urban design manual - kitchener · design. identity encourage distinctive and recognizable design....
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2012 City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part A – Urban Design Guidelines A-1
Urban Design Manual
PART A –
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.0
THE CITY’S VISION
“To create a safe, attractive, stimulating, accessible, and barrier free environment in which to live and work”. (Part 2.6, - objective for Urban Design as contained in the City of Kitchener’s Official Plan) The following principles will be used in implementing this Vision and in guiding Kitchener’s urban form.
Function
Promote accessibility/usability/safety for all
groups.
Offer choices and variety in terms of housing,
commerce and modes of transport.
Promote the protection and sustainability of
natural environments.
Encourage strong and clearly defined pedestrian
connections and linkages.
Order
Encourage “legibility” in design i.e. clearly
understandable design patterns.
Provide a balanced and efficient distribution of
activities.
Promote the continuity and improvement of
established development patterns and streetscape
design.
Identity
Encourage distinctive and recognizable design.
Provide a focus for activity.
Reinforce neighbourhood character and place
making.
Encourage innovative, high quality design at
landmark locations
Provide a high quality public realm.
Appeal
Provide functional and attractive design.
Provide an appropriate scale and a sense of
proportion.
Built Form
Encourage a compatible built form.
Encourage high density.
Support compact development in the central
neighbourhoods.
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2.0
INTRODUCTION
Urban Design is concerned with the following:
Designing buildings and the spaces between
them.
Managing the resources of the built environment,
both new and existing.
Meeting the needs of the developers and the
users of the urban environment.
Coordinating the various design disciplines to
achieve a team approach to urban development.
Encouraging sustainability
Good urban design seeks to create a safe, functional and attractive built environment. An equal partnership among respective professions, including Architects, Landscape Architects, Planners and Engineers is required to achieve this objective. The City of Kitchener is committed to achieving a high standard of urban design in the public and private realm. These guidelines, in conjunction with Council approved Urban Design Briefs, have been adopted by City Council in order to implement the existing urban design policies contained within the Official Plan. Amendments to the content of the Design Manual will be adopted by City Council, with the exception of minor amendments that are technical or editorial in nature which will be approved by the Director of Planning. These Urban Design Guidelines represent a framework for establishing Kitchener’s future urban form. It sets out a number of positive design principles, which should be followed in the design of new communities, sites and buildings. These guidelines should be reviewed and evaluated with all planning processes and approvals including plans of subdivision and site plan approval. The purpose of the Guidelines is to ensure that new development is consistent with the City’s Vision for urban design stated herein. New development should demonstrate conformity with the five guiding principles contained within the Vision: Function, Order, Identity, Appeal and Built Form.
The Guidelines are presented in a hierarchical fashion. ‘Community Design’ and ‘Neighbourhood Design’, deal with urban design at a larger scale. ‘Site Design’, addresses detailed site planning issues, ‘Building Design and Massing’ examines specific building design and streetscape issues and ‘Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design’ addresses safety and security in site design. The Guidelines are intended to be flexible. They are not intended to prescribe specific design solutions but rather to express the preferred design objectives of the City. The development process is viewed as a cooperative venture between the City and the development industry. A successful development will achieve the City’s Vision while meeting the individual needs of the proponent. Each section of the document contains a goal and specific design guidelines. The goal establishes the overall aim of the particular subject. The design guidelines set out directions and techniques, which will achieve the stated goal and the City’s Vision. The Guidelines are supported by Design Briefs (Part B) and a comprehensive set of Design Standards (Part C). The Design Briefs address specific land uses or types of development and the Standards contain detailed information, definitions and technical criteria. Specific design standards and policies are referenced throughout the Guidelines. Although comprehensive Design Briefs are only available for certain forms of development, the requirements contained in Part A and Part C of the Urban Design Manual should be regarded at the early design stage of all projects. There may be instances where due to site conditions or unique circumstances, certain guidelines and standards may be in conflict with each other or physically not achievable. In all cases, proponents are encouraged to discuss these conflicts with the appropriate City staff. In the development of City projects, all Departments shall have regard for these Guidelines. 2.1 The Evolution of Kitchener’s Urban Form Kitchener’s present urban form has been shaped by several factors, including the local economy, transportation and population growth. This form is very much a product of these factors linked together over the last century.
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The first land use plan for the present day City of Kitchener was developed by Thomas Adams and Horace Seymour in 1924. It was characterized by a comprehensive zoning by-law used largely to protect housing values and help create an orderly development of the City. A total of five zones were created: heavy industrial, light industrial, business, residential and detached private residential. Building height and building lines were also regulated.
Adams-Seymour Plan 1924. First City Plan
The Adams-Seymour plan was also characterized by a dominance of the grid-iron street pattern. The plan contemplated the growth of Kitchener outside of the established nineteenth century form of Berlin (the former name of the City). In addition, distinct residential districts were created, and business and industrial areas were located along primary arterial roads. After the Second World War, the development of new housing dominated the form of the City. Through the development of the National Housing Act, middle and lower-middle class citizens qualified for a residential mortgage, a factor which greatly increased the demand for new housing. The general thought of the time was that single-family houses were an essential housing form to which Canadians should aspire. The major growth in demand for new suburban housing
directed the urban form of the City for many years to follow. In 1949, an Official Plan was adopted by the Kitchener-Waterloo Suburban Planning Board. A ring road was incorporated into the plan, which eventually developed into the present day Conestoga Parkway. Throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s, the preference for ranch-style and split-level homes led to an increasing demand for land. Servicing costs became an important factor in determining how the City would develop i.e. access to water and sanitary sewer facilities. The curvilinear street pattern emerged as the dominant street design, in place of the earlier established grid pattern. Today, there has been a renewed focus on planning issues in the City’s downtown and a new commercial policy structure based on a nodes and corridor model. In addition, the preservation of heritage buildings and the creation of heritage districts have emerged as an important component of the planning process. New suburban development design includes the preservation and integration of important natural features and the use of decorative street furniture. All of these issues call for a need to include urban design as a key component of the planning process.
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3.0 COMMUNITY DESIGN This section deals with urban design at the planning community scale. The guidelines are intended to create diverse places for living, working and recreation. Local communities include Forest Heights, Stanley Park and Laurentian West. As a general statement, communities should have a mix of land uses including a variety of housing types and park spaces, schools, shopping areas and employment opportunities. Many communities in Kitchener are bound by major streets such as Fisher Hallman Road or large natural features such as the Grand River forming a community edge. Over time, the urban form of communities has changed particularly as it relates to the street network, building types and park space design. Today, a design-based approach is encouraged to create communities that promote a sense of place, have integrated street networks with transit-oriented development, effectively integrate natural and heritage resources and include walkable neighbourhoods with interesting streetscapes, focal points and destinations. The attention to detail is also important to create or strengthen distinct themes or character. In all cases, a high standard of community design will ensure that all elements are integrated with one another and contribute to complete communities. The following guidelines are intended to assist in creating a vision and design principles within a community Plan. This will be further implemented in the neighbourhood concept plan, subdivision design and ultimately the site plan stage.
A grid street pattern with transit supportive development
is typical for many older communities across the city.
3.1 Creating a Sense of Place
Goal
To create communities that have a distinctive character, pedestrian-friendly streets and prominent landmarks, views and vistas.
Design Guidelines
3.1.1 Community Structure
Create a community of identifiable and walkable
neighbourhoods and districts.
Identify and incorporate existing natural, cultural
and built heritage features into new communities.
Design urban areas to allow for direct and
convenient access to major destinations and focal
points.
Provide a variety of public spaces for passive and
active uses.
Provide a variety of focal points at prominent,
accessible locations.
Incorporate transit supportive development along
planned transit routes.
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3.1.2 Streetscapes
Design streets for various modes of travel with
emphasis on pedestrian use, comfort and
aesthetics.
Create interesting gateway features at prominent
community entrances.
Establish a distinct theme or character for
prominent streets and gateways.
Provide consistent streetscape elements to
complement and unify the built form (i.e.
decorative street lights, tree hierarchy, signage,
etc.) and to assist with way finding.
Promote activity along streets by locating building
entrances and windows close to the street,
benches and building entrances at major transit
stops and integrate public spaces along street
frontages.
Promote “eyes on the street” by minimizing front
yard setbacks and providing porches, doors and
front windows facing the public street.
Plan for active uses such as retail, services and
restaurants at the street level to encourage
pedestrian activity and movement between private
and public spaces.
Minimize the use of physical noise attenuation
measures.
A prominent community focal point can be created
through a major landmark feature such as this clock tower located in a roundabout intersection.
Boulevards with distinctive landscape details and
branding, along with the maturing forest area, create an attractive gateway into the Doon Mills community.
Active streets are created when front doors face public
streets.
Ensure garages do not dominate the streetscape.
The following design alternatives should be
considered:
Limit garage width and projection.
Construct garages flush with the front of the
dwelling.
Develop detached garages to the rear of the
dwelling, accessible by either rear lane or front
driveway.
Locate garages below the ground floor level.
Construct tandem garages.
Ensure streets are well lit. Coordinate street tree
plantings and street lighting to avoid blocking
street lighting.
Enhance streetscapes through tree planting.
Ensure optimal conditions are provided for the
maintenance and health of trees. (ie. appropriate
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topsoil depth and soil chemistry, structural soils for
urban conditions and sufficient root zone.)
3.1.3 Landmarks, Views and Vistas
Use massing and architectural detailing to create a
landmark structure in locations that terminate
significant views.
Provide special attention to heritage resources
and public buildings that occupy prominent sites
by creating pedestrian scale pubic spaces for
residents and informal gathering near the building
entrance.
Frame prominent intersections by locating
buildings or other significant structures close to the
property line.
