12-Appendix G-Fort Worth Development Services.pdf

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

In recent years, parts of Downtown Fort Worth have been immensely successful in attracting people back to the central city to live, work, play, shop, and learn. This renaissance of Downtown is in part attributable to the authentic urban quality of Downtown. We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to a number of dedicated individuals for their role in the development of this document.

Downtown Design Review Board:

Kirk Millican– Chair Cassandra King– Vice Chair Nina Petty– Former Chair Henry Borbolla– Former Vice Chair Gwen Harper Tom Malone Bill Booker James Richards Laura Sanchez Andrew Blake

City of Fort Worth Staff:

Sevanne Steiner Randy Hutcheson Melinda Ramos Estella Alvarez– Reynoso

Downtown Fort Worth, Inc, Design Review Committee:

Michael Bennett-Former Chair Raul Pena-Current Chair Jerry Bolz Christopher Brim Johnny Campbell Jack Clark Mark Dabney Melissa Graham Michael Hoffer Ryan Johnson Karl Komatsu Joy Webster Jeff Whitacre James Yu

Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. Staff:

Andrew Taft Melissa Konur

TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNDERSTANDING THE DISTRICT PAGE 3

CHARACTER ZONES PAGE 14

PARKING AND WALKWAY CORRIDORS PAGE 25

SIGNS PAGE 49

BUILDING EDGE AND ARCHITECTURE PAGE 39

DEFINITIONS PAGE 71

UNDERSTANDING THE DISTRICT

HISTORY OF DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH

When Fort Worth was incorporated as a City in 1873, virtually the entire city was contained within the area currently called the Central Business District. The commercial Downtown was concentrated along Commerce, Weatherford, and Houston streets and extended south for several blocks on Houston and Main streets.

The appearance of Downtown Fort Worth in the 1880’s was a classic Old West town. Commercial buildings were generally one-and two-story wood frame and brick structures, many with false fronts and shed-roofed porches covering wooden sidewalks. The commercial core was laid out on a traditional grid with a residential district extending south of the Texas & Pacific Railroad tracks and an industrial district in an arc along the railroad tracks to the south and east of Downtown. Residential districts continued to be built to the east and west of Downtown and northward along the Samuels Avenue and the bluffs of the Trinity River. By the end of the 1880’s, cattle, livestock, trading, land development, rail-roads, oil, and a diversifying economy transformed Fort Worth from a military outpost to a vibrant trading center for points west.

From its early days, Fort Worth continued to develop like most cities in Texas.

The early teens and 1920’s saw expansion of the suburbs, while skyscrapers and automobiles changed the Downtown skyline and land uses. The economic center began to shift from the courthouse to the south, eventually coalescing along the 7th Street corridor. This area became the commercial heart of the city.

Accelerated suburbanization occurred after the end of World War II and continued through the 1990’s, and Fort Worth was no exception. Bold urban renewal plans and destruction of existing urban fabric (right) were typical of the period. Much of the southern portion of the Central Business District was transformed by the addition of a convention center and an elevated interstate highway. Intended to revitalize the area these projects had limited success. In response to the decline of Downtown, Charles Tandy and Sid Bass embarked own revitalization plans. Their vision continues to anchor a transformed Down-town as a vibrant commercial and cultural center.

Since the 1980’s, Downtown has experienced a renaissance that has continued with investments by Sundance Square, XTO Energy, the City, the County and a variety of developers. Today, Downtown is experiencing significant interest in and around the core, as well as, on the periphery of the Downtown Design Dis-trict. Downtown is a cultural and entertainment destination, and hosts the highest concentration of employment in Tarrant County. Substantial investment in

Victor Gruen’s plan, A Greater Tomorrow, for Downtown Fort Worth, completed in 1956. If implemented, the plan would have created a giant downtown mall.

historic restoration, adaptive reuse, and new construction has created a rich blend of contemporary and classic architecture and an increasing diversification of land use.

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT INTENT AND PRINCIPLES

Intent

Downtown Fort Worth strives to build upon its image as the most vibrant, walkable, mixed-use urban center in the region by focusing on exceptional design of both private and public places. The Downtown Urban Design Standards and Guidelines (DUDSG) were developed to improve and protect the appearance, value, and function of downtown properties. The standards and guidelines allow for creativity and variety within a framework of basic design parameters that reinforce the best attributes of Downtown. The following principles serve as a basis for the standards and guidelines contained in this document. Projects are evaluated with respect to the principles, in addition to the pertinent standards and guidelines.

General Design Principles

1. Promote a pedestrian-oriented urban form

Focus on promoting a walkable urban form of development consistent with the character of Downtown. The focus on form promotes buildings that conform to tested urban design principles and that adapt to changing conditions over time.

2. Maximize connectivity and access

The continued success of Downtown Fort Worth requires a multimodal circulation network for visitors, workers, and residents to conveniently walk, drive, bike, or ride mass transit to destinations within and outside the district.

The DUDSG are intended to promote walkable blocks and street designs that balance these transportation modes and ensure accessibility for residents, employees, and visitors, including those with disabilities.

3. Require excellence in the design of the public realm

The most successful urban environments are those where the street is appealing and memorable. Streets, plazas, parks, and other public spaces should be comfortable and inviting. Buildings fronting such spaces should be active and visually interesting at the pedestrian level.

