TITLE 3 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR ZONING REGULATIONS

TITLE 3 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR ZONING REGULATIONS

Contents:Chapter 3.00 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR B-2 PLANNED NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT B-5 PLANNED REGIONAL BUSINESS DISTRICT I-2 INDUSTRIALChapter 3.06 MINIMUM FLOOD CORRIDOR DESIGN STANDARDSChapter 3.07 FLOOD DESIGN STANDARDS FOR NEW GROWTH AREASChapter 3.10 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION OF A MARKET ANALYSIS FOR B-5 PLANNED REGIONAL BUSINESS DISTRICTChapter 3.30 MOBILE HOME COURT DESIGN STANDARDSChapter 3.35 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMUNITY UNIT PLANSChapter 3.40 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR DENSITY BONUSESChapter 3.45 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR PARKING LOTSChapter 3.50 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR SCREENING AND LANDSCAPINGChapter 3.55 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIESChapter 3.65 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR HIKER BIKER TRAILSChapter 3.75 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN STANDARDSChapter 3.76 LINCOLN DOWNTOWN DESIGN STANDARDSChapter 3.77 SOUTH HAYMARKET DESIGN STANDARDSChapter 3.85 CAPITOL ENVIRONS DESIGN STANDARDSChapter 3.90 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE FACILITIESChapter 3.100 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTINGChapter 3.105 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL AREASChapter 3.115 ACCESSORY DWELLING DESIGN STANDARDS

CHAPTER 3.00 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR B-2 PLANNED NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT B-5 PLANNED REGIONAL BUSINESS DISTRICT I-2 INDUSTRIAL PARK DISTRICT I-3 EMPLOYMENT CENTER DISTRICT O-3 OFFICE PARK DISTRICT

The Planning Department is assigned responsibility for administration of these design standards.

Section 1. PURPOSE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

The purpose of establishing and applying environmental performance standards in the B-2 Planned Neighborhood Business District, B-5 Planned Regional Business District, I-2 Industrial Park District, I-3 Employment Center District and O-3 Office Park District (hereinafter referred to as the "Districts") is to allow potential environmental nuisances to be measured factually and objectively and thus to ensure uses in the District will not cause hazards and nuisances to the adjacent areas by processes of control and nuisance elimination.

Section 2. APPLICATION OF STANDARDS

After the effective date as established in the City Council Resolution No. A-66456 any uses established in these Districts shall comply with all the environmental performance standards herein set forth. If any existing uses are extended, enlarged, moved, structurally altered or reconstructed, the standards shall apply with respect to such extended, enlarged, moved structurally altered or reconstructed uses.

Section 3. ADMINISTRATION OF STANDARDS

The Building Official of the Department of Building and Safety (hereinafter referred to as "Building Official”) shall have the overall responsibility in enforcing all environmental performance standards herein set forth, including periodic conformance check of the uses, acting upon complaint, and making a determination as to compliance or non-compliance with such standards within these Districts. Upon request by the Building Official, the Director of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, or his representatives, agents and employees, shall be responsible for conformance check of the uses relative to performance standards for noise, emission, dust and odor and representatives, agents or employees of Lincoln Electric System shall be responsible for conformance check of the uses relative to Performance Standards for Outdoor Night Time Lighting and shall report pertinent findings to the Building Official for his consideration.

Section 4. BUILDING OFFICIAL'S ACTION

Within thirty (30) days following his periodic performance check or receipt of the reports of expert consultants, the Building Official shall make a determination as to compliance or non-compliance with the performance standards. If the Building Official determines that the uses are not in compliance, he shall give written notice to the owner of said uses of such determination. Within sixty (60) days following receipt of the Building Official's written notice, the owner of said uses shall take necessary steps, such as modification or alterations in the existing construction or the operational procedures, to bring the uses into compliance with the performance standards. However, the Building Official may grant an extension of time, if he deems such extension warranted in the circumstances of the case and if such extension will not cause eminent peril to life, health or property.

Section 5. CANCELLATION OF USE PERMITS

If, after the conclusion of the time granted for compliance with the performance standards, the Building Official finds the violation is still in existence, any use permits previously issued shall be revoked and the operation shall be ceased until the violation is remedied.

Section 6. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR NOISE

No person shall operate, cause to operate or allow to operate any source of sound in such a manner as to create a sound level which exceeds the limits set forth for the receiving land use category in the following Table. All measurements shall be taken at or within the property boundary of the receiving land use with a sound level meter which meets the specifications of the American National Standards Institute (or any standard making body replacing ANSI) for a Type II general purpose sound level meter, its equivalent or better. The A-weighted, slow response shall be used.

Sound Levels by Receiving Land UseReceiving Land Use Category Time Maximum One-Hour Leq (dB)

7:00 am - 10:00 pm 65Residential

10:00 pm - 7:00 am 55Commercial Business at all times 70Industry/Manufacturing at all times 75

The following uses and activities shall be exempt from the above noise level regulations:

a. Noises not directly under the control of the property ownerb. Noises emanating from construction and maintenance activities between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.c. The noises of safety signals, warning devices and emergency pressure relief valves.

Definition of Leq: EQUIVALENT A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVEL (Leq) - The constant sound level that, in a given situation and time period, conveys the same sound energy as the actual time-varying A-weighted sound. It is the average sound level and it accurately portrays the sound the human ear actually hears.

Section 7. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR EMISSION, DUST AND ODOR

The existing City Ordinances, Regulations and Standards relating to emission, dust and odor shall apply to all uses in B-2, B-5, I-2, I-3and O-3 Districts. Such ordinances include Lincoln Municipal Code, Chapter 8.06, Section 8.06.130 Odor Nuisances Prohibited, 8.06.140 Open Burning, and 8.06.150 Air Pollution Nuisances Prohibited.

Section 8. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR OUTDOOR NIGHT TIME LIGHTING

(Repealed by Resolution No. A-85023, 9-15-08)

Section 9. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR HEAT

Any operation producing intense heat shall be conducted within the enclosed building or with other effective screening in such a manner as to be completely imperceptible from any point along or outside the lot lines.

CHAPTER 3.06 MINIMUM FLOOD CORRIDOR DESIGN STANDARDS

The Department of Public Works and Utilities is assigned responsibility for administration of these design standards.

For Minimum Flood Corridor Design Standards applicable to Zoning Regulations, refer to Chapter 2.05, Stormwater Drainage Design Standards for Subdivision Regulations, Section 3.5, “Flood Corridor Management.”

CHAPTER 3.07 FLOOD DESIGN STANDARDS FOR NEW GROWTH AREAS


For Flood Design Standards for New Growth Areas applicable to Zoning Regulations, refer to the Drainage Criteria Manual, Chapter Ten - Flood Design Criteria for New Growth Areas.

CHAPTER 3.10 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION OF A MARKET ANALYSIS FOR B-5 PLANNED REGIONAL BUSINESS DISTRICT


Section 1. GENERAL

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 27.37.070(c) of the Lincoln Municipal Code, where any application for a change of zone to the B-5 Planned Regional Business District and for a use permit substantially deviates from the Comprehensive Plan in terms of location or size, as determined by the Planning Director, the applicant shall submit a market analysis which shall serve as a guide to the City Council and Planning Commission for evaluation of such application in terms of need, desirability, supportability and its implications for the overall growth of the community.

Section 2. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

The applicant shall submit a market analysis report conducted by a qualified economist or an independent market analyst. Basically, the procedures and definition used by the applicant in conducting the market analysis shall follow those outlined in the report "Commercial Development Strategies for Lincoln, Nebraska" prepared by Hammer, Siler, George Associated in 1974. (Copies of the Hammer, Siler, George report are available at the Lincoln City-Lancaster County Planning Department on a loan basis.) The basic elements of the Hammer, Siler, George report consists of (a) an analysis of the basic components of the economic framework, such as population, households and Income, and employment; (b) analyses of the past and present pattern of retail expenditures and sales in the City of Lincoln and its trade area; (c) projections of retailing potentials, retail sales and space demands in the primary trade area (Lancaster County); and (d) distributions of major retail activities based on the above analyses and projections. Following the general guidelines established in the Hammer, Siler, George report, the market analysis prepared by the applicant shall contain, but not limited to, the following broad elements:

A. Delineation of Trade Areas

For practical purposes, Lancaster County can be considered as the primary trade area for any regional shopping centers located in the City of Lincoln or Lancaster County. The secondary trade area may be composed of some 27 rural counties surrounding the City of Lincoln which generally extends south to Kansas, west past Grand Island, north to the Platte River and east to Iowa. If the trade area is otherwise delineated by the applicant, an explanation shall be given and a map showing such trade area shall be prepared.

B. Forecasts of Population, Households and Income for the Trade Area

The Lincoln City-Lancaster County Planning Department has on file current population, households and income estimates for the City and County as well as their forecasts for the next 20 to 25 years and these data are available to the applicant upon request. While the applicant will be allowed to develop his own forecasts for the market analysis, if his forecasts show substantial deviation from those provided by the Planning Department, he shall quantify the differences and explain their basis of his forecasts in the report.

C. Estimation of Retail Sales Potentials in the Trade Area

Estimation of total sales potentials in the delineated trade area shall be made from number of households, average incomes per household and estimated retail expenditures per household. Sales potentials shall be expressed in current dollars and shall be broken down into shoppers goods, convenience goods and other goods which are defined as follows:

1. Shoppers goods include general merchandise; apparel and accessories; furniture and home furnishings; tires, batteries and accessories; paint, glass and wallpaper; hardware; and other miscellaneous "specialty" store categories.

2. Convenience goods include food stores, eating and drinking establishments, drug stores and liquor stores.3. Other goods include automotive, gasoline and service stations, general building materials and other

miscellaneous outlets, not often found within shopping centers.

Since in all likelihood shoppers goods will be the most important component of regional shopping center retail activity, further breakdown of shoppers goods into specific categories, such as general merchandize, apparel, furniture, hardware, auto accessories and other shall be made when estimating their sales potentials in support of proposed uses in the center. Sales potential for shoppers goods shall be estimated based on the primary trade area (Lancaster County) with consideration given to the outflow (percent of resident expenditures) and inflow (percent of total sales). Forecast of sales potentials for convenience goods shall use the Lincoln urban area as a base without regard to inflow and outflow since they tend to be off-setting, if not negligible.

D. Assessment of Impact on Other Existing Shopping Areas

The effect of the proposed shopping center on other existing shopping facilities, including major retail centers within the primary trade area (Lancaster County) shall be quantified in terms of sales volume in current constant dollar. The applicant shall be required to delineate sub-market areas showing the geographical area served by major retail facility or use the sub-market data on file at the City-County Planning Department to estimate the amounts of retail expenditures (shoppers goods and convenience goods) to be diverted from these sub-market areas. The sub-market data was developed by Hammer, Siler, George Associated as part of the 1974 commercial study and is available to the applicant upon request. If the applicant's delineation of sub market areas and projected retail expenditures generated from each sub-market area substantially deviate from those provided by the City-County Planning Department, he shall quantify the differences and explain the basis of his assumptions. In his assessment of the impact of the proposed project on other retail facilities, the applicant shall consider those shopping facilities that do not now exist but are likely to come into being based on the Comprehensive Plan.

E. Assessment of Impact of Theater Distribution

When such an application includes the operation of a family-oriented, indoor theater, the Planning Director may request a staff analysis of the impact that the proposed additional theater screens would have on the area Theater Market. This analysis should consider, but not necessarily be limited to, the following items:

1. The impact of the proposed indoor theater structure on the surrounding area, including outdoor lighting and other pertinent factors.

2. The adequacy of available parking to service the theater and traffic flow.3. The significance of the proposed indoor theater operation on the distribution of such recreational facilities

within the city.4. The compatibility of the proposed indoor theater to the site and the surrounding area.5. The manner in which the public will be benefited by such a proposed use.6. Ratio of theater screens to county population prior to and assuming application approval.7. Distribution of theater screens throughout city prior to and assuming application approval.8. Patterns of theater attendance for the Lincoln Theater areas for the previous five year period.9. Percentage distribution of theater attendance among the theater areas for each of the previous five years.10. Consistency of application with the intent of the Theater Location Policy and the adopted Comprehensive

Plan.11. Impact of additional theater screens on related land uses (for example, restaurants, drinking establishments,

parking facilities and convention and tourist activities) in the downtown and other theater districts.

The Planning Director may require such additional analysis as deemed reasonably necessary to adequately evaluate the application.

Section 3. DATA AVAILABLE FROM CITY-COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Some basic data pertinent to the preparation of a market analysis are available at the Lincoln City-Lancaster County Planning Department. They are subject to revision periodically in connection with the continuing planning process. These data include:

1. Households and income projects for City of Lincoln and Lancaster County. 2. Inventory of retail floor space. 3. Estimated retail sales. 4. Household expenditures on shoppers and convenience goods.5. Trends and forecasts of shopper goods sales.

6. Overall forecast of retail sales by shoppers goods and convenience goods.

Section 4. REVIEW PROCESS

The market analysis, when required by the Planning Director, shall be submitted along with other documents specified in Section 27.37.070(e), Title 27 of the Lincoln Municipal Code. The Planning Director shall evaluate the document's completeness and may recommend a resubmission of the market analysis.

In the event of a disagreement between the Planning Director and the applicant concerning the adequacy of the market analysis as submitted, every effort shall be made to resolve this at the staff level. In the event that a resolution cannot be reached between the Planning Director and the applicant, the applicant shall file a written response indicating his disagreement with the recommendations of the Planning Director. This matter shall be heard by the Planning Commission and the City Council in the manner described in the following paragraph.

Upon receipt of the market analysis and other required documents, the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the proposed project and shall make the market analysis available for public inspection. In reporting its recommendations to the City Council, the Planning Director's report, along with any comments regarding the market analysis made during the Planning Commission hearing, shall be submitted for the Council's consideration.

Section 5. RESPONSIBILITY OF PREPARING MARKET ANALYSIS

The applicant shall assume the total costs in connection with the preparation of an acceptable market analysis as required by the Planning Director.

CHAPTER 3.30 MOBILE HOME COURT DESIGN STANDARDS


Section 1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Minimum site area, minimum average area per mobile home space, minimum horizontal distance between mobile home units and between mobile homes and buildings, minimum setback from private roadways, and provision of a landscaped buffer strip area provided for and in the zoning ordinance of the Lincoln Municipal Code.

2. No obstruction to the view shall exist which is higher than two feet six inches (2'6"), above the center line grade of the adjacent roadways, on any property within that triangular area bounded by the curbs of the intersecting roadways and a diagonal line between two points located on said curbs of the two intersecting roadways and sixty (60) feet from the point of intersection of said extended curb lines.

3. Direct access to an individual Mobile Home space from a public street is prohibited.4. All mobile home spaces shall abut a private roadway.5. Access to Mobile Home courts from public streets shall be designed as curb-cuts unless the roadway is an

extension of an existing public street that has been temporarily dead ended at the limits of the Mobile Home Court.

6. All Mobile Home spaces shall be consecutively numbered beginning with the number "1" with no omission of duplication through a block and blocks shall be likewise numbered through the mobile home court. These numbers shall be at least four (4) inches in height and in contrasting color to the background.

7. An illustrated directory shall be provided at the entrance showing location of all mobile homes by number. This directory shall be lighted at night time and be maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the City.

Section 2. ROADWAY SPECIFICATIONS

1. Roadways shall be at least twenty-six (26) feet in width from face of curb to face of curb and shall have a five inch crown and a six inch curb height.

2. Roadways shall be surfaced by either method as follows:a. Class "A" Concrete, 5 inches thickb. Full-depth asphalt, 6 inches thickc. Class "D" Concrete base, 5 inches thick with an asphalt surface, 2 1/2 inches thick.

3. The horizontal alignment shall be as follows:a. The minimum angle that a roadway intersects another roadway or street shall be 80̊.b. The center line of a roadway entering on opposite sides of a roadway or a street shall either be directly

across from the centerline of the opposite roadway or street or off-set by at least one hundred twenty-five (125) feet or at a point one-half the distance between said opposite centerlines if they are existing streets or roadways and if the two opposite center lines are less than 300 feet apart.

c. Whenever a roadway approaches a roadway that provides primary service in the area or a street, there shall be a tangent length of not less that one hundred fifty (150) feet measured from the nearest center line of the intersected roadway or street to any point of curvature in said approach roadway.

d. The center line radius for any curve in a roadway that provides primary service in the area shall be at least one hundred fifty (150) feet. All other roadways shall have at least a one hundred twenty five (125) feet center radius.

e. Roadways intersecting other roadways on the inside of a curve should be avoided.f. There shall be a minimum one hundred (100) feet tangent length between all reverse curves. The tangent

length, however, shall be in relation to the radii of the curves so as to provide for a smooth flow of traffic.

4. The vertical alignment shall be as follows:a. The maximum grade shall be 6 percent and the minimum grade shall be 0.5 percent subject to drainage

approval. b. All changes in roadway grades shall be connected by parabolic vertical curves of such length as to provide for

the minimum sight distances required. The minimum sight distances shall be designed using 30 mph design speed.

c. The maximum grade for a roadway approaching a roadway, that provides primary service in the area, or a street shall be a plus or minus 2 percent within eighty (80) feet of a centerline of the intersected roadway or street.

Section 3. ROADWAY SYSTEM

The roadway system shall provide convenient and reasonable access to each mobile home space and community building from a public street and to adjacent property. Where an existing temporary dead end public street or roadway on adjoining property abuts a mobile home court, provisions shall be made to vacate the street or roadway or a satisfactory terminus shall be provide with a turn-around or a roadway shall connect to the street or roadway to provide access into the court. The method of resolving the abutting dead end street or roadway shall meet with the approval of the City.

No block shall be longer than thirteen hundred and twenty (1320) feet between cross roadways. Cul-de-sacs should not be longer than one thousand (1000) feet as measured from the termination of the cul-de-sac to the intersection with a cross roadway. All dead end roadways shall be terminated with a vehicular turn around in accordance with City standards. Where a roadway is temporarily dead ended at the limits of the mobile home court and is intended to be extended into the adjoining property which is not subdivided or developed and the dead end roadway is more than 200 feet in length from the nearest intersection with another roadway, a temporary turn around shall be constructed to City standards and at such time as said dead end roadway is extended the owner of the mobile home court at his own cost and expense shall remove said turn around.

Section 4. ROADWAY NAMES

Proposed roadway names shall conform to the accepted naming system of the City. Roadways obviously in alignment with existing streets or roadways shall bear the name of the existing street or roadway. All proposed roadway names shall be checked by the Planning staff for duplication of existing street or roadway names that are in conflict with existing street or roadway names shall not be approved.

Section 5. PARKING SPACES

Upon each mobile space there shall be provided one parking space and in addition there shall be provided within each mobile home court guest parking spaces at the rate of one parking space for each two mobile home spaces, and each guest parking space shall be located within two hundred (200) feet of the two mobile home spaces which it shall serve. All parking spaces shall be paved, including the driveway between the roadway and the parking space, adequately marked and located at least five feet from roadways and twenty (20) feet in length, exclusive of any walkway which abuts the parking spaces. Adequate parking spaces shall be provided for accessory buildings and other court facilities.

Section 6. WALKWAYS

A common walkway system shall be provided through the interior open space or along roadways and shall be located to provide reasonable and appropriate pedestrian movement within the court and between the court and the adjacent property. A distance shall be not less than four feet between a walkway and an adjacent roadway except at crosswalks. Common walkways shall be constructed of concrete four (4) inches thick and at least four (4) feet in width. Each mobile home shall be provided access to the common walkway system with a hard surfaced supplemental walkway. A supplemental walkway system need not meet the standards of this section. Additional common walkways may be required when a block exceeds one thousand (1000) feet in length between cross-roadways or the need exists to provide pedestrian access from or through the mobile home court.

Section 7. LANDSCAPE SCREEN, LAWN AND GROUND COVERS

The landscape screen in the exterior buffer area shall comply with the design standards for screening and landscaping. A lawn or a ground cover shall be planted or developed and maintained on all areas except those to be covered by structures, paved or surfaced area, and except undisturbed areas such as woods, meadows and gardens which are to be preserved in their natural state.

Section 8. STREET TREES

Street trees are to be provided on private streets and shall comply with the design standards for street tree planting as established by Resolution of the City Council. Said design standards should be on file in the office of the City Clerk.

Section 9. EASEMENTS

1. The developer shall provide a blanket easement for the installation of utilities throughout the court or delineate and describe and provide by separate documents such easements as required. Easement documents which delineate and describe specific easements must be provided for all public sanitary sewer mains, water mains, and storm sewers located in the court.

2. The developer shall dedicate easements which will allow public use of private roadways.

Section 10. TENANT STORAGE FACILITIES

Each mobile space shall be provided with a secure individual storage facility located on or within a reasonable distance of the mobile home space it shall serve. The storage facilities shall be maintained and kept in good repair. Each storage facility shall provide at least ninety (90) cubic feet of space per mobile home.

The storage facility shall be constructed and provided in the following manner:

1. Floor: All storage facilities shall be constructed on concrete floor slab.2. Wall Construction: Exterior walls should be of wood frame or masonry construction and comport with the Lincoln

Municipal Code provisions for the construction of exterior walls of single family residential dwellings.3. Partitions between storage areas: Partitions between separate storage areas shall conform to the requirements

for the construction of exterior walls in (2) above, except that they need not be weather-proofed. There shall be no openings in any partition wall. Walls shall be constructed in a manner that prevents visual penetration from one storage area to another.

4. Windows, skylights, vents, etc.: Windows, skylights, vents and other openings in exterior walls or roofs shall be prohibited unless required by other provisions of the Lincoln Municipal Code, and then, if larger than ninety-six square inches or if the smallest linear dimension of the opening is larger than six linear inches, said opening shall be protected from intrusion by:a. Iron or steel grills or at least 1/8 inch material with a minimum of two (2) inch mesh secured in a manner

that prevents removal of the grill from the exterior of the structure, orb. Iron or steel bars of at least 1/2 inch round or 1 inch x 1/4 inch flat material spaced not more than five (5)

inches apart, secured in a manner that prevents removal of any bar from the exterior of the structure.

5. Doors: Exterior doors to any storage building and all doors providing access to a separate storage area shall be solid core exterior grade wood doors no less than one and three quarters (1 3/4) inch thick or hollow steel doors of no less than sixteen (16) U.S. gauge steel. Each door shall be equipped with a deadbolt lock as follows:a. Horizontal-throw deadbolt lock shall employ a deadbolt which has a minimum projection of one (1) inch and

an embedment of at least 3/4 inch into the strike. The cylinder shall have a cylinder guard, a minimum of five pin tumblers and shall be connected to the inner portion of the lock by connecting machine screws (or equivalent fasteners) of at least 1/4 inch in diameter.

b. Vertical-throw deadbolt lock shall incorporate a cylinder which is protected by a cylinder guard, which has a minimum of five (5) pin tumblers and which shall be connected to the inner portion of the lock by connecting machine screws (or equivalent fasteners) of at least 1/4 inch in diameter. Spring-actuated vertical throw primary deadbolt locks may be used.

c. Other spring-actuated locks. Except the spring-actuated vertical-throw primary deadbolt lock, no other spring-actuated lock may be used unless supplemented by a key-activated (positive locking) deadbolt lock.

d. Key-in-knob locksets also termed lock-in-knob locksets in which the cylinder is contained in the door knob are not to be considered "deadbolt locks" which meet the requirements of this section.

6. Frames, Strikes, Jambs, Hinges: Installation and construction of frames, jambs, strikes and hinges shall be as follows:

a. Door jambs of wood, composite or pressed board shall be installed with solid backing in such a manner that no voids exist between the strike side of the lamb and the frame opening for a vertical distance of twenty-four (24) inches on each side of the strike.

b. In wood framing, horizontal blocking shall be placed between studs at door lock height for three (3) stud spaces on each side of the door opening. Trimmers shall be full length from the header to the floor with solid backing against sole plates.

c. Door stops on wooden jambs for in-swinging doors shall be of one piece construction with the jamb, or shall be attached to the jamb with an adhesive such that the strength of the bond is greater than that of the wood from which the jamb and stop are made, and there shall be no visible gap between the jamb and the stop.

d. Hollow steel door frames shall be filled with grout and shall be attached to the supporting wall only by methods approved by the Steel Door Institute in standards and specifications which are hereby incorporated by reference.

e. The strike plate for deadbolts on all exterior door frames shall be as follows:1. The strike plate on all wood-framed doors shall be constructed of minimum sixteen (16) U.S. gauge

steel, bronze or brass and secured to the jamb by a minimum of four (4) screws, which must penetrate at least two (2) inches into solid backing beyond the surface to which the strike is attached.

2. The strike plate on hollow steel frames must be of minimum sixteen (16) gauge U.S. steel, bronze or brass and secured to the jamb by at least two threaded fasteners which are joined to pre-threaded holes in the jamb which have been reinforced at the point of juncture to the equivalent strength of eight (8) U.S. gauge steel. Self-threading fasteners may not be used for this purpose.

f. Hinges for out-swinging doors shall be equipped with non-removable hinge pins for a mechanical interlock to preclude removal of the door from the exterior by removing the hinge pins.

Section 11. PARKS, SCHOOL SITES AND OPEN SPACE

In developing property, consideration shall be given to suitable sites for schools, parks, playgrounds and other common open areas for public use so as to conform to the recommendations of the Comprehensive Regional Plan. Any plan provision for schools, parks and playgrounds shall be indicated on the plot plan in order that it may be determined when and in what manner such areas will be provided or acquired by the appropriate tax agency.

Section 12. RECREATIONS FACILITIES

Private recreation facilities shall be provided in the interior open areas. The type and quantity of recreation facilities should be appropriate to serve the needs of the anticipated users. These shall comply with the design standards for Recreation Facilities as established by resolution of City Council. Said design standards shall be on file in the Office of the City Clerk.

