public side-
walks; however, the City encourages development to
take advantage of opportunities to integrate additional
public and open spaces that enhance the character and
pedestrian experience of urban environments.
B-1.6.1.2. Various types and sizes of public and open spaces may be
appropriate in an urban environment and should not be
limited to the following: prominent buildings, pedestrian
boulevards, plazas, parks, squares, and common greens.
However, proposed public and open space should pro-
mote pedestrian activity, enhance the urban character,
and contribute to a positive urban experience.
B-1.6.2. Objective:
B-1.6.2.1. To provide a variety of attractive, usable, and integrated
public urban spaces that encourage pedestrian activity
and enhance the character of urban environments.
B-1.6.3. Guidelines:
B-1.6.3.1. Design public urban spaces as destinations within urban
environments that provide places for recreation, social
gathering, and other pedestrian activities.
B-1.6.3.1.1. Provide public urban spaces of appropriate types
and sizes that are proportional to the use and inten-
sity of proposed developments.
B-1.6.3.1.2. Public and open spaces are not required to be located
at ground level, but developments that incorporate
open space above ground level that is not accessible
to the public should contribute to or establish public
or open space elsewhere on -site or nearby.
B-1.6.3.1.3. Clearly delineate the edges of public urban spaces
from other urban elements. Use building fa4ades,
materials, architectural features, landscaping, or
other appropriate means to define the edges of the
space.
B-1.6.3.1.4. Where possible, place public and open spaces adja-
cent or in close proximity to transit facilities, building
entries, roadways, pedestrian walkways, and other
public spaces to establish an interconnected system
of urban spaces.
Figure 19. Public and open spaces of various forms and sizes
can be integrated into the urban environment and enhance the
streetscape and urban character.
Figure 20. Open, and in some cases public space can be inte-
grated above ground, as terraces, gardens, or other appropriate
forms that enhance the urban environment, or building design.
Figure 21. Public and open spaces can occupy areas between
buildings as pocket parks, or courtyards.
- 37 - October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.6 PUBLIC & OPEN SPACE (CONT.)
B-1.6.3.1.5. Where appropriate, use public and open spaces
as transitions between land uses to promote com-
munity connectivity and compatibility among land
uses.
B-1.6.3.2. Incorporate pedestrian -oriented amenities that promote
various active and passive uses within public and open
spaces. Pedestrian amenities include, but not are not
limited to, furnishings, hardscapes, landscaping, artwork,
lighting, water features, and decorative details.
B-1.6.3.2.1. Use decorative pavers or other materials suitable for
hardscapes that endure well and add texture, color,
pattern, and decoration to public spaces.
B-1.6.3.2.2. Incorporate plantings, trees, and other plant mate-
rials to add vertical texture and variety to public
spaces; coordinate streetscapes to maintain a con-
sistent look along roadways.
B-1.6.3.2.3. Provide adequate seating that reflects the nature
of the intended activities. Use fixed seating, such
as benches, low walls, steps, and planter or foun-
tain edges, and/or movable seating, like tables and
chairs.
B-1.6.3.2.4. Introduce public art as an integral part of the pub-
lic realm. As appropriate, incorporate artwork as an
integrated component of the building design or as a
feature or element of the public space.
B-1.6.3.2.5. Include decorative details and elements, such as
banners, flags, signs, and planters, which visually
enhance the attractiveness and character of the
space with additional layers of color and texture.
B-1.6.3.2.6. Where appropriate, provide adequate lighting with
integrated pedestrian -scaled fixtures to support the
intended activities within public and open spaces.
B-1.6.3.3. Public and open spaces should maintain pedestrian and
user safety and provide secure environments that avoid
dead areas, hidden corners, dark areas, and unusable
space.
MINOR
OEM
LOOM
Figure 22. Materials as well as patterns used individually or in
combination for hardscapes and walkways provide interest and
texture to public spaces.
Figure 23. Festive and identifying signs and ornamental plat-
ings add visual interest and contribute to the atmosphere of pub-
lic spaces and pedestrian environments.
Figure 24. The use of appropriately scaled lighting creates an
ambiance unique to public spaces and pedestrian environments.
October2008 - 38 -
CityofMeridian Design Manual
Urban Develonmentc
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.7 STREETSCAPE
B-1.7.1. Notes:
B-1.7.1.1. Where possible, development should coordinate the design
of streetscapes with adjacent properties to establish the use
of similar elements that produce a complementary charac-
ter along roadways.
B-1.7.1.2. Use these guidelines in conjunction with existing standards
and established streetscapes. For example, coordinate with
Meridian Development Corporation's Streetscape standards
for Old Town and the Downtown District.
B-1.7.2. Objective:
B-1.7.2.1. To promote an attractive urban street characterthat accom-
modates various pedestrian activities and establishes a gen-
eral level of consistency among urban roadways and urban
environments.
B-1.7.3. Guidelines:
B-1.7.3.1. Integrate streetscape profiles along roadways and blocks
to maintain the continuity of the urban environment.
Use streetscape profiles consisting of the following three
zones: the landscape and furnishing zone, the pedestrian
mobility zone, and the frontage zone.
B-1.7.3.1.1. The landscape or furnishing zone is located along the
curb and includes, but is not limited to, street trees,
seating, street and pedestrian lighting, kiosks, way -
finding signs, bicycle racks, trash receptacles, transit
shelters, and planters. This zone, along with on -street
parking or cycling lanes, where available, provides a
buffer for pedestrians.
B-1.7.3.1.2. The pedestrian mobility zone is adjacent to the land-
scape zone. This zone provides unobstructed passage
for pedestrians. Encroachments that inhibit pedes-
trian movement, such as portable business signs,
product displays, and newspaper stands, are prohib-
ited in this zone.
B-1.7.3.1.3. The frontage or commerce zone provides a buffer
between the pedestrian mobility zone and adjacent
building fa4ades. The intent of this zone is to pro-
vide flexibility to accommodate various ground -floor
uses and business activity fronting the roadway, such
as seating, tables and chairs, product displays, and
advertisements.
g
k' b, 0. x
�:.
.-
Figure 25. Top, vehicle dominated roadway. Bottom, a typical
streetscape along a roadway; the trees help enclose the space, ve-
hicles share the roadway with cyclists, and a more comfortable
and safe environment for pedestrians is created.
Figure 26. Streetscapes provide visual continuity throughout
urban environments and integrate the three zones to provide at-
tractive and usable spaces forpedestrians.
- 39 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.7 STREETSCAPE (CONT.)
B-1.7.3.2. Depending on adjacent land uses and roadway typolo-
gies, the dimensions of streetscape profiles and individual
zones may vary to accommodate anticipated pedestrian
activity.
B-1.7.3.2.1. A typical width for streetscapes is 20 feet (8-foot land-
scape zone, 8- to 10-foot pedestrian zone, and a 2- to
4-foot frontage zone), unless otherwise specified for an
urban area.
B-1.7.3.2.2. The minimum width for streetscape profiles should
not be less than 15 feet. Reduced widths for individual
zones require approval from appropriate City staff and
should be based on severely constrained conditions.
B-1.7.3.2.3. Additional widths are optional and encouraged
to accommodate higher pedestrian activity levels,
enhanced landscaping or additional trees, and larger
commerce areas in front of retail and commercial uses.
Coordinate additional widths to achieve a balance
among the three zones.
B-1.7.3.3. Integrate landscaping and streetscapes as appropriate to
create an aesthetic urban character and enhance pedes-
trian environments and public spaces. Use an organizational
strategy for landscape plantings to promote aesthetic com-
positions that enhance development character.
B-1.7.3.3.1. Use formal planting arrangements, such as regu-
lar and linear intervals and geometric patterns, for
streetscapes, public spaces, parks, plazas and squares.
B-1.7.3.3.2. Use informal planting arrangements, such as irregular
intervals, random patterns and groupings, to create
additional interest and focal elements or provide a
natural setting within public spaces.
B-1.7.3.3.3. Use appropriate classes of trees for urban environ-
ments and streetscapes. Consider height and canopy
diameter at mature growth for spacing and aesthetics
as well as watering requirements, maintenance, and
soil conditions before selecting species.
B-1.7.3.3.4. Provide clear branch heights of at least 8 feet above
sidewalks and designated walkways and 14 feet
above roadways to promote pedestrian safety and
avoid conflicts with vehicles.
B-1.7.3.3.5. Use planting arrangements that feature seasonal
plants, flowers, and ornamental trees to provide
accents and focal points.
Figure 27. Planting designs that use formal arrangements tend
to organize and delineate spaces as well as provide focal points.
Figure 28. Planting designs that use informal arrangements
tend to define boundaries, frame larger spaces, or add focal inter-
est.
Trees
shru6ti
V
o
Figure 29. Landscaping materials, including trees, shrubs, and
other plant and non plant materials should be appropriately in-
tegrated with the site and adjacent structures to provide interest,
screen undesired views, and soften development impacts.
October2008 - 40 -
City ofMe✓idian Design Manual
Urban l)avolnnmvntc
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.1 COHESIVE DESIGN
B-2.2.1. Note:
B-2.2.1.1. Building designs are encouraged to create their own
identity and character as an appropriate contribution
to the organized development of the anticipated urban
environment.
B-2.2.2. Objective:
B-2.2.2.1. To promote vertically integrated building designs that
incorporate enduring architectural characteristics to cre-
ate and visually enhance an appropriate and timeless
urban environment.
B-2.2.3. Guidelines:
B-2.2.3.1. Building design should appropriately address building
scale, mass, and form, and the use of materials, architec-
tural elements, and details to ensure a compatible and
aesthetic contribution to the urban environment.
B-2.2.3.2. Use fundamental design principles, including, but not
limited to, composition, order, balance, rhythm, repeti-
tion, proportion, and scale to create a unified building
design.
B-2.2.3.3. Building design should enhance public and urban spaces,
articulate an urban form, and provide human and pedes-
trian scale.
B-2.2.3.3.1. Design buildings and structures to enhance the
attractiveness and appeal of prominent land-
marks, civic and cultural buildings, parks, plazas,
streetscapes, view corridors, and other public and
urban spaces.
B-2.2.3.3.2. Where appropriate, incorporate human and pedes-
trian scale as integral components of the building
design.
B-2.2.3.3.3. Design building fagades that define and articulate
an appropriately scaled street wall to maintain con-
tiguous pedestrian environments and support pub-
lic spaces.
B-2.2.3.4. Design vertically integrated structures that generally
locate active uses at or near ground level adjacent to
roadways, pedestrian environments, and public spaces.
B-2.2.3.5. Use building design and architecture to promote mixed -
use and denser developments as aesthetically pleasing
elements of urban environments.
Figure 30. Quality built environments integrate site elements
and architectural character to create a cohesive and attractive
design.
n r
x
WrIlbo
smat oa�rr w
snrrrwM
Figure 31. The consistent or similar use of architectural ele-
ments establishes patterns and rhythms that add to the character
of the buildings.
Figure 32. A vertically integrated building form that incorpo-
rates an architectural element, such as an entry tower, empha-
sizes and anchors the block corner and/or roadway intersection.
- 41 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.2 BUILDING SCALE
B-2.2.1. Objective:
B-2.2.1.1. To encourage building designs that use appropriate
architectural and human scales to establish compatible
physical and visual relationships with adjacent and sur-
rounding developments and reinforce a cohesive urban
environment.
B-2.2.2. Guidelines:
B-2.2.2.1. Proposed developments should provide appropriately
scaled buildings compatible in height, mass, and form
with the anticipated character of the urban environ-
ment.
B-2.2.2.1.1. Coordinate the placement, orientation, and design
of buildings to mitigate and avoid the visual appear-
ance of buildings that present an overwhelming
form, mass, and scale.
B-2.2.2.1.2. Physically configure building designs, as appropri-
ate, to reduce overwhelming and disproportioned
architectural scale relative to adjacent uses. Devel-
opment should consider the scale of surrounding
buildings in addition to the proposed scale of the
anticipated urban environment.
B-2.2.2.1.3. Use variation in building form, including, but not
limited to, step -backs, similar roof forms, and build-
ing height, to ensure adjacent building elements are
compatible and/or transition to adjacent uses.
B-2.2.2.1.4. Where appropriate, maintain relative consistency for
building scales along roadways and among blocks to
promote the development of cohesive urban areas
and provide opportunities to create "districts" within
urban environments.
B-2.2.2.2. Building designs should provide a building scale of two
or more stories at least 35 feet in height along roadways
to encourage an urban character with contiguous street
walls.
Figure 33. Buildings with large massing and overwhelming
scale can relate to adjacent and surrounding uses by appropri-
ately modifying the building design to mitigate the perception of
mass and scale.
rur ans WrTV
Figure 34. Urban infill development may have a scale and
character already defined by adjacent structures.
NEW FACAbE 25ME IE''Sa
sx 0r 40V- R $PALE INTO $AV$,
AIR 'i A a a
i
-,........ ,.. --
Figure 35. Urban infill, redevelopment and greenfield develop-
ment may need to establish an appropriate scale and character
where large, vacant areas exist between structures, or no struc-
tures yet exist.
October2008 - 42 -
CityofMeridian Design Manual
Urban r)PVPInnmPntc
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.2 BUILDING SCALE (CONT.)
13-2.2.2.3, Incorporate human scale on appropriate building fa4ades
to support an aesthetic architectural character that con-
tributes to the quality of the building design, adjacent
buildings and public spaces, and the surrounding urban
character.
B-2.2.2.3.1. Use human scale to emphasize fenestration pat-
terns, architectural elements, proportion, materials,
and detailing throughout the fa4ade and building
design.
B-2.2.2.3.2. Human scale is required at the ground or pedestrian
level at building entries, along roadways, and adja-
cent to public spaces.
Figure 36. Human scale is accomplished in this fapde through
the use of materials, architectural elements, fenestration, compo-
sition, and order.
- 43 - October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.3 BUILDING FORM
B-2.3.1. Objective:
B-2.3.1.1. To encourage building designs that articulate and define
appropriate building forms to enhance the character of
urban environments and promote architectural vitality.
B-2.3.2. Guidelines:
B-2.3.2.1. Articulate building forms, including, but not limited to,
massing, walls, and roofs, with appropriately scaled mod-
ulations that contribute to the development of visually
aesthetic building designs.
B-2.3.2.1.1. Building fa4ades that face roadways, public spaces,
and pedestrian environments should incorporate
fa4ade modulations, including, but not limited to,
appropriately proportioned projections, recesses,
and step -backs that articulate wall planes and break
up building masses.
B-2.3.2.1.2. Design parking structures as integrated buildings
that are compatible with surrounding uses and con-
tribute to the urban form.
B-2.3.2.1.3. Parking structures should incorporate modulations,
architectural elements, details, materials, and fin-
ishes that unify the structure with a coherent build-
ing design and character on all appropriate fa4ades.
B-2.3.2.2. Incorporate visual and physical distinctions in the build-
ing design between lowerand upperstoriesthatenhance
urban building forms, articulate fa4ades, and integrate
pedestrian and human scale.
B-2.3.2.2.1. Use horizontal and vertical divisions in wall planes
to organize fenestration as integrated elements of
facade compositions, provide visual interest and
complexity to the building design, and emphasize
architectural elements.
B-2.3.2.2.2. Design lower stories to visually anchor buildings to
the ground or street and appropriately integrate
architectural elements and details that emphasize
pedestrian scale.
B-2.3.2.2.3. Design upper stories to complement the lower sto-
ries and create a cohesive building design. Use divi-
sions, fenestration, architectural elements, details,
accent materials, and human scale to relate building
fa4ades to surrounding uses and create an appropri-
ate urban form and street wall.
A B
Figure 37. Image A represents an unarticulated building mass.
Images B, C, and D show articulated masses with vertical, hori-
zontal, and varying roof plane techniques.
Figure 38. Modulations in the buildingform provide opportu-
nities to incorporate various sized public spaces alongroadways.
Figure 39. Appropriately combining modulation in the build-
ing farm, architectural elements, and materials creates an ar-
ticulated building design that contributes to the character of the
development and surrounding uses.
October2008 - 44 -
City ofMer?dian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.3 BUILDING FORM (CONT.)
B-2.3.2.2.4. Design the uppermost story or facade wall planes to
complete the building design. Use articulation, archi-
tectural elements, materials, and details to empha-
size the termination of walls, roof planes or rooftop
elements, such as a patio, garden or penthouse.
B-2.3.2.2.5. Building designs in Old Town and within designated
areas of the Ten Mile Specific Area Plan are encour-
aged to use the "base, "body," "top" concept to inte-
grate horizontal and vertical divisions.
B-2.3.2.3. Building designs should establish visual connections that
relate internal spaces at ground- or street -level with adja-
cent roadways, public spaces, and pedestrian environments.
Multistory buildings should provide more transparency at
ground or street level than upper stories.
B-2.3.2.3.1. Use architectural elements, such as doors and windows,
details, and materials, to articulate building fa4ades
that face roadways, or are adjacent to public spaces
and pedestrian environments to establish a transpar-
ent relationship between active indoor and outdoor
spaces.
B-2.3.2.3.2. Fa4ades at ground level should average 50 percent
transparency along roadways and adjacent to public
spaces.
B-2.3.2.4. Design facades to accommodate ground -level floor -to -
floor heights that are proportionally taller than upper
stories. Ground- or street -level uses adjacent to public
spaces and along roadways should establish exterior
transom or bulkhead heights of 12 to 18 feet.
B-2.3.2.5. Building roof types, forms, and elements should provide
variation and interest to building profiles and contribute
to the architectural identity of buildings without impos-
ing overwhelming scale on adjacent uses.
B-2.3.2.5.1. Building designs should incorporate appropriate
roof forms with primary and secondary roof ele-
ments that complement the building form and
fa4ade designs and help reduce the appearance of
building mass and scale.
B-2.3.2.5.2. Where appropriate, modulate and/or articulate roof
types, both flat and sloped, with roof elements, includ-
ing, but not limited to, parapets, dormers, overhangs,
and eaves, architectural detailing, and cornice work.
Figure 40. Transparency along roadways and pedestrian envi-
ronments establishes connections between interior and exterior
activity thatprovide an increased level of comfortand interestfor
pedestrians.
Figure 41. Creating and maintaining proportions between
ground floor and upper stories helps articulate buildingfgades
and designs.
- 45 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.4 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
B-2.4.1. Objective:
B-2.4.1.1. To integrate architectural elements and details as com-
ponents of cohesive building designs that enhance the
visual interest of building facades, support urban activ-
ity at and/or near ground level, and provide human and
pedestrian scale.
B-2.4.2. Guidelines:
B-2.4.2.1. Use architectural elements and detailing, including, but
not limited to, fenestration patterns, awnings, cano-
pies, balconies, arcades, atriums, porticos, colonnades,
entries, materials, and decorative or ornamental detail-
ing, to articulate fa4ades, and contribute to an aesthetic
building character.
B-2.4.2.1.1. Design and articulate architectural elements using
proportions, divisions, detailing, materials, textures,
and colors and appropriately integrate these ele-
ments into the building design.
B-2.4.2.1.2. Provide architectural elements and detailing that
emphasize human scale throughout the building
design. Pedestrian scale that uses a high level of
design and detailing is required at ground level adja-
cent to roadways and public spaces.
B-2.4.2.1.3. Incorporate building overhangs or other similar fea-
tures, such as canopies and awnings, which offer
temporary relief from inclement weather along
portions of fa4ades that adjoin pedestrian environ-
ments. Projections into right-of-ways should comply
with the standards in the UDC.
B-2.4.2.1.4. Integrate strategically located elements as focal
points in building designs at entries, building cor-
ners, or at other visually prominent locations. Focal
elements should be proportional to the building
scale and emphasize building corners, entries, adja-
cent public spaces, or other such features to enhance
urban and pedestrian environments.
Figure 42. The consistent use of simple architectural elements
and materials unifies this tall urban building form and design.
Lower levels should still provide greater detail and interest for
pedestrians and streetscapes.
Figure 43. Materials, details, and proportions define this
ground floor fafade and give the building a greater presence at
the pedestrian level.
Un-a,
'MMA
Figure 44. Building and fafade designs that provide a combi-
nation of material and color changes, texture or patterns, and
building modulation can effectively mitigate the appearance of
blankwalls.
October2008 - 46 -
City ofMerldian Design Manual
Urban Devalnnmantc
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.4 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS (CONT.)
B-2.4.2.2. Use architectural elements and detailing in combination
with color palettes, textural changes, and material com-
binations to mitigate the stark appearance of blankwalls.
Building designs should not create blank wall segments
along roadways or adjacent to public space. Landscap-
ing techniques may also be considered.
B-2.4.2.3. Organize and locate building service equipment, includ-
ing, but not limited to, mechanical units, flutes, and vents,
awayfrom building entries, roadways, public spaces, and,
where appropriate, from adjacent buildings.
B-2.4.2.3.1. Use integrated architectural elements to provide
adequate screening and appropriately conceal ser-
vice equipment and areas.
B-2.4.2.3.2. Screen service equipment at ground level from
pedestrian and vehicular view to a minimum height
of the equipment on all sides and integrated with
the building design and site layout.
B-2.4.2.3.3. Screen service and building equipment that is
attached or on top of structures from public view.
Use pedestrian lines of sight from the farthest edge
of adjoining right-of-way to determine the height
and effectiveness of screening.