4. Support new and existing Downtown businesses

The DUDSG should primarily support the success of existing and new businesses.

5. Encourage adaptive reuse and support the preservation of historically significant buildings

Downtown includes historically significant buildings. The DUDSG are intended to work in conjunction with the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance in the City’s Zoning Ordinance to encourage preservation and adaptive reuse of significant buildings.

6. Encourage creativity, architectural diversity, and exceptional design

The design review process is intended to support creativity and exceptional design while discouraging uniformity, thus promoting high quality design.

7. Promote sustainable development that minimizes negative impacts on natural resources

Creating a walkable, mixed-use, high-density, central city district supports sustainable development by providing an alternative to low-density development in peripheral areas. Downtown buildings, transportation systems, and public spaces should be designed to minimize negative impacts on air and water quality, and promote and showcase innovation in environmental design.

8. Encourage the integration of art into public and private development

Art should be integrated into architecture, streetscapes, and public spaces.

Art enhances the built environment and contributes to the area’s success in attracting new residents and businesses.

ADMINISTRATION

The DUDSG apply to projects located within the Downtown Urban Design District (DUDD) (see map on page 9). The intent of the standards and guidelines is to encourage the highest level of design quality and provide the flexibility necessary to respond to existing site conditions. The DUDSG are intended to be clear, concise, and user-friendly. The development review process is meant to be predictable, flexible, and to facilitate the timely approval of conforming projects.

The DUDGS represent supplemental requirements to base zoning as outlined in this document. Whenever there appears to be a conflict between the DUDSG and the other sections of the Zoning Ordinance, the requirements specifically set forth in this document shall prevail.

Whenever a conflict between the Urban Design Commission and the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission regulations occur, the stricter of the two shall apply, or a joint session of the Boards and Commission may be called.

Definition of “Standards” and “Guidelines”

Standards are objective, measurable regulations, sometimes illustrated through diagrams and sketches, with which all projects must comply. Unless noted as a guideline, all provisions in this document are standards. If a project of exceptional design is clearly consistent with the General Design Principles but does not conform to a certain standard, the Downtown Design Review Board (DDRB) may approve a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) that cites the project’s compliance with those principles. For projects not conforming to height and setback regulations listed in the Zoning Ordinance for zoning other than H, a variance approved by the Board of Adjustment is required, in addition to the

COA.

Design guidelines are more subjective statements through which the City proposes additional design strategies. The guidelines should be suitable for most projects, and developers should endeavor to ensure that guidelines are followed to the extent possible. City staff and the DDRB will work with developers to explore design approaches that maximize conformance with design guidelines. The DDRB shall not deny a COA solely because a project fails to comply with design guidelines.

Downtown Design Review Board (DDRB)

The DDRB is composed of seven regular members and one alternate member, all of whom are appointed by the Mayor and the City Council. Members are charged with the administration of DUDSG. The Zoning Ordinance specifies that DDRB appointees should be qualified electors of the City of Fort Worth.

Furthermore, by ordinance, board members and alternate must be selected from practicing professionals from the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design or planning, real estate, and a Downtown resident.

The Planning and Development Director or designee serves as staff advisor to the DDRB.

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS

Project Subject to Review

All private and public development projects within the DUDD that include additions, new construction, redevelopment (rehabilitation, renovation, or restoration), reconstruction of a parking lot, and new signage are subject to review by the Planning and Development Department staff and/or the DDRB for compliance with the DUDSG. Changes to the interior of buildings do not require staff/DDRB approval.

The DDRB may approve the application as submitted, approve the application with conditions, or deny the application. When conditions are attached to a project approval, the conditions will require modifications to the proposed design that are necessary to ensure the project’s compliance with the design standards.

Above: Completed in 2013, Sundance Square Plaza has become a regional destination.

Administrative Review vs. DDRB Review

Projects that are consistent with all applicable General Design Principles and conform to all standards may be approved administratively by the Planning and Development staff. Planning and Development staff will work with Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. (DFWI) to discuss each case. If staff and DFWI fail to agree on an application, the case may be sent to the DDRB for review. Staff may also refer an administrative case to the DDRB if DFWI and staff feel that it needs board review approval. The DDRB shall review projects that require interpretation or discretionary judgment with respect to the project’s compliance with standards and guidelines.

Eligible for administrative approval:

All signage that meets the standards Sidewalk construction, including trees, furnishing, landscaping, and pedestrian lighting Minor modifications to existing buildings Temporary construction facilities Historic buildings restored in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s

Standards for Rehabilitation

DDRB will review the following:

New construction Major modification of buildings Items that staff refer to DDRB Cases that vary from standards

Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)

The Planning and Development staff or the DDRB will issue a COA for approved public and private projects. The COA is valid for two years from the date of approval.

DOWNTOWN URBAN DESIGN DISTRICT (DUDD) BOUNDARY

Character Zone Uses Covered Actions Triggering DUDSG Standards Applicable Standards and Guidelines

Downtown Core All Uses Additions, new construction, redevelopment

(rehabilitation, renovation, or restoration), reconstruction of a parking lot, and new signage

DUDSG requirements

Industrial None Base Zoning

Non Industrial

Change of use from Light, Medium and Heavy Industrial uses to any other use listed in the Zon-ing Ordinance

Rezoning to non-industrial category

DUDSG Character Zone Standards for Commercial and Multifamily projects (see page 16)

DUDSG requirements not covered by Character Zone Standards for Commercial and Multifamily projects

Greenway Neighborhood

Commercial/ Multifamily

Additions, new construction, redevelopment (rehabilitation, renovation, or restoration), reconstruction of a parking lot, and new signage

Adding more than 10,000 square feet, or cost of investment in improvements is more than 50% of property value

Rezoning

DUDSG Character Zone Standards for Commercial and Multifamily projects (see page 17).