Section 13. ACCESSORY BUILDING AND OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICE FACILITIES

All such buildings shall meet all applicable municipal codes. This shall apply to, but not be limited to the following:

a. Management office, repair shop and storage facilities. b. Sanitary facilities, laundry facilities c. Indoor recreation areasd. Swimming pools

Section 14. WATER SUPPLY

Each mobile home court shall be provided a private water system with connections to each mobile home space. The source of water supply for the private water supply system shall be the City water supply. Each accessory building, which requires water service shall also be connected to the same private water system serving the mobile home spaces. This private water system shall be installed in compliance with the Lincoln Plumbing Code and the standards for water main construction of the City of Lincoln. Where it is determined to be necessary for the City, public water lines shall be extended to adjoining property by either a water main district of Mayor's Executive Order.

Section 15. SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM

Each mobile home court shall provide a sanitary sewer system with connections to each mobile home space. This private sanitary sewer system shall be connected to the City sanitary system for transmittal of the sewage from the mobile home court to the City's treatment facilities. Each accessory building, which discharges sanitary sewage shall also be connected to the same private sanitary sewer system serving the mobile home spaces. This private sanitary sewer system shall be installed in compliance with the Lincoln Plumbing Code and the standards for construction of sanitary sewer mains in the City of Lincoln. Where it shall be determined to be necessary by the City, public sanitary sewers shall be extended to adjoining property by either a sanitary sewer district of Mayor's Executive Order.

Section 16. STORM SEWERS

The storm sewers shall be designed in conformance with the requirements of "Storm Sewer Design Criteria" and on file in the Office of the City Engineer. The storm sewer system shall be constructed in conformance with the requirements and standards of the City. Storm sewer systems shall be enclosed unless the developer provides adequate open space for the open channel and constructs and maintains the channel and its banks to prevent erosion. A low flow liner in the channel shall be constructed of concrete. The design of the channel shall be approved by the Director of Public Works.

Section 17. NATURAL GAS AND ELECTRIC SYSTEMS

1. Natural gas piping system in all courts shall be installed and maintained in conformity with accepted engineering practices and the rules and regulations of the State of Nebraska and the City of Lincoln.

2. Every court shall contain an electrical wiring system, consisting of wiring, fixtures, equipment and appurtenances which shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the Lincoln Electrical Code.

3. Illumination of roadways and walkways shall be equivalent to that required along public streets in residential areas by the City.

Section 18. FIRE PROTECTION

1. Mobile home courts shall be subject to the fire prevention code of the City. 2. Standard fire hydrants connected to at least six (6) inches diameter water mains shall be located within 300 feet,

along roadways, of each mobile home or accessory building. 3. The volume of water to each fire hydrant shall be sufficient to serve the need even if this requires the installation

of larger sized water mains.

CHAPTER 3.35 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMUNITY UNIT PLANS



Following is the method of calculating the maximum number of dwelling units for an amount of land area in a particular zoning district; however, the developer shall in no way assume that the City will grant the calculated maximum number of dwelling units. The City will also consider the character and density of the surrounding land area, the height, width, length and position of the proposed buildings, the proposed open space along the exterior limits of the C.U.P., the usefulness of all the proposed open space, and the total area covered by proposed buildings and pavement, and traffic volume and circulation. (Resolution A-83141; 12-20-04).

1.1 Maximum Density

A. General density. The maximum density within the boundaries of a C.U.P. shall be calculated as follows:1. AG Agriculture District - 0.055 dwelling units per acre.2. AGR Agriculture Residential District - 0.27 dwelling units per acre.3. R-1 Residential District - 3.87 dwelling units per acre.4. R-2 Residential District - 5.80 dwelling units per acre.5. R-3 Residential District - 6.96 dwelling units per acre.6. R-4 Residential District - 13.93 dwelling units per acre.7. R-5 Residential District - 29.04 dwelling units per acre.8. R-6 Residential District - 48.4 dwelling units per acre.9. R-7 Residential District - 62.23 dwelling units per acre.10. R-8 Residential District - 79.20 dwelling units per acre.

B. Cluster density. The number of dwelling units per acre within the boundaries of a C.U.P. shall not exceed the following cluster density:1. AG Agriculture District - One (1) dwelling unit per acre with community sewer and water systems. However,

if the individual septic tank and tile field sewer system is used it shall be constructed and installed in accordance with Chapter 24.38 of the Lincoln Municipal Code.

2. AGR Agricultural Residential District - Three (3) dwelling units per acre with community sewer and water systems. However, if the individual septic tank and tile filed system is used it shall be constructed and installed in accordance with Chapter 24.38 of the Lincoln Municipal Code.

3. R-1 and R-2 Residential District - 12 dwelling units per acre.4. R-3 Residential District - 25 dwelling units per acre.5. R-4 Residential District - 30 dwelling units per acre.6. R-5 Residential District - 45 dwelling units per acre.7. R-6 Residential District - 75 dwelling units per acre.

The area of adjacent open space within the community unit plan may be added in computing the permitted cluster density only if:

a. The open space bounds the area of the cluster on one or more sides;b. The open space was not used for the computation of density in another clusterc. The open space is reasonable accessible by pedestrians from 75 percent of all dwelling units within the

clusterd. The open space is not separated from the cluster by a public street, highway, private roadway, driveway, a

streambed or railroad when they act as barriers by reason of traffic volume, physical characteristics or adverse ownership pattern where easement area not acquired.

C. If the property within the boundaries of a C.U.P. is located in more than one zoning district, the maximum density and number of dwelling units per acre within each zoning district shall be calculated as provided in 1.1.A above

and added together to arrive at the total maximum density and number of dwelling units per acre for the C.U.P. The maximum density and number of dwelling units per acre for any individual zoning district may be transferred to and located within any other R-1 through R-8 zoning district within the boundaries of the C.U.P. provided the total maximum density and number of dwellings units for the C.U.P. is not exceeded.

(Resolution A-88371; 6-3-14: prior Resolution A-83141, 12-20-04).

1.2 Shape, size and locations of buildings; open space buffers

a. The open space between different type of buildings within the community unit plan (single, family, duplex and multiple family) shall be increased when the differences in height, width and length, and the number of dwelling units per building increases.

b. A multi-family dwelling which exceeds the zoning district height shall be set back from all yard lines adjacent to an existing or planned single or two family dwelling a distance of 40 feet or the height of the multiple family dwelling whichever is greater. Garages, driveways and other accessory buildings for the multi-family dwelling are allowed in this setback area provided the additional landscape screening required by Section 7.3.c of Chapter 3.50 of the City of Lincoln Design Standards for Screening and Landscaping are met.

(Resolution A-86877; 7-9-12).

1.3 Single housing type developments

If all of the dwelling units constructed within a community unit plan are of one housing type, the design standards relating to shape, size and location of buildings and siting of open space may be waived or modified to provide the most advantageous siting for such a development. However, multiple family building development shall conform to the setbacks and open space requirements along the exterior boundaries of the C.U.P.

1.4 Recreational facilities

Adequate and appropriate recreational facilities shall be provided in the common open areas to serve the needs of the development and the anticipated occupants to fulfill the needs of occupants whether they are young, elderly handicapped, etc. Such facilities shall be readily accessible from the dwelling units in the community unit plan. These shall comply with the design standards for Recreation facilities as established by resolution of City Council. Said design standards shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk.

1.5 Parking

All parking within the community unit plan shall be regulated in conformance with the provisions of Chapter 27.67 of the Lincoln Municipal Code.

1.6 Utilities

The design, construction and installation of streets, roadways, driveways, parking lots, storm sewers, water mains, sanitary sewers and other improvements shall comply with the written design standards for the particular improvement and utility as established by resolution of City Council. Said design standards shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk.

1.7 Street trees

Street trees shall be provided on private streets and shall comply with the design standards for Street Tree Plantings as established by resolution of City Council. Said design standards shall be on file in the office of the City Clerk.

1.8 Easements

A. The developer shall provide easements for the public utilities within the community unit plan.

B. The developer shall dedicate easements which will allow public use of private roadways.

CHAPTER 3.40 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR DENSITY BONUSES


Section 1. GENERAL

The purpose of establishing and applying barrier-free standards for elderly or retirement housing and domiciliary care facilities and handicapped, low-income and energy efficient standards for community unit plans and planned unit developments is to encourage the provision of housing to meet the special needs of individuals and families and encourage energy efficient housing by means of density bonuses.

Complying with the General or Individual Unit Standards of Section 2 may permit an increase in dwelling unit density within the boundaries of an elderly or retirement housing facility. Approval of such increases above the density permitted under a comparable community unit plan without bonuses shall be dependent on conditions established for the special permit.

Complying with one or a combination of the following sections, Section 3 through 5, (Sections 3, 4 and 5 shall also comply with Section 6 security standards for handicapped and low-income housing), may permit an increase in density within the boundaries of the community unit plan or planned unit development of up to but not exceeding 20 percent of the density permitted under the community unit plan density standards. However, the total possible density increase using the following sections may not be granted dependent upon the character of the development and impacts upon adjacent land uses.

Section 2. BARRIER FREE STANDARDS FOR ELDERLY OR RETIREMENT HOUSING AND DOMICILIARY CARE FACILITIES

These standards are intended to reduce restrictions in the built environment for people who have temporary or permanent loss of mobility. Common areas shall be those accessible to the general public, whereas individual units shall generally refer to private residence.

2.1 General Standards

These design standards generally apply to site development and common areas as well as certain dwelling unit features.

1. Sidewalks, curb cuts and ramps shall be designed so that each building is accessible to the handicapped.2. Each dwelling unit shall be accessible by sidewalks, ramps and/or passenger elevator and no vertical obstruction

greater than 1/2 inch.3. Common corridors shall be at least 4 1/2 feet wide.4. Doorways serving a common area shall have a clear opening of at least 32 inches (with door opened to 90

degrees). (Note that a standard 32 inch door does not meet this standard.) The clear opening may be reduced to no less that 30 inches if the doorway can be approached from both directions directly from a room or the end of a hallway or 90 degrees from a hallway if the hall is a minimum of 4 feet 2 inches wide.

5. Each doorway leading from one common area to another or to the outdoors from a common area shall have a level platform or clear floor area with a minimum of 5' x 5' or 5 1/2' x 4 1/2' if the door swings in toward the platform and 5' x 3 1/2' otherwise. The platform shall extend one foot beyond the side of the door opposite the hinge if the door swings in toward the platform and otherwise extend six (6) inches beyond the side of the door.

6. Passenger elevators shall have minimum clear dimensions of 5' x 5' or 6' 3" x 4' 8" or 6' 8" x 4' 0" and a clear opening of 32 inches. If a passenger elevator is required, at least one elevator shall be able to accommodate a 76 inch ambulance stretcher in a horizontal position.

7. Lever latches on push-pull type door serving common areas shall be used.8. Lock and door latch shall not require the simultaneous use of both hands on doors serving common areas.9. Windows in the living room and any bedrooms except for skylights and clerestory windows shall be located so

that the lowest glassed portion of the window is no higher than 34 inches for common areas and individual units.10. Switches and controls for lights and appliances, latches, and locks for doors and windows and electric receptacles

for common areas and individual units shall be located no higher than four (4) feet (with no vertical obstruction greater than three (3) feet high and no horizontal obstruction greater than 18 inches deep) and no lower than two (2) feet (with no vertical obstruction lower than 29 inches and no horizontal obstruction more than 12 inches deep).

11. Bathrooms for individual units shall be constructed to accommodate the future addition of grab bars around the bathtub area or shower (for location, see Section 3 type "B" unit).

12. Floor surfacing in common areas shall permit wheelchairs to maneuver easily.

2.2 Individual Unit Standards

These standards apply to only the entrance and interior design of individual dwelling units.

1. Private corridors or hallways shall be at least 3 1/2 feet wide. 2. Doorways shall have a clear opening of at least 32 inches (with door opened to 90 degrees). (Note that a

standard 32 inch door does not meet this standard.) The clear opening may be reduced to no less than 30 inches if the doorway can be approached from both directions directly from a room or the end of a hallway or 90 degrees from a hallway if the hall is a minimum of 4 feet 2 inches wide.

3. Each doorway shall have a level platform or clear floor area a minimum of 5' x 5' or 5 1/2' x 4 1/2' if the door swings in toward the platform and 5' x 3 1/2' otherwise. The platform shall extend one foot beyond the side of the door opposite the hinge if the door swings in toward the platform and otherwise extends six (6) inches beyond the side of the door.

4. All rooms including kitchen and bathroom shall have a minimum clear floor area forming a circle with a five (5) feet diameter or an oval with the dimensions 5 1/2' x 4 1/2'. Except that in a bathroom a lavatory may project 12 inches or less into said minimum clear space provided that a clear height of not less than 29 inches under that portion of the lavatory projecting the minimum clear space shall be provided.

5. Lock and door latch shall not require the simultaneous use of both hands.6. All exterior doors shall have a wide-angle (180 degree minimum) door viewer mounted no higher than 46 inches

nor lower than 44 inches from the interior floor.7. Closets shall allow for clothes rods to be lowered to four (4) feet.

Section 3. HOUSING FOR THE HANDICAPPED

3.1 Criteria

Housing for the handicapped shall be dwelling units of two types, type "A" and type "B". The type "A" dwelling unit is intended for the family with one or more members who are handicapped but where the household head is able-bodied. The type "B" unit is intended for those households where the head of the household is handicapped and other members of the family may also be handicapped.

Both type "A" and type "B" dwelling units shall meet the following criteria:

1. Sidewalks shall be at least four (4) feet wide and have a slope not to exceed five (5) percent or a slope of 8.33 percent (1 foot rise in 12 feet run) if run does not exceed 30 feet.

2. Curb cuts with a minimum width of four (4) feet and a maximum slope of 8.33 percent shall be required where sidewalks cross roadways, drives or parking lots.

3. A parking staff with a minimum width if 12 feet shall be required for each dwelling unit.4. Each building shall be accessible by sidewalks and/or ramps and without a vertical rise greater than 1/2 inch.5. Each dwelling unit shall be accessible by sidewalks, ramps and/or passenger elevator and no vertical rise greater

than 1/2 inch.6. Common corridors shall be at least 4 1/2 feet wide.7. Private corridors or hallways shall be at least 3 1/2 feet wide.8. Doorways shall have a clear opening of at least 32 inches (with door opened to 90 degrees). (Note that a

standard 32 inch door does not meet this standard). The clear opening may be reduced to no less than 30 inches if the doorway can be approached from both directions directly from a room or the end of a hallway or 90 degrees from a hallway if the hall is a minimum of 4 feet 2 inches wide.

9. Each doorway shall have a level platform or clear floor area a minimum of 5' x 5' or 5 1/2' x 4 1/2' if the door swings in toward the platform and 5' x 3 1/2' otherwise. The platform shall extend one foot beyond the side of the door opposite the hinge if the door swings toward the platform and otherwise extends six (6) inches beyond the side of the door.

10. Passenger elevators shall have minimum clear dimensions of 5' x 5' or 6'3" x 4'8" or 6'8" x 4'0", and a clear opening of 32 inches. If a passenger elevator is required, at least one elevator shall be able to accommodate a 76 inch ambulance stretcher in a horizontal position.

11. All rooms including kitchen and bathroom shall have a minimum clear floor area forming a circle with a five (5) feet diameter or an oval with the dimensions 5 1/2' x 4 1/2'. Except that in a bathroom a lavatory may project 12 inches or less into said minimum clear space provided that a clear height or not less than 29 inches under that portion of the lavatory projecting into minimum clear space shall be provided.

12. Floor surfacing shall permit wheelchairs to maneuver easily.13. Lever of push-pull type door latches shall be used.14. Lock and door latch shall not require the simultaneous use of both hands.15. All exterior doors shall have a wide-angle (180 degree minimum) door viewer mounted no higher than 46 inches

nor lower than 44 inches from the interior floor.16. Closets shall allow for clothes rods to be lowered to four (4) feet.17. Windows in the living room and any bedrooms except for skylights and clerestory windows shall be located so

that the lowest glassed portion of the window is no higher than 34 inches.18. Switches and controls for lights and appliances, latches and locks for doors and windows, and electric receptacles

shall be located no higher than four (4) feet (with no vertical obstruction greater than three (3) feet high and no horizontal obstruction greater than 18 inches deep) and no lower than two (2) feet (with no vertical obstruction lower than 29 inches and no horizontal obstruction more than 12 inches deep).

For each type "A" dwelling unit, the kitchen and at least one bathroom shall meet the following criteria:

1. Kitchen shall provide:a. One lowered or adjustable work space that is at least 32 inches wide and 18 inches deep, no higher than 34

inches, preferably 30 inches with an open space of not below less than 12 inches deep, 29 inches high and 32 inches wide.

b. A kitchen range with controls on the front or side.c. Kitchens in units occupied by quadriplegics need not comply with "a" or "b" above.

2. Bathroom shall provide:a. A bath tub capable of the future addition of a lift. Bath tub must have hand held shower sprayer or an

adjustment bar with a flexible hose that is at least 69 inches long.b. Where a shower only is planned, it must have a threshold of no higher than 1/2 inch and shall meet

requirements of type "B" unit.c. Bathroom shall be designed and constructed to accommodate the future addition of grab bars around the

toilet and bath tub area or shower (for location, see type "B" unit).

For each type "B" dwelling unit, the kitchen and at least one bathroom shall meet the following criteria:

1. Kitchen shall provide:a. One lowered or adjustable work space that is at least 32 inches wide and 18 inches deep, no higher than 34

inches, preferably 30 inches with an open space of not below less than 12 inches deep, 29 inches high and 32 inches wide.

b. A counter top range, mounted no higher than 34 inches with controls on the front or side, with a clear space below of not less than 12 inches deep, 29 inches high, and 32 inches wide with the underside insulated to protect from burns and electrical short.

c. An eye level oven mounted no higher than 34 inches, preferably 30 inches with side controls with a pull-out board located adjacent to the oven.

d. A kitchen sink with the rim no higher than 34 inches from the floor; a clear space under the sink exclusive of bowl and waste pipe of not less than 12 inches deep, 29 inches high and 32 inches wide; and a single lever faucet mounted at the side of the sink.

e. The hot water pipe and the waste water pipe insulated to protect from burns.f. All drawers with suspension rollers.g. At least one cupboard that is at least 18 inches wide and 49 inches high with adjustable pull-out shelves.

2. Bathroom shall provide:a. A shower with a threshold no higher than 1/2 inch; an interior minimum clear floor area forming a circle with

a diameter of five (5) feet or an oval with the dimensions of 5' x 3' or 4' x 4'; a fixed or retractable seat made of a water resistive material, a minimum of 15 inches deep and 20 inches wide and 17 to 20 inches high; a single lever water control accessible from the seat; and a hand held shower head on a flexible hose of not less than 69 inches long with a vertical height adjustment bar at least four (4) feet long.

b. Grab bars having a minimum length of 12 inches and an outside diameter of 1 1/2 inches and wall clearance of 1 1/2 inches and capable of supporting a minimum loan of 250 pounds; mounted horizontally on both walls adjacent to the shower seat, 10 inches above the seat and at least 18 inches long; and mounted vertically on the wall opposite the seat extending 3 feet to 5 feet above the floor; and mounted horizontally at one side and read of the toilet so that the lowest point is 10 inches above the toilet seat, and extends not less than six (6) inches in front of the toilet bowl; and mounted vertically 12 inches from the front of the toilet bowl extending from 12 inches above the height of the toilet seat to 30 inches above the toilet seat.

c. A bathroom sink with a rim no higher than 34 inches, a clear space under the sink exclusive of the bowl and waste pipe of not less than 12 inches deep, 29 inches high, and 32 inches wide; and a single lever faucet.

d. The hot water pipe and waste water pipe insulated to protect from burns.e. One mirror and shelf no higher than 40 inches.

3.2 Density Bonus Computations

Community unit plans and planned unit developments may be eligible for additional density as follows:

1. For each three (3) units of type "A" provided, one (1) additional unit will be permitted.

2. For each one (1) unit of type "B" provided, one (1) additional unit will be permitted.

Section 4. HOUSING FOR THE LOW INCOME

4.1 Criteria/General

Housing for the low-income shall be a dwelling unit that is provided under a contract with the Federal and State government or agency or the City of Lincoln that would provide assurances that the units will be made available for low-income individuals and families.

4.2 Density Bonus Computation

Community unit plans and planned unit development may be eligible for increased density according to the following:

a. For each four (4) low-income units provided, one (1) additional unit will be permitted.

Section 5. ENERGY EFFICIENT HOUSING

Bonuses of up to 20% in dwelling units may be awarded to community unit plans and planned unit developments which qualify under the following requirements and provisions:

1. The proponents shall provide the following information:a. A tree shadow plan cast by the solar zenith on December 21st and June 21st at an azimuth of 45̊ due south

from each building envelope.b. A building shadow plan cast by the solar zenith on December 21st and June 21st at an azimuth of 45̊ due

south from each building envelope.c. A copy of the restrictive covenants indicating energy related provisions, to be approved by the City. (See

example at the end of this chapter.)

2. The proposal will be reviewed utilizing the following criteria:a. Site selection: In order to maximize the solar access, the development should place highest densities on

south facing slopes. Lower densities should be sited on north facing slopes. Development of north slopes should be maintained.

b. Street layout: Streets should be oriented on an east/west axis to the greatest possible extent. Orientation can vary up to 20 degrees from this axis. Topography shall be considered in variation from this guideline.

c. Lot layout: Lots should be oriented with their greatest dimension north and south to the greatest extent possible. Orientation of the north/south axis should vary no more than 20 degrees from the north/south axis.

d. Building siting: The long axis of a building envelope should be oriented east and west to the greatest possible extent. Building orientation can vary up to 20 degrees from due south. Buildings should be sited as close to the north lot line or lines as possible to increase yard space to the south for better owner control of shading. Zero lot line and clustering techniques should be used when good solar access is not possible for single family detached units. Tall buildings should be sited to the north of shorter ones. Tall buildings should be set back from adjacent development in the same way.

e. Building Form: The shapes of buildings should be designed to maximize solar utilization and minimize negative environmental factors such as exposed perimeter. Size and height of building envelopes shall be shown on the building shadow plan.

f. Landscaping: New trees shall be an appropriate genus species as indicated in City guidelines (Parks Department). All trees shall be named and shown at their mature size. They shall be located with respect to buildings or possible solar collectors and other environmental factors in order to provide solar heat gain or

shade as appropriate. In selecting trees for landscaping, the mature design height and canopy size shall be considered. These dimensions are available in the "Approved Planting List" in the Planning Department.

g. Other Considerations, including but not limited to:1. Identification and design for prevailing winds including building exposure and windbreaks. (The wind

rose for the municipal airport should be used as a guide for this and micro climate factors of the site utilized to modify if appropriate.

2. Thermal air flow (air shed).3. Provision for non-auto transportation modes.4. Provisions in the covenants that:

a. East and west windows will be provided with adjustable solar screens.b. South facing window areas will be 90% shaded at noon central standard time on June 21st by

overhangs or other devices; this does not include those windows designed as passive solar plates. Such overhangs shall permit solar penetration of 80% on December 22nd at 12:00 noon Standard Time.

c. That structure shall not shade the south-facing building envelope of adjoining property.

3. Method of Bonus Award:

a. Maximum increase of 20% dwelling units as approved through the C.U.P. density standards.

1. The bonus (or 20%) shall be determined by the eligibility of solar access criteria as illustrated in the shadow plans and review items. Shadow plans will be reviewed as to the number of building envelopes with clear access to solar energy. The items listed in item 2, Section 4, will be reviewed against the proposal and their implementation and effectiveness in accomplishing energy objectives.

Areas under consideration for this Bonus Provision that are intended to be, or are, under multiple ownership must provide restrictive covenants similar to the attached example in order to qualify for this bonus provision.

Section 6. SECURITY STANDARDS; HOUSING FOR LOW-INCOME AND HANDICAPPED.

Each low income and handicapped dwelling unit for which density bonus has been granted and structure containing such units shall comply with the following security standards:

6.1 Keying Requirements

Each low income or handicapped dwelling unit shall have locks using combinations which are interchange free from locks used in all other separate dwellings in the community unit plan or planned unit development.

6.2 Door Assemblies

A. Frames, Strikes, Jambs, Hinges.

Installation and construction frames, strikes, jambs and hinges shall be as follows:

1. Door jambs of wood, composite or pressed board shall be installed with solid backing in such a manner than no voids exist between the strike side of the jamb and the frame opening for a vertical distance of 24 inches on each side of the strike.

2. In wood framing, horizontal blocking shall be placed between studs at door lock height for three (3) stud spaces on each side of the door opening. Trimmers shall be full length from the header to the floor with solid backing against sole plates.

3. Door stops on wooden jambs for in-swinging doors shall be of one piece construction with the jamb, or shall be attached to the jamb with an adhesive such that the strength of the bond is greater than that of the wood from which the jamb and stop are made, and there shall be no visible gap between the jamb and the stop.

4. Hollow steel door frames shall be filled with grout and shall be attached to the supporting wall.5. The strike plate for deadbolts on all exterior door frames shall be as follows:

a. The strike plate on all wood-frame doors shall be constructed of minimum 16 U.S. gauge steel, bronze or brass and secured to the jamb by a minimum of four (4) screws, which must penetrate at least two (2) inches into solid backing beyond surface to which the strike is attached.

b. The strike plat on hollow steel frames must be of minimum 16 U.S. gauge steel, bronze or brass and secured to the jamb by at least two threaded fasteners which are joined to pre-threaded holes in the jamb which have been reinforced at the point of juncture to the equivalent strength of 8 U.S. gauge steel. Self-threading fasteners may not be used for this purpose.

6. Hinges for out-swinging doors shall be equipped with non-removable hinge pins or a mechanical interlock to preclude removal of the door from the exterior by removing the hinge pins.

