Architectural Standards-Supplemental» Last Modified: 02/12/2016. Questions? Contact the Planning Division at 208.884.5533 or www.meridiancity.org
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | non-ResiDential
Page | 1
Cohesive Design, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (CDs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
Intent
1.00
Promote visually aesthetic building designs that incorporate quality
architectural characteristics and establish built environments that
are compatible with existing, planned, and anticipated adjacent
land uses.
Goal
1.10
Articulate building designs to frame and accentuate public spaces
with pedestrian scale elements and details.
Goal
1.11
Building design should address building scale, mass, form, and use a
variety of materials and architectural features to ensure an aesthetic
contribution compatible with surrounding buildings.
1.1A
Maintain consistent and contiguous pedestrian environments
across developments. Limit circuitous connections and maintain
clear visibility.
1.1B Provide pedestrian connections to non-private public spaces.
1.1C
Incorporate architectural features on all sides of a building
façade facing: the primary entrance(s) of an adjacent building,
public roadways, interior site amenities, and façades that are
visible from public spaces. See Architectural Elements, Building
Form, and Materials sections.
1.1D Buildings must orient, frame, and/or direct pedestrian views to
adjacent cultural buildings, parks, and plazas.
1.1E
Design and orient buildings not to impede access. The build-
ing should enhance the appeal of open space and pedestrian
environments
Goal
1.20
Design building façades to express architectural character and
incorporate the use of design principles to unify developments and
buildings, and relate to adjacent and surrounding uses.
1.2A
Comply and adhere with all previously required building design
elements that were included as part of a Development Agree-
ment, Conditional Use Permit, and/or other requirements as
part of prior approval.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
NON-RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS | COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
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Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | non-ResiDential
Page | 2
Cohesive Design, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (CDs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
Goal
1.30
Incorporate design principles to include rhythm, repetition, framing,
and/or proportion. Applies to all sides of a building façade facing
public roadways, that are visible from residential neighborhoods
or public spaces, or facing the public entry of an adjacent building.
1.3A
Integrate at least one material change, color variation, or
horizontal reveal for every 12-vertical feet of building façade;
vertical spacing may be averaged over façade.
1.3B
Integrate at least one material change, color variation, or vertical
reveal every 50-horizontal feet of building façade; horizontal
spacing may be averaged over façade elevation.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
BuilDing sCale, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (Bss)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
Intent
2.00
Promote building designs that use appropriate architectural and
pedestrian scales to establish compatible physical and visual
relationships with adjacent and surrounding developments and
reinforce a cohesive built environment.
Goal
2.10
Development should consider the scale of surrounding buildings,
including relationships to existing residential areas, as well as an
appropriate height, mass, and form scaled for the built environment.
Applies to façades of development along public roads, public spaces,
and adjacent to residential areas.
2.1A
Buildings with rooflines 50-feet in length or greater must incor-
porate roofline and parapet variations. Variations may include
step-downs, step-backs, other modulation, or architectural
features such as cornices, ledges, or columns, and must occur
in total combination for at least 20% of the façade length. May
be averaged over entire façade, but may not exceed 75-feet
without a break.
2.1B
For buildings with façades longer than 200-feet, reduce massing
of buildings by grouping or incorporating smaller tenant spaces
along the commercial façade, or by incorporating at least one
significant modulation with depth at least 3% of the total façade
length or 10-feet, and a width in combination at least 20% of
the façade length.
2.1D
Within mixed use areas and for all developments along arterial
roadways, buildings over 1,000 sqft must provide a minimum
20-foot building elevation to include average parapet height,
ridge of a pitched roof, or tower/turret type elements at least
20% in total of overall façade width.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
» Last Modified: 02/12/2016. Questions? Contact the Planning Division at 208.884.5533 or www.meridiancity.org
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | non-ResiDential
Page | 3
BuilDing sCale, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (Bss)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
Goal
2.20
Physically configure building designs to reduce disproportioned
architectural scale relative to adjacent uses. Applies to façades of
development along public roads, public spaces, and residential areas.
2.2A
For adjacent buildings with greater than 1-story height disparity
(i.e. – two or more stories difference) and within 30-feet of each
other, integrate and align parapet designs, material changes,
fenestration alignment, material reveals, or other architectural
elements and horizontal articulation, to relate varying building
heights to one another. Aligned features do not have to be the
same type (i.e. window pattern on one could align with parapet
on another).