Protect existing views and vistas of built and
natural landmarks.
Create new opportunities for focal points where
possible through the location of streets,
intersections, walkways, lookouts, built form and
site design.
Encourage public art in prominent locations to
create recognizable features and landmarks.
Frame prominent intersections by locating buildings
close to the property line.
3.2 Trees and Woodlands
Goal
To incorporate trees and woodlands of value into new development.
Design Guidelines
Protect larger woodlands and maintain, enhance
or restore adequate linkages between natural
areas. Creation of new linkages should be
considered where none presently exist if
ecologically appropriate.
Design new development to incorporate, protect
and conserve existing healthy trees and
woodlands.
Avoid the fragmentation of woodlands and
maintain or create appropriate buffer areas for
conservation of significant natural features and
functions.
Minimize grading and hydro geological changes to
the existing site to avoid disruption to natural
systems.
Incorporate existing trees into the streetscape,
where possible.
City Design Standards and Policies
Tree Management Policy
Storm Water Management Facilities
Design Brief for Suburban Development and
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
Single loaded streets are an effective design strategy to
integrate new subdivision development with woodlands.
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Protection of the root zone, soil structure and the
understorey growth is necessary to ensure the survival of mature trees and woodlands. Paige wire fencing and
signage at a woodland in a new subdivision in the Chicopee area protects trees during construction.
Planning and conservation strategies in the Strasburg Creek Watershed and the Huron Planning Community include a vision for an Environmental Education facility and the maintenance of ecological integrity within the
200 hectare Huron Natural Area.
3.3 Heritage Resources
Goal
To ensure new development complements and, where possible, incorporates heritage resources of natural, historical, architectural or cultural significance.
Design Guidelines
Conserve significant heritage resources including
buildings, structures, district streetscapes and
landscapes using strategies such as:
Preservation - maintaining and/or restoring a
heritage resource within its context of setting.
Adaptive re-use – rehabilitation of a heritage
resource for a new function.
Incorporation – integration of individual
components of a heritage resource into a new
development.
Contrast – integration of new, contrasting
building materials in a way which respects the
integrity of the heritage resource.
Sensitively rehabilitate heritage buildings where
required for persons with disabilities while having
the lowest impact on significant heritage features.
Identify significant architectural details and
features of heritage resources and incorporate
similar details and features into new building
designs. Design strategies should be sensitive to
existing heritage resources, providing for some
reproduction of character defining features while
maintaining some distinction between old and
new.
Ensure that the design and location of lighting,
streets, signage, parking, public works facilities,
grading and other site features respect the
integrity and character of the heritage resource.
Ensure that new development proposed near
significant heritage resources is compatible and
incorporates a high level of urban design
particularly as it relates to views, streetscape
character and building material selection.
Ensure all new development is in compliance with
the policies and consistent with the guidelines of
any applicable Heritage Conservation District Plan
and the recommendations of any applicable
heritage impact assessment as approved by the
City.
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A typical residential streetscape within the Victoria Park
Area Heritage Conservation District.
The Shantz Terrace housing development, at the corner of Ottawa Street and Maurice Street, integrates the
historic building on this townhouse site through thoughtful site planning and the appropriate use of
materials, building form and roof lines.
The Bread and Roses housing development
demonstrates that additional height can be well integrated through careful consideration of building
setbacks, massing and materials.
City Design Standards and Policies
Heritage Conservation Policies, Section 5.3
Official Plan
Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District
Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District
Plan
St. Mary’s Heritage Conservation District
Design Brief for Suburban Development and
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres 3.4 Street Network
Goal
To create a highly connected street network providing for appropriate traffic distribution, safe pedestrian and cycling conditions, barrier free access and efficient public transit.
Design Guidelines
Minimize the impacts on natural environment and
cultural heritage features.
Ensure the street network, including layout and
design, accommodates all intended users
including pedestrians, persons with disabilities,
cyclists, emergency vehicles and automobiles.
Design streets to accommodate all intended
functions such as travel lanes, on-street parking,
transit, bike lanes, landscaped medians where
proposed or required. Some functions may be
prioritized.
Design the street network based on a hierarchy of
streets to accommodate different functions with
emphasis on non-motorized travel.
Encourage a dedicated bicycle route along a
major street or to major destinations.
Design the street network with a direct and
efficient transit route in close proximity to higher
density neighbourhoods and transit supportive
uses. Improve access to transit routes by
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providing multiple local street connections to
transit routes.
Create an interconnected street pattern that
promotes connectivity between abutting
neighbourhoods, provides good connections within
neighbourhoods and to major destinations.
Balance the use of grid and curvilinear street
patterns to increase route options.
Ensure the local street network is easy to navigate
and is well integrated with the arterial road
network. Improve connectivity and accessibility by
providing multiple local street connections to
arterial streets with interval spacing of 200-400
metres between intersections.
Ensure intersection spacing of no more than 60
metres along collector and local roads.
Provide direct pedestrian access between arterial
streets and adjacent neighbourhoods (walking
distances should be minimized and steps or steep
grades should be avoided).
Preferred street network which provides continuous connections between neighbourhoods and major
streets.
Discourage street networks that provide limited access
between neighbourhoods and are not continuous.
Design intersections to balance the needs of
automobiles, trucks, buses, cyclists, persons with
disabilities and pedestrians. Where necessary or
appropriate, incorporate consistent traffic calming
measures to moderate vehicle speeds and
promote pedestrian and cyclist movement.
Design streets to avoid reverse lotting. Where
appropriate, a system of service streets and
looped local streets located parallel to major
streets may be used to avoid reverse lotting on
arterial streets. The use of private rear lanes may
also be considered.
Design street patterns which optimize passive
solar gain where possible (i.e. east-west street
orientation to maximize south exposure of
buildings).
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Pedestrian safety and accessibility is improved through
mid-block pedestrian connections.
City Design Standards and Policies
Traffic Calming Policy
Transit Supportive Policy
City of Kitchener Cycling Master Plan
City of Kitchener Subdivision Manual
Design Brief for Suburban Development and
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
3.5 Transit
Goal
To ensure new development is transit supportive.
Design Guidelines
Design for convenient pedestrian access with
transit routes. Minimize walking distances
between transit stops and primary activity areas.
Design neighbourhoods so that transit service can
be provided to 95% of all dwelling units within 450
metres walking distance of a transit route. All
multiple dwelling units should be located within
300 metres walking distance of an existing or
planned stop. A closer location is encouraged for
the higher density uses. Location of existing and
planned transit stops should be considered early
in the design process.
Locate buildings in commercial areas close to or at
the property line to facilitate pedestrian access
and encourage transit use.
Provide continuous sidewalks on both sides of
roadways to support transit use and walkable
communities.
Orient higher intensity uses toward existing and
planned transit facilities, corridors and planned
commercial areas.
Ensure transit facilities are easily visible, well lit
and integrated with the ultimate landscape design
in terms of tree/shrub planting, grading, etc.
Coordinate transit stops with major activities,
pedestrian routes and building entrance locations.
Shade trees should be planted near transit stops
to provide shade from the summer sun, but not in
a location which blocks street lighting.
City Design Standards and Policies
Transit Supportive
City of Kitchener Sidewalk Policy
Design Brief for Suburban Development and
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
Large shopping centres and planned commercial areas serve as nodes in the transit system.
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Locate buildings close to the street along transit corridors.
Higher density uses, such as stacked townhouse units, are appropriate near transit stops and shopping areas.
3.6 Parks, Open Spaces and Trails
Goal
To provide a variety of outdoor recreational and amenity opportunities for all age groups. To provide an accessible linked parks and open space system.
Design Guidelines
Ensure that the following are addressed in the
location and design of parks, and the preservation
of natural features:
The existing ecological characteristics of the
natural features, future management
strategies, and the timing of construction.
Coordination with the City’s recreational and
open space objectives.
Monitoring and response program for all parks
and natural systems.
Create an interconnected open space system with
a variety of park spaces located within walking
distance to most homes.
Provide for a continuous and linked community
trail system separate from the street network.
Design urban areas to allow for appropriate public
access to important natural features, community
trails and major park spaces.
Provide significant park frontage along streets to
improve safety, accessibility, visibility and identity.
Locate district and community scale parks as
primary focal points which are easily accessible
from surrounding neighbourhoods and contain a
variety of activities and amenities for all residents.
Locate active recreational uses and any
associated parking facilities in a manner which
minimizes conflict with adjacent residential uses.
Provide small-scale parks and sitting areas to
encourage community interaction.
Provide plazas or urban squares in key
commercial areas, which are well lit and well
integrated into the immediate area. Consider
opportunities to integrate public art features.
Provide trail connections leading to park spaces,
natural areas and other destinations such as
schools, employment and community facilities.
Design Standards and Policies
City of Kitchener Parks Master Plan
City of Kitchener Leisure Facility Master Plan
City of Kitchener Public Art Policy
Design Brief for Suburban Development and
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
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An interconnected open space system can be created
through an integrated community trail system that provides accessibility to different neighbourhoods and
park spaces.
Hibner Park on Ahrens Street is an intimately scaled
open space, only 0.2 ha, and includes a fountain, play area, sitting areas, decorative lighting and gardens. It is
a visual focal point and gathering spot in this older neighbourhood.
Pedestrian interest is improved when public art is
provided in urban squares.