B. Doors1. Except for vehicular access doors, all exterior swinging doors of any residential unit, of any building which

contains one or more residential unit, or of any passage connecting a garage to a residential unit or any building which contains one or more residential units shall be constructed and equipped as follows:a. All wood doors shall be of solid core construction with a minimum thickness of 1 3/4 inches, or with

panels not less than 9/16 inch thick at the thinnest exposed part of the panel.b. All hollow steel doors shall be of minimum 16 U.S. gauge steel and have sufficient reinforcement to

maintain the designed thickness of the door at any point at which a locking devise is installed; such reinforcement being sufficient to prevent collapsing of the door around any locking device.

c. Insulated doors shall be sheathed in a minimum of 20 U.S. gauge steel or a material of equivalent resistance to cutting, tearing, impact and burning. Sheathing shall be securely attached to a rigid wood or metal frame, reinforced at points where hinges are attached, and include a wood lock block or metal reinforcing at each point at which a lock is to be installed.

d. Wood or metal framed sliding glass doors shall be constructed and installed in a manner which prevents the movable door from being lifted out of the frame in the fully closed position.

e. Aluminum or wood framed glass swinging doors shall not be used except as provided in Section II.B (1) (j).

f. The inactive leaf or double doors shall be equipped with metal flushbolts having a minimum embedment of 5/8 inch into the head and threshold of the door frame.

g. Each door shall be equipped with a single cylinder deadbolt lock as follows:1. Horizontal-throw deadbolt lock shall employ a deadbolt which has a minimum projection of one (1)

inch and an embedment of at least 3/4 inch into the strike. The cylinder shall have a cylinder guard, a minimum of five pin tumblers and shall be connected to the inner portion of the lock by connecting machine screws (or equivalent fasteners) of at least 1/4 inch in diameter.

2. Vertical-throw deadbolt lock shall incorporate a cylinder which is protected by a cylinder guard, which has a minimum of five (5) pin tumblers and which shall be connected to the inner portion of the lock by connecting machine screws (or equivalent fasteners) of at least 1/4 inch in diameter. Spring-actuated vertical throw primary deadbolt lock may be used.

3. Other than spring-actuated vertical-throw primary deadbolt locks, not other spring-actuated lock may be used unless supplemented by a key-activated deadbolt lock.

4. Unit locksets which contain a deadbolt lock and a latching mechanism in the same assembly may be used in place of a latch-bolt lock supplemented by a deadbolt lock, providing the dead-bolt and cylinder meet the requirements of (1) and (2) above.

5. Wood or metal framed sliding glass doors shall be equipped with a hooked deadbolt mechanism which does not rely on spring pressure for latching, or where a spring-actuated latch is used, shall be equipped with a key-operated pin lock. Cylinders shall comply with the requirements of (1) and (2) above except that a cylinder guard shall not be required when no portion of the cylinder is exposed to the exterior of the dwelling.

h. No glazing shall be placed in the door or in the surrounding wall which is within 40 inches of any part of the deadbolt lock unless said glazing is protected by:1. Iron or steel grills of at least 1/8 inch material with a minimum of two (2) inch mesh secured on the

inside of the glazing, or on the outside of the glazing by non-removable fasteners, or2. Iron or steel bars of at least 1/2 inch round of 1" x 1/4" flat material spaced not more than five (5)

apart, secured on the inside of the glazing, or on the outside of the glazing by non-removable fasteners, and

3. Items described in (1) and (2) of these provisions shall not interfere with the operation of opening windows, if such windows are required to be openable by applicable City ordinances.

4. Wood or metal framed sliding glass (patio) doors are exempt from the requirements of (1) and (2) of this provision provided that the door contains break-resistant glazing which meets or exceeds the standards contained in U.L. Bulletin 972, Burglary Resisting Glazing Material, or its successor(s); or fully tempered glass, per A.N.S.I. Z 97.1 or its successor.

i. All exterior doors shall be equipped with a wide-angle (180 degrees) door viewed mounted no higher than 58 inches from the interior floor.

j. For the purpose of these requirements, the term exterior door does not include screen doors, storm doors, sash door or jalousie doors used in conjunction with a primary door which meets or exceeds these standards.

2. Vehicular access doors shall conform to the following standards:a. Wood doors shall have panels a minimum of 5/16 inch in thickness with the locking hardware being

attached to the support framing.b. Aluminum doors shall be a minimum thickness of .0215 inches and riveted together a minimum of 18

inches on center along the outside seams. There shall be a full width horizontal beam attached to the main door structure which shall meet the pilot, or pedestrian access door framing within three (3) inches of the strike area of the pilot or pedestrian access door.

c. Fiberglass doors shall have panels a minimum density of five (5) ounces per square foot.d. Doors utilizing a cylinder lock shall have a minimum five (5) pin tumbler operation with the locking bar

or bolt extending into the receiving guide a minimum of one (1) inch.e. Doors that exceed 16 feet in width shall have two lock receiving points; or, if the door does not exceed

19 feet, a single bolt may be used is placed in the center of the door with the locking point located either at the floor or door frame header; or torsion spring counter balance type hardware may be used.

f. Doors with slide bolt assemblies shall have frames a minimum of .120 inches in thickness, with a minimum bolt diameter of 3/8 inch and protrude at least 1 1/2 inches into the receiving guide. The slide bolt shall be attached to the door with bolts not removable from the outside. Rivets shall not be used to attach slide bolt assemblies.

g. Where doors are operated by electrical closing and opening devices, no other means of securing the door need be provided.

6.3 Window Assemblies

All accessible window assemblies shall be constructed, equipped and installed in accordance with the following:

A. For the purpose of these requirements, windows shall be deemed accessible if located less than twelve feet from the ground or from any surface which would permit access, or less than six feet horizontally from any adjacent structure, utility pole or landscape feature which would permit access; and which are larger than 96 inches in area with the smallest linear dimension exceeding six (6) inches.

B. Jalousie and louvered windows shall not be used in any window assembly which is accessible.C. Sashes shall be constructed and installed in a manner which prevents their removal from the exterior of the

dwelling when in other than the fully open position.D. Where storm windows are installed, they shall not be capable of removal from the exterior of the dwelling.E. All accessible windows with the exception of crank-operated casement windows will have a locking device which

is not spring-actuated and which when engaged, fastens all movable sashes to a substantial immovable part of the frame or supporting wall, or fastens movable sashes to each other in such a way that none of the sashes can be moved.

1. The locking device must be capable of securing the window assembly in the fully closed position, and in partly open positions of no more than six (6) inches.

2. The locking device does not have to be key operated.3. Where an auxiliary locking device is necessary to meet this provision, it shall be mounted to the window

assembly using the most secure method compatible with the material of the window framing, but in general;a. No self-threading fasteners may be used unless no other method of fastening is possible.b. Where wood screws are used to mount a locking device to wood framed windows, the screws shall be

as long as the dimension of the framing member will allow, but in any case no less than 3/4 inch.

4. For the purpose of these requirements, crescent sash locks and spring-actuated latches are not locking devices.

F. Plantings, screens or fences which will conceal the exterior sill of the window or any portion of the window assembly above the sill at full maturity will not be used in or around accessible window assemblies.

6.4 Street Numbers and Other Identifying Data

A. Street Numbers and other identifying data shall be displayed as follows: 1. All dwellings shall display a street number in a prominent location on the street side of the residence in such

a position that the number is easily visible to approaching emergency vehicles. The numerals shall be no less than four (4) inches in height and shall be of a contrasting color to the background to which they are attached.

2. There shall be positioned at each entrance of a multiple family dwelling complex an illuminated diagramatic representation of the complex which shows the location of the viewer and the unit designations within the complex. In addition, each individual unit within the complex shall display a prominent identification number, not less than four (4) inches in height, which is easily visible to approaching vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.

3. Identification numbers shall no be obscured by any required exterior screens of plantings, nor positioned such that the natural growth of plantings will eventually obscure or conceal the numbers.

B. Lighting in multiple family dwellings shall be as follows:1. Aisles, passageways and recesses related to and within the building complex shall be illuminated with an

intensity of at least .25 building footcandles at the ground level during the hours of darkness. Lighting devices shall be protected by weather and vandalism resistant covers.

2. Open parking lots and car ports shall be provided with a maintained minimum of .2 footcandle of light on the parking surface during the hours of darkness. Lighting devices shall be protected from weather and vandalism resistant covers.

Section 7. PRESERVATION OF FARM LAND IN COMMUNITY UNIT PLANS IN THE AG ZONING DISTRICT.

A 20% density bonus may be granted where the City Council finds that the owner has made maximum feasible efforts to preserve existing cultivated and pasture land in a proposed community unit plan, and no new public streets or roads are to be dedicated. The design of such community plan shall accomplish the following design objectives:

1. Preservation of the rural character of the open fields and pastures and natural wooded areas.2. Preservation of natural habitats.3. Preservation of natural drainage courses.4. Preservation of existing natural topography.

EXAMPLE OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANT FOR SOLAR RELATED DENSITY BONUS

RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS OF (NAME OF DEVELOPMENT)

IN (MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY)

The following restrictive covenants are incorporated in this deed and in all other deeds to parcels within the (name of development), which is located in (complete legal description of the development), as recorded in (legal records of named county). These covenants are binding upon all present and future owners of land within this development with the same effect as if they were incorporated in each subsequent deed.

1. No vegetation, structure, fixture or other object shall be so situated that it casts a shadow onto the south half of the building envelope for any building described in the community unit plan on December 22 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Solar Time, provided that this restriction does not apply to utility wires and similar objects which obstruct little light and which are needed and situated for reasonable use of the property in a manner consistent with other covenants in this deed. Shadows for structures approved in the CUP be calculated from north wall of the building envelope. By adopting this covenant, the landowners within this development recognize the desirability of creating and maintaining a common plan to ensure access to sunlight for solar energy collectors.

The introductory two sentences in this model covenant would preface the list of restrictive covenants, which in some developments might number more than 20. Of course, "covenant (1)" alone would be valid were it one in a list of other covenants if the list were validly incorporated into a plat or deed and the covenant were consistent with others in the list.

Table A

DIRECTION OF SLOPELatitude N NE E SE S SW W NW

40°0%

slopeAM N PM AM N PM AM N PM AM N PM AM N PM AM N PM AM N PM AM N PM

0% 4.8 2.0 4.8 4.8 2.0 4.8 4.8 2.0 4.8 4.8 2.0 4.8 4.8 2.0 4.8 4.8 2.0 4.8 4.8 2.0 4.8 4.8 2.0 4.85% 5.7 2.2 5.7 4.8 2.2 6.2 4.1 2.0 5.7 3.8 1.9 4.8 4.1 1.8 4.1 4.8 1.9 3.8 5.7 2.0 4.1 6.2 2.2 4.8

10% 7.2 2.5 7.2 4.8 2.3 9.1 3.6 2.0 7.2 3.2 1.8 4.8 3.6 1.7 3.6 4.8 1.8 3.2 7.2 2.0 3.6 9.1 2.3 4.815% 9.6 2.9 9.6 4.8 2.6 16.6 3.2 2.0 9.1 2.8 1.7 4.8 3.2 1.6 3.2 4.8 1.7 2.8 9.6 2.0 3.2 16.6 2.6 4.820% 14.5 3.4 14.5 4.8 2.8 97.5 2.8 2.0 14.5 2.6 1.6 4.8 2.8 1.6 2.8 4.8 1.6 2.4 14.5 2.0 2.8 97.5 2.8 4.8

L (LENGTH OF SHADOW) = H (HEIGHT) x F (FACTOR)

SOURCE: "PLANNING SOLAR NEIGHBORHOODS", LIVING SYSTEMS

Tree Shadow Plan

Building Shadow Plan

CHAPTER 3.45 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR PARKING LOTS


Section 1. GENERAL

This standard shall apply to all parking lots located within the zoning jurisdiction of the City of Lincoln.

Title 28, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 36 (ADA Accessibility Guidelines), Title 156, Nebraska Administrative Code - Nebraska Accessibility Requirements; and the City of Lincoln, Nebraska Design Standards for Screening and Landscaping, Drainage Criteria Manual and Design Standards for Driveway Design and Location, generally apply to the design of parking lots in the City of Lincoln.

Section 2. POLICIES

2.1 Reviewing Agencies

All plans for the construction of parking lots shall be reviewed and approved by the Department of Public Works, screening and landscape design shall be reviewed and approved by the Lincoln City-Lancaster County Planning Department and the lighting design, if required, shall be reviewed and approved by the Lincoln Electric System.

Section 3. DESIGN

3.1 Layout

The size, location and orientation of the parking spaces and aisles shall conform to the details shown in Figure PL-1. Barriers and islands should generally conform to the details shown on Figure PL-2.

Required accessible parking spaces, including van-accessible spaces, shall be located, designed, marked and signed in conformance with the requirements of Title 28, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 36 (ADA Accessibility Guidelines) and Title 156, Nebraska Administrative Code - Nebraska Accessibility Requirements.

Upon completion of construction of the parking lot, the required parking spaces shall be marked on the parking lot surface with paint formulated for that purpose and in accordance with the approved layout. Parking spaces provided in excess of the number required under Title 27, Lincoln Municipal Code or as required by conditions of a special permit need not be marked, or they may be marked to lesser standards.

3.2 Driveway Approaches

Driveway approaches shall conform to the requirements of the Design Standards for Driveway Design and Location.

3.3 Parking Barriers

Parking barriers must be provided around parking lots to prevent the parked vehicles from overhanging the required yards where parking is prohibited, sidewalk space, public streets, public alleys, or other public or private property and to protect any required landscaping or landscape screen planting.

Approved barriers include the following types:

1. Poured concrete curb - nominal 6" x 6" (152 x 152 mm) exposed.2. Fence - minimum 30" (762 mm) height - wire fabric, solid wood, post and rail, etc.3. Masonry, modular segmental block or concrete wall - minimum 30" (762 mm) height.4. Beam guardrail.

5. Post and cable guardrail.6. Precast concrete wheel stop, firmly and permanently anchored.

Other barriers which fulfill the required function may be permitted, subject to approval by the Public Works and Utilities Department.

Barriers must be located to contain the parking within the approved parking lot. When a concrete curb or precast wheel stop is used as a barrier for perpendicular or angle parking, it must be offset at least 2 feet (0.6 m) from the edge of the parking lot to allow for the front overhang of the vehicle.

3.4 Drainage

Parking lots shall be designed to properly manage the surface drainage accumulating on and flowing onto the site.

For new parking lots containing 6,000 square feet (557 square meters) or more and which are located within 150 feet (45.7 m) of, or reasonably accessible to, an existing storm sewer or other drainageway, including open channels and creeks, but excluding roadway gutters, the parking lot must be graded and surfaced such that storm water runoff from the site is not allowed to discharge through the driveway approaches onto the public street or other property, but is collected on the site by an internal drainage system located on the site and carried to that existing storm sewer. Use of parking lot surfaces and surrounding landscaped areas to provide storm water detention is encouraged.

Parking lot drainage facilities and appurtenances shall be designed and constructed in conformance with the requirements of the Drainage Criteria Manual of the City of Lincoln, Nebraska.

3.5 Surfacing

All parking lots other than nonpermanent lots that are allowed for a maximum period of two years shall be surfaced with one of the following minimum cross sections:

1. Portland cement concrete pavement, 5 inches (125 mm) thick.2. Asphaltic concrete pavement, 6 inches (155 mm) thick.3. 3-inch (75 mm) asphaltic concrete surface on a 4-inch (100 mm) crushed rock or recycled concrete base course.4. Modular pavers, open landscape paving blocks, pervious asphalt surfaces with subdrains or other permanent

surfacing approved by the Public Works and Utilities Department.

It should be noted that the above surfacing sections are intended only to serve as minimum standards for primary use by automobile traffic. In parking lots and drive areas where moderate to heavy truck traffic is anticipated, the structural capacity of the surfacing should be analyzed and the pavement structure designed accordingly. Such instances may require thicker or reinforced sections and special subgrade treatments.

Nonpermanent parking lots may be graveled as approved by the City, and shall be maintained in a dust-free condition during the two-year period they are permitted.

3.6 Landscaping

Interior landscape islands and shade trees shall be required for all parking lots, per the standards set forth in Section 7.1 of Chapter 3.50, Design Standards for Screening and Landscaping.

(Resolution A-91464, February 4, 2019; prior Resolution A-83782, March 20, 2006).

3.7 Perimeter Screening

Parking lots shall be screened along the boundary of the parking lot on all sides as required by Chapter 3.50, Design Standards for Screening and Landscaping. The design and construction of any screen shall be in conformance with Section 14.44.010, Lincoln Municipal Code and the Design Standards for Screening and Landscaping.

(Resolution A-91464, February 4, 2019).

3.8 Lighting (Repealed by Resolution No. A-85023, 9-15-08)

3.9 Continuation of Nonconforming Lighting

The lawful use of parking lot lighting existing immediately prior to the effective date of this resolution may be continued although such use does not conform to this design standard. When any fixture is replaced at its existing location, the design shall meet the standards set forth herein.

3.10 Sidewalks

A pedestrian walkway may be required across or through parking lots by the Public Works and Utilities Department to provide for pedestrian circulation along a direct route to an adjacent sidewalk system. Barrier free access should also be provided across parking lots and between adjacent pedestrian generators such as commercial or public buildings. Barrier free access may include providing ramps at curbs, clear walkways between precast wheel stops, and clearly delineated walkways on the parking lot surface.

Where the most direct pedestrian route between two pedestrian traffic generators is parallel to an internal roadway having a projected average daily traffic volume (ADT) of more than 2,000 vehicles, a separate pedestrian walkway shall be required.

Section 4. PARKING LOT PERMIT APPLICATION

Three (3) copies of the drawings and required documentation containing the information described herein and in the appropriate design standards and all other applicable ordinances, resolutions and special permits shall be submitted with the permit application to the Department of Building and Safety for review and approval by the City. The Department of Building and Safety shall serve as the coordinating agency for the reviews and approvals required by the various departments hereunder.

Included in the submittal shall be a detailed scale drawing of the site showing the location, orientation, and dimensions of existing and proposed parking spaces, aisles, barriers, driveway approaches, buildings, property lines, adjacent streets and roadways, sidewalks, pedestrian ways and drainage facilities. A detailed landscape plan showing the required landscaping and screening and all information required in the Design Standards for Screening and Landscaping. If the parking lot is to be lighted, the following information shall be submitted:

Lighting Plan Review Information

A. Include catalog cuts or data showing lamp characteristics:1. Type (incandescent, fluorescent, HID, etc.)2. Wattage3. Lumen output (initial)4. Lumen maintenance factor (mean or end-of-life)

B. Include catalog cuts showing luminaire characteristics:1. Type (roadway, rectilinear, post top, floodlight, etc.)2. Isofootcandle diagram3. Utilization curve4. Isconcandela diagram

C. Include details and information showing installation specifics:1. Mounting height

2. Tilt angle (when other than 90 degrees to vertical)

D. Include site plan information including:1. Location of parking area on site and site boundaries2. Location of lighting fixtures3. Zoning and type of use on adjacent properties4. Location of buildings on site

E. Documentation showing:1. Calculation of initial average footcandle (fc) level - Formula:

Ave. initial fc = (lamp lumens x coefficient of utilization) ÷ area in sq. ft.

2. Calculation of maintained average footcandle level - Formula:

Ave. initial fc x lamp lumen depreciation x luminaire dirt depreciation

3. Calculation of uniformity ratio - Formula:

Ratio = average initial level ÷ minimum initial level

4. Point-by-point footcandle levels plotted on parking lot site plan.5. Point-by-point footcandle levels at site perimeter plotted on parking lot site plan.

CHAPTER 3.50 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR SCREENING AND LANDSCAPING


Section 1. OBJECTIVE

To achieve a desirable and a permanent landscape screen which will, with a reasonable amount of maintenance, provide a buffer to minimize the visual effect of adjacent incompatible land uses, land uses substantially different, and similar land uses of different character, and to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public.


Section 2. DEFINITION OF A LANDSCAPE SCREEN

A visual buffer consisting of plant material, masonry, wood, other material approved by the Planning Director, and differences in land surface elevations or a combination of these elements. (Slats in a chain link fence shall not be acceptable.)


1. The requirements of this chapter, unless otherwise stated, shall apply to all new construction of structures and/or parking lots and to construction of new additions to existing buildings and/or parking lots provided that the screening and landscaping requirements shall only apply to the area of expansion for building additions and parking lot additions. Notwithstanding the above, when lot area or setbacks are reduced as the result of any conveyance to the federal government, state of Nebraska, any natural resources district, any county, the city, or any village within the zoning jurisdiction of the city under the threat of eminent domain any screening or landscaping required to bring the existing structure and/or parking lot located on the remaining portion of the lot into compliance with these design standards shall automatically be waived and the lot shall be deemed to be in compliance with these design standards

2. Where screening is required, the owner or developer shall submit a detailed and accurately scaled plan clearly showing the following: a. The location, height, and design of the fence screen, earth berm, or excavation and clearly showing the

location and identifying the plant material in the plant material screen. b. A plant material list including the common name, botanical name, quantity, mature height and spread planting

size, and method of handling. c. The total square footage of the parking lot or addition, including driving aisles. Any existing parking areas or

buildings shall be shown and labeled as existing.d. The total square footage of the building or addition. Any existing buildings shall be shown and labeled as

existing.e. The zoning designation of the lot.

Such plan shall be submitted and approved when required by conditions of a plat, special permit, Planned Unit Development, or use permit. Additionally, it shall be submitted and approved prior to the issuance of a final building permit with a structure or parking lot; provided, however, limited construction as permitted by Section 106.4.1 of the Building Code, may proceed without submittal or approval of the landscape plan.

3. Fences shall be installed during construction of the project or as soon as weather permits and shall be inspected and approved prior to permitting initial occupancy of the property. Plant material shall be installed within eight months following completion of the development and initial occupancy of the property unless phased development is permitted or otherwise specified by the Planning Director.

4. Screens over thirty inches (30") in height shall not be installed in the triangular open space required for sight distance for vehicles entering and exiting the property.

5. Screens shall be maintained in a neat appearance and repaired or replaced to the original state if damaged, destroyed, or in need of repair; masonry and wood fences shall be replaced within a period of thirty (30) days, or as soon as weather permits; plant material shall be replaced in the next appropriate planting season (spring or fall, depending on the particular plan material), in accordance with the approved landscape plan. If the screen is totally destroyed by an "Act of God," the replacement period may be extended with a written request approved by the Planning Director.

6. The landscape screen design and the selection of plant material should:a. Allow the sun to shine on habitable buildings and recreation areas, streets, roadways, parking lots, sidewalks

and other traveled ways in winter for solar heat radiation to aid in melting of the snow and ice.b. Provide shade on habitable buildings, recreation areas, streets, roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, and other

traveled ways in summertime to reduce solar heat radiation to aid in the reduction of heat and glare.c. Not increase the drifting of snow onto streets, roadways, parking lots, sidewalks and other traveled ways.

(Resolution A-91464, February 4, 2019; prior Resolution A-84549, September 24, 2007; prior Resolution A-83782, March 20, 2006).

Section 4. PLANT MATERIAL FOR SCREENING AND LANDSCAPING

1. At least one-half (1/2), but no more than three-quarters (3/4) of the screen shall be evergreen plant material, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. An exception would be allowed if in conflict with paragraph 6 of the general requirements. Additional exceptions to the percentage of evergreen plantings may be made to accommodate screens that incorporate ornamental grasses or other understory plant species with seasonal interest.

2. A list of acceptable plant material shall be available upon request in the City Planning Department. This list will specifically identify the size, method of handling, and design spread diameter for each variety of plant material. However, other plant material may be used and added to the list upon meeting the requirements in subparagraph 3 below and with the approval of the Planning Director. If anyone chooses to add a plant to the list, they should submit information such as its mature spread and height, rate of growth and other information as requested by the Planning Director for consideration.

3. The variety of plant material used shall be reasonably:a. Free from litter and offensive odors;b. Resistant to breakage by wind and winter storms;c. Resistant to disease, insect attack and weather stresses;d. Long lived;e. Adaptable to City conditions; andf. Easily transplanted and grown.

4. The installation of the plant material shall be by a certified landscape contractor as approved by the Parks and Recreation Department and shall conform to the approved landscape plan and the general requirements of the City of Lincoln Specifications for Street Trees. These specifications shall be on file at the Planning Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Department of Building and Safety, and City Clerk. The installation may be inspected by the City.

5. The land owner agrees to promote vigorous growth of the required plants by performing continuous and properly timed maintenance. The maintenance responsibility consists of watering, weeding, fertilizing, controlling diseases and insects, pruning, removing tree stakes and ties within 12 months of planting and removing and replacing unhealthy, damaged and/or dead plants. The replacement plant must be the same species, size and in

the same location as shown on the approved landscape plan and planted during the next appropriate planting season. Substitute plants may be permitted by submitting a request to the Director of Planning.

6. The mature size and form of the plant material shall be used in computing the opacity of the screen.7. Deciduous shade trees shall not count toward required screening of the surface from the ground to a height of ten

feet (10’).

(Resolution A-91464, February 4, 2019; prior Resolution A-84549, September 24, 2007; Resolution A-83782, March 20, 2006).

Section 5. FENCE SCREENS

1. Fence screens shall be installed to withstand wind pressures and in accordance with the acceptable practices and the installation shall be inspected by the City as provided in Section 3. General Requirements, paragraph 4.

2. Acceptable fence materials for landscape screening include masonry, stone, and wood, but exclude chain link fences (with or without slats). Chain link fencing may continue to be used for security or other purposes. Alternative fence materials being used for screening must be approved by the Planning Director.

3. Plant material may be combined with masonry or wood fence.4. Fences do not need to be completely opaque.5. The height of fences shall conform to Title 27 of the Lincoln Municipal Code.6. Generally, fences should not slope with the ground, but should be built on level lines. (See Figure 1).7. The color of the fences should be in the neutral range of colors. Concrete and metal fences may be used in the

screening of salvage and scrap processing operations. Chain link fencing may be used for security of other purposes but is not acceptable screen material with or without slats.