2.2B
Use pedestrian scale and landscape design elements such as
specialty lighting, awnings, trees or other site elements to visu-
ally relate and transition multi-story buildings (or equivalent)
to the ground plane.
Goal
2.30
Incorporate pedestrian-scale architectural features to support an
aesthetic character that contributes to the quality of the build-
ing design and connectivity with the surrounding environment.
Applies to façades in developments: visible from arterial or collector
roadways, adjacent to residential developments facing roadways,
facing an adjacent building's primary building entries, and adjacent
to public spaces.
2.3A
Consistently incorporate at least two (2) architectural features
into the building design that are pedestrian scale, to include:
fenestration patterns; architectural elements such as ledges,
lighting, or canopies; material or pattern banding; or detailing
(see Pedestrian Scale definition).
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
BuilDing FoRm, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (BFs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
Intent
3.00
Promote building designs that articulate and define appropriate
building forms with visual interest and enhance the character of
the built environment.
Goal
3.10
Articulate building forms, including but not limited to massing, walls,
and roofs, with appropriately scaled modulations that contribute to
the development of aesthetic building designs. Applies to façades
in developments: along arterial and collector roadways, adjacent
to residential developments facing roadways, facing public entries
of adjacent buildings, and visible from public spaces.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS | CONTINUED
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Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | non-ResiDential
Page | 4
BuilDing FoRm, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (BFs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
3.1A
Incorporate at least one type of the following modulations in the
façade plane, including but not limited to projections, recesses,
and step backs that articulate wall planes and break up building
mass. Examples include but are not limited to columns with
trim or accent materials, change in finished material depths,
building overhangs, and inset features and materials such as
false windows or fenestration with architectural accents.
3.1B
Qualifying modulation must be at least 6-inches in depth, be at
least 8-inches in width or height (whichever is narrowest), and
occur in total for 20% of overall façade elevation. For buildings
with façades less than 150-feet, horizontal modulation must
occur no less than every 30-feet. For buildings with façades
greater than or equal to 150-feet, horizontal modulation must
occur no less than every 50-feet.
3.1C
Design parking structure façades as site integrated buildings,
meeting applicable Manual standards for Architectural Elements
and Material sections.
Goal
3.20
Incorporate visual and physical distinctions in the building design
that enhance building forms, articulate façades, identify entries,
integrate pedestrian scale, and visually anchor the building to the
ground or street level. Applies to building façades visible from a
public street or public space, and to façades with public entries.
3.2A
For at least 30% of applicable façades use any combination of
concrete, masonry, stone, or unique variation of color, texture,
or material, at least 10-inches in height, around the base of
the building. May alternatively incorporate other architectural
features such as ledges, façade reveals, ground level fenestra-
tion, raised planters, or landscaping elements within 3-feet of
finished grade.
3.2B
Where building designs incorporate multiple stories, or multiple
floor height equivalents, integrate at least one field or accent
color, material, or architectural feature used on lower stories,
on the upper stories.
3.2C
Building designs with multiple stories must provide proportion-
ally taller ground-level façades adjacent to public roadways and
public spaces. Provide floor-to-ceiling heights, or floor-to-floor
from 10 to 16 feet.
3.2D
In mixed-use areas and for structures greater than four stories,
design the uppermost story or façade wall plane to include
material changes, horizontal articulation, and modulation
meeting first story requirements, or include a patio, rooftop
garden, penthouse, or strong architectural feature such as a
tower element.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
» Last Modified: 02/12/2016. Questions? Contact the Planning Division at 208.884.5533 or www.meridiancity.org
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | non-ResiDential
Page | 5
BuilDing FoRm, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (BFs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
Goal
3.30
Building design should establish visual connections that relate internal
spaces at ground- or street-level with facades adjacent to public
roadways, public spaces, and along primary building entries, and that
add visual interest and complexity to the first floor building design.
3.3A
Use horizontal and/or vertical divisions in wall planes, such as
ledges, awnings, recesses, stringcourse, molding, joint lines,
or other material types, to frame and accent 30% or more of
total fenestration.
3.3D
Average 30% fenestration for applicable first floor façade, unless
specified elsewhere. May also meet fenestration alternative
(see 3.3E). Big box and buildings in industrial districts may limit
applicable façade area to 30-feet around public entries.
