03 - ASM Checklist QUESTIONS?
Contact the Planning Division at 33 E Broadway Ave, Suite 102, Meridian ID 83642, or
208.884.5533, or https://meridiancity.org/planning/, or planning@meridiancity.org.
Last Modified: 11/25/19
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | ResiDential
Page | 1
Cohesive Design, ResiDential stanDaRDs (CDRs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, must explain in comments. Design standard exceptions require seperate narrative.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments
Intent
R1.00
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
R1.10
Articulate building designs to frame and accentuate public spaces
with pedestrian scale elements and details.
R1.1A
Maintain consistent and contiguous pedestrian environments
across developments. Limit circuitous connections and maintain
clear visibility.
R1.1B Provide pedestrian connections to public spaces.
R1.1C Buildings must orient, frame, and/or direct pedestrian views to
adjacent cultural buildings, parks, and plazas.
R1.1D
Design and orient buildings not to impede access. The build-
ing should enhance the appeal of open space and pedestrian
environments
R1.1E
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.
Goal
R1.20
Within multi-family developments, enhance wayfinding and create
a unique identity for each building, by incorporating complimentary
variation in design.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
Project Name:
Applicant/Agent:
File #
Date: OFFICIAL USE
RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS | MULTI-FAMILY
PROJECT INFORMATION
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Planning Division at 33 E Broadway Ave, Suite 102, Meridian ID 83642, or
208.884.5533, or https://meridiancity.org/planning/, or planning@meridiancity.org.
Last Modified: 11/25/19
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | ResiDential
Page | 2
Cohesive Design, ResiDential stanDaRDs (CDRs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, must explain in comments. Design standard exceptions require seperate narrative.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments
R1.2A
Ensure that no two buildings viewed from a public street or
public space are alike, by varying at least two of the following
for each building: roof pitches, material types, color packages,
structure orientation, or incorporate other unique and identifiable
architectural or landscape element (such as art).
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
BuilDing FoRm, ResiDential stanDaRDs (BFRs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, must explain in comments. Design standard exceptions require seperate narrative.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments
Intent
R3.00
Emphasize architectural building forms that support compatible
building scales, provide appealing architectural character, and
contribute to the quality of the neighborhood.
Goal
R3.10
Articulate building forms, including, but not limited to, massing, walls,
and roofs, with appropriately scaled modulations that contribute to
the development of visually aesthetic and well articulated building
designs. Applies to building façades visible from a public street or
public spaces.
R3.1A Provide a complementary and proportionate level of design and
detail on all public oriented façades.
R3.1B
Incorporate at least one type of modulation in the façade plane,
including, but not limited to: projections, recesses, and step
backs that articulate wall planes and break up building mass.
R3.1C
For applicable façades equal to or longer than 20-feet, provide
a minimum total modulation area of 20% the horizontal wall
span, with a minimum vertical height of at least 3-feet. Porches
and balconies may count toward this.
R3.1D
Modulation for qualifying projections, pop outs, bays, recesses,
and varied setbacks, must be a minimum depth of 1-foot from
the primary façade plane. A minimum 50% of total modulation
must be visible over permanent barriers, such as berms and
fencing, from described areas.
R3.1E
Use any combination of material type, color variation, banding,
stringcourse, or modulation to clearly distinguish between the
ground level and upper stories.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
MULTI-FAMILY | CONTINUED
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Planning Division at 33 E Broadway Ave, Suite 102, Meridian ID 83642, or
208.884.5533, or https://meridiancity.org/planning/, or planning@meridiancity.org.
Last Modified: 11/25/19
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | ResiDential
Page | 3
BuilDing FoRm, ResiDential stanDaRDs (BFRs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, must explain in comments. Design standard exceptions require seperate narrative.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments
R3.1F
Incorporate visually heavier and more massive elements or
materials, such as stone or masonry, primarily at the base of
buildings, and lighter elements and materials such as siding,
above. This excludes columns, supports, modulated walls,
architectural features, and roof elements.
Goal
R3.20
Residential designs should articulate façades into smaller components
and break up monotonous wall planes by integrating horizontal and
vertical elements.
R3.2A
Use any combination of material, color, modulation, or other
articulation to delineate and break up wall planes greater than
20-feet by 10-feet or wall planes exceeding 200 total square
feet (whichever is more stringent). Applies to public oriented
building façades visible from a public street or public spaces.
R3.2B
Second-story residential façades may not extend to the front
face of garage bays without additional façade modulation or
additional material types and architectural accents.
R3.2C
Building façades and structures, including detached garages and
carports, with a projection depth towards the front property
line of more than 30% the primary façade width are not allowed.
R3.2D
Residential buildings with attached units must articulate the
design to differentiate façades of individual units or groups of
units. Must consistently incorporate any two of the following:
modulation, material, or color variation.