Section 6. BERM AND EXCAVATION

1. The side slopes shall not exceed three to one (horizontal to vertical) without the use of retaining material.2. The land surface shall be protected to prevent erosion. The means of protection shall be either:

a. Sodding, to be done as soon as weather permits;b. Seeding with grass if permitted, depending on erosion control measures and the steepness of the slope; orc. Planting with an approved permanent ground cover.

3. Retaining walls shall be constructed in accordance with acceptable engineering standards.


Section 7. LOCATION, COVERAGE, AND LAYOUT STANDARDS FOR SCREENS

7.1 Parking Lots, Parking Areas, and Driving Aisles

It is the intention of the perimeter screening, interior landscaping, and shade tree standards for parking lots and parking areas to provide an aesthetically pleasing visual screening and softening of the facility while not seriously impairing observation of the lot from public ways for the sake of security.

A. Perimeter Screen Location, Coverage, and Layout 1. The perimeter of parking lots, parking areas, and driving aisles shall be screened from the ground to three

feet (3’) above the surface of the lot within a minimum six-foot (6’) landscape strip.2. The screen shall be evenly distributed horizontally but may vary in height.

3. The screen shall be located adjacent to the parking area but far enough from the edge so as to be protected from the bumpers of other vehicles.

4. The required screen coverage shall be dependent on the proximity of the parking lot to the lot line or edge of pavement on private streets. The table that follows identifies these coverage requirements.

Table 1. Required Screen Coverage Proximity to Lot Line Screen Coverage

0-35' 90% 35'-50' 60%

50'-100' 30% 100' or Greater Not Required

If plant material is used, the density percentage shall be calculated at plant maturity.

5. Fences may not be used to meet this screening requirement when adjacent to a public street or private roadway.

6. In the B-1, B-3, H-1, H-2, and H-3 zoning districts, the front six (6) feet of the required front yard shall be entirely devoted to landscaping in accordance with parking lot design standards.

B. Perimeter Screen Exclusions and Exceptions1. Driveway throats/driveway curb cuts shall be excluded from the required screen.2. No screen shall be required between abutting parking lots or parking lots separated only by an alley.3. No screen shall be required between the parking lot and the building being served by that parking lot.4. No screen shall be required in the front yard for a parking lot, parking area, or driving aisle on lots that have

less than an average lot depth of 150 feet.5. On corner lots, the front six feet landscape area shall be required along each street unless the distance between

the street right-of-way and the opposite lot line is less than 150 feet.6. The required landscape strip may be reduced to three feet (3’) in width when a masonry wall or fence is to be

used as a screen.

C. Interior Landscaping Location, Coverage, and Layout1. For parking lots 6,000 square feet or greater, interior landscape islands shall be located at the end of every

parking row, between the last parking space and an adjacent travel aisle or driveway (See Figure 4). The interior width of the island – measured from back-of-curb to back-of-curb – shall be no less than nine (9) feet. The minimum interior square footage for a single row island shall be 125 square feet, while the minimum square footage for a double row island shall be 250 square feet. Islands shall be planted with some combination of turf, trees, and understory landscaping such as shrubs, ornamental grasses and flowering perennials. In islands with trees, rock mulch may be allowed as an alternative groundcover to turf or understory landscaping.

2. Double rows of parking shall not exceed forty (40) consecutive stalls without an internal island break (See Figure 5).

3. For parking lots that exceed 200 stalls, interior landscape islands shall account for at least ten percent (10%) of the total parking lot square footage.

D. Shade Tree Location, Coverage, and Layout1. For parking lots 6,000 square feet or greater, there shall be planted within the paved area a minimum of one

(1) shade tree, plus one (1) additional shade tree for every 6,000 square feet of parking lot paving. See the table below for a summary of typical shade tree requirements.

Table 2. Shade Tree Requirements for Parking Lots Size of Parking Lot Required Shade Trees

6,000 - 11,999 sq. ft. 2 12,000 - 17,999 sq. ft. 3 18,000 - 23,999 sq. ft. 4

2. Each required internal landscape island for a double row of parking shall have at least one (1) shade tree.3. The unpaved planting area around each tree shall be not less than 80 square feet and shall be constructed in

such a manner as to prevent intrusion of vehicles into said planting area. 4. Those required shade trees (per Subsection 7.1, D., 1.) not required to be planted within double row islands

may be planted along the perimeter of the parking lot within eight feet (8') of the paved area. Each tree planted along the perimeter of the parking lot may be used for one-half (1/2) of the required total of shade trees required within the paved area as set forth in Subsection 7.1, D., 1.

5. Trees in or along the perimeter of a parking lot that are required to meet the screening provisions of Section 7.5 may be counted toward these parking lot tree requirements.

E. Shade Tree Exclusions and Exceptions1. If the interior landscape islands are to be used as part of a stormwater management solution that includes

substantial landscaping, such as raingardens or bioretention beds, the required shade trees may be located at the perimeter of the parking lot in the same required quantities.

2. If the interior landscape islands are to be planted with native and drought-tolerant plant species with intent of creating a more water-efficient landscape, the required shade trees may be located at the perimeter of the parking lot in the same required quantities. A recommended Native and Drought-Tolerant Plant Material List can be obtained from the Planning Department.

3. If other site elements located within an interior landscape island conflict with a mature shade tree within said island, alternative tree types may be substituted.

(Resolution A-92853, July 26, 2021; prior Resolution A-91464, February 4, 2019; Resolution A-90537, June 19, 2017; Resolution A-84549, September 24, 2007; Resolution A-83782, March 20, 2006).

7.2 Screening for Mobile Home Courts and Mobile Home Subdivisions Approved by Special Permit

A. Screen Location, Coverage, and Layout1. The screen shall cover at least sixty percent (60%) of the surface from the ground to a height of ten feet (10')

above the adjacent ground elevation of the mobile home court and mobile home subdivision. 2. The screen shall be evenly distributed horizontally but may vary in height.3. This screen shall be required along each side of the mobile home court and mobile home subdivision and shall

be located within the fifty foot (50') exterior open space or between the mobile homes and the exterior boundary.

B. Screen Exclusions and Exceptions

Entrance roadways and the required open space for sight distance associated with intersections shall be excluded from the required screen.


7.3 Screening for Multiple Family Dwellings Approved by Special Permit, Planned Unit Development, and Use Permit

1. A screen shall be provided between the property line and all multi-family dwelling structures, garages, maintenance buildings, etc, and shall meet the following requirements:a. The screen shall cover at least fifty percent (50%) of the surface area of a vertical plane extending along the

property line from six feet to fifteen feet (6' to 15') above the adjacent ground elevation of multiple dwelling structures, garages, maintenance buildings, etc.

b. The screen shall be evenly distributed horizontally but may vary in height.c. This screen shall be located between the multi-family dwelling and the adjacent property line.

2. When a multi-family dwelling is permitted above the zoning district height adjacent to an existing or planned single or two family dwelling, the additional setback area for such multi-family dwelling, except as provided in Section 7.3.A., paragraph 3 below, shall be devoted only to trees, shrubs, and grasses. The screen shall meet the following requirements: a. The screen shall cover at least fifty percent (50%) of the surface area of a vertical plane extending along the

property line from six feet to twenty-five feet (6' to 25') above the adjacent ground elevation of the multiple dwelling.

b. The screen shall be evenly distributed horizontally but may vary in height.c. This screen shall be located between the multi-family dwelling and the adjacent property line.

3. When garages, driveways, or other accessory buildings for the multi-family dwelling are permitted in the setback area required in 7.3.A., paragraph 2 above, a higher-intensity screen shall be provided between the property line and such buildings. The screen shall meet the following requirements:a. The screen shall cover at least fifty percent (50%) of the surface area of a vertical plane extending along the

property line from six feet to twenty-five feet (6' to 25') above the adjacent ground elevation of the garage and/or other accessory building.

b. The screen shall be evenly distributed horizontally but may vary in height.c. The screen shall be located between such buildings and the adjacent property line.

(Resolution A-91464, February 4, 2019; prior Resolution A-86877; July 9, 2012; Resolution A-83782, March 20, 2006).

7.4 Screening for Residential Lots Backing Onto Major Streets and Railroads

A. Screen Location, Coverage, and Layout1. The screen shall cover at least sixty percent (60%) of the surface area of a vertical plane extending along the

entire length of the street or railroads abutting the lots and from the ground elevation at the lot line to ten feet (10') above the surface elevation of the street or railroad.

2. The screen shall be evenly distributed horizontally but may vary in height.3. This screen may be located in the street right-of-way when the right-of-way is 120 feet or greater. If the street

right-of-way is less than 120 feet, the screen shall be located on private property and along the lot line. 4. When using an opaque fence or masonry wall to meet the screening requirement, at least one third (1/3) of the

vertical surface of the required fence or wall shall be softened with landscaping (See Figure 2).

The plants shall be located on the street side of the fence. An opening in the fence (one per lot or joint access for two lots) is required for access to maintain the major street right-of-way, unless a property owners association is made responsible for the maintenance.

B. Screen Exclusions and Exceptions1. Open space for sight distance associated with street intersections shall be excluded from the required screen.


7.5 Screening for Adjacent Land Uses and Zoning Districts of Substantially Different Character; B-1, B-2, B-3, H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, B-5, O-2, I-1, I-2, I-3 Abutting Residential Districts

A. Screen Location, Coverage, and Layout1. In the B-1, B-2, B-3, H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, B-5, O-2, I-1, I-2, and I-3 zoning districts, the following screen

requirements apply when abutting a residential district:

a. The screen shall cover at least sixty percent (60%) of the surface area of a vertical plane extending along the entire length of the property line and from the ground elevation to a height of ten feet (10') above the adjacent ground elevation.

b. The screen shall be evenly distributed horizontally but may vary in height.c. This screen shall generally be located adjacent to the property line abutting the different uses.

2. When the abutting residential district is across an alley from the above-listed zoning districts and the commercial and/or industrial uses in said district take a driveway access from the alley, the screen shall be located adjacent to the property line of the commercial and/or industrial use along that portion of the alley not utilized for the driveway approach(es). The screen that would otherwise be required along that portion of the alley used as a driveway shall be located on the abutting residential property with the permission of the owner; provided that this portion of the screen is not required if the abutting residential property owner refuses to grant permission for the screen to be installed on his/her property.

(Resolution A-91464, February 4, 2019; prior Resolution A-84549, September 24, 2007).

7.6 Additional Open Space Screening for the O-3, B-2, B-5, H-2, H-4, I-2, and I-3 Districts and Churches in R-1 through R-4 Residential Districts

A. Screen Location, Coverage, and Layout1. For all buildings which equal or exceed 10,000 square feet of building coverage, the following landscape

screening shall be provided: a. Three (3) deciduous shade trees for every 10,000 square feet of building coverage.b. Four hundred (400) square feet of understory shrubs and/or ornamental grasses for every 10,000 square

feet of building coverage. See the table below for a summary of typical shade tree and understory requirements.

Table 3. Additional Open Space Screening Building Coverage Required Shade Trees Required Understory

10,000 - 19,999 sq. ft. 3 400 sq. ft. 20,000 - 29,999 sq. ft. 6 800 sq. ft. 30,000 - 39,999 sq. ft. 9 1,200 sq. ft. 40,000 - 49,999 sq. ft. 12 1,600 sq. ft.

c. Ornamental trees may be used in lieu of deciduous shade trees but shall only be credited one-half (1/2) of a deciduous shade tree.


7.7 Screening for Salvage Yards

A. Screen Location, Coverage, and Layout

1. The area outside a building used for the storage of salvage material in connection with the operation of a salvage yard shall be screened to cover at least ninety percent (90%) of the surface area of a vertical plane from the ground elevation to a height of six feet (6') above the ground elevation.

2. The screen shall be evenly distributed horizontally but may vary in height.3. The screen shall be installed along the entire perimeter of the outdoor storage area.4. Concrete and metal fences may be used in the screening of salvage and scrap processing operations. Chain

link fencing may be used for security or other purposes, but is not acceptable screening material with or without slats. The use of solely plant material to screen salvage yards and scrap processing operations is not acceptable.

5. If such screening is ineffective because of the topography of the premises or surrounding area or the presence of a public street viaduct, the ninety percent (90%) screen shall be extended to the height necessary to obstruct the view of the salvage material or vehicles waiting repair. The screen below a height of six feet (6') shall be accomplished by fences or differences in land surface elevations.

B. Screen Exclusions and Exceptions1. No screening shall be required along the perimeter of the outdoor storage area where such area abuts the

outside storage area of another salvage yard screened in accordance with a landscape screen approved by the City.

(Resolution A-91464, February 4, 2019; prior Resolution A-86876; June 25, 2012).

7.8 Screening for Day Care Centers and Preschools Approved by Special Permit

1. The screen shall cover at least 90 percent (90%) of the surface area of a vertical plane from the ground elevation to six feet (6') in height.

2. The screen shall be evenly distributed horizontally but may vary in height.3. The screen shall be installed along the periphery of the outdoor play area.


7.9 Screening for Broadcast Towers

A. Screen Location, Coverage, and Layout1. Deciduous and evergreen trees shall be planted around the perimeter of the tower to screen the tower from

adjacent properties.2. The screen shall consist of one (1) tree per twenty-five (25) linear of the tower enclosure.3. Fifty percent (50%) or more of the required trees shall be a variety reasonably expected to grow to a mature

height of thirty-five feet (35') or more.

B. Screen Exclusions and Exceptions1. Broadcast towers mounted on the top of existing structures are exempted from the screening requirements.


7.10 Screening for R-T District Screening

1. The screen shall cover at least sixty percent (60%) of the surface area of a vertical plane extending along the entire length of each side and rear lot line adjacent to a residential district from the ground to a height of ten feet (10') above the adjacent ground elevation.

2. The screen shall be evenly distributed horizontally but may vary in height.3. When using an opaque fence or masonry wall to meet the screening requirement, at least one-half (1/2) of the

vertical surface of the required fence or wall shall be softened with landscaping (see Figure 2).


7.11 Screening for Outdoor Storage and/or Display of Merchandise for Service/Repair Facilities Including Motorized Vehicle Service and Repair Facilities and/or Contractor Services, Outdoor Refuse Areas, Recycling Bins, Open Storage, Loading Areas, and Ground Level Mechanical Equipment.

1. The area outside a building used for storage and/or display of merchandise for service/ repair facilities (including motorized vehicle service and repair facilities) and/or contractor services, and outdoor refuse areas, recycling bins, open storage, loading areas, and ground level mechanical equipment associated with all uses shall be

screened if they are located within 150 feet of street right-of-way and within the public view or abutting a residential district.

2. The screen shall cover at least sixty percent (60%) of the surface area of a vertical plane from the ground elevation to a height of ten feet (10').

3. The screen shall be evenly distributed horizontally but may vary in height.4. When using an opaque fence or masonry wall to meet the screening requirement, at least one-half (1/2) of the

vertical surface of the required fence or wall shall be softened with landscaping (see Figure 2).

(Resolution A-91464, February 4, 2019; prior Resolution A-87209, February 11, 2013; Resolution A-86876, June 25, 2012; Resolution A-83782, March 20, 2006).

7.12 Screening for Motorized Vehicle Sales Display Areas

A. Screen Location, Coverage, and Layout1. In the B-1 and B-3 zoning districts, the following screen requirements apply as conditions of use for

motorized vehicle sales and/or repair/services facilities:a. Any facility located within 100 feet of any residential use or district which was lawfully established in

the B-1 or B-3 zoning district on the effective date of these Design Standards, shall screen the facility from such residential use or district by the use of an opaque fence six feet in height, constructed of wood or of a substitute material acceptable to the Director of Building and Safety. This requirement shall not apply when said residential use or district is across a public street from the motorized vehicle sales and/or repair facility, but shall apply if said residential use or district is across an alley or private drive from said facility.

2. In the H-2 and H-3 zoning districts, the following screen requirements apply as conditions of use for motorized vehicle sales and/or repair/services facilities:a. The front twelve feet of the front yard shall be devoted to shrubs and grasses.b. The front twelve feet of the front yard not permitted to be used for the storage of vehicles for sale and

resale shall be screened at least sixty percent from zero feet to two feet above the surface of the lot. The design and construction of the landscaping shall be in conformance with the Design Standards for Screening and Landscaping except that fences may not be used to meet the above screening requirements. If plant material is used, the density percentage is calculated using the design size found in the City of Lincoln’s plant material list approved by the Planning Director. The landscape screen shall be located throughout the area but far enough from the barrier so as to be protected from the bumpers of overhanging vehicles. Entrance driveways shall be excluded from the required screen.

c. No fence shall be erected in the front yard.


7.13 Screening for Downtown Lincoln

A. Screen Location, Coverage, and Layout

1. Those properties located within the B-4 and O-1 Districts are subject to the following screening requirements:a. Any on-site surface parking shall be paved and must be screened with plant materials, masonry walls, or

masonry and metal (not chain-link) fences, or some combination thereof, to provide at least a 90% screen from grade to three feet above the grade.

b. Parking shall be set back six feet from the property line if only plant materials are used for screening or set back three feet if fence or wall are used.

B. Request for Waiver

1. All requests for waivers to the screening requirements for Downtown Lincoln shall follow the procedures set forth in the Design Standards, CHAPTER 1.00 REQUEST FOR WAIVER, PROCEDURE | Section 2.

PROCEDURE | 2.5 Lincoln Downtown, South Haymarket, Neighborhood and Accessory Dwelling Design Standards.


7.14 Street Trees

A. Screen Location, Coverage, and Layout1. As a requirement of the commercial building permitting process for new construction, street trees shall be

required per the standards set forth in CHAPTER 2.35 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR STREET TREES.2. CHAPTER 2.35 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR STREET TREES | Section 1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

provides direction on where street trees may be located within the City right-of-way. If the required street trees cannot be located in the right-of-way because of these requirements, or due to other unavoidable circumstances of the built environment, a portion or all of the required street trees may be exempted from being planted. This determination shall be made by the Parks and Recreation Department during the building permit review process.

B. Request for Waiver1. All requests for waivers to the street tree requirements shall follow the procedures set forth in the Design

Standards, CHAPTER 1.00 REQUEST FOR WAIVER, PROCEDURE | Section 2. PROCEDURE | 2.1 General.


FIGURE 1: FENCE AND GROUND SLOPE DIAGRAM

FIGURE 2: VERTICAL PLANE AND FENCE SOFTENING DIAGRAM

FIGURE 3: ABUTTING PARKING LOTS DIAGRAM

FIGURE 4: PARKING LOT INTERIOR LANDSCAPING DIAGRAM

FIGURE 5: INTERNAL ISLAND BREAKS DIAGRAM

Section 8. PROCEDURES

All plans and documents required to be submitted by the Owner hereunder shall be filed with the Building Official. Three (3) copies of a detailed and accurately scaled layout showing the screening and landscaping shall be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Director. The Building Official shall serve as the coordinating agency for reviews and approval required by the various departments hereunder.

Upon final inspection approval for new construction of structures and/or parking lots or for the construction of new additions to existing buildings and/or parking lots, a Landscape Enforcement Record shall be created. From the point in time in which a Landscape Enforcement Record is created, the Owner shall have eight (8) months to complete all screening and landscaping improvements included as part of the approved permit plans.

Once the eight-month window has elapsed, an inspection will be completed by the Planning Department to determine compliance. If it is determined during the course of this inspection that the property is not in compliance with the approved screening/landscape plan, the Building Official will send a notification of non-compliance to the property owner. A determination of non-compliance may be found if the property meets one or more of the following conditions:

1. A significant portion or all of the approved screening/landscaping has not been installed.

2. The screening/landscaping that has been installed deviates significantly enough from the approved screening/landscape plan that it no longer meets the intent of the design standards.

3. The screening/landscaping was installed but has not been adequately maintained – as described in Section 4, paragraph 5 of this chapter – and no longer meets the intent of the design standards.

The notification will clearly delineate the steps that need to be followed to bring the screening/landscaping into compliance. From the date that the letter is sent, the owner will be given an additional six (6) months to comply. If it is determined at the end of this second six-month period that the property is still in non-compliance, the Building Official may revoke the certificate of occupancy or refer the case to the City Attorney’s Office.


CHAPTER 3.55 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

The Parks and Recreation Department is assigned responsibility for administration of these design standards.

Section 1. TENNIS COURTS

Standard overall size for a one unit tennis court shall be 60 feet (60') x 120 feet (120'). Playing lines shall be placed for both single and double play, as recommended by the U.S. Tennis Association. For a multi-court system, twelve feet (12') clearance between playing lines of courts and twenty feet (20') at back sides between the edge of out surface or fence, shall be maintained. Overall tennis court area shall be fenced, either by complete enclosure with walk-in gates (maintenance gates also needed) or partial enclosure covering two-thirds (2/3) of lateral dimension and back sides, leaving mid-section's one third (1/3) open, both sides of the court. Fence fabric shall be rust proof, minimum 10 feet (10') high, nine (9) gauge chain link fencing. Top and mid-rail shall be used and posts shall not exceed 10 foot (10') spacing center to center. The tennis courts may be constructed using concrete or asphalt. Concrete courts shall be at least five inches (5") thick with eight (8) gauge woven wire mesh reinforcing, expansion and contraction joints shall be of compatible non-tracking joint filler and placed where they will least disrupt playing area. The concrete is to be placed on a well compacted sub-grade and minimum four inches (4") of sand/gravel cushion. Asphaltic courts shall be at least five inches (5") thick, place on a well compacted and stabilized sub-grade with minimum eight inches (8") of sand/gravel cushion. The overall dimensions of both types of courts shall overlap fence lines by at least six (6) on all sides as preventative maintenance.

Section 2. SWIMMING POOLS

Swimming pools shall be designed by a competent licensed engineer or architect. Design shall follow sanitary and safety requirements for construction, equipment, operation of pools and preparation of bather facilities as covered in the Nebraska Swimming Pool Act by the State of Nebraska Department of Health, including all applicable codes, rule and regulations of Lancaster County and City of Lincoln.

Section 3. GOLF COURSES

Golf course design and construction shall be accomplished by a licensed golf course architect. The design shall follow recommendations of U.S. Golf Association, and/or other reliable golf associations of national standings.

Section 4. PLAYGROUND DESIGN STANDARDS

4.1 Equipment Type

A. All heavy duty play equipment shall be manufactured by manufacturers of heavy duty playground equipment as named in Appendix A.

B. Custom design and built play equipment not manufactured by a heavy duty playground company shall meet the recommendations of the "National Recreation and Parks Association" which are given in the following areas shall be considered in the design of and construction of playground equipment:1. Materials of manufacturer and construction.2. Sharp edges, points, protrusions and crush points.3. Moving impact.4. Entrapment5. Falls from equipment

4.2 Safety

A. All play equipment shall have at least a 6 foot (6') safety distance with no obstructions around its perimeter unless otherwise stated.1. Swing shall have a 12 foot (12') safety distance measured from the center rail (where the swings are hung

from) to the front of the swing and 12 feet (12') from the center rail to the rear of the swing. This shall be a total of 24 feet (24')

2. Slides shall have a safety distance of six feet (6') to eight feet (8') measured from the point of exit.3. 10 foot (10') Whirl or larger shall have an 8 foot (8') safety area around its perimeter.

B. Safety Ground cover shall be either 6 inches (6") or 8 inches (8") of sand, sand/gravel or approved rubber mat (at least 1 1/8" thick). The safety ground cover shall be required in all safety areas in and around equipment.

C. Equipment that is area directional, such as slides, shall be oriented to minimize the hazards of direct hot sun rays. Tennis and other court game surfaces shall be constructed in a north-south direction.

D. All equipment shall be installed as per manufacturer's specifications. Both custom equipment and standard manufactured equipment shall meet the safety requirements as outlined in No. 1, A-Equipment Types and No. 1, B-Custom Equipment.

E. Maintenance shall be required and made as the need arises. The following table shall serve as a safety check list:

4.3 Suggested Playground Equipment Maintenance Safety Checklist

ITEM LOOK FOR

Structure Sharp edges, bending, exposing moving parts, warping, cracking, loosening, breaking, etc.

Surface Finish No protective coating, rust, other corrosion, cracks, splinters, checking, harmful, preservatives or points, etc.

Hardware Missing, bent, broken, loosened, open hooks, etc.Edges Sharp points, or edges protruding bolts, or other protrusions, etc.Pinch or Crush Points Exposed mechanisms, junctures of moving components, etc.Mechanical Devices and Other Worn bearings, lubrication needed, missing protective covers, etc.Hand Rails Missing, bent broken, loosened, etc.Ladders and Steps Missing rungs or steps, broken, loosened, etc.Swing Seats Missing, damaged, loosened, sharp corners, etc.Footings Exposed, cracked, loose in grounds, etc.

Protective Surfacing Under Compacted, displaced to ineffective level, does not extend to potential impact area, unsanitary, poor drainage, etc.

Section 5. OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL LIGHTING

(Repealed by Resolution No. A-85023, 9-15-08)

CHAPTER 3.65 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR HIKER BIKER TRAILS

The Department of Parks and Recreation is assigned responsibility for administration of these design standards.

Section 1. CLEARING

Any vegetation, except grasses, should be cleared a minimum of 3 feet from the edge of the bike route surfacing. Overhead clearance should be maintained for a 10-foot minimum. All dead branches and trunks should be removed from above the trail. All vegetation, including roots, on the subgrade should be removed down to bare earth.

Typical Section Showing Clearing & Drainage

Section 2. DRAINAGE

Drainage should be properly handled to prevent washouts, and to avoid ground saturation beneath the trail. The trail should be sloped to provide runoff, and ditches should be provided where necessary. Underdrains may be necessary in very wet places to prevent frost action with resultant heaving.

