article 5. zoning district regulations - City of Wilmington

Land Development Code
City of Wilmington
predominant orientation of fenestration within the facade. Large
building facades shall be varied so that they are divided into distinct
massing elements utilizing details that are perceived at the scale of the
pedestrian.
b. If the height of a building exceeds the plane as allowed in this
ordinance, then the scale and relationship to the existing adjacent
structure shall be addressed by transitional elements such as stepped
massing incorporating offsets or other delineating features relating to
the scale of the surrounding context.
c. All roofs for new construction shall be a flat roof (low slope)
with parapet walls, barrel roofs or have a minimum pitch of 4:12.
Vertical changes from the dominant roof condition should be
encouraged for facades facing a major street having flat roofs with
parapet walls.
(3) Height relationships. In calculating the dimensions of a story for new
construction, the following provisions shall apply: The exterior expression of the
facade height at the pedestrian level, that may be distinguished by a distinct
horizontal architectural member, or a change in materials or fenestration, shall not be
less than thirteen (13) feet, four (4) inches. This standard does not apply to interior
floor plates or structures less than two stories.
(4) Street wall definitions. New commercial and residential buildings shall
be constructed immediately adjacent to or within five (5) feet of the street right-ofway.
In addition, exceptions to this requirement may be permitted to align buildings
with the setbacks of neighboring structures or to preserve historic public vistas.
Doors, windows or other architectural elements that relate to the character of the front
facade of the building shall be used on the remaining elevations visible from the
public right-of-way.
(5) Building entries and pedestrian scale materials. Buildings fronting
sidewalks shall have detailed facades that create a pedestrian-scale environment by
marking entryways with identifiable elements that orient the structure and break
down the scale of the facade, such as the use of recessed windows and entries,
arcades, facade transitions, balconies, covered walkways or differentiated roof forms
or wall surfaces.
(6) Street level facades. Retail stores shall front onto public sidewalks to
reinforce activity levels along public streets. Window glazing shall be the
predominant material in the first story of the street level facade for commercial retail
development. Such glazing shall be transparent under all lighting conditions,
however, spandrel or colored glass may be used in the area above the height of the
door head. Storefront glazing shall extend from the sill or from a base of contrasting
material to at least the height of the door head. Storefront entrances shall be recessed
from the property line allowing a pedestrian space between the sidewalk and the front
door. For buildings located on street corners, a corner entrance is permissible.
Exterior burglar bars, fixed "riot shutters", or similar security devices shall not be
installed in any new or existing commercial storefront.
ARTICLE 5. ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS Page 84