COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTDESIGN GUIDELINES

TOWN OF BELCHERTOWN,MASSACHUSETTS

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTDESIGN GUIDELINES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPLES ENCOURAGED……………........................................................................................................1ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPLES DISCOURAGED……………………………………………………………………………………………...…...2ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS ENCOURAGED……………………………………………………………………………………………………….3ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS DISCOURAGED……...............................……………………………………………………………….........4FAÇADE ENCOURAGED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5FACADE DISCOURAGED……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...........6BUILDING MATERIALS ENCOURAGED…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7BUILDING MATERIALS DISCOURAGED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8DETAILING ENCOURAGED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9DETAILING DISCOURAGED……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10ROOFS ENCOURAGED………………………………........................................................................................................................11ROOFS DISCOURAGED……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..12STREET CORNERS ENCOURAGED……………………………………………………………………………………………………………....…....13STREET CORNERS DISCOURAGED…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....14NATIONAL FRANCHISES ENCOURAGED…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15NATIONAL FRANCHISES DISCOURAGED……………………………………………………………………………………………………….....16GAS STATIONS ENCOURAGED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17GAS STATIONS DISCOURAGED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...18DRIVE THROUGH ENCOURAGED……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….19DRIVE THROUGH DISCOURAGED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………20OPEN SPACE ENCOURAGED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….21OPEN SPACE DISCOURAGED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......22PARKING ENCOURAGED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....……23PARKING DISCOURAGED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….24PEDESTRIAN ACCOMMODATION ENCOURAGED………………………………………………………………………………………….……..25PEDESTRIAN ACCOMMODATION DISCOURAGED…………………………………………………………..……………………………………26LANDSCAPING ENCOURAGED…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….27 LANDSCAPING DISCOURAGED……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…28LIGHTING ENCOURAGED………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….29LIGHTING DISCOURAGED…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......…………30

ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPLES

A

B

C

D

Belchertown strongly encourages commercial development that follows traditional New England standards and should be

designed to human scale

E F

A New England Colonial RevivalB Georgian RevivalC Federal RevivalD Classic RevivalE VictorianF Cape Cod Vernacular

ENCOURAGED

Alterations to existing structures should be proportioned to match the form, colors, and details of the original structure

EXAMPLES

1

ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPLES

A

B

A Generic BuildingsB Commercial Building Lacking Scale

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

2

Examples of architectural design that have no reference to traditional New England forms and would not be appropriate for

Belchertown

There are virtually no distinguishing features to give the structures character or relate it to the context of New England

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

A B

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

3

A Water TablesB DormersC CupolasD Recessed EntrancesE MuntinsF Large shop windows

C

D

Architectural elements are the unique details and component parts that, together, form the architectural style of commercial

structures

EF

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

A

B

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

4

A Recessed Display WindowsB Mirror GlassC Opaque GlassD Extending Glass StorefrontsE Glazed Frameless Doors

C

D

Certain architectural elements, while appropriate for other communities, will alter the existing commercial expectations in Belchertown

E

FACADE

A

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

5

A Defined EntranceB Landscape EntranceC PilastersD Raised Corniced Parapets

C

D

B

Buildings should present an inviting, human scale facade to the street, internal drives, parking areas, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Entrances should be clearly visible from the street and reinforced through site and architectural features

FACADE

A

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

6

A Standard Big Box ScaleB Undefined EntranceC Lack of Landscape

C

Certain facades, while appropriate for other communities, will alter the existing commercial expectations in Belchertown

B

BUILDING MATERIALS

A

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

7

A BrickB Clapboard (Wood, Metal, Vinyl, Fiberglass, Concrete)C Shingles (Wood, Metal, Vinyl, Fiberglass, Concrete)D Wood ShakesE Stone or Simulated StoneF Mixing of building materials

B C

D E

F

The following materials and finishes are recommended for exterior use in new construction and renovations:

BUILDING MATERIALS

A

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

8

A E.I.F.SB T1-11C Aluminum

Certain architectural elements, while

appropriate for other communities, will alter the existing commercial

expectations in Belchertown

B

C

Building materials and design details should have a positive effect on a building’s style and character

DETAILING

A

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

9

A Awnings With SignageB Entrance CanopiesC Bike Racks

B

C

C

The details of a building give it character, richness, and visual interest. Commercial buildings should include architectural detailing that reflects the historic styles of

Belchertown

Architectural details should be an integral part of the design ofthe structure, and not merely appendages.

