Urban Design Manual - Kitchener · design. Identity Encourage distinctive and recognizable design. Provide a focus for activity. Reinforce neighbourhood character and place making

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2012 City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual: Part A – Urban Design Guidelines A-1

Urban Design Manual

PART A –

URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES

1.0

THE CITY’S VISION

“To create a safe, attractive, stimulating, accessible, and barrier free environment in which to live and work”. (Part 2.6, - objective for Urban Design as contained in the City of Kitchener’s Official Plan) The following principles will be used in implementing this Vision and in guiding Kitchener’s urban form.

Function

Promote accessibility/usability/safety for all

groups.

Offer choices and variety in terms of housing,

commerce and modes of transport.

Promote the protection and sustainability of

natural environments.

Encourage strong and clearly defined pedestrian

connections and linkages.

Order

Encourage “legibility” in design i.e. clearly

understandable design patterns.

Provide a balanced and efficient distribution of

activities.

Promote the continuity and improvement of

established development patterns and streetscape

design.

Identity

Encourage distinctive and recognizable design.

Provide a focus for activity.

Reinforce neighbourhood character and place

making.

Encourage innovative, high quality design at

landmark locations

Provide a high quality public realm.

Appeal

Provide functional and attractive design.

Provide an appropriate scale and a sense of

proportion.

Built Form

Encourage a compatible built form.

Encourage high density.

Support compact development in the central

neighbourhoods.

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2.0

INTRODUCTION

Urban Design is concerned with the following:

Designing buildings and the spaces between

them.

Managing the resources of the built environment,

both new and existing.

Meeting the needs of the developers and the

users of the urban environment.

Coordinating the various design disciplines to

achieve a team approach to urban development.

Encouraging sustainability

Good urban design seeks to create a safe, functional and attractive built environment. An equal partnership among respective professions, including Architects, Landscape Architects, Planners and Engineers is required to achieve this objective. The City of Kitchener is committed to achieving a high standard of urban design in the public and private realm. These guidelines, in conjunction with Council approved Urban Design Briefs, have been adopted by City Council in order to implement the existing urban design policies contained within the Official Plan. Amendments to the content of the Design Manual will be adopted by City Council, with the exception of minor amendments that are technical or editorial in nature which will be approved by the Director of Planning. These Urban Design Guidelines represent a framework for establishing Kitchener’s future urban form. It sets out a number of positive design principles, which should be followed in the design of new communities, sites and buildings. These guidelines should be reviewed and evaluated with all planning processes and approvals including plans of subdivision and site plan approval. The purpose of the Guidelines is to ensure that new development is consistent with the City’s Vision for urban design stated herein. New development should demonstrate conformity with the five guiding principles contained within the Vision: Function, Order, Identity, Appeal and Built Form.

The Guidelines are presented in a hierarchical fashion. ‘Community Design’ and ‘Neighbourhood Design’, deal with urban design at a larger scale. ‘Site Design’, addresses detailed site planning issues, ‘Building Design and Massing’ examines specific building design and streetscape issues and ‘Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design’ addresses safety and security in site design. The Guidelines are intended to be flexible. They are not intended to prescribe specific design solutions but rather to express the preferred design objectives of the City. The development process is viewed as a cooperative venture between the City and the development industry. A successful development will achieve the City’s Vision while meeting the individual needs of the proponent. Each section of the document contains a goal and specific design guidelines. The goal establishes the overall aim of the particular subject. The design guidelines set out directions and techniques, which will achieve the stated goal and the City’s Vision. The Guidelines are supported by Design Briefs (Part B) and a comprehensive set of Design Standards (Part C). The Design Briefs address specific land uses or types of development and the Standards contain detailed information, definitions and technical criteria. Specific design standards and policies are referenced throughout the Guidelines. Although comprehensive Design Briefs are only available for certain forms of development, the requirements contained in Part A and Part C of the Urban Design Manual should be regarded at the early design stage of all projects. There may be instances where due to site conditions or unique circumstances, certain guidelines and standards may be in conflict with each other or physically not achievable. In all cases, proponents are encouraged to discuss these conflicts with the appropriate City staff. In the development of City projects, all Departments shall have regard for these Guidelines. 2.1 The Evolution of Kitchener’s Urban Form Kitchener’s present urban form has been shaped by several factors, including the local economy, transportation and population growth. This form is very much a product of these factors linked together over the last century.