In special instances, catch basins and drains may be needed.

C. BASES

Bases and subbases need to be adequately prepared to protect the surface. Removal of topsoil, stumps and roots and compaction of subgrade will normally be adequate. In wet or otherwise poor conditions, crushed stone or slag may be necessary for stability. General specifications for sidewalks, light-duty roads or driveways will generally be applicable.

TYPICAL SECTIONS - BASE DESIGN

A good quality sterilient will be placed directly upon the subgrade.

Section 4. SIGHT DISTANCES

The sight distance to any hazard or potential hazard must be a minimum of 50 feet at 10 m.p.h. that allows four seconds to react to any obstacle or hazard. If this sight distance cannot be provided, warning signs must be posted.

Section 5. GRADE

Bike paths shall not exceed a 5% grade (except for very short distances). If difficult grade problems cannot be overcome, measures should include the provision of rest stops or lower grade "switchbacks". Table 1 shows some suggested relationships between grade and grade-lengths.

TABLE 1GRADE AND GRADE LENGTH CRITERIA

Bikeway Gradient Desirable Normal Length Maximum Length10.0 % Not Recommended 33' (10 meters) 66' (20 meters)

5.0 Not Recommended 131' (40 m) 262' (80 m)4.5 82' (25 meters) 167' (51 m) 334' (102 m)

TABLE 1GRADE AND GRADE LENGTH CRITERIA

Bikeway Gradient Desirable Normal Length Maximum Length4.0 102' (31 m) 203' (62 m) 410' (125 m)3.5 148' (45 m) 295' (90 m) 590' (180 m)3.3 148' (45 m) 295' (90 m) 590' (180 m)2.9 200' (61 m) 400' (122 m) 800' (244 m)2.5 262' (80 m) 525' (160 m) 1,050' (320 m)1.7 590' (180 m) 1,180' (360 m) - - - - - - - -1.5 - - - - - - - - 2,100' (640 m) - - - - - - - -

Section 6 . RADIUS OF A CURVATURE

Figure 1Standard Superelevation for Bikeways

In these standards, a design speed of 20 m.p.h. is recommended for Bike Paths. The following simple linear equation which related curve radius to design speed at the relatively low speeds bicycles normally travel will be used to arrive at radius of curvature.

R = 1.25 v + 1.4WhereV = speed in m.p.h.R = curve radius in feetThis equation allows for a minimum R of 58' at a V of 20 m.p.h. Since Biker Paths in the Parks are used for both pedestrians and bicycles, a maximum of .06 foot per floor superelevation will be used. Figure 1 below (Standard Superelevation for Bikeways, Source: State of Oregon) will be used to determine superelevation up to the maximum allowable.

Plot of V = tan 0 + ∫ qR 1 ∫ tan 0

WhereV = velocity, ft/secq = acceleration due to gravity, ft/secR = radius of curvature, ft∫ = coefficient of fraction on dry pavement = 0.4tan 0 = superelevation rate, ft/ftCurvature shall be based on a normal design speed of 20 m.p.h. Within limits shown, either the radius or the superelevation may be varied to fit individual situations. The dependent variable may be selected from the adjacent chart. Descending grades in excess of 7% will have a design speed of 30 m.p.h. Climbing grades in excess of 3% may use a 15 m.p.h. design speed. The descending grade determines the design speed on two-way bikeways.Bike Paths with curves of radii of less than 100 feet will be widened in accordance to the attached methodology in Figure 2 as developed by the State of Oregon. Maximum widening is limited to 4 feet.

Source: State of Oregon

Figure 2CURVE WIDENING

Source: State of Oregon

When widening reaches 4 ft. ( Δ > 96.4°), that width shall be carried on a radius of R-4 through the central portion of the curve ( Δ > 96.4°) as shown on the right.

Section 7. WIDTH OF PATH

Minimum width is six feet, this will allow a cyclist in one direction to meet and pass a cyclist going in the opposite direction.

Section 8. BRIDGES

The width of bridges will need to be the minimum width of the path.

Section 9. BIKE PATH GRAPHICS

9.1 Route Signing

a. All bikeway signing shall conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Design.

b. Adequate signing should be deployed at all decision points along a bikeway. This includes both signs informing the cyclist of directional changes and confirmatory signs to ensure that route changes have been correctly perceived.

9.2. Bike Pedestrian and Roadway Crossing Signs

a. Warning signs indicating to motorists that bicycles should be anticipated and to cyclists that motor vehicles or pedestrians may be encountered should be installed on the approaches to points of potential conflict and at high activity areas. Included are:1. Points where a bikeway crosses a roadway or sidewalk.2. At bikeway starts and terminations or transition areas involving potential conflict movements.3. At intense activity areas such as the vicinity of parks, schools, recreational facilities and community centers.

b. Motorist directed warning signs on urban streets should be placed at least a half block in advance of the conflict point, and in all circumstances such signing whether directed to motorists or cyclists should be place sufficiently in advance of the conflict point to permit appropriate perception and reaction. Additional cyclist directed warning signs may be installed as required to warn cyclists of specific hazardous conditions.

CHAPTER 3.75 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN STANDARDS


Section 1. INTRODUCTION

Certain areas of Lincoln within the well-established neighborhoods have evolved into relatively dense residential sections which retain much of the traditional physical character of their original lower density development. These are areas of the City that were within the city limits to December 31, 1949, and are potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The purpose of the Neighborhood Design Standards is to encourage rehabilitation of existing housing in such areas, while allowing necessary new construction that is compatible with the surrounding development.

The standards focus on a limited number of basic design elements which have significant effect on compatibility, such as orientation of windows and entrances toward the street, height and massing, and location of parking. The written standards are accompanied by a sketchbook which both illustrates the basic requirements and makes suggestions of additional means and ideas to achieve greater compatibility. Together, the design standards and the sketchbook are intended to encourage neighborhood associations, developers, and builders to look closely at the existing features of older areas and to think about the effect new building design has in those neighborhoods. These standards and suggestions cannot guarantee good design—only the talents and efforts of owners, designers, and builders do that—but they hopefully will eliminate certain design features that most negatively impact the character of older neighborhoods. (Amended Resolution No. A-83068, 11-1-04; Res. No. A-82591, 3-1-2004).

Section 2. WORK REQUIRING REVIEW

The design standards apply to new construction of principal buildings on land located within the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7 and R-8 districts, and subsequent modifications to those buildings, provided such land was within the corporate limits of the City on December 31, 1949.

The following categories of work do not require review under the Neighborhood Design Standards (although other building and zoning codes may apply):

1. Alterations to buildings existing at the date of enactment of these standards;2. Landscape changes to existing developed sites;3. Construction of accessory buildings on existing developed lots;4. Any interior aspects of new or existing construction.5. Construction of detached accessory dwellings, which does not require review under these Design Standards, but

shall follow the design standards in Chapter 3.115.

(Resolution A-90827; 12-18-17; Amended Resolution No. A-83068, 11-1-04; Res. A-82591, 3-1-2004).

Section 3. APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS

The review process for the Neighborhood Design Standards is designed to parallel the current building permit review process. That is, review for compliance with the Neighborhood Design Standards will take place at the same time that other components of the building permit are examined. In doing so, all attempts are made to avoid increased time for review and approval. To facilitate this administrative review process, the applicant will be requested to submit certain additional items with the normal building permit application. Those items are as follows:

1. At least one black or blue line print showing the principal street facade, the side facades, and the site plan of the proposed building. (Amended Resolution No. A-83068, 11-1-04; Res. No. A-82591, 3-1-2004 ).


4.1 Building Elements

1. New buildings shall utilize a roof type and pitch commonly found within the same and facing block front. Hipped or gable roofs with pitch of at least 22.5 degrees (6/12 pitch) are acceptable for any project regulated by the Neighborhood Design Standards. Roofs of lower pitch and other types may be compatible in specific districts, and can be proposed and approved on an individual basis. In such cases, the applicant should cite specific examples within a block of the project location comparable to the proposed building in height and to the proposed roof in type and pitch.

2. Existing residential structures within established neighborhoods typically share similar design features, such as a common orientation to the street, seen in the location of entrances, windows, and porches. New buildings shall provide at least two openings (combination of windows or door) per story oriented to the street including at least one window and an entrance to a dwelling unit or to a hallway leading to a dwelling unit.

On corner properties with two required front yards, the principal facade for purposes of orientation (requiring door and windows) shall match the pattern of half or more of the houses on the same and facing block fronts, if such a pattern exists The other required front yard shall not be required to have an entrance to a dwelling unit but shall meet other requirements for a principal facade (regarding windows, limitations on garage doors, and building length).

3. Front porches are required, when half or more of the houses on the same and facing block fronts or on adjacent blocks have front porches. Front porches shall be equal in width to at least 50% of the length of the front facade and equal in depth to half the depth of the front yard, or ten feet, whichever is less. Smaller porches may be approved based on evidence that half or more of the houses on the same and facing block fronts or on the adjacent block faces have smaller porches.

4. Exterior stairs serving second floor units are not allowed on street facades.5. The elevation of the first floor level of new dwellings shall generally match the pattern of half or more of the

houses on the same and facing block fronts. In other words, if the first floor of most houses in an area are positioned three or four steps above the prevailing grade, new dwellings should have a similar height of first floor, and if most surrounding houses are one or no steps above grade, new construction should match this characteristic.

The Planning Director may approve designs that do not meet this requirement upon receiving information that there are no other practical and reasonable means of providing accessibility to a new dwelling for persons with mobility impairments, and provided the design offers other features to enhance the compatibility of the new building with neighboring dwellings.

(These Design Standards do not supercede floodplain or accessibility standards but neither are these Standards waived for those other public purposes. Good design and planning can meet multiple objectives.)

6. In areas subject to these Standards that do not have prevailing patterns (such as new streets developed as Community Unit Plans [CUPs]), the general intent is to produce dwellings which are oriented to principal access ways and have the “neighborly” design characteristics called for in these standards, while respecting the creative design elements fostered by CUPs.

7. Garages, if constructed, shall follow the pattern of half or more of the residential properties on the same and facing block front, such as:a. if the pattern in an area is that garages are located behind the house, a pattern of rear garages shall be

followed;b. if the pattern in an area is that garages are attached or that garages are part of the main building with doors

facing the street, doors for not more than two stalls are permitted on a portion of the main building facing a

front lot line, provided such doors shall not occupy more than 40% of the length of the principal street facade. Garage doors are permitted in the main plane of the facade or forward of the main plane only when documentation is provided that such a feature is the pattern of half or more of the houses in an area (such as post-World War II “ranch” houses)

c. if there is no garage pattern shared by at least half of the residential properties on the same and facing block front, garages may be attached and face the street provided the garage portion of the building is set back from the main plane of the principal facade at least five feet.

8. Height of new buildings should be similar to that of existing residences on the same and facing block fronts. New buildings shall be acceptable that are not taller than the tallest residential structure, nor shorter than the shortest residential structure, built prior to December 31, 1949 on the contiguous block face, provided that:a. the maximum allowable height shall not be reduced to less than twenty-eight (28) feet, andb. if the height permitted under this section would exceed that permitted in the underlying district, the new

building shall be no taller than an existing, adjacent building. Taller structures may be approved on a case-by-case basis, when a steeper roof would increase compatibility between the new building and adjacent older residences.

9. In order to encourage variation of the front elevation, up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the length of the principal street facade may be constructed up to two feet (2') into the required front yard. Use of this provision, however, cannot increase the extension of porches into a required front yard beyond that otherwise allowed in Sections 27.71.100 and 27.71.110 of the Zoning Ordinance.

10. The rhythm of similar width houses on similar width lots does much to establish the character of Lincoln’s established residential areas. Large new buildings disrupt this character, unless design measures are employed to reduce their apparent scale. New buildings over fifty feet (50') in length on the principal street facade should be designed to maintain the rhythm of the existing adjacent buildings. Designs will be bound to meet this standard which offset the principal street facade and roof at intervals of fifty feet (50') or less. These offsets shall be at least six feet (6') in depth, and the portions of the facade offset shall equal at least 10% of the length of the facade. Alternate designs that maintain the rhythm of the blockface by such means as shifts in materials within the facade, use of multiple porches and/or dormers, and grouping of windows and entrances, may also be approved on a case-by-case basis.

(Amended Resolution No. A-83068, 11-1-04).

4.2 Yards and Open Space

1. Elevated walkways, or balconies serving more than one unit shall not be located on a portion of the building facing a front or side yard, nor shall open space credit be given for any walkways or balconies.

2. Entrances to the building shall not be located on a portion of the building facing a side lot line unless the entire building is at least ten feet (10') from that side lot line.

3. No more than one mechanical unit, such as air conditioning units, shall be located within each required front yard and not more than three in any required side yard, provided that multiple units are spaced at least twenty feet apart. Such accessory structures will be screened from adjacent properties if located within a required front yard or within ten feet (10') of a side lot line.

4. Care should be taken to preserve existing street trees. Any trees removed shall be replaced in accord with the city’s Master Street Tree Plan, and additional trees shall be planted as necessary to reach a standard of one street tree per fifty feet (50') of street frontage. (Amended Resolution No. A-83068, 11-1-04).

4.3 Parking

1. No required parking space shall be allowed between the building and the front property line, except as otherwise provided in Section 27.67.030 (a) and (g). Driveways and parking aprons in the front yard may not measure more than 20 feet wide.

2. Trees in addition to any others required elsewhere shall be planted within five (5) feet of a parking area at the rate of one tree for every six (6) parking spaces.

3. Parking areas of four or more stalls shall be screened from adjacent properties. Fences may be used for screening in rear yards. (Resolution No. A-90474, 5-22-17; Amended Resolution No. A-83068, 11-1-04).

Section 5. WAIVERS AND APPEAL

Any request for a deviation from the Neighborhood Design Standards may be approved by the Planning Director, Appeals Board, or City Council as provided in Chapter 1.00. (Resolution No. A-90248, 2-13-17; Amended Resolution No. A-83068, 11-1-04).

Neighborhood Design Standards Boundary

CHAPTER 3.76 LINCOLN DOWNTOWN DESIGN STANDARDS



Downtown Lincoln is the mixed-use center of the Lincoln community, offering employment, residences, education, recreation, and retailing. From the adoption of the Original Plat in 1867 through the present day, Downtown has developed as the community’s most urban, most mixed, highest density neighborhood, with wide streets and sidewalks, buildings typically constructed from property-line to property-line, and relatively few but very important urban open spaces. For the purposes of these Lincoln Downtown Design Standards, “Downtown Lincoln” consists of those areas within the corporate limits zoned B-4 Lincoln Center Business District or O-1 Office District, as shown on the Lincoln Zoning District Map adopted pursuant to Section 27.05.020 of the Lincoln Municipal Code. Those areas zoned B-4 or O-1 located from 150 feet west of 9th Street to the western boundary of the B-4 District and south of O Street shall be considered “South Haymarket” and follow the design standards in Chapter 3.77.

The purpose of the Lincoln Downtown Design Standards (“Design Standards”) is to recognize and build upon the substantial private and public investment in Downtown Lincoln, and to strengthen the best qualities of its urban form, while encouraging compatible new construction.

The Design Standards focus on a limited number of basic design elements which have significant effect on how Downtown Lincoln looks and even more importantly, on how it is experienced by residents, employees, and visitors. These standards do not guarantee good design -- only the talents and efforts of owners, designers, and builders do that. But they will ensure the best practices and discourage certain negative design features, thereby strengthening Downtown Lincoln’s essential center. These Design Standards are derived from and consistent with the Downtown Master Plan and the Antelope Valley Redevelopment Plan.

The Design Standards shall apply to building permit applications filed on or after the adoption of the Request for Resolution designated as Misc. No. 08007.


2.1 Exterior Features

The Design Standards apply to exterior features of projects requiring building permits in the B-4 Lincoln Center Business District or O-1 Office District (except where South Haymarket Design Standards apply), whether the project is new construction, exterior remodeling of existing buildings, or site development that does not include buildings (such as parking lots). Interior aspects of new or existing construction do NOT require review under the Design Standards (although other building and zoning codes may apply).

a. Minor Remodeling Projects (investing 50% or less of a property’s assessed valuation). Exterior features of the project shall not cause greater deviation from these Design Standards than currently exists.

b. Major Remodeling Projects (investing more than 50% of a property’s assessed valuation). Exterior features of the project shall meet the applicable Design Standards that are feasible given existing site conditions.

Review of minor and major remodeling projects should begin with a conference with staff to seek consensus on which are the applicable standards. Such a conference is especially useful for renovation projects or if the property in question is located in more than one zoning district or design standard subarea.

It is intended that both private and public property owners will comply with these Design Standards, including voluntary cooperation by the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, City of Lincoln, Lancaster County, State of Nebraska, and U. S. Government and any other government or agency that is not legally bound by local zoning requirements.


Planning staff will review projects and administratively approve those which meet the requirements of the Design Standards.

Efforts will be made to avoid increased time for review and approval. To facilitate this review process, the applicant shall submit the following items, as applicable, with the building permit application:

1. Street elevations and the site plan of the proposed project.2. For new construction and major remodeling projects, samples or photographs of proposed major materials shall

also be submitted.3. For minor remodeling projects, a photograph of the existing building and sufficient written or drawn description

to understand the proposed changes may be substituted.


4.1 Site Development

a. Downtown Lincoln buildings west of 19th Street and on North 21st Street from O to Q Streets shall be substantially “built-to” their front property lines (and on corner lots, shall be built-to both front property lines).

b. Pedestrian plazas and forecourts at street level shall be permitted except on P Street from 9th to 19th Street and on North 21st Street from O to Q Streets.

c. Any on-site surface parking shall be screened pursuant to Section 7.13 of Chapter 3.50, Design Standards for Screening and Landscaping.

d. Parking shall be set back from the property line pursuant to Section 7.13 of Chapter 3.50, Design Standards for Screening and Landscaping.

e. Parking and driveways between a building and the street are prohibited with two exceptions:1. hotels may offer drop-off lanes at their principal entrance; and2. buildings situated on a parcel occupying an entire blockface may be built to one corner (fronting two streets)

and may offer screened parking behind and/or beside the building.

f. Drive-through lanes, if used, must be located behind or beside buildings, and are prohibited between the building and streets.

g. Drive-through facilities (in which the customer is served directly in the car including, but not limited to, drive-in teller windows and ATMs, drive-in restaurants, motorized vehicle fuel sales facilities, motorized vehicle repair/service, or motorized vehicle wash facilities) are prohibited in the area of the B-4 Lincoln Center Business District bounded by 10th Street, 150 feet north of P Street, 14th Street, and N Street.

(Resolution A-91464, February 4, 2019; prior Resolution A-86830, 5-21-2012).

4.2 Building Features

a. Materials:1. For the first 20 (twenty) feet above street level, durable masonry materials, such as stone, brick, or tile, or

similar materials such as pre-cast concrete, or poured-in-place concrete are required as the primary exterior material facing streets for Downtown Lincoln buildings. Ample windows are allowed but glass curtain wall structures are allowed only in the area more than 20 feet above street level. Decorative accents of durable materials including metal architectural panels, architectural tile, and metalwork are allowed. Other high-quality, durable materials as accents or primary materials may be proposed to and approved by the appropriate design review board.

2. Faux brick products (not made of fired clay) are prohibited.

3. Use of lap or shingle siding of any material including wood, vinyl, cementious, or painted or corrugated metal is prohibited for Downtown Lincoln buildings.

4. Plain or painted concrete block is prohibited as the primary material on street facades in Downtown Lincoln; other concrete masonry units may be proposed to and approved by the appropriate design review board.

5. Stucco or synthetic stucco is prohibited below the 12 (twelve) foot level but may be substituted above that level for the durable masonry materials described in section 4.2.a.1.

b. Parking structures and lots:1. Parking structures shall be designed with usable floor area on the ground floor between parking areas and

public sidewalks if built between (and including) N and Q Streets, and between 9th and 19th Streets, and along North 21st Street between O and Q Streets and along Canopy Street.

2. Any ground-floor parking in structures must be screened from public sidewalks.3. Entrances and exits shall be located and grouped to minimize curb cuts and other interruptions of pedestrian

movement on sidewalks.4. Parking structures shall be designed with the appearance of horizontal floors, concealing sloped floors or

ramps visible on street facades. (Entrance and exit ramps may be visible through openings on the ground floor.)

c. Roofs:1. Downtown Lincoln buildings shall conceal low pitched or nearly flat roofs behind parapet walls. Visible roofs

are acceptable only on penthouses providing habitable space, set back at least ten feet from parapet walls.2. Mechanical equipment on rooftops shall be architecturally screened with materials compatible with the

main walls of the building so they are not visible from adjacent streets.

d. Entrances and first floor windows:1. Buildings shall have at least one principal entrance that faces the street. Buildings on corners or with

multiple street frontages may have a single principal entrance, which must face a street.2. The ground floor of buildings with frontages between (and including) N and Q Streets, and between 9th and

19th Streets and on North 21st Street from O to Q Streets and on Canopy Street shall have transparent glazing in at least 70% of the area between four feet and nine feet above the sidewalk, except in the case of residential buildings. Building in other areas shall have transparent glazing in at least 50% of the area between four and nine feet above the sidewalk, except in the case of buildings with first-floor residential uses.

3. Ramps for accessibility added to existing buildings, shall employ materials and design features drawn from the main structure. New buildings shall not include exterior ramps along street frontages.

(Res. A-86830, 5-21-2012).

4.3 Additional Pedestrian Considerations

a. To minimize interruptions of and conflicts with the pedestrian routes across adjacent sidewalks, garage doors and service bays shall not open directly onto sidewalks, but instead shall be oriented toward alleys or toward the interior of the lot. One service bay shall be permitted facing a sidewalk if a building has no alley access.

b. Sidewalk cafes and other high-quality amenities including street furniture are encouraged in Downtown Lincoln and shall be designed and located to minimize interruption of clear, direct pedestrian routes.

c. Dumpsters, service docks, transformers, and other necessary fixtures shall be located and screened so as not to be visible from adjacent sidewalks.


Any request for a deviation of the Lincoln Downtown Design Standards may be approved by the Planning Director, Appeals Board, or City Council as provided in Chapter 1.00.

(Chapter 3.76 adopted by Resolution No. A-85010, 9-8-08; amended by Resolution No. A-86830, 5-21-12; amended by Resolution No. A-90248, 2-13-2017).

CHAPTER 3.77 SOUTH HAYMARKET DESIGN STANDARDS



South Haymarket lies in the southwestern corner of Greater Downtown. Like Historic Haymarket to the north, South Haymarket first developed with a wide range of uses. Industrial properties served by railroad sidings were interspersed with small residences and boarding houses. In the early 21st Century it remains a largely industrial area. This area is envisioned to transition to a high-density residential and mixed-use, urban neighborhood. For the purposes of these South Haymarket Design Standards, “South Haymarket” consists of those areas zoned B-4 Lincoln Center Business District or O-1 Office District, in the area located from 150 feet west of 9th Street to the western boundary of the B-4 District and south of O Street.

The purpose of the South Haymarket Design Standards (“Design Standards”) is to recognize and build upon the substantial private and public investment, and to strengthen the best qualities of its urban form, while encouraging compatible new construction. The Design Standards focus on site and building design elements which have significant effect on how South Haymarket looks and even more importantly, on how it is experienced by residents, employees, and visitors. These standards do not guarantee good design – only the talents and efforts of owners, designers, and buildings do that. But they will encourage the best practices and discourage certain negative design features. These Design Standards are derived from and consistent with the South Haymarket Neighborhood Plan.


2.1 Exterior Features

The Design Standards apply to exterior features of projects requiring building permits in South Haymarket, whether the project is new construction, exterior remodeling of existing buildings, or site development that does not include buildings (such as parking lots). Interior aspects of new or existing construction do NOT require review under the Design Standards (although other building and zoning codes may apply).

a. Minor Remodeling Projects (investing 50% or less of a property’s assessed valuation). Exterior features of the project shall not cause greater deviation from these Design Standards than currently exists.

b. Major Remodeling Projects (investing more than 50% of a property’s assessed valuation). Exterior features of the project shall meet the applicable Design Standards that are feasible given existing site conditions.

2.2 Streetscapes

The South Haymarket streetscape standards in Section 4.2 establish a vision for streetscapes that will be realized through numerous streetscape improvement projects. Some of these improvements will be associated with private development projects while others will be initiated by the City of Lincoln or other public entities. The following are typical conditions, in excess of routine maintenance, that would likely require streetscape improvements:

a. A project is occurring in which the city has made or will make some financial contribution.b. A project is occurring in which a portion of the streetscape area is being removed or replaced.c. A major remodeling project is occurring as described in Section 2.1.b.

d. A street is being rehabilitated or curbs are being replaced or relocated.e. A new street/streetscape is being constructed.

2.3 Other Considerations

Review of projects should begin with a conference with staff to seek consensus on which are the applicable standards. Such a conference is especially useful for renovation projects or if the property in question is located in more than one zoning district or design standard subarea.

It is intended that both private and public property owners will comply with these Design Standards, including voluntary cooperation by the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, City of Lincoln, Lancaster County, State of Nebraska, and U. S. Government and any other government or agency that is not legally bound by local zoning requirements.


Planning staff will review projects and administratively approve those which meet the requirements of the Design Standards.

Efforts will be made to avoid increased time for review and approval. To facilitate this review process, the applicant shall submit the following items, as applicable, with the building permit application:

a. Street elevations and the site plan (including the extent of the site and any abutting streetscapes) of the proposed project.

b. For new construction and major remodeling projects, samples or photographs of proposed major materials shall also be submitted.

c. For minor remodeling projects, a photograph of the existing building and sufficient written or drawn description to understand the proposed changes may be substituted.

