Sec. 7.3. Design Standards

7.3.1. Facade/Roofline Treatment

A. Except in Design Districts, this section applies to all nonresidential, non-industrial facilities with exterior elevations that are greater than 100 feet in total length or diameter and visible from a public right-of-wayClosed A strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, prescription or condemnation and intended to be occupied by a street, trail, rail corridor, or public utility. or from adjacentClosed Property abutting directly on the boundary of, touching, or sharing a common point. residential developmentClosed Pursuant to NCGS 160D-102, any of the following: a. The construction, erection, alteration, enlargement, renovation, substantial repair, movement to another site, or demolition of any structure. b. The excavation, grading, filling, clearing, or alteration of land. c. The subdivision of land as defined in G.S. 160D-802. d. The initiation or substantial change in the use of land or the intensity of use of land..

B. All applicable structures shall be required to incorporate variations in the façades and roofline in order to ensure visual interest by the following standards:

1. Incorporate variations in the façade, such as recesses and projections, door and window rhythm, or other architectural detailing. Changes of materials can also be used to meet this requirement so long as materials changes occur at a change of plane, such as a recess, projection, or inside corner; and

2. Incorporate variations in the roofline treatment, such as stepped parapets, multiple roof forms, dormers, and corner tower elements.

7.3.2. Canopies

A. General Standards

1. Canopies in nonresidential zones can extend into the required yardClosed A space on the same lot with a building or group of buildings, which space lies between the building or group of buildings and the nearest lot line. but shall be at least five feet from any property line and shall not project into any utility easementClosed A grant by a property owner for use by the public, a corporation or persons of an area of land for specific purposes..

2. Display or storage shall not be permitted as the primary use under the canopyClosed A roof-like cover extending over an outdoor area for the purpose of sheltering individuals or equipment from the weather. unless outdoor displays and outdoor storage are allowed in the zoning district in accordance with Sec. 7.5, Outdoor Display and Storage.

B. Fuel Canopies

1. The maximum distance to the highest point on the fascia shall be 19-1/2 feet as measured from the highest point of the highest gradeClosed A land disturbing activity that modifies the contours of the land. under the canopyClosed A roof-like cover extending over an outdoor area for the purpose of sheltering individuals or equipment from the weather..

2. All light fixtures mounted in fuel canopies shall be recessed.