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The first land use plan for the present day City of Kitchener was developed by Thomas Adams and Horace Seymour in 1924. It was characterized by a comprehensive zoning by-law used largely to protect housing values and help create an orderly development of the City. A total of five zones were created: heavy industrial, light industrial, business, residential and detached private residential. Building height and building lines were also regulated.

Adams-Seymour Plan 1924. First City Plan

The Adams-Seymour plan was also characterized by a dominance of the grid-iron street pattern. The plan contemplated the growth of Kitchener outside of the established nineteenth century form of Berlin (the former name of the City). In addition, distinct residential districts were created, and business and industrial areas were located along primary arterial roads. After the Second World War, the development of new housing dominated the form of the City. Through the development of the National Housing Act, middle and lower-middle class citizens qualified for a residential mortgage, a factor which greatly increased the demand for new housing. The general thought of the time was that single-family houses were an essential housing form to which Canadians should aspire. The major growth in demand for new suburban housing

directed the urban form of the City for many years to follow. In 1949, an Official Plan was adopted by the Kitchener-Waterloo Suburban Planning Board. A ring road was incorporated into the plan, which eventually developed into the present day Conestoga Parkway. Throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s, the preference for ranch-style and split-level homes led to an increasing demand for land. Servicing costs became an important factor in determining how the City would develop i.e. access to water and sanitary sewer facilities. The curvilinear street pattern emerged as the dominant street design, in place of the earlier established grid pattern. Today, there has been a renewed focus on planning issues in the City’s downtown and a new commercial policy structure based on a nodes and corridor model. In addition, the preservation of heritage buildings and the creation of heritage districts have emerged as an important component of the planning process. New suburban development design includes the preservation and integration of important natural features and the use of decorative street furniture. All of these issues call for a need to include urban design as a key component of the planning process.

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3.0 COMMUNITY DESIGN This section deals with urban design at the planning community scale. The guidelines are intended to create diverse places for living, working and recreation. Local communities include Forest Heights, Stanley Park and Laurentian West. As a general statement, communities should have a mix of land uses including a variety of housing types and park spaces, schools, shopping areas and employment opportunities. Many communities in Kitchener are bound by major streets such as Fisher Hallman Road or large natural features such as the Grand River forming a community edge. Over time, the urban form of communities has changed particularly as it relates to the street network, building types and park space design. Today, a design-based approach is encouraged to create communities that promote a sense of place, have integrated street networks with transit-oriented development, effectively integrate natural and heritage resources and include walkable neighbourhoods with interesting streetscapes, focal points and destinations. The attention to detail is also important to create or strengthen distinct themes or character. In all cases, a high standard of community design will ensure that all elements are integrated with one another and contribute to complete communities. The following guidelines are intended to assist in creating a vision and design principles within a community Plan. This will be further implemented in the neighbourhood concept plan, subdivision design and ultimately the site plan stage.

A grid street pattern with transit supportive development

is typical for many older communities across the city.

3.1 Creating a Sense of Place

Goal

To create communities that have a distinctive character, pedestrian-friendly streets and prominent landmarks, views and vistas.

Design Guidelines

3.1.1 Community Structure

Create a community of identifiable and walkable

neighbourhoods and districts.

Identify and incorporate existing natural, cultural

and built heritage features into new communities.

Design urban areas to allow for direct and

convenient access to major destinations and focal

points.

Provide a variety of public spaces for passive and

active uses.

Provide a variety of focal points at prominent,

accessible locations.

Incorporate transit supportive development along

planned transit routes.

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3.1.2 Streetscapes

Design streets for various modes of travel with

emphasis on pedestrian use, comfort and

aesthetics.

Create interesting gateway features at prominent

community entrances.

Establish a distinct theme or character for

prominent streets and gateways.

