A detailed urban design narrative shall be submitted as part of the Development Application addressing the following Design Regulations: |
a. |
Building Design and Architectural Standards |
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i. |
To avoid repetition, a uniform design approach for all area buildings is not encouraged; |
ii. |
Any canopies shall be designed and finished in a manner consistent with the design and finishing of the principal building; |
iii. |
Design techniques including, but not limited to, the use of sloped roofs, variations in building setbacks and articulation of building facades shall be utilized in order to minimize the perception of massing of the building when viewed from adjacent Sites and public roadways; |
iv. |
Building facades (all sides) shall include design elements, finishing materials and variations that will reduce any perceived mass and linearity of large buildings and add architectural interest. At the Development Permit stage, coloured elevation plans and a detailed materials list shall be submitted; |
v. |
The roof line of buildings shall consist of sloped roofs of varying pitches which may be finished in any combination of metal, wood shakes, asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or roof materials having a similar texture and appearance or flat roofs where they are concealed by parapet walls that include articulation and use of design elements that are in harmony with the principal architectural theme that reduce any perceived mass and linearity of large buildings and add architectural interest; |
vi. |
To reduce any perceived mass and linearity of large buildings and add architectural interest, the exterior finishing materials shall incorporate vertical elements using a combination of brick, stone or other masonry materials, concrete, stucco, glazing or siding, having a similar character, with wood or metal trim, having regard to the objective of ensuring that the development is of a high quality and complementary theme. Abrupt and excessive differences in scale of adjacent buildings shall be minimized through transitional building treatment; |
vii. |
Priority shall be placed on design elements and Façade enhancements, particularly to the first and second levels of buildings to create a pedestrian friendly environment. Lower floors shall be articulated to add variety, interest and a human scale dimension. Recommended design elements include placement of windows to allow for viewing into the building by pedestrians; transparency of windows; wall niches; entrance features; street furniture; canopies and features that lend visual interest and create a human scale; |
viii. |
Smaller buildings shall incorporate complementary materials and architectural detailing to be consistent with the larger buildings; |
ix. |
Functional and decorative lighting shall be provided within the development to enhance the appearance of the Site and buildings. Any building backing on to Anthony Henday Drive or fronting onto Windermere Boulevard shall use special architectural treatment for building corners; |
x. |
The massing of building walls greater than 15 m in length shall be reduced through architectural elements such as columns, ribs, pilasters or piers, changes in plane (e.g. recesses and projections), changes in building finishes, materials, and textures, or features that create an identifiable pattern and sense of human scale; |
xi. |
Building entrances shall be readily identifiable by using design elements such as distinctive materials and colours, human scale architecture, recessing, canopies, awnings, overhangs, articulation, projections and columns; and |
xii. |
All mechanical equipment, including roof mechanical units, shall be concealed by screening with design elements that are compatible or complement the architectural character and materials of the building, or concealed by incorporating it within the building framework. |
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b. |
Pedestrian Environment |
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i. |
The development shall create a pedestrian friendly environment, which may include, but not limited to, a combination of:
- entrance feature(s)
- pedestrian/directional signage
- outdoor seating areas
- canopies
- landscaping and street furniture
- convenient access to parking
- public art
- small parks, squares, plazas and/or greens
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ii. |
Development within this site shall ensure that the design of the pedestrian environment is comfortable, convenient, visually attractive and safe for human activity; |
iii. |
Pedestrian pathways to building entrances, amenities and transit shall be convenient, safe and well lit, with special paving or landscaping to define the connections; |
iv. |
Internal pedestrian corridors shall connect buildings and uses to amenity area(s) and adjacent land uses, (including the transit stops, Windermere Boulevard, multi-use trails, and the adjacent commercial and residential areas); and |
v. |
A minimum 1.5 m sidewalk with boulevard landscaping shall be provided on at least one side of internal roadways connecting internal pedestrian corridors throughout the site to the satisfaction of the Development Officer in consultation with Transportation Services. |
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c. |
Access, Circulation and Parking |
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i. |
Parking shall be provided in accordance with Section 54 of the Zoning Bylaw or in accordance with subsection 5. c. ii. Below; |
ii. |
Any Development Permit application proposing a reduction in off-street parking in Area ‘D’, that includes General Industrial Uses, shall include a Parking Impact Assessment; |
iii. |
Internal and perimeter streets shall be tree lined and lit with appropriate lighting; |
iv. |
Sidewalks in Area ‘A’ shall be provided immediately adjacent and in front of buildings and main entrances at a minimum of 3.0 m in width. Sidewalks in Areas ‘B’,‘C’ and ‘D’ shall be provided immediately adjacent and in front of buildings and main entrances at a minimum of 2.0 m in width; |
v. |
Parking lots shall be designed to minimize the number of drive aisle interruptions and minimize pedestrian/vehicular conflict; |
vi. |
Parking areas adjacent to Windermere Boulevard and Rabbit Hill Road shall include berms and/or landscaping or similar screening feature between the roadway and parking stalls to create an aesthetic buffer and to reduce visual impact; |
vii. |
Stand-alone parking structures above grade shall not be permitted; |
viii. |
Structured parking shall be designed to minimize visual impact by using materials and architectural elements similar to adjacent facades; and |
ix. |
No structured parking above grade shall front onto Windermere Boulevard. |
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d. |
Landscaping |
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i. |
Coordinated and complementary streetscape enhancements shall be applied, including street trees, fencing, pedestrian scaled lighting, street furniture and other amenities; |
ii. |
Landscaping shall be used to highlight major circulation patterns, pedestrian pathways and to provide cohesiveness to the overall development; |
iii. |
Landscaping shall complement the overall Area and include a combination of plant material that provides visual interest with a variety of colour and texture throughout the year to enhance the appearance during non-growing months; |
iv. |
Landscaping shall be used to soften the building form. Recommended landscaping treatments may include one or a combination of tree and shrub planting, water features, railings, curbs, low walls, fences, berms, walkways, amenity areas and public art; and |
v. |
Landscape treatment along Rabbit Hill Road shall contribute to breaking up the façade of building walls, and the enhancement of views and screening of parking lots and service areas from the travelling public. |
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e. |
Signage |
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i. |
A Comprehensive Sign Design Plan and Schedule shall be submitted, consistent with the overall intent of Subsection 59.3 of the Zoning Bylaw prior to the approval of any development permit; |
ii. |
Signs shall be designed to reflect an aesthetically pleasing and cohesive approach to complement the architectural features of all buildings; |
iii. |
Individual business identification Signs located on the Façades of buildings shall be similar in proportion, construction materials and placement. The design, scale and placement of Signs shall be such that the Signs do not detract from the overall appearance of the development and that the Signs are not obtrusive, having regard to the scale of the buildings on the Site and to the distance of the building Setback; |
iv. |
Directional Signs shall be provided for wayfinding information at critical locations relating to tenants, pedestrian movement, parking lots, loading zones and pick up areas, entrances, exits and amenity areas; |
v. |
Movement and brii.ghtness of Signs shall be designed to minimize light pollution and visual intrusion on surrounding residential properties. |
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f. |
CPTED and Accessibility |
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i. |
CPTED requirements within Section 58 of the Zoning Bylaw will apply; and |
ii. |
Barrier-free Design principles shall be used to guide the design of all buildings and public facilities, ensuring a high degree of accessibility to persons with disabilities. |
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