DETAILING

A

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

10

A Awnings lacking SignageB Internally and Backlit AwningsC Vinyl Awnings

B

C

Backlit, highly reflective canopies are distracting advertising features and not

appropriate in BelchertownVinyl awnings are not encouraged

Generic awnings lacking signage

ROOFS

A

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

11

A Gable StyleB Gambrel StyleC Hipped Style

B

C

Roofs can add visual interest to thestreetscape and establish a sense of continuity

between adjacent buildings. When used properly, rooflines can reduce the mass of large structures, emphasize entrances, and provide

shade and shelter for the pedestrian

Roofing materials should complementthe color and texture of the building’s

facade. Roof colors should be muted earth tonesor a color that is darker than the facade

ROOFS

A

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

12

A Flat StyleB Shed StyleC Mansards

B

C

Stripes and patterns on roofs are strongly discouraged.

Flat roofs, shed roofs, and roof Facades(such as applied mansards)

are not acceptable as primary roof forms.

A

STREET CORNERS

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

13

A Main entrance located on major streetB Dynamic focal points in the streetscape

Buildings located on corners are particularlyimportant because they help define the character

of two streets. These high-visibility locationsshould be emphasized by quality architecture

and site development.

A

B

STREET CORNERS

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

14

A parking on cornersB Vehicular Congestion on corners

BNo parking, vehicular travel ways, or service areasshould be located between the building and the

property lines along both streets.

A

NATIONAL FRANCHISES

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

15

A new England regional prototypesB Forms of modern design

BA

National franchises are permitted. However, the designof these buildings may contribute to the loss of identity for

Belchertown by the repetition of generic architectural formsthat are found throughout the country.

The design of these types should reflect an awareness of New England architectural traditions in their form, detailing, and materials.

A

NATIONAL FRANCHISES

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

16

A Inconsistent with New England architectureB Building styles from other regions

BA

Two examples of building forms commonly used bynational franchises. Neither of these meet the

design standards and would be unacceptable inBelchertown

Generic architecture has little or no reference to traditional New England forms.

The designs used for national franchises are often repeated across the country.

GAS STATIONS

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

17

A Pumps are the same design as main buildingB Canopies integrated into building design

B

Service stations and convenience stores that sellgasoline should be designed with facade and

roofline elements that reduce their scale and addarchitectural interest to the building.

The pump canopy repeats the same forms, colors, andmaterials as the main building.

Canopy is designed to be an extension of the building. The columns, roofline, dormers, and signage contribute

to a sense of continuity in the architecture

A

GAS STATIONS

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

18

A Flat CanopiesB Oversized Pumps

BA

Pump islands and canopies should be located in the rear or on the side so the primary building and should match the scale of existing design.

The flat-roofed canopy bears no design relationship to the well-detailed convenience store in terms of

form, materials, or architectural style. The store was designed to fit into the residential surroundings.

DRIVE THROUGHS

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

19

A Located at rear or sideB Pedestrian Awareness

ADrive Throughs (for restaurants, pharmacies,

banks, and similar uses) should be subordinateto the design of the main building. Architectural

design and circulation planning for buildingswith drive throughs require careful consideration

to integrate them into the Belchertown streetscape.

A

B

Drive-through operations and other automobile-oriented facilities should be designedwith facade and roofline elements that reduce their scale and add architectural interest.

Access routes leading to or from drive-through facilities will minimize conflicts with pedestrian circulation. Where walkways cross driveways, motorists should be

made aware of pedestrians through signage, lighting, raised crosswalks, changes in paving, or other devices

DRIVE THROUGHS

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

20

A Drive Throughs that face the streetB Poor vehicular based design

Drive-throughs should not face the street, unless there is no alternative for safety or security Where drive throughs are located , consideration should

be given to making the site as visible as possible to ensure the safety of the patrons

A

B

OPEN SPACE

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

21

A Enhances StreetscapeB Maintain Existing Vegetation

B

Existing vegetation should be kept if a building happens to fall under new usage

A minimum percentage of the site must be left as open space to provide buffers between properties and enhance the streetscape

(see zoning use table)

At least 50 percent of the minimum open space must be located in front of or beside the principal building(s) facing the street

A

B

OPEN SPACE

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

22

A Underutilized Open SpaceB Lack of Open Space

A lack of open space can visually separate natural features from the built environment