Provide consistent streetscape elements to

complement and unify the built form (i.e.

decorative street lights, tree hierarchy, signage,

etc.) and to assist with way finding.

Promote activity along streets by locating building

entrances and windows close to the street,

benches and building entrances at major transit

stops and integrate public spaces along street

frontages.

Promote “eyes on the street” by minimizing front

yard setbacks and providing porches, doors and

front windows facing the public street.

Plan for active uses such as retail, services and

restaurants at the street level to encourage

pedestrian activity and movement between private

and public spaces.

Minimize the use of physical noise attenuation

measures.

A prominent community focal point can be created

through a major landmark feature such as this clock tower located in a roundabout intersection.

Boulevards with distinctive landscape details and

branding, along with the maturing forest area, create an attractive gateway into the Doon Mills community.

Active streets are created when front doors face public

streets.

Ensure garages do not dominate the streetscape.

The following design alternatives should be

considered:

Limit garage width and projection.

Construct garages flush with the front of the

dwelling.

Develop detached garages to the rear of the

dwelling, accessible by either rear lane or front

driveway.

Locate garages below the ground floor level.

Construct tandem garages.

Ensure streets are well lit. Coordinate street tree

plantings and street lighting to avoid blocking

street lighting.

Enhance streetscapes through tree planting.

Ensure optimal conditions are provided for the

maintenance and health of trees. (ie. appropriate

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topsoil depth and soil chemistry, structural soils for

urban conditions and sufficient root zone.)

3.1.3 Landmarks, Views and Vistas

Use massing and architectural detailing to create a

landmark structure in locations that terminate

significant views.

Provide special attention to heritage resources

and public buildings that occupy prominent sites

by creating pedestrian scale pubic spaces for

residents and informal gathering near the building

entrance.

Frame prominent intersections by locating

buildings or other significant structures close to the

property line.

Protect existing views and vistas of built and

natural landmarks.

Create new opportunities for focal points where

possible through the location of streets,

intersections, walkways, lookouts, built form and

site design.

Encourage public art in prominent locations to

create recognizable features and landmarks.

Frame prominent intersections by locating buildings

close to the property line.

3.2 Trees and Woodlands

Goal

To incorporate trees and woodlands of value into new development.

Design Guidelines

Protect larger woodlands and maintain, enhance

or restore adequate linkages between natural

areas. Creation of new linkages should be

considered where none presently exist if

ecologically appropriate.

Design new development to incorporate, protect

and conserve existing healthy trees and

woodlands.

Avoid the fragmentation of woodlands and

maintain or create appropriate buffer areas for

conservation of significant natural features and

functions.

Minimize grading and hydro geological changes to

the existing site to avoid disruption to natural

systems.

Incorporate existing trees into the streetscape,

where possible.

City Design Standards and Policies

Tree Management Policy

Storm Water Management Facilities

Design Brief for Suburban Development and

Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres

Single loaded streets are an effective design strategy to

integrate new subdivision development with woodlands.

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Protection of the root zone, soil structure and the

understorey growth is necessary to ensure the survival of mature trees and woodlands. Paige wire fencing and

signage at a woodland in a new subdivision in the Chicopee area protects trees during construction.

Planning and conservation strategies in the Strasburg Creek Watershed and the Huron Planning Community include a vision for an Environmental Education facility and the maintenance of ecological integrity within the

200 hectare Huron Natural Area.

3.3 Heritage Resources

Goal

To ensure new development complements and, where possible, incorporates heritage resources of natural, historical, architectural or cultural significance.

Design Guidelines

Conserve significant heritage resources including

buildings, structures, district streetscapes and

landscapes using strategies such as:

Preservation - maintaining and/or restoring a

heritage resource within its context of setting.

Adaptive re-use – rehabilitation of a heritage

resource for a new function.

Incorporation – integration of individual

components of a heritage resource into a new

development.

Contrast – integration of new, contrasting

building materials in a way which respects the

integrity of the heritage resource.

Sensitively rehabilitate heritage buildings where

required for persons with disabilities while having

the lowest impact on significant heritage features.

