§ 3.2.3. Frontage type descriptions.

The 12 frontage types are described hereunder:

A.

Common yard: A planted frontage wherein the façade of the building is set back substantially from the front property line. The resulting front yard can be defined or undefined but typically, remains unfenced and is visually continuous with adjacent yards, supporting a common landscape. The front yard may also be raised from the sidewalk, creating a small retaining wall at the property line with entry steps to the yard.

B.

Porch: Front yard porches are a common frontage primarily associated with single family houses, but used with other building types depending on the context. The porch can encroach forward of the build-to line but shall not extend into the right-of-way. Front porches must be open, non-air conditioned parts of the buildings with no screens. The porch can be one story only.

C.

Stoop: A frontage wherein the façade of the building is close to the front property line and the ground story is elevated from the sidewalk, securing privacy for the windows and front rooms. The entrance is usually an exterior stair and landing and it engages the sidewalk. Stoops may occur forward of the build-to line. Stoops are suitable for ground-floor residential uses with short setbacks and must correspond directly to building entries.

D.

Forecourt: The main façade of the building is at or near the frontage line and a small percentage of it is set back, creating a small court. The space could be used as an entry court or shared garden space for apartment buildings, or as an additional shopping or restaurant seating area within commercial zones. The proportions and orientation of these spaces should be carefully considered for solar orientation and user comfort. This frontage should not be repeated within a block.

E.

Awnings and canopies: The main façade of the commercial or retail building is at or near the frontage line and the canopy or awning element may overlap the sidewalk and occur at the ground story level only. The canopy is a structural, cantilevered, shed roof and the awning is canvas or similar material and is often retractable. The coverings should extend far enough from the building to provide adequate protection for pedestrians.

F.

Balconies: Balconies shall occur forward of the build-to-line and may encroach within the right-of-way, but shall not extend past the curb line (while leaving adequate clearance for a standard truck height). Balconies may have roofs, but must be open, non-air conditioned parts of the buildings. On corners, balconies may wrap around the side of the building facing the side streets.

G.

Colonnades: The main façade of the retail building is at the frontage line and the colonnade element overlaps the sidewalk and encroaches into the public right-of-way (while leaving adequate clearance for a standard truck height). The entry should be at the same grade as the sidewalk. This type can be one or two stories. This frontage type is ideal for retail use but only when the sidewalk is fully absorbed within the colonnade so that a pedestrian cannot bypass it. Due to the overlap of the right-of-way, an easement shall be required.

H.

Arcades: Arcades are façades with an attached colonnade that is covered by upper floors which are habitable space. This type is suitable for retail use, but only when the sidewalk is fully absorbed within the arcade. Due to the overlap of the right-of-way, an easement shall be required.

I.

Terrace and light court: A frontage wherein a portion of the façade is set back from the property line by an elevated terrace or sunken light court. This type buffers residential use from urban sidewalks and removes the private yard from public encroachment. The terrace is suitable for conversion to outdoor cafés as the eye of the sitter is level with that of the standing passerby.

J.

Bay windows: A frontage type wherein bay windows are permitted and may occur forward of the build-to line. Bay windows projecting from the second floor or higher may encroach within the right-of-way.

K.

Storefront: A storefront frontage is at or close to the edge of the pedestrian zone, with the entrance at sidewalk grade. An overhang, canopy, shading element, or awning that encroaches over the sidewalk is required.

L.

Café: A café frontage is used with a store front and accommodates outdoor seating for restaurants and cafés.

M.

Drive throughs attached to commercial buildings: Drive throughs attached to commercial buildings comprised of 10,000 square feet or greater in gross floor area can present access and interior site design challenges for automobiles, can impact the off-site functionality of public streets and private drive aisles, and may pose safety concerns for pedestrians. They are therefore required to comply with section 3.2.4M.

(Ord. No. 6016-07-16, 7-19-2016)