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4.0
NEIGHBOURHOOD DESIGN
This section deals with urban design at the neighbourhood scale, a scale of development which is larger than a city block or individual subdivision development and smaller than a community which includes a variety of neighbourhoods and supporting land uses. Local neighbourhood examples include Cedar Hill, Belmont Village, Forest Hill and Williamsburg. Kitchener has many neighbourhoods that vary in terms of scale, density, built form and character. From a general design perspective, the City has two categories of neighbourhoods, Central and Suburban, which can be defined by their geographic location in the city. The Central Neighbourhoods include Downtown and the immediate surrounding neighbourhoods. They are generally characterized by mature treed boulevards, a grid or modified grid street pattern, shorter block lengths, housing diversity and convenient access to shops, schools, employment and transit. Many Central Neighbourhoods are evolving through adaptive re-use and infill development projects. New development is expected to be compatible with existing neighbourhoods. The Central Neighbourhood guidelines are also supported by the “Mixed Use Corridor Design Brief” and Downtown Design Policies and Guidelines. The Suburban Neighbourhoods are located at the outer portions of the city outside the central area and include greenfield areas. Compared to Central Neighbourhoods the Suburban Neighbourhoods display a greater variation in terms of scale, form and function. New development within these neighbourhoods will be subject to detailed design guidelines contained in the “Design Brief for Suburban Development and Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres”.
Specific urban design guidelines apply to two types of
neighbourhoods, central neighbourhoods located in the central part of the city, and suburban neighbourhoods,
located at the outer portions of the city.
4.1 Central Neighbourhoods
Goal
To ensure new infill development is compatible with the existing neighbourhood.
Design Guidelines
4.1.1 Character
Respect the existing neighbourhood character
through compatible building massing (building
height, scale and location), building design
principles and streetscape elements.
Contribute to lively, attractive, pedestrian-friendly
streetscapes.
Promote an urban street relationship by locating
buildings close to the street, particularly along
transit routes, with parking in the side or rear
yards. Vehicular parking should not detract from
the character of the neighbourhood.
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Use materials that are similar to those found in the
existing neighbourhood. Allow opportunity for
contrast and variety.
Maintain the rhythm of existing building
separations, the size and dimensions of existing
façade openings, and the proportion of opening to
wall.
Emphasize the ground floor level facing the street
with strong vertical and horizontal articulation,
window openings and building entrances.
Avoid locating mechanical equipment in public
view or facing public streets. Provide effective
screening techniques where not possible.
Incorporate decorative piers or fencing at
prominent site entrances.
Sensitively integrate signage into building design
with emphasis given to pedestrian-scale signage,
artistic design elements and decorative lighting.
Transit supportive development is achieved when higher density development is located close to the street with
building entrances and windows facing the street.
Neighbourhood character is reinforced when new
development respects the traditional building line and incorporates similar building materials with creative
design solutions such as bay windows.
4.1.2 Built Form
Design buildings at a height and scale which is
compatible with the surrounding area. Consider
specific massing options that establish an
appropriate relationship to the surrounding built
form.
Locate buildings close to the street particularly at
street intersections. Respect the traditional
building line.
Maintain a human scale of development through a
comfortable street enclosure which is created
through appropriate building massing in
relationship to the street width (the height to street
width ratio).
Reinforce the pedestrian environment through
appropriate building massing technique.
Emphasize the base sections of taller buildings
through appropriate building setbacks/stepbacks.
Provide a change in massing (building heights) for
sites with multiple buildings.
4.1.3 Amenities
Strengthen connections to parks, schools,
recreational and cultural facilities where possible.
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Encourage underground parking for higher density
projects.
For multiple dwellings, provide on-site amenities
such as play spaces, recreational facilities and
landscaped outdoor seating areas.
Consider alterative amenity spaces for compact
development such as rooftop gardens and rooftop
decks.
Provide opportunities to accommodate short term
and long term bicycle parking.
Consider opportunities to integrate public art into
the site or building design features to enhance
identity and public realm quality.
City Design Standards and Policies
Mixed Use Corridors Design Brief
Design Guidelines for Downtown
A comfortable street enclosure is created when
buildings are located close to the street and maintains a compatible massing relationship to the street.
Neighbourhood character is reinforced when buildings
are located close to the street and frame the intersection.
A public art feature was incorporated into the St. Mary’s
High School redevelopment.
4.2 Suburban Neighbourhoods
Goal
To create diverse, attractive, walkable neighbourhoods that contribute to complete communities.
Design Guidelines
4.2.1 Character
Conserve existing site features in a sensitive
manner, and incorporate as a neighbourhood focal
point where possible or appropriate.
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Create a street pattern that contributes to
neighbourhood identity and character.
Encourage a variety of focal points that contribute
to neighbourhood identity and walkability.
Design interesting park spaces that contribute to
neighbourhood identity or character.
Create attractive streetscapes through housing
variety, articulated building facades and consistent
street tree planting
Encourage enhanced and coordinated streetscape
elements that contribute to a neighbourhood
theme or character.
Establish a street hierarchy that is well-connected
to the surrounding neighbourhoods and to arterial
streets.
Encourage higher quality streetscape elements
along major streets.
Reduce physical ‘barriers’ to neighbourhood
interaction through attention to street design,
connectivity and noise attenuation.
4.2.2 Built Form
Create an urban street condition by locating
buildings close to the street. Encourage taller
buildings along wider streets.
Encourage buildings to be located close to the
street, particularly along transit routes and street
intersections. Consider alternative solutions to
accommodate site conditions and use.
Provide a change in massing (building heights) for
sites with multiple buildings.
Existing trees can be conserved through creative street
designs and park space features.
Neighbourhood character and interaction is improved through interesting park space designs and elements.
A strong neighbourhood entrance is created when
buildings are located close to the street.
4.2.3 Amenities
Ensure neighbourhoods have direct access to
major destinations such as park spaces, areas of
employment, shopping and institutions.
Provide a variety of park and open space features
within walking distance to most homes.
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Provide enhanced transit stops at key locations in
neighbourhoods.
Consider opportunities to provide enhanced
streetscape elements, street furniture and
amenities at major destinations.
Consider opportunities to provide interpretive
signage or way finding in the public realm to
prominent site features.
Consider opportunities to integrate public art into
new neighbourhoods or public spaces.
City Design Standards and Policies
Design Brief for Suburban Development and
Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres
Neighbourhood character and identity is improved through enhanced amenities, such as architectural
mailbox facilities and decorative lighting.
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5.0 SITE DESIGN This section builds on the broader principles established in the previous sections and addresses specific site design topics. Site planning, operational and landscape design topics for new development will be addressed, as well as additions to existing buildings and structures. Attention to individual elements improves the attractiveness of a development from the street and on site. The following guidelines ensure that new development functions well for pedestrians, persons with disabilities and all forms of transport, including automobile, transit and bicycles.
5.1 Site Circulation
Goal
To ensure that site circulation is safe and functional for all persons and vehicles.
Design Guidelines
5.1.1 Pedestrian Circulation
Provide barrier free sidewalks leading directly from
the public street, transit stops and parking areas to
the principal building entrances.
Install weather protected entrances with sidewalk
ramps at all public building entrances and major
transit stations.
Minimize pedestrian and vehicular crossings on
site.
Provide barrier free access throughout the site,
avoiding drains, catch basins and similar
obstructions.
Identify and emphasize major pedestrian routes
through the use of signage, bollards, new sidewalk
linkages, pavement markings, trees, appropriate
scaled lighting, and continuous hard surfaces.
Provide pedestrian links between neighbouring
properties, large central parking lots and mid-block
linkages for residential development projects.
An example of a well defined pedestrian route through the use of trees and other landscape
Provide weather protected shelters and lighting at
transit stops.
5.1.2 Vehicle Circulation and Parking
Locate parking areas (particularly barrier free
parking spaces) in close proximity to building
entrances.
Provide vehicle parking at the side and rear of
buildings. Front yard parking is discouraged.
Vehicle parking is encouraged to be situated to the side and rear of the building and close to the entrance.
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Clearly define primary vehicle routes on the site
through the use of signage, curbing, bollards and
line painting. Parking areas should be separated
from primary vehicle routes and driveway
entrances to public streets.
Link parking areas on abutting commercial
properties to provide for movement between lots.
Provide landscaping around the perimeter of
parking areas and laneways. Use low level
screening adjacent to public streets. Use dense
screening (i.e. solid fences, coniferous plant
material) when adjacent to residential
development.
Provide raised traffic islands to break up large
parking areas. Traffic islands should be of a
suitable scale and size to accommodate shrub and
tree planting. Traffic islands should be barrier free
where they are part of the pedestrian circulation
system.
Landscaped islands provide additional definition of vehicular and pedestrian site circulation.
Provide ground cover other than sod within raised
traffic islands. Select parking lot plant material
with the following qualities:
Ease of maintenance and free of nuisance fruit
or berries.
Hardy, strongly branched.
Pollution, salt and drought tolerant.
Ensure parking lot planting does not obstruct
views of approaching traffic and pedestrians.
Landscaped areas should be designed to avoid
creating a hiding place for those with criminal
intent.
Provide adequate lighting levels and uniform
coverage in parking areas and service/utility
areas.
Screen parking areas to avoid illumination of
adjacent properties by automobile headlights.
Provide well drained areas, separated from
parking spaces, to accommodate winter snow
storage.
Provide convenient and easily visible locations for
bicycle and motorcycle parking.
This parking lot provides a convenient and easily visible location for bicycle parking.
Avoid dead-end parking aisles
Provide an adequate number of shopping cart
corals in central locations throughout commercial
parking areas.
5.1.3 Parking Structures
Integrate ground level, street oriented uses within
parking structures where possible.
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Ensure that entrances and ramps are at a uniform
scale with other facade treatments and
streetscape elements.
This parking garage has been designed to fit into the character of uptown Waterloo.
Provide barrier free parking close to entrances and
elevators.
Ensure parking structures include the following
safety features:
Adequate and uniform lighting.
Protected light fixtures.
White paint to improve light levels and reduce
glare.
Clearly indicated exit routes and doors.