3.3E
Fenestration Alternative: Incorporate doors and windows for at
least 30% of applicable first floor façade, or suggest their inclu-
sion using faux treatments that incorporate at least two of the
following: material changes, reveals in conjunction with color or
material change, qualifying modulation such as recessed areas,
architectural trellis, awnings and canopies over access areas,
detached structures such as pergola, or similar architectural
features and details.
Goal
3.40
Building roof types, forms, and elements should provide variation
and interest to building profiles and contribute to the architectural
identity of the buildings, without creating an imposing scale on
adjacent uses. Applies to façades: in development along arterial
roadways, visible from residential development, adjacent to public
spaces, facing public entries of adjacent buildings.
3.4A
For flat roofs, incorporate primary and secondary roof elements
including but not limited to: multiple material types along para-
pets, multiple parapet elevations with at least 1-foot change in
elevation, or modulation of at least 2-feet in the parapet, such as
along entryway overhangs. Qualifying elements must exist for at
least 20% the length of applicable façades. May also incorporate
secondary roof types, such as hip roofs along overhangs.
3.4B
For sloped roofs, incorporate at least two of any one roof element,
including but not limited to: valleys, ridges, or gables. Qualifying
elements in total must exist for at least 20% of applicable façade
roof area and be visible from the same façade elevation. May
also incorporate other roof styles, such as parapet walls over
entryway features.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS | CONTINUED
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Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | non-ResiDential
Page | 6
BuilDing FoRm, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (BFs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
3.4C
Provide variation in roof profile over façade modulation and/
or articulation over façade material/color transitions. Options
include, but are not limited to: varying parapet heights; two or
more roof planes; continuation of façade modulation through
roof lines; dormers; lookouts; overhang eaves; sloped roofs;
or cornice work.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
aRChiteCtuRal elements, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (ase)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
Intent
4.00
Promote integrated architectural elements and details as compo-
nents of cohesive building designs that enhance the visual interest
of building façades, support activity at and/or near ground level,
and provide pedestrian scale.
Goal
4.10
Use proportional architectural elements and detailing to articulate
façades, and contribute to an aesthetic building character with a high
level of pedestrian design. Applies to façades: in development along
public roadways, visible from residential development, adjacent to
public spaces, facing public entries of adjacent buildings.
Goal
4.11
Design and articulate architectural elements using proportions,
divisions, detailing, materials, textures, and colors and appropriately
integrate these elements into the building design. Applies to façades:
in development along public roadways, visible from residential
development, adjacent to public spaces, facing public entries of
adjacent buildings.
4.1A
Provide at least three detailing elements that transition façade
material changes or integrate pedestrian scale elements, such
as doorways, windows, or material banding, at the base of the
building. Examples include but are not limited to: cornice work
around primary entries, decorative caps on brick or stone banding,
architectural canopies over entries, or decorative lintels above
the first floor windows.
4.1B
Provide building overhangs or other projections such as canopies
which articulate the building façade and provide temporary
relief from inclement weather. At a minimum, an overhang or
projection is required within 20-feet of all public entryways,
must be at least 3-feet in depth from the point of entry, and
be least 6-feet in length. Entryways with vestibules or other
permanent enclosed transition space are exempt.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS | CONTINUED
» Last Modified: 02/12/2016. Questions? Contact the Planning Division at 208.884.5533 or www.meridiancity.org
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | non-ResiDential
Page | 7
aRChiteCtuRal elements, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (ase)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
4.1C
Provide details that emphasize focal elements such as public
entries, building corners, or public spaces. Examples include
but are not limited to: columns, quoin or rustication, canopies
over entries, lintels, transom windows, or modulation of the
roof plane. At least one focal element is required and must be
accented with a unique combination of color, texture, materials,
or modulation in the wall or roof plane.
Goal
4.20
Building designs must not create blank wall segments when visible
from a public street or public spaces. Consider the treatment at the
base, middle, and top of the façade.
4.2A
Use any combination of standards from Building Form, Architec-
tural Elements, or Material sections to provide pattern, color, or
material variation on all wall segments. Must not exceed 30-feet
horizontally or vertically without building variation.
Goal
4.30
Organize building service equipment, including, but not limited to,
utility, service, and mechanical, away from building entries, roadways,
public spaces, and, where appropriate, from adjacent buildings.
4.3A
Use and integrate standards from the Architectural Standards
Manual to screen and conceal service and mechanical equipment.