Goal
R3.30
Design accessory structures to be compatible with residential build-
ings. Accessory structures include, but are not limited to, sheltered
mailboxes, storage areas, maintenance and recreational facilities,
detached garages and carports, and secondary dwellings.
R3.3A
For an accessory structure, 25% or more of the roof surface
area must utilize a like material or color of a primary structure,
or the structure must share similar roof forms.
R3.3B
For an accessory structure, 25% or more of the non-roof surface
area must utilize a like material of a primary structure. Carports
and other post type construction are excluded if the roof
material complies.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
MULTI-FAMILY | CONTINUED
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Planning Division at 33 E Broadway Ave, Suite 102, Meridian ID 83642, or
208.884.5533, or https://meridiancity.org/planning/, or planning@meridiancity.org.
Last Modified: 11/25/19
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | ResiDential
Page | 4
BuilDing FoRm, ResiDential stanDaRDs (BFRs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, must explain in comments. Design standard exceptions require seperate narrative.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments
Goal
R3.40
Modulate and articulate roof forms to create building profile interest
and to reduce the appearance of building mass and scale. Applies to
public oriented façades visible from a public street, public spaces,
and pedestrian environments.
R3.4A
Break up roof massing into primary and secondary roof elements
that correspond to horizontal and vertical modulations or divi-
sions in the façade, and denote key architectural elements, such
as entries and porches.
R3.4B For all public oriented façades, provide a complementary and
proportionate level of roof form design and detail.
R3.4C
Align and correlate roof forms including elements over porches
and entries, with the overall building design and use of materi-
als. Examples include but are not limited to: continuation of
roof forms with vertical elements such as columns, piers, and
pilasters, or accenting gable type façades with rafters, corbels,
or distinct material variations from other wall planes.
R3.4D Sloped roofs shall have a significant pitch, to be no less than
5/12 (22-1/2 deg).
R3.4E Sloped roofs must extend at least 12 inches beyond the face
of walls.
R3.4F
Provide variations in roof profile including but not limited at
least two of the following: two or more visible roof planes;
dormers, lookout, turret, or cornice work such as corbels, spaced
consistently along the façade plane.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
aRChiteCtuRal elements, ResiDential stanDaRDs (aeRs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, must explain in comments. Design standard exceptions require seperate narrative.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments
Intent
R4.00
Promote attractive residential units that enhance the quality of
neighborhoods and developments by integrating architectural
elements and details with building designs.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
MULTI-FAMILY | CONTINUED
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Planning Division at 33 E Broadway Ave, Suite 102, Meridian ID 83642, or
208.884.5533, or https://meridiancity.org/planning/, or planning@meridiancity.org.
Last Modified: 11/25/19
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | ResiDential
Page | 5
aRChiteCtuRal elements, ResiDential stanDaRDs (aeRs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, must explain in comments. Design standard exceptions require seperate narrative.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments
Goal
R4.10
Use architectural elements and detailing to add interest and contribute
to an aesthetic building character. Applies to building façades visible
from a public street or public spaces.
R4.1A
Provide detailing that transition or frame façade material changes,
and that integrate architectural elements such as lighting,
doorways and windows. Examples include but are not limited
to: cornice work, decorative caps on brick or stone, decorative
lintels, porch railing, transom light, and shutters.
Goal
R4.20
Strategically locate focal points as key elements within the building
design to enhance architectural character. Applies to building façades
visible from a public street or public space.
R4.2A
Provide details that emphasize focal elements such as building
corners, entries, or unique features. Detail examples include but
are not limited to: quoin or rustication, canopies, and columns,
or using roof lines and modulation to direct views. At least one
focal element is required and must be accented with a contrast
in color, texture, or modulation of the wall or roof plane.
Goal
R4.30
Incorporate windows into all applicable façade elevations and
coordinate their placement and design with other architectural
elements and material standards.
R4.3A
Windows must be provided to allow views to exterior activity
areas or vistas, and must be provided on any façade facing a
pedestrian area or common area used for children's recreation.
R4.3B
Anchor windows and other portals into building wall planes by
integrating proportional detailing such as trim, lintels, shutters,
railing, and ledges into the building design.
Goal
R4.40
Residential entries and multifamily stairwells must provide convenient
access from parking and pedestrian areas, and be integrated into
the overall site and building design.
R4.4A
Primary building entries must be clearly defined using any unique
combination of architectural elements, materials, or façade
modulation meeting other architectural standards in this Manual.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
MULTI-FAMILY | CONTINUED
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Planning Division at 33 E Broadway Ave, Suite 102, Meridian ID 83642, or
208.884.5533, or https://meridiancity.org/planning/, or planning@meridiancity.org.