DUDSG requirements not covered by Character Zone Standards for Commercial and Multifamily projects

Single Family Additions, new construction, redevelopment

(rehabilitation, renovation, or restoration), reconstruction of a parking lot, and new signage

DUDSG Character Zone Standards for Single Family projects (see page 18).

Samuels Avenue/ Rock Island

Neighborhood

Commercial/ Multifamily

Additions, new construction, redevelopment (rehabilitation, renovation, or restoration), reconstruction of a parking lot, and new signage

Adding more than 10,000 square feet, or cost of investment in improvements is more than 50% of property value

Rezoning

DUDSG Character Zone Standards for Commercial and Multifamily projects (see page 21)

DUDSG requirements not covered by Character Zone Standards for Commercial and Multifamily projects

Single Family New construction of a single family detached home or the addition of more than 500 square feet for any residential use

DUDSG Character Zone Standards for Single Family projects (see page 22)

Industrial Gateway

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS

Required Information from Applicant

The full list of required documents is included in the application available from the City’s Planning and Development Department. Applications are located online at:

www.fortworthtexas.gov

For questions, comments, or to set an appointment call 817-392-8000.

Review of Phased Projects

The DDRB may approve a COA for all phases, provided that the applicant submits drawings that depict the initial phase, as well as all future phases. There must be correlation between the initial presentation and all subsequent presentations of the project.

Public Hearing Discussions

One of the DDRB’s roles is to provide informal guidance to developers during the conceptual design phase. These conceptual design discussions take place during monthly DDRB public hearings, and provide an opportunity for early DDRB and staff input that should facilitate timely design review and approval of the final design phase. Developers of significant projects are encouraged to present conceptual designs to the DDRB. Submission of conceptual designs to staff or at a DDRB public hearing does not constitute approval of the project by the DDRB. Applicants are still required to receive approval by the DDRB for all work listed in the DUDSG except for projects that are eligible for administrative approval.

Variances to Zoning Ordinance

The DDRB is authorized to approve waivers to the DUDSG, provided a project complies with applicable design standard intents. However, any waiver of basic property development standards related to building heights or setbacks requires a variance approved by the Board of Adjustment. Variances shall receive a recommendation from the DDRB.

Unique projects are exceptions. The DDRB will determine the appropriate-ness of a project that does not conform to the DUDSG specified in this document. The design standards are written to respond to unique and crea-tive project and waivers are encouraged to facilitate design excellence.

Lancaster Corridor Zone

The Lancaster Corridor Redevelopment Project uses the redesign of Lancaster Avenue as a catalyst for redevelopment at the southern end of Downtown Fort Worth and as a means to connect Downtown more effectively with three grand historic structures on the south side of the street. The project is an outgrowth of the decision to relocate the I-30 and I-35W interchange to the south side of the Union Pacific railroad tracks and remove the I-30 overhead. The vision for the Lancaster corridor is for an attractive, liveable, and pedestrian-oriented district that capitalizes on streetscape enhancements, the renovation of historic structures, and an expanded downtown retail trade. A new downtown residential population, arts and entertainment activities, and vibrant public plazas will also help create a distinct district at the southern edge of Downtown.

These images illustrate the vision for Lancaster Avenue to be an attractive, livable, and pedestrian-oriented district that capitalizes on streetscape enhancements.

Lancaster Corridor Zone Supplementary Standards

In addition to all standards in the DUDSG, the following apply to the Lancaster Corridor:

Building Height Standards

Buildings shall be a minimum of 3 stories in height and a maximum of 8 stories in height.

Varying from minimum and maximum height:

The DDRB may recommend to the Board of Adjustment heights that do not meet the standards above for any new or expanded building that, in the Board’s determination, is proportional to the width of Lancaster Avenue, respects the scale of historic buildings along the street, and preserves view corridors to and from these historic buildings.

Surface Parking Standards

Surface parking lots and front yard parking are not allowed along Lancaster Avenue.

Surface parking shall be located under, to the interior of, or behind buildings facing Lancaster Avenue.

Parking Structures Standards

Structured and/or underground parking shall be designed so that vehicular entrances and exits are not on Lancaster Avenue.

Parking structures shall not front Lancaster Avenue.

Exception:

The DDRB may allow parking structures to front Lancaster Avenue if the following conditions are met:

1. The ground floor facing Lancaster Avenue contains retail space.

2. The building is designed to complement surrounding buildings and to enhance pedestrian activity along Lancaster.

NOTE:

Using the criteria above, all height waivers shall receive a recommendation from the DDRB prior to receiving a variance from the City of Fort Worth Board of Ad-justment:

Streetscape Standards

New streetscape items added shall be complementary to the existing streetscape. Streetscape items include the following:

Sidewalks (material use and color) Lighting Furnishings Plant material

CHARACTER ZONES

CHARACTER ZONES

CHARACTER ZONES—INDUSTRIAL GATEWAY

Industrial Uses

All industrial uses listed in the Zoning Ordinance under Light, Medium, and Heavy Industrial are not subject to the DUDSG requirements and shall comply with base zoning requirements.