Section 4. SITE DEVELOPMENT

4.1 Building Placement and Orientation

a. Buildings in South Haymarket shall have street facades substantially “built-to” their front property lines (and on corner lots, shall be built-to both front property lines).1. In South Haymarket, buildings were historically built to their front property lines but over time portions of

right-of-way have been vacated to accommodate loading docks and other private uses. Where right-of-way has been vacated “front property line” shall mean the line in which building facades were historically built to.

b. Where residential uses are located on the first floor, street facades may be built within a build-to zone. The build-to zone shall be between: 1) the front property line; and 2) 10 feet from the front property line. All elements of the street façade including alcoves, changes in wall plane, indentions for entrance displays, etc. shall be located within the Build-to Zone.

c. Buildings shall have at least one principal entrance that faces the street. Buildings on corners or with multiple street frontages may have a single principal entrance, which must face a street.

4.2 Streetscape

The South Haymarket Neighborhood Plan recommends organization of street trees, sidewalks, and on-street parking with design standards for streetscapes (the area along a public or private street or drive between the curb and the development). The following streetscape standards reflect a “standard” streetscape. Unique streetscapes should be considered on a case-by-case basis for N Street, M Street, 7th Street, and 8th Street. Detailed concepts for these streets are provided in the South Haymarket Neighborhood Plan.

a. The standard streetscape shall be a minimum of 32 feet wide and shall include a pedestrian zone, planting zone, and parking zone. The streetscape shall be located between the front property line and the vehicular travel lanes.

Example of Standard Streetscape

1. The pedestrian zone shall be provided between the front property line and the planting zone and be a minimum of 8 feet wide with a minimum 5-foot wide free and clear area.i. The free and clear area shall be a continuous pathway along the street and be ADA accessible.ii. “Loading dock” features (similar to what exists in the Historic Haymarket District) are encouraged along

street facades, particularly along 7th Street, 8th Street, and N Street.iii. Sidewalk cafes and other high-quality amenities including street furniture are also encouraged in the

pedestrian zone and shall be designed and located to minimize interruption of the free and clear area.

2. A minimum 8-foot wide planting zone shall be provided between the parking zone and the pedestrian zone. On 8th Street the planting zone shall be a minimum of 12 feet.i. Street trees are required within the planting zone for all development. Street trees shall be planted in

conformance with Chapter 2.35 including any necessary relocation of sidewalks and utilities.

3. The parking zone shall be provided between the planting zone and the vehicular travel lanes and include on-street angled parking. The parking zone shall be wide enough to accommodate vehicle over-hangs and door swings. Refer to Figure PL-1 in Chapter 3.45 for minimum angled parking dimensions.

b. Where necessary, streetscapes shall extend onto vacated portions of right-of-way. A public access easement is required when the pedestrian zone is located on private property.

c. To minimize interruptions of and conflicts with the pedestrian routes across adjacent streetscapes, garage doors and service bays shall not open directly onto pedestrian zones, but instead shall be oriented toward alleys or toward the interior of the lot. One service bay shall be permitted facing a pedestrian zone if a building has no alley access.

d. Entrances and exits to parking structures and lots shall be located and grouped to minimize curb cuts and other interruptions of pedestrian movement in the pedestrian zone.

e. Streetscape zones shall align with or transition to abutting streetscapes zones.f. Dumpsters, service docks, transformers, and other necessary fixtures shall be located and screened so as not to

be visible from adjacent streetscapes.

4.3 Vehicular Access, Circulation, and Parking

a. Any on-site surface parking shall be screened pursuant to Section 7.13 of Chapter 3.50, Design Standards for Screening and Landscaping.

b. Parking shall be set back from the property line pursuant to Section 7.13 of Chapter 3.50, Design Standards for Screening and Landscaping.

c. Parking and driveways between a building and the street are prohibited with two exceptions:1. hotels may offer drop-off lanes at their principal entrance; and2. buildings situated on a parcel occupying an entire blockface may be built to one corner (fronting two streets)

and may offer screened parking behind and/or beside the building.

d. Drive-through lanes, if used, must be located behind or beside buildings, and are prohibited between the building and streets.


Section 5. BUILDING DESIGN

5.1 Articulation

a. Long street façades should be broken up by incorporating building elements every 50 feet, matching the historic pattern for commercial lot widths. Elements may include changes in wall or roof plane; changes of color, texture, or material; columns, ribs, or pilasters; window and door openings; and balconies, awnings, and canopies.

5.2 Transparency

a. The ground floor of street facades along N Street and Canopy Street shall have transparent glazing in at least 70% of the area between four feet and nine feet above the sidewalk.

b. All other South Haymarket buildings shall have transparent glazing in at least 50% of the area between four and nine feet above the sidewalk.

c. Where residential uses are located on the first floor, the transparency requirement may be reduced to 30%.

5.3 Materials

a. For the first 20 feet above street level, street facades shall be constructed of durable materials such as stone, brick, tile, or glass, or similar materials such as precast concrete, or poured-in-place concrete are required as the primary exterior material facing streets. Other high-quality materials may be proposed to and approved by the appropriate design review board.

b. Faux brick products (not made of fired clay) are prohibited.

c. Stucco or synthetic stucco is prohibited below the 12 (twelve) foot level but may be substituted above that level for the durable materials described in Section 5.3.a.

5.4 Parking Structures

a. Where feasible, parking structures north of M Street shall be designed with usable floor area on the ground floor between parking areas and public sidewalks.

b. Any ground-floor parking in structures must be screened from public sidewalks.c. Parking structures shall be designed with the appearance of horizontal floors, concealing sloped floors or ramps

visible on street facades. (Entrance and exit ramps may be visible through openings on the ground floor.)

5.5 Equipment Screening and Roofs

a. Mechanical equipment on rooftops shall be architecturally screened with materials compatible with the main walls of the building so they are not visible from adjacent streets.


Any request for a deviation of the South Haymarket Design Standards may be approved by the Planning Director, Appeals Board, or City Council as provided in Chapter 1.00.

(Chapter 3.77 adopted by Resolution No. A-90248, 2-13-17)

CHAPTER 3.85 CAPITOL ENVIRONS DESIGN STANDARDS

The Nebraska Capitol Environs Commission is responsible for administration of these design standards.

Section 1. ORGANIZATION

This design handbook for the Capitol Environs District consists of four major sections. The Purpose Statement sets the overall goals and principles of the District and of the Nebraska Capitol Environs Commission. Review Practices describe the manner in which the Commission conducts reviews and updates this document. Design Standards explain generally how the goals apply to certain areas and issues. They are divided into three sections: Overall, Buildings & other "Edge Definers," and Open Space. Finally, the Guidelines interspersed among the Standards provide more specific interpretations.

Section 2. PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Nebraska State Capitol, designed by architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue in 1920 and built for the people of Nebraska between 1922 and 1932, is a National Historic Landmark and an esthetic and historic treasure of our state. The purposes of the Nebraska Capitol Environs Commission ("the Commission") are to maintain and enhance a dignified setting for the State Capitol, to encourage appropriate public and private improvements within the Capitol Environs District ("the District"), and to protect vistas to the Capitol which extend the impact and inspiration of the building throughout the city and the surrounding countryside.

Visitors within the Malls (Centennial Mall on the north, Lincoln Mall and J Street/West on the west, Goodhue Boulevard on the south, and J Street/East on the east) and to Capitol Square (the Capitol and its designed landscape setting bounded by S. 14th, S. 16th, H, and K Streets) should experience a sense of being in a recognizable space, with a feeling of arrival when they enter these special places, and of departure when they leave. This experience is created by spaces that have identifiable limits or edges, with the span of the open spaces and the height of the edges in careful relationship. Therefore the Capitol Environs Design Standards (“the Standards”) focus on those elements—buildings and landscape—that define the edges of Capitol Square and the Malls, and on the open spaces between those edges.

Buildings and landscape features at the Mall edges are intended to create an appropriate context for the Capitol's extended axes. Edges shall have a minimum scale so as to establish the context of each axis and its enclosure, and shall have a maximum scale so as to preserve the dominance and views of the Capitol. Therefore minimum and maximum heights are established for new buildings facing Capitol Square or the Malls.

The District's sense of place, and the long-term strengthening of that quality, is and will be based in large part on how individual buildings relate to one other. The design of new buildings should either be highly compatible with their existing context, or should clearly set a desirable standard for surrounding future development. The Commission will expect the design and the presentation of proposals for new buildings to demonstrate their relationship to the District's setting.

Furthermore, if individual elements within the District (either buildings or landscape features) are designed to be boldly and individually conspicuous, they will compete with the dominance of the Capitol. Therefore these guidelines call for high quality materials and design, and a sense of context and restraint appropriate to this special setting.

Section 3. REVIEW PRACTICES

1. The Commission can be of the most service if it is involved at an early stage in the design development of major improvements.

2. The Commission strongly urges owners and developers to engage qualified design professionals able to address the esthetic and functional issues unique to the District. If the scope of a project does not warrant professional design assistance, or if owners have difficulty in securing design services, the Commission will strive to assist in obtaining the necessary design expertise.

3. Proposals for new buildings must be presented in the context of their existing surroundings.4. Major projects such as construction of new buildings or demolition of important existing buildings will ordinarily

be reviewed at one month's public hearing, then acted upon at the next month's meeting. When such projects are the subjects of preliminary design discussions with the Commission, the Commission may combine hearing and action in a single meeting.

5. The Commission may approve projects which are not in strict conformance with this document, based on findings that the applicant has developed a design solution which meets the spirit and intent of the Capitol Environs Ordinance. Those areas within the District which do not face Capitol Square or one of the Malls have less impact on the Capitol. In evaluating specific projects in light of this document, the spirit of the Design Standards carries more weight than the letter of the Guidelines.

6. The Commission shall refer review of applications pertaining to landmarks designated under LMC 27.57.120 to the Historic Preservation Commission and shall accept "Certificates of Appropriateness" and "Certificates of Exception" approved by the Historic Preservation Commission as equivalent to certificates issued by the Commission. However, the "Certificate of Allowance" procedure outlined in LMC 27.57.160 shall not pertain within the District.

7. The Commission will be mindful of the constraints imposed on projects by zoning, fire, building, accessibility, and other codes and regulations, but will not automatically waive its Standards to meet other requirements. The ideal project offers design solutions that meet all requirements.

8. The Commission will review this document and suggest any necessary changes within its annual report to the Governor, State Legislature, Nebraska Capitol Commission, and City Council. Amendments shall be subject to public hearing before the Commission and review by the Planning Commission prior to being submitted to the City Council for action.

Section 4. DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

OVERALL DESIGN STANDARDS

Design Standard 1: Setting

The Capitol should dominate the District and other improvements in the area should play the important, subordinate role of providing its setting.

Design Standard 2: Proximity

The nearer a property is to the Capitol, the greater responsibility it bears in the District. Buildings and other improvements facing Capitol Square shall meet very high standards for design, construction, and maintenance. Improvements facing the Capitol Malls shall also meet high standards. Other improvements within the District but not facing the Square or the Malls shall not intrude upon the Capitol's setting and shall contribute to the overall quality of the District.

Design Standard 3: Memorials and Monuments

Installation of monuments and memorials shall be based on the symbolic program established at the Capitol. Capitol Square is considered a complete and finished design, and therefore no memorials shall be added to the Capitol grounds. The Capitol itself is a memorial and has integral memorial spaces (the Nebraska Hall of Fame and Memorial Hall). Memorials may be considered for addition to the Malls, within their overall design guidelines, assigning memorials of statewide or national significance to Centennial Mall, and individual memorials to the other malls.

Guideline 3.1:

Addition of memorials and monuments facing Capitol Square (not on the Capitol grounds) and on the Malls will be evaluated within the same guidelines as other improvements such as buildings and landscape features, stressing compatibility with setting, high-quality design, and appropriate materials.

Design Standard 4: Public Art

Public art can enliven an urban environment, enrich pedestrian experience, and stimulate interaction between artist and viewer. In the District, public art, like all other improvements, is subordinate to the overall purpose of enhancing the Capitol. The Commission encourages the addition of public art to the District, while applying the same standards of fitness to place and quality of materials required of other improvements.

Guideline 4.1:

Proposals for placement of public art in the District should consider and describe the relationship of proposed works to their immediate surroundings and to the Capitol.

Guideline 4.2:

Two types of public art which may be appropriate in the District are:

monumental works, of national or international significance;

pedestrian-scale works.

Guideline 4.3:

Mall master plans may identify specific locations for public art, and works may be commissioned or purchased to strengthen the context of these locations.

Guideline 4.4:

Poorly maintained public art is detrimental to the District. Works should not be installed (whether acquired by gift or purchase) unless accompanied by an endowment for long-term maintenance.

Guideline 4.5:

Temporary installations of public art which are not part of a Mall’s master plan may be appropriate within the Capitol Environs District if located so as not to face a Mall or Capitol Square.

Design Standard 5: Parking Lots

Surface parking facing the Capitol Square or one of the Malls is inconsistent with the long-term goals of the Commission. Where such use currently exists, it is desirable to improve these properties by installing permanent, high-quality decorative fences, walls, or hedges at the defined "built-to" line, with due consideration for security and screening.

Design Standard 6: Signs

Signs addressing Capitol Square or one of the Malls shall be reviewed by the Commission for overall compatibility, durability, and high quality.

Design Standard 7: Demolition

Any requests for demolition permits within the District must be accompanied by detailed plans for redevelopment of the site in accord with these Design Standards. Applications for demolition and redevelopment shall be evaluated in light of the contribution of the site to the character of the District, and based on the assumption that landmarks designated by the City of Lincoln or identified in these Design Standards should be preserved.

Design Standard 8: Capitol Views

View corridors to the Capitol listed in the Lincoln-Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan should be protected. Additional significant view corridors should continue to be identified and their protection enhanced. Improvements within the view corridors should not obstruct the enjoyment of those vistas of the Capitol.

Guideline 8.1:

The Commission encourages conscious incorporation of views of the Capitol tower into the design of buildings and landscape elements.

DESIGN STANDARDS FOR BUILDINGS AND OTHER "EDGE DEFINERS"

Design Standard 9: Facades

New buildings in the District should be designed to enhance the setting of the Capitol and their immediate surroundings. When those surroundings have a high degree of cohesiveness, new designs should be compatible with their setting, strengthening the visual relationships found among existing buildings and landscape features. In areas that lack cohesion, designs should be proposed that offer themes and patterns that can be further expanded in future development.

Brick, stone, or other richly textured, highly durable masonry is desirable for building exteriors on Capitol Square, Centennial Mall, and Lincoln Mall. Permanence should be an overriding characteristic in the choice of exterior materials. Colors should be drawn from a muted palette of warm, earth tones or shades of white, with the context of surrounding buildings as a guide.

In the rehabilitation of existing buildings, retention of high quality materials and use of new, durable, and high quality materials is also desirable.

Guideline 9.1:

Proposals for new buildings should strengthen interrelationships among buildings within a specific setting, while encouraging variations. Features that contribute to compatibility among buildings include similarities in:

alignment and setback;

spaces between buildings;

silhouette, including height and roof pitch;

building base--relationship of building to ground or site;

materials and material scale;

mass and scale;

building shade and shadow pattern from massing;

permanence and durability, with 100 year "life cycle" expected facing Capitol Square and 75 year "life cycle" expected on Centennial and Lincoln Malls;

entrance position, scale, and features;

color, finish, and texture;

size, type, and proportion of openings;

ornamentation and detail, particularly at street level and in the residential areas;

landscape design and features;

cornice heights.

Guideline 9.2

Special locations (such as focal points at ends of Malls) or uses (such as churches) present opportunities for buildings of greater individual prominence than is otherwise desirable along the Malls or facing Capitol Square.

Guideline 9.3

The Commission encourages designs for new buildings that form parts of larger groups or compositions of structures within the District, including "bookends" on blocks, facing pairs of buildings on opposite sides of a Mall, or buildings that define a positive open space such as a courtyard or square.

Guideline 9.4

The Commission encourages the use of walls, gates, building bases, or landscape features to integrate architectural mass and the street environment.

Guideline 9.5

Metal is not a suitable primary material for building exteriors in the District.

Guideline 9.6:

Non-concrete stucco-like materials are discouraged from use on Capitol Square or Centennial and Lincoln Malls, especially on ground floors.

Guideline 9.7:

Wood is not a suitable primary material for building exteriors on Capitol Square or Centennial and Lincoln Malls.

Guideline 9.8:

Wood is an acceptable primary exterior material in the residential portions of Goodhue Boulevard, J Street/West, and J Street/East, where a broader color palette is also acceptable.

Guideline 9.9:

Roof drainage for buildings on Capitol Square shall not be positioned beyond the facade line facing the Capitol.

Guideline 9.10:

On Centennial and Lincoln Malls, balconies, terraces, and other indoor/outdoor elements should be set back from the main plane/built-to line of the mall facade.

Guideline 9.11:

On Goodhue Boulevard, J Street/West, and J Street/East, porches and balconies should be located within the line of the eaves. Columns and railings should be substantially proportioned, providing visual as well as structural support.

Design Standard 10: Walls and Fences

Those properties facing Capitol Square or one of the Malls that are not currently developed with buildings, or where existing buildings are set back further than the "build-to" line, interrupt the "edge" of the space they help define. It is desirable to improve these properties by installing permanent, high-quality decorative fences, walls, or hedges at the defined "built-to" line, with due consideration for security and screening (especially of parking lots).

Guideline 10.1:

Fences along the edges of the Malls should be six (6) feet in height.

Guideline 10.2:

Fences need not be solid to define the Mall edge, but should be continuous. Wrought iron fences with brick piers are very suitable "edge definers" on Capitol Square and along the Malls.

Design Standard 11: Buildings on Capitol Square

The portion of the District facing the Capitol shall be maintained and improved as an area of top-quality but generally unobtrusive office, residential, and church buildings, with very well-designed and maintained landscape and streetscape elements. The area shall combine construction of first-class new buildings with the preservation of historic landmarks and scrupulous maintenance of all improvements.

Guideline 11.1:

Capitol Square includes several historic structures listed on the National Register (NR) of Historic Places or designated as Lincoln Landmarks (LL), including Kennard House (NR, 1627 H St.), Ferguson House (NR, 700 S. 16th St.), Harris House (NR & LL, 1630 K St.), President and Ambassador Apartments (NR, 1330 & 1340 Lincoln Mall), Yates House (NR & LL, 720 S. 16th St.), and the Nebraska Governor’s Residence (NR, 1425 H St.). These buildings should be preserved and maintained. Other historic buildings which contribute to the Capitol's immediate setting include St. Mary's Church (14th & K Sts.), First Christian Church (16th & K Sts.), and the Milburn Apartments (1345 H St.).

Guideline 11.2:

The principal elevation of new buildings constructed on property facing Capitol Square must be oriented towards the Capitol, including the primary entrance and fenestration.

Guideline 11.3:

The principal facade of new buildings constructed on property facing Capitol Square must be located on the property line towards the Capitol. This guideline does not preclude use of courtyards or recessed entries as features when the full height of the main portion of the building clearly reinforces the desired edge.

Guideline 11.4:

The maximum height limits within the Environs District are indicated on the Capitol Environs District map appended to LMC 27.56. To achieve the purposes of the District, the following guideline also applies:

For new buildings constructed on property with frontage on Capitol Square, a minimum of four stories are required, with a maximum height of 57 feet (1993 USGS elevation 1247).

Guideline 11.5:

Mechanical units, cooling towers, chimneys, fire towers, stage towers or scenery lofts, noncommercial radio towers or satellite "dishes," or water towers may be permitted atop buildings in the District (in excess of the 57 foot limit) provided they are set back at least fifteen feet from any face of the building, and are screened with permanent materials compatible with the materials of the principal facades of the building. Addition of such screening on the State’s building at 501 S. 14th St. is a goal of the Commission.

Guideline 11.6:

Visible pitched roofs, sloping greater than 1/2" per foot, are not permitted on new buildings constructed on property facing Capitol Square. Pitched roofs concealed by parapets may be considered by the Commission.

Design Standard 12: Reinforcing the Edges of the Malls

The Malls should provide dignified pedestrian and vehicular environments, with well-defined edges and a variety of Capitol views. To reinforce the edges of the District's spaces, it is essential that new buildings be oriented to their respective Mall, or to Capitol Square, and that new buildings have a consistent setback.

Guideline 12.1:

For new buildings constructed on property in the Capitol Environs District not facing Capitol Square but fronting one of the Malls, new buildings must be constructed with a well-defined eave or cornice line at least 30 feet in height on Centennial or Lincoln Mall and at least 20 feet in height on Goodhue Boulevard, J Street/West, and J Street/East.

Guideline 12.2:

The principal elevation of new buildings constructed on property that fronts on a Mall but does not front on Capitol Square must be oriented towards that Mall, including primary entrance and fenestration.

Guideline 12.3:

The principal facade of new buildings constructed on property facing Centennial or Lincoln Mall must be located on the property line towards the Mall. This guideline does not preclude use of courtyards or recessed entries as features when the full height of the main portion of the building clearly reinforces the desired edge. When the edge is strongly reinforced by a wall or landscape feature, a front yard may be considered.

Design Standard 13: Buildings on and North of Centennial Mall

Centennial Mall should be maintained and improved as an area of private and governmental offices and services, providing important links between the Capitol, the downtown core, and the UNL City Campus. The Campus portion of the District, bounded by R and S Streets and North 14th and 16th Streets, should be developed and maintained with high-quality buildings within the District’s height limits.

Guideline 13.1:

The Scottish Rite Temple (NR, 332 Centennial Mall South), the YWCA (NR, 1432 N St.. and the Nebraska State Historical Society Headquarters (NR, 1500 R St.) are the premier historic structures on Centennial Mall and are listed on the National Register (NR) of Historic Places; they should be preserved and maintained.

Guideline 13.2:

The eventual removal of the microwave tower atop 1440 M Street, when technically feasible, would enhance the Capitol Environs District and is a goal of the Commission.

Guideline 13.3:

Visible pitched roofs, sloping beyond 1/2” per foot, are not permitted on new buildings constructed on property facing Centennial Mall. Pitched roofs concealed by parapets will be considered by the Commission.

Design Standard 14: Buildings on Lincoln Mall

Lincoln Mall should be maintained and improved as a high-quality office and residential area, and as a symbolic link between state and local governments.

Guideline 14.1:

Sky Park Manor (NR, 1301 Lincoln Mall) is a historic structure on Lincoln Mall and is listed on the National Register (NR) of Historic Places; it should be preserved and maintained.

Guideline 14.2:

Visible pitched roofs, sloping beyond 1/2" per foot, are not permitted on new buildings constructed on property facing Lincoln Mall. Pitched roofs concealed by parapets will be considered by the Commission.

Design Standard 15: Buildings on J Street/West

J Street west of 9th Street (“J Street/West”) should develop, over time, into a medium-density residential area. The build-to line for new buildings on J Street/West shall be 60 feet from the J Street centerline. This reduction of the standard front yard in the underlying zoning districts is intended:

to encourage a uniform "edge" to the Mall’s open space,

to create more buildable lot area, encouraging quality redevelopment,

to narrow the very wide open space created by the 120 foot right-of-way and any zoned front yards, which would not reinforce a residential atmosphere for this portion of the District.

Guideline 15.1:

The “South Haymarket Neighborhood Plan” illustrates rowhouses as desirable on J Street/West. Other medium-density housing forms can be considered by the Commission supportive of enhancing the residential character of this portion of the District.

Guideline 15.2:

For new buildings constructed on property fronting on J Street/West, pitched roofs of 6/12 pitch (or greater) are permitted.

Guideline 15.3:

All new construction along J Street/West should be oriented toward J Street and should contribute to an attractive residential character.

Guideline 15.4:

Where necessary, access features such as ramps or stairs are encouraged to be located in the right-of-way with access easements.

Guideline 15.5:

Relocation of the visible telecommunication equipment atop 575 S. 10th St., when feasible, is a goal of the Commission.

Design Standard 16: Buildings on Goodhue Boulevard

Goodhue Boulevard should be improved as an attractive residential area, with public improvements that offer a variety of Capitol views while reinforcing a residential environment. The front yard setback and built-to line for new buildings on Goodhue Boulevard shall be eight (8) feet behind the property line fronting the mall. This reduction of the standard front yard in the underlying zoning districts is intended:

to encourage a uniform "edge" to the mall's open space, consistent with existing landmark-quality buildings,

to create more buildable lot area, encouraging quality redevelopment,

to narrow the very wide open space created by the 120 foot right-of-way and the zoned 20 foot front yards, which would not reinforce a residential atmosphere for this portion of the District.

Guideline 16.1:

Goodhue Boulevard includes numerous historic structures which contribute to the historical character and urban design richness of the Mall and are desirable to retain and maintain, including Noryanna Apartments (835-847 Goodhue), Eager-Good House (1448 E), George Woods House (1445 E), Baird House (1116 Goodhue), Elbeudor/Clermont Apts. (821 Goodhue), Rienza Flats (827-33 Goodhue), Minor House/Kenilworth Apts. (901 Goodhue), Love Apts. (928 Goodhue & 1502-8 E St.), Old Seventh Day Adventist Church (1020 Goodhue), Chute Duplex (1027 Goodhue), 1201 Goodhue/1445 C St., and 1448 B St. Although not directly facing the Mall, there are two historic structures listed on the National Register (NR) of Historic Places or designated as Lincoln Landmarks (LL), including Trinity United Methodist Church (LL, 1600 A St.) and Koop House (NR, 1401 So. 15th) which impact the District and should be preserved and maintained.

Guideline 16.2:

For new buildings constructed on property fronting on Goodhue Boulevard pitched roofs of 6/12 pitch (or greater) are permitted.

Guideline 16.3:

All new construction along Goodhue Boulevard should be oriented toward the Mall and should contribute to an attractive residential character.

Design Standard 17: Buildings on J Street/East

J Street east of 16th Street (“J Street/East”) should be maintained and redeveloped as an area of quality, affordable residences convenient to downtown, with enhanced pedestrian/bicyclist facilities joining existing trails into the Capitol area.

