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A. Purpose.

1. To create visual interest and a pedestrian-friendly environment by avoiding/minimizing untreated blank walls.

2. To retain and enhance the character of Midtown’s streetscapes.

B. Blank Wall Definition. A wall is considered a blank wall if it:

1. Is over ten (10) feet in height:

2. Has a horizontal length greater than twenty (20) feet; and

3. Does not include a transparent window or door.

Figure 13. Blank wall definition

C. Blank Wall Treatment Options. Untreated, blank walls that are visible from a street, public space, residential amenity space, or pedestrian walkway are prohibited. Allowed methods to treat walls so they will not be considered to be blank walls include the following:

1. Display windows at least sixteen (16) inches in depth to allow for changeable displays. Tack-on display cases do not qualify as a blank wall treatment.

2. Landscape planting bed at least five (5) feet wide or a raised planter bed at least two (2) feet high and three (3) feet wide in front of the wall with planting materials that are sufficient to obscure or screen the wall’s surface.

3. A vertical trellis or “green wall” in front of the wall with climbing vines or plant materials. The method shall be sufficient to obscure or screen the wall surface. This option requires an irrigation and maintenance plan sufficient to maintain healthy plants for the life of the building.

4. A noncommercial mural or other permanent art feature such as metalwork or mosaics.

5. Building detailing that adds visual interest at a pedestrian scale such as belt courses, bulkheads, decorative tile work, accent lighting, or a similar element that meets the intent of the standard. Such detailing shall use a variety of surfaces.

D. Buildings fronting on Bonneville Avenue are not required to comply with the blank wall treatment standards of this section. (Ord. 2425, 2022)