Commercial/ Multifamily Standards

Properties located in the Industrial Gateway that meet the conditions below must comply with the DUDSG regulations unless address in this section.

Change of use from Light, Medium, and Heavy Industrial uses to any other use listed in the Zoning Ordinance

Rezoning

Building Height, Massing, Orientation, and Setback Standards

The height and overall scale of new construction shall be consistent with that of adjacent structures. In residential areas, the height and scale of new construction should generally not exceed that of adjacent structures by more than one story. Step-downs in building height, wall plane offsets, and other variations in building massing should be utilized to provide tran-sition when height of new construction exceeds adjacent structures by more than a half story.

The orientation of street facing façades shall be consistent with the predominant orientation of structures found on the block face.

The orientation of primary building entrances, porches, and landings shall be consistent with those found on the block face.

The site configuration and orientation of new buildings or structures shall be compatible and consistent with the orientation of existing buildings or structures on adjacent lots within the block face.

Minimum Building Height Standard

Buildings along Weatherford and Belknap Streets shall be a minimum of three (3) stories in height.

Building Setbacks Standard

Ten (10) foot maximum from the back of sidewalk.

Streetscape Standards

Maximum spacing of pedestrian lights shall be 60 feet.

Pedestrian way shall be a minimum of seven (7 )feet wide.

Exceptions:

Drive approaches

Existing sidewalks or connections to existing sidewalks

Curb cuts

Fire hydrants

Fixed infrastructure elements

Steps and existing buildings

Mature trees

CHARACTER ZONES—GREENWAY NEIGHBORHOOD

Commercial/ Multifamily Standards

Properties located in the Greenway Neighborhood that meet the conditions below must comply with the DUDSG requirements unless address in this section.

New construction, redevelopment (rehabilitation, renovation, or restoration), reconstruction of a parking lot, and new signage

Additions of more than 10,000 square feet, or

Cost of investment in improvements is more than 50% of the total value of the property.

new construction should generally not exceed that of adjacent structures by more than one story. Step-downs in building height, wall plane offsets, and other variations in building massing should be utilized to provide transition when height of new construction exceeds adjacent structures by more than a half story.

The orientation of the front façade shall be consistent with the predominant orientation of structures found on the block face.

The orientation of primary building entrances, porches, and landings shall be consistent with those found on the block face.

The site configuration and orientation of new buildings or structures shall be compatible and consistent with the orientation of existing buildings or structures on adjacent lots within the block face.

Building Setbacks Standard

Ten (10) foot maximum from the back of sidewalk.

Streetscape Standards

Maximum spacing of pedestrian lights shall be 60 feet.

Pedestrian way shall be a minimum of seven (7 )feet wide.

Exceptions:

Drive approaches

Existing sidewalks or connections to existing sidewalks

Curb cuts

Fire hydrants

Fixed infrastructure elements

Single Family Detached Standards

Properties located in the Greenway Neighborhood that meet the conditions below must comply with the DUDSG requirements unless address in this section.

New construction of a single family home, or

The addition of more than 500 square feet for any use.

Building Height, Massing, Orientation, and Setback Standards that of adjacent structures. In residential areas, the height and scale of new construction should generally not exceed that of adjacent structures by more than one story. Step-downs in building height, wall plane offsets, and other variations in building massing should be utilized to provide transition when height of new construction exceeds adjacent structures by more than a half story.

Roof pitch, form, and orientation shall be consistent with those predominantly found on the block face.

The orientation of the front façade shall be consistent with the predominant orientation of structures found on the block face.

The orientation of primary building entrances, porches, and landings shall be consistent with those found on the block face.

Where used, front porches shall be a minimum of 6 feet deep.

Setbacks shall be the average of structures on the block face or align with the front wall of the neighboring structure.

The site configuration and orientation of new buildings or structures shall be compatible and consistent with the orientation of existing buildings or struc-tures on adjacent lots within the block face.

Blank walls on residential structures are not allowed.

Window and door openings shall use similar proportions of wall to window ratio and spacing as typically found in the district.

Building Materials Standards

Building envelope, roof, windows, and door materials shall complement the type, texture, and detail, including dimensions, of materials traditionally found in the district.

Vinyl siding, plastic, and EIFS are not allowed as building envelope materi-als.

R-Panel profile metal panels are not allowed as building envelope and roof materials.

Fencing Standards

Front yard fences shall be a maximum height of 4 feet, 50% open.

Side and rear yard fences shall have a maximum height of 8 feet.

Side yard fences shall not project into the projected front yard.

Fence materials shall be wood, antique wire fencing, or iron.

Plastic, chain link, barbed wire, or other synthetic materials used as fencing are prohibited.

Masonry may be used for posts and bases for metal iron fencing only.

Driveways and Walkways Standards

Paving of private sidewalks and driveways shall be of natural concrete, brick, cut stone, pavers, natural rock or asphalt.

Front yards shall not be paved or graveled except for driveways or walk-ways.

There shall be no front yard area designated as a vehicle parking area or paved as such.