Locks and self-closing devices to secure
entrances and exits.
“Alert” signs to remind users to lock all vehicle
doors and check back seats.
Mirrors and circular support columns to avoid
potential entrapment and hiding area
Ensure that new parking structures incorporate
articulated facades that contribute to the
streetscape, and compliment the surrounding built
form and building features. Consider active uses
along primary street frontages.
Provide indoor bicycle parking spaces or
dedicated rooms within large parking structures.
5.1.4 Commercial Parking Lots
Controlled access gates should provide proper on
site vehicle stacking to avoid congestion on
adjacent streets.
Main traffic aisles should be incorporated to
provide direct and continuous circulation routes
throughout the site.
A pedestrian pathway(s) for safe travel through the
site should be provided. This could be
accomplished in the form of a landscaped pathway
and appropriate demarcation.
Provide lighting to eliminate any dark space or
potential entrapment areas. Attention should be
paid to areas where predators can hide, such as in
forests or along railway lines.
Provide internal landscaped islands and
landscaping around the perimeter of the lot to
reduce the heat impacts of asphalt and to soften
the appearance of the parking lot.
Provide a minimum 6 metre wide route with a
minimum center line turning radius of 12 metres to
accommodate a fire route through the lot. Where
controlled access gates are used, emergency
access gates are to be provided.
5.1.5 Driveways
Maximize the distance between site access
driveways as well as the distance between site
access driveways and street intersections.
Provide mutual driveways where appropriate,
especially along major collector and arterial roads
to minimize the number of driveways.
Ensure pedestrian safety and maximize visibility
through the proper location of driveways.
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Sportsworld Crossing provides a well designed pedestrian walkway through a busy parking area.
City Design Standards and Policies
Access to Roads
Surface Parking Facilities
Outdoor Lighting
Drive Through Facilities 5.2 Site Services
Goal
To ensure that site servicing components are functional, attractive and appropriately screened from public view.
Design Guidelines
Ensure loading bays, recycling areas and garbage
storage facilities are located away from public
streets or screened through the use of
landscaping, walls and buildings.
Eliminate conflict between service/loading areas
and vehicle/pedestrian routes.
Design on-site circulation to eliminate reversing or
maneuvering on public streets.
Screen commercial outdoor storage from public
streets and adjacent residential uses.
This service area at Sportsworld Crossing consolidates many site services in a single area that is located
partially below grade and out of public view.
Orient continuous sources of noise and odour
away from sensitive adjacent uses. Use noise
attenuation measures where necessary.
Locate recycling and garbage handling within the
primary building or within an accessory structure.
Ensure adequate access for the related service
vehicle.
Deep well garbage and recycling systems are aesthetically pleasing and can be easily accommodated
on a site.
Apply a higher level of design and articulation (i.e.
thick cornice lines or glazed spandrel windows) to
garbage enclosures facing public streets or close
to internal driveways. A higher level of
landscaping may also be required.
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Encourage roll down doors to reduce entrapment
opportunities and improve storage concealment.
Encourage deep well garbage collection systems.
Locate utilities underground to improve the
appearance of the development. Where above
ground utilities are necessary, ensure compatibility
with other site features.
City Design Standards and Policies
Ministry of Environment and Energy Noise
Guidelines
Landscape Design
Storm Water Management Facilities
5.3 Landscape Design
Goal
To provide landscaping which enhances each building or project as well as the streetscape.
Design Guidelines
Provide landscaping at the streetline which
contributes to the continuity of landscaping
between adjacent properties.
This streetscape landscaping provides continuity between adjacent properties and has a calming affect
upon the street.
Maintain unobstructed visibility to building
entrances, key architectural features, signage and
public spaces. Locate plant material in a manner
which provides adequate site lines for both
motorists and pedestrians.
Group trees and shrubs to frame building
elevations and to add visual interest to blank
facades and open spaces.
Install landscape elements which provide colour
and decoration, having regard for local seasonal
changes.
Install plant material to soften building elevations,
maintain a pedestrian scale and provide definition
to public walkways and open spaces.
Provide landscaping to screen and buffer parking
areas, open storage and other site service
elements.
This low level parking lot screening helps to buffer the parking lot while providing seasonal colour to the
streetscape.
Provide protection from excessive summer sun
and cold winter winds, especially adjacent to
outdoor areas where people congregate.
Stabilize steep embankments through the use of
soft and hard landscape material, such as
retaining walls, ground cover and trees.
Select plant materials which are ecologically
sound, appropriate for the existing and future site
conditions, and suitable for all seasons.
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Entrance planting at the award winning “Queens Heights”,, provides and enhances unobstructed visibility to the building entrance at a human scale. Hard and soft landscape materials have been used to accentuate the
entrance while stabilizing a steep embankment and providing protection from the outdoor elements.
Incorporate drought resistant plant material in
order to reduce long term maintenance
requirements and conserve water (xeriscaping).
Select native plant materials where appropriate
and avoid the use of invasive plant species.
City Design Standards and Policies
Landscape Design
5.4 Site Signage
Goal
To ensure that exterior site signage provides an adequate amount of information and does not dominate the streetscape.
Design Guidelines
Provide clearly visible street numbers on ground
supported signs for identification and emergency
response purposes. The minimum height of all
street numbers shall be 150mm if within 15m of
the street line. If beyond 15m of the street line,
street numbers shall be 300mm.
Construct ground supported signs with a
horizontal orientation at a height proportionate to
the development. Ground supported signs should
incorporate building and landscape materials used
elsewhere in the project.
A well designed ground supported sign is simple, bold, includes the street number and is detailed in concert
with the architecture of the building.
Limit the number of messages on signs to avoid
“graphic overload”. Simpler signs are more easily
read. Generally signs with ten items of
information, including words, symbols and
abbreviations or less can be read by the motorist.
Signs with more than ten items of information
(graphic overload) create clutter in the
streetscape.
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This ground supported sign illustrates an example of “graphic overload.”
Provide a uniform height and location of fascia
signs on multiple tenancy buildings in order to
portray a unified image.
Use signage to promote a particular image in
neighbourhoods with a distinctive character.
“Artistic” signage that promotes the character of a
given area is preferred.
Automatic changing copy signs are not permitted
near residential properties, street intersections and
highway interchanges/frontages.
The signage on this property illustrates a uniform height of signage and presents a coordinated look.
This photograph of Eby Street at Market Lane captures the character of Market Village. Many residential
buildings have been converted to retail and restaurant uses. The signage is compatible with the character of
the area.
Provide on-site directional signage to orient people
within a development. Main site features (i.e.
telephone, washrooms, exits) should be identified.
Provide “Multiple Unit Identification Signage” for all
multiple building commercial and residential
developments (excluding single apartment
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buildings and street fronting townhouses) to
provide for ease of orientation.
Provide appropriate landscaped areas on the site
to properly identify the location of portable signs.
Ensure that mature landscaping and signage work
in harmony with each other.
City Design Standards and Policies
City of Kitchener Municipal Code, Chapter 680
Emergency Services Policy 5.5 Lighting
Goal
To provide clarity of night-time visibility for pedestrians and motorists and to minimize the intrusion of light onto adjacent properties.
Design Guidelines
Design site lighting that considers all building and
user needs. Particular attention is to be paid to
pedestrian areas, driveways, transit stops,
parking, service areas and buildings.
Implement a hierarchy of lighting to reinforce
design continuity and decoration. For example,
building entrances should have a higher level of
lighting than a parking lot.
Use “full cut-off” and “non-visible reflective” type
lighting to eliminate glare and light spillage on
neighbouring properties. The source of light (the
element) must not be visible from adjacent
residential properties.
Select exterior street lighting fixtures based on
compatibility with the character of the
neighbourhood and in keeping with the City’s
inventory of available light fixtures.
An example of full cut-off pedestrian scale lighting in the Sportsworld Crossing Development.
Use pedestrian scaled lighting (3.5 to 4 metres
high) to clearly identify pedestrian routes, and
illuminate public spaces.
Use LED, metal halide, incandescent or
fluorescent lighting (white light) in order to provide
a better colour rendition and detail.
Full cut-off fixtures provide lighting where it’s needed without upward light spillage.
Provide uniform lighting by installing more fixtures
with lower wattage than fewer fixtures with higher
wattage.
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Coordinate lighting systems and landscaping to
ensure that plant materials or other landscape
features do not obscure site and street lighting.
Use lighting to accentuate historic buildings,
landscape features and public monuments.
Consider decorative, pedestrian-scaled lighting
along public walkways and new public spaces.
Consider decorative light fixtures for major public
buildings, large development projects and public
spaces/focal points.
City Design Standards and Policies
Outdoor Lighting
Onlighting Downtown
5.6 Emergency Access
Goal
To minimize emergency response time.
Design Guidelines
Ensure that emergency vehicles can gain easy
access to, within and from the site.
Provide on-site vehicle circulation and parking
which does not conflict with the use of emergency
access routes.
Provide clear pedestrian passage to and from the
building to enhance emergency access and exit.
Identify maximum spatial separation between front
door entrance and street line for emergency
access.
Identify the location of hydrants and sprinkler
connections through the use of signage and
bollards.
Provide identification signage for all multiple
tenancy developments. Signage is to be provided
at the front and rear faces of commercial buildings
in order to identify building units, hydrants and
emergency routes.
City Design Standards and Policies
Emergency Service Policy 5.7 Building Clusters
Goal
To arrange buildings to create safe, secure and usable internal spaces.
Design Guidelines
Orient building clusters to public streets.
Respect existing neighbourhood building patterns
and massing.
Provide pedestrian connections between on-site
open space and adjacent public open spaces.
Ensure high connectivity with active use areas and
low connectivity with sensitive natural areas.
