§ 300-67. General design concepts.

When applicable, projects should incorporate the following design concepts.

A. 

Sustainability.

(1) 

New buildings and the adaptive reuse of historic buildings should as much as possible use green building technologies for mechanical systems, energy needs and construction materials.

(2) 

The adaptive reuse of the valuable historic building stock is an effective sustainable practice and is strongly encouraged.

(3) 

Site development technologies that conserve resources and reduce environmental impacts are strongly encouraged.

(4) 

Emphasis should be placed on the use of and development of public transportation and pedestrian systems, and the reduction of automobile use wherever possible.

B. 

Use integration.

(1) 

Development should encourage the full mix of uses as may be allowed within each of the districts that are both pedestrian friendly and amenable to being served by public transportation where it is provided.

(2) 

Development should encourage residential uses in conjunction with commercial activities in order to create an active street life, enhance the viability of businesses and reduce traffic.

(3) 

Development should provide opportunities for mixed-use developments by permitting existing residential and commercial uses to be combined on unified development sites.

(4) 

Street-level facades should include active uses such as shops, restaurants, cafes, fitness centers, exhibition spaces, galleries, meeting space, commercial lobbies, residential entrances, services, etc.

C. 

Streetscape and the pedestrian environment

(1) 

Building facades at and near the street level should be designed with human-scaled elements and details that promote pedestrian interests, comfort, and safety.

(2) 

Projects should look to create a network and continuity of active spaces and avoid disconnected spaces.

(3) 

Projects should incorporate streetscape improvements, including appropriate and unified street furniture (e.g., benches, bus shelters, trash receptacles, planting containers, pedestrian lighting, kiosks, etc.), to encourage pedestrian activity, avoiding dull/bleak streetscapes that discourage walking.

(4) 

Street trees and pedestrian-scaled lighting (in addition to vehicle area lighting) should be incorporated into designs to enhance the project area and surrounding areas.

(5) 

New pedestrian crosswalks should be constructed to enhance connections across streets.

D. 

Architectural and massing considerations.

(1) 

Projects should complement the City's architectural and cultural heritage by conserving and/or reflecting dominant design elements and characteristics of areas, and maintaining area proportions of scale and mass.

(2) 

Public buildings, structures, and spaces should be designed and constructed to the highest standards in order to reflect community values, inspire future development, foster civic pride, and serve as a model to others.

(3) 

Scale, massing, and dominant architectural elements should contribute to the overall composition and developing character of the surrounding area.

(4) 

Projects should seek to unify architectural elements, details, and materials, such that all components appear integral to the whole.

(5) 

Building massing should create a transition of height, bulk, and scale to less intensively developed neighboring properties.

(6) 

Advertising features should be oriented towards the pedestrian, and complement the architecture of the building.

(7) 

Rooftops should be designed for visual interest and avoid a lack of design attention.

(8) 

Climate-sensitive, energy efficient, and environmentally conscious design considerations should be incorporated to create healthier, more productive, and more sustainable places to live and work.

(9) 

Projects should complement Oneonta's natural setting and conserve scenic public views and view corridors, whenever possible.