Identify significant architectural details and

features of heritage resources and incorporate

similar details and features into new building

designs. Design strategies should be sensitive to

existing heritage resources, providing for some

reproduction of character defining features while

maintaining some distinction between old and

new.

Ensure that the design and location of lighting,

streets, signage, parking, public works facilities,

grading and other site features respect the

integrity and character of the heritage resource.

Ensure that new development proposed near

significant heritage resources is compatible and

incorporates a high level of urban design

particularly as it relates to views, streetscape

character and building material selection.

Ensure all new development is in compliance with

the policies and consistent with the guidelines of

any applicable Heritage Conservation District Plan

and the recommendations of any applicable

heritage impact assessment as approved by the

City.

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A typical residential streetscape within the Victoria Park

Area Heritage Conservation District.

The Shantz Terrace housing development, at the corner of Ottawa Street and Maurice Street, integrates the

historic building on this townhouse site through thoughtful site planning and the appropriate use of

materials, building form and roof lines.

The Bread and Roses housing development

demonstrates that additional height can be well integrated through careful consideration of building

setbacks, massing and materials.


Heritage Conservation Policies, Section 5.3

Official Plan

Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District

Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District

Plan

St. Mary’s Heritage Conservation District


Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres 3.4 Street Network

Goal

To create a highly connected street network providing for appropriate traffic distribution, safe pedestrian and cycling conditions, barrier free access and efficient public transit.

Design Guidelines

Minimize the impacts on natural environment and

cultural heritage features.

Ensure the street network, including layout and

design, accommodates all intended users

including pedestrians, persons with disabilities,

cyclists, emergency vehicles and automobiles.

Design streets to accommodate all intended

functions such as travel lanes, on-street parking,

transit, bike lanes, landscaped medians where

proposed or required. Some functions may be

prioritized.

Design the street network based on a hierarchy of

streets to accommodate different functions with

emphasis on non-motorized travel.

Encourage a dedicated bicycle route along a

major street or to major destinations.

Design the street network with a direct and

efficient transit route in close proximity to higher

density neighbourhoods and transit supportive

uses. Improve access to transit routes by

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providing multiple local street connections to

transit routes.

Create an interconnected street pattern that

promotes connectivity between abutting

neighbourhoods, provides good connections within

neighbourhoods and to major destinations.

Balance the use of grid and curvilinear street

patterns to increase route options.

Ensure the local street network is easy to navigate

and is well integrated with the arterial road

network. Improve connectivity and accessibility by

providing multiple local street connections to

arterial streets with interval spacing of 200-400

metres between intersections.

Ensure intersection spacing of no more than 60

metres along collector and local roads.

Provide direct pedestrian access between arterial

streets and adjacent neighbourhoods (walking

distances should be minimized and steps or steep

grades should be avoided).

Preferred street network which provides continuous connections between neighbourhoods and major

streets.

Discourage street networks that provide limited access

between neighbourhoods and are not continuous.

Design intersections to balance the needs of

automobiles, trucks, buses, cyclists, persons with

disabilities and pedestrians. Where necessary or

appropriate, incorporate consistent traffic calming

measures to moderate vehicle speeds and

promote pedestrian and cyclist movement.

Design streets to avoid reverse lotting. Where

appropriate, a system of service streets and

looped local streets located parallel to major

streets may be used to avoid reverse lotting on

arterial streets. The use of private rear lanes may

also be considered.

Design street patterns which optimize passive

solar gain where possible (i.e. east-west street

orientation to maximize south exposure of

buildings).

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Pedestrian safety and accessibility is improved through

mid-block pedestrian connections.


Traffic Calming Policy

Transit Supportive Policy

City of Kitchener Cycling Master Plan

City of Kitchener Subdivision Manual



3.5 Transit

Goal

To ensure new development is transit supportive.

Design Guidelines

Design for convenient pedestrian access with

transit routes. Minimize walking distances

between transit stops and primary activity areas.

Design neighbourhoods so that transit service can

be provided to 95% of all dwelling units within 450

metres walking distance of a transit route. All

multiple dwelling units should be located within

300 metres walking distance of an existing or

planned stop. A closer location is encouraged for

the higher density uses. Location of existing and

planned transit stops should be considered early

in the design process.