B-2.4.2.3.4. Use screening techniques, architectural elements,
and materials that are consistent with the build-
ing design and do not detract from the aesthetic
appearance of the building and adequately conceal
equipment.
Figure 45. Careful consideration and placementof mechanical
and service equipment can be screened from public and sensitive
views with the use of integrated architectural elements.
poor. t»P
Egu�p�i��+r
f L
-T.—RoW
Figure 46. This diagram shows the extent to which mechanical
and service equipment should be screened or concealed according
to the guidelines to provide and maintain attractive views.
- 47 - October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.5 MATERIALS
B-2.5.1. Objectives:
B-2.5.1.1. To encourage the use of quality materials that promote
aesthetic building designs and appropriate contributions
to the development of a timeless urban character.
B-2.5.2. Guidelines:
B-2.5.2.1. Buildings with fa4ades that face multiple roadways and/
or public spaces should use consistent material combina-
tions, quality, and detailing to unify the building design.
B-2.5.2.2. Use complementary material combinations that contrib-
ute to a cohesive building design. Use materials from the
following basic groups: wood, masonry, concrete, metal,
and glazing.
B-2.5.2.2.1. Select a combination that emphasize a finished com-
position and enhance human scale for lower stories
and pedestrian scale at ground level.
B-2.5.2.2.2. Concrete masonry that provides texture, interest,
and detail may be appropriate for building designs;
however, the use of ordinary, smooth face block,
unfinished, colored or painted, is not an acceptable
finish material for building fagades along roadways,
adjacent to public spaces, and residential areas.
B-2.5.2.2.3. Use well -detailed, proportioned, and durable materi-
als that will weather and age gracefully, adding to the
architectural character over time. Avoid non -durable
materials that deteriorate quickly and require fre-
quent maintenance or replacement.
B-2.5.2.2.4. Create interest and variety in fa4ade design to estab-
lish attractive architectural character and pedestrian
scale.
B-2.5.2.2.5. Provide pattern, texture, and detail in the building
design and distinguish field materials from accent
materials.
B-2.5.2.3. Where materials transition or terminate, provide detail-
ing to express the natural appearance of the material.
(For example, stone or stone -like products should con-
vey the appearance of mass and should not appear as a
thin veneer.)
Figure 47. The consistent use of materials on each fgade of the
building enhances the cohesiveness and aesthetic appeal of the
design.
_._
�
...
I'�_ k.
. „i
3 .. F...L ...
_... _- ..
Figure 48. Use materials from the basic groups; wood, ma-
sonry, concrete, metal, and glazing, to provide buildings with
interest and character.
ACCEPTASLE ACCEPTA
Figure 49. Abrupt material transitions and/or terminations
convey lesser quality and detract from an aesthetic and cohesive
design.
October2008 - 48 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.5 MATERIALS (CONT.)
B-2.5.2.4. Use colors that complement the use of building materi-
als and support innovative and good design practices.
B-2.5.2.4.1. The use of subtle, neutral, and natural tones for
field materials should complement accent colors
and materials. The use of deep earth tones or satu-
rated colors to distinguish building facades should
enhance the building design and be compatible
with adjacent structures.
B-2.5.2.4.2. The use of intensely bright and fluorescent colors, as
well as the widespread use of saturated hues with-
out complementary colors, materials, and accents, is
discouraged.
B-2.5.2.4.3. Materials or colors with high reflectance, such as
metal or reflective glazing, should be reviewed and
evaluated with the Planning staff to minimize glare
on roadways, public spaces, and adjacent uses and
to determine appropriateness.
- 49 - October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.6 SIGNS & LIGHTING
B-2.6.1. Notes:
B-2.6.1.1. The following guidelines are not intended to replace
the sign and lighting standards in the UDC, but rather
to encourage the integrated use of these elements to
enhance the attractiveness and quality of urban devel-
opment and character. Use the guidelines in combina-
tion with the UDC standards.
B-2.6.2. Objective:
B-2.6.2.1. To encourage the use of signs and architectural lighting
as integrated elements of building designs that con-
tribute to the atmosphere of urban environments and
enhance the pedestrian experience.
B-2.6.3. Guidelines:
B-2.6.3.1. Where appropriate, use lighting on building exteriors to
promote safe pedestrian environments along roadways,
at intersections, and in public spaces.
B-2.6.3.1.1. Coordinate lighting fixture spacing and height along
streetscapes and roadways to avoid conflicts with
tree plantings.
B-2.6.3.1.2. The use of architectural lighting is encouraged to be
energy -efficient and easily maintained, in addition
to providing attractive qualities to building charac-
ter and public spaces.
B-2.6.3.1.3. Lighting fixtures used on building exteriors should
be integrated with building design and coordinate
with architectural elements and building entries.
Figure 50. Integrated lighting alongpedestrian environments
creates a unique atmosphere and character that supports activ-
ity and use.
Pr3BIRM PEM53RAN PARKMAREAk"VOG
EJ WE LIGH11wa th�
UGHTING
Figure 51. Pedestrian -oriented lighting fixtures contribute to
the character of buildings and publicspaces. Consider using vari-
ous light sources to accommodate the lighting needs of adjacent
outdoor spaces.
October2008 - 50 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban Developments
B. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.6 SIGNS & LIGHTING (CONT.)
B-2.6.3.2. Signs in urban environments are typically attached to
building fa4ades as buildings are brought up close to
roadways and public spaces. Therefore, signs should
complement building designs and be integral with archi-
tectural elements and materials.
B-2.6.3.2.1. Provide signs to identify individual storefronts,
buildings and uses along roadways, and pedestrian
walkways. Avoid large, single signs with multiple
tenants.
B-2.6.3.2.2. Use signs that incorporate business and civic logos
that identify developments, businesses, and places.
B-2.6.3.2.3. Use appropriately scaled signs that are compatible
with the architectural character and design of the
building.
B-2.6.3.2.4. Use sign types, such as, wall, window, awning, pro-
jecting, under canopy, door and parapet, to enhance
urban character. Avoid freestanding, box, and pole
signs.
B-2.6.3.2.5. Orient signs toward pedestrians as well as vehicles
along roadways and walkways, with the size, shape,
materials, details, and illumination related to a
human scale.
B-2.6.3.2.6. Decorative flags and banners should promote the
identity of place and enhance the character and
attractiveness of buildings and public spaces rather
than advertise.
I II
"LO
=I
MI1" I'�
n—, i_
a,
Figure 52. Integrated signs that are compatible with the build-
ing designs, in scale and materials, contribute to the quality and
character of the building and adjacent uses.
F
Figure 53. Incorporating pedestrian -oriented signs support
human -scaled environments along storefronts, roadways, and
public spaces.
- 51 - October2008
C.
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR
URBAN /SUBURBAN
DEVELOPMENTS
OCTOBER, 2008
C'ityofMeridian Design Manual
URBAN/SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENTS
Introduction:
The guidelines in this section describe and illustrate important physical and
visual characteristics that enable developments to create functional and quality
built environments that define livable, vibrant, and attractive places.
Development proposals in this category should create transitions between
urban and suburban environments. Developments adjacent to dissimilar land
uses should adjust intensity and scale to create appropriate transitions that are
compatible. Developments adjacent to related land uses and intensities should
create compatible built environments with similar unifying characteristics.
Development, including infill, greenfield, and redevelopment of these areas, is
anticipated to be transitional in nature, blending urban and suburban elements
and characteristics to create compact development projects and vertically and
horizontally oriented mixed -use areas.
Transitional built environments that provide a mix of uses, transportation
options, public and open spaces, and pedestrian amenities and that are linked to
other areas in the community will contribute to the livability and vitality of the
City of Meridian.
Purpose:
These guidelines address basic physical and visual relationships necessary for
transitional developments to be successful as pedestrian -oriented environments
and create compact and mixed -use neighborhoods, commercial corridors and
districts, and activity and employment centers that express aesthetically pleas-
ing architectural character and building designs.
The City encourages the creative and innovative use of current and emerging
development and design practices that meet or exceed the general expectations
of the community as expressed in the Compressive Plan, the guiding principles
of the Design Manual, and the objectives of the guidelines.
Applicability:
The guidelines in this section of the manual apply to development proposals
with an Urban/Suburban Development Context as determined from the devel-
opment matrix.
Apply these guidelines to non-residential developments and coordinate resi-
dential developments with Section E. Design Guidelines for Residential Develop-
ments.
- 55 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.1 COHERENT PLAN
C-1.1.1. Notes:
C-1.1.1.1. The City recognizes that the majority of transitional
development areas throughout the community are
planned for mixed -use and non-residential land uses;
each project will therefore be widely different in scope
and purpose and should consider and apply the guide-
lines appropriately.
C-1.1.2. Objective:
C-1.1.2.1. To encourage integrated, functional, and attractive tran-
sitional developments that strengthen identity within
the City and support urban and mixed -use areas.
C-1.1.3. Guidelines:
C-1.1.3.1. Developments should establish an appropriate and com-
patible transitional development pattern that reflects
planned and anticipated land uses, development char-
acter, and mixed -use opportunities.
C-1.1.3.1.1. Develop a master plan for large-scale, phased, and
multiple -site proposals to demonstrate the estab-
lishment of an appropriate context and the cohe-
siveness of individual project components.
C-1.1.3.1.2. Where appropriate, coordinate with adjacent uses
and residential areas, including single -project phases,
to promote a cohesive neighborhood.
C-1.1.3.1.3. Avoid piecemeal and fragmented development
that detracts from the establishment of an aesthetic
neighborhood appearance and character.
C-1.1.3.1.4. Reduce and mitigate the impacts from proposed
developments on adjacent sites as appropriate and
compatible with planned and anticipated land uses
and development character.
C-1.1.3.1.5. Mixed -use, large-scale, and multiple -site devel-
opments should integrate public space within a
discernable center and/or create interconnected
pedestrian -oriented nodes.
n;g
Figure 1. Well -organized and coherent site plans convey the
development intent and demonstrate appropriate relationships
to adjacent uses and surrounding areas based on an appropriate
context.
�.,ANI
T
® men W'110
►
#,l i
Y ■Ai►
t f.
Figure 2. Concept and master plans demonstrate the relation-
ships between the individual components of a proposed develop-
ment and the surrounding areas.
f f J"
i
rirrra�+rriiri�
!Aeoi
� i►
MAJOR SiREE7
Figure 3. A coherent plan demonstrates the connectivity of the
development within the site and with adjacent uses.
October2OO8 - 56 -
CityofMer►dian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.1 COHERENT PLAN (CONT.)
C-1.1.3.2. Anticipate the addition of future transit systems to the
transportation network and plan for the integration of
appropriate transit facilities and infrastructure.
C-1.1.3.2.1. Coordinate routes, placement of facilities, and infra-
structure improvements with the appropriate trans-
portation authorities and any adopted or accepted
long-range plans.
C-1.1.3.3. Where possible, incorporate and enhance significant nat-
ural features as site amenities and/or design elements.
C-1.1.3.4. Appropriately address the critical issues of site layout
that influence development character, including, but
not limited to, vehicular access, pedestrian connectivity,
building orientations, parking, and public space.
Figure 4. A coherent plan anticipates future needs of the com-
munity, such as accessible transit and linked pedestrian environ-
ments.
- 57 - October2OO8
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.2 ACCESS & CONNECTIVITY
C-1.2.1. Notes:
C-1.2.1.1. The ability to access destinations and places throughout
the City is essential for the development of a livable com-
munity; developments should emphasize an appropriate
level of connectivity that supports a balance between
pedestrian and vehicular accommodations and provides
accessibility to multiple modes of transportation.
C-1.2.1.2. Modes of transportation include vehicular, pedestrian,
cycling, bus, rail, and other accessible means of travel
from one place to another.
C-1.2.2. Objective:
C-1.2.2.1. To promote the interconnectivity of the community and
reduce the impacts that vehicle access points impose on
roadways and the physical and visual character of devel-
opments.
C-1.2.3. Guidelines:
C-1.2.3.1. Limit direct vehicular access off major roadways, includ-
ing highways, principal arterials, and other designated
mobility corridors, to mitigate development impacts on
the roadway system.
C-1.2.3.1.1. Coordinate and combine access points with adja-
cent sites and uses to reduce or eliminate multiple
vehicle access points along roadways.
C-1.2.3.1.2. Provide site ingress/egress from secondary roadways
for sites adjacent to major roadways.
C-1.2.3.1.3. Where secondary roadways cannot be provided,
coordinate and combine access points to limit site
entry along major roadways.
C-1.2.3.1.4. Multiple -site and large-scale developments should
limit ingress/egress points and establish an internal
circulation pattern.
C-1.2.3.1.5. Use shared access points, secondary roadways, or
internal circulation to access corner sites.
...sir'
.. ®'
Figure 5. Limited and combined site access points reduce po-
tential vehicle to vehicle conflicts and provide opportunities for
well-defined, safe pedestrian environments.
Figure 6. Shared access points between multiple uses along
roadways maintains an intact streetscape and contributes to the
cohesive character of the site and/or area.
October2008 - 58 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban navolnnmantc
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.2 ACCESS & CONNECTMTY (CONT.)
C-1.2.3.2. Provide pedestrian and vehicular connections that link
adjacent uses and circulation patterns, including build-
ings, public spaces, parking areas, roadways, sidewalks,
and pathways.
C-1.2.3.2.1. Where possible, coordinate and align ingress/egress
points, cross access, and internal circulation patterns
to provide vehicular connectivity.
C-1.2.3.2.2. Unrestricted access points and roadways used for
site entry should align across primary roadways to
form controlled intersections. Coordinate intersec-
tions with the transportation authority as appropri-
ate.
C-1.2.3.2.3. Multiple pedestrian routes should converge on pub-
lic and open spaces, such as transit facilities, court-
yards, plazas, building entries, and other site ameni-
ties.
C-1.2.3.3. Establish internal site circulation as an interconnected
networkof walkways, pathways, roadways, and enhanced
drive aisles that promote pedestrian and vehicular mobil-
ity within the development and connections to adjacent
uses.
C-1.2.3.4. Plan for access and connectivityto future transit facilities,
including, but not limited to, park -and -ride locations,
pullouts, stops, and shelters.
C-1.2.3.4.1. Coordinate with the appropriate agencies and orga-
nizations to ensure the successful integration of
transit facilities and the necessary infrastructure as
integrated elements of the development.
C-1.2.3.4.2. Provide adequate pedestrian connections from pub-
lic spaces, building entries, and parking areas that
allow convenient, direct access to transit facilities.
Figure 7. Multiple connections between sites and buildings pro-
vide pedestrians greater mobility and reduce vehicle trips within
a site, area, or destination.
Figure 8. Linkingpedestrian environments to the streetnetwork
and existing orfuture transitfacilities will increase the connectiv-
ity of a development with adjacent and surrounding uses.
- 59 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.3 ORIENTATION & LAYOUT
C-1.3.1. Objective:
C-1.3.1.1. To ensure that site organization, including, but not lim-
ited to, the placement and orientation of buildings,
structures, and public spaces, as well as the location and
layout of service and parking areas, promotes an inte-
grated built environment that establishes an appropriate
development character.
C-1.3.2. Guidelines:
C-1.3.2.1. Locate buildings to establish an appropriate develop-
ment character that enhances the compatibility and
attractiveness of the site, buildings, and surrounding
uses.
C-1.3.2.1.1. Bring buildings up close to roadways to establish a
street presence and orient primary building fagcles
toward roadways and public spaces to accommo-
date and encourage pedestrian activity.
C-1.3.2.1.2. Limit the distance from buildings to roadways and
the distance between buildings, including the depth
and width of parking areas, to maintain interconnec-
tivity and convenient walking distances for pedestri-
ans.
C-1.3.2.1.3. Large-scale and multibuilding developments may
place buildings away from roadways if minimum of
40 percent of the buildable frontage is occupied by
building facades and/or public space that establish
an aesthetically consistent street presence.
C-1.3.2.1.4. Use buildings that incorporate articulated fa4ades
and architectural elements to anchor site corners at
intersections.
C-1.3.2.2. Provide clearly defined building entries and connect
them to roadways, pedestrian walkways, public spaces,
transit facilities, parking, and adjacent uses.
C-1.3.2.2.1. Primary building entries should face roadways,
pedestrian environments, or adjacent public space.
Secondary and alternative entries may access build-
ings from parking areas.
C-1.3.2.2.2. Large-scale buildings should provide entrances
on at least two different building fagades with one
entrance oriented toward a roadway or accessible
public space.
QiRYii'V. ilfEr'.rio iv..Yraa L-v.[r:NPe" '.P%#`�7� ���'x.4i F5R
i�i6�asw �. arivuyN'v�-nc.sscs,ra� .aar,..tt[asi.
n
Figure 9. This image illustrates several concepts related to site
layout and building orientation that when used appropriately
can create comfortable pedestrian environments and establish
an inviting streetpresence.
Figure 10. Limiting the exposure of parking and placing build-
ings along roadways creates a sense of depth, providing buildings
and pedestrian environments a greater street presence that adds
to the character of the site and surrounding area.
f
Figure 11. Horizontal mixed -use concept where buildings are
oriented toward one another, access points are minimized and
coordinated with an internal circulation pattern, and a contigu-
ous pedestrian network is established.
October2008 - 60 -
City ofMe✓idian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.3 ORIENTATION & LAYOUT (CONT.)
C-1.3.2.3. Strategically locate public spaces and site amenities,
such as common open space, transit facilities, plazas,
and other appropriate spaces, that encourage and sup-
port pedestrian activity.
C-1.3.2.3.1. Organize buildings around public space and site
amenities to establish destinations that encourage
pedestrian activity and mobility within develop-
ments.
C-1.3.2.3.2. Use building fa4ades, enhanced streetscapes, or
other appropriate enhancements to frame public
spaces and site amenities to create a sense of enclo-
sure and delineate space for the intended activities.
C-1.3.2.3.3. Orient public spaces and site amenities toward
roadways adjacent to building entries, pedestrian
environments, and streetscapes or as separations
between parking areas.
C-1.3.2.3.4. Spaces designed for courtyards, outdoor seating,
dining areas, or other such spaces should coordinate
with building orientations and circulation patterns
to maximize adjacency to pedestrian activity.
C-1.3.2.4. Locate parking toward the interior of the site and inte-
grate parking areas to establish an attractive built envi-
ronment that provides accessibility to public spaces and
buildings.
C-1.3.2.4.1. Place parking areas away from site corners, primarily
to the rear and/or side of buildings, and where possi-
ble, avoid expansive parking areas along roadways.
C-1.3.2.4.2. Use a parking strategy to minimize the land area
devoted to vehicular parking; include, as appropri-
ate, structured parking, on -street parking, smaller,
integrated parking areas, and/or shared parking as
alternatives to general surface parking.
C-1.3.2.4.3. Distribute parking into smaller areas around, between,
and behind structures to shorten the distance to
buildings, pedestrian walkways, public spaces, site
amenities, and roadways.
C-1.3.2.5. Where possible, coordinate the placement of public
spaces, site amenities, parking areas, and/or buildings
with adjacent properties to encourage integrated devel-
opments and support community connectivity.
Figure 12. Public and open spaces can be used to transition
between different land uses as well as to enhance overall develop-
mentcharacter.
Figure 13. This image illustrates the potential integration of
a pedestrian friendly environment at the center of the commer-
cial development with parking divided into smaller areas and
screened from roadways.
_...__ _ .
Figure 14. Smaller, distributed, and shared parking areas or-
ganized appropriately, break up the imposing size and scale of
large parking areas and create opportunities to better integrate
pedestrian accommodations.
- 61 - October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.3 ORIENTATION & LAYOUT (CONT.)
C-1.3.2.6. Locate site services, building utilities, and mechanical
equipment to enhance the attractiveness of the built
environment and minimize impacts on adjacent uses.
C-1.3.2.6.1. Place and orient service and loading areas, mechani-
cal equipment, and utilities away from residential
properties, pedestrian and public spaces, and build-
ing entrances.
C-1.3.2.6.2.. Where possible, place service and loading areas
behind buildings and provide access from parking
areas, internal circulation, and/or local roadways.
C-1.3.2.6.3. Coordinate the placement of freestanding site ser-
vices and mechanical equipment to eliminate con-
flicts with vehicle and pedestrian circulation.
C-1.3.2.6.4. Place utility lines underground and away from plant-
ing zones whenever possible.
Figure 15. Service areas and mechanical equipment are less
obtrusive to views and activities when integrated with site and
building design.
October2008 - 62 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.4 PARKING
G1.4.1. Objective:
C-1.4.1.1. To incorporate parking as an integrated element of the
built environment and address issues that influence the
physical and visual characteristics of parking areas, such
as the appropriate location for parking, size of parking
areas, paving materials, landscaping, and screening.
C-1.4.2. Guidelines:
C-1.4.2.1. Parking areas should establish an appropriate circula-
tion pattern for pedestrians and vehicles. Large-scale
and multibuilding sites are encouraged to organize and
design circulation patterns that resemble and function
as street networks.
C-1.4.2.1.1. Coordinate vehicular and pedestrian circulation pat-
terns to delineate pedestrian walkways and adjoin-
ing public spaces.
