INTENT

The elements that make up the environment of a community are among the most important features that influence it vitality. Among these design features, architecture, landscaping, lighting and signage are a just a few of the more visible characteristics that can, if well planned and executed, engender a "sense of place."

CD-POLICY 1: CREATE A VIABLE AND ATTRACTIVE COMMUNITY WITH A SENSE OF IDENTITY COMMENSURATE WITH THE VILLAGE SCALE.

ACTION STRATEGIES:

1. Encourage a focal point that identifies the Gainesville community.

2. Develop design standards that support the community scope and village scale through:
   1. Architectural guidelines to ensure compatibility of design and materials;
   2. Signage standards to ensure compatibility of design and scale;
   3. Lighting standards that do not impact adjacent uses.

3. Require site, building and landscape designs that result in the creation of safe and accessible pedestrian circulation and abundant neighborhood open space.

4. Encourage the use of public open spaces in the design of residential, commercial, employment, and mixed-use developments.

5. Provide safe and convenient pedestrian links and bike paths between various land uses with the Sector Plan area.

6. Encourage the consolidation of points of ingress/egress from developments to public rights-of-way during the site design process.

7. Encourage efficient internal vehicular circulation for commercial, employment and mixed use developments.

8. Encourage the use of ride-sharing and/or mass transit through the design of comfortable, safe and conveniently located facilities within the Sector Plan area and the availability of local bus service.

9. Minimize the visibility of parking for commercial, employment and mixed use projects by the design of parking located in the rear of buildings if appropriate, or through landscaping.

10. Encourage the creation of public open space such as sitting areas, raised planters, and public art displays. Secure appropriate funding (ISTEA funds, etc.) For streetscape improvements along major and minor arterials.

CD-POLICY 2: ENCOURAGE THE PRESERVATION OF THE UNIQUE PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES OF THE SECTOR PLAN AREA.

ACTION STRATEGIES:

1. Encourage the use of clustering for residential projects to minimize land disturbance and allow for preservation of valuable existing vegetated areas.

2. Require the development of site plans that enhance the visual quality and natural/cultural resources that make an area distinctive.

CD-POLICY 3: SEEK TO ESTABLISH COMMUNITY DESIGN MEASURES FOR THE ROUTE 29 / LINTON HALL ROAD INTERCHANGE AND THE REQUIRED VDOT RIGHTS-OF-WAY.

ACTION STRATEGIES:

1. Encourage the VDOT to replace overhead utilities with underground ones.

2. Encourage VDOT to use "community friendly" street light (poles and fixtures) within the project area.

3. Encourage VDOT to use unique building materials (brick piers, faux stone veneer, painted railings, etc.) On all over-passes and flyovers. Encourage the incorporation of additional aesthetic features, such as landscaping and signage, as a part of the final design.

CD-POLICY 4: ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR THE ENJOYMENT AND CONVENIENCE OF LOCAL RESIDENTS. SUCH FACILITIES SHOULD INCLUDE:

1. A satellite county government center;
2. A community recreation center;
3. An emergency medical facility;
4. Senior citizen facility;
5. Community meeting space
6. Other public facilities addressed elsewhere in this Sector Plan.

CD-POLICY 5: IMPLEMENT LANDSCAPE STANDARDS AND HCOD REQUIREMENTS AS PROVIDED IN THE TRANSPORTATION PLAN OF THIS SECTOR PLAN.