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bulk, massing, and setbacks. These elements should be consistent with those elements of buildings in the immediate neighborhood, and the design of the new buildings should not represent a significant departure from the existing neighborhood character. The Downtown Specific Plan and Downtown Design Guidelines (Design Guidelines) outline parameters related to new construction of residential and non-residential structures and also provide guidance related to architectural details, materials, and windows. The Downtown Specific Plan and the Design Guidelines contain the following design criteria that are applicable to the proposed project. Downtown Specific Plan Design and Beautification Design Criteria (pages 73-76): Policy 1 Protect and enhance the pedestrian-friendly scale of the Downtown by continuing its mixture of one-to-two-story facades at the sidewalk, at-grade entrances, and display windows every 25-30 feet. Three-story buildings may be allowed on a case-by-case basis subject to special design requirements, as presented in Chapter IV. Policy 4 Maintain the Downtown's variety of stucco, brick, and wood facades with high quality materials in new construction appropriate to the architectural style of the building. Simulated materials may be used for resource conservation if determined to have an authentic appearance. Policy 5 Encourage a diversity of architectural styles in new construction using architectural details, shapes, and colors in the common commercial elements of roofline, upper façade, and storefront. Policy 6 Design new buildings to be unique (not corporate, chain, or franchise standard), unless it is determined that they are clearly in conformance with the design goals for the Downtown, are of high quality design and construction, and are compatible with the existing buildings in the vicinity. Policy 17 Protect the established size and spacing of buildings in residential neighborhoods by avoiding excessive lot coverage and maintain appropriate separations between buildings. The Design Guidelines general criteria for Commercial and Residential Guidelines for New Construction, Remodels and Additions (page 13 and 35) state: Commercial Building Location Building facades should meet the sidewalk, except where mini plazas are provided. PUD-118, 4791 Augustine Street Planning Commission Page 16 of 25