Intensification Area Urban Design Guidelines - City of Barrie

4.3.7 Transition to Neighbourhoods
Where Intensification Areas are adjacent to stable residential
neighbourhoods, the application of an angular plane is
recommended to provide a transition in height from mid-rise
buildings to low residential homes to reduce shadow impacts
on the residential properties, as well as the perception of
height.
max. 5m
a) Above 80% of the building’s permitted height, the property
should step-back sideways 5.5 metres to provide sky
views and sunlight penetration to the sidewalks in the
right-of-way, and to other nearby properties.
b) When a more “porous” 45street wall is preferred, side stepbacks
should be encouraged above the minimum building
height for that area.
o
c) Upper storey side step-backs are not required for buildings
that are 20 metres (6 storeys) or less.
max. 5m
45 o
10.5m
10.5m
7.5m
7.5m
rear property line
rear property line
Figure 37: Transition to Neighbourhoods
Front, side, and rear property angular planes are recommended to ensure
appropriate transitions to adjacent stable low rise residential development.
4.3.8 Building Articulation
72
The aesthetic qualities of the building, it’s façade, roof line,
windows, and access points are all vital factors in how the
public perceive a building, and how that building impacts
their experience of the street.
a) The façades of large buildings should be designed to
express individual commercial or residential units through
distinct architectural detailing, including entrance and
window design.
b) Despite the use of various architectural styles within
the City, the design and material quality should be
consistent and building materials and finishes should be
complementary.
c) Lots that face on to parks and open spaces should be
subject to architectural and landscaping controls in order
to provide an optimal interface.
d) Corner buildings at key intersections should emphasize
the focal nature and visibility of these buildings through
elements such as bay windows, projections, recesses,
special materials, and other architectural details.
DRAFT
e) Buildings should incorporate architectural details such
as vestibules, recessed entrances, covered walkways,
canopies and awnings to provide weather protection.
f) A significant amount of the building frontage on the
ground floor and at building base levels should be glass to
allow views of the indoor uses and create visual interest
for pedestrians. Clear glass is preferred to promote the
highest level of visibility.
g) Building elements should be oriented to maximize views
to Kempenfelt Bay.