Locate buildings in commercial areas close to or at

the property line to facilitate pedestrian access

and encourage transit use.

Provide continuous sidewalks on both sides of

roadways to support transit use and walkable

communities.

Orient higher intensity uses toward existing and

planned transit facilities, corridors and planned

commercial areas.

Ensure transit facilities are easily visible, well lit

and integrated with the ultimate landscape design

in terms of tree/shrub planting, grading, etc.

Coordinate transit stops with major activities,

pedestrian routes and building entrance locations.

Shade trees should be planted near transit stops

to provide shade from the summer sun, but not in

a location which blocks street lighting.


Transit Supportive

City of Kitchener Sidewalk Policy



Large shopping centres and planned commercial areas serve as nodes in the transit system.

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Locate buildings close to the street along transit corridors.

Higher density uses, such as stacked townhouse units, are appropriate near transit stops and shopping areas.

3.6 Parks, Open Spaces and Trails

Goal

To provide a variety of outdoor recreational and amenity opportunities for all age groups. To provide an accessible linked parks and open space system.

Design Guidelines

Ensure that the following are addressed in the

location and design of parks, and the preservation

of natural features:

The existing ecological characteristics of the

natural features, future management

strategies, and the timing of construction.

Coordination with the City’s recreational and

open space objectives.

Monitoring and response program for all parks

and natural systems.

Create an interconnected open space system with

a variety of park spaces located within walking

distance to most homes.

Provide for a continuous and linked community

trail system separate from the street network.

Design urban areas to allow for appropriate public

access to important natural features, community

trails and major park spaces.

Provide significant park frontage along streets to

improve safety, accessibility, visibility and identity.

Locate district and community scale parks as

primary focal points which are easily accessible

from surrounding neighbourhoods and contain a

variety of activities and amenities for all residents.

Locate active recreational uses and any

associated parking facilities in a manner which

minimizes conflict with adjacent residential uses.

Provide small-scale parks and sitting areas to

encourage community interaction.

Provide plazas or urban squares in key

commercial areas, which are well lit and well

integrated into the immediate area. Consider

opportunities to integrate public art features.

Provide trail connections leading to park spaces,

natural areas and other destinations such as

schools, employment and community facilities.

Design Standards and Policies

City of Kitchener Parks Master Plan

City of Kitchener Leisure Facility Master Plan

City of Kitchener Public Art Policy



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An interconnected open space system can be created

through an integrated community trail system that provides accessibility to different neighbourhoods and

park spaces.

Hibner Park on Ahrens Street is an intimately scaled

open space, only 0.2 ha, and includes a fountain, play area, sitting areas, decorative lighting and gardens. It is

a visual focal point and gathering spot in this older neighbourhood.

Pedestrian interest is improved when public art is

provided in urban squares.

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4.0

NEIGHBOURHOOD DESIGN

This section deals with urban design at the neighbourhood scale, a scale of development which is larger than a city block or individual subdivision development and smaller than a community which includes a variety of neighbourhoods and supporting land uses. Local neighbourhood examples include Cedar Hill, Belmont Village, Forest Hill and Williamsburg. Kitchener has many neighbourhoods that vary in terms of scale, density, built form and character. From a general design perspective, the City has two categories of neighbourhoods, Central and Suburban, which can be defined by their geographic location in the city. The Central Neighbourhoods include Downtown and the immediate surrounding neighbourhoods. They are generally characterized by mature treed boulevards, a grid or modified grid street pattern, shorter block lengths, housing diversity and convenient access to shops, schools, employment and transit. Many Central Neighbourhoods are evolving through adaptive re-use and infill development projects. New development is expected to be compatible with existing neighbourhoods. The Central Neighbourhood guidelines are also supported by the “Mixed Use Corridor Design Brief” and Downtown Design Policies and Guidelines. The Suburban Neighbourhoods are located at the outer portions of the city outside the central area and include greenfield areas. Compared to Central Neighbourhoods the Suburban Neighbourhoods display a greater variation in terms of scale, form and function. New development within these neighbourhoods will be subject to detailed design guidelines contained in the “Design Brief for Suburban Development and Neighbourhood Mixed Use Centres”.

