Architectural Design
Standards Example Guide
DESIGN STANDARDS EXAMPLE GUIDE
Commercial, Professional Office, and Public Facility Developments
Design Standards Example Guide
Purpose
This Guide offers examples to clarify and explain the architectural design standards
found in Title 10, Chapter 28 of the Syracuse City Land Use Ordinance. It serves to
graphically represent the design standards and are used as a reference tool in order to
better illustrate the application of the standards. The purpose of the standards are to
improve the quality, compatibility of development, and permanence in design found in
Syracuse City. A copy of this manual is available at the Community Development
Department located at 1979 W 1900 S Syracuse UT, 84075.
Applicability
The Design standards referenced in this manual are required in addition to other
standards set forth in the Syracuse City Land Use Ordinance. They are applicable with
regard to building and site design. The implementation of these standards ensures that
the goals and values of the community are reflected in each commercial, professional
office, and public facility.
Process
Please refer to the following flow chart for guidance as to the City’s process for site plan
approval.
Staff Review
1.
Applicant Planner
Reviews Plans for Planner
Commercial, Submits
Design Gives Red Line Applicant
Office, or Complete
Standards & Corrections as Re-Submits
Public Facility Site Plan
Ordinance Applicable Corrected Plans
Application
Compliance
2.
P.C. Denies
Applicant Planner
Architectural
Attends Schedules
Review
Architectural Architectural
Committee
Review Review
Recommends
Committee Committee
Approval
Meeting Meeting
Architectural Review Committee
3.
Applicant Planner
Applicant Planning
Attends Schedules Project
Moves on to Commission
Planning on Planning
Building Permit Gives Site Plan
Commission Commission
Process Approval
Meeting Meeting
Planning Commission
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Design Standards Example Guide
Building Design
(A) Context: New buildings must be designed to include common features and materials that are
used on existing Syracuse buildings. These features create a sense of place and character for the City.
However, avoid copying too closely and use imaginative design. Please review the following examples
of features and materials commonly used.
List of Contextual Features and Materials:
• Towers – Hipped or Cross Gabled Roofs
• Segmental Style Arched Entries &
Windows Parapet
• Circular Accent Windows “Bell “
• Gabled (Pitched) Roof Lights
• Red Brick/Block Arched
• Ledgestone Style Stone Window
• “Bell” Style Light Fixtures
Pergola
• Awnings/ Pergolas
• Parapets (False Fronts) Ledgestone
• Metal Channel Roofing
“The Rush” Fun Center - 1806 South 2000 West
Metal Channel Roofing
Hipped Roof Tower
Circular Accent Window
Gabled Roof
Red Brick
Pergola
Syracuse Library - 1875 South 2000 West
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Design Standards Example Guide
Building Design
(A) Context: (Continued)
Cross Gable
Tower
“Bell “ Light
Fixtures
Example of Ledgestone Pattern
Arched
Entry
Awnings
Ledgestone
Example of Hipped Roof
Warrens - 1778 S 1000 W
Metal Parapet
Metal
Roofing
Roofing
Example of Segmental Arch
Arched
Awning Entry
“Bell “ Light
Fixture
Red Brick
Example of “Bell” Light Fixture
Carl’s Jr. - 2118 W. Antelope Dr.
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.110 Building Design
(B) Entrances: All building entrances are required to be clearly articulated to indicate a transition from
the exterior to the interior of the building. Every main entrance is required to have a special emphasis
when compared to the other portions of the building.
Prominent
Architectural
Feature
Pedestrian
Amenities
Differing Color
Prominent & Materials
Architectural
Landscape
Feature
Framing More Glass
Syracuse 6 Theatre - 2428 West Antelope Dr.
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.110 Building Design
(C) Façade Articulation: Buildings designed with completely flat façades and monotone color schemes
are not permitted. All buildings are required to have horizontal and vertical façade variations such as
pop-outs, bays, recesses, arches, banding, columns, or similar features. Such features are required at
least every 30 feet along all exterior wall planes.
