§ 35-646. Construction in Public Rights-of-Way.

(a)

General Provisions. All construction in the public right-of-way shall conform to all city codes. In considering an application, the historic and design review commission shall be guided by the following:

(1)

Sidewalk Zones. Pedestrian movement should be pleasant, allowing for store browsing, comfortable transit waiting and easy accessibility for disabled people. Where possible, sidewalks should at least five (5) feet in width. Existing sidewalks should not be narrowed when replaced.

(2)

Sidewalk Paving and Surfaces. Materials should complement stylistic differences of individual buildings, particularly when related to historic buildings.

A.

Materials. Materials should be chosen for beauty, strength, longevity, easy maintenance and traction when dry or wet.

B.

Color and Texture. To ensure the safety of pedestrians, all changes in surfaces should be defined by contrasting color, texture or materials.

(3)

Street Features and Arrangements. Historic districts and the downtown, as well as other distinct areas of the city have diverse character and any street furniture selected for these areas should complement these differences. In addition, the clustering of street furniture in one (1) place is recommended. Trash receptacles, seating, telephones and other street furniture should be grouped together.

A.

Circulation. A clear path-of-travel of thirty-six (36) inches wide shall be maintained in and around street features and arrangement.

B.

Seating. Seating should be physically comfortable and inviting, durable and attractive. Plaza and open space seating should also be socially comfortable by offering a variety of choices such as in the sun or shade, near traffic and activity or not, and alone or in groups.

C.

Drinking Fountains. Placing drinking fountains in new development is encouraged. Fountains should be placed within general areas of pedestrian traffic and located on accessible surfaces.

D.

Trash Receptacles. Trash receptacles should blend visually with their surroundings and their design and location should make use as convenient as possible.

E.

Vending Machines. Vending machines will not dispense items other than newspapers and periodicals. Vending machines shall be clustered together and away from intersection corners.

F.

Vending Carts and Kiosks. Vending carts and kiosks are encouraged in locations that do not impede normal pedestrian traffic.

G.

Outdoor Dining. Lease of public right-of-way for outdoor dining is encouraged in appropriate locations. Lease of sidewalk space for outdoor dining shall be managed through the department of parks and recreation and shall comply with all city codes. It is recommended that at least eight (8) feet of sidewalk be retained between the curb and the leased or licensed space to provide an uninterrupted public walkway.

H.

Street Objects. Utility boxes, vending machines and so on should not be located in sidewalk zones. Their design and color should be compatible with character of their surroundings.

(4)

Streetscape Landscaping. Landscaping, particularly streets trees, are an important addition to the streetscape because of the hot Texas climate. Appropriate application along sidewalks strengthens the visual quality of public streets. Careful selection of plant materials, using native and low-water use plants, is recommended.

(b)

Skywalks and Underground Walkways. Skywalks and underground walkways between buildings but over (or under) public right-of-way shall be integral design elements of a total development, not merely passageways.

(1)

Skywalks. Skywalks should avoid impeding vistas and views, particularly in the downtown, of historic landmarks, the river, and other important buildings. Construction shall be considered on an individual basis but shall not occur over the river. Skywalks shall facilitate interoffice communication and traffic rather than serve as a public walkway.

(2)

Underground Walkway. Underground walkways or tunnels shall facilitate interoffice communication rather than serve as a public walkway. Underground walkways should include light wells, skylights, landscaping, and fresh air ventilation.

(c)

Awnings and Canopies. The primary purpose of an awning shall be to provide shade and weather protection to pedestrians.

(1)

Size and Shape. Awnings shall be proportionate in shape and size to the scale of the building facade to which it will be attached. On historic landmarks or on older buildings, awnings shall be historically appropriate in design and materials.

(2)

Materials and Lettering. Preferred materials for fabric awnings are fire resistant canvas. Metal canopies may also be appropriate. Lettering on fabric awnings shall be permitted on the front flap only of the awning in a manner proportional to the awning size, but not to exceed one-half (½) the area of the front flap. Symbols or logos may be allowed on the top of the awning not to exceed one-sixth ( 1/6 ) of the square footage of the top of the awning.

(Ord. No. 98697 § 6)