14.214.420 Public Pedestrian-Oriented Space.
Public pedestrian-oriented space refers to publicly accessible, pedestrian-oriented spaces that are integrated into nonresidential or mixed-use developments.
A. Purpose.
1. To provide spaces that attract shoppers to commercial areas.
2. To provide plazas and other pedestrian-oriented spaces in commercial areas that enhance the employees’ and public’s opportunity for active and passive activities, such as dining, resting, gathering, and recreational activities.
3. To enhance the pedestrian character and appeal of commercial development.
B. Applicability.
1. In the Midtown North overlay, public pedestrian-oriented space shall be required for new nonresidential and mixed-use development.
2. In the Midtown South overlay, public pedestrian-oriented space shall be required for all new nonresidential development and mixed-use development with more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of gross floor area.
C. Required Size of Space. On-site public pedestrian-oriented space meeting the design requirements of subsection D of this section shall be provided. The required area may be consolidated into a single space or multiple spaces.
Figure 1. Required size of public space
D. Public Pedestrian-Oriented Space Design Standards.
1. Required Size.
a. To ensure the spaces are functional, the minimum size of any single public pedestrian-oriented space shall be two hundred (200) square feet with no dimension less than fifteen (15) feet, except portions of sidewalk areas widened beyond minimum standards may qualify as publicly accessible outdoor space without meeting these minimum requirements, provided storefronts abut the sidewalk.
b. The total area of the required public pedestrian-oriented space shall be at least two (2) percent of the site area of the structure in which it is located or adjacent to.
2. Required Features.
a. The space or spaces shall abut a public sidewalk or other major internal pedestrian route and shall be designed to function as a focal point and gathering spot.
b. The space(s) shall be ADA-compliant and generally level with the adjacent sidewalk or internal pedestrian route. Steps, ramps and grade changes may be acceptable, provided the outdoor space is designed to be visually and physically accessible from the adjacent sidewalk or internal pedestrian route and the space meets all other standards herein.
c. The space shall be publicly accessible from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
d. The space shall be directly accessible by at least one (1) building via an entry door.
e. Paved walking surfaces of either concrete or unit pavers are required. Form-in-place pervious concrete paving is allowed. Gravel surface areas may be allowed for seating areas.
f. Pedestrian amenities shall be integrated into the space. Such amenities can include site furniture, artwork, drinking fountains, shade structures, kiosks, or other similar features that complement the space and encourage use of the space by a variety of users.
g. Lighting shall be integrated into the design of the space for safety and security, activities or events, and to create a distinct and inviting atmosphere.
h. Permanent, built-in seating elements are required for public spaces through benches, ledges, or similar elements.
i. Landscaping components that add visual interest and do not act as a visual barrier are required. This could include trees, planting beds, raised planters, and/or potted plants, or both.
3. Prohibited Features.
a. Large expanses of uninterrupted paving or paving without pattern.
b. Service and utility areas or venting of mechanical systems.
c. Long, narrow space with limited access.
d. Vehicular access lanes.
e. Asphalt paving.
f. Chain-link fences.
g. Outdoor storage.
Figure 2. Public space examples
(Ord. 2425, 2022)