An example of a building cluster oriented toward the public street.
Design internal open spaces and activity areas as
an integral component of the site.
Play areas should be clearly visible and have
multiple entry and exit points. Provide seating for
adults at play areas.
Design building clusters and open space areas to
optimize sunlight and shading in all seasons.
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Take advantage of site conditions such as grading
and existing plant material.
Excellent play environments, such as this one at the Tallpines Townhouses, are well designed, provide
adequate space for play activities and fit well into the site as part of the outdoor living area.
The interior courtyard of the Lancaster Maples is oriented to the south creating a warm micro-climate for use in the spring and fall and full solar exposure for the interior living areas. The large shade trees retained on
the site provide shade and cooling in the summer.
Consider the location of site services such as
garbage enclosures, loading areas and fire routes
early in the design process. Site services require
ease of access and maneuverability for large
vehicles, including ingress and egress in a forward
motion.
Separate pedestrian routes and recreational
facilities from vehicle circulation and parking
areas.
Design visible and well lit pedestrian routes along
natural desire lines.
Provide open space and/or outdoor recreational
areas at an appropriate scale for the type of
development.
Well designed recreational space includes places for adults and children in an outdoor extension of their living
environment.
Provide recreational facilities in residential projects
suited to the age and abilities of the occupants.
Use barrier free design principles in play and
relaxation areas. Consider site grading
requirements early in the design process to
maximize accessibility.
Recreational facilities are not to be located within
storm water management areas.
Orient noise sensitive uses away from off-site
noise sources and arrange buildings to provide
passive noise attenuation.
Orient principal internal and external living spaces
southward to maximize passive solar gain.
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Situate buildings to avoid overshadowing of
adjacent buildings and pedestrian routes.
Play environments which are isolated may be considered unsafe, and therefore unused.
Provide landscaping to allow for shadowing during
the summer and maximum solar exposure during
other seasons.
City Design Standards and Policies
Cluster Townhouses
Outdoor Amenity Areas for Senior Citizens
Outdoor Play Spaces for Children
Emergency Access Multiple Unit Identification
Policy
Storm Water Management Facilities
Landscape Design
Shadow Studies
5.8 Public Art
Goal
To encourage the provision of art in major building projects.
Design Guidelines
Provide public art in all major public works and
building projects.
Provide a reasonable contribution of public art,
with significance, as a component of all major
commercial, office and institutional projects.
The Duke Street entrance to Kitchener City Hall is the setting for this publicly funded sculpture. The modest
budget for this three component work was included at a tiny fraction of the overall project cost.
The foyer of the Canada Trust Building on King Street includes a striking wall mural which is also visible from
the street.
Use artist-designed functional components in
publicly accessible interior areas (lobbies,
reception areas, meeting rooms) and outdoor
areas (plazas, landscaped spaces). Also consider
using artists’ design in signage and banners.
Plan for public art in the conceptual stage of the
development in order to integrate art works into
the building and site design. Public art should
provide a focal point in the development and
become a prominent landmark for the community.
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Public art may include a wide range of art forms.
Building or landscape elements, such as
fountains, decorative doorways, signage,
architectural features, lobby or other public area
design elements, murals, sculpture or other
graphic expressions of any materials (glass, metal,
concrete, fabric, wood, neon etc.) are considered
public art.
An example of public art being a prominent landmark for the community and a focal point for the development
Consider the following in determining the location
for public art:
Public art is encouraged to be integrated into
the site and conceived with the historical and
future context in mind.
Public art should be sited at the more publicly
accessible parts of the site.
Public art should be sited in a manner which
does not jeopardize other design objectives
such as providing clear site lines, barrier-free
access and personal safety and security.
City Design Standards and Policies
Zoning By-law 85-1, Section 5.19 (Public Art
Bonusing Provisions in the Downtown)
Public Art
Culture Plan II
6.0
BUILDING DESIGN AND MASSING
Building design and massing contributes to urban quality, sense of place and compatability. Massing refers to the building’s physical form, which includes roofline, wall plane, rhythm and is influenced by specific design features and architectural treatments that break down bulk into defined, articulated components that relate to one another, surrounding built form and the street. A high quality building design will enhance pedestrian usability and help create attractive streetscapes. Good building detail is important in contributing to a rich and vibrant urban place. Significant public locations such as landmark sites, terminus sites, corner buildings, heritage buildings, and infill sites require special consideration. These guidelines do not advocate a particular architectural style. Rather, they encourage individual architectural expression. Attention is placed on certain building elements to achieve good form through a variety of architectural expressions. The Ontario Planning Act gives municipalities the authority to request and approve building elevations limited to building mass and conceptual design. The general guidelines contained in this section of the Urban Design Manual, and any other approved Design Brief, shall be used to evaluate building elevations.
6.1 Massing and Building Design
Goal
To provide attractive building forms, facades and roof designs which are compatible with surrounding buildings.
Design Guidelines
Locate the main building facade towards a public
street or internal courtyard. Principal walls should
have windows along the street or interior space to
provide casual surveillance and break up the
building mass.
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Locate active uses such as retail, service shops
and restaurants at the street level to encourage
pedestrian activity and interaction between internal
spaces and the public realm.
A well defined entrance from the street at the Regional Building on Frederick St.
Emphasize the main building entrance. Canopies
over doorways and other treatments are
encouraged to provide weather protected outdoor
space.
Avoid blank walls along the principal building
elevation facing a street, private roadway or rear
elevations facing residential properties or public
space. Where blank walls are unavoidable, use
architectural techniques (banding, soldier course,
pilasters, glazed windows, etc.), murals and
additional landscaping materials to enhance the
elevation.
Vary and articulate building facades to provide
visual interest. Building mass along streets can be
broken up by a series of bays to create the
impression of smaller building units.
Design buildings to ensure a transition in scale,
form and height from adjacent buildings. Use
building mass, location of windows, horizontal
lines, cornices, gables and roofs to create
transition and a change of scale.
Organize tall buildings into distinct sections
including a strongly defined base element to
improve the pedestrian environment, an
articulated middle section to minimize bulk and a
defined top section which contributes to an
interesting skyline.
Mix long and short townhouse blocks on
residential streets to provide for variation in the
streetscape. Avoid single monotonous elevations
through use of rooflines, colours, chimneys,
window bays, materials, and other features.
Articulate corner and rear elevations.
The attention to detail in the building and site design of Kitchener Housing’s Linden Terrace are a reflection of the City’s commitment to achieving a high standard of
urban design.
Detail buildings using cornices, keystones, window
bays, eaves, dormers, entrance canopies, and
other such elements.
Design rooftops to have some identifiable shape.
Avoid square or flat rooftops on large buildings.
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Enclose or screen rooftop mechanical equipment.
Integrate roofs and screening with the design of
the building in terms of form, materials and colour.
The roof design of the Regional Building on Frederick Street encloses the HVAC equipment and provides an
identifiable shape to the structure.
City Design Standards and Policies
Mixed Use Corridor Design Briefs 6.2 Infill Development
Goal
To ensure infill development complements existing buildings and neighbourhood character.
Design Guidelines
Design buildings at a scale which is compatible
with adjacent structures. New buildings should
respect the established heights and setbacks in
the neighbourhood.
Design buildings to be compatible with the
surrounding built form through appropriate building
mass, design features and materials.
Use materials that are similar to those found in the
existing neighbourhood.
Maintain the rhythm of existing building
separations, the size and dimensions of existing
façade openings, the proportion of opening to wall
and vertical articulation.
Design buildings to respect the “invisible lines”
created by existing neighbourhood building
features such as cornices, gable heights, porch
elevations, similar roof pitches and other defining
elements.
Create interest and vitality in new building facades
using elements found within the existing
neighbourhood (porches, dormers, bay windows,
roof pitches, etc.).
Ensure that all accessory building features and
components including rooftop mechanical
equipment, air conditioning equipment/units, and
balconies are well integrated into the building
design and do not negatively impact the
streetscape.
Provide adequate fire separation distance
between new infill buildings and existing buildings.
Accommodate vehicle parking and circulation in a
manner that respects the existing neighbourhood
condition. Vehicle parking should not dominate
front yards and should not detract from the
character of the neighbourhood.
City Design Standards and Policies
Zoning By-law 85-1
Shadow Studies 6.3 Building Design and Microclimate
Goal
To minimize adverse microclimate impacts through building design.
Design Guidelines
Design buildings and site landscaping in order to
reduce or mitigate an undesirable wind impact on
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pedestrian comfort level. Use elements such as
stepped building facades, canopies, arcades and
appropriate plant materials.
Provide sheltered or canopied pedestrian spaces
at all major building entrances.
Market Square on Frederick St. provides shelter at the street and is a well used transit stop.
Orient buildings, outdoor spaces and pedestrian
activity areas to maximize sunlight exposure
during the cooler months and shading during the
warmer months.
Minimize shadows cast on adjacent properties,
especially outdoor spaces and pedestrian activity
areas. The City may request a shadow study to
demonstrate that the height and/or location of a
building will not generate unacceptable amounts of
shadow over adjacent lands.
Depending on the size and location of a proposed
project, the city may request a wind and/or snow
deposition study to determine that any adverse
climate conditions are mitigated.