Guideline 17.1:

For new buildings constructed on property fronting on J Street/East, pitched roofs of 6/12 pitch (or greater) are permitted.

Guideline 17.2:

The built-to line for buildings with frontage on J Street between 16th and 17th Streets shall be the property line on the Mall or the setback of existing buildings on the same blockface, whichever is larger.

DESIGN STANDARDS FOR OPEN SPACE

Design Standard 18: General Landscape of All Malls

The landscape of the Capitol Malls should enhance the Capitol setting and vistas:

by providing canopy and definition at the mall edge, but leaving the centers of the malls more open, allowing on-axis views of the Capitol,

by creating a sense of organization and unity through form, color, texture, and spacing that may be lacking in the adjacent architecture,

by establishing a rhythm of visual and physical movement leading ultimately to the Capitol,

by providing seasonal change and interest.

There is a delicate balance between a landscape that enhances and one that overwhelms—color and form changes should be in large sweeps and masses to avoid creating small, distracting focal points. The landscape should be bolder and more colorful closest to the Capitol.

Facing Capitol Square and the Malls, front yards shall not contain mechanical equipment, above-ground utilities, docks, or unscreened ramps. Architectural or planted screenings may be offered, with maintenance requirements.

Active use of the Malls should be encouraged by the selection and placement of landscape elements such as seating.

Guideline 18.1:

To focus attention on the Capitol, phase out trees from center medians and replace them with simple, uniform plantings of low shrubs, grasses, or perennials in large masses. Use of perennials is preferred to annual plantings, but annuals will be considered when their maintenance can be assured. Conversion from turf should be tied directly to maintenance capability and assurances.

Guideline 18.2:

Provide seating in as many locations as appropriate. Benches should:

be of high quality, refined materials,

have backs,

be readily available commercially or easily repaired in-house,

be of neutral colors,

be placed along edges to take advantage of shade and allow pedestrians to be close to circulation but not in it.

To provide seating opportunities for conversation, combine benches, trash cans, ash urns and small tables of similar construction and installation.

Guideline 18.3:

Encourage the use of wide, seating-height caps on retaining walls or edge definers, including pools and fountains.

Guideline 18.4:

Along blocks of Malls closed to vehicular traffic, allow subtle, small openings through the edge fence or planting from adjacent properties onto Malls to encourage their use.

Guideline 18.5:

Use high quality pavement that is durable, neutral or natural color, able to be matched or replaced locally or regionally; nonslip but not too rough for high heels; textured or patterned subtly. Asphalt or asphalt pavers are not acceptable. Design paved areas to allow replacement or repair to occur in sections that maintain the established pavement pattern.

Guideline 18.6:

Retaining walls, seating walls, planters, and other vertical landscape features should be constructed of durable materials, preferably masonry; neutral or natural colors; horizontal lines; no exposed form lines or form-tie holes.

Guideline 18.7:

Water features can greatly enhance a pedestrian environment but are also expensive and difficult to maintain. In the District, such features should be restricted to Centennial Mall and the first block or two of J Street/East (16th St. to 17th or 18th Sts.).

Guideline 18.8:

Water features should have sculptural quality to their overall design and works, for an attractive appearance whether or not they are operating, or are seasonally out of use. Alternately, water features may be developed as plazas with concealed spouts and drains, to be accessible as pedestrian space when out of use.

Guideline 18.9:

Water features in the District should be designed with sound, rather than spray or large vertical movement of water, as the main quality. Fountains should not interfere with vistas to the Capitol.

Guideline 18.10:

Color and interest in the center of the malls should be confined to large masses of perennials and grasses 24" or less in height.

Guideline 18.11:

Use high quality, permanent landscape materials for edging, containing, and paving in neutral or natural colors. Use of masonry or stone is appropriate where edging or containment is needed. Exercise caution in designing any above-ground planters or planting beds, that they be of sufficient size to support healthy growth of plant materials. Remove undersized planters from existing trees and replace trees as necessary.

Guideline 18.12:

Utilities, dumpsters, service areas, and the like should be located as inconspicuously as possible, and screened from Capitol Square and the Malls with permanent materials which are compatible with the adjacent buildings.

Design Standard 19: Overstory Trees

Overstory trees establish the visual and physical definition of space along the edges of the Malls. On the J Street/East right-of-way east of Capitol Parkway, overstory trees should not be planted as Capitol views along that narrower street are obstructed by the canopy spread of mature overstory trees.

Guideline 19.1:

The overstory tree line along the Malls should be on public property, near the property line.

Guideline 19.2:

Choose overstory trees of different hardy species with similar growth habits and size to provide visual and physical continuity. Vary the species within each mall according to a specific pattern. Space the trees at regular intervals, but accommodate specific site requirements such as driveways. Overstory trees should be spaced to provide a solid canopy where possible.

Guideline 19.3:

Overstory trees used to define the edges of the Malls should be single stem, upright ovals, taller than they are wide. Narrow, columnar overstory trees are discouraged, as are trees with a very broad growth habit. Choose species with good fall color.

Guideline 19.4:

Restrict underplantings to perennials or shrubs requiring little if any division to minimize future root disturbance.

Design Standard 20: Understory Trees

Understory (ornamental) trees should provide seasonal interest and pedestrian scale and are also the appropriate tree-type for J Street/East right-of-way east of Capitol Parkway.

Guideline 20.1:

Along the interior edges of the Malls, use understory (ornamental) trees where pedestrian scale and seasonal interest (including spring bloom, fall foliage color, and winter fruit and bark interest) is needed. Treat understory trees as a mass rather than as individual specimens, and space them accordingly.

Guideline 20.2:

On all Malls, recognize the dominance of the edge overstory trees, and choose and locate understory trees to avoid interfering with the growth requirements of the overstory trees.

Design Standard 21: Landscaping Street Frontages

The landscape zones between curb and sidewalk (“curb zone”), and between sidewalk and private property, should be used to provide visual continuity, interest, and physical separation between pedestrians and vehicles.

Guideline 21.1:

Maintain the landscaping of the curb zone in all Mall locations with vehicular traffic, to define the pedestrian area. This zone should contain some vertical element, either tree trunks or low (30" or less) shrubs, perennials, grasses, or groundcovers.

Guideline 21.2:

The curb zone on each Mall should be treated consistently. Private vegetable gardens, flowers, shrubs, and other diversions should be eliminated.

Guideline 21.3:

Restrict shrubs to specific zones: at the "build-to" lines defined for each Mall, to reinforce that edge; in the curb zone; or on center medians.

Guideline 21.4:

Shrub and perennial plantings on the Malls and at their edges should be restricted to 30" or less.

Guideline 21.5:

Shrubs should be used in large masses, with species variation occurring at obvious breaks in the rhythm of the malls. Two or three species can be used in a single planting area, allowing the combination of deciduous and evergreen material. Choose shrubs for seasonal interest, particularly bloom. Choose shrubs with a natural shape and height that requires little pruning to maintain.

Guideline 21.6:

Do not shear shrubs in public landscapes. Shearing of shrubs on private property facing the Malls or Capitol Square is also discouraged.

Guideline 21.7:

The primary groundcover on all malls, medians, frontages, and adjacent private property should be turf. Long-range commitment to maintenance may allow conversion of specific turf areas to groundcover shrubs or perennials and grasses for additional interest; however, in the short-term, uniform turf will present the best appearance with the least maintenance. Encourage use of native turf where site conditions allow it.

Design Standard 22: Centennial Mall Landscape

Centennial Mall is the District's most formal landscaped mall, providing a varied, safe, and attractive pedestrian environment, with opportunities for interaction and enjoyment, within a design framework that offers continuous views of the most prominent facade of the Capitol. The redesign and rebuilding, rededicated as “Nebraska’s Centennial Mall” in 2016, establishes:

strong, well-defined edges;

continuous, accessible walkways lined with pedestrian-scale lighting;

open center accented with plazas and water features.

This overall design should be maintained and any proposed changes should be evaluated against whether they enhance this design.

Guideline 22.1:

Continue the use of red oaks as the major species defining the edges of Centennial Mall, while maintaining a plan that allows introduction of other overstory trees on a systematic basis to eliminate monoculture.

Guideline 22.2:

Maintain continuous paths on either side which further define the edges of the Mall, uninterrupted by any stairs, featuring an inner band of plaque opportunities.

Guideline 22.3:

Within the pathways, maintain turf as the predominant treatment.

Guideline 22.4:

A consistent family of street furniture, such as benches, trash receptacles, bollards, planters, tables, and chairs, has been installed in the 2014-16 rebuilding of the Mall. It should be maintained and any new elements should be within this design program.

Guideline 22.5:

Privately-installed furniture adjacent to the Mall should be reviewed by the Commission for overall compatibility, durability, and high quality.

Guideline 22.6:

Monuments, memorials, markers, plaques, and works of public art proposed for Centennial Mall should fit within the overall design concept, enhancing the pedestrian experience while respecting the dominance of views to the Capitol. As it relates to aboveground, three-dimensional monuments, memorials, markers, plaques, and works of public art, Centennial Mall’s design should be considered largely complete as of 2021, and the proposal of new pieces to be located within the right-of-way shall generally be discouraged. Proposed pieces to be located outside of the right-of-way on property adjacent to Centennial Mall shall continue to be considered, assuming they fit within the overall context of the Centennial Mall landscape.

Horizonal and vertical surface treatments, such as engraved markers or plaques being inset within pavement or seat wall, shall continue to be allowed and encouraged when appropriate within the design of Centennial Mall.

Guideline 22.7:

When modified or replaced, traffic signal poles and mast arms should be designed to minimize disruption of views to the Capitol, keeping the signals as close to the edges of the right-of-way as their safety functions permit.

Design Standard 23: Lincoln Mall Landscape

The established lines of red oaks on Lincoln Mall are the most successful mature landscape element of the District. They should be maintained.

Guideline 23.1:

Replace the red oaks as necessary with red or scarlet oaks on the same spacing and in the same line.

Guideline 23.2:

Maintain the red jade crabs in the center of Lincoln Mall. If they are proposed to be removed it should be done on a block by block basis and they should be replaced with large masses of ornamental shrubs, perennials, or grasses.

Guideline 23.3:

Maintain turf in all public landscape areas of Lincoln Mall, with the exception of the center median and other enhanced landscape planting areas approved by the Nebraska Capitol Environs Commission.

Guideline 23.4:

Change seating areas to relate in parallel to the Mall. Work with adjacent property owners to locate seating areas on the outside edges of the sidewalk. Enhance seating areas with ornamental and evergreen shrubs, planted less formally than the trees.

Guideline 23.5:

Monuments, memorials, markers, plaques, and works of public art proposed to be placed along Lincoln Mall shall be of high-quality design, complimentary of and contributing to the overall character and identity of the Mall. More specifically, they shall:

be constructed of durable, high-quality materials that require limited ongoing maintenance and are complementary to both the Capitol and the buildings along Lincoln Mall;

be designed to minimize the potential for vandalism;

be appropriately scaled so as not to appear overwhelming in relation to the adjacent building(s) and the landscape of Lincoln Mall;

incorporate understory landscaping into their design surroundings – where appropriate and desired – in a way that makes the piece feel fully integrated into the landscape of the Mall;

exclude the addition of more seating along Lincoln Mall, except when deemed a necessary component of the proposed installation;

be appropriately set back from the street so as to not disrupt the rhythm of visual and physical movement leading to the Capitol;

be appropriately and substantially spaced from one another to avoid cluttering the landscape of Lincoln Mall (the west terminus of Lincoln Mall specifically, centered on the Hall of Justice Plaza just west of S. 10th Street, shall be discouraged as a location for installations in order to avoid such cluttering); and

be located and designed with careful consideration of how they interact with pedestrian activity on Lincoln Mall (memorials designed to encourage quiet reflection should be buffered from primary pedestrian traffic routes, while works of art intended to encourage spontaneous interaction should be more integrated into said routes).

Applicants wishing to place a monument, memorial, marker, plaque or work of art along Lincoln Mall shall propose a long-term funding source – such as an endowment – and maintenance strategy for preserving the quality and condition of the piece.

Design Standard 24: J Street/West Landscape

The "South Haymarket Neighborhood Plan" approved by City Council in 2015 shall guide development of the public landscape of J Street/West. Because the view to the Capitol is limited by the siting of the County/City government campus, this western extension of Lincoln Mall should be less formal than its counterpart. Improvements along this Mall should reinforce a residential environment.

Guideline 24.1

J Street/West rehabilitation should include construction of a center island and realignment of the curb to allow for parallel on-street parking. New curbs should “bump out” at intersections to shorten the crosswalk distance and thus enhance the walkability of the residential neighborhood.

Guideline 24.2

Establish overstory trees within a minimum 8-foot wide “curb zone” along J Street/West. Require placement of one overstory tree on every corner and at every alley intersection (or on both sides of the street at midblock) along the Mall for continuity.

Guideline 24.3

Plant all four corners of street intersections with the same species, but vary the species from one end of the Mall to the other. Variation can also occur at the midblock locations.

Guideline 24.4

Establish center islands with perennials, grasses, or shrubs in large masses for higher interest.

Design Standard 25: Goodhue Boulevard Landscape

The public landscape improvements along Goodhue Boulevard should offer a variety of Capitol views while reinforcing a residential environment. The "South and East Mall Plan" approved by City Council in 1986 provides general guidance to the development of the public landscape of this Mall.

Guideline 25.1:

Require placement of one overstory tree on every corner and at every alley intersection (or on both sides of the street at midblock) along Goodhue Boulevard for continuity.

Guideline 25.2:

Plant all four corners of street intersections with the same species, but vary the species from one end of the mall to the other. Variation can also occur at the midblock locations.

Guideline 25.3:

Begin a replacement program for overstory edge trees, eliminating pin oaks and other undesirable species. Plan replacements in accordance with spacing guidelines outlined above.

Guideline 25.4:

Maintain turf in center island and between curb and new sidewalk. When maintenance budget allows, convert turf in islands from G Street north to Capitol Square to perennials, grasses, or shrubs in large masses for higher interest.

Guideline 25.5:

New sidewalks should align with those on the north end of the Mall (between G and H Streets), and be a uniform width of six feet.

Design Standard 26: J Street/East Landscape

By its long-established pattern of land subdivision, J Street/East is and can remain the least symmetrical of the Capitol Malls. Its topography lends special interest to approaching the Capitol along J Street/East, which makes it especially desirable to support vehicular, bicyclist, and pedestrian use of this corridor. The impact of J Street/East can be enhanced by addressing its various segments differently. The "South and East Mall Plan" approved by the City Council in 1986 provides general guidance to the development of the public landscape of this Mall.

The first block and a half east of the Capitol should be formal in character, lined with oaks. The first block (16th to 17th) could be closed to vehicular traffic and have a quiet but inviting character, taking advantage of its grade-level accessibility from the Capitol and existing trees.

The open space of the second block (17th to 18th Streets) could be expanded southward when possible, to remove the awkward visual terminus of this Mall at 17th Street. The off-center right-of-way of the rest of J Street/East is mitigated by topography and need not be adjusted.

Guideline 26.1:

Develop the 16th to 17th block of J Street/East with wide sidewalks at the north and south edges, a central area of low, colorful plantings, seating parallel to the sidewalks, and attractive lighting based on the original streetlights on Capitol Square.

Guideline 26.2:

Enhance J Street/East from 16th to Capitol Parkway by continuing the established line of red oaks on the north side, improving the south sidewalk as a bike path, and allowing variety or interest in landscape features on private property.

Design Standard 27: Landscape Maintenance and Replacement

Landscape improvements, especially those on public property, should be designed and installed for economical maintenance and programmed replacement as needed.

Design Standard 28: Lighting

The original historic lighting on Capitol Square shall be preserved and replicated if necessary by duplicate fixtures and poles. Other lighting on the Malls should be designed to enhance visual continuity, pedestrian security, and vehicular safety. On all the Malls, a single system of uniform street lights should provide both vehicular and pedestrian lighting, rather than separate systems. It is desirable that the lights along the Malls be visually consistent with the original Capitol Square lights, although replicating those lights for all the Malls is not a goal of the Commission. Lights should be spaced at each intersection and midblock, so the poles will establish a uniform rhythm. Street lights and street trees should be carefully selected and placed to minimize conflicts between lighting and trees. All wiring shall be underground.

Special lighting may be allowed for unique mall features, either to enhance their significance as focal points or for safety reasons. Use light sources that illuminate without spotlighting.

Design Standard 29: Utilities and Other Public Improvements

In keeping with the purposes of the District, it is a primary goal of the Commission that all above-ground utility lines be removed from crossing the Malls or Capitol Square. Furthermore, utility service, meters, and other visible features may not be attached to the facades of buildings facing the Malls or Capitol Square, and should be screened from visibility from Capitol Square or the Malls.

Bus shelters shall be designed and located to be integral with the malls. Use of high quality, permanent materials is encouraged.

Guideline 29.1:

Newspaper racks, etc. will not be allowed on Capitol Square or the Malls.

Guideline 29.2:

The Commission should be notified prior to commencement of utility work in the District, to minimize disruption to plant materials and to maximize opportunities to remove intrusive elements.

Guideline 29.3:

Placement of landscape features and utility facilities should be coordinated to minimize future conflicts, including damage to plant materials during utility repairs, and damage to facilities.

(Amended by Resolution No. A-92997, 10-4-21; Amended by Resolution No. A-90248, 2-13-17)

CHAPTER 3.90 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE FACILITIES


Section 1. PARKING STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS

1.1 Facilities with 20 or fewer children

Allowed to have access to the facility from local and collector streets, or from an arterial street if the facility only has frontage on an arterial and all required parking stalls allow for entering and exiting the street in a forward motion.

1.2 Facilities with 21 to 30 children

The applicant's lot must have frontage on a collector or arterial street. If the applicant's lot is a corner lot fronting on an arterial street and either a local or collector street, access to the facility is prohibited from the arterial street.

Example 1Access for Facilities with 21 to 30 children

1.3 Facilities with 31 or more children

The applicant's lot must have frontage on an arterial street. Access to the facility is allowed from a collector street if the applicant's lot is a corner lot with frontage on the collector and arterial street.

Example 2

Access for Facilities with 31 or more children

1.4 Stacked Parking

For facilities with 30 or fewer children, stacked parking is allowed. Employees may be allowed to park behind other employee stalls. Unloading and loading stalls for parents may also be allowed to park behind employee stalls.

Parking stalls in driveways must have a minimum depth of 22 feet and shall not extend beyond the property line into the right-of-way.

Example 3Stacked Parking

Example 4Stacked Parking

1.5 Backing onto Arterials

Facilities with 13 or more children, taking access solely to an arterial street, will not be allowed unless all required stalls enter and exit the street in a forward motion.

1.6 Alley Access

Access to any child care facility solely from an alley is prohibited.

Section 2. CENTER LAYOUT AND DESIGN

2.1 Fencing requirement for playground areas for facilities with 13 or more children

When playgrounds are provided adjacent to a residential use, they shall be entirely fenced in with a minimum of a 6 foot high opaque fence or wall for the children's safety and to minimize the visual and noise impacts of the facility.

A non-opaque fence (such as chain link) may be used if evergreen plants, covering 100% of the area from 0 to 6 feet in height are planted between the fence and property line. Plant material must be at least 6 feet high at planting. Fencing adjacent to a public park does not need to be opaque.

2.2 Playground access for facilities with 13 or more children

When playgrounds are provided, children shall not be allowed to cross driveways, alleys, streets, parking lots or other hazardous areas in order to move from the child care facility to the play area. The route from the facility to the playground shall be fenced or enclosed.

Example 5Facilities with 13-20 Children

Example 6 & 7

Section 3. CONVERSION PLANS FOR FACILITIES

3.1 Facilities with 31 or more children in residential districts

Application Material Required. Applicants must provide the following additional information:

1. A site plan showing the proposed building layout including total floor area. 2. A site plan showing the proposed building after the child care facility has left showing the layout for a residential

use allowed by right in the abutting district. 3. An elevation of the proposed building for any side facing a public or private street.

3.2 Conversion Plan Review

Child care facilities shall be designed in such a way that they may be reasonably converted to a residential use allowed by right, that is compatible with the surrounding residential area. In determining compatibility, the following items shall be used to judge if the project could be compatible; building size in relation to adjacent existing or future residences, physical appearance in relation to adjacent properties, future use of parking area, lot size in relation to adjacent properties and compatibility of land use.

Example 8Site Plan of a Conversion Plan, Conversion of a Facility into a Duplex

Section 4. Examples 1 through 8 above are for example only and are not design standards.

CHAPTER 3.100 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING

The Building and Safety Department is assigned responsibility for administration of these design standards.

Section 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

All outdoor luminaires shall be installed in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and the applicable provisions of the City of Lincoln regulating the installation of such fixtures.

No illumination source shall exceed initial output of 4050 lumens unless it is within a cutoff or full cutoff luminaire, except for luminous tube lighting such as neon, cold cathode and fiber optic cable, or as specified for Class II or Class III lighting, or as otherwise provided in this chapter.

All fixtures greater than 4050 lumens, except as specifically provided for in this chapter, shall be cutoff or full cutoff and mounted level in the horizontal and vertical axis with the central part of the beam directed vertically downward.

The installation of any mercury vapor luminaires for use as outdoor lighting is prohibited.

Section 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS OF INSTALLATION

The City of Lincoln encourages the use of quality materials, methods and designs. It is not the intent of this chapter to prevent the use of any design, material or method of installation not specifically forbidden; provided, any such alternate has been approved. The Building and Safety Department may approve any such proposed alternate if manufacturers’ documentation provides satisfactory evidence that the proposed alternate is equivalent to the applicable requirements of this chapter.

Section 3. DEFINITIONS

The following terms and definitions shall apply in the enforcement and interpretation of this chapter:

Class I lighting (General) shall mean all outdoor lighting used to illuminate outdoor areas other than areas described for Classes II through IV.

Class II lighting (Accent/Decorative) shall mean all outdoor lighting used for accent or decorative effects. Examples of Class II lighting include, but are not limited to, the illumination of landscape features, flags, pennants or banners, fountains, statues, art work, and building walls.

Class III lighting (Street Lighting) shall mean all outdoor lighting used to illuminate public streets or highways and private roads subject to public access easement.

Class IV lighting (Outdoor Recreational Facilities) shall mean all outdoor lighting used to illuminate outdoor recreational facilities.

Class V lighting (Salt Creek Tiger Beetle Environs) shall mean all outdoor lighting used to illuminate the area within the Salt Creek Tiger Beetle environs (this is a holding class for anticipated Federal Standards).

Cutoff and Full-Cutoff shall mean outdoor light fixtures shielded or constructed by the manufacturer so as to comply with the former Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) luminous classification system definition for cutoff and full cut-off outdoor lighting fixtures as found in the IESNA Lighting Handbook, 9th edition, or the new IESNA TM-15-07 Luminaire Classification System for Outdoor Luminaires, as more particularly set forth in Addendum A for IESNA TM-15-11: Backlight, Uplight and Glare (BUG) Ratings. Under the BUG Ratings, an outdoor light fixture with a Backlight Rating of 3, Uplight Rating of 1, and Glare Rating of 3 shall be considered equal to cutoff, and an outdoor light fixture with a Backlight Rating of 3, Uplight Rating of 0, and Glare Rating of 3 shall be considered equal to full cutoff.

Display Area shall mean the area used for the outdoor display of merchandise for sale including aisles between the display.

Field Angle shall mean the angle of the cone of light from reflector lamps or flood luminaires encompassing the central part of the beam out to the angle where the intensity is 10 percent of maximum.

Foot-candle (abbreviated fc) shall mean a unit of measure of illumination (number of lumens per area) or how much light is on a surface. A foot-candle is defined as one lumen per square foot.

Glare shall mean the amount of direct or indirect artificial light (measured with the meter vertical at 5 feet above ground level and rotated in a horizontal plane so it is facing the brightest source) in excess of the vertical foot candle limits allowed by Section 9 of this chapter.

IESNA shall mean Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.

Illuminance shall mean the amount of light falling onto a unit area of a horizontal surface (luminous flux per unit area) measured in lumens per square foot (foot-candles) at 3 feet above ground level.

Light trespass shall mean the amount of direct or indirect artificial light (measured with the meter horizontal and facing upwards at 3 feet above ground) in excess of the horizontal foot candle limits allowed by Section 9 of this chapter.

Lumen shall mean a unit of light emitted from a source. Where used in this chapter, lumen shall mean the “initial” manufacturer published amount emitted from the light source. (Example: a LED lamp equivalent to a 100 watt incandescent lamp has approximately 1700 lumens of light output.)

Luminaire shall mean a complete manufactured and UL listed lighting unit consisting of a light source, together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the light source and to connect the light source to the power supply. (Roadway luminaires are exempt from UL listing.)

Mounting height shall mean the distance from finished grade to the bottom most portion of any light emitting source, (e.g. LED, surface of lens).

Nit is a unit of luminance equal to one candela per square meter.

Outdoor recreational facilities shall mean public, or private facilities designed and equipped for the outdoor conduct of sports, leisure time activities, and other customary and usual recreational activities. Outdoor recreational facilities include, but are not limited to, fields or stadiums for softball, baseball, football, soccer, golf courses, driving ranges and other “field sports,” and courts for tennis, basketball, volleyball, handball and other “court sports.”

Parking area shall mean an area, other than a street, designed or used primarily for parking of vehicles. This includes both “required” and “surplus” parking areas for residential, commercial and industrial uses, and inventory storage areas for automobile dealerships, but not display areas.

Person shall mean any natural person, firm partnership, association, corporation, company, or organization of any kind.

Private shall mean an area, street or facility that is not available for use by the general public.

Public shall mean an area, street or facility, whether publicly or privately owned, that is available for general public use, either free or for remuneration.

Residential shall mean an area or development in which the land use is zoned or used for single family, two-family or multi-family dwelling units. It shall include public streets and private roads within such areas.