Front Elevation
Banding (Horizontal) Columns (Vertical)
Plan View
Recess Pop-Out
Walmart - 2228 W Antelope Dr.
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.110 Building Design
(D) Height and Roofline: Varied roofline elevations are required in order to add architectural interest
and avoid the appearance or sense of long, monotonous roofline expanses. A variation such as a
parapet or tower is required every 50 feet of roofline. Also, mechanical equipment mounted on the
roof must be screened and the back of parapets must match the color and materials of the building.
Varied Roof Line
Good Example - 1588 South 2000 West
Avoid Monotonous Rooflines
Proper Mechanical Screening
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.110 Building Design
(E) Massing: Proper massing reduces the impact of the massive bulk created by large buildings that
may not otherwise relate in scale to surrounding development. Vertical articulation, horizontal
articulation, and multi-planed roof or awnings must be used in designs to mitigate the impact on
surrounding development and the overall landscape. The examples below are near the same density
of units per acre and building height, but the top example’s massing reduces the impact and bulk of
the building more effectively than the bottom example.
Multi-Planed Roof
Good Example – 910 W. 1920 S.
Undesirable Vertical Horizontal Multi-Planed Roof
Massing Articulation Articulation Reduces Bulk
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.110 Building Design
(F) Materials: Quality long-lasting materials are required for all buildings in order to contribute to the
value of the community over the long term. A minimum of three colors per elevation required. Colors
have to be sensitive to existing development in the vicinity. 65% of the surface materials are required
to include brick, stone, metal panels, or cement-fiber siding. Stucco, vinyl, or block may be used as an
accent only. A sample board containing physical samples is required.
Three Colors
Cement-Fiber
Brick
Syracuse Library - 1875 South 2000 West
Above: unfinished concrete block is not permitted
as a surface material.
Left: A sample board containing physical samples
is required. Photos alone are not sufficient.
Example of Materials Sample Board 9
Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.110 Building Design
(G) Development Design Pattern Book: The developer is required to provide a development design
pattern book for developments including more than one structure. A design pattern book should
include:
1. Written descriptions with graphics explaining how the development complements the unique
characteristics of the property.
2. Written descriptions with graphic illustrations/photos explaining the theme and physical form of
the architectural design.
3. Written descriptions with graphic illustrations/photos describing the proposed open spaces,
pedestrian pathways, and other amenities
Example Design Pattern Book
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.110 Building Design
(H) Pedestrians: All buildings will be designed with an integral focus on encouraging pedestrian
activity and social interaction. Additionally, buildings that contain more than one story or that are
above 20 feet in height are required to provide a clearly articulated and more detailed base that
relates to pedestrians.
‘Rear’
pedestrian
entry
Detailed
base
Sugarhouse Utah Smiths
10.28.110 Building Design
(I) Signs: Signs located on any building façade are required to be compatible with the building’s
overall design. As an integral design element, signs are required to be compatible with the style of the
buildings in terms of location, scale, color, and lettering.
1.The locations for
signs on a building’s
façade will be planned
for as part of the
building’s overall
design.
2.Signs located on
façades should
integrate similar or
complimentary
materials as the
building.
Complimentary Sign Materials Sign Locations Not Incorporated
Into Architecture
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.110 Building Design
(J) Windows: Windows are key to the overall design of a building and the relationship between the
exterior and interior. The majority of windows are required to relate to the scale of a person.
Window awnings
create an inviting
environment Non-transparent
windows break up
Eye level windows dull walls but
next to pedestrian maintain privacy
walkways increase
safety
Eye level windows
next to pedestrian
walkways
Mirrored glass not as welcoming
Transparent windows draw customers in
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.120 Site Design
(A) Building Placement: Building placement is integral to the site design and the overall effect any
development has on surrounding properties. Building placement is required to comply with the
following:
1.All buildings must be oriented with the main or 2.Buildings located on corner lots are
similar façade facing a principal street to which it required to orient main façades to each
has frontage. street and give equal treatment to each.
3.Buildings located on corner lots should include a prominent architectural feature of greater
height than the rest of the roof, or emphasis at the corner where the two public streets meet.