City Design Standards and Policies
Shadow Studies
Landscape Design
7.0 CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is defined as the proper design and effective use of the built environment to reduce crime and the fear associated with crime, and an improvement in the quality of life. The thrust of the CPTED concept is that manipulation of the physical environment can produce desired human behaviour or conversely reduce (or eliminate) undesired human behaviour. The concept involves more than physical security measures. It is based on the belief that crime can be directly related to the design of the physical environment and implementation of good urban design. CPTED does not purport to provide crime prevention solutions to the broad universe of human behaviour, but rather specific behaviours in a specific environment. The concept seeks to prevent certain types of crimes and the fear associated with them by manipulating variables that are closely related to the specific environment. CPTED is the specific design of physical space in the context of the needs of the legitimate users of that space, the expected/intended use of the space and the anticipated behaviour of both legitimate users and potential offenders. CPTED is a proactive approach to crime prevention. The principles of CPTED overlap in many areas and work together to provide a safe and secure environment for legitimate users of a space, while increasing the perception of risk to a potential offender. It is important to implement the CPTED principles at the earliest stage of a development project. Owners, developers, architects, planners, landscape architects, lighting and grading engineers need to work together to achieve the highest level of safety for all developments.
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Goal
The goal of CPTED is to emphasize the perceived risk of detection and apprehension to a potential offender. The key is to have potential offenders perceive that an unwarranted intrusion will elicit a protective response from not only those having legitimate access to a space, but also the casual user of a space. The arrangement and design of buildings (interior and exterior), structures and open spaces can encourage or discourage undesirable behaviour and criminal activity. Ultimately, the CPTED concept strives to achieve a design that is appropriate for the designated use of the space by identifying the potential for criminal activity and providing a solution compatible with the designated use by implementing strategies that will enhance the effective use of the space.
Key Principles:
The key principles of CPTED are:
Access Control
Surveillance
Territorial Reinforcement
Maintenance
Access Control
This strategy is directed at decreasing criminal opportunity by denying access to crime targets and creating a perception of risk to offenders. This can be accomplished by the judicial placement of buildings, entrances/exits, parking areas, fencing and lighting for example. This strategy can also include the use of physical and mechanical means of controlling access through locking devices, alarm systems, and signage to mention a few. Access control limits the opportunity for crime by taking steps to clearly differentiate between public space and private space. The aim is to physically guide people through a space by strategically locating streets, sidewalks, building entrances, lighting and landscaping.
Clearly defined walkways guide people through spaces to the intended destination.
Define public space (sidewalk) from Semi-private space (front yard) and private space (front porch) with soft and hard Landscape elements (plants, ornamental fencing,
alternative surface treatments).
Surveillance
This strategy refers to the placement of physical features, activities and people in a way that maximizes visibility and observability of a space. It is directed toward keeping intruders easily observable and therefore less likely to commit criminal acts. Site and building design must ensure that users can see and be seen.
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This can be accomplished by the proper selection and placement of landscape material, lighting, building orientation, parking lot location, and window locations to provide maximum visibility and observation. Surveillance can also include more formalized measures such as CCTV, security guards or a police presence.
This play area is ideally located for maximum
eyewitness potential and provides amenities for adults to supervise their children.
Perimeter trees should be limbed up to 1.8 metres
above grade to provide clear visibility into a property, especially parking lots. Buildings should be oriented so
windows over look parking lots.
Territorial Reinforcement
This strategy encourages legitimate users of a space to develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for a space. People have a desire to protect or defend their own space. Extending a persons sphere of influence can be a significant deterrent to a potential offender. Elements of territorial reinforcement can include the use of physical attributes that express ownership such as signage, fencing, and lighting, as well as symbolic barriers including landscaping and changing surface treatments that provide a psychological deterrent to a potential offender.
There is no mistaking the entrance to this building. The design of the entrance clearly indicates you are leaving
public space and entering private space.
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An intruder beyond the public space on this street would
clearly stand out and be easily identifiable.
Maintenance
This strategy encourages the care and ongoing maintenance of a property ensuring the continual use of space for its intended purpose. Maintenance also serves as an additional expression of ownership over a space. Key elements for ongoing maintenance include regular pruning of landscape material, inspection of lighting and replacement of burnt out bulbs, removal of graffiti (within 24-48 hours), garbage removal. Maintenance is based on the “Broken Windows Theory” which has proven that the presence of one broken window will entice vandals to break more windows in the vicinity. Vandalism and graffiti encourages more vandalism and graffiti as does an uncared for property or building.
A well maintained property tells people that someone
cares about the property.
Lighting maintenance is very important to ensure
appropriate light levels are maintained to eliminate dark or shadowed areas.
7.1 CPTED Report Submission Requirements All development proposals in Kitchener are to incorporate the principles of CPTED. Certain site plan proposals, as determined by the Supervisor of Site Plan Development and certain subdivision proposals as determined by the Manager of Development Review, will be required to submit a CPTED report for the City’s approval as a Condition
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for Issuance of Site Plan Approval or prior to Draft Plan Approval for subdivisions. Consultants submitting a CPTED report are to be knowledgeable in CPTED and formally trained. The CPTED report is to clearly outline how each of the CPTED principles will be incorporated into the development with details of the specific strategies to be implemented for each of the principles. As each development is unique and will have individual challenges, the suggested CPTED strategies provided in this section are not intended to be a checklist or complete listing of strategies, but rather guidelines to be considered in the design process. 7.2 CPTED Strategies - Subdivisions Subdivisions are the core of a community. They incorporate a multitude of uses; from housing to schools to neighbourhood shopping to public spaces, as well as the road network and public walkways that connect all of these uses. Consideration needs to be given to each of the uses in a subdivision and to how these uses will interact with one another. Gateway entrance features, traffic calming measures and front lotting dwellings onto public spaces will create a greater perception of risk to a potential offender and create a stronger sense of community.
Goal
To create a safe environment where people live, work and play.
Design Guidelines
Access Control:
The street network should be designed to limit
access without disconnecting one area from
another.
Streets should be designed to discourage cut-
through traffic.
Traffic calming measures should be implemented
on higher volume streets to not only deter
speeding but also impede escape routes from
subdivisions.
All streets should provide sidewalk on both sides.
Provide gateway features such as a columned
entrance with landscaping to clearly define the
entrance to a subdivision.
Public walkways should be limited in length and be
observable from surrounding properties and
streets.
Surveillance:
Locate parks and open spaces in front of
residential areas so they can be easily observed
from nearby homes or provide a larger street
frontage for views into park and open space areas.
Dwellings should front onto streets (rear-lotting
dwellings should be avoided as it creates a
disconnect and eliminates the opportunity for
surveillance).
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Use pedestrian scale lighting in high pedestrian
traffic areas.
Landscaping should not create hiding areas or
entrapment areas.
Locate central mail boxes in high pedestrian and
vehicular traffic areas.
Territorial Reinforcement:
Public spaces and parks should be signed with
hours of operation and behaviour expectations.
Locate public spaces and parks in front of
dwellings to extend the homeowners sphere of
influence to include the public or park space.
Accentuate entrances with different surface
treatments, architectural elements and landscape
design.
Where possible use shorter length streets to
create more of a community feel for residents
Design homes with front porches and recessed
garages to encourage interaction between
residents.
All buildings should provide the municipal address
on both the front and rear of the structure with
numbers at least 150mm in height in a visible
location.
Maintenance:
Maintain landscaping to a high standard in all
seasons.
Provide a light standard/fixture numbering system
to allow the public to easily report broken or burnt
out lights.
7.3 CPTED Strategies – Parks, Open Spaces and Trails
Parks, open spaces and community trails are very important components of any community. They need to be places where people of all ages feel safe while engaging in organized or passive activities. Care is to be given to ensure programmable spaces do not have conflicting activities adjacent to one another. Parks, open spaces and trails should be visible from homes and streets.
Goal
To provide a safe recreational environment for people of all ages.
Design Guidelines
Access Control:
Parks, open spaces and trails should be designed
to provide direct links to the surrounding
community and neighbourhood.
Trails should provide multiple points of entry and
exit to prevent entrapment.
Parks, open spaces and trails should be signed
with the appropriate details of hours of operation,
behaviour expectations and contact information for
reporting problems.
Provide an entrance feature at the principle
access point for parks and trails.
Design trails along preferred desire lines.
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Provide suitable surface treatment to allow barrier
free access.
Surveillance:
Locate parks and open spaces in front of
residential areas so they can be easily observed
from nearby homes.
Provide a larger street frontage at park and open
space entrances to maximize visibility of the area
by passersby and street traffic.
Use pedestrian scale lighting in high pedestrian
traffic areas.
Landscaping should not create hiding areas or
entrapment areas.
Locate playground equipment in areas that afford
maximum surveillance opportunities.
Provide lighting only in areas that are intended to
support evening/night activities.
Territorial Reinforcement:
Give consideration to placement of various types
of activities planned for parks to ensure conflicting
uses are not adjacent to one another.
Locate public spaces and parks in front of
dwellings to extend the homeowners sphere of
influence to include the public space or park.
Accentuate entrances with different surface
treatments, architectural elements and landscape
elements to define borders.
Maintenance:
Maintain landscaping to a high standard in all
seasons.
Provide regular garage pickup and garbage
container maintenance. Encourage deep well
garbage systems.
Ensure trails are inspected in a timely fashion to
remove any debris, garbage or deadfall from trees.
Provide a light standard/fixture numbering system
to allow the public to easily report broken or burnt
out lights.
Remove graffiti within 24-48 hours or sooner.
Repair damage caused by vandalism within 24-48
hours or sooner.
7.4 CPTED Strategies – Single Detached Dwellings
Residential areas are the heart of a city. Our homes are the centres of our lives, where we should feel most safe. And, while we may have multiple choices when it comes to walking through a certain part of town or using public transportation, we have few choices when it comes to the streets where we live. The guiding principle here is “know they neighbour.” Streets and homes should be designed to encourage interaction between neighbours. Examples of good design elements include a front porch, property lines that are defined simply by low shrubbery rather than high fences, exterior illumination and house numbers that are clearly visible from the street.
Goal
To create environments where neighbours interact and to build and maintain homes that are not targets for criminal activity.