Specific urban design guidelines apply to two types of

neighbourhoods, central neighbourhoods located in the central part of the city, and suburban neighbourhoods,

located at the outer portions of the city.

4.1 Central Neighbourhoods

Goal

To ensure new infill development is compatible with the existing neighbourhood.

Design Guidelines

4.1.1 Character

Respect the existing neighbourhood character

through compatible building massing (building

height, scale and location), building design

principles and streetscape elements.

Contribute to lively, attractive, pedestrian-friendly

streetscapes.

Promote an urban street relationship by locating

buildings close to the street, particularly along

transit routes, with parking in the side or rear

yards. Vehicular parking should not detract from

the character of the neighbourhood.

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Use materials that are similar to those found in the

existing neighbourhood. Allow opportunity for

contrast and variety.

Maintain the rhythm of existing building

separations, the size and dimensions of existing

façade openings, and the proportion of opening to

wall.

Emphasize the ground floor level facing the street

with strong vertical and horizontal articulation,

window openings and building entrances.

Avoid locating mechanical equipment in public

view or facing public streets. Provide effective

screening techniques where not possible.

Incorporate decorative piers or fencing at

prominent site entrances.

Sensitively integrate signage into building design

with emphasis given to pedestrian-scale signage,

artistic design elements and decorative lighting.

Transit supportive development is achieved when higher density development is located close to the street with

building entrances and windows facing the street.

Neighbourhood character is reinforced when new

development respects the traditional building line and incorporates similar building materials with creative

design solutions such as bay windows.

4.1.2 Built Form

Design buildings at a height and scale which is

compatible with the surrounding area. Consider

specific massing options that establish an

appropriate relationship to the surrounding built

form.

Locate buildings close to the street particularly at

street intersections. Respect the traditional

building line.

Maintain a human scale of development through a

comfortable street enclosure which is created

through appropriate building massing in

relationship to the street width (the height to street

width ratio).

Reinforce the pedestrian environment through

appropriate building massing technique.

Emphasize the base sections of taller buildings

through appropriate building setbacks/stepbacks.

Provide a change in massing (building heights) for

sites with multiple buildings.

4.1.3 Amenities

Strengthen connections to parks, schools,

recreational and cultural facilities where possible.

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Encourage underground parking for higher density

projects.

For multiple dwellings, provide on-site amenities

such as play spaces, recreational facilities and

landscaped outdoor seating areas.

Consider alterative amenity spaces for compact

development such as rooftop gardens and rooftop

decks.

Provide opportunities to accommodate short term

and long term bicycle parking.

Consider opportunities to integrate public art into

the site or building design features to enhance

identity and public realm quality.


Mixed Use Corridors Design Brief

Design Guidelines for Downtown

A comfortable street enclosure is created when

buildings are located close to the street and maintains a compatible massing relationship to the street.

Neighbourhood character is reinforced when buildings

are located close to the street and frame the intersection.

A public art feature was incorporated into the St. Mary’s

High School redevelopment.

4.2 Suburban Neighbourhoods

Goal

To create diverse, attractive, walkable neighbourhoods that contribute to complete communities.

Design Guidelines

4.2.1 Character

Conserve existing site features in a sensitive

manner, and incorporate as a neighbourhood focal

point where possible or appropriate.

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Create a street pattern that contributes to

neighbourhood identity and character.

Encourage a variety of focal points that contribute

to neighbourhood identity and walkability.

Design interesting park spaces that contribute to

neighbourhood identity or character.

Create attractive streetscapes through housing

variety, articulated building facades and consistent

street tree planting

Encourage enhanced and coordinated streetscape

elements that contribute to a neighbourhood

theme or character.

Establish a street hierarchy that is well-connected

to the surrounding neighbourhoods and to arterial

streets.

Encourage higher quality streetscape elements

along major streets.

Reduce physical ‘barriers’ to neighbourhood

interaction through attention to street design,

connectivity and noise attenuation.

4.2.2 Built Form

Create an urban street condition by locating

buildings close to the street. Encourage taller

buildings along wider streets.

