Design Review Program
Applicant's Toolbox: Design Guidelines

Multifamily and Commercial Buildings | Downtown Development | Neighborhood-Specific Design Guidelines

Design Review Guidelines for Multifamily and Commercial Buildings

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Guideline D-6: Screening of Dumpsters, Utilities, and Service Areas
Building sites should locate service elements like trash dumpsters, loading docks and mechanical equipment away from the street front where possible. When elements such as dumpsters, utility meters, mechanical units and service areas cannot be located away from the street front, they should be situated and screened from view and should not be located in the pedestrian right-of-way.


Explanation and Examples
Unsightly service elements can detract from the compatibility of new projects and create hazards for pedestrians and autos.

The followign examples illustrate considerations to address in locating and screening service areas and utilities:

  • plan the feature in a less visible location on the site
  • screen it to be less visible. For example, a utility meter can be located behind a screen wall so that it is not visible from the building entrance.
  • use durable materials that compelment the building
  • incorporate landscaping to make the screen more effective
  • locate the opening to the area away from the sidewalk.

 
<previous
D-5 Visual Impacts of Parking Structures		 next>
D-7 Personal Safety and Security

 

 

Last Updated: July 15, 2005