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Design Guidelines
Access Control:
Use walkways and landscaping to direct visitors to
the proper entrance and away from private areas.
Install shrubbery or low fencing to control access
to private areas.
Door locking devices should not be located within
1.0 metre of any window opening (side light).
If door locking devices are within 1.0 metre of a
window opening, the window should be covered
with a protective window film.
Provide secure locking devices on all windows and
doors.
Dead bolt locks are preferable on all exterior
doors.
Garage doors should be equipped with a garage
door opener (do not keep the opener visible in
vehicle).
Surveillance:
Install light fixtures to fully illuminate all doorways
that open to the outside to provide an average of 5
foot candles within 3.0 metres of the doorway.
Front doors are to be fully visible from the public
street.
Windows should be installed on all sides of the
building where permissible.
Use motion detection lights to illuminate walkways
and yard areas to provide visibility to all areas.
Driveways should be visible from either the front or
back door and at least one window.
Maintain landscaping to provide maximum visibility
to and from the house.
Ensure landscaping does not impede visibility to
and from ground floor windows.
Territorial Reinforcement:
Clearly define property lines and private areas with
landscaping, unique surface treatments or fencing.
Dwellings should provide the municipal address on
both the front and rear of the building with
numbers at least 150mm in height in a visible
location preferably with photocell lighting to ensure
visibility at night.
Use front porches or stoops to create a transitional
area between the street and the home.
Porch lights should be equipped with photocell
technology or timer switches.
Maintenance:
Keep all exterior light fixtures in working order.
Keep litter picked up and the yard neat.
Maintain landscaping with regular pruning and
keep the law mowed.
The house, garage and any storage buildings
should be kept in good repair.
Ensure all window and door locking devices are
maintained in good working order.
7.5
CPTED Strategies – Multiple Dwellings
Multiple dwellings pose the same problems as single family dwellings but these problems can easily be compounded by the number of dwellings and residents. Here we have a greater number of public areas to consider: shared interior hallways, elevators; laundry rooms and parking areas, and so on. Multiple dwellings don’t necessarily mean multiple problems. There’s a certain amount of truth to the old saying – “there’s safety in numbers” and with neighbours who take responsibility for each other there’s no reason why a multiple dwelling building cannot be a safe place to live.
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Goal
To create multiple dwellings with safe and secure common areas, parking facility and amenity spaces.
Design Guidelines
Access Control:
Access to the building should be limited to no
more than two points of entry.
Elevators should be centrally located in high
pedestrian traffic areas.
Common hallways to be illuminated with a white
light source to an appropriate level.
Common building entrances should be equipped
with automatic door closure and locking devices.
Balcony railings should not exceed the height
required in the building code and should not be of
a solid or opaque material.
Entrances into parking lots should be highlighted
by landscaping or architectural design.
Parking garages should have a secured access
point requiring an access card or key.
Common areas of the building (laundry room, mail
room etc.) should have window openings to the
exterior and to interior common hallways.
Common areas of the building (laundry, mail room
etc.) should be access card or key controlled.
Unit doors to be equipped with a 1800 viewer.
Surveillance:
Exterior doors should be visible from the public
street.
All doors that open to the outside should be well
lit.
All building facades should have windows.
Parking spaces should be assigned to each unit
but not be marked with a unit number.
Visitor parking is to be designated and signed.
Surface parking areas should be visible from
windows and doors.
Parking areas and pedestrian walkways should be
well lit.
Amenity areas should be visible from a multitude
of windows and doors.
Ensure that garbage enclosures do not create
blind spots or entrapment areas.
Elevators and stairwells should provide maximum
glazing opportunities and be visible from windows,
doors and common hallways.
Ensure shrub material is maintained to a
maximum height of 0.9 metres for clear visibility.
All stairwells should be well lit and open to view,
not behind solid walls.
Surface parking areas should not be defined by
berms or landscaping that shield them from view.
Use open railings and open risers whenever
possible in accordance with the Ontario Building
Code.
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Territorial Reinforcement:
Property lines should be defined by landscaping or
a see-through fence.
Landscaping and fencing should provide visibility
into the site from the street.
Building entrances should be accentuated by
architectural features, lighting and landscape
elements.
All buildings and residential units should be clearly
identified by street address numbers that are a
minimum of 150mm in height and illuminated.
Door locking devices should be located a
minimum of 1.0 metre from any window opening.
If door locking devices are within 1.0 metre of a
window opening, the window should be covered
with a protective window film.
Common doorways should have windows and be
key or access card controlled.
Maintenance:
Maintain all common areas to very high standards.
Keep trees pruned up to 1.8 metres from grade
and shrubs pruned back from windows, doors and
walkways to a maximum height of 0.9 metres.
Enforce rules regarding discarded vehicles and
inappropriate outdoor storage.
Provide adequate garbage facilities and ensure
garbage is removed in a timely fashion.
Ensure all exterior and interior lighting in common
areas is inspected regularly and burnt out bulbs
replaced.
Graffiti should be removed within 24-48 hours or
sooner.
Repair damage caused by vandalism within 24-48
hours or sooner.
Provide a forum for residents/tenants to report
vandalism and graffiti and perpetrators thereof
(anonymously if necessary).
7.6 CPTED Strategies – Institutional Uses
Institutional uses, such as churches, libraries, community centres and schools pose unique situations when applying the CPTED strategies. They can each involve a multitude of uses, different types of user groups and may have unusual hours of operation. That being said, there are ways to mitigate these situations by carefully designing buildings and sites being cognizant of their unique characteristics and applying CPTED in areas that will provide the greatest benefit.
Goal
To create institutional and public buildings which foster a safe environment for all users and deter the potential for criminal activity.
Design Guidelines
Access Control:
Clearly define the primary entrance to the facility
with lighting, landscaping, unique surface
treatments and architectural features.
Limit the number of access points to as few as
possible.
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Require visitors pass through a “checkpoint”
attended by someone in authority.
Where possible require key or access card for
entry.
Public restrooms to be equipped with a “maze”
entry system rather than doors.
Secure outdoor amenity areas with appropriate
height fencing where appropriate (such as daycare
facilities).
Surveillance:
Avoid large blank walls which limit visibility and
serve as targets for graffiti.
Design exterior facades to have windows and
architectural features with appropriate landscaping
to deter vandalism.
Do not block or cover exterior windows and doors
with signage or opaque window coverings that
obscure visibility.
If using CCTV as a means of surveillance use light
fixtures with a white light source such as metal
halide to provide the best chromaticity (colour
rendition).
Erect signage advising the facility employs video
surveillance equipment for security purposes that
may or may not be monitored at any time.
Locate outdoor parking areas (including bicycle
parking facilities) and amenity space to be under
observation from the main building.
Territorial Reinforcement:
Provide highly visible, architecturally appropriate
signage in the design, include the municipal
address on way-finding signage.
Clearly define the boundaries of the property with
landscaping or a see through fence.
Use window film on ground floor windows of
buildings with high value targets (such as
computer rooms in schools).
Maintenance:
Install landscape materials that mature within the
available space and ensure that at maturity they
will not obstruct light fixtures or visibility.
Remove graffiti within 24-48 hours or sooner.
Ensure all exterior and interior lighting in common
areas is inspected regularly and burnt out bulbs
replaced.
Keep parking areas maintained and free from
garbage or debris.
7.7 CPTED Strategies – Commercial Store Fronts
For a neighbourhood to remain healthy, its local businesses must flourish; and for a business to do well it must be a safe place to frequent. With the increase in separating commercial areas from residential areas, and the decline of commercial store fronts which often accompanies this separation, it is essential that CPTED strategies be followed when building or remodeling commercial property. Simple design features such as positioning cash registers near the main entrance and keeping pay phones visible can accomplish much in the way of making customers feel safe and secure.
Goal
To make commercial store fronts safe places for employees and shoppers alike.
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Design Guidelines
Access Control:
Clearly identify the building entrance (awnings,
canopies, landscape planters etc.).
Provide way-finding signage to direct patrons from
parking areas to entrances.
Locate cash registers at the front of the store near
the main entrance with clear visibility to the
outside.
Rear access doors should be equipped with a 180
degree peep hole viewer.
Ensure the building exterior does not provide
access to the roof.
Security alarms and appropriate locking devices
should be installed on all exterior doors.
Window film can be applied to windows and doors
to prevent the “smash & grab” thief.
Surveillance:
Windows should face front and rear parking areas
for increased visibility.
Signage is not to cover more than 15% of window
and glass door area.
Provide adequate lighting on exterior of building.
Interior shelving and displays should not exceed
1.5 metres in height.
Ensure loading areas and garbage enclosures do
not create entrapment areas or hiding places.
All entrances should be under visual surveillance
by staff or monitored electronically.
Unobstructed visibility should be maintained from
the store to the sidewalk, street and parking areas.
Pay phones should be located away from the store
front and be visible from the cash area.
Territorial Reinforcement:
Property boundaries, where possible, should be
delineated with high branching trees, low hedges,
fences or gates.
Private areas should be easily distinguishable
from public areas.
Stores with rear parking should be identified with
fascia signs on rear façade of building and
preferably a rear entrance.
Position parking areas to be clearly visible from
the building and street and delineate parking
spaces.
Operating hours should coincide with those of
neighbouring businesses.
Maintenance:
Keep buildings and walkways clean, repaired and
unobstructed.
Maintain parking areas to a high standard without
potholes or trash.
Remove faded posters, broken signs and worn
displays.
Maintain landscaping to a high standard.
Install attractive window displays in vacant stores
to eliminate the “abandoned” image.
Keep lines of sight open throughout site by
pruning trees and shrubs to allow visual access to
all parts of the site.