Last Modified: 11/25/19
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | ResiDential
Page | 6
aRChiteCtuRal elements, ResiDential stanDaRDs (aeRs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, must explain in comments. Design standard exceptions require seperate narrative.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments
R4.4B Multifamily structures must provide internal site circulation to
access individual residential units.
R4.4C
Multifamily stairwells must be integrated with the building design
and provide residents protection from inclement weather. Use
materials, modulation, and architectural elements which relate
to and support other standards.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
mateRials, ResiDential stanDaRDs (maRs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, must explain in comments. Design standard exceptions require seperate narrative.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments
Intent
R5.00
Ensure that materials used for residential development promote
and establish an architectural character that contributes to
the aesthetic qualities of neighborhoods and protects adjacent
property values.
Goal
R5.10
Use complementary material combinations that contribute to a
cohesive building design. Use materials from the following basic
groups: wood, masonry, concrete, metal, and glazing.
R5.1A
For buildings with façades that face multiple public roadways
and/or public spaces, use consistent material combinations,
material quality, and architectural detailing.
R5.1B
Distinguish field materials from accent materials through pattern,
texture, or additional detail visible from edge of nearest roadway.
Alternate masonry or material courses may count toward this.
R5.1C
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 a thin veneer.
R5.1D
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.
R5.1E
Unfinished or colored ordinary smooth face block, untextured
concrete panels, and prefabricated steel panels are prohibited
as a finish material for building façades, except an accent or
secondary field material.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
MULTI-FAMILY | CONTINUED
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Planning Division at 33 E Broadway Ave, Suite 102, Meridian ID 83642, or
208.884.5533, or https://meridiancity.org/planning/, or planning@meridiancity.org.
Last Modified: 11/25/19
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | ResiDential
Page | 7
mateRials, ResiDential stanDaRDs (maRs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, must explain in comments. Design standard exceptions require seperate narrative.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments
Goal
R5.20
Incorporate material and color changes as integrated details of the
building design; maintain architectural integrity and promote a
quality appearance and character. Applies to building façades visible
from a public street, public space, and pedestrian environments.
R5.2A
Use a cohesive color scheme featuring a minimum of two field
colors, a trim color, and an accent color or unique material. Garage
door colors must coincide with this scheme or other accents.
R5.2B
For each wall plane area greater than 20-feet in length or height,
and visible from prescribed areas, incorporate at least two distinct
field materials, patterns, or colors in any combination, for at
least 25% of the visible area. Windows or portals with qualifying
accent materials may count toward this requirement, when
meeting overall material requirements for the façade elevation.
R5.2C
Vinyl siding must include a mix of material patterns, including
but not limited to: board and batten, horizontal and vertical lap,
shake, or shingles, and meeting other material requirements.
R5.2D
Masonry as a qualifying accent material must be applied to 50
percent of the available wall length at a minimum height of 24
inches. (Available wall length does not include garage openings.)
Goal
R5.30
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.
R5.3A Use of subtle, neutral, or natural tones must be integrated with
at least one accent or field material.
R5.3B
Use of intensely bright and fluorescent colors, as well as the
widespread use of saturated hues without complementary
colors, materials, and accents, is not allowed.
R5.3C
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.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
MULTI-FAMILY | CONTINUED
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Planning Division at 33 E Broadway Ave, Suite 102, Meridian ID 83642, or
208.884.5533, or https://meridiancity.org/planning/, or planning@meridiancity.org.
Last Modified: 11/25/19
Architectural Standards
Design Review CheCklist | ResiDential
Page | 8
mateRials, ResiDential stanDaRDs (maRs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, must explain in comments. Design standard exceptions require seperate narrative.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments
Goal
R5.40
When practical, organize building service equipment, including, but
not limited to, utility, service, and mechanical, away from building
entries, roadways, public spaces, and adjacent buildings.
R5.4A
All roof and wall mounted mechanical, electrical, communica-
tions, and service equipment must be screened from public view
from the adjacent public streets and properties by the use of
parapets, walls, fences, enclosures, or by other suitable means.
Note: For a complete list of all Standards, along with photo examples, see the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual.
lighting, ResiDential stanDaRDs (liRs)
If a “N” or “N/A” is checked, must explain in comments. Design standard exceptions require seperate narrative.
Y N N/A ID # Description Comments
Intent
R6.00
Integrate architectural lighting as cohesive elements of building
designs that contribute to the atmosphere of the built environ-
ments and enhance safety.
Goal
R6.10
Use lighting on building exteriors to promote safe pedestrian
environments along roadways, at intersections, and in public spaces.
R6.1A Lighting fixture spacing and height along streetscapes and
roadways must be placed to avoid conflicts with tree plantings.
R6.1B Use energy-efficient architectural lighting.
R6.1C
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.
MULTI-FAMILY | CONTINUED