C-1.4.2.1.2. Provide pedestrian connections from internal circu-
lation to public spaces and adjacent roadways.
C-1.4.2.2. Design surface parking as an integrated and attractive
element of the built environment that promotes pedes-
trian comfort and safety and adds to the aesthetic char-
acter of developments, in addition to accommodating
vehicular uses.
C-1.4.2.2.1. Break up parking areas into smaller, separated mod-
ules and arrange parking to minimize large imper-
vious paving areas. Use pedestrian circulation, land-
scaping, and/or public space to separate parking
areas.
C-1.4.2.2.2. Reduce the depth of parking areas and limit parking
between building facades and roadways to 50 per-
cent or less of the total required parking for the site
to encourage compact developments.
C-1.4.2.2.3. The design and layout of internal site parking should
avoid long, unbroken parking bays. Divide parking
bay lengths with crossing travel lanes at approxi-
mately 300-foot intervals.
C-1.4.2.2.4. Use trees, landscaping, hardscapes, and architec-
tural elements to provide shade, create interest and
human scale for pedestrians, and add aesthetic qual-
ities to parking areas.
Figure 16. This image illustrates the innovative use of techniques
to reduce the impacts of parkingareas on the developmentand ad-
jacent uses; shade trees are abundant, parkingis minimized along
the roadway, and parkingis coordinated between uses.
i 4
MAJOR SrRM
Figure 17. Limiting the exposure of parking areas along road-
ways still allows for centralized parking behind street facing
buildings that provide the development with an appropriate
street presence.
Figure 18.Internal landscape islands and separations increase
the tree canopy and provide additional shade for paved surfaces
during the summer months as well as provide pedestrian com-
fort from vehicles to building entries.
- 63 - October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.4 PARKING (CONT.)
C-1.4.2.2.5. Shade pedestrian walkways and parking, including
stalls and drive aisles, with the appropriate type and
class of trees and arrange tree plantings in. configu-
rations that will provide shade for at least 50 percent
of parking surfaces at mature growth.
C-1.4.2.2.6. Screen parking with berms, landscaping, walls,
architectural elements, or a combination to produce
an appropriate buffer adjacent to public spaces, or
along roadways and pedestrian walkways.
C-1.4.2.2.7. Distribute and integrate appropriately scaled light-
ing to provide safe and adequately illuminated envi-
ronments for vehicular and pedestrian use.
C-1.4.2.3. Where appropriate, incorporate and arrange on -street
parking to produce traffic calming effects for adjacent
pedestrian environments and roadways.
C-1.4.2.3.1. Coordinate the use of on -street parking, including
the design and location, with the transportation
authority.
C-1.4.2.3.2. Internal roadways are encouraged to use on -street
parking that is integrated with streetscapes, park-
ways, and pedestrian walkways.
C-1.4.2.3.3. Where on -street parking is provided or where vehi-
cles are circulation is directed in front of building
entries, integrate traffic calming strategies and tech-
niques, such as landscape islands, bulb -outs, and
detailed crosswalks, to increase safety and enhance
the development character.
C-1.4.2.4.
Structured parking facilities are encouraged and should
be designed to coordinate vehicular ingress/egress and
screen parking levels adjacent to roadways and public
spaces. Use the appropriate architectural guidelines in the
Design Manual under sections B and C, as appropriate, to
design parking structure facades.
Figure 19. Consideration in the design and implementation of
screening techniques can provide an attractive solution to miti-
gate parking along roadways and public spaces.
Figure 20. Internal walkways separated from parking areas
promote pedestrian safety and comfort.
Figure 21. Successful tree canopies reduce the visual size of
parking areas and provide a softening effect for parking areas as
viewed from adjacent uses and roadways.
October2008 - 64
City ofMeridian Design Manual
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.5 PUBLIC & OPEN SPACE
C-1.5.1. Notes:
C-1.5.1.1. The City encourages developments to take advantage
of opportunities to integrate additional public space,
including development amenities and open space, that
promote various activities and enhance community char-
..� .,a
acter, particularly in mixed -use areas and where develop-
ments transition to urban environments.
.4
C-1.5.1.2. Use public and open spaces to organize areas within
developments, anchor buildings, create focal points, MJIQ
complement architectural character, enhance pedestrian
�x
environments and adjacent roadways, and frame view
corridors.
C-1.5.2. Objective:
C-1.5.2.1. To provide a variety of attractive, usable, and integrated
public and open spaces that enhance development char-
acter, encourage pedestrian use, and contribute to com-
munity life and the positive experience of daily activi-
ties.
C-1.5.3. Guidelines:
C-1.5.3.1. Design public and open spaces as destinations within
individual developments and mixed -use areas that pro-
vide places for recreation, social gathering, and other
pedestrian activities.
C-1.5.3.1.1. Provide appropriate types and sizes of public and
open spaces, including development amenities, that
are proportional to the proposed use and intensity
of development.
C-1.5.3.1.2. Clearly delineate the edges of public spaces. Use
building fa4ades, materials, architectural features,
landscaping, or other appropriate means to define
the edges of the space.
C-1.5.3.1.3. Where appropriate, place public and open spaces
adjacentorin close proximity to transit facilities, build-
ing entries, roadways, pedestrian walkways, and other
public spaces, and provide pedestrian connections.
C-1.5.3.1.4. Design public spaces to provide visual interest that
enhances development character and complements
adjacent building designs.
'PIAL -t'ko gust
Pe3.tntrinn <cnk+!
f-
. _ "T11*1
Figure 22. Public spaces provide destinations, visual interest,
differing levels of activity, and connections to landmarks.
Views
Access I Path
Figure 23. Views and access are vital to the success and repeat-
ed use of public and open spaces.
C-1.5.3.1.5. Where appropriate, use public and open spaces
as transitions between land uses to promote com- Figure 24. Delineated and definedpublic and open spaces that
munity connectivity and compatibility anion land are accessible to users andprovidepedestrian-oriented amenities
g contribute to the quality and character of developments.
uses.
- 65 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.5 PUBLIC & OPEN SPACE (CONT.)
C-1.5.3.2. Incorporate pedestrian -oriented amenities that promote
various active and passive uses within public and open
spaces. Pedestrian amenities include, but not are not
limited to, furnishings, hardscapes, landscaping, artwork,
lighting, water features, and decorative details.
C-1.5.3.2.1. Use decorative pavers or other materials suitable for
hardscapes that endure well and add texture, color,
pattern, and decoration to public spaces.
C-1.5.3.2.2. Incorporate plantings, trees, and other plant materi-
als to add vertical texture and variety to public spaces.
Where appropriate, coordinate streetscapes and/or
landscaping to maintain a consistent look along road-
ways.
C-1.5.3.2.3. Provide adequate seating that reflects the nature
of the intended activities. Use fixed seating, such
as benches, low walls, steps, and planter or foun-
tain edges, and/or movable seating like tables and
chairs.
C-1.5.3.2.4. Introduce public art as an integral part of the pub-
lic realm. As appropriate, incorporate artwork as an
integrated component of the building design or as a
feature or element of the public space.
C-1.5.3.2.5. Include decorative details and elements, such as
banners, flags, signs, and planters, which visually
enhance the attractiveness and character of the
space with additional layers of color and texture.
C-1.5.3.2.6. Where appropriate, provide pedestrian -scaled light
fixtures that provide adequate lighting levels to sup-
port the intended activities within public and open
spaces.
C-1.5.3.3. Public and open spaces should maintain pedestrian and
user safety and provide secure environments that avoid
dead areas, hidden corners, dark areas, and unusable
space.
14104 • ♦�1
rr■i`
■ . I I . i
Figure 25. Materials as well as patterns used individually or in
combination for hardscapes and walkways provide interest and
texture to public spaces.
Figure 26. Festive and identifying signs and ornamental plat-
ings add visual interest and contribute to the atmosphere of pub-
lic spaces and pedestrian environments.
Figure 27. The use of appropriately scaled lighting creates an
ambiance unique to public spaces and pedestrian environments.
October2008 - 66 -
City ofMerldian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.6 LANDSCAPING
C-1.6.1. Objective:
C-1.6.1 J . To encourage the attractive and purposeful use of plants
and other landscape materials that enhance develop-
ment character, including public and open space, park-
ing, required buffers, and pedestrian environments.
C-1.6.2. Guidelines:
C-1.6.2.1. Use an organizational strategy for landscape plantings
to promote aesthetic compositions that enhance devel-
opment character. Avoid indifferent and unsubstantial
plantings, particularly along narrow buffers and set-
backs.
C-1.6.2.1.1. Use formal planting arrangements, such as regu- Figure 28. Planting designs that useformal arrangements tend
lar and linear intervals and geometric patterns, for to organize and delineate spaces as well asprovidefocalpoints.
streetscapes, parkways, public spaces, parks, plazas,
and squares.
C-1.6.2.1.2. Use informal planting arrangements, such as irregu-
lar intervals, random patterns, and groupings, to
create additional interest and focal elements or to
produce a natural setting along roadways, pathways,
and within public spaces.
C-1.6.2.2. Integrate landscaping as appropriate to establish a con-
sistent appearance and aesthetic character for transi-
tional developments.
C-1.6.2.2.1. Use appropriate classes of trees for urban environ-
ments and streetscapes. Consider height and canopy
diameter at mature growth for spacing and aesthet-
ics as well as watering requirements, maintenance,
and soil conditions before selecting species.
C-1.6.2.2.2. Landscaping should encourage the appropriate and
attractive use of xeric, drought -tolerant plant spe-
cies and non -plant materials to reduce maintenance
and water consumption.
C-1.6.2.2.3. Incorporate various plants and non -vegetative
materials that provide groundcover and add interest
and texture to landscaping compositions. Avoid the
extensive use of turf and lawn as groundcover.
C-1.6.2.2.4. Use planters and planting arrangements that fea-
ture seasonal plants, flowers, and ornamental trees
to provide accents and focal points.
Figure 29. Plantingdesigns thatuse informal arrangements tend
to define boundaries, frame larger spaces, oradd focal interest.
Figure 30. Landscaping materials, including trees, shrubs, and
other plant and non plant materials should be appropriately in-
tegrated with the site and adjacent structures to provide interest,
screen undesired views, and soften development impacts.
- 67 October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.6 LANDSCAPING (CONT.)
C-1.6.2.3. Where appropriate or advantageous to promote pedes-
trian activity, integrate streetscape profiles along road-
ways, primary drive aisles, building facades, and public
spaces. Use the guidelines for streetscapes from Section
B of the Design Manual.
C-1.6.2.4. Where possible, development should coordinate land-
scaping with adjacent properties to establish the use of
similar elements that produce a complementary charac-
ter along roadways, buffers, and public space.
Figure 31. Bio-swales reduce the need for large retention ponds
and provide attractive elements to parkingareas. Bio-swales are
encouraged as part of a storm water management system where
they are integrated with the overall landscape and site design.
October2008 - 68 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.1 COHESIVE DESIGN
C-2.1A. Notes:
C-2.1.1.1. Building designs are encouraged to create their own
ra
identity and character as an appropriate contribution to ..
the organized development of an attractive built envi- ;0
ronment.
C-2.1.1.2. Building architecture should express the unity of devel-
opments and cohesiveness among various individual
components, uses, and buildings.
C-2.1.2. Objective:
C-2.1.2.1. To encourage visually aesthetic building designs that
promote quality architectural character and establish
built environments that are compatible with existing,
planned, and/or anticipated adjacent land uses.
C-2.1.3. Guidelines:
C-2.1.3.1. Building designs should appropriately address building
scale, mass, and form, and the use of materials, architec-
tural elements, and details to ensure a compatible and
aesthetic contribution to the built environment.
C-2.1.3.2. Use fundamental design principles, including, but not
limited to, composition, order, balance, rhythm, repeti-
tion, proportion, and scale, to create a unified building
design.
C-2.1.3.3. Design building facades that express architectural char-
acter and incorporate the use of design principles to unify
developments and buildings, and relate to adjacent and
surrounding uses.
C-2.1.3.3.1. Design all appropriate sides of buildings, including
facades that face public roadways, public spaces,
other buildings, interior site elements, and adja-
cent uses, to unify a consistent building design and
appearance with the consistent use of materials, ele-
ments, and color.
Figure 32. The integration of building design, architectural ele-
ments, and site features form a cohesive context and pedestrian
environment.
Figure 33. Consistent architectural elements and details relate
to multiple sides of the building to form a cohesive design.
Figure 34. The use of similar and compatible architectural
elements, for example along storefronts, adds interest to the pe-
destrian environment and establishes un Jying building designs
within the development.
- 69 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.1 COHESIVE DESIGN (CONE.)
C-2.1.3.4. Building design should enhance public and opens spaces,
articulate aesthetic. character, and provide human and
pedestrian scale.
C-2.1.3.4.1. Design buildings to enhance the attractiveness and
appeal of developments, define public and open
space, establish community identity, and promote
pedestrian environments.
C-2.1.3.4.2. Where appropriate, incorporate human and pedes-
trian scale as integral components of the building
design.
C-2.1.3.5. Use building design and architecture to promote mixed -
use and denser developments as aesthetically pleasing
developments throughout the community.
C-2.1.3.5.1. Building designs are encouraged to use vertically
integrated structures and/or horizontal mixed -use
forms to create compact developments.
Figure 35. The plaza and building in this illustration share
a supporting relationship. The building helps frame the public
space and the plaza helps attract pedestrians to the area.
October2008 - 70 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.2 BUILDING SCALE
C-2.2.1. Objective:
C-2.2.1.1. To encourage building designs that appropriately use
architectural and human scale to establish compatible
physical and visual relationships with adjacent and sur-
rounding developments and reinforce a cohesive archi-
tectural character.
C-2.2.2. Guidelines:
C-2.2.2.1. Proposed developments should use proportion and scale
to design buildings compatible in height, mass, and form
with an appropriate transitional built environment.
C-2.2.2.1.1. Infill, greenfield, and redevelopment proposals should
coordinate the placement, orientation, and design of Figure 36. Large scaled buildings or intense developments can
buildings to mitigate and avoid the visual appearance use design that will mitigate potential development impacts on
of buildings that present an overwhelming form, adjacent uses and create building designs that are compatible.
mass, and scale.
C-2.2.2.1.2. Large-scale and multibuilding developments are
encouraged to produce innovative and creative
designs that visually reduce the mass, size, and box
form to promote an aesthetic appearance on appro-
priate fa4ades.
C-2.2.2.1.3. Where possible, group or incorporate smaller uses
along facades that introduce modulation and create
pedestrian environments that break up massing of --
large-scale buildings. 4 '
C-2.2.2.2. Design and configure buildings to reduce overwhelm-
ing and disproportioned architectural scale to establish Figure 37. The use of smaller buildings attached or in close
appropriate relationships to adjacent roadways and proximity to large-scale buildings help mask the large bulk and
uses.
scale by breakingup the massing alongfayades.
C-2.2.2.2.1. Development should consider the scale of surround-
ing buildings, including relationships to residential
areas, as well as an appropriate scale for a transi-
tional built environment.
C-2.2.2.2.2. Use variation in building form and proximity to other
buildings, including, but not limited to, step -backs,
similar roof forms, and building height, to ensure
building elements are compatible and/or transition
to adjacent uses.
C-2.2.2.2.3. Where appropriate, establish a hierarchy of build-
ing scales that transition from intense to less intense
uses, maintain relationships between stages, and
provide opportunities to create distinctive areas and
"'districts."
Figure 38. Buildings with large massing and overwhelming
scale can relate to adjacent and surrounding uses by appropri-
ately modifying the building design to mitigate the perception of
mass and scale.
October 2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.2 BUILDING SCALE (CONT.)
C-2.2.2.2.4. Building scales along roadways and adjacent to or
near urban areas of the community are encouraged
to develop a minimum two-story design character.
C-2.2.2.3. Incorporate human scale on appropriate building fa4ades
to support an aesthetic architectural character that con-
tributes to the quality of the building design, adjacent
buildings, and public spaces.
C-2.2.2.3.1. Use human scale to emphasize fenestration pat-
terns, architectural elements, proportion, materials,
and detailing throughout the fa4ade and building
design.
C-2.2.2.3.2. Human scale is required at the ground or street level
at building entries, along roadways, and adjacent to
pedestrian environments and public spaces.
Figure 39. Human scale is accomplished in this fapde through
the use of materials, architectural elements, fenestration, compo-
sition, and order.
October2008 - 72 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.3 BUILDING FORM
C-2.3.1. Objective:
C-2.3.1A. To enhance the visual interest of building designs and
promote quality architectural character.
C-2.3.2. Guidelines:
C-2.3.2.1. Articulate building forms, including, but not limited to,
massing, walls, and roofs, with appropriately scaled mod-
ulations that contribute to the development of visually
aesthetic building designs.
C-2.3.2.1.1. Building fa4ades that face roadways, public spaces,
and pedestrian environments should incorporate
fa4ade modulations, including, but not limited to,
appropriately proportioned projections, recesses,
and step -backs that articulate wall planes and break
up building masses.
C-2.3.2.1.2. Design parking structures as integrated buildings
that are compatible with surrounding uses and con-
tribute to the urban form.
C-2.3.2.1.3. Parking structures should incorporate modulations,
architectural elements, details, materials, and fin-
ishes that unify the structure with a coherent build-
ing design and character on all appropriate facades.
C-2.3.2.2. Incorporate visual and physical distinctions in the build-
ing design that enhance building forms, articulate
fa4ades, identify entries, and integrate human scale.
J
A g
3
D
Figure 40. Image A represents an unarticulated building mass.
Images B, C, and D show articulated masses with vertical, hori-
zontal, and varying roof plane techniques.
C-2.3.2.2.1. Use divisions, fenestration, architectural elements, Figure 41. Modulations in the buildingform provide opportu-
details, accent materials, and human scale to articu- nities to incorporate various sizedpublic spaces along roadways,
late building fa4ades that relate to adjacent road-
ways and uses.
C-2.3.2.2.2. Where building designs incorporate multiple stories,
or equivalent building heights, design upper stories
to complement lower stories and create a cohesive
building design.
C-2.3.2.2.3. Use horizontal and vertical divisions in wall planes
to organize fenestration as integrated elements of
facade compositions, provide visual interest and
complexity to the building design, and emphasize
the structure or feature architectural elements.
C-2.3.2.2.4. Design lower stories to visually anchor buildings to
the ground or street and appropriately integrate
architectural elements and details that emphasize
pedestrian scale.
Figure 42. Appropriately combining modulation in the build-
ing form, architectural elements, and materials creates an ar-
ticulated building design that contributes to the character of the
development and surrounding uses.
- 73 October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.3 BUILDING FORM (CONT.)
C-2.3.2.2.5. Design the uppermost story or fa4ade wall planes to
complete the building design. Use articulation, archi-
tectural elements, materials, and details to emphasize
the termination of walls, roof planes, or rooftop ele-
ments.
C-2.3.2.2.6. Building designs within designated areas of the Ten
Mile Specific Area Plan are encouraged to use the
"base, "body," 'top" concept to integrate horizontal
and vertical divisions.
C-2.3.2.3. Building designs should establish visual connections that
relate internal spaces at ground- or street -level with adja-
cent roadways, public spaces, and pedestrian environments.
Multistory buildings should provide more transparency at
ground- or street -level than upper stories.
C-2.3.2.3.1. Use architectural elements, such as doors and windows,
details, and materials to articulate building fa4ades
that face roadways, or are adjacent to public spaces
and pedestrian environments to establish a transpar-
ent relationship between active indoor and outdoor
spaces.
C-2.3.2.3.2. Fa4ades at ground level should average 40 percent
transparency along roadways and adjacent to public
spaces.
C-2.3.2.4. Building designs should provide proportionally taller
ground -level fa4ades to accommodate various uses adja-
cent to pedestrian environments, roadways, and public
spaces where appropriate along an urban edge or as part of
a development transition. Provide floor -to -ceiling heights,
or floor -to -floor for multistory buildings, from 12 to 18 feet.
C-2.3.2.5. Building roof types, forms, and elements should provide
variation and interest to building profiles and contribute
to the architectural identity of buildings without imposing
overwhelming scale on adjacent uses.
C-2.3.2.5.1. Building designs should incorporate appropriate roof
forms with primary and secondary roof elements that
complement the building form and fa4ade designs
and help reduce the appearance of building mass and
scale.
C-2.3.2.5.2. Where appropriate, modulate and/or articulate roof
types, both flat and sloped, with roof elements, includ-
ing, but not limited to, parapets, dormers, overhangs,
and eaves, architectural detailing, and cornice work.
Figure 43. Transparency along roadways and pedestrian envi-
ronments establishes connections between interior and exterior
activity that provides an increased level of comfort and interest
for pedestrians.
Figure 44. Creating and maintaining proportions between
ground floor and upper stories helps articulate buildingfafades
and designs.
October2008 74 -
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.4 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
C-2.4.1.
C-2.4.1.1.
C-2.4.2.
C-2.4.2.1
C-2.4.2.1.1.
C-2.4.2.1.2.
C-2.4.2.1.3.
C-2.4.2.1.4.
Objective:
To integrate architectural elements and details as com-
ponents of cohesive building designs that enhance
the visual interest of building fa4ades, support activity
at and/or near ground level, and provide human and
pedestrian scale.
