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-4: Design of Parking Lots Near Sidewalks |
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Parking lots near sidewalks should provide adequate security and lighting, avoid encroachment of vehicles onto the sidewalk, and minimize the visual clutter of parking lot signs and equipment. |
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Explanation and Examples The following examples illustrate some considerations to address in highly visible parking lots:
Treatment of parking area perimter
- the edges of parking lots pavement adjacent to landscaped areas and other pavement can be unsightly and difficult to maintain. Providing a curb at the perimeter of parking areas can alleviate these problems.
Security lighting
- provide the appropriate levels of lighting to create adequate visibility at night. Evenly distributed lighting increases security, and glare-free lighting reduces impacts on nearby property.
Encroachment of cars onto the sidewalk
- without tire bumpers or a low wall, parked cars can hang over sidewalks. One technique to protect landscaped and pedestrian areas from encroachment by parked cars is to provide a wide wheel stop about two feet from the sidewalk. A preferable technique is to install an extended curb, which is more durable than wheel stops and does not catch debris.
Signs and equipment
- reduce sign clutter by painting markings on the pavement or by consolidating signs. Provide storage that is out of view from the sidewalk and adjacent properties for moveable or temporary equipment like sawhorses or barrels.
Screening of parking
- screening of parking areas need not be uniform along the property frontage. Variety in the type and relative amount of screening may be appropriate.
- screen walls constructed of durable, attractive materials need not extend above waist level. Screen walls across a street or adjacent to a residential zone could also include landscaping or a trellis or grillwork with climbing vines.
- screening can be designed to provide clear visibility into parking areas to promote personal safety.
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Last Updated: July 15, 2005