Walkway paving in the front yard shall be either:

A walkway from the front property line to the front entry of the structure or, on a corner lot, from the side property line to a side entry of the structure.

The walkway shall not be wider than the width of the entry steps, and in no instance shall the walkway be wider than ten (10) feet.

A walkway from the driveway to the front and/or side entry walkway shall be a maximum of four (4) feet in width.

A front-entry driveway shall be no wider than one car width or ten (10) feet maximum, but may widened just prior to a two-car garage.

On a corner lot, the driveway may extend from the side street to the garage. It shall be no wider than one car width or ten (10) feet maximum to a one-car garage, or 18 feet maximum and widening to a two-car garage.

Circular and semicircular driveways are not allowed except along Samuels Avenue.

Any new driveway constructed through a front yard must be spaced a minimum of one (1) foot from an existing driveway on the adjacent lot.

G�Ù�¦�

M�®Ä

SãÙç�ãçÙ�

SãÙ��ã

G�Ù�¦�

M�®Ä

SãÙç�ãçÙ�

SãÙ��ã

Sã Ù� �ã

SãÙç�ãçÙ�

SãÙ��ã

G�Ù�¦�

M�®Ä

SãÙç�ãçÙ�

SãÙ��ã

Sã

Appropriate

INAPPROPRIATE

Street Tree Standards

One (1) street tree shall be required per every 50 linear feet of property frontage.

Location and planting plans of tree shall be determined by staff based on the following criteria:

Width of furnishing zone Type of street tree (must be from approved list) Distance to existing trees, curb cuts, property lines, fire hydrants, fixed infrastructure elements, and primary buildings

Exception:

Staff may waive the installation of street trees if unique conditions prohibit installation.

Sidewalks Standards

Five (5) foot sidewalks are required. Width adjustment can be administratively approved to accommodate the following:

Connection to an existing sidewalk.

Insufficient right of way

Staff may waive the installation and width of sidewalks if unique conditions prohibit installation.

Streetlight Guidelines

There are currently no Pedestrian lights in the neighborhood. If pedestrian lights are installed, staff will work with the applicant and spacing.

Street trees and sidewalks help to create a walkable urban environment.

CHARACTER ZONES—SAMUELS AVENUE / ROCK ISLAND NEIGHBORHOOD

Commercial/ Multifamily Standards

Properties located in the Samuels Avenue / Rock Island Neighborhood that meet the conditions below must comply with the DUDSG requirements unless address in this section.

New construction, redevelopment (rehabilitation, renovation, or restoration), reconstruction of a parking lot, and new signage

Additions of more than 10,000 square feet, or

Cost of investment in improvements is more than 50% of property value.

new construction should generally not exceed that of adjacent structures by more than one story. Step-downs in building height, wall plane offsets, and other variations in building massing should be utilized to provide tran-sition when height of new construction exceeds adjacent structures by more than a half story.

The orientation of the front façade shall be consistent with the predomi-nant orientation of structures found on the block face.

The orientation of primary building entrances, porches, and landings shall be consistent with those found on the block face.

The site configuration and orientation of new buildings or structures shall be compatible and consistent with the orientation of existing buildings or structures on adjacent lots within the block face.

Minimum Building Height Standard

Buildings along Samuels Avenue shall be a minimum of three (3) stories in height.

Building Setbacks Standard

Ten (10) foot maximum from the back of sidewalk.

Streetscape Standards

Maximum spacing of pedestrian lights shall be 60 feet.

Pedestrian way shall be a minimum of seven (7 )feet wide.

Exceptions:

Drive approaches

Existing sidewalks or connections to existing sidewalks

Curb cuts

Fire hydrants

Fixed infrastructure elements

Single Family Detached Standards

Properties located in the Samuels / Rock Island Neighborhood that meet the conditions below must comply with the DUDSG requirements unless address in this section.

New construction of a single family home, or

The addition of more than 500 square feet for any use.

Building Height, Massing, Orientation, and Setback Standards that of adjacent structures. In residential areas, the height and scale of new construction should generally not exceed that of adjacent structures by more than one story. Step-downs in building height, wall plane offsets, and other variations in building massing should be utilized to provide transition when height of new construction exceeds adjacent structures by more than a half story.

Roof pitch, form, and orientation shall be consistent with those predominantly found on the block face.

The orientation of the front façade shall be consistent with the predominant orientation of structures found on the block face.

The orientation of primary building entrances, porches, and landings shall be consistent with those found on the block face.

Where used, front porches shall be a minimum of 6 feet deep.

Setbacks shall be the average of structures on the block face or align with the front wall of the neighboring structure.

The site configuration and orientation of new buildings or structures shall be compatible and consistent with the orientation of existing buildings or struc-tures on adjacent lots within the block face.

Blank walls on residential structures are not allowed.

Window and door openings shall use similar proportions of wall to window ratio and spacing as typically found in the district.

Building Materials Standards

Building envelope, roof, windows, and door materials shall complement the type, texture, and detail, including dimensions, of materials traditionally found in the district.

Vinyl siding, plastic, and EIFS are not allowed as building envelope materi-als.

R-Panel profile metal panels are not allowed as building envelope and roof materials.

Front yard fences shall be a maximum height of 4 feet, 50% open.

Side and rear yard fences shall have a maximum height of 8 feet.

Side yard fences shall not project into the projected front yard.