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7.8 CPTED Strategies – Shopping Malls
Shopping malls often provide much of the public space in suburban communities and as such can be a mixed blessing. On one hand they perform the important function of being a “town centre”, serving as a gathering place for the community, while on the other hand, a mall can serve as an attraction for criminal activity. While the shopping mall continually grows in size and popularity, it also becomes a haven for abnormal users and the site of a growing number of parking lot crimes. It is now more important than ever that the people designing these centres implement CPTED strategies in the design process.
Goal
To create shopping malls that are safe places for people and their vehicles.
Design Guidelines
Access Control:
Signage should clearly mark public entrances in
conjunction with landscaping and architectural
features.
Sidewalks and public areas should be clearly
defined by way of unique surface treatments
and/or landscaping.
Loading and delivery areas should have
designated hours of operation and be separate
from public parking areas.
Parking areas should not be bermed or
landscaped to restrict visibility from the public
street.
Public restrooms should be equipped with a
“maze” entry system rather than doors.
Secure all exterior mechanical equipment.
Ensure the building exterior does not provide
access to the roof.
All exterior garbage and recycling facilities are to
be secured and ensure they are not potential
entrapment areas.
Surveillance:
Public restroom entrances should be visible from
main pedestrian areas, but away from outside
exits.
Parking areas are to be adequately illuminated at
night to ensure there are no dark or shadowed
areas.
Avoid creating dead-end alleys or blind spots in
loading areas.
Provide perpendicular parking in front of stores,
rather than parallel, to allow greater visibility
between cars and aisles.
Provide secured parking close to the building for
nighttime employee use.
Large parking areas can benefit from pole
mounted CCTV systems to serve as a deterrent to
parking lot crimes.
Provide multiple shopping cart corral location
throughout parking areas.
Territorial Reinforcement:
Define property perimeter with landscaping,
decorative fencing and appropriately scaled
signage.
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Signage should clearly identify the interior
businesses.
Highlight public entry point with architectural
features such as awnings or canopies and unique
surface treatments on sidewalks.
Maintenance:
Keep buildings and walkways clean, repaired and
unobstructed.
Maintain parking areas to a high standard with no
potholes, trash or graffiti.
Install attractive window displays in vacant stores
to eliminate the “abandoned” image.
Maintain landscaping to a high standard.
Ensure all parking lot and exterior building lights
are inspected regularly and burnt out bulbs
replaced immediately.
7.9 CPTED Strategies – Office Buildings
Recent and historic events have changed people’s perception of safety in an office building environment. It can be difficult to distinguish between an employee and an intruder in many cases, making the building design and security measures evermore important. Office buildings are located in a wide array of settings, ranging from highly urban areas to industrial areas, suburban areas to rural areas. The location of the office building as well as the type of office building will dictate what level of security measures should be employed to secure the facility. Employing the appropriate CPTED strategies early in the design process can reduce the need for certain types of more traditional security measures that may create a “fortress” type appearance.
Goal
To create an environment which fosters safety for employees while making intruders easily identifiable.
Design Guidelines
Access Control:
Limit the number of public entrances to preferably
one or two.
Each public entrance should be clearly identified
by unique surface treatments and signage.
Accentuate the primary entrances with
architectural features, lighting, landscaping and
unique surface treatments.
Staff/employee entrances should be key or photo
access card controlled.
Public access to office buildings should only be
available during business hours.
Certain types of office buildings may benefit from
more traditional target hardening measures such
as anti-ram barricades, strategically located
bollards, bars on windows or an active police or
security guard presence.
Require visitors to pass through or by a “check
point” attended by someone in authority (visitor
badges or a sign-in system are effective to monitor
visitors).
Surveillance:
All public entrance points should be visible from a
main reception or security desk.
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Locate surface parking areas to be visible from
office windows and doors.
Restrict landscape material to 0.9 metres in height
at building perimeter to maintain unobstructed
visibility.
Limb up trees to 1.8 metres to provide clear sight
lines.
Design interior spaces to have windows and doors
providing visibility into hallways.
Create amenity spaces where they are under
surveillance by windows and doors.
Stairwells and elevator vestibules should provide
maximum glazing and illumination to provide open
views and be located within view of reception and
security desks.
Public restroom entrances should be visible from
nearby offices and be equipped with a “maze”
entry system rather than doors.
Buildings should be oriented to have the main
entrance facing the public street.
Parking spaces should be assigned to employees
and visitor spaces clearly marked.
Territorial Reinforcement:
Perimeters should be defined by landscaping or
low fencing.
Fencing should be designed to maintain
unobstructed visibility from the street.
Exterior private areas should be easily
distinguishable from public areas.
Reception and or Security areas should be
positioned to screen all entrances.
Maintenance:
Keep all exterior areas neat and clean.
Remove trash and debris immediately.
Maintain landscaping to a high standard with
regular pruning.
Ensure all interior lighting in common areas and
exterior lighting is inspected regularly and burnt
out bulbs replaced.
Remove graffiti within 24-48 hours or sooner.
7.10 CPTED Strategies – Industrial Uses
In most industrial design, the most important issue is the safety of those who will be working or travelling to the area. Unfortunately, safety is often given little consideration. After work hours, industrial areas are for the most part poorly illuminated, seldom under any type of surveillance and virtually deserted. Add to this isolation the industrial danger areas, loading docks, service entrances, blind alleys and expansive parking areas and you have the potential for an extremely unsafe environment. It is in this type of environment where CPTED strategies can really pay off.
Goal
To protect people, assets and equipment without creating a fortress scenario.
Design Guidelines
Access Control:
Keep building entrances to a minimum and
monitor them.
Site entrances should be easily securable.
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Avoid dead-end driveways and street designs to
increase surveillance opportunities from passing
traffic.
Assign parking by shifts and provide late-night
workers with close-in spaces.
Plan storage yards for vehicular and visual access
by patrol cars.
Restrict access to roofs by way of dumpsters,
loading docks, stacked items etc.
Use a separate well marked and monitored
entrance for deliveries.
Entrance to parking areas should be controlled by
fence, gate or attendant.
Employee entrance should be close to employee
parking and work station.
Keep nighttime parking areas separate from
service areas.
Use separate docks for shipping and receiving.
Pedestrian access to railroad tracks should be
restricted.
Delivery bays should be secured with locks.
Surveillance:
Illuminate and define all entrances so that they are
visible to the public and patrol vehicles.
Position parking attendants for maximum visibility
of property.
Design the reception area to have a view of
parking areas, especially visitor parking.
Avoid creating hiding places in dead-ends or
storage yard and loading docks.
Territorial Reinforcement:
Gateway effect or formal entrance should be
created with landscaping, fencing, gates etc.
Deliveries should be limited to daytime hours.
Vehicle entrances should be defined by different
surface treatments and use of clear signage.
Separate employee parking from visitor parking
and keep shipping and receiving areas separate.
Operating hours should coincide with those of
neighbouring businesses.
Secure storage yard and parking areas with
fencing and gates.
Maintenance:
All landscaping should be maintained to a high
standard.
All lighting should be inspected regularly and burnt
out bulbs replace.
Keep storage yards orderly and do not store
garbage on site.
Remove graffiti within 24-48 hours or sooner.
7.11 CPTED Strategies – Parking Structures
Typically, parking structures are places of discomfort for legitimate users and can be an ideal location for many types of criminal activity. Unattended garages provide shelter opportunity for homeless persons in inclement weather and a secluded area for many types of criminal activity. For the typical user, there is a sense of isolation in these structures with little opportunity for, or access to help in an emergency situation. CPTED strategies can do much in the way of improving parking structure safety without tremendous cost. With the simple addition of high intensity light or painting the interior of the structure with white reflective paint, a parking structure will feel and be much safer.
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Goal
To provide parking facilities that deter criminal activity and provide security for legitimate users and their vehicles.
Design Guidelines
Access Control:
Use attendants or cameras and sound monitors,
indicate their presence with clear signage.
Pedestrian entrances should be adjacent to
vehicle entrances.
Stairwells should be open and visible to the street,
maximize glazing at stairwells.
Elevators should be close to the main entrance
with the entire interior of the elevator in view when
the doors are open, glass doors for elevators are
preferable.
Ground floor should be designed to be open for
visibility, but secured to prohibit access by wire
mesh or stretch cable.
Access should be limited to no more than two
designated, monitored entrances.
Panic alarms can be installed throughout the
garage provided there is personnel to respond.
Surveillance:
All elevators should be monitored by cameras and
sound and maximize the use of glazing.
Exterior structure walls should provide openings
reinforced with stretch cable railings to allow
visibility into and out of the structure.
Interior shear walls should provide openings
reinforced with stretch cable railings for maximum
visibility within the structure.
Paint the interior of the parking structure with white
reflective paint.
Use white light source (such as metal halide) light
fixtures strategically located to eliminate any dark
or shadowed areas.
Provide clear way-finding signage throughout the
structure.
Use round columns where possible to eliminate
hiding spots.
Install convex mirrors in appropriate locations.
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Install light fixtures at a height that prohibits
vandalism and protect with wire cages or an
unbreakable material.
Territorial Reinforcement:
Do not allow free access to adjacent buildings
without direct monitoring.
Public and private parking spaces should be
designated.
Hours of use should reflect that of local business
with secure closing during non-use hours.
Secure all mechanical equipment areas both
inside and outside the structure.
Maintenance:
Keep all surfaces clean and remove garbage/trash
daily.
Repaint when necessary.
Regularly inspect all light fixtures and replace
burnt out bulbs immediately.
Remove graffiti within 24-48 hours or sooner.
Repair damage caused by vandalism within 24-48
hours or sooner.
Post signage with a phone number for users to
report vandalism or graffiti in highly visible
locations.