Guidelines:
Use architectural elements and detailing, including, but
not limited to, fenestration patterns, awnings, canopies,
balconies, entries, materials, and decorative or ornamen-
tal detailing, to articulate fa4ades and contribute to an
aesthetic building character.
Design and articulate architectural elements using
proportions, divisions, detailing, materials, textures,
and colors that appropriately integrate these ele-
ments with the building design.
Provide architectural elements and detailing that
emphasize human scale throughout the building
design. Human scale that uses a high level of design
and detailing is required at ground or street level
adjacent to roadways, pedestrian environments, and
public spaces.
Where appropriate, provide building overhangs or
other similar features, such as canopies and awnings,
that offer temporary relief from inclement weather
along portions of fa4ades that adjoin pedestrian
environments.
Integrate strategically located elements asfocal points
in building designs. Focal elements should be propor-
tional to the building scale and emphasize building
corners, entries, adjacent public spaces, and other
such features to establish development or building
identity.
C-2.4.2.2. Building designs should not create blank wall segments
along roadways or adjacent to public space. Use architec-
tural elements and detailing in combination with color
palettes, textural changes, and material combinations to
mitigate the stark appearance of blank walls. Landscaping
techniques may also be considered.
Figure 45. Architectural elements, such as awnings and cano-
pies, can be used to articulate building designs, unify storefronts,
introduce human scale, and provide protection from the ele-
ments.
Figure 46. Architectural elements used for protection from the
elements should be appropriately integrated with the building
design, and provide a reasonable protected area, especially at
building entries.
L3ncar
madn�
Figure 47. Building and facade designs that provide a combi-
nation of material and color changes, texture or patterns, and
building modulation can effectively mitigate the appearance of
blank walls.
-75-
October2008
Citv ofMeridion Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.4 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS (CONT.)
C-2.4.2.3. Organize and locate building service equipment, includ-
ing, but not limited to, mechanical units, flutes, and vents,
away from building entries, roadways, public spaces, and
where possible from adjacent buildings.
C-2.4.2.3.1. Use integrated architectural elements to provide
adequate screening and appropriately conceal ser-
vice equipment and areas.
C-2.4.2.3.2. Screen service equipment at ground level from
pedestrian and vehicular view to a minimum height
of the equipment on all sides and integrate with the
building design and site layout.
C-2.4.2.3.3. Screen service and building equipment that is
attached or on top of structures from public view.
Use pedestrian lines of sight from the farthest edge
of the adjoining right-of-way to determine the
height and effectiveness of screening.
C-2.4.2.3.4. Use screening techniques, architectural elements,
and materials that are consistent with the build-
ing design and do not detract from the aesthetic
appearance of the building and adequately conceal
equipment.
Figure 48. Careful consideration and placement of mechanical
and service equipment can be screened from public and sensitive
views with the use of integrated architectural elements.
Rmr. ThP
'Rom
Figure 49. This diagram shows the extent to which mechanical
and service equipmentshould be screened or concealed according
to the guidelines to provide and maintain attractive views.
October2008 - 76 -
City ofMeridion Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.5 MATERIALS
C-2.5.1. Objective:
C-2.5.1.1. To encourage the use of quality materials that promote
aesthetic building designs and appropriate contributions
to the development of a timeless community character.
C-2.5.2. Guidelines:
C-2.5.2.1. Buildings with fa4ades that face multiple roadways and/
or public spaces should use consistent material combina-
tions, quality, and detailing to unify the building design.
C-2.5.2.2. Use complementary material combinations that contrib-
ute to a cohesive building design. Use materials from the
following basic groups: wood, masonry, concrete, metal,
and glazing.
C-2.5.2.2.1. Select combinations that emphasize a finished com-
position and enhance human scale for lower stories
and pedestrian scale at ground level.
C-2.5.2.2.2. Concrete masonry that provides texture, interest,
and detail may be appropriate for building designs;
however, the use of ordinary, smooth face block,
unfinished, colored, or painted, is not an acceptable
finish material for building fa4ades along roadways,
adjacent to public spaces, and residential areas.
C-2.5.2.2.3. Use well -detailed, proportioned, and durable materi-
als that will weather and age gracefully, adding to the
architectural character over time. Avoid non -durable
materials that deteriorate quickly and require fre-
quent maintenance or replacement.
C-2.5.2.2.4. Create interest and variety in fa4ade design to estab-
lish attractive. architectural character and human
scale.
C-2.5.2.2.5. Provide pattern, texture, and detail in the building
design and distinguish field materials from accent
materials.
C-2.5.2.3. Where materials transition or terminate, provide detail-
ing to express the natural appearance of the material.
(For example, stone or stone -like products should con-
vey the appearance of mass and should not appear as a
thin veneer.)
Figure S0. The consistent use of materials on each fapde of the
building enhances the cohesiveness and aesthetic appeal of the
design.
j �=---s t ;
Figure 51. Use materials from the basic groups; wood, ma-
sonry, concrete, metal, and glazing, to provide buildings with
interestand character.
ACCEPTABLE ACCEPTABLE
Figure 52. Abrupt material transitions and/or terminations
convey lesser quality and detract from an aesthetic and cohesive
design.
-77-
October 2008
City of Meridian Design Manual Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.5 MATERIALS (CONT.)
C-2.5.2.4. Use colors that complement the use of building materi-
als and support innovative and good design practices.
C-2.5.2.4.1. The use of subtle, neutral, and natural tones for
field materials should complement accent colors
and materials. The use of deep earth tones or satu-
rated colors to distinguish building fa4ades should
enhance the building design and be compatible
with adjacent structures.
C-2.5.2.4.2. The use of intensely bright and fluorescent colors, as
well as the widespread use of saturated hues with-
out complementary colors, materials, and accents, is
discouraged.
C-2.5.2.4.3. Materials or colors with high reflectance, such as
metal or reflective glazing, should be reviewed and
evaluated with the Planning staff to minimize glare
on roadways, public spaces, and adjacent uses and
to determine appropriateness.
October2008 - 78 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.6 SIGNS & LIGHTING
C-2.6.1. Notes:
C-2.6.1.1. The following guidelines are not intended to replace
the sign and lighting standards in the UDC, but rather to
encourage the use of signs and lighting in creative ways
to enhance the attractiveness and quality of develop-
ment. Use the guidelines in combination with the UDC
standards.
C-2.6.2. Objective:
C-2.6.2.1. To encourage the use of signs and architectural lighting
9 9�i
as integrated elements of building and site designs that
contribute to the atmosphere of quality, aesthetic built
environments.~ - -
C-2.6.3. Guidelines:
C-2.6.3.1. Where appropriate, use lighting on building exteriors to
promote safe pedestrian environments along roadways,
at intersections, and in public spaces.
C-2.6.3.1.1. Coordinate lighting fixture spacing and height along
streetscapes and roadways to avoid conflicts with
tree plantings.
C-2.6.3.1.2. The use of architectural lighting is encouraged to be
energy -efficient and easily maintained, in addition
to providing attractive qualities to building charac-
ter and public spaces.
C-2.6.3.1.3. Lighting fixtures used on building exteriors should
be integrated with building design and coordinate
with architectural elements and building entries.
Figure 53. Integrated lighting along pedestrian environments
creates a unique atmosphere and character that supports activ-
ity and use.
rTLI4T-S-3+"" 3T.�J�53iCI�t7V' PAR'KINGA6.FA "y�'.}, ix?,iV
U P='+ir NG 1116.5E LJGKTJNs r: 'f
L GHTIWa
Figure 54. Pedestrian -oriented lighting fixtures contribute to
the character of buildings and public spaces. Consider using vari-
ous light sources to accommodate the lighting needs of adjacent
outdoorspaces.
-79-
October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.6 SIGNS & LIGHTING (CONT.)
C-2.6.3.2. Signs should be integrated with architectural elements
and complement building designs and materials. Relate
the size, shape, materials, details, and illumination to a
pedestrian scale as appropriate, in addition to accommo-
dating vehicles.
C-2.6.3.2.1. Provide signsto identify individual storefronts, build-
ings, and uses along roadways, pedestrian environ-
ments, and within developments. Avoid large, single
signs with multiple tenants.
C-2.6.3.2.2. Use corporate and business logos to identify devel-
opments and businesses along roadways, pedestrian
environments, and adjacent to public spaces.
C-2.6.3.2.3. Use appropriately scaled signsthat incorporate logos,
minimize or eliminate the use of large amounts of
text, and are compatible with the architectural char-
acter and design of the building.
C-2.6.3.2.4. Where buildings are brought up close to roadways,
pedestrian environments, and public spaces, use
appropriate urban sign types that address pedes-
trian sight lines in addition to vehicular traffic.
C-2.6.3.2.5. Decorative flags and banners should promote the
identity of place and enhance the character and
attractiveness of buildings and public spaces rather
than advertise.
[Farm
wI am
Figure 55. Integrated signs that are compatible with the build-
ing designs, in scale and materials, contribute to the quality and
character of the building and adjacent uses.
Figure 56. Incorporating pedestrian -oriented signs support
human -scaled environments along storefronts, roadways, and
public spaces.
October2008 - 80 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Developments
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
3.0 SPECIFIC CRITERIA
3.1 INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS
C-3.1.1. Applicability:
C-3.1.1.1. Industrial developments that are adjacent to a commer-
cial, residential, or any other non -industrial zone are sub-
ject to additional design criteria, as well as those guide-
lines that are necessary and/or relevant to establish an
appropriate Urban/Suburban context and achieve the
intent of the development guidelines.
C-3.1.2. Objective:
C-3.1.2.1. To promote the appropriate use of site layout, separation
techniques, and architectural design guidelines to miti-
gate the adverse impacts that industrial uses impose on
adjacent commercial, residential, and other non -indus-
trial uses.
C-3.1.3. Guidelines:
C-3.1.3.1. Orient industrial developments, including buildings,
structures, and site elements, such as work yards and
material storage, to minimize the off -site impacts of
noise, glare, smoke, exhaust, dust, vibrations, and so
forth, and protect adjacent non -industrial uses.
Figure 57. Basic site layout where the industrial building is ori-
ented to address the roadway and potential nuisances to adjacent
uses are mitigated through placement, orientation or screening.
C-3.1.3.2. Provide an appropriate architectural design for buildings
and structures that are adjacent to a public roadway.
Articulate building fagades facing the roadway as appro-
priate with modulation fenestration, material, color and
textual changes, roof form and variation, and architec-
tural elements.
C-3.1.3.3. Use the placement and orientation of the building or
structure to screen industrial activity, including, but not Figure SS. Industrial areas can effectively contribute to the
quality and character of the community and potentially create limited to, truck docks, operating equipment, site entries/
from adja- a district identity through the consistent application of design
exits, lights, and mechanical equipment, away J alongroadways.
cent non -industrial uses.
C-3.1.3.4. Maintain the required buffers adjacent to non-residential
uses as indicated in the UDC. In addition, apply screen-
ing techniques that use landscaping, walls, and architec-
tural elements, or a combination to mitigate the off -site
impacts from industrial activities where placement and
building orientation alone cannot provide adequate
screening.
- 81 October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Urban/Suburban Development's
C. URBAN/SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
3.0 SPECIFIC CRITERIA
3.2 RESIDENTIAL CONVERSIONS
C-3.2.1. Applicability:
C-3.2.1.1. Properties currently developed with residences within
Old Town designation on the Future Land Use Map that
are outside of the area designated as the "Downtown
District" and that are seeking conversion to a commercial
use.
C-3.2.1.2. Proposed additions and/or modifications in excess of 50
percent of the existing gross floor area (excluding base-
ments) shall no longer be deemed a residential to com-
mercial conversion, and the more lenient provisions of
this section shall not apply.
C-3.2.2. Objectives:
C-3.2.2.1. To accommodate the adaptive reuse of the existing resi-
dence to a commercial use, while maintaining compat-
ibility with the use(s) on adjoining properties.
C-3.2.2.2. To ensure that such residential to commercial conver-
sions are compatible with the existing character of the
original residential use, while recognizing the need to
modify the structure to meet commercial building code
requirements.
C-3.2.3. Guidelines:
C-3.2.3.1. Developments that propose the conversion of residential
to commercial within Old Town should comply with the
guidelines for site and architectural character as appli-
cable to maintain the original residential character.
C-3.2.3.2. Residential to commercial conversions should use the
guidelines from Section C. Design Guidelines for Urban/
Suburban Developments as well as Section E. Design
Guidelines for Residential Developments.
C-3.2.3.3. Additions, restorations, and repairs should use similar
building forms, materials, and details consistent with the
architectural character, style, or period of the original
residence.
C-3.2.3.4. Where there are site constraints that prevent a conver-
sion from complying with the site character guidelines,
the applicant should propose an alternative and meet
with the Planning staff for review.
Figure 59. This image represents the original character of the
structure before the conversion from residential to commercial.
Figure 60. This image represents a residential to commercial
conversion that is compatible with the original character and
does notexceed the building addition limit.
Figure 61. This image represents a residential to commercial
conversion that is notcompatible with the original character and
exceeds the building addition limit.
October2008 - 82 -
D.
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR
SUBURBAN
DEVELOPMENTS
OCTOBER 2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENTS
Introduction:
Use these guidelines for development proposals in this category to enhance
existing suburban areas and establish new, integrated suburban environments
that relate to surrounding neighborhoods and uses.
While the majority of development in suburban environments will be residential,
there is a need to provide small -scaled commercial and office developments that
support the daily needs of adjacent and nearby residents.
The Future Land Use Map identifies several neighborhood -oriented commercial,
office, and mixed -use designations in suburban environments throughout the
City.
Development in these areas should emphasize compatible uses, public spaces,
and a mix of residential housing. In addition, emphasis should focus on connec-
tivity byestablishing street networks and interconnected pathways that link resi-
dential and neighborhood -oriented non-residential uses.
Development should promote a neighborhood scale that provides an appropri-
ate balance between pedestrian and vehicular accommodations. Land uses that
generate intense automobile traffic, parking, and trucking are not suitable for
suburban neighborhood development.
Purpose:
These guidelines address basic site and building relationships necessary for
neighborhood -oriented developments to provide interconnectivity throughout
suburban areas and contribute to the establishment of an appropriate develop-
ment context that accommodates adjacent and nearby residents.
The City encourages the creative and innovative use of current and emerging
development and design practices that meet or exceed the general expectations
of the community as expressed in the Compressive Plan, the guiding principles
of the Design Manual, and the objectives of the guidelines.
Applicability:
The guidelines in this section of the manual apply to development proposals
with the Urban/Suburban Development Context as determined from the devel-
opment matrix.
Apply these guidelines to non-residential developments and coordinate resi-
dential developments with Section E. Design Guidelines for Residential Develop-
ments.
- 87 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.1 COHERENT PLAN
D-1.1.1. Notes:
D-1.1.1.1. The City recognizes that each neighborhood -oriented
development, whether infill, greenfield, or redevelop-
ment, will have unique conditions, opportunities, and
issues to address to ensure a compatible fit with adjacent
uses and within the surrounding neighborhood context.
D-1.1.1.2. Where appropriate, neighborhood -oriented develop-
ments are encouraged to promote mixed -use and com-
pact built environments.
D-1.1.2. Objective:
D-1.1.2.1. To encourage attractive and functional neighborhood -
oriented developments that are compatible and inte-
grated with adjacent uses, including existing and planned
residential areas.
D-1.1.3. Guidelines:
D-1.1.3.1. Proposed developments should establish appropriate
orientations to surrounding uses and residential neigh-
borhoods that encourage compatible development pat-
terns and support a unified appearance and character.
D-1.1.3.1.1. Develop a concept plan to demonstrate compat-
ibility with adjacent uses and the cohesiveness of
individual project components. Use master plans for
phased and multiple -site developments.
D-1.1.3.1.2. Where appropriate, coordinate with adjacent uses
and residential areas, including single project phases,
to promote a cohesive neighborhood.
D-1.1.3.1.3. Avoid piecemeal and fragmented development
that detracts from the establishment of an aesthetic
neighborhood appearance and character.
D-1.1.3.1.4. Use appropriate methods to reduce and mitigate
development impacts on adjacent uses that support
compatibility and integration with the neighbor-
hood.
Figure 1. Neighborhood -oriented uses that establish an inviting
street presence contribute to the overall quality and character of
the community and residential areas.
4
a ,tip ;.rye. , ■— }
O�
14,
00 ►► �3>*
Figure 2. Concept and master plans demonstrate the relation-
ships between individual parts of a proposed development and
the surrounding areas.
i
Mn/0R STREET
Figure 3. A coherent plan demonstrates the connectivity of the
development within the site and with adjacent uses.
October2008 - 88 -
City ofMeridion Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.1 COHERENT PLAN (CONT.)
D-1.1.3.2. Anticipate the addition of future transit systems to the
transportation network and plan for the integration of
appropriate facilities and infrastructure.
D-1.1.3.2.1. Coordinate routes, placement of facilities, and infra-
structure improvements with the appropriate trans-
portation authorities and any adopted or accepted
long-range plans.
D-1.1.3.3. Where possible, incorporate and enhance significant nat-
ural features as site amenities and/or design elements.
D-1.1.3.4. Appropriately address the critical issues of site layout
that influence development character, including, but
not limited to, vehicular access, pedestrian connectivity,
building orientations, parking, and public space. Focus
on compatible integration with adjacent uses and neigh-
borhood orientation.
Figure 4. A coherent plan anticipates future needs of the com-
munity, such as accessible transit and linked pedestrian environ-
ments.
- 89 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.2 ACCESS & CONNECTIVITY
D-1.2.1. Notes:
D-1.2.1.1. The ability to access destinations and places throughout
the City is essential for the development of a livable com-
munity; developments should emphasize an appropriate
level of connectivity that supports a balance between
pedestrian and vehicular accommodations and provide
access to multiple modes of transportation.
D-1.2.1.2. Modes of transportation include vehicular, pedestrian,
cycling, bus, rail, and other accessible means of travel
from one place to another.
D-1.2.2. Objective:
D-1.2.2.1. To promote the interconnectivity of the community and
reduce the impacts that vehicle access points impose on
roadways and the physical and visual character of devel-
opments.
D-1.2.3. Guidelines:
D-1.2.3.1. Limit direct vehicular access off major roadways, includ-
ing highways, principle arterials, and other designated
mobility corridors, to mitigate development impacts on
the roadway system.
D-1.2.3.1.1. Provide vehicular ingress/egress from secondary
roadways for sites adjacent to major roadways.
D-1.2.3.1.2. Where secondary roadways cannot be provided,
coordinate and combine access points to reduce or
eliminate multiple access points along major road-
ways.
D-1.2.3.1.3. Limit access points on arterial roadways to strategic
locations, such as residential and commercial entries,
secondary roadways, or primary drive aisles.
D-1.2.3.1.4. Developments should anticipate and coordinate
vehicular ingress/egress with adjacent uses and
establish internal circulation patterns that minimize
access points on roadways.
D-1.2.3.1.5. Use shared access points, secondary roadways, or
internal circulation to access corner sites.
D-1.2.3.1.6. Site entryways, primary circulation patterns, and
connections to adjacent uses should appear and
function like complete streets rather than oriented
to accommodate only vehicles.
3 ...,.F
s2A#� !: �5
Figure S. Limited and combined site access points reduce po-
tential vehicle to vehicle conflicts and provide opportunities for
well-defined, safe pedestrian environments.
J
Figure 6. Shared access points between multiple uses along
roadways maintains an intact streetscape and contributes to the
cohesive character of the site and/or area.
Figure 7. Roadways, drive aisles, and internal circulation pat-
terns that are designed to function as streets increase the connec-
tivity within the site far pedestrians and vehicles.
October2008 - 90 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.2 ACCESS & CONNECTIVITY (CONT.)
D-1.2.3.1.7. Provide safe and attractive connections between
developments and adjoining uses, including resi-
dential areas, which reduce vehicular use, promote
walkability, and support access to transit.
D-1.2.3.2. Developments should connect with adjacent existing or
planned developments and integrate accommodations
that provide options to walk, bike, and/or drive without
the necessity to use arterial roadways.
D-1.2.3.2.1. Street stub extensions, roadways, and vehicu-
lar drive connections to adjacent developments
should accommodate pedestrians and incorporate
streetscapes or landscaping that create attractive
elements between uses.
D-1.2.3.2.2. Connections to residential areas should be designed
as attractive entryways to the development and
relate to the site layout, including building orienta-
tions, public spaces, and parking.
D-1.2.3.2.3. Where appropriate, coordinate and align ingress/
egress points, cross access, and internal circulation
patterns to provide vehicular connectivity.
D-1.2.3.2.4. Access points and roadways used for site entry
should align across primary roadways to form con-
trolled intersections. Coordinate intersections with
the transportation authority as appropriate.
D-1.2.3.2.5. Integrate pedestrian routes with site circulation pat-
terns that converge on building entries, public and
open spaces, and transit facilities and provide con-
nections to parking areas, sidewalks, pathways, and
roadways.
D-1.2.3.3. Plan for access and connectivityto future transit facilities,
including, but not limited to, park -and -ride locations,
pullouts, stops, and shelters.
D-1.2.3.3.1. Coordinate with the appropriate agencies and orga-
nizations to ensure successful integration of transit
facilities and infrastructure as integrated elements of
the development.