Fence materials shall be wood, antique wire fencing, or iron.

Plastic, chain link, barbed wire, or other synthetic materials used as fencing are prohibited.

Masonry may be used for posts and bases for metal iron fencing only.

Driveways and Walkways Standards

Paving of private sidewalks and driveways shall be of natural concrete, brick, cut stone, pavers, natural rock or asphalt.

Front yards shall not be paved or graveled except for driveways or walkways.

There shall be no front yard area designated as a vehicle parking area or paved as such.

Walkway paving in the front yard shall be either:

A walkway from the front property line to the front entry of the structure or, on a corner lot, from the side property line to a side entry of the structure.

The walkway shall not be wider than the width of the entry steps, and in no instance shall the walkway be wider than ten (10) feet.

A walkway from the driveway to the front and/or side entry walkway shall be a maximum of four (4) feet in width.

A front-entry driveway shall be no wider than one car width or ten (10) feet maximum, but may widened just prior to a two-car garage.

On a corner lot, the driveway may extend from the side street to the garage. It shall be no wider than one car width or ten (10) feet maximum to a one-car garage, or 18 feet maximum and widening to a two-car garage.

Circular and semicircular driveways are not allowed except along Samuels Avenue.

Any new driveway constructed through a front yard must be spaced a minimum of one (1) foot from an existing driveway on the adjacent lot.

SãÙç�ãçÙ�

SãÙ��ã

G�Ù�¦�

M�®Ä

SãÙç�ãçÙ�

SãÙ��ã

Sã

SãÙç�ãçÙ�

SãÙ��ã

G�Ù�¦�

M�®Ä

SãÙç�ãçÙ�

SãÙ��ã

Sã

APPROPRIATE

INAPPROPRIATE

Street Tree Standards

One (1) street tree shall be required per every 50 linear feet of property frontage.

Location and planting plans of the tree shall be determined by staff based on the following criteria:

Width of furnishing zone Type of street tree (must be from approved list) Distance to existing trees, curb cuts, property lines, fire hydrants, fixed infrastructure elements, and primary buildings

Staff may waive the installation of street trees if unique conditions prohibit installation.

Sidewalks Standards

Seven (7) foot sidewalks are required. Width adjustment can be adminis-tratively approved to accommodate the following:

Connection to an existing sidewalk.

Insufficient right of way

Staff may waive the installation and width of sidewalks if unique conditions prohibit installation.

Streetlight Guidelines

Pedestrian lights are encouraged to be installed every 60 feet for single family zoned lots

Street trees and sidewalks help to create a walkable urban environment.

S

TR

E E T

G R I D

A N D

P A R K I N G

PARKING AND WALKWAY CORRIDORS

STREET GRID

Intent Increase foot traffic and improve the quality of life for business owners, residents, employees, and visitors.

Use sidewalks and streets to create a linear park system.

Principles Focus pedestrian circulation at the street level and increase pedestrian comfort by expanding and constructing comfortable sidewalks that energize the streets.

Provide shade and a sense of enclosure and safety through the addition of more trees.

Visually enhance stark walls through the use of plant material and other techniques.

Reinforce the concept of Downtown as a market place.

Street Grid Standards Multiple block developments shall not close or span existing streets.

The following shall apply:

Maximum distance between publicly accessible streets shall be 1,000 feet.

No block may have a perimeter greater than 1,600 feet, with a maximum block face of 400 feet.

Private streets with adjacent sidewalks or a private walkway, that are accessible through a public use easement, may serve as a block boundary.

Blocks in Downtown Fort Worth are typically 200 feet by 200 feet.

Street trees help sidewalks function as a linear park system.

Vacation of Existing Streets Standards

Vacation of existing streets require a recommendation from the DDRB and the City Plan Commission and approval by the City Council.

Vacation of streets is discouraged and shall be avoided. The DDRB shall use the following criteria to form a recommendation to the City Plan Commission and City Council.

The typical block face in Downtown measures 200 feet. The vacation of streets, alleys, and public rights-of-ways should not result in unpleasant or unsafe conditions for the pedestrian.

No public way may be dead-ended through vacation. Any vacation of a portion of the public way must not result in the creation of remaining stubs of public streets or alleys. Cul-de-sacs or hammerhead turnarounds are not considered preferable options.

No vacation of the public way shall direct public traffic onto private property.

Vacations must run corner to corner and the full width of the right-of-way. No requests that propose to leave a jagged right-of-way line will be approved.

Skywalks and Underground Passage Standards

Skywalks and underground passages are not allowed. DDRB shall use the following requirement when reviewing waiver requests for skywalks and under-ground passages:

Will not result in removing pedestrians from the street or sidewalk.

Does not block Downtown views.

Is not located on a Downtown gateway.

Does not create unpleasant or unsafe conditions for pedestrians below.

Is necessary for public safety where pedestrian travel on the street is either severely hampered or unsafe due to substantial obstructions to pedestrian circulation or adverse street conditions.

Is necessary as a connector between two correction facilities for transporting inmates or between two medical facilities for transporting patients.

This is an excellent example of a well designed pedestrian easement through a development.

This skywalk is appropriate because it connects two correctional facilities.

Auto Oriented Canopies and Awning Standards

Auto oriented canopies and awnings are sometimes needed for uses such as drive-thrus, gas station pumps or as shade structures for surface level parking lots. They may be attached or detached from a building if the following require-ments are met:

canopies and awnings shall be lower in height than the parapet of the pri-mary building.

