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18.31.550 Building materials.
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(1) Purpose.

(a) To encourage the use of durable, high quality, and urban building materials that minimize maintenance cost and provide visual interest from all observable vantage points.

(b) To promote the use of a distinctive mix of materials that helps to articulate facades and lends a sense of depth and richness to the buildings.

(c) To place the highest priority on the first floor in the quality and detailing of materials at the pedestrian scale.

(2) Quality Building Materials.

(a) Applicants shall use high quality durable materials. This is most important for the base of buildings, particularly for commercial and mixed-use buildings where the facade is sited close to sidewalks.

(b) Prohibited exterior building materials:

(i) Fiberglass.

(ii) Vinyl and plastic siding.

(iii) Plywood.

(iv) T-111 siding.

(c) The use of sustainably harvested, salvaged, recycled, or reused products is encouraged wherever possible.

(d) Stone, brick, or tile masonry shall be used for the first floor of cladding (excluding window and door areas) on nonresidential or mixed-use buildings and the first two feet of residential buildings. Architectural concrete may be used on the first two feet above grade for residential and nonresidential buildings and for building columns on the first floor of nonresidential buildings.

(3) Special Conditions and Limitations for Concrete Block (Also Known as Concrete Masonry Unit or CMU). Concrete block may be used as a cladding material if it is incorporated with other permitted materials and/or incorporates a combination of textures and/or colors to add visual interest. For example, combining split or rock-facade units with smooth blocks can create distinctive patterns. The figure below illustrates acceptable concrete block use/designs.

Figure 18.31.550(3). Acceptable Concrete Block Use and Design

The left building uses concrete block as an effective and contrasting accent material for its entrance. The right mixed-use building uses CMU as the primary cladding material for the ground level. Note the use of split-facade CMU’s above each of the awnings and coupled with the use of smooth-facade CMU’s on the vertical columns (which employ black accent tiles for added interest).

(4) Special Conditions and Limitations for Metal Siding. Metal siding may be used as a secondary cladding material if it is incorporated with other permitted materials and complies with the following standards:

(a) It shall feature visible corner molding and trim and shall not extend lower than two feet above grade. Masonry, concrete, or other durable material shall be incorporated between the metal siding and the ground plane.

(b) Metal siding shall be factory finished with a matte, nonreflective surface.

(c) Use of at least two colors of metal siding on the facade is encouraged, but not required.

DEPARTURES: Other designs will be considered provided the material’s integration and overall facade composition meets the purpose of the standards.

Figure 18.31.550(4). Acceptable Metal Siding Examples

The buildings in Image A and B integrate a range of metal siding with masonry and other materials. Metal siding is the primary material for Buildings C and D, both of which integrate subtle changes in color to go with articulation features and design details.

(5) Special Conditions and Limitations for the Use of Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS). Such material/finishes may be used as a decorative accent cladding material if incorporated with other permitted materials and compliant with the following:

(a) EIFS is limited to no more than 20 percent of the total facade area and may not be the primary cladding material.

(b) EIFS shall feature a smooth or sand finish only.

(c) EIFS shall be trimmed in wood, masonry, or other material and shall be sheltered from weather by roof overhangs or other methods.

(d) EIFS shall not extend lower than eight feet above grade. Concrete, masonry, or other durable material shall be used for ground level wall surfaces to provide a durable surface where damage is most likely.

DEPARTURES to allow up to 50 percent coverage of the facade and other design treatments will be considered provided the material’s integration and overall facade composition meets the purpose of the standards.

Figure 18.31.550(5). Acceptable and Unacceptable EIFS Examples

Left image: Note the use of brick and decorative concrete block on the ground level and EIFS on the second floor. The window treatments visible on the second floor add depth and interest to the façade. Right image: EIFS is used for all building elevations above the first floor.

(6) Special Conditions and Limitations for Cementitious Wall Board Paneling/Siding. Such material may be used provided it meets the following provisions:

(a) Cement board paneling/siding may not be used on the ground floor of nonresidential or mixed-use buildings where adjacent to a sidewalk or other pedestrian path.

(b) Where cement board paneling/siding is the dominant siding material, the design shall integrate a mix of colors and/or textures that are articulated consistent with windows, balconies, and modulated building surfaces and are balanced with facade details that add visual interest from the ground level and adjacent buildings.

DEPARTURES: Other designs will be considered provided the material’s integration and overall facade composition meets the purpose of the standards.

Figure 18.31.550(6). Acceptable and Unacceptable Cementitious Wall Board Examples

The building in Images A through B use cementitious wall board in different textures and colors to help articulate the facade. The white color replicates the board and batten style in the left image and green color in the right image effectively replicates horizontal wood siding. The Image C building uses different color panels effectively to emphasize the facade’s fenestration and modulation patterns. The wall board panels covering a large area in a single color as in Image D would not meet the purpose of the standards.

(Ord. 08-21 § 3 (Exh. B))