Morrisville Unified Development Ordinance - April 2019

Article 5: Development Standards Section 5.9. Building Configuration and Design 5.9.10. Building and Design Standards for Town Center Development

(2) Developments required to provide more than one gathering space shall provide a minimum of one gathering space that is open to and accessible to the public. (3) Outdoor gathering spaces may be consolidated into one or more larger spaces to serve the development as approved by the Planning Director. (4) All outdoor gathering spaces provided to comply with this section shall have a minimum depth and width of 20 feet and a minimum total area of 1,000 square feet.

b. Approved Features

The following features may be used to satisfy the above standard:

(1) Patio or plaza with seating, outdoor dining, landscaping, water features and other unique features;

(2) Landscaped mini-parks or squares; or

(3) Similar feature as approved by the Planning Director.

Buildings Adjacent to Outdoor Gathering Spaces and Community Amenities To ensure the visibility and security of outdoor gathering spaces and community amenities, buildings located adjacent to an existing or planned pedestrian plaza, patio, park, amphitheater, or similar space shall provide at least two of the following elements along the building wall abutting the space or amenities:

a. A building entry;

b. Windows meeting the street frontage standards facing onto the outdoor amenity;

c. Arcades along the edges of the outdoor amenity;

d. Outdoor seating areas or cafes; or

e. A similar feature that the Planning Director finds will, to at least the equivalent degree, bolster security and encourage pedestrian use of the outdoor amenity.

Outdoor Decks and Balconies

Decks and balconies may project a maximum of six feet into the public right-of-way, over sidewalk areas, subject to pedestrian “clear zone” requirements contained in this subsection.

Architectural Character a. Building Massing and Form

(1) A single, large, dominant building mass shall be prohibited. In addition to the requirements for building articulation, below, building mass and height above the second floor shall be stepped back from the street. Each “step back” shall be a minimum of ten feet in depth. (2) Buildings fronting onto the required pedestrian “main street” that exceed 40 feet in length shall incorporate changes in a minimum of four of the following to establish the appearance of a series of smaller buildings along the street frontage:

(A)

Changes in materials;

(B)

Color;

(C)

Height;

(D)

Roof form;

(E) Variations in the modulation of the front facade (e.g. changes in the brick pattern);

(F)

Incorporation of outdoor seating or gathering spaces; and

(G)

Other features as approved by the Planning Director.

Morrisville, NC

April 23, 2019

Unified Development Ordinance

Page 5-89