articulation requirements in residential zones?

Blank walls devoid of architectural details are prohibited in residential zones. All exterior building facades must be articulated using a variety of design elements, including variations in roof form or parapet height, variations in building height, projected or recessed building mass, wall plane off-sets, window openings, balconies, distinct changes in texture and color of wall surfaces, and recessed entries [Section 18.04.903(c)(3)a, p. 320].

General Articulation Thresholds

The number of required design elements depends on the type and size of the residential structure [Section 18.04.903(c)(3)b-d, p. 320]:

• Duplexes and Single-Family Residences ($\ge$ 2,000 sq. ft.): Must incorporate at least four design elements on all street-facing facades and at least two elements on all other facades.
• Single-Family Residences (< 2,000 sq. ft.): Must incorporate at least three design elements on all street-facing facades and at least one element on all other facades.
• All Other Development: Must incorporate at least five design elements on all street-facing facades and at least three elements on all other facades.

Specific Single-Family Requirements

In addition to general standards, new single-family residential structures must meet specific horizontal and vertical articulation requirements [Section 18.04.904(a)(2)b.11, p. 324]:

• Roof Planes: A minimum of four separate roof planes must be incorporated within the front elevation.
• Wall Planes: The front elevation must contain a minimum of two wall planes that are offset by a minimum of three feet.

Neighborhood Planning Area Overlays

Certain districts have enhanced articulation requirements to maintain historic or neighborhood character:

• Wells Avenue (WANP): Multi-family buildings developed on combined interior lots must articulate facades to appear as separate homes by "stepping back" the front facade a minimum of 10 feet at the traditional side yard setback [Section 18.02.603(g)(4)c.1, p. 113]. Infill homes exceeding the height of adjacent homes by one or more stories must use techniques such as graduating building mass with step-backs at least 10 feet in depth [Section 18.02.603(g)(4)d.1, p. 113-114].
• West University (WUNP): For multi-family developments with three or more units, each story must feature an individual dwelling entrance, private balcony, or patio for every 35 feet of building length facing a street [Section 18.02.603(h)(4)d.2, p. 135]. These entrances must be delineated using recesses, overhangs, columns, or changes in volume and form [Section 18.02.603(h)(4)d.3, p. 135].

Sections Cited

• 18.02.603 Neighborhood Planning Area Overlay Districts, pages 113, 114, 135
• 18.04.903 General Standards for Residential Districts, page 320
• 18.04.904 Additional Standards in Single-Family Residential Districts, page 324