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Memo Planning Commission/CU 99-32 September 28, 1999 Page 3 IIOutdoor Storage and Display The proposal includes a 17,500 square foot outdoor garden center. The applicant has indicated this would be a seasonal use. The area should not be used for year round storage or display; it should be limited to May - August. A 10 high chain link fence topped with barbwire is proposed around the garden center. A more suitable enclosure would be a knee high brick wall with columns and wrought iron fencing as has been done at other Wal-Mart locations. Building Elevations Typically building elevations are compared to the design standards established in the Planned Unit Development Agreement. However, in this case the Planning Commission is being asked to consider the design of the building prior to the PUD Agreement and the design standards being formally approved. The Planning Commission has had an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed design standards. This being the case, the building design will be compared to the design standards reviewed by the Commission. These proposed standards have been provided to the developer and their engineer for their review and comment. As of the writing of this • report staff had not received any comments them. The proposed building does not comply with the proposed design standards. Because of the size of the building, over 400 feet wide, recesses or building face off-sets should be provided to reduce the "big box" appearance of the building. The proposed design standards require recesses or off-sets of at least 3% of the length of the entire building; in this case, the projection or recess would be about 12 feet. The building should have architectural features or patterns that provide visual interest at a pedestrian scale; this building has none. Cornice details and variations to the roof lines should also be included to add interest to the building; this building has none. Exterior colors should be subtle, neutral or earth tones (see attached photos of Wal-Mart). The proposed gray does not meet those criteria. The gray color, when combined with the proposed chain link fence, gives the building the appearance of a prison. The proposed smooth face concrete blocks are one of the types of materials not to be used as a predominant exterior building material. By incorporating a canopy and peaked roof into the design, the entryway is • clearly defined and visible. The developer should incorporate the design S:\PLANNING\SCOTT\CU99-32.DOC