Underutilized open space can strip and area of its human scale

With the benefit of having large lot sizes, Belchertown seeks to discourage excess asphalt

whenever possible

B

A

PARKING

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

23

A Parking placed at rear or side of BuildingB Well buffered parking areasC Fencing that surrounds the lot

Five or more parking spaces must be bordered on all sides with a

landscaped buffer of at least 10 Ft with trees at least 6 Ft in height and at least 2 inches in trunk diameter

30 spaces must have 10% of the paved area as landscaped open space, 1 tree per 10 spaces, trees two inches in trunk diameter

Parking areas should be well buffered from the street with vegetation

Fencing is an effective treatment to block headlights and help visually screen the parking lot. Wood Fencing, Iron Fencing, and Masonry

Walls are some examples of what is encouraged in Belchertown

Strong street edge created when parking is placed to the side of the building

A

C

B

PARKING

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

24

A Expansive parking lots in frontB Parking abuts the street C Lack of buffer between road and parking

Expansive lots are not consistent with existing features in Belchertown

A

C

No sidewalk or buffer between road and parking

Weak street edge created when parking abuts the street B

PEDESTRIAN ACCOMMODATION

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

25

A Safety BuffersB Defined CrosswalksC Benches at sidewalk intersections

A

B

Projects should be designed to provide efficient and safe pedestrian circulation within the site. Pedestrian connections are required between focal points of

pedestrian activities such as sidewalks, parking areas, public spaces, and building entrances Where possible, pedestrian linkages should be made to adjacent

properties.

To aid pedestrians in crossing traffic within the lot, crosswalks

should be clearly defined through use of raised, textured,

or color treatments

C

To create a sense of safety and enclosure for pedestrians, sidewalks should be

separated from the street with a landscaped strip at least 5 feet in width.

Benches should be located at sidewalk intersections.

PEDESTRIAN ACCOMMODATION

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

26

A Poorly Defined CrosswalksB Noncontiguous Crosswalks

B

Belchertown seeks to promote a pedestrian friendly community with public safety favored over general design. Below are some

examples of designs that may put pedestrians at risk while utilizing public spaces

To create a sense of safety and enclosure for pedestrians, sidewalks should be include materials that maintain a

continuous design

AAn example of a poorly defined crosswalk

LANDSCAPING

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

27

A Embrace natural site FeaturesB Soften Building Mass with PlantingsC Utilities Screened from View

B

Landscaping can be used to enhance the attractiveness of storefronts and entrances, define spaces, and improve the pedestrian experience.

Landscaping should be composed of noninvasive, drought-resistant plantings that may include trees, flowers, shrubs, succulents, and

ornamental grasses

A variety of types, scales, textures, and colors of plantings are encouraged, and landscaping should be designed for year-round appeal. Where possible,

landscape design should embrace natural site features such as rock outcroppings, topography, etc.

Example of appropriate utility screening

C

A

LANDSCAPING

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

28

A Poorly Designed LandscapingB Chain Link FencingC Unscreened Utilities

B

Landscaping can be used to enhance the attractiveness of an area, but it can also distract a viewer from the existing elements in a given area. Here are some examples of landscaping that is not

encouraged in Belchertown

Example of inappropriate utility screening

A

LIGHTING

ENCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

29

A Lighting Scaled to SiteB Energy Efficient LightingC Light posts Flush to the Ground

C

A

Lighting should serve only to illuminate entries, signage, displays, adjacent pedestrian and parking areas, or to highlight significant

architectural elements such as the main entry.

Energy Efficient lighting fixtures such as LED’s should complement

the building’s architecture and should be appropriately scaled to

the building and site.

Pedestrian-scaled light fixtures, preferably affixed to the building, storefronts, canopies, or awnings, are most appropriate for lighting

sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, and areas adjacent to buildings

Light posts should be installed so that the pillar bases are near flush with

the ground. B

LIGHTING

DISCOURAGED

EXAMPLES

30

A Light Posts too close to BuildingsB Raised Light Posts

Visible fluorescent bulbs, Visible neon lighting,Colored bulbs except for temporary seasonal

Decoration, and Internally illuminated awnings are strongly discouraged in Belchertown

Improper lighting systems can significantly alter the appearance of the natural environment and potentially lead to safety concerns for communities

A

Incorrectly installed light post

Lighting fixtures that are incongruous with building architecture and located too close to building

B