ORD 2172 - Laserfiche WebLink

Human Scale Materials Building materials manufactured in units measurable in human proportions should be used whenever possible. Materials such as brick, tile, concrete masonry units, and modular stone help people interpret the size of a building. Perceiving the scale of a building is important in terms of a pedestrian's ability to relate comfortably to it. Avoid over-scaling materials. • Use building materials that are familiar in their dimensions and can be repeated in understandable modules. • Combine building materials in modules that can be visually measured. Consider the following specific criteria: - Cast or scored concrete that gives a sense of proportion may be appropriate, as well as conventional modular materials, such as brick or stone. Avoid large, featureless surfaces. - Large, uninterrupted surface areas should have a change in articulation through the use of pattern, texture, material, openings, or change in plane. Colors Building colors should blend in with the natural surroundings. • Study the landscape for cues. A predominance of earth tone colors that relate to the surrounding area, such as light, neutral tans, and browns is encouraged. • Use darker colors at the base of walls and lighter colors for the tops of walls. • Use darker colors or earth tones (neutral browns, darker buffs, tans, ochres) for expanses of walls, with brighter accents or white for trim. • Use neutral roof colors between light and dark, avoiding white or reflective materials unless located behind a parapet. Cool roof materials are encouraged. Landscape To the greatest extent possible, water conservation measures shall be incorporated into the design. All landscaping plans shall comply with the State/City's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and Bay Friendly Guidelines. All landscaping plans and materials require City approval as part of the design review process on a project by project basis. Visual Buffers Visual buffers should be created along property lines and where utility, service, garbage and/or loading areas are sited to provide thorough screening. The plant material should be a combination of evergreen trees and large-growing shrubs. A minimum of 50 percent of the screening material shall be evergreen trees. Exceptions may be approved by the Director of Community Development.