The Architecture Regulations in this section are set forth to ensure that new and renovated buildings in the Subarea embody architectural characteristics that maintain the desired human scale, rhythm, and urban character appropriate for Downtown Bothell. The goal is to build on the best efforts of previous generations, while allowing for and encouraging creativity on the part of developers and designers. For renovations to Historic buildings, refer to Section 3) Downtown Conditions in Appendix A: Starting Point. The regulations in this section are organized according to the building elements described below and indicated in Figure 12.64.500 Architecture Regulations:
A. Building Mass.Building Mass regulations are determined by District as shown in the Districts Regulations Charts and control the minimum required articulation of a building’s height and length. For the purposes of this plan, a building’s massing may be composed of the following elements:
1. Street Façade.The plane of a façade that fronts upon a street, extending from the ground up to the street façade eave line (see Figure 12.64.500.A).
2. Side Façade.The plane of a façade that fronts upon a side yard or side property line, extending from the ground up to the side wall eave line. (see Figure 12.64.500.A).
3. Rear Façade.The plane of a façade that fronts upon a rear yard, rear property line, or alley, extending from the ground up to the rear wall eave line. (see Figure 12.64.500.A).
4. River Façade.The plane of a façade that fronts upon the Sammamish River, extending from the ground up to the rear wall eave line. (see Figure 12.64.500.A).
Fig. 12.64.500.A. Building Mass
B. Façade.
1. Façade Composition.The relationship between individual elements of a façade as they relate to the façade’s overall design, articulation, and organization.
2. Building Base.A base treatment is a horizontal articulation of the lower part of a building façade’s design that serves to establish a human scale for pedestrian users and passers-by, and aesthetically “ties” a building to the ground.
3. Wall Cladding.The exposed materials of a façade that primary walls, base, wall accent, trim, and other articulation elements are made of or covered with.
4. Windows.Openings in a building façade that allow light and/or air into the building.
5. Entrances.Points of access into a building.
C. Roof.The top surface that covers a building.
D. Color.The visible colors of building façades, roofs, or site elements.
E. Sustainability.A development’s (i.e. a building’s and/or a site’s) physical or design elements that improve its environmental performance, efficiency, and livability to “…meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (quotation from the Our Common Future, World Commission on Environment and Development, United Nations 1987)
F. Style.A classification of a recognizable and historically established combination of architectural elements and compositional principles.
G. Historic Resources.Regulations to preserve and enhance the historic character and architectural heritage of Downtown Bothell and therefore the overall community character.