D-1.2.3.3.2. Provide adequate pedestrian connections from
adjacent uses, public spaces, building entries, and
parking areas that allow convenient, direct access to
transit facilities.
b
Figure 8. Multiple connections between sites and buildings pro-
vide pedestrians greater mobility and reduce vehicle trips within
a site, area, or destination.
............
<,
NJ;
5
Figure 9. Attractive entryways and connections between differ-
ent uses provide residents and patrons a reference for identifying
places within the neighborhood and community.
Figure 10. Linking pedestrian environments to the street net-
work and existing or future transit facilities will increase the con-
nectivity of a development with adjacent and surrounding uses.
- 91 - October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Suburban Developmenfs
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.3 ORIENTATION & LAYOUT
D-1.3.1. Note:
D-1.3.1.1. The City encourages developments to anticipate and
appropriately relate to adjacent uses, including existing.
and planned residential areas, and promote attractive,
integrated neighborhood -oriented mixed -use and com-
pact built environments.
D-1.3.2. Objective:
D-1.3.2.1. To ensure that site organization, including, but not lim-
ited to, the placement and orientation of buildings,
structures, and public spaces, as well as the location and
layout of service and parking areas, establishes an appro-
priate neighborhood -oriented development character.
D-1.3.3. Guidelines:
D-1.3.3.1. Developments should establish an organizing frame-
work of roadways, primary drive aisles, and pedestrian
walkways that provide an internal circulation network,
which promotes vehicular and pedestrian mobility, par-
allel routes, and connectivity to adjacent uses.
D-1.3.3.2. Locate buildings to establish an appropriate develop-
ment character that enhances the compatibility and
attractiveness of the site, buildings, and surrounding
uses.
D-1.3.3.2.1. Bring buildings up close to roadways to establish a
street presence and orient primary building fa4ades
toward roadways and public spaces to accommo-
date and encourage pedestrian activity.
D-1.3.3.2.2. In addition to the establishment of a street presence,
developments should create appropriate relation-
ships to surrounding uses, including residential areas
that integrate a mixture of mitigation and enhance-
ment techniques, but not limited to screening.
D-1.3.3.2.3. Limit the distance from buildings to roadways and
the distance between buildings, including the depth
and width of parking areas, to maintain interconnec-
tivity and convenient walking distances for pedestri-
ans.
D-1.3.3.2.4. Multibuilding developments may place buildings
away from roadways if a minimum of 40 percent
of the buildable frontage is occupied by building
fa4ades and/or public space that establish an aes-
thetically consistent street presence.
Figure 11. This image illustrates several concepts related to site
layout and building orientation that when used appropriately
can create comfortable pedestrian environments and establish
an inviting streetpresence.
Figure 12. Limiting the exposure of parking and placing build-
ings along roadways creates a sense of depth, providing buildings
and pedestrian environments a greater streetpresence that adds
to the character of the site and surrounding area.
r
Figure 13. Horizontal mixed -use concept where buildings are
oriented toward one another, access points are minimized and
coordinated with an internal circulation pattern, and a contigu-
ous pedestrian network is established.
October2008 - 92 -
City of Meridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.3 ORIENTATION & LAYOUT (CONT.)
D-1.3.3.2.5. Use buildings that incorporate articulated facades
and architectural elements to anchor site corners at
intersections and where developments are adjacent
to residential areas.
D-1.3.3.3. Provide clearly defined building entries and connect
them to roadways, pedestrian walkways, public spaces,
transit facilities, parking, and adjacent uses.
D-1.3.3.3.1. Primary building entries should face roadways,
pedestrian environments, or adjacent public space.
Secondary and alternative entries may access build-
ings from parking area.
D-1.3.3.3.2. Retail buildings with multiple entries or that occupy
a prominent location, such as a block corner or street
intersection, are encouraged to provide entrances
on at least two different building fa4ades with one
entrance oriented toward a roadway or accessible
public space.
D-1.3.3.4. Strategically locate public spaces and site amenities,
such as common open space, transit facilities, plazas,
and other appropriate spaces that encourage and sup-
port pedestrian activity.
D-1.3.3.4.1. Organize buildings around public space and site
amenities to establish destinations that encourage
pedestrian activity and mobility within develop-
ments.
D-1.3.3.4.2. Use building fa4ades, enhanced streetscapes, or
other appropriate enhancements to frame public
spaces and site amenities to create a sense of enclo-
sure and delineate space for the intended activities.
D-1.3.3.4.3. Orient public spaces and site amenities toward
roadways adjacent to building entries, pedestrian
environments, and streetscapes or as separations
between parking areas.
D-1.3.3.4.4. Spaces designed for courtyards, outdoor seating,
dining areas, or other such spaces should coordinate
with building orientations and circulation patterns
to maximize adjacency to pedestrian activity.
Figure 14. Public and open spaces can be used to transition
between different land uses as well as to enhance overall develop-
mentcharacter.
Figure 15. This image illustrates the potential integration of
a pedestrian friendly environment at the center of the commer-
cial development with parking divided into smaller areas and
screened from roadways.
- 93 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developmentt
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.3 ORIENTATION & LAYOUT (CONT.)
D-1.3.3.5. Locate parking toward the interior of the site and inte-
grate parking areas to support the establishment of an
attractive built environment that provides accessibility
to public spaces and buildings.
D-1.3.3.5.1. Parking should not be a dominant feature along
roadways. Place parking areas away from site cor-
ners primarily to the rear and/or side of buildings,
and where possible, avoid expansive parking areas
along roadways.
D-1.3.3.5.2. Use a parking strategy to minimize the land area
devoted to vehicular parking; include, as appropri-
ate, structured parking, on -street parking, smaller,
integrated parking areas and/or shared parking as
alternatives to general surface parking.
D-1.3.3.5.3. Distribute parking into smaller areas around,
between, and behind structures to shorten the
distance to buildings, pedestrian walkways, public
spaces, site amenities, and roadways.
D-1.3.3.6. Where possible, coordinate the placement of public
spaces, site amenities, parking areas, and buildings with
adjacent properties to encourage integrated develop-
ments and support community connectivity.
D-1.3.3.7. Locate site services, building utilities, and mechanical
equipment to enhance the attractiveness of the built
environment and minimize impacts on adjacent uses.
D-1.3.3.7.1. Place and orient service and loading areas, mechani-
cal equipment, and utilities away from residential
properties, pedestrian and public spaces, and build-
ing entrances.
D-1.3.3.7.2. Where possible, place service and loading areas
behind buildings and provide access from parking
areas, internal circulation, and/or local roadways.
D-1.3.3.7.3. Coordinate the placement of freestanding site ser-
vices and mechanical equipment to eliminate con-
flicts with vehicle and pedestrian circulation.
D-1.3.3.7.4. Place utility lines underground and away from plant-
ing zones whenever possible.
Figure 16. Smaller, distributed, and shared parking areas or-
ganized appropriately, break up the imposing size and scale of
large parking areas and create opportunities to better integrate
pedestrian accommodations.
Figure 17. Service areas and mechanical equipment are less
obtrusive to views and activities when integrated with site and
building design.
October2008 - 94 -
City ofMeridion Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.4 PARKING
D-1.4.1. Objective:
D-1.4.1.1. To incorporate parking as an attractive, integrated ele-
ment of development and address issues that influence
the physical and visual characteristics of parking areas,
such as the appropriate location for parking, size of park-
ing areas, paving materials, landscaping, and screening.
D-1.4.2. Guidelines:
D-1.4.2.1. Parking should establish appropriate circulation patterns
that accommodate and balance pedestrian and vehicu-
lar uses.
D-1.4.2.1.1. Neighborhood -oriented developments are encour-
aged to use parking configurations that contribute
to a functional internal circulation network.
D-1.4.2.1.2. Coordinate vehicular and pedestrian circulation pat-
terns to delineate travel lanes from pedestrian walk-
ways and adjoining public spaces.
D-1.4.2.1.3. Provide pedestrian connections from internal circu-
lation to public spaces and adjacent roadways.
D-1.4.2.2. Design surface parking as an integrated and attractive ele-
ment of the built environment that promotes pedestrian
comfort and safety and adds to the aesthetic character of
developments, in addition to accommodating vehicular
uses.
D-1.4.2.2.1. Break up parking into smaller separated modules and
arrange parking to minimize large impervious paving
areas. Use pedestrian circulation, landscaping, public
space, internal roadways, and primary drive aisles to
separate parking areas.
D-1.4.2.2.2. Design and lay out parking to avoid long, unbroken
parking bays. Parking bay lengths should not exceed
200 feet. Where appropriate, provide crossing travel
lanes that improve circulation.
D-1.4.2.2.3. Limit the amount and depth of parking between
building fa4ades and roadways to 50 percent or less
of the total required parking for the site to encourage
compact developments.
D-1.4.2.2.4. Neigh borhood-oriented, small-scale anchors oriented
along roadways should distribute parking areas on at
least two sides of the building.
Figure 18. This image illustrates an innovative use of techniques
to reduce the impacts of parking areas on the development and
adjacent uses; shade trees are abundant, parking is minimized
along the roadway, and parking is coordinated between uses.
Figure 19. Smaller, distributed parking areas allow for conve-
nient and direct pedestrian access between buildings.
Figure 20. Parking areas should not dominate the frontage
along major roadways. Use buildings, landscaping, and other
appropriate screening techniques to offset the necessary place-
ment of parkingareas alongroadways.
- 95 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.4 PARKING (CONT.)
D-1.4.2.2.5. Use trees, landscaping, hardscapes, and architec-
tural elements to provide shade, create interest, and
human scale for pedestrians, and add aesthetic qual-
ities to parking areas.
D-1.4.2.2.6. Shade pedestrian walkways and parking, including
stalls and drive aisles, with the appropriate class and
use of trees and arrange tree plantings in configura-
tions that will provide shade for at least 50 percent of
parking surfaces at mature growth.
D-1.4.2.2.7. Enhance the attractiveness of parking with berms,
landscaping, walls, architectural elements, or a com-
bination to produce an appropriate buffer and/or
screen adjacent to residential areas, public spaces,
or along roadways and pedestrian walkways.
D-1.4.2.2.8. Distribute and integrate appropriately scaled light-
ing to provide safe and adequately illuminated envi-
ronments for vehicular and pedestrian use.
D-1.4.2.3. Where appropriate, incorporate and arrange on -street
parking to produce traffic calming effects for adjacent
pedestrian environments and roadways.
D-1.4.2.3.1. Coordinate the use of on -street parking, including
the design and location, with the transportation
authority. Internal roadways are encouraged to use
on -street parking that is integrated with streetscapes,
parkways, and pedestrian walkways.
D-1.4.2.3.2. Where on -street parking is provided or where vehi-
cles are circulation is directed in front of building
entries, integrate traffic calming strategies and tech-
niques, such as landscape islands, bulb -outs, and
detailed crosswalks, to increase safety and enhance
the development character.
D-1.4.2.4. Design parking areas, or portions thereof, to accom-
modate other uses, such as markets, plazas, and other
pedestrian -oriented gathering spaces, that temporarily
shift focus away from vehicle use and promote pedes-
trian activity.
D-1.4.2.5. Structured parking facilities should be designed to coor-
dinate vehicular ingress/egress and screen parking levels
adjacent to roadways, public spaces, and where visible
from residential areas. Use the appropriate architectural
guidelines in the Design Manual under sections B, C, or D
as appropriate to design parking structure fa4ades.
Figure 21. Internal landscape islands and separations increase
the tree canopy and provide additional shade for paved surfaces
during the summer months as well as provide pedestrian com-
fort from vehicles to building entries
Figure 22. Internal walkways separated from parking areas
promote pedestrian safety and comfort.
Figure 23. Successful tree canopies reduce the visual size of
parking areas and provide a softening effect far parking areas as
viewed from adjacent uses and roadways.
October2008 - 96 -
City of Meridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.5 PUBLIC & OPEN SPACE
D-1.5.1. Notes:
D-1.5.1.1. The City encourages developments to take advantage
of opportunities to integrate additional public space,
including development amenities and open space, that
promotevarious activities and enhance community char-
acter, particularly in mixed -use areas and where develop-
ments transition to residential areas.
D-1.5.1.2. Developments are encouraged to use public and open
spaces to organize areas within developments, anchor
buildings, create focal points, complement architectural
character, enhance roadways and pedestrian environ-
ments, create view corridors, relate to adjacent uses, and
preserve or protect natural environments.
D-1.5.2. Objective:
D-1.5.2.1. To provide a variety of attractive, usable, and integrated
public and open spaces that enhance development char-
acter, encourage pedestrian use, and contribute to com-
munity life and the positive experience of daily activi-
ties.
D-1.5.3. Guidelines:
D-1.5.3.1. Design public and open spaces as destinations within
individual developments and mixed -use areas that pro-
vide places for recreation, social gathering, and other
pedestrian activities.
D-1.5.3.1.1. Provide appropriate types and sizes of public and
open spaces, including development amenities,
which are proportional to the proposed use and
intensity of development.
D-1.5.3.1.2. The physical form of public and open spaces should
not be created from residual land areas; use a planned
form with a coherent design that is integrated with
the site layout.
D-1.5.3.1.3. Clearly delineate the edges of public and open
spaces. Use building fa4ades, materials, architectural
features, landscaping, or other appropriate means to
define the edges of public spaces.
D-1.5.3.1.4. Place public and open spaces adjacent or in close
proximity to transit facilities, building entries, road-
ways, pedestrian walkways, and other public spaces
and provide pedestrian connections.
�.Mx prq a»ag
to epacs
g z,-3 07v 1' rOt
Pidaat ian, dcrrkd �,
Figure 24. Public spaces provide destinations, a variety of
visual interest, differing levels of activities, and connections to
landmarks.
Views
Access Path
Figure25. Views and access are vital to the success and repeated
use of public and open spaces.
3
Figure 26. Delineated and defined public and open spaces that
are accessible to users and provide pedestrian -oriented amenities
contribute to the quality and character of developments.
- 97 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Development2
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.5 PUBLIC & OPEN SPACE (CONT.)
D-1.5.3.1.5. Where appropriate, use public and open spaces to
create compatible transitions between different land
uses, including adjacent residential areas.
D-1.5.3.1.6. Design public spaces to provide visual interest and
pedestrian scale that enhances development char-
acter and complements adjacent building designs.
D-1.5.3.2. Incorporate pedestrian -oriented amenities that promote
various active and passive uses within public and open
spaces. Pedestrian amenities include, but are not limited
to, furnishings, landscaping, artwork, lighting, and water
features.
D-1.5.3.2.1. Use decorative pavers or other materials suitable for
hardscapes that endure well and add texture, color,
pattern, and decoration to public spaces.
D-1.5.3.2.2. Incorporate plantings, trees, and other plant mate-
rials to add vertical texture and variety to public
spaces; where appropriate, coordinate streetscapes
and/or landscaping to maintain a consistent look
along roadways.
D-1.5.3.2.3. Provide adequate seating for gathering spaces,
along the edges of public and open spaces, or where
appropriate to accommodate pedestrian and user
activities. Use fixed and/or movable seating, such
as benches, low walls, steps, planter and fountain
edges, or tables and chairs.
D-1.5.3.2.4. Incorporate public art as a feature or integrated ele-
ment of the public space. Where appropriate, incor-
porate artwork as an integrated component of the
building design.
D-1.5.3.2.5. Include decorative details and elements, such as
banners, flags, signs, and planters, which visually
enhance the attractiveness and character of the
space with additional layers of color and texture.
D-1.5.3.2.6. Where appropriate, provide pedestrian -scaled light
fixtures that provide adequate lighting levels to sup-
port the intended activities within public and open
spaces.
D-1.5.3.3. Public and open spaces should maintain pedestrian and
user safety and provide secure environments that avoid
dead areas, hidden corners, dark areas, and unusable
space.
Sl`l'�ii
WOMEN
•�i
+w
16i •il l
4T
Figure 27. Materials as well as patterns used individually or in
combination for hardscapes and walkways provide interest and
texture to public spaces.
Figure 28. Festive and identifying signs and ornamental plat-
ings add visual interest and contribute to the atmosphere of pub-
lic spaces andpedestrian environments.
Figure 29. The use of appropriately scaled lighting creates an
ambiance unique topublic spaces and pedestrian environments.
October2008 - 98 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.6 LANDSCAPING
D-1.6.1. Objective:
D-1.6.1.1. To encourage the attractive and purposeful use of p►ants
and other landscape materials to enhance development
character, publicand open spaces, parking areas, required
buffers, screening, and pedestrian environments.
D-1.6.2. Guidelines:
D-1.6.2.1. Use an organizational strategy for landscape plantings
to promote aesthetic compositions that enhance devel-
opment character. Avoid indifferent and unsubstantial
plantings, particularly along narrow buffers and set-
backs.
D-1.6.2.1.1. Use formal planting arrangements, such as regu-
lar and linear intervals and geometric patterns, for
streetscapes, parkways, public spaces, parks, plazas
and squares.
D-1.6.2.1.2. Use informal planting arrangements, such as irreg-
ular intervals, random patterns and groupings, to
create additional interest and focal elements or to
produce a natural setting along roadways, pathways
and walkways, within public spaces or as buffers and
screening between land uses.
D-1.6.2.2. Integrate landscaping to establish a consistent appear-
ance and aesthetic character for developments and buf-
fers.
D-1.6.2.2.1. Use appropriate classes of trees for parking areas,
buffers, screening, public and open spaces and
streetscapes to enhance development character.
D-1.6.2.2.2. Consider tree height and canopy diameter at mature
growth for spacing and aesthetics as well as water-
ing requirements, maintenance, and soil conditions
before selecting species.
D-1.6.2.2.3. Landscaping should encourage the appropriate and
attractive use of xeric, drought -tolerant plant spe-
cies and non -plant materials to reduce maintenance
and water consumption.
D-1.6.2.2.4. Incorporate various plants and non -vegetative
materials that provide groundcover and add interest
and texture to landscaping compositions. Avoid the
extensive use of turf and lawn as groundcover.
Figure 30. Plantingdesigns that use formal arrangements tend
to organize and delineate spaces as well as provide focal points.
+f 13
3!
M.
� t
n
3i
Figure 31. Planting designs that use informal arrangements
tend define boundaries, frame larger spaces, or add focal interest.
Figure 32. Landscaping materials, including trees, shrubs, and
other plant and non plant materials should be appropriately in-
tegrated with the site and adjacent structures to provide interest,
screen undesired views, and soften development impacts.
- 99 - October20i)8
City of Meridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.6 LANDSCAPING (CONT.)
D-1.6.2.2.5. Use planters and planting arrangements that fea-
ture seasonal plants, flowers, and ornamental trees
to provide accents and focal points.
D-1.6.2.3. Where appropriate or advantageous to promote pedes-
trian activity, integrate streetscape profiles along road-
ways, primary drive aisles, building fa4ades, and public
spaces. Use the guidelines for streetscapes from Section
B of the Design Manual.
D-1.6.2.4. Where possible, development should coordinate land-
scaping with adjacent properties to establish the use of
similar elements that produce a complementary charac-
ter along roadways, buffers, and public space.
Figure 33. Bio-swales reduce the need for large retention ponds
and provide attractive elements to parking areas. Bio-swales are
encouraged as part of a storm water management system where
they are integrated with the overall landscape and site design.
October2008 - 100 -
City of Meridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.1 COHESIVE DESIGN
D-2.1.1. Notes:
D-2.1.1.1. Building designs are encouraged to create their own
identity and character as an appropriate contribution to
the organized development of an attractive built envi-
ronment.
D-2.1.1.2. Building architecture should express the unity of devel-
opments and cohesiveness among various individual
components, uses, and buildings.
D-2.1.2. Objective:
D-2.1.2.1. To encourage visually aesthetic building designs that
promote quality architectural character and establish
built environments that are compatible with existing,
planned, and/or anticipated adjacent land uses.
D-2.1.3. Guidelines:
D-2.1.3.1. Building designs should appropriately address building
scale, mass, and form, and the use of materials, architec-
tural elements, and details to ensure a compatible and
aesthetic contribution to the built environment.
D-2.1.3.2. Use fundamental design principles, including but not
limited to, composition, order, balance, rhythm, repeti-
tion, proportion, and scale, to create a unified building
design.
D-2.1.3.3. Design building facades that express architectural char-
acter and incorporate the use of design principles to unify
developments and buildings, and relate to adjacent and
surrounding uses.
D-2.1.3.3.1. Design all appropriate sides of buildings, including
fa4ades that face public roadways, public spaces,
other buildings, interior site elements, and adja-
cent uses, to unify a consistent building design and
appearance with the consistent use of materials, ele-
ments, and color.
C&
wI, i_ _ '.
Figure 34. The integration of building design; architectural ele-
ments, and site features form a cohesive context and pedestrian
environment.
Figure 35. Consistent architectural elements and details relate
to multiple sides of the building to form a cohesive design.
Figure 36. The use of similar and compatible architectural
elements, for example along storefronts, adds interest to the pe-
destrian environment and establishes unifying building designs
within the development.
- 101 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.1 COHESIVE DESIGN (CONT.)
D-2.1.3.4. Building design should enhance public and opens spaces,
articulate aesthetic character, and provide human and
pedestrian scale.