Section 4. CLASS I LIGHTING (GENERAL)

4.1 Requirements

A. Exterior lighting for outdoor vehicle display area shall not exceed an average maintained illuminance of 20 foot-candles.

If any portion of the outdoor auto display area is within 500 feet of residential zoning, the average maintained illuminance shall not exceed 20 foot-candles and the luminaires shall be full cutoff for the entire outdoor vehicle display area.

B. Outdoor areas under lighted canopies, such as gas pump islands and ATM bays, shall not exceed an average maintained illuminance of 20 foot-candles.

If any portion of the canopy area is within 500 feet of a residential zoning district, the average maintained illuminance shall not exceed 20 foot-candles and the luminaires shall be full cutoff or mounted so that the bottom of the lens is recessed or flush with the bottom surface of the canopy for the entire canopy area.

C. Outdoor areas under lighted marquees (canopies attached to buildings and overhanging public property) shall not exceed an average maintained illuminance of 4 foot-candles.

D. Class I lighting in residential zoning districts shall not exceed an average maintained illuminance of 4 foot-candles. All other Class I lighting, including but not limited to lighting of entrance ways, dining areas, display of merchandise other than vehicles and outdoor work areas shall not exceed an average maintained illuminance of 6 foot-candles.

E. All Class I lighting levels shall be reduced to an average maintained illuminance level of 4 foot-candles after business hours.

F. Illuminance level shall not exceed 4 foot-candles average maintained on parking surface for off-street parking.

Section 5. CLASS II LIGHTING (ACCENT/DECORATIVE)

5.1 Requirements

A. Luminaires used to illuminate buildings, flags, artwork or other landscape features may have lamps exceeding an output of 4050 lumens and be non-cutoff in design and aimed upward, but the field of angle of the lamp may not extend beyond the surface to be illuminated, or the luminaire must have shielding to provide the same limiting effect.

B. All Class II lighting must be selected, installed and aimed so that the amount of light trespass and glare beyond the area intended to be lighted is minimized or eliminated.

Section 6. CLASS III LIGHTING (STREET LIGHTING)

6.1 General Requirements

A. LES shall be consulted in the preparation of all designs for all lighted streets.B. LES shall operate and maintain City of Lincoln street lighting for all lighted streets.C. Bids and proposals from all qualified contractors, including LES, for all construction and installation of street lights

shall be accepted by the Purchasing Agent.D. LES shall be awarded any contract for construction or installation of street lights in the event the bid or proposal

of LES is determined to be in the best interests of the City. The Purchasing Agent, after consulting with the Mayor, shall have the final determination of whether any bid or proposal of LES is in the best interests of the City.

E. LES shall establish, encourage, promote, and employ energy conservation measures in the design, operation, and maintenance of City street lighting systems where and when appropriate.

F. Only light emitting diode (LED) sources or an equivalent or higher efficiency source shall be used.G. Street lighting may exceed trespass and glare standards.H. All luminaires for street lighting shall be mounted level in the horizontal and vertical axis.

6.2 Design Requirements

Street lighting design shall be done in accordance with the IESNA “AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD PRACTICE FOR ROADWAY LIGHTING”, latest edition, except as specifically provided in this section.

6.3 Standard Street Lighting

LES or other contractor engaged by the City may install “standard lighting” in any area where the City Council has not provided for “ornamental street lighting.” Informal petitions signed by affected property owners or requests by the Mayor, City Council, Police Department or Public Works Department will precipitate investigation by LES Street Light Engineering to design and order the installation of justifiable lighting.

The standard street light shall normally consist of a wood pole and bracket with a LES approved roadway luminaire. Wiring will be underground in areas with an underground source and overhead in areas with an overhead source. Whenever directed by the Public Works Department, wiring shall be installed underground.

For local residential streets, poles shall generally be placed at street intersections and mid-block with normal interval spacing of 240 feet.

For all other streets, the street lights intensity will be designed to 70% illuminance or higher and 100% of uniformity of IESNA recommended practices.

6.4 Ornamental Street Lighting

Ornamental Lighting shall be constructed in areas designated by the City Council as “Ornamental Lighting Districts” or authorized by mayoral “Executive Order” and shall be of a design specified to provide illumination in accordance with these standards. Such systems are to be served by underground wiring and design/construction will consist of a metal, concrete or fiberglass Standard (pole).

For local residential streets the standard street luminaire will be a LES approved light emitting diode (LED) post top luminaire, or a LES approved luminaire source of equal or greater efficiency, mounted generally 20 feet above grade. The units shall be located at all intersections and at approximate mid-block normal interval spacing of 240 feet.

For all other streets, the street lights intensity will be designed to 70% illuminance or higher and 100% of uniformity of IESNA recommended practices. The City Council authorizes the City Engineer or subdivision developer (in the case of “Executive Order” areas) to advertise for equipment and installation-construction bids for ornamental lighting. LES is responsible for inspecting and monitoring work done by contractors and maintaining the lighting after its installation.

6.5 Supplemental Streetscape Lighting

Supplemental streetscape lighting shall be for decorative purposes only and are not intended to light the street. No supplemental streetscape light shall exceed 4050 lumens unless it is within a cutoff luminaire.

6.6 Existing Street Lighting (replacement)

LES will replace existing street lighting if it has been determined that maintenance of the existing system is no longer economically feasible. LES will replace the system with standard components equivalent to those currently being installed. Requests for special lighting equipment requires specific action by property owners/developers and approval by the LES Engineering staff.

If an existing wood pole (bracket style) area desires ornamental lighting, the property owners in that area shall pay the difference between such “standard street lighting” and “ornamental residential street lighting.”

6.7 Arterial Street Lighting

“Permanent” arterial lighting consists of metal, concrete or fiberglass poles specifically designed to support bracket mounted roadway luminaires, generally served with underground wiring. The roadway illuminance will be designed to 70% or higher and 100% of uniformity of IESNA recommended practices.

“Temporary” arterial lighting may consist of wood utility poles supporting bracket mounted fixtures served overhead. Such systems will be converted to permanent at such time as roadway improvement factors, capital improvement funds and system age priorities permit.

6.8 Street Light Maintenance

LES will responsibly maintain street lighting in a manner recognizing public safety and convenience needs of such systems.

The principal objective is to keep as many lights as possible functioning properly and responding promptly to “light-out” call-ins.

Lighting which becomes unreliable and maintenance prone will be replaced as expeditiously as possible, within budget limitations.

Section 7. CLASS IV LIGHTING (OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES)

7.1 Requirements

A. Except, as noted in this section hereinafter, recreational facilities shall be lighted in accordance with the IESNA RP-6 standards for “SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL AREA LIGHTING,” latest edition, including standards for illuminance and uniformity ratio.

B. Glare Control1. The luminaires shall meet, when installed and aimed, IES “Cutoff” type luminaire designation as defined in

the IESNA Lighting Handbook, 9th edition.2. Sports flood luminaires shall have a maximum aiming angle up from nadir (the point 90 degrees down from

horizontal) of seventy-two (72 degrees) above nadir or two times the mounting heights out from the pole the fixture is mounted on, whichever is less.

C. Time of Operation1. Outdoor recreational and sports facilities, except golf driving ranges, may remain lighted past 12:00 midnight

to complete recreational and sports activities that are in progress and under illumination at 12:00 midnight and still be in conformance with this chapter, i.e., activities in progress may complete after 12:00 midnight, but they cannot start under illumination after 12:00 midnight, However, in no case shall the illumination stay on past 12:30 a.m.

Lighting for golf driving ranges shall be off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise.

Section 8. CLASS V LIGHTING (SALT CREEK TIGER BEETLE ENVIRONS)

These requirements will be developed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and amended into this code when available.

Section 9. LIGHT TRESPASS AND GLARE

A. All lighting except, Class III (street lighting) or as otherwise exempted elsewhere in this chapter, shall meet the requirements for luminaire, shielding, placement and aiming to minimize light trespass and glare such that:1. No more than 2.0 foot-candles is measured on a vertical plane located at the property line of the adjacent

property.2. The glare measurements from a zero setback property line that is adjacent to a public street, private road, or

an outlot not reserved for future development shall be no more than 2.0 foot-candles measured in a vertical plane located ten feet (10') from the zero setback property line and parallel to said property line.

3. Light trespass from a non-residential use abutting, or across the alley from, a residential district shall not exceed 0.5 foot-candle at the residential property line measured on a horizontal plane.

B. Exterior building surfaces shall not exceed an average surface brightness of 750 nits.

C. Signs are regulated for surface brightness by Chapter 27.69 of the LMC. Sign illumination shall be included in the measurement of light trespass.

Section 10. SUBMISSION OF PLANS AND EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE

A. The application for a building permit involving outdoor lamps (except Class III lighting) that exceed 4050 lumens shall include evidence that the proposed work will comply with this chapter. Single-family and two-family dwellings are exempt from the requirements of this section. The submission shall contain, but not be limited to, four complete sets of the following:1. The location of the site where the outdoor luminaires or outdoor light fixtures will be installed;2. Plans showing the location, type and the mounting heights of all fixtures, both existing and proposed, on the

premises, including point-by- point lighting level (initial and maintained) printouts with calculation areas delineated and average values and initial horizontal and vertical values at 20 foot intervals across all property lines.

3. A description of the outdoor light fixtures including, but not limited to, manufacturer’s catalog cuts, ITL photometric report with candela distribution, drawings, and shielding information.

4. Justification for light loss factors (LLF) utilized by the calculations for the light levels submitted.

B. The above required plans and descriptions shall be sufficiently complete to enable the City to readily determine whether compliance with the requirements of these design standards will be met. At a minimum, the plans shall show point-by-point horizontal foot-candle levels (initial and maintained) for all areas of the project subject to these Design Standards for Outdoor Lighting. The plans shall also include horizontal and vertical foot-candle levels at twenty foot intervals at all property lines. These horizontal and vertical levels shall be taken at the heights required by this code. If such plans and descriptions cannot enable the City to make a determination of compliance with the requirements of these design standards by reason of the nature or configuration of the devices, fixtures or lamps proposed, the applicant shall submit further evidence of compliance enabling such determination.

C. Submittal and drawings shall be signed by a professional engineer licensed in Nebraska, a lighting designer certified by the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Profession (NCQLP) or by the licensed electrical contractor that is performing the work. This engineer, lighting designer or contractor shall certify that the submitted design meets these design standards. Submittal must contain the name of the company that prepared the drawings and the name, title and telephone number of the person that performed the design work.

D. All projects resubmitted for approval shall include a written description of all changes and comments keyed and attached to the plan check comments.

E. Plans and calculations are not required when an electrical contractor submits an application for an electrical permit; however, the contractor or associated engineer or lighting designer shall certify that the intended work meets these design standards.

Section 11. INSTALLATION

The owner or contractor of record (except Class III lighting) shall install the approved outdoor luminaires or outdoor light fixtures in conformance to the listing, manufacturer's installation specifications, and all applicable local and state electrical codes. An electrical permit and inspection by the City of Lincoln Department of Building and Safety is required.

Section 12. PERMANENT EXEMPTIONS

A. Nonconformance. All outdoor luminaire existing and legally installed prior to the adoption of Resolution (TX No. 16003) are exempt from the requirements of this chapter, except that when existing luminaires are reconstructed or replaced, such reconstruction or replacement shall be in compliance with this chapter, unless it

is part of a larger set of the same fixtures, being replaced with the same type of fixture, and no other fixture in that set has been replaced in the past 3 months.

B. Fossil Fuel Light. All outdoor light fixtures producing light directly by combustion of fossil fuels (such as kerosene lanterns and gas lamps) are exempt from the requirements of this chapter.

C. Holiday Decorations. Lights used for holiday decorations are exempt from the requirements of this chapter.D. Other Uses. Airport lighting which is required for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft during flight, take

off, landing, taxiing, loading, unloading, and servicing areas is exempt from the provisions of this chapter. All other outdoor lighting at airport facilities shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. These standards also shall not apply to correctional facilities, heliports, hospital emergency entrances, outdoor workers governed by OSHA standards, or other uses for which lighting standards are preempted by federal or state regulations.

E. This chapter shall not apply to portable temporary lighting used by law enforcement, utilities or emergency services personnel.

Section 13. TEMPORARY EXEMPTIONS

A. General. Temporary exemptions are required to be approved for any situation that is not allowed by this chapter where temporary lighting is required including, but not limited to, search lights, construction, parades, special civic or public events, special business events, grand openings of businesses, etc: The exemption shall be permitted on the premises for no more than two occasions and for no more than a combined total of ten days in any calendar year.

(Resolution A-91044; May 21, 2018: prior Resolution A-89741; May 23, 2016: Resolution A-89620; April 11, 2016: New Chapter 3.100 adopted by Resolution No. A-85023, 9-15-08).

CHAPTER 3.105 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS

(Resolution A-83782; March 20, 2006)



The design and installation of sidewalks within existing and new areas in the City of Lincoln affect such matters as pedestrian and vehicular safety, pedestrian convenience, healthy living factors, and the general appearance and livability of the city. The design and installation of sidewalks within all commercial and industrial use areas to provide for a minimum amount of safety and connection is a matter of city-wide concern and shall be provided as set forth in the following standards.

Section 2. REQUIRED DESIGN STANDARDS

1. An on-site sidewalk system shall be constructed along streets and drives (both public and private) and shall connect to the sidewalk system on abutting streets. For these purposes, parking lot drive aisles are not to be considered drives or streets. Sidewalks shall also be constructed to lead to pedestrian crossings at off-site full access median openings, trail crossings, and pedestrian signal crossings on abutting streets. Sidewalks may be constructed along one side of private drives if the sidewalk system is continuous and the number of driveway crossings is greatly minimized.

2. Each building and pad-site shall connect to the on-site sidewalk system by way of a sidewalk that serves the main entrance of each building and pad-site.

3. The sidewalk along the front of each building that includes the main entrance(s) to the building shall be required, with a minimum five (5) foot clear walking space. Where angle or 90 degree parking abuts the sidewalk, a minimum of 2.5 feet of a parked car overhang obstructing the sidewalk shall be taken into account when providing this five foot clear walking space, thus necessitating a minimum of a 7.5 foot wide sidewalk.

An eight (8) foot clear walking space is required along the front of a building when the building size is 50,000 square feet in gross floor area or greater and is in retail use. This wider pedestrian space is needed due to greater pedestrian activity in front of larger retail sites as well as due to the propensity for such uses to use portions of the fronts of such buildings for storage and display of various items such as shopping carts and display items. When providing for this 8 foot clear walking space, 2.5 feet of parking overhang shall be provided for in addition to the 8 feet of clear space when angle or 90 degree parking abuts the sidewalk. This requirement is not applicable to office or industrial uses where there may be building sizes of 50,000 square feet or greater.

4. Sidewalks shall be constructed to serve pedestrian movement on site in as direct a manner as possible with a maximum 300 foot diversion for pedestrians to be used as a standard for identifying directness. Also, sidewalk/driveway crossings shall be minimized as much as possible in the design of the on-site sidewalk system.

5. With the exception of where sidewalks cross driveways, sidewalks shall be separated from vehicle parking and vehicle maneuvering areas by grade differences, paving material, and/or landscaping.

6. The on-site sidewalk system shall connect with existing or planned bicycle trails which abut the site but are not necessarily adjacent to the streets abutting the site.

7. Installation of on-site sidewalks shall coincide with and complement required street trees and on-site landscaping requirements.

8. All on-site sidewalks (except for those that abut the fronts of buildings as discussed above in Standard #3) shall provide a minimum of four (4) feet of clear walking space in width and shall be constructed in accordance with sidewalk standards adopted by the City Engineer including all applicable ADA standards.

Section 3. FLOOR AREA INCENTIVE PEDESTRIAN STANDARDS (OPTIONAL)

In order to determine which developments are deserving of the optional Floor Area Incentive bonus offered in the Lincoln-Lancaster Comprehensive Plan the following design features are needed in site designs to determine which developments are truly pedestrian oriented.

1. Sidewalks installed on both sides of private drives to best serve the needs of the pedestrian within commercial and industrial developments.

2. Additional clear walking space, in addition to the required 8 feet, provided along the front of large retail buildings containing 50,000 square feet or more in gross floor area if outside storage and display is likely along the front of such buildings.

3. Internal parking lot design that provides for the comfort and safety of the pedestrian through the provision of sidewalk facilities within the parking area. This type of pedestrian facility offers the pedestrian a safe, convenient, and comfortable walking environment from the furthest parking stall up to the front of a building.

4. Provide for even greater pedestrian orientation through landscaping that is oriented to the pedestrian through provisions for plazas, sitting areas, fountains, and other amenities, and through the physical arrangement of buildings and parking with an orientation to the pedestrian. Also, provide pedestrian pavement markings at access drives and crosswalks.

5. Bicycle racks provided in convenient and secure areas within a development to serve the needs of those who wish to bike to commercial and industrial areas.

6. Provisions made for transit opportunities in the design of a development.

Section 4. REVIEW PROCEDURES

A pedestrian circulation plan shall be required to include a detailed scaled drawing of the site under review, showing the location, orientation, and dimensions of existing and proposed sidewalks and pedestrian facilities in compliance with these Design Standards for Pedestrian Circulation. This pedestrian circulation plan may be on the same sheet as a site or landscape plan if the pedestrian system is clearly readable.

The City-County Planning Department shall serve as the coordinating agency for the review and approval process required for developments involving plats, use permits, special-use permits, and Planned Unit Development procedures.

The City of Lincoln Public Works and Utilities Department shall serve as the coordinating agency for the reviews and approvals required through the building permit process or other such process as approved by the Director of Public Works and Utilities. The Planning Department will assist in the review of the pedestrian circulation plan when submitted during the building permit process. In commercial and industrial areas, additions to existing buildings valued at 50% or more of the County Assessor’s assessed value of the property or any new construction will trigger the requirement to abide by these pedestrian design standards.

Section 5. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are visual examples intended to explain the general intent of these pedestrian standards.

Exhibit AExample of Office and Retail Development Pedestrian Circulation Plan

The site plan above provides a pedestrian circulation plan that generally meets the intent of these Design Standards for Pedestrian Circulation. This site plan includes both office and retail land uses. The pedestrian system shown provides very good pedestrian access to and from each pad site and to and from the surrounding neighborhood. Connections to the larger pedestrian system are provided as are pedestrian facilities within parking areas, continuous sidewalks along drive aisles, sidewalks on both sides of main access points, direct pedestrian connections into the site, and widened sidewalks along the fronts of pad sites containing main entrances.

Exhibit BExpanded Clear Walking Space Along Front of a Large Retail Pad Site

This site plan highlights the design standard to provide widened clear walking space (minimum of 8' clear) along the front of a large retail building (50,000 square feet or larger) where the main entrances are located. Such a widened clear walking space provides a safe and comfortable space where there is high pedestrian activity. Additional area outside of the 8 feet of required clear space is recommended if outside displays for merchandise or cart storage are desired.

Exhibit CExample of Desirable Widened Clear Walking Space in Front of Large Retail Site

This example shows how a widened sidewalk along the front of a large pad site provides adequate space for pedestrians to enter, exit, and maneuver shopping carts separate from drive aisles and moving traffic. This photo also shows the use of a barrier curb which further enhances the safety of the pedestrian space.

Exhibit DExample of an Undesirable Lack of Clear Walking Space In Front of Large Retail Site

In this example little or no clear space is provided to the pedestrian resulting in many conflicts with moving traffic along the main drive aisle of this building. The lack of a curb also limits the delineation between pedestrian space and vehicular space.

Exhibit E: Recommended Additional Space Beyond Required 8 Feet for Large Retail Sites

Often large retail sites use outside areas for display and storage purposes. These areas often obstruct pedestrian movement when there is not adequate space provided for both storage and pedestrians. Here additional space is provided for cart storage in addition to the required 8 feet of clear walking space.

Exhibit F Single Commercial Pad Site Pedestrian Facilities

This graphic shows both the on-site and off-site sidewalk system that serves the pedestrian. A sidewalk is provided in this case on each side of the building with widened sidewalk areas along the sides that contain entrances to the building. It is important to provide connections to the larger pedestrian system along the abutting streets to make connections into the site. Also, the building is oriented toward the street in a pedestrian friendly manner.

Exhibit GFast-Food Pad Site with Widened Sidewalk

Here a fast-food site provides a widened sidewalk along the face of the building that contains the main entrance. This sidewalk also allows for a connection to the larger pedestrian system within a mixed-use development.

Exhibit HExample of Widened Sidewalk Along Front of Building

This example shows how a widened sidewalk along the front of an office building allows for comfortable and direct pedestrian access to the building. In this case, 90̊ parking abuts the sidewalk which under these standards invokes the minimum 7.5 foot sidewalk width.

Exhibit INegative Impact of Car Overhang on Clear Walking Space

Nearly half of this 5 foot sidewalk is obstructed by the overhang of this car. It is common to have 2.5 feet of sidewalk width obstructed by car overhangs. Thus it is important to account for this impact when providing for clear walking space along the fronts of buildings where parking abuts the sidewalk.

Exhibit JExample of a Direct Sidewalk into a Development

The functionality of this bank-site is enhanced by providing a direct sidewalk connection from the arterial street sidewalk system. It is important to provide such direct access points so that pedestrians are not diverted more than 300 feet out of the way of their destination.

Exhibit KExample of a Recommended Pedestrian Facility within a Parking Lot

As a recommended practice, it is often desirable in parking lots to provide separated sidewalk facilities such as this to allow for direct and safe pedestrian circulation.

Exhibit LIndustrial Development Sidewalk Connections

Industrial developments and buildings also need pedestrian facilities, especially for employees. Like retail and office areas, sidewalks are needed to connect the larger sidewalk system along streets and drives within the larger development into and within each building site.

Exhibit MExample of a Sidewalk Along a Main Entrance Drive

Sidewalks should be provided on both sides of main entrances to a site, whether they are private or public streets or drives. Often these connections and facilities lead to major intersections on arterial streets where pedestrian crossings are provided, further enhancing pedestrian convenience and circulation.

Exhibit NExample of an Undesirable Lack of Sidewalk on Main Entrance Drive

When no sidewalks are provided along main entrances to developments, pedestrians are either forced to walk in the drive aisles along with moving traffic (an unsafe situation), or the conditions become such that pedestrians simply do not walk to or from the development, forcing a dependence on automobile usage. Here a sidewalk system along the arterial street is not connected to a sidewalk system into the development.

Exhibit OOrientation of Buildings to Pedestrians

To improve the pedestrian environment it is recommended that buildings within a development be oriented to pedestrians. An example of this is to orient buildings up to and along the street and provide large parking areas to the rear of buildings.

Exhibit PIncorporating Plazas, Sitting Areas, and Fountains as Pedestrian Amenities

Provision for plazas, sitting areas, and fountains is recommended to provide an even greater pedestrian environment within a development.

Exhibit QProvision for On-Site Bike-Racks

Bike-racks are recommended to be provided within a development’s design. It is important to place bike racks at convenient and secure locations when a site is being designed and to use quality bike-rack design.

Exhibit RSidewalk System Complementing Required On-Site Street Trees and Landscaping

The on-site sidewalk system should coincide and complement required street trees and landscaping. In this case a sidewalk provided next to a parking lot incorporates tree and shrub plantings with the sidewalk making the pedestrian experience more enjoyable.

Exhibit SBicycle Trail Connection into Development

A connection into a commercial or industrial site from a planned or existing multi-use bicycle trail provides a convenient and safe connection from various neighborhoods and developments to a particular site. Here a short sidewalk provides the connection from the trail to the parking lot of a development.

Exhibit TDesigning Development for Future Transit Stops

As a recommendation, designing a site for a future bus stop within a development’s parking and access system is desirable. Here a bus shelter is located along a main access drive and next to a parking area within a commercial development.

CHAPTER 3.115 ACCESSORY DWELLING DESIGN STANDARDS

(Resolution A-90827; December 18, 2017)



The Lincoln/Lancaster County 2040 Comprehensive Plan encourages efficient use of existing housing and infrastructure by allowing Accessory Dwellings (referred to in this chapter as ADUs or Accessory Dwelling Units) with Aproper design standards.@ These small, flexible units may assist owner-occupants of single family homes in meeting a variety of life changes, wherever they live in our city, while supporting private and public investment in residential neighborhoods. These standards are intended to foster neighborly design of these dwelling units, and to assure that properties incorporating an ADU remain compatible with the general character of their neighborhoods.


The design standards apply to new construction of detached ADUs on land located within the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7 and R-8 districts.


The review process for these Design Standards is designed to parallel the current building permit review process. That is, review for compliance with these Design Standards will take place at the same time that other components of the building permit are examined. To facilitate this administrative review process, the applicant will be requested to submit certain additional items with the normal building permit application. Those items are as follows:

1. At least one black or blue line print showing the principal street facade, the side facades, and the site plan of the proposed building.


1. ADUs should be compatible with the main house, utilizing its features such as roof type, materials, and general style. Staff shall not approve alternative designs that do not fit this characteristic but shall refer them to the Appeals Board.

2. ADUs located behind the main dwelling should take into consideration the setting, privacy, and views of the adjoining neighbors.

3. ADUs located on a corner lot bear special responsibility for neighborly design. Design of such structures should be consistent with both the property and the general setting, and the ADU shall clearly be subordinate to the main residence. Most often, this can be achieved by attention to features of the main house such as roof type, materials, and general style or to prominent features frequently seen in the immediate surroundings. ADUs on corner lots should be oriented with an entrance and a window facing the nearest adjacent street. In addition, front porches should be provided for ADUs on corner lots when half or more of the houses on the same and facing block fronts have front porches oriented to the same street as the ADU.


Any request for a deviation from the Accessory Dwelling Design Standards may be approved by the Planning Director, Appeals Board, or City Council as provided in Chapter 1.00.

(Resolution A-90827, December 18, 2017).

TITLE 3 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR ZONING REGULATIONS

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