The design and location of the facility shall not impede vehicular traffic flow and shall not impede pedestrian movement and safety.

Auto-oriented canopies, awnings, and stacking lanes shall not be located along the façade that faces a primary street, and shall be located behind the building.

Architectural elements, landscaping, and/or other screening elements shall be used to minimize the visual impacts of the facility.

Canopies and drive-thrus should be located at the rear of the building and not along a primary street.

STREETSCAPE

Street Tree Standards

All new development and redevelopment shall provide street trees.

Street trees shall be located in the furnishing zone next to the street (within 2 to 3 feet of the curb).

Exception:

On sidewalks greater than 18 feet, a double row of trees is allowed.

Street trees shall be deciduous to provide shade in the summer and light in the winter.

Irrigation shall be provided.

Tree limbs shall be pruned to a clearance height of seven (7) feet.

Trees shall be selected to fit the size and scale of the setting.

Trees shall be a minimum of three (3) inch caliper.

Planting distance shall be a maximum of 25 feet.

Exceptions:

Curb cuts Fire hydrants Fixed infrastructure elements Primary building entrances

Street Tree Guidelines All trees should be planted between November and February.

Street trees should be planted every 25 feet with pedestrian lights located at the midpoint between trees. (See diagram to the right)

Trees start 20’ from the intersection

Trees are spaced 25’ on center

Tree Grates Standards

Trees shall be planted flush with the sidewalk surface using tree grates as follows:

Tree grates shall be adjustable to allow for tree growth and shall be securely attached. Inner rings must easily removed with an Allen wrench.

Tree grate openings shall not exceed 3/8 of an inch.

Exceptions:

If infrastructure prevents the use of at-grade planting, a raised planter or crushed stone may be used if approved by the DDRB.

Other techniques will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Approved Downtown Street Tree List

Street trees are those planted adjacent to the streets in the sidewalk furnishing zone.

Medium (M) and Large (L)

Shumard Oak (L) Texas Red Oak (L) Caddo Maple (M) Chinquapin Oak (L) Durand Oak (L) Cedar Elm (L) Allee Elm (L) Monterrey Oak (L) Lacebark Elm (L) Dawn Redwood (L) Ginkgo (male) (M) Burr Oak (L) Big Tooth Maple (M)

Street trees should be placed within 18 inches to 24 inches of the back of the curb.

Tree grates provide space for the tree while allowing pedestrian traffic

Approved Tree List for Downtown (Approved for all uses other than street trees)

Large Species Eastern Red Cedar Pecan Western Soapberry Bald Cypress Pond Cypress Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) Escarpment Live Oak High Rise Live Oak

Medium Species Goldenrain tree Redbud Red Maple Texas Ash

Small Species Crepe Myrtle Desert Willow Holly Possumhaw

Landscape Standards

Developments set back from the building line shall incorporate landscaping such as bushes, flowers, and other plantings.

In order to ensure durability, pots and planters shall be of 50% clay, con-crete, ceramic, resin, or masonry materials.

Potted plants shall be compatible in scale and design with the immediate surrounding area.

Pots and potted plants shall be located in the furnishing or frontage zones and shall not interfere with the pedestrian way.

Landscape Guideline

If the DDRB approves the use of a long blank wall, the use of climbing vines and/or unique design elements are encouraged.

Plants, trees, and seasonal flowers are a great way to enhance the pe-destrian experience and can be used to break up blank wall.

Pedestrian Lights Standards All new development and redevelopment shall provide pedestrian lighting.

Pedestrian lights shall be compatible to the immediate surroundings.

Pre-approved lights are available upon request. Encroachment and maintenance agreements are required for any approved deviations from pre-approved lights.

Pedestrian lights shall be located approximately at the midpoint between street trees.

Maximum spacing is 50 feet.

Lights shall be located in the furnishing zone. Spacing requirements can be adjusted to accommodate the following:

Exceptions:

Mature trees Curb cuts Fire hydrants Fixed infrastructure elements Steps and existing buildings

Pedestrian Lights 50’ on center

Examples of typical lights used Downtown Pedestrian Lights 50’

Trees 25’

12’-6” 12’-6” spacing requirements

Sidewalks Standards

All new sidewalks shall be no less than ten (10) feet and have a minimum of seven (7) feet of unobstructed pedestrian way.

Sidewalks shall be installed along all street-facing façades.

On Main Street sidewalks shall be brick.

On Houston Street and Throckmorton Street sidewalks shall be brick or a combination of brick and concrete. On combination sidewalks, bricks shall be incorporated as a prominent pattern.

On all other streets, sidewalks shall be brick, concrete, or a combination of brick and concrete.

Synthetic surface treatments and asphalt are not allowed.

General Streetscape Furnishings Standards

Permanent elements shall not be located in the pedestrian way.

Benches shall be compatible with other benches along a block face.

Benches shall be constructed of durable material.

Other streetscape furnishings, such as bike racks, trash cans, and other movable objects, shall be compatible with existing furnishings along the block.

Mechanical Equipment Standards

Exhaust/venting, trash containers, and noise-generating mechanical systems shall not be placed adjacent to the walkway in a manner that diminishes the comfort of pedestrians.