D-2.1.3.4.1. Design buildings to enhance the attractiveness and
appeal of developments, define public and open
space, establish community identity, and promote
pedestrian environments.
D-2.1.3.4.2. Where appropriate, incorporate human and pedes-
trian scale as integral components of the building
design.
D-2.1.3.5. Use building design and architecture to promote mixed -
use and denser developments as aesthetically pleasing
developments throughout the community.
D-2.1.3.5.1. Building designs are encouraged to use horizontal
mixed -use forms to create compact developments.
Figure 37. The plaza, building, and street in this illustration
share a supporting relationship. The building helps frame the
public space and the plaza provides an attractive environment
for patrons and pedestrians.
October2OO8 - 102 -
City of Meridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.2 BUILDING SCALE
D-2.2.1. Objective:
D-2.2.1.1. To encourage building designs that appropriately use
architectural and human scale to establish compatible
physical and visual relationships with adjacent and sur-
rounding developments and reinforce a cohesive archi-
tectural character.
D-2.2.2. Guidelines:
D-2.2.2.1. Proposed developments should use proportion and scale
to design buildings compatible in height, mass, and form
with an appropriate transitional built environment.
D-2.2.2.1.1. Infill, greenfield, and redevelopment proposals
should coordinate the placement, orientation, and
design of buildings to mitigate and avoid the visual
appearance of buildings that present an overwhelm-
ing form, mass, and scale.
D-2.2.2.1.2. Multibuilding developments are encouraged to pro-
duce innovative and creative designs that visually
reduce the mass, size, and box form to promote an
aesthetic appearance on appropriate fa4ades.
D-2.2.2.1.3. Where appropriate, group or incorporate smaller
uses that introduce building modulation and fa4ade
articulations along roadways or adjacent to public
space to break up building mass and scale.
D-2.2.2.2. Design and configure buildings to reduce overwhelm-
ing and disproportioned architectural scale to establish
appropriate relationships to adjacent roadways and
uses.
D-2.2.2.2.1. Development should consider the scale of surround-
ing buildings, including relationships to residential
areas, as well as an appropriate scale for neighbor-
hood environments.
D-2.2.2.2.2. Use variation in building form and proximity to other
buildings, including, but not limited to, step -backs,
similar roof forms, and building height, to ensure
building elements are compatible and/or transition
to adjacent uses.
D-2.2.2.2.3. Where appropriate, establish a hierarchy of build-
ing scales that transition from intense to less intense
uses, maintain relationships between stages, and
provide opportunities to create distinctive areas and
"districts."
Figure 38. Large scaled buildings or intense developments can
use design that will mitigate potential development impacts on
adjacent uses and create building designs that are compatible.
Figure 39. Using multiple buildings a neighborhood -oriented
development can establish a street presence and an appropriate
scale with adjacent and surrounding areas.
Figure 40. Buildings with large massing and overwhelming
scale can relate to adjacent and surrounding uses by appropri-
ately modifying the building design to mitigate the perception of
mass and scale.
- 103 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.2 BUILDING SCALE (CONT.)
D-2.2.2.3. Incorporate human scale on appropriate building fa4ades
to support an aesthetic architectural character that con-
tributes to the quality of the building design, adjacent
buildings and public spaces.
D-2.2.2.3.1. Use human scale to emphasize fenestration pat-
terns, architectural elements, proportion, materials,
and detailing throughout the fa4ade and building
design.
D-2.2.2.3.2. Pedestrian scale is required at the ground or pedes-
trian level at building entries, along roadways, and
adjacent to public spaces.
Figure 41. Human scale is accomplished in this fafade through
the use of materials, architectural elements, fenestration, compo-
sition, and order.
October2008 - 104 -
City of Meridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.3 BUILDING FORM
D-2.3.1. Objective:
D-2.3.1.1. To enhance the visual interest of building designs and
promote quality architectural character.
D-2.3.2. Guidelines:
D-2.3.2.1. Articulate building forms, including, but not limited to,
massing, walls, and roofs, with appropriately scaled mod-
ulations that contribute to the development of visually
aesthetic building designs.
D-2.3.2.1.1. Building fa4ades that face roadways, public spaces,
and pedestrian environments should incorporate
fa4ade modulations, including, but not limited to,
appropriately proportioned projections, recesses,
and step -backs that articulate wall planes and break
up building masses.
D-2.3.2.2. Incorporate visual and physical distinctions in the build-
ing design that enhance building forms, articulate
fa4ades, identify entries, and integrate human scale.
D-2.3.2.2.1. Use divisions, fenestration, architectural elements,
details, accent materials, and human scale to articu-
late building fa4ades that relate to adjacent road-
ways and uses.
D-2.3.2.2.2. Where building designs incorporate multiple stories,
or equivalent building heights, design upper stories
to complement lower stories and create a cohesive
building design.
D-2.3.2.2.3. Use horizontal and vertical divisions in wall planes
to organize fenestration as integrated elements of
fa4ade compositions, provide visual interest and
complexity to the building design, and emphasize
the structure or feature architectural elements.
D-2.3.2.2.4. Design lower stories to visually anchor buildings to
the ground or street and appropriately integrate
architectural elements and details that emphasize
pedestrian scale.
D-2.3.2.2.5. Design the uppermost story or fa4ade wall planes
to complete the building design. Use articulation,
architectural elements, materials, and details to
emphasize the termination of walls, roof planes, or
rooftop elements.
Figure 42. ImageA represents an unarticulated buildingmass.
Images B, C, and D, show articulated masses with vertical, hori-
zontal, and varying roof plane techniques.
Figure 43. Modulations in the buildingform provide opportu-
nities to incorporate various sized public spaces along roadways.
Figure 44. Appropriately combining modulation in the build-
ing farm, architectural elements, and materials creates an ar-
ticulated building design that contributes to the character of the
development and surrounding uses.
- 105 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.3 BUILDING FORM (CONT.)
D-2.3.2.3. Building designs should establish visual connections that
relate internal spaces at ground- or street -level with adja-
cent roadways, public spaces, and pedestrian environments.
Multistory buildings should provide more transparency at
ground or street level than upper stories.
D-2.3.2.3.1. Use architectural elements, such as doors and windows,
details, and materials to articulate building fa4ades
that face roadways, or are adjacent to public spaces
and pedestrian environments to establish a transpar-
ent relationship between active indoor and outdoor
spaces.
D-2.3.2.3.2. Fa4ades at ground level should average 30 percent
transparency along roadways and adjacent to public
spaces.
D-2.3.2.4. Where multiple stories are proposed, building designs
should provide proportionally taller ground -level fa4ades
adjacent to pedestrian environments, roadways, and
public spaces. Provide floor -to -ceiling heights, or floor -
to -floor from 10 to 16 feet.
D-2.3.2.5. Building roof types, forms, and elements should provide
variation and interest to building profiles and contribute
to the architectural identity of buildings without impos-
ing overwhelming scale on adjacent uses.
D-2.3.2.5.1. Building designs should incorporate appropriate
roof forms with primary and secondary roof ele-
ments that complement the building form and
fa4ade designs and help reduce the appearance of
building mass and scale.
D-2.3.2.5.2. Where appropriate, modulate and/or articulate roof
types, both flat and sloped, with roof elements,
including, but not limited to, parapets, dormers,
overhangs, and eaves, architectural detailing, and
cornice work.
Figure 45. Transparency along roadways and pedestrian envi-
ronments establishes connections between interior and exterior
activity that provides an increased level of comfort and interest
for pedestrians.
Figure 46. Creating and maintaining proportions between
ground floor and upper stories helps articulate buildingfafades
and designs.
October2008 - 106 -
City ofMeridion Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.4 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
D-2.4.1. Objective:
D-2.4.1.1. To integrate architectural elements and details as com-
ponents of cohesive building designs that enhance
the visual interest of building fa4ades, support activity
at and/or near ground level, and provide human and
pedestrian scale.
D-2.4.2. Guidelines:
D-2.4.2.1. Use architectural elements and detailing, including, but
not limited to, fenestration patterns, awnings, canopies,
balconies, entries, materials, and decorative or ornamen-
tal detailing, to articulate fa4ades and contribute to an
aesthetic building character.
D-2.4.2.1.1. Design and articulate architectural elements using
proportions, divisions, detailing, materials, textures,
and colors that appropriately integrate these ele-
ments with the building design.
D-2.4.2.1.2. Provide architectural elements and detailing that
emphasize human scale throughout the building
design. Human scale that uses a high level of design
and detailing is required at ground or street level
adjacent to roadways, pedestrian environments, and
public spaces.
D-2.4.2.1.3. Where appropriate, provide building overhangs or
other similar features, such as canopies and awnings,
that offer temporary relief from inclement weather
along portions of fa4ades that adjoin pedestrian
environments.
D-2.4.2.1.4. Integrate strategically located elements as focal
points in building designs. Focal elements should
be proportional to the building scale and emphasize
building corners, entries, adjacent public spaces,
and other such features to establish development or
building identity.
D-2.4.2.2. Building designs should not create blank wall segments
along roadways or adjacent to public space. Use architec-
tural elements and detailing in combination with color
palettes, textural changes, and material combinations to
mitigate the stark appearance of blank walls. Landscaping
techniques may also be considered.
Figure 47. Architectural elements, such as awnings and cano-
pies, can be used to articulate building designs, unify storefronts,
introduce human scale, and provide protection from the ele-
ments.
Figure 48. Architectural elements used for protection from the
elements should be appropriately integrated with the building
design, and provide a reasonable protected area, especially at
building entries.
Linzar
'�RaA.
Figure 49. Building and fafade designs that provide a combi-
nation of material and color changes, texture or patterns, and
building modulation can effectively mitigate the appearance of
blank walls.
- 107 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual Suburban Developments'
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.4 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS (CONT.)
D-2.4.2.3. Organize and locate building service equipment, includ-
ing, but not limited to, mechanical units, flutes, and vents,
away from building entries, roadways, public spaces, and
where possible from adjacent buildings.
D-2.4.2.3.1. Use integrated architectural elements to provide
adequate screening and appropriately conceal ser-
vice equipment and areas.
D-2.4.2.3.2. Screen service equipment at ground level from
pedestrian and vehicular view to a minimum height
of the equipment on all sides and integrate with the
building design and site layout.
D-2.4.2.3.3. Screen service and building equipment that is
attached or on top of structures from public view.
Use pedestrian lines of sight from the farthest edge
of the adjoining right-of-way to determine the
height and effectiveness of screening.
D-2.4.2.3.4. Use screening techniques, architectural elements,
and materials that are consistent with the build-
ing design and do not detract from the aesthetic
appearance of the building and adequately conceal
equipment.
Figure 50. Careful consideration and placement of mechanical
and service equipment can be screened from public and sensitive
views with the use of integrated architectural elements.
Roca TisF.
Ec�vc�.�►i8wrr
tr•1t � r ;K�:
RoW
Figure 51. This diagram shows the extent to which mechanical
and service equipment should be screened or concealed according
to the guidelines to provide and maintain attractive views.
October2OO8 - 108 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.5 MATERIALS
D-2.5.1. Objective:
D-2.5.1.1. To encourage the use of quality materials that promote
aesthetic building designs and appropriate contributions
to the development of a timeless community character.
D-2.5.2. Guidelines:
D-2.5.2.1. Buildings with fa4ades that face multiple roadways and/
or public spaces should use consistent material combina-
tions, quality, and detailing to unify the building design.
D-2.5.2.2. Use complementary material combinations that contrib-
ute to a cohesive building design. Use materials from the
following basic groups: wood, masonry, concrete, metal,
and glazing.
D-2.5.2.2.1. Select a combination that emphasizes a finished
composition and enhances human scale for lower
stories and pedestrian scale at ground level.
D-2.5.2.2.2. Concrete masonry that provides texture, interest,
and detail may be appropriate for building designs;
however, the use of ordinary, smooth face block,
unfinished, colored, or painted, is not an acceptable
finish material for building fa4ades along roadways,
adjacent to public spaces, and residential areas.
D-2.5.2.2.3. Use well -detailed, proportioned, and durable materi-
als that will weather and age gracefully, adding to the
architectural character over time. Avoid non -durable
materials that deteriorate quickly and require fre-
quent maintenance or replacement.
D-2.5.2.2.4. Create interest and variety in fa4ade design to estab-
lish attractive architectural character and human
scale.
D-2.5.2.2.5. Provide pattern, texture, and detail in the building
design and distinguish field materials from accent
materials.
D-2.5.2.3. Where materials transition or terminate, provide detail-
ing to express the natural appearance of the material.
(For example, stone or stone -like products should con-
vey the appearance of mass and should not appear as a
thin veneer.)
Figure 52. The consistent use of materials on each fafade of the
building enhances the cohesiveness and aesthetic appeal of the
design.
4
{ � a
+. . 1
Figure 53. Use materials from the basic groups; wood, ma-
sonry, concrete, metal, and glazing, to provide buildings with
interest and character.
i4CCEPTAR11i ACCEPTABLE
Figure 54. Abrupt material transitions and/or terminations
convey lesser quality and detract from an aesthetic and cohesive
design.
- 109 - October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.5 MATERIALS (CONT.)
D-2.5.2.4. Use colors that complement the use of building materi-
als and support innovative and good design practices.
D-2.5.2.4.1. The use of subtle, neutral, and natural tones for
field materials should complement accent colors
and materials. The use of deep earth tones or satu-
rated colors to distinguish building fa4ades should
enhance the building design and be compatible
with adjacent structures.
D-2.5.2.4.2. The use of intensely bright and fluorescent colors, as
well as the widespread use of saturated hues without
complementary colors, materials, and accents, is dis-
couraged.
D-2.5.2.4.3. Materials or colors with high reflectance, such as
metal or reflective glazing, should be reviewed and
evaluated with the Planning staff to minimize glare
on roadways, public spaces, and adjacent uses and
to determine appropriateness.
October 2008 - 110 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.6 SIGNS & LIGHTING
D-2.6.1. Notes:
D-2.6.1.1. The following guidelines are not intended to replace
the sign and lighting standards in the UDC, but rather to
encourage the use of signs and lighting in creative ways
to enhance the attractiveness and quality of develop-
ment. Use the guidelines in combination with the UDC
standards.
D-2.6.2. Objective:
D-2.6.2.1. To encourage the use of signs and architectural lighting
as integrated elements of building and site designs that
contribute to the atmosphere of quality, aesthetic built
environments.
D-2.6.3. Guidelines:
D-2.6.3.1. Where appropriate, use lighting on building exteriors to
promote safe pedestrian environments along roadways,
at intersections, and in public spaces.
D-2.6.3.1.1. Coordinate lighting fixture spacing and height along
streetscapes and roadways to avoid conflicts with
tree plantings.
D-2.6.3.1.2. The use of architectural lighting is encouraged to be
energy -efficient and easily maintained, in addition
to providing attractive qualities to building charac-
ter and public spaces.
D-2.6.3.1.3. Lighting fixtures used on building exteriors should
be integrated with building design and coordinate
with architectural elements and building entries.
Figure 55. Integrated lighting along pedestrian environments
creates a unique atmosphere and character that supports activ-
ity and use.
FTDES`rRW4 ff. TRFAN VARKPVGAREA $14409;
UGHTING
Figure 56. Pedestrian -oriented lighting fixtures contribute to
the character of buildings and public spaces. Consider using vari-
ous light sources to accommodate the lighting needs of adjacent
outdoor spaces.
- ill - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.6 SIGNS & LIGHTING (CONT.)
D-2.6.3.2. Signs should complement building designs and be inte-
gral with architectural elements and materials. Relate
the size, shape, materials, details, and illumination to a
pedestrian scale as appropriate, in addition to accommo-
dating vehicles.
D-2.6.3.2.1. Provide signs to identify individual storefronts, build-
ings and uses along roadways, pedestrian environ-
ments, and within developments. Avoid large, single
signs with multiple tenants.
D-2.6.3.2.2. Use corporate and business logos to identify devel-
opments and businesses along roadways, pedestrian
environments, and adjacent to public spaces.
D-2.6.3.2.3. Use appropriately scaled signsthat incorporate logos,
minimize or eliminate the use of large amounts of
text, and are compatible with the architectural char-
acter and design of the building.
D-2.6.3.2.4. Where buildings are brought up close to roadways,
pedestrian environments, and public spaces, use
appropriate urban sign types consistent with the
UDC standards that address pedestrian sight lines in
addition to vehicular traffic.
D-2.6.3.2.5. Decorative flags and banners should promote the
identity of place and enhance the character and
attractiveness of buildings and public spaces rather
than advertise.
THIS HOT THIS
_:PETS :. PATS
Figure 57. Integrated signs that are compatible with the build-
ing design, in scale and materials, contribute to the quality and
character of the building and adjacent uses.
Figure 58. Incorporating pedestrian -oriented signs support
human -scaled environments along storefronts, roadways, and
public spaces.
October2008 - 112 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
3.0 SPECIFIC CRITERIA
3.1 NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS
D-3.1.1. Notes:
D-3.1.1A. The City anticipates that the development of Neighbor-
hood Centers will likely follow an evolutionary process;
therefore, these areas may need to develop under phased
project plans. Development within a Neighborhood Cen-
ter is expected to take on an urban or urban -like charac-
ter and transition to the character of surrounding uses.
D-3.1.1.2. The City recognizes that initial development in the areas
designated as Neighborhood Centers may not occur at
the level of intensity envisioned; however, establishing
the appropriate framework, including, but not limited to,
street networks, blocks, connectivity, transit, vehicular
and pedestrian accommodations, and public and com-
mon spaces, is vital to the success of these centers.
D-3.1.2. Applicability:
D-3.1.2.1. Areas designated on the Future Land Use Map as Neigh-
borhood Centers (N.C.) are subject to additional design
criteria, as well as those guidelines from the Design Man-
ual that are necessary to establish the intended context
and character as described in Chapter VII of the Compre-
hensive Plan under Neighborhood Center/Mixed Use.
D-3.1.2.2. Neighborhood -serving developments of a significant size
or proposed within a prominent location, such as a major
intersection or adjacent to public space, are encouraged
to establish a Neighborhood Center character.
D-3.1.3. Objective:
D-3.1.3.1. To encourage the appropriate development of Neigh-
borhood Centers throughout the City as expressed in
the Comprehensive Plan, including the incorporation of
higher residential densities, integrated public space, and
small-scale commercial within a mixed -use environment
compatible with the surrounding area.
D-3.1.4. Guidelines:
D-3.1.4.1. Develop Neighborhood Centers under a single concept
or master plan to ensure a unified character and seam-
less development buildout that avoids the piecemeal
appearance of separated uses.
D-3.1.4.1.1. Where a Neighborhood Center designation consists
of multiple property owners, the applicant shall
coordinate with the property owners to develop a
concept or master plan for the entire land use des-
ignation.
Figure 59. Neighborhood Centers that develop under a concept
or master plan, can unify development and create unique and at-
tractive environments that anchor residential areas and provide
a sense of identity for residents.
- 113 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Suburban Development3
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
3.0 SPECIFIC CRITERIA
3.1 NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS (CONT.)
D-3.1.4.1.2. Concept or master plans should identify the size and
boundaries of the Neighborhood Center and estab-
lish the relationships between the proposed types
and intensities of uses as well as appropriate transi-
tions to adjacent areas.
D-3.1.4.1.3. The concept or master plan should clearly commu-
nicate the following: site access, internal circulation
patterns, connectivity to adjacent uses, site organi-
zation and building orientations, parking areas, and
public or common spaces.
D-3.1.4.2. Use the Neighborhood Center Concept Diagram in the
Comprehensive Plan or a similar concept to organize the
following general land uses: a core commercial area, resi-
dential areas, and public uses within Neighborhood Cen-
ter designations on the Future Land Use Map.
D-3.1.4.3. Provide compact commercial and office developments
oriented toward the daily needs of residents, including
small-scale retail, entertainment, and office, including
local and professional services.
D-3.1.4.3.1. Core areas are encouraged to use vertically inte-
grated mixed -use forms that reinforce an appropri-
ate street character and pedestrian orientation.
D-3.1.4.3.2. Commercial cores and mixed -use areas should be
centrally located to allow convenient access for adja-
cent and nearby residents.
D-3.1.4.4. Use appropriate densities and mixed -use environments
to provide and distribute a variety of housing options
within the Neighborhood Center.
D-3.1.4.4.1. Appropriately use residential housing types to tran-
sition from higher densities at the commercial core
to medium and low densities at the edge of the
Neighborhood Center, as indicated on the Future
Land Use Map.
D-3.1.4.5. Provide public uses such as parks, plazas, and common
greens, as well as public and quasi public buildings, to
serve residents. Distribute these public spaces appropri-
ately throughout the Neighborhood Center.
D-3.1.4.5.1. Provide a large plaza or green space adjacent to the
commercial core as a focal element of the Neighbor-
hood Center, and design this space to accommodate
various pedestrian activities.
Figure 60. The Neighborhood Center ConceptDiagram shows
the anticipated relationships between the three principal land
uses; a commercial core, various residential areas, and public or
common spaces, and the surrounding areas.
Figure 61. Horizontal mixed -use concept where buildings are
oriented toward one another, access points are minimized and
coordinated with an internal circulation pattern, and a contigu-
ous pedestrian network is established.
