tall-buildings

Figure 2: Site servicing and vehicular access screened with high-quality architectural and landscape features.
l. Where it is not feasible to integrate “back of house”
activities underground or within the building mass, locate
these activities to limit negative impacts on the safety,
comfort, and quality of the public realm. Where appropriate,
use high-quality architectural elements and landscape
design to screen these activities from public view.
Screen above-grade
parking structures
with active uses in the
base building along
street, park, and open
space frontages
SITE ORGANIZATION | TALL BUILDING DESIGN GUIDELINES
m. When parking cannot be located underground (due to
below-grade transit infrastructure, a high-water table, etc.),
line the parking structure with active, grade-related uses to
separate the above-grade parking from streets and public or
private open spaces (see also 3.1.2 Street Animation).
Design above-grade parking structures to be consistent with
the design standards outlined in 3.1 Base Building.
P
P
P
Parking Active Uses PL
Figure 3: Above-grade parking structures lined with active, grade-related uses.
RATIONALE
Tall buildings accommodate two types of activities at grade:
“front of house” activities, such as retail and landscaping,
and “back of house” activities, such as parking, loading, and
servicing.
“Back of house” activities include, but are not limited to:
• vehicle access, ramps, and parking;
• drop-off areas;
• garbage storage and collection;
• loading docks;
• vents, utility meters, transformers, and other site utilities
and servicing infrastructure.
“Back of house” activities are essential to the efficient
functioning of new development. When “back of house”
activities are concealed within and behind buildings, it
promotes a safer, more comfortable and attractive public realm
and pedestrian environment.
Using the building or high-quality architectural elements and
landscape design to screen vehicular access and site servicing,
also helps mitigate noise, air quality concerns, and unattractive
views within the tall building site and on adjacent streets, public
or private open spaces, and neighbouring properties.
Official Plan Reference
2.2 Structuring Growth in the City: Policy 3c | 2.3.1 Healthy Neighbourhoods: Policy 2d | 2.4 Bringing the City Together: Policy 7b and 12 |
3.1.1 The Public Realm: Policy 6b | 3.1.2 Built Form: Policy 2 and 5a | 3.1.3 Built Form – Tall Buildings: Policy 1a |
3.4 The Natural Environment: Policy 18d and 20 | 5.1.3 Site Plan Control: Policy 3a and 3h
Related Standards, Guidelines & Studies
Toronto Green Standard | Guidelines for the Design and Management of Bicycle Parking Facilities | Bird-Friendly Development Guidelines
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