18B.200.250 Transition Area Standards.
The transition area provides a buffer between higher intensity uses in the Downtown District and lower intensity uses in the residential zones that surround downtown. When development is planned adjacent to residential uses, it shall incorporate the following elements into its site and building design to soften its impact and result in a compatible transition:
A. Building Height. Building height in the transition area is limited to 10 feet higher than the maximum height of the district receiving the transition.
B. Building Setbacks. Structures within the transition area must be set back 30 feet from the interior property line of the district receiving the transition. At least 20 feet of the setback shall be planted as a landscaped buffer consistent with the landscape standards in Chapter 18A.70 LMC, Article II. This does not apply to street setbacks.
C. Parking and Loading. Surface parking lots and loading zones shall be located away from adjacent residential properties when feasible. Surface parking lots and loading zones that are visible from the ground level views of the abutting residential district shall be screened through the use of berms, hedges, walls, or combinations thereof.
D. Refuse Containers. Refuse and recycling containers shall be located on the side of the building facing away from the abutting residential district, but may not be located in a front setback. All refuse and recycling containers shall be contained within structures enclosed on all four sides and utilize lids made of molded plastic or other sound buffering materials.
E. Mechanical Equipment. All mechanical equipment which is located on the roof shall be incorporated into the roof form and not appear as a separate penthouse or box. Mechanical equipment shall be fully screened and accommodated within the maximum height limit. [Ord. 726 § 2(Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 695 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018.]