October2008 - 114 -
City of Meridian Design Manual
Suburban Developments
D. SUBURBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
3.0 SPECIFIC CRITERIA
3.1 NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS (CONT.)
D-3.1.4.5.2. Create and distribute smaller public and com-
mon spaces throughout the Neighborhood Center,
including, but not limited to, parks, playgrounds,
sports and multiuse fields, and sheltered areas with
tables or seating.
D-3.1.4.5.3. Connect public and common spaces within an over-
all circulation system that accommodates pedes-
trian mobility. Use enhanced streetscapes, parkways,
dedicated bicycle lanes, pathways, trails, and other
pedestrian -oriented passages.
D-3.1.4.6. Develop a recognizable, formalized, and interconnected Figure 62. In addition to large public spaces within the com-
street network that provides convenient internal circu- mercial core of Neighborhood Centers, smaller open spaces, or
lation and parallel routes that encourage local trips to amenities that are distributed and connected bypedestrian and
minimize vehicle use on arterial roadways. (See Manual roadway networks provide convenient access to a variety ofout-
Section B. Design Guidelines for Urban Developments for door spaces and activities.
street network guidelines.)
D-3.1.4.6.1. Street networks should converge on site access
points, core commercial areas, schools, parks, and
other public uses.
D-3.1.4.6.2. Provide safe, attractive, and accessible street cross-
ings throughout the Neighborhood Center that are
appropriately located and integrated into the pedes-
trian circulation system.
D-3.1.4.6.3. Where roadways connect Neighborhood Cen-
ter development with adjacent uses and residen-
tial areas, design these connections as attractive
entrances and identifying elements.
D-3.1.4.7. Orient commercial, office, and residential buildings along
roadways and/or adjacent to public spaces to establish
an attractive neighborhood character and create an
appropriate street presence.
D-3.1.4.7.1. Neighborhood Centers are encouraged to design a
"main street"environment to anchor the commercial
core and expand uses outward within an appropri-
ate street network.
D-3.1.4.7.2. Building orientations and site layout should frame
public and open spaces to create view sheds and
focal points for residential and commercial areas.
- 115 - October2008
E.
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR
RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENTS
OCTOBER 2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
Introduction:
The quality and character of the City of Meridian and its neighborhoods is
directly linked to the overall quality of the built environment. The guidelines in
this section describe and illustrate important physical and visual characteristics
that enable residential developments to create attractive and livable neighbor-
hoods throughout Meridian.
Use these guidelines and the appropriate Design Manual sections that corre-
spond to the anticipated development context (urban, urban/suburban or sub-
urban), as determined from the Development Matrix, to enhance existing neigh-
borhoods and establish new, integrated neighborhoods throughout the City.
Residential developments should emphasize the establishment of pedestrian
environments and community connectivity through the integration of street
networks, attractive streetscapes and landscaping, access to transit, and acces-
sibility to public, common, and open spaces.
Urban, Urban/Suburban, and Neighborhood Center residential developments
should be integrated within an appropriate urban and/or mixed -use environ-
ment.
Purpose:
These guidelines address general site and building relationships necessary for
residential developments and buildings to contribute to the establishment of
compatible, attractive neighborhoods throughout the City to enhance architec-
tural character and create a sense of place for residents.
The City encourages the creative and innovative use of current and emerging
development and design practices that meet or exceed the general expectations
of the community as expressed in the Compressive Plan, the guiding principles
of the Design Manual, and the objectives of the guidelines.
Applicability:
The guidelines in this section apply to residential development proposals with
the following UDC designations: all duplex and single-family attached units,
townhouses, and multifamily dwellings. (Note: Additional development stan-
dards and requirements specific to these uses may be found in Chapter 4, Sec-
tion 3 of the Unified Development Code under Specific Use Standards Enumer-
ated [UDC 11-4-3].)
Residential subdivisions should use the Design Manual and guidelines to ensure
that the development is compatible with surrounding uses and contributes to
an appropriate context.
Individual detached single-family dwellings are not required to submit for com-
pliance with the design guidelines. The City encourages single-family detached
developments to consider incorporating the design guidelines with any subdivi-
sion architectural development standards.
- 119 - October2OO8
City of Meridian Design Manual
Residential Developments'
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.1 COHERENT PLAN
E-1.1.1. Notes:
E-1.1.1.1. The City recognizes that each residential development,
whether infill, greenfield, or redevelopment, will have
unique conditions, opportunities, and issues to address
to ensure a compatible fit with adjacent uses within an
appropriate development context and character. Where
appropriate, residential developments are encouraged
to provide a variety of housing choices.
E-1.1.2. Objective:
E-1.1.2.1. To encourage attractive, livable residential developments
and neighborhoods that are integrated and compatible
with adjacent uses.
E-1.1.3. Guidelines:
E-1.1.3.1. Residential developments should establish appropriate
orientations to surrounding uses, including residential
and non-residential areas, that encourage compatible
development patterns, character, and appearances.
E-1.1.3.1.1. Develop a concept plan to demonstrate compat-
ibility with adjacent uses and the cohesiveness of
individual project components. Use master plans for
phased and multiple -site developments.
E-1.1.3.1.2. Where appropriate, coordinate with adjacent uses,
including single project phases, to promote the
development of a cohesive neighborhood.
E-1.1.3.1.3. Avoid piecemeal and fragmented development
that detracts from the establishment of an aesthetic
neighborhood appearance and character.
E-1.1.3.1.4. Residential developments should create a pleasant,
comfortable, and safe place to live that is integrated
within a neighborhood and the community.
E-1.1.3.2. Residential developments are encouraged to provide
a mix of housing types to promote non -homogeneous
neighborhoods capable of accommodating a wide range
of residents.
E-1.1.3.2.1. Where appropriate, use this mix to provide transi-
tions in scale between higher -density and lower -
density areas.
Figure 1. Attractive residential designs for a variety of dwelling
unit densities can be successfully integrated within the commu-
nity.
low 1
�1
0 tee►
Figure 2. Concept and master plans demonstrate the relation-
ships between the individual components of a proposed develop-
ment and the surrounding areas.
October2008 - 120 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.1 COHERENT PLAN (CONT.)
E-1.1.3.3. Anticipate the addition of future transit systems to the
transportation network and plan for the integration of
appropriate facilities and infrastructure.
E-1.1.3.3.1. Coordinate routes, placement of facilities, and infra-
structure improvements with the appropriate trans-
portation authorities and any adopted or accepted
long-range plans.
E-1.1.3.4. Where appropriate, incorporate and enhance significant
natural features as site amenities and/or design ele-
ments.
E-1.1.3.5. Appropriately address the critical issues of site layout
that influence a compatible and integrated neighbor-
hood character, including, but not limited to, vehicular
access, pedestrian connectivity, building orientations,
and common spaces.
2 October 2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.2 ACCESS & CONNECTIVITY
E-1.2.1. Notes:
E-1.2.1.1. The ability to access destinations and places throughout
the City is essential for the development of a livable com-
munity; residential developments should emphasize an
appropriate level of connectivity that promotes greater
pedestrian accommodations and access to multiple
modes of transportation.
E-1.2.1.2. Modes of transportation include vehicular, pedestrian,
cycling, bus, rail, and other accessible means of travel
from one place to another.
E-1.2.2. Objectives:
E-1.2.2.1. To promote the interconnectivity of the community and
reduce the impacts that vehicles impose on the physical
and visual character of residential developments.
E-1.2.2.2. To encourage residential developments that provide
multiple and accessible mobility options.
E-1.2.3. Guidelines:
E-1.2.3.1. Limit street connections for residential developments
off major roadways, including highways, principle arteri-
als, and other designated mobility corridors, to mitigate
development impacts on the roadway system.
E-1.2.3.1.1. Provide vehicular access from secondary roadways
for sites adjacent to major roadways.
E-1.2.3.1.2. Limit street connections on arterial roadways to stra-
tegic locations, such as residential and commercial
entries and secondary roadways.
E-1.2.3.2. Residential developments should establish an appropri-
ate street network, roadway system, or circulation pat-
tern that provides connectivity with adjacent uses and
promotes contiguous pedestrian environments.
E-1.23.2.1. Provide safe and attractive connections within and
between developments and adjoining uses that
reduce vehicular use, promote walkability, and sup-
port access to transit.
E-1.2.3.2.2. Residential developments should connect with adja-
cent existing or planned developments and design
integrated connections that provide options to walk,
bike, and/or drive without the necessity to use arte-
rial and major roadways.
A
s
Caj -
fts- E f"
Figure 3. Limited and combined site access points reduce po-
tential vehicle to vehicle conflicts and provide opportunities for
well-defined, safe pedestrian environments.
Figure 4. Use a network of local and collector roadways that in-
crease the connectivity of the development, and community.
Figure 5. Multiple connections between adjacent sites and
buildings provide pedestriansgreater mobility and reduce vehicle
trips within a site, area, or destination.
October2008 - 122 -
City ofMeridion Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.2 ACCESS & CONNECTIVITY (CONT.)
E-1.2.3.2.3. Coordinate and design connections to adjacent resi-
dential and non-residential developments that pro-
vide accommodations for pedestrians and incorpo-
rate streetscapes or landscaping to create attractive
links between uses.
E-1.2.3.2.4. Residential development entryways should align
across primary roadways to form controlled inter-
sections. Coordinate intersections with the transpor-
tation authority as appropriate.
E-1.2.3.2.5. Attractive well -designed and integrated entryways
that express a sense of arrival are encouraged.
E-1.2.3.2.6. Integrate pedestrian routes with site circulation
patterns that converge on development amenities,
common and open spaces, and transit facilities and
provide connections to parking areas, sidewalks,
pathways and roadways.
E-1.2.3.2.7. Incorporate and coordinate connections through
buffers and other barriers that would otherwise
separate and cut off access from residential develop-
ment to adjacent non-residential and neighborhood
uses.
E-1.2.3.3. Plan for access and connectivity to future transit facilities,
including, but not limited to, park -and -ride locations,
pullouts, stops, and shelters.
Figure 6. Pedestrian connections between residential and ad-
jacent uses promote the interconnectivity and walkability of the
community.
E-1.2.3.3.1. Coordinate with the appropriate agencies and orga- Figure 7 Attractive entryways and connections between differ-
nizations to ensure successful integration of transit entusesprovide residents andpatrons a referencefor identifying
facilities and infrastructure as integrated elements of Places within the neighborhood and community.
the development.
E-1.2.3.3.2. Provide appropriate pedestrian connections from
adjacent use, common spaces, and along roadways
that allow convenient access to transit facilities.
Due Stop
Figure 8. Linking residential areas to transit facilities will pro-
vide a convenient amenity forpedestrians and residents that need
alternatives to vehicular transportation.
- 123 - October2OO8
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.3 ORIENTATION & LAYOUT
E-1.3.1. Objectives:
E-1.3.1.1. To encourage proposed residential developments to
become integral parts of neighborhoods and the com-
munity rather than separated or isolated areas.
E-1.3.1.2. To ensure that site organization, including, but not lim-
ited to, the placement and orientation of buildings,
structures, and public spaces, as well as the location and
layout of services, establishes an appropriate residential
development character.
E-1.3.2. Guidelines:
E-1.3.2.1. Residential developments should establish an appropri-
ate organizing framework of roadways and pedestrian
walkways that provide an internal circulation network,
which promotes vehicular and pedestrian mobility, par-
allel routes, and connectivity to adjacent uses.
E-1.3.2.1.1. Circulation should link residential areas to neighbor-
hood places, including, but not limited to, common
and open spaces, schools, parks, transit facilities, and
nearby retail uses.
E-1.3.2.1.2. Where appropriate, incorporate traffic calming strat-
egies that increase neighborhood safety and provide
opportunity to enhance the character of roadways
and streetscapes.
E-1.3.2.2. Locate buildings to establish an appropriate develop-
ment character that enhances the compatibility and
attractiveness of the site, adjacent uses, and neighbor-
hood. (Note: This guideline is not intended for individual
single-family dwellings.)
E-1.3.2.2.1. Appropriately use setbacks or bring buildings up
close to roadways to establish a uniform street pres-
ence and support a contiguous pedestrian environ-
ment. Orient primary building facades toward road-
ways and provide walkways that connect entrances.
E-1.3.2.2.2. In addition to the establishment of a street presence,
developments should create appropriate relation-
ships to surrounding uses, including residential areas
that integrate a mixture of mitigation and enhance-
ment techniques, but not limited to screening.
Figure 9. Establishing a street presence is critical to the charac-
ter and attractiveness of residential neighborhoods.
ij
.�:..
€>
iTr
Figure 10. Traffic -calming techniques reduce vehicle speeds
and provide pedestrians a safer environment alongroadways.
Figure 11. Situations where building scale and orientation in-
trude on residential privacy should be avoided.
October2008 - 124 -
City of Meridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.3 ORIENTATION & LAYOUT (CONT.)
E-1.3.2.2.3. Limit the distance from buildings to roadways and
provide appropriate distances between buildings to
maintain interconnectivity and convenient walking $
distances for pedestrians.
Multibuilding developments may place buildings
E-1.3.2.2.4. away from roadways if a minimum of 40 percent
of the buildable frontage is occupied by building
fa4ades and/or public space that establish an aes-
thetically consistent street presence.
Use buildings that incorporate articulated fa4ades
E-1.3.2.2.5. and architectural elements to anchor site corners at
intersections.
Strategically locate common and open spaces and site
E-1.3.2.3. amenities to encourage and support pedestrian activity.
Organize buildings around common space and site
E-1.3.2.3.1. amenities to create a sense of enclosure and delin-
eate space for the activities and uses.
Use building fa4ades, enhanced streetscapes, or
E-1.3.2.3.2. other appropriate enhancements to frame pub-
lic spaces and site amenities as focal points within
developments and to delineate or distinguish
between public and private areas.
Orient common spaces and site amenities toward
E-1.3.2.3.3. roadways, adjacent to building entries, pedestrian
environments, and streetscapes, or as separations
between adjacent uses.
Where provided, parking should be located toward the
E-1.3.2.4. interior of the site and integrate with buildings and com-
mon spaces. (Note: This guideline is not intended for
individual single-family dwellings.)
Parking should not be a dominant feature along
E-1.3.2.4.1. roadways; place parking areas away from site cor-
ners, primarily to the rear and/or side of buildings
to minimize the visibility of parking areas from road-
ways.
Distribute parking into smaller areas around,
E-1.3.2.4.2. between, and behind structures to shorten the dis-
tance to buildings, pedestrian walkways, common
spaces, site amenities, and roadways.
Parking should not interfere with common open
Figure 12. Residential parking for attached and multiunit
structures should be located behind the buildings away from cor-
ners to mitigate negative views along roadways.
Figure 13. Large parking areas that are adjacent to roadways
and increase the walking distance for residents between buildings
should be avoided.
Figure 14. Consider smaller parking lots distributed through-
out the site that bring buildings closer together for convenient
walking distances and access to amenities.
- 125 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Residential Developments,
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.3 ORIENTATION & LAYOUT (CONT.)
E-1.3.2.4.3. spaces and amenities or safe pedestrian circulation.
Where possible, coordinate the placement of common
E-1.3.2.5. spaces and site amenities with adjacent properties to
encourage integrated developments and support com-
munity connectivity.
Site services and building utilities should not distract from
E-1.3.2.6. the attractiveness of the residential development. (Note:
This guideline is not intended for individual single-family
dwellings.)
Place and orient services and utilities away from
E-1.3.2.6.1. roadways, common spaces, and building entries.
Where necessary, appropriately screen services and
utilities.
Place utility lines underground and away from plant-
E-1.3.2.6.2. ing zones whenever possible.
Figure 15. Service areas and mechanical equipment are less
obtrusive to views and activities when integrated with site and
building design.
Figure 16. Accessory structures, such as trash enclosures and
recycling bins should be designed and detailed to match the ar-
chitectural character of buildings to help mitigate and reduce
undesirable views.
October2008 - 126 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.4 COMMON & OPEN SPACE
E-1.4.1.
E-1.4.1.1
E-1.4.1.2.
E-1.4.2.
E-1.4.2.1
E-1.4.3.
E-1.4.3.1
Notes:
The City encourages residential developments to take
advantage of opportunities to integrate additional com-
mon spaces within individual developments and neighbor-
hoods, including amenities and open space, that promote
various activities for residents and enhance neighborhood
character.
Developments are encouraged to use common spaces
and amenities to organize areas within developments,
anchor buildings, create focal points, complement archi-
tectural character, enhance roadways and pedestrian
environments, create view corridors, relate to adjacent
uses, and preserve or protect natural environments.
Objective:
To provide a variety of attractive, usable, and integrated
amenities and common and open spaces that enhance
development character, are accessible, and contribute to
community and residential life and the positive experi-
ence of daily activities.
Guidelines:
Provide integrated, usable amenities and common
spaces, including parks, playgrounds, bicycle and pedes-
trian pathways, squares, common greens, gardens, and
other such spaces that provide usable spaces for play,
recreation, and social or cultural activities.
E-1.4.3.2. Design common spaces and amenities to enhance the
development character and promote attractive, pedes-
trian -oriented elements throughout neighborhoods.
E-1.4.3.2.1
E-1.4.3.2.2.
E-1.4.3.2.3
E-1.4.3.2.4.
Provide appropriate types and sizes of amenities
and common spaces that are proportional to the
proposed use and intensity of development.
The physical form of common and open spaces
should not be created from residual land areas; use
a planned form with a coherent design that is inte-
grated with the development and neighborhood.
Common spaces and amenities should be centrally
located or distributed throughout a development
with safe walkable routes that provide access for all
residents.
Link multiple common spaces and facilities through-
out the development with pedestrian pathways and
parkways.
Figure 17. Common and open space can effectively be used to
transition between different, or incompatible uses. Here residen-
tial is separated from commercial with a series of open spaces and
amenities.
Views
Access path
Figure 18. Views and access are vital to the success and repeated
use of common and open spaces.
Figure 19. Common and open spaces can serve as a central or-
ganizing element that is defined by the edges and placement of
buildings.
- 127 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.4 COMMON & OPEN SPACE (CONT.)
E-1.4.3.2.5. Place common spaces adjacent or in close proxim-
ity to transit facilities, building entries, roadways,
pedestrian walkways, and other public spaces and
provide pedestrian connections.
E-1.4.3.2.6. Residential developments adjacent to planned or
existing parks, common and open spaces, or other
neighborhood amenities should maximize visibility
and pedestrian access to these areas.
E-1.4.3.2.7. Clearly delineate the edges of common and open
spaces. Use building fa4ades, materials, architectural
features, landscaping, or other appropriate means to
define the edges of spaces.
E-1.4.3.2.8. Frame common spaces with building fa4ades, land-
scaping, and/or streetscapes to create a sense of
enclosure.
E-1.4.3.3. Where appropriate, use common and open spaces to cre-
ate compatible transitions between different land uses
within a development or neighborhood.
E-1.4.3.4. Incorporate pedestrian -oriented amenities that promote
various active and passive uses within common spaces.
Pedestrian amenities include, but are not limited to, fur-
nishings, landscaping, artwork, lighting, and water fea-
tures.
E-1.4.3.4.1. Use decorative pavers or other materials for hard-
scapes that endure well and add texture, color, pat-
tern, and decoration to public spaces.
E-1.4.3.4.2. Incorporate plantings, trees, and other plant mate-
rials to add vertical texture and variety to public
spaces; where appropriate, coordinate streetscapes
and/or landscaping to maintain a consistent look
along roadways.
E-1.4.3.4.3. Provide adequate seating for gathering spaces
along the edges of public and open spaces or where
appropriate to accommodate pedestrian and user
activities. Use fixed and/or movable seating, such
as benches, low walls, steps, planter and fountain
edges, or tables and chairs.
i!! •
►������
�� '
'. `.
�_ .fit t_= ti
tea! �t Xi
.��
��1 lye
��
,►�i�I�
Figure 20. Materials as well aspatterns used individually or in
combination for hardscapes and walkways provide interest and
texture topublic spaces.
Figure 21. Festive and identifying signs and ornamental plat-
ings add visual interest and contribute to the atmosphere of pub-
lic spaces and pedestrian environments.
October2008 - 128 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0 SITE CHARACTER
1.4 COMMON & OPEN SPACE (CONE.)
E-1.4.3.2.4. Incorporate public art as a feature or integrated ele-
ment of the public space. Where appropriate, incor-
porate artwork as an integrated component of the
building design.
E-1.4.3.2.5. Include decorative details and elements, such as
banners, flags, signs, and planters, which visually
enhance the attractiveness and character of the
space with additional layers of color and texture.
E-1.4.3.2.6. Where appropriate, provide pedestrian -scaled light
fixtures that provide adequate lighting levels to sup-
port the intended activities within public and open
spaces.
E-1.4.3.2.7. Provide convenient bicycle parking, based on a pro-
portional use and activity level, for common spaces
and amenities.
E-1.4.3.5. Residential roadways are encouraged to incorporate
detached sidewalks with parkway planting strips to
accommodate canopy -producing street trees.
E-1.4.3.6. Encourage safe and secure amenities and common and
open spaces by avoiding the creation of dead areas,
unusable spaces, darkareas, and hidden corners. Provide
public and neighborhood views for casual monitoring of
common spaces and facilities.
Figure 22. The use of appropriately scaled lighting creates an
ambiance unique to common spaces and pedestrian environ-
ments.