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.120 Site Design
(B) Context: New developments are required to match or compliment surrounding developments and
landscapes in order to create a site which relates to its surroundings and adds positively to the overall
environment in the site area. Hire a licensed Civil Engineer for site planning and design.
• Natural features
• Wetlands
• Historic Structures
Site Analysis Example
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.120 Site Design
(C) Screening: The small details that sometimes become afterthoughts of site planning and design are
important factors for making aesthetically attractive sites.
1. Decrease noise levels by screening loading and service areas with walls, landscaping and
locating away from houses.
2. Outdoor storage areas, generators, A/C units, and trash enclosures are required to be fully
screened using approved masonry fencing and landscaping.
3. Razor fences and uncoated chain link are prohibited when visible from the public right of way.
Un-coated Chain Link Prohibited Split face block wall is effective at screening noise and is attractive
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.120 Site Design
(D) Landscaping: Landscaping is required as a tool to enhance and beautify the site, and the building’s
architecture and design. Street trees and landscape increase property values.
1. A detailed landscape plan designed by a licensed landscape architect is required.
2. Street trees should be planted every 30 feet along the public right of way.
3. Native plant species should be used with water efficient irrigation systems.
4. Outdoor amenities such as patios, plazas, water features and outdoor seating areas are
encouraged.
5. Existing trees and landscape features should be preserved and incorporated into landscape plans.
6. Landscaping around the base of the building is recommended.
Native Plants Street Tress
licensed professional
Landscape the base of buildings and near entrances Outdoor Patios & Seating Areas
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.120 Site Design
(E) Lighting: Carefully planned lighting schemes can create safe environments for pedestrians and
motorists. Lighting is an integral design element which adds to the overall site plan and building
design.
Coordinated light fixtures on signage and building adds character
Down Facing “Bell” Fixtures different but matching Fixtures complement building architecture
Pedestrian scale fixtures increases safety Down facing fixtures minimize light pollution
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.120 Site Design
(F) Traffic: Developments which generate significant increases in traffic will include an analysis of the
proposed development’s impact on the current and future transportation system, and methods to
control traffic. A licensed Civil Engineer can help ensure functional design.
• Major internal circulation roadways must be
separated from parking areas using curb Building
and gutter, landscaping, pedestrian
walkways; or lighting
Landscaping
Sidewalk Major Circulation
Parking Parking
Area Area
Major Circulation
Major Circulation
Parking Parking
Area Area
Major Circulation
Cross-access for automobiles and
pedestrians is required
Automobile Cross-Access Pedestrian Cross-Access
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.120 Site Design
(G) Active Transportation: Site layout and design must address the needs of pedestrians, bicycles,
and other forms of transportation. Access and safety on the site should be ensured for all users.
Pedestrian Access from
Roadway
Landscape
Screening
Pedestrian Dissimilar Materials
Crossing
Bike Rack/Bench Wheelchair Access Strollers
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Design Standards Example Guide
10.28.120 Site Design
(H) Security: Security of the site is required to be addressed in site design. The developer is required
to submit documents that demonstrate the security measures of the site design in relation to private,
semi-public and public areas, by utilizing natural surveillance, access control and proper maintenance.
Natural Surveillance: Proper Maintenance:
Access Control/ Public Private Delineation
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Design Standards Example Guide
Resources
Architectural Review Committee Design Standards: Syracuse City Ordinance Title 10 Chapter 28
Allowed Street Trees: Syracuse City Ordinance Title 10 Chapter 30 Section 7
Land Use Ordinances: Syracuse City Ordinance Title 10 Chapter 6
Parking Requirements: Syracuse City Ordinance Title 10 Chapter 8
Site Planning: Syracuse City Ordinance Title 10 Chapter 4 Section 90
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CEPTED):
http://www.cadca.org/files/CEPTED%20Handbook%20overview.pdf
Native Landscape Plants:
http://theutahhouse.org/files/uploads/Utah%20House%20Plant%20List%20v2%204p.pdf
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