Intensification Area Urban Design Guidelines - City of Barrie

c) Buildings taller than 8-storeys are encouraged in key
areas, including:
• Within the Urban Growth Centre, adjacent to Lakeshore
Drive, where existing tall buildings are located and new
buildings can capitalize on key views to the Lake. The
location and massing of these buildings (and taller building
elements) should allow for continuous sunlight on adjacent
waterfront parks, and views to Kempenfelt Bay.
• At Primary and Secondary Intensification Nodes,
where taller buildings will act as landmarks along the
Intensification Corridors, and enhance wayfinding
throughout the City.
• On large lots, on a case-by-case basis, where appropriate
transitions can be made to adjacent properties and all
other guidelines in this section can be met.
d) Taller buildings above 8-storeys should be limited to
the sites above where lot size, set-backs, step-backs
and building transitions can be made to respect the
neighbouring properties.
New development within the Intensification Areas will
strengthen communities, and accommodate many new
residents and jobs. To ensure the most efficient use of existing
infrastructure, and create a vibrant streetscape, a minimum
level of development is also required. To accomplish this, the
City should require a minimum building height.
e) All new buildings must achieve a minimum height of 7.5
metres (2-storeys) to promote intensification and ensure
the most efficient use of existing infrastructure.
4.3.3 Minimum Ground Floor Height
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Floor heights for commercial uses are generally greater than a
typically residential floor. Recognizing that ground floor retail
will not be immediately viable throughout the Intensification
Areas, a flexible ground floor height is recommended in order
to accommodate future conversion to retail uses where
appropriate.
a) Ground floor heights should be a minimum of 4.5 metres to
accommodate retail uses and provide sufficient clearance
for loading areas.
b) Ground levels should be free of any significant grade
changes to promote barrier-free access and retail activity.
DRAFT
min.
4.5m
Figure 31: Maximum Ground Floor Height
New buildings should have a minimum ground floor height of 4.5 metres.