Figure 23. Parkways and streetscapesprovide an attractive and
usable open space amenity that can connect areas within neigh-
borhoods, and neighborhoods to other areas of the community.
- 129 - October2008
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Residential Developments-
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.1 COHESIVE DESIGN
E-2.1.1. Notes:
E-2.1.1.1. Residential building designs are encouraged to create
their own identity and character as an appropriate con-
tribution to the organized development of attractive
neighborhoods.
E-2.1.2. Objective:
E-2.1.2.1. To encourage visually aesthetic residential building
designs that promote quality architectural character and
establish built environments that are compatible with
existing adjacent and planned uses.
E-2.1.3. Guidelines:
E-2.1.3.1. Building designs should appropriately address building
scale, mass, and form, and the use of materials, architec-
tural elements and details to ensure a compatible and
aesthetic contribution to neighborhood development.
E-2.1.3.2. Use fundamental design principles, including, but not
limited to, composition, order, balance, rhythm, repeti-
tion, proportion, and scale, to create a unified building
design.
E-2.1.3.3. Design building fa4ades that express architectural char-
acter and incorporate the use of design principles to
relate to adjacent and surrounding uses.
E-2.1.33.1. Design all appropriate sides of buildings, including
fa4ades that face roadways, public and common
spaces, other buildings, and adjacent uses.
E-2.1.3.3.2. Create an attractive appearance and unify the build-
ing design with the consistent use of materials, ele-
ments, and color on all appropriate fa4ades.
E-2.1.3.4. Building designs should enhance public and common
spaces, articulate aesthetic character, and provide human
and pedestrian scale.
E-2.1.3.4.1. Design buildings to enhance the attractiveness
and appeal of developments, define street pres-
ence, public and common spaces, and contribute to
neighborhood identity.
E-2.1.3.4.2. Incorporate human and pedestrian scale as integral
components of the building design to enhance the
attractiveness and appeal of buildings and residen-
tial areas.
Figure 24. Residential structures that provide compatible fa-
cades and building designs along roadways contribute to a con-
sistent and cohesive neighborhood character.
Figure 25. The intentional use of certain architectural elements,
such as roof forms, can help unify a residential neighborhood
while still accommodating individual creativity amongunits.
October2008 - 130 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.1 COHESIVE DESIGN (CONT.)
E-2.1.3.5. Where appropriate, use building design and architec-
ture to promote mixed -use and denser developments as
aesthetically pleasing developments within neighbor-
hoods.
E-2.1.3.5.1. Building designs are encouraged to use vertically
integrated structures and/or horizontal mixed -use
forms to create compact developments where the
underlying zoning permits such intensity.
- 131 - October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.2 BUILDING SCALE
E-2.2.1. Objective:
E-2.2.1.1. To encourage building designs that appropriately use
architectural and human scale to establish compatible
physical and visual relationships with adjacent build-
ings and buildings and reinforce a cohesive architectural
character.
E-2.2.2. Guidelines:
E-2.2.2.1. Infill, greenfield, and redevelopment proposals should
coordinate the placement, orientation, and design of
residential buildings to mitigate and avoid the visual
appearance of an imposing scale that presents an over-
whelming form and mass.
E-2.2.2.1.1. Residential designs should use proportion and scale
to create buildings that are compatible in height,
mass, and form with adjacent structures and uses.
E-2.2.2.1.2. In a suburban context, building height and scale
should be similar to that of other buildings in the
surrounding area and avoid a dominant appearance
along street frontages and roadways.
E-2.2.2.1.3. Where development permits an increase in height
and/or density, residential building designs should
mitigate the visual impacts of an imposing scale on
adjacent structures.
E-2.2.2.2. Appropriately use scale and massing to create building
forms that express compatible architectural interest and
provide transitions to adjacent buildings and uses.
E-2.2.2.2.1. Design residential buildings that break up and dis-
tribute massing with various wall planes, roof con-
figurations, and architectural elements that reduce
imposing building height and scale.
E-2.2.2.2.2. Use variation in building form and proximity to other
buildings, including, but not limited to, step -backs,
similar roof forms, and building height, to ensure
building elements are compatible with or transition
to adjacent uses.
aaau�e�an ��
E1 I ,' i
ss:
Figure 26. Building scale and appropriately proportioned ele-
ments are both critical to a compatible building design.
t
Ui n, n
Cl
Large Biuitding
Figure 27. Larger buildings can be compatible with smaller ad-
jacent structures, provided that the building design considers an
appropriate scale and modifies the buildingform to reduce over-
whelming scale and mass.
October2008 - 132 -
City of Meridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.2 BUILDING SCALE (CONT.)
E-2.2.2.3. Where appropriate, establish a hierarchy of building
scales to transition from higher density to lower den-
sity; maintain relationships between hierarchy levels to
promote opportunities to create distinctive areas within
neighborhoods.
E-2.2.2.4. Incorporate human scale on all appropriate building
fa4ades to support an aesthetic architectural character
that contributes to the quality of the building design,
adjacent buildings, and public spaces.
E-2.2.2.4.1. Use human scale to emphasize fenestration pat-
terns, architectural elements, proportion, materials,
and detailing throughout the facade and building
design.
Figure 28. Increased setbacks and modulation of the building
mass as height increases will help reduce the perception of large
scale and bulk.
- 133 - October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.3 BUILDING FORM
E-2.3.1. Objective:
E-2.3.1.1. To emphasize architectural building forms that support
compatible building scales, provide appealing archi-
tectural character, and contribute to the quality of the
neighborhood.
E-2.3.2. Guidelines:
E-2.3.2.1. Articulate building forms, including, but not limited to,
massing, walls, and roofs, with appropriately scaled mod-
ulations that contribute to the development of visually
aesthetic building designs.
E-2.3.2.1.1. Building fa4ades that face roadways, public spaces,
and pedestrian environments should incorporate
fa4ade modulations, architectural elements, and
details that appropriately articulate the building
design.
E-2.3.2.1.2. Residential designs that provide a disproportionate
level of design and detail on one or two fa4ades are
not appropriate and should display a complemen-
tary level of quality, design, and architectural inter-
est on all fa4ades.
E-2.3.2.1.3. Create building forms that provide visual interest,
compatibility with adjacent uses, and eliminate
the long, flat appearance of walls, box -like building
masses, and large, unvaried roofs.
E-2.3.2.1.4. Use modulations in wall planes and floor plans, such
as, but not limited to, projections, recesses, varied
setbacks, step -backs, and roof heights, to articulate
building mass and form.
E-2.3.2.1.5. Residential designs should distinguish between the
ground levels and upper stories to articulate build-
ing forms and emphasize human scale.
E-2.3.2.1.6. Incorporate visually heavier and more massive ele-
ments and materials at the base of buildings and
lighter elements and materials above.
E-2.3.2.2. Residential designs should articulate fa4ades into smaller
components and break up monotonous wall planes by
integrating horizontal and vertical elements.
E-2.3.2.2.1. Break up two-story walls on the front, sides, and rear
fa4ades with changes in materials and color, modu-
lation in form, and architectural elements.
October2008 - 134 -
Figure 29. Building form and design can be used to distinguish
areas, such as entrances, from adjoiningpublic or common spac-
es, like sidewalks and streets.
Figure 30. The application of design to modulate and articulate
additions and larger scaled structures enhances the character and
quality of individual buildings as well as provide an aesthetically
pleasing contribution to the neighborhood and adjacent uses.
i INTERVAl i-INTERVAL 1
Figure 31. Incorporating repeating intervals can provide
building designs and fayades with rhythm or variation between
individual dwelling units and design elements along continuous
fafades.
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.3 BUILDING FORM (CONT.)
E-2.3.2.2.2. Second -story residential fa4ades should avoid
extending to the front face of garage bays without --'
additional modulation or architectural elements.'_
E-2.3.2.2.3. Provide taller ceiling heights for ground -floor fa4ades
{
where 30 percent or more of the square footage is
above the ground floor.
6 x1stin Structure
�4 Hoene I'll-
E-2.3.2.2.4. Building fa4ades and structures, including detached
garages and carports, that extend in a dispropor-
tionate horizontal dimension are discouraged and,
should be designed to mitigate imposing mass,��
form, and scale. Aw
E-2.3.2.3. Residential buildings with attached units should articu-
late the design to differentiate fa4ades of individual units
or groups of units, particularly where such units are ori-
ented toward a roadway or common space.
E-2.3.2.4. Design accessory structures to be compatible with resi-
dential buildings. Accessory structures include, but are
not limited to, grouped mailboxes, storage areas, main-
tenance and recreational facilities, detached garages and
carports, and secondary dwellings.
E-2.3.2.4.1. Use similar building and roof forms, architectural
elements and details, and materials and colors to
maintain the quality of the architectural character.
E-2.3.2.5. Modulate roof forms to add interest to building form and
profile and reduce the appearance of building mass and
scale.
E-2.3.2.5.1. Break up roof massing into primary and secondary
roof elements that correspond to modulations in the
fa4ade and denote key architectural elements, such
as entries and porches.
E-2.3.2.5.2. Articulate roof forms and elements with architectural
detailing and use compatible roof types, slopes, and
elements to support a cohesive building design.
E-2.3.2.5.3. Roof forms, including elements over porches and
entries, should be consistent with the building
design and use materials that contribute to the
architectural character of the building.
Figure 32. Auxiliary structures and secondary dwellings can
contribute to the quality and character of the neighborhood by
using an appropriate building form that complements existing
and adjacent structures in scale and design.
Figure 33. Roof massing and scale can be visually reduced by
incorporating appropriately proportioned roof elements and de-
sign details that create variation in buildingprofile and unify the
roof form.
E-2.3.2.5.4. Sloped roofs should vary pitches between structures Figure 34. Disproportioned elements, the use of incompatible
and extend at least 12 inches beyond the face of roofforms, and inconsistent roof slopes, while contributing to a
walls on all sides. unique building profile, distract from a unified roof form and
may increase the visual perception of scale and mass.
- 135 - October2008
City ofMeridion Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.4 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
E-2.4.1. Objective:
E-2.4.1.1. To promote attractive residential units that enhance the
quality of neighborhoods and developments by inte-
grating architectural elements and details with building
designs.
E-2.4.2. Guidelines:
E-2.4.2.1. Use architectural elements and detailing, including, but
not limited to, fenestration patterns, awnings, balconies,
entries, porches, materials, and decorative or ornamental
detailing, to articulate fa4ades and contribute to an aes-
thetic building character.
E-2.4.2.1.1. Design and articulate architectural elements using
proportions, divisions, detailing, materials, textures,
and colors that appropriately integrate these ele-
ments with the building design.
E-2.4.2.1.2. Provide architectural elements and detailing that
emphasize human scale throughout the building
design as appropriate.
E-2.4.2.1.3. Use architectural elements to articulate the fenes-
tration of facades to create balance and order that
contribute to the quality and architectural character
of the building.
E-2.4.2.1.4. Create visually balanced fa4ades. Symmetry is not
necessary to achieve a balanced design; however,
balance is achieved through the thoughtful place-
ment and design (size, scale, proportion and detail-
ing) of windows, doors, and other openings in the
fa4ade.
E-2.4.2.2. Clearly define and articulate building entries and con-
nect them to roadways and pedestrian walkways. Where
appropriate, primary building entries should face road-
ways or adjacent public space.
E-2.4.2.3. Residential buildings adjacent to roadways and public
space should strategically locate key elements as focal
points within the design to enhance architectural char-
acter.
E-2.4.2.3.1. Focal elements should emphasize building corners,
entries, adjacent public spaces, or other such fea-
tures that enhance the building character or adja-
cent pedestrian environments.
Figure 35. Architectural details help articulate the building
and enhance the overall quality and character of the design.
Figure 36. In this example design balance is achieved through
the use of symmetry where the visual weight and mass of the
building is perceived equally on either side of a central axis.
Figure 3.7. In this example design balance is achieved through
the use of two axes of local symmetry that balance the visual
weight and mass of the building and individual components.
October2008 - 136 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.4 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS (CONT.)
E-2.4.2.4. Where appropriate, windows should be placed on all
elevations and detailed to provide articulation and avoid
blank walls.The placement, size, proportions, and details
of windows should contribute to the architectural char-
acter of the building.
E-2.4.2.5. Multifamily stairwells should be integrated with the
building design and provide residents protection from
weather. Use durable materials that contribute to the
architectural character.
E-2.4.2.5.1. Multifamily structures are encouraged to use inter-
nal circulation and stairwells to access individual
residential units.
Figure 38. Windows, other architectural elements, and materi-
als not only enhance individual building character, but can also
provide defined building entries thatserve as identifying anchors
and landmarks throughout the neighborhood forresidents.
- 137 -
October 2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Residential Developments,
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.5 MATERIALS
E-2.5.1.
E-2.5.1.1.
Objective:
To ensure that materials used for residential develop-
ment promote and establish an architectural character
that contributes to the aesthetic qualities of neighbor-
hoods and protects adjacent property values.
E-2.5.2.
E-2.5.2.1.
Guidelines:
Buildings with facades that face multiple roadways and/
or public spaces should use consistent material combina-
tions, quality, and detailing to unify the building design.
E-2.5.2.2.
E-2.5.2.2.1
E-2.5.2.2.2.
E-2.5.2.2.3
E-2.5.2.3.
E-2.5.2.4.
E-2.5.2.4.1.
Use complementary material combinations that contrib-
ute to a cohesive building design. Use materials from the
following basic groups: wood, masonry, concrete, metal,
and glazing.
Select a combination that emphasizes a finished
composition and reinforces a unified architectural
character on all fa4ades.
Use well -detailed, proportioned, and durable mate-
rials that weather and age gracefully, adding to the
architectural character over time. Avoid nondurable
materials that deteriorate quickly and require fre-
quent maintenance or replacement.
Provide pattern, texture, and detail in the building
design and distinguish field materials from accent
materials to create interest and variety in fa4ade
design and establish an attractive architectural char-
acter.
Where materials transition or terminate, provide detail-
ing to express the natural appearance of the material.
(For example, stone or stone -like products should con-
vey the appearance of mass and should not appear as a
thin veneer.)
Incorporate material and color changes as integrated
details of the building design; maintain architectural
integrity and promote a quality appearance and charac-
ter.
Vinyl siding is discouraged as an exterior mate-
rial applied to cover large wall areas. Vinyl may be
appropriate for accents and to create interest in the
design.
Figure 39. The consistent use of materials on building fafades
enhances the cohesiveness and aesthetic appeal of the design as
well as contributing to the quality of adjacent outdoor spaces.
Figure 40. Use materials from the basic groups; wood, ma-
sonry, concrete, metal, and glazing, to provide buildings with
interest and character.
October2008 - 138 -
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Residential Developments
E. RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
2.5 MATERIALS WONT.)
E-2.5.2.4.2.
The use of masonry as a material accent should be
applied to 50 percent of the available wall length at a
- -
.- 3
minimum height of 24 inches. (Available wall length
does not include garage openings.)®R
E-2.5.2.5.
Use colors that complement the use of building materi-
IR
alsand support innovative and good design practices.
-
E-2.5.2.5.
cnr a 1n iee kMRa a cv{ax Gtnte a
with champ a# mamrbaws
w
with :, d"* et a,e W& o..-re t rtvC
The use of subtle, neutral, and natural tones for
r"
k� `*""ff""V*COffWPer ed
field materials should complement accent colors
and materials. The use of deep earth tones or satu-
rated colors to distinguish building fa4ades should
enhance the building design and be compatible
Figure 41. Abrupt material transitions and/or terminations
with adjacent structures.
convey lesser quality and detractfrom an aesthetic and cohesive
E-2.5.2.5.2.
design.
The use of intensely bright and fluorescent colors, as
well as the widespread use of saturated hues without
complementary colors, materials, and accents, is dis-
couraged.
E-2.5.2.5.3.
Materials or colors with high reflectance, such as
metal or reflective glazing, should be reviewed and
evaluated with the Planning staff to minimize glare
on roadways, public spaces, and adjacent uses and
determine appropriateness.
E-2.5.2.5.4.
Residential structures should use a cohesive color
scheme featuring a minimum of two field colors: a
trim color and a front door color. Garage door col-
ors should coincide with this scheme or the material
palette of the structure.
- 139 - October2OO8
APPENDIX
City ofMeridian Design Manual
Appendix
TERMS & DEFINITIONS
Art, Artwork: A device, element, or feature whose primary purpose is to
express, enhance, or illustrate aesthetic quality, feeling, physical entity, idea,
local condition, historical or mythical happening, or cultural or social value.
Examples of artwork include sculpture, mural, or unique specially crafted
lighting, furniture, pavement, landscaping, or architectural treatment that is
intended primarily, but not necessarily exclusively, for aesthetic purpose.
Articulation: The manner in which the form or portions of a building are
expressed to emphasize or create distinct patterns or rhythms that enhance
the design and add visual interest or human scale.
Awning: A fixed cover, typically comprised of cloth over metal frame, that is
placed over windows or building openings as protection from the sun and
rain.
Bio-Swale: An open drainage channel that has been explicitly designed to
detain or infiltrate the entire runoff volume associated with a water quality
storm event.
Blank wall: A wall or side of a building that has no fenestration or architec-
tural detail to enhance adjacent roadways, pedestrian environments, public
spaces, or provide visual interest and add human scale.
Compact developments: Developments characterized by land uses in close
proximity to each other with lot sizes and street networks that create a built
environment that is conducive to travel by vehicle, walking, transit, or bicy-
cling.
Compatibility: The appearance of different land uses, development. con-
texts, or building types existing together in harmony, without conflict with
respect to site, architecture, and landscape design.
Complete streets: Refers to roadways that are designed and operated to
enable safe, attractive, and comfortable access and travel for all users, includ-
ing, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transport users.
Composition: The arrangement of elements based on proportion or relation
to form a unified whole.
Connectivity: The interconnectedness of roadways, pathways, transit routes,
and pedestrian ways that support convenient and/or multiple mobility
options.
Fa5ade: Typically the front, but any side of a building or exterior wall that
faces a public way or space (for example, a street or plaza) and often distin-
guished from other building sides by architectural details.
Fenestration: The arrangement, design, proportioning, or general disposi-
tion of windows and other openings in the exterior walls of a building.
Focal point: A building, structure, open space, or other feature that naturally
draws the eye and provides an aesthetically pleasing view.
-143-
October2008
City of Meridian Design Manual
Appendix
TERMS & DEFINITIONS (CONT.)
Hardscapes: The use of hardened surfacing materials to create unique pat-
terns of color, design, and texture in order to create visual interest; also used
to mean those areas that have received such improvements.
Horizontal mixed -use development: Mixed -use developments that utilize
land efficiently to organize buildings, parking, amenities, and other aspects
or uses in a functional, pedestrian -oriented, compact form.
Human -scale: A design term that denotes building variety, contrast, fine
detail, texture, and proportion. It includes those elements that relate archi-
tecture to the size of an individual and includes an intuitive understanding
of the function and size of buildings. The inclusion of human -scaled architec-
tural elements and proportions allows for comfortable interaction and use of
the built environment.
Landscaping: Vegetation, trees, and other plant materials that soften the
built environment, making it more inviting to pedestrians.
Massing: The three-dimensional bulk of a structure: height, width, and
depth.
Mixed -use development: Development that integrates three or more
income -generating land uses, such as residential, commercial, and office,
with a strong pedestrian orientation.
Modulation: In the design standards, modulation is a stepping back or pro-
jecting forward of portions of a building face within specified intervals of
building width and depth as a means of breaking up the apparent bulk of a
structure's continuous exterior walls.
Pedestrian scale: The inclusion of human scale at the ground or street level
and the relationship between building height and street width, streetscape
features such as trees, decorative lighting, or benches, and outdoor spaces
perceived as comfortable for pedestrian activity.
Pedestrian -oriented development: Development that incorporates safe,
attractive, and continuous connections and walkways for travel and access
by foot, at a human scale, as an integral part of its overall layout and design.
Scale or architectural scale: Scale includes the height, size, mass, and pro-
portions of buildings or portions thereof and refers to the spatial relation-
ships and appearances among structures, whether along a street or block
front, on adjoining lots or within the same site.
Street wall: The cumulative effect of many buildings providing a consistent
edge to the public street, creating a public space defined by a wall of build-
ings. On commercial corridors and in mixed -use areas, the street wall is typi-
cally immediately adjacent to the sidewalk.
Streetscape: The visual character along a roadway created by the combined
use of elements such as building fa4ades, landscaping, trees, open space,
paving, plantings, sidewalks, lighting, signs, and furniture.
October2008 - 144 -
City of Meridian Design Manual
Appendix
TERMS & DEFINITIONS (CONT.)
Traffic calming: Reducing motorist speed, decreasing motor vehicle vol-
umes, and increasing safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Transportation authority: The Ada County Highway District, the Idaho
Transportation Department, the Valley Regional Transit, and any other
agency that may succeed to their powers or establish public jurisdiction in
the field of transportation. The term transportation authority shall be liber-
ally construed to include all the adopted, approved, or certified plans, rules,
regulations, statutes, or laws of the transportation authority.
Vertical mixed -use developments: Mixed -use developments that integrate
land uses vertically over several stories rather than across an area.
- 145 - October2008
:. t