Landscaping meeting the same intent may also be considered
for utility meters and connections.
4.3B All ground level mechanical equipment must be screened to the
height of the unit as viewed from the property line.
4.3C All rooftop mechanical equipment shall be screened as viewed
from the farthest edge of the adjoining right of way.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
mateRials, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (mas)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
Intent
5.00
Use quality materials and colors that promote aesthetic building
designs and contribute to the development of a timeless com-
munity character.
Goal
5.10
Use complementary material combinations that contribute to a
cohesive building design. Use materials from the following basic
groups: wood, masonry, concrete, stucco, metal, and glazing.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS | CONTINUED
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Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | non-ResiDential
Page | 8
mateRials, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (mas)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
5.1A
For buildings with façades that face multiple public roadways
and/or public spaces, use consistent material combinations,
material quality, and architectural detailing.
5.1B
For all façade elevations visible from public roads, public spaces,
primary entrance(s) of an adjacent building, and facing residential
districts, use at least two distinct field materials, colors, or
material-color combinations on the building façade (see also
Material definitions).
5.1D
For façade elevations visible from public roadways and along
primary building entryways, incorporate an accent material
on the first story.
5.1E
Distinguish field materials from accent materials through pat-
tern, texture, or additional detail visible from edge of nearest
roadway. Alternate masonry or material courses with relief from
primary plane may count toward this.
5.1F
Where materials transition or terminate, provide detailing to
express the natural appearance of the material. For example,
wrap stone or stone-like products around visible corners to
convey the appearance of mass, and not as a thin veneer.
5.1G
Non-durable materials, treatments, and finishes that deteriorate
quickly with weather, ultra-violet light, and that are more suscep-
tible to wear and tear are prohibited on permanent structures.
5.1H
The use of vinyl and ordinary smooth face block, unfinished,
colored, or painted, are prohibited as a field materials for building
façades along public roadways, adjacent to public spaces, and
when visible from residential neighborhoods. Smooth face block
may be used as an accent material.
5.1I
Untextured concrete panels and prefabricated steel panels are
prohibited as field materials for building façades, except when
used with a minimum of two other qualifying field materials and
meeting all other standard fenestration and material requirements.
Goal
5.20
Use colors that complement building materials and support innova-
tive and good design practices. Applies to building façades visible
from a public street, public spaces, and pedestrian environments.
5.2A Use of subtle, neutral, or natural tones must be integrated with
at least one accent or field material.
5.2B Use of intensely saturated colors or fluorescence is prohibited
as a primary material. May be used as an accent material.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS | CONTINUED
» Last Modified: 02/12/2016. Questions? Contact the Planning Division at 208.884.5533 or www.meridiancity.org
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | non-ResiDential
Page | 9
mateRials, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (mas)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
5.2C
Materials or colors with high reflectance, such as some metals
or reflective glazing, must not redirect light towards roadways,
public spaces, or adjacent uses in a way which constitutes a
public nuisance or safety hazard.
Goal
5.30
Integrate roll-up doors, will-call doors, drive-through doors, and
loading docks into the building design, and locate them in a manner
which does not create pedestrian, drive aisle, or roadway conflicts.
Applies to façades along arterial and collector roadways, and façades
facing public spaces.
5.3A
For commercial and traditional neighborhood districts, roll-up
and drive-through doors are allowed when integrated into the
building design, but will-call doors with roll-ups and loading
docks are prohibited. Consider material variation and transitions,
modulation, and other architectural features and standards for
the design.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
signs & lighting, non-ResiDential stanDaRDs (sls)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, please explain in comments.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments Staff
Intent
6.00
Integrate signs and architectural lighting as cohesive elements of
building designs that contribute to the atmosphere of the built
environment and enhance safety.
Goal
6.10
Use lighting on building exteriors to promote safe pedestrian
environments along roadways, at intersections, and in public spaces.
6.1A Lighting fixture spacing and height along streetscapes and
roadways must be placed to avoid conflicts with tree plantings.
6.1B Use energy-efficient architectural lighting.
6.1C
Use lighting fixtures that are consistent with other decorative
hardware on the building. For example, select lighting hardware
with similar color and shape as other building hardware, use
recessed lighting, incorporate uniform spacing, integrate with
other accents and reveals, and coordinate specialty lights with
predominate architectural features.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS | CONTINUED
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