General standards

In all development, the design and use of exterior finishing materials shall be to the satisfaction of the development authority who shall ensure, as far as reasonably practical, that the materials are durable and similar to, or better than, the standard of development on the subject and adjacent sites.

A box-like appearance in building design and large expanses of uninterrupted building surfaces shall be avoided by adding glazing where practical and adding definition through colour or material details.

The development officer may require a corner site to provide a greater setback from the front lot line than is required by the applicable zone having regard for the orientation and access of the development and adjacent properties.

The development officer may require a double fronting lot to provide a front yard on each road for consistency with development on adjacent properties.

The design should incorporate elements of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) such as, but not limited to, reducing concealment opportunities, providing lighting to minimize dark spaces and encourage pedestrian safety, placing windows to maximize informal surveillance, and clearly identifying street addresses.

Design standards for multi-unit residential, commercial and institutional development

Each site shall be designed with due regard and sensitivity to adjacent lots and development. The design of a site shall consider the privacy of adjacent residential development.

Rooflines and building façades shall be articulated and varied to reduce the perceived mass, bulk and linearity of large buildings and to avoid blank walls.

Buildings are encouraged to be sited, oriented and designed to:

1. (a) take into consideration solar benefits and opportunities;
2. (b) avoid adverse microclimatic effects on and off the site related to wind and shadowing;
3. (c) reduce noise impacts from arterial or collector roads or both; and
4. (d) minimize impact on other buildings

Direct, clearly marked, safe and accessible pedestrian walks should connect building entrances to parking lots, sidewalks of abutting streets, and adjacent sites.

Gas utility enclosures should be located away from street facing facades and screened from view.

Where covered parking is provided, the scale, form and character should be consistent with the building design.

Appropriate lighting shall be provided for security and to add visual interest. Lighting shall also conform to the requirements of section 3.10.

For buildings that consist of four storeys or more, architectural features, design or a combination thereof should be incorporated to reduce the perception of vertical building mass.

On-site improvements that create an inviting space should be encouraged.

Standards Affecting Industrial Development

Any use or activity in an industrial zone (excluding IH and IHH zones) or a zone of similar intent should have regard for the following appearance standards:

1. (a) all loading, service, trash collection and accessory storage areas, and vehicle compounds shall be located to the rear or sides of the principal building, and be screened from view from any road other than a lane, and from adjacent sites, by building walls, landscape materials, berms, fences or a combination of these, to the satisfaction of the development officer;
2. (b) the development authority may require that exposed projections outside the building such as mechanical and electrical equipment, transformer ducts, cooling towers and materials handling equipment be screened from view from any road other than a lane, and from adjacent sites if such projections are inconsistent with the character and appearance of surrounding development or the intended visual qualities of this zone;
3. (c) buildings should be constructed and finished with durable materials designed to maintain the initial appearance of the development throughout the life of the project. The development authority may require that the appearance of metal, or concrete block walls exposed to public view from beyond the site be improved where such walls are inconsistent with the finishing materials or appearance characteristic of adjacent development; and
4. (d) where allowed, outside display areas may be located to the side or front of the principal building, provided that such displays are limited to examples of equipment or material related to the industry or business located on the site.