Ventilation devices shall not be located in the pedestrian zone.

Exception: The applicant can clearly demonstrate to the DDRB that it is physically impossible or not economically feasible based on the original design of the existing building or existing infrastructure.

Wide sidewalks and plentiful seating help to activate the public realm.

PARKING

Bicycle Parking Standards

Bicycle parking is not required in Central Business (“H”) District if the property line falls within 500 feet of an existing bicycle rack.

Bicycle racks may be installed within the rights-of-ways adjacent to building frontage subject to the following restrictions:

Bicycle racks shall be Inverted-U or Pole and Ring.

Bicycle racks shall not be located within the following areas:

Within five (5) feet of fire hydrants

Within four (4) feet of loading zones and bus stop markers

Within three (3) feet of driveways and manholes

Within two (2) feet of utility meters and tree grates and wells

Sidewalks where the distance from the face of the curb to the property line is less than seven (7) feet.

Bicycle racks parallel to the curb shall be set back from the curb two (2) feet. Bicycle racks perpendicular to the curb shall allow one (1) foot of setback between 22 inches bicycle properly locked and the curb. Where rings are added to existing poles, these requirements do not apply.

Bicycle rack placement shall not reduce the pedestrian way to less than seven (7) feet considering the placement of a 22 inches bicycle properly locked.

Bicycle racks shall be spaced a minimum of 30 inches where installed parallel to the curb, and 48 inches where installed perpendicular to the curb.

The pole and ring bike rack is located in the furnishing zone, parallel to the street. The location provides ample room to secure the bike without interfer-ing with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

ALLOWABLE BIKE RACKS

On-Street Parking Guidelines

The use of environmentally sound methods to reduce storm water runoff is encouraged.

Surface Parking Landscaping Standards

Major modifications such as reconstruction and new construction shall incorporate the following:

Ten (10) foot sidewalks with a seven (7) foot pedestrian way

Pedestrian lights every 50 feet.

Street trees every 25 feet shall be planted within the walkway corridor to help screen and shade parking lots and adjacent walkways.

Delineation from the sidewalk with landscaping, low walls or fences, or decorative post and chain which shall not exceed four (4) feet in height.

All parking lots shall have a minimum tree canopy coverage of 40%.

Landscape accents such as trees, planting, low walls, decorative post and chain, are an effective strategies to mitigate the visual impact of the parking lot.

Drop-off Zones and Valet Stands Standards

Drop-off, including residential, hotel and restaurant drop-off, shall be provided either:

Within the building facilities (Image A), or

Inset where no curbside parking exists and maintains a minimum seven (7) foot wide pedestrian way, (Image B) or;

Within the existing curb line and parking lane (Image C).

Portable valet stands shall be located within the furnishing zone and shall not interfere with the pedestrian way.

Image C

Image B

Image A

Parking Structure Standards Standards from the Building Edge and Architecture chapter shall be used when designing a parking structure.

Parking structures at the ground floor shall be lined with habitable space.

Parking above the ground floor that is not lined with habitable space shall incorporate the following:

Parking structures shall incorporate architectural articulation to break up long façades.

Garage façades shall be softened with landscaping such as vines or trailing plants, and/or the use of architectural features and color.

Architectural screens or techniques shall be provided to mitigate any adverse visual effect of the parking garage to pedestrians and adjacent properties.

The amount of street frontage devoted to a parking structure shall be minimized by placing its shortest dimension(s) along the street edge.

Where practical, when parking structures are located at street corners, corner architectural elements such as a corner entrance, signage, glazing, and/or visually exposed stairs shall be incorporated.

Lighting within or on top of a parking structures shall be directed inward and downward to prevent light pollution.

Parking structures and adjacent sidewalks shall be designed so pedestri-ans are clearly visible to entering and exiting automobiles. Distinguishing between vehicular lanes and pedestrian areas by changes in grade, color, texture, and/or material are ways to achieve this.

Parking Structure Guideline Lining upper levels of parking structures is encouraged.

Incorporating pedestrian-oriented uses at street level can reduce the dead zone effect of parking structures in commercial areas. This parking garage has ground and upper floor uses. Parking uses should not dominate the street frontage.

Pedestrian-oriented uses should be encouraged on the first floor of street-side edges of parking structures.

Architectural screens and other techniques should be provided to articulate the façade, hide parked vehicles, and shield lighting.

BUILDING EDGE AND ARCHITECTURE 39

BUILDING EDGE AND ARCHITECTURE

Buildings should relate to each other in scale and create a consistent building edge that frames and activates the public realm.

To ensure the form and scale of buildings create a viable urban streetscape.

To ensure high quality, sustainable development that adapts to changing conditions over time.

Principles

Design all sites and buildings to promote pedestrian activity and provide an active, continuous, pedestrian-oriented street edge along public sidewalks.

Particular attention should be paid to lower floors.

Design sites and buildings to provide visual variety and enhance Downtown’s overall sense of place.

Ensure that the scale of buildings enhances the public realm, and complements the scale of neighboring structures, particularly adjacent historic buildings.

Regulate building heights and orientation to protect and enhance views to and from established landmarks, natural features, and skylines.

Design buildings that reflect the time in which the structures are built, respecting the development context and local history.

Choose durable exterior building materials to ensure visual attractiveness and protect the interior space of a building.