Encourage buildings to be located close to the

street, particularly along transit routes and street

intersections. Consider alternative solutions to

accommodate site conditions and use.

Provide a change in massing (building heights) for

sites with multiple buildings.

Existing trees can be conserved through creative street

designs and park space features.

Neighbourhood character and interaction is improved through interesting park space designs and elements.

A strong neighbourhood entrance is created when

buildings are located close to the street.

4.2.3 Amenities

Ensure neighbourhoods have direct access to

major destinations such as park spaces, areas of

employment, shopping and institutions.

Provide a variety of park and open space features

within walking distance to most homes.

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Provide enhanced transit stops at key locations in

neighbourhoods.

Consider opportunities to provide enhanced

streetscape elements, street furniture and

amenities at major destinations.

Consider opportunities to provide interpretive

signage or way finding in the public realm to

prominent site features.

Consider opportunities to integrate public art into

new neighbourhoods or public spaces.




Neighbourhood character and identity is improved through enhanced amenities, such as architectural

mailbox facilities and decorative lighting.

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5.0 SITE DESIGN This section builds on the broader principles established in the previous sections and addresses specific site design topics. Site planning, operational and landscape design topics for new development will be addressed, as well as additions to existing buildings and structures. Attention to individual elements improves the attractiveness of a development from the street and on site. The following guidelines ensure that new development functions well for pedestrians, persons with disabilities and all forms of transport, including automobile, transit and bicycles.

5.1 Site Circulation

Goal

To ensure that site circulation is safe and functional for all persons and vehicles.

Design Guidelines

5.1.1 Pedestrian Circulation

Provide barrier free sidewalks leading directly from

the public street, transit stops and parking areas to

the principal building entrances.

Install weather protected entrances with sidewalk

ramps at all public building entrances and major

transit stations.

Minimize pedestrian and vehicular crossings on

site.

Provide barrier free access throughout the site,

avoiding drains, catch basins and similar

obstructions.

Identify and emphasize major pedestrian routes

through the use of signage, bollards, new sidewalk

linkages, pavement markings, trees, appropriate

scaled lighting, and continuous hard surfaces.

Provide pedestrian links between neighbouring

properties, large central parking lots and mid-block

linkages for residential development projects.

An example of a well defined pedestrian route through the use of trees and other landscape

Provide weather protected shelters and lighting at

transit stops.

5.1.2 Vehicle Circulation and Parking

Locate parking areas (particularly barrier free

parking spaces) in close proximity to building

entrances.

Provide vehicle parking at the side and rear of

buildings. Front yard parking is discouraged.

Vehicle parking is encouraged to be situated to the side and rear of the building and close to the entrance.

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Clearly define primary vehicle routes on the site

through the use of signage, curbing, bollards and

line painting. Parking areas should be separated

from primary vehicle routes and driveway

entrances to public streets.

Link parking areas on abutting commercial

properties to provide for movement between lots.

Provide landscaping around the perimeter of

parking areas and laneways. Use low level

screening adjacent to public streets. Use dense

screening (i.e. solid fences, coniferous plant

material) when adjacent to residential

development.

Provide raised traffic islands to break up large

parking areas. Traffic islands should be of a

suitable scale and size to accommodate shrub and

tree planting. Traffic islands should be barrier free

where they are part of the pedestrian circulation

system.

Landscaped islands provide additional definition of vehicular and pedestrian site circulation.

Provide ground cover other than sod within raised

traffic islands. Select parking lot plant material

with the following qualities:

Ease of maintenance and free of nuisance fruit

or berries.

Hardy, strongly branched.

Pollution, salt and drought tolerant.

Ensure parking lot planting does not obstruct

views of approaching traffic and pedestrians.

Landscaped areas should be designed to avoid

creating a hiding place for those with criminal

intent.

Provide adequate lighting levels and uniform

coverage in parking areas and service/utility

areas.

Screen parking areas to avoid illumination of

adjacent properties by automobile headlights.

Provide well drained areas, separated from

parking spaces, to accommodate winter snow

storage.

Provide convenient and easily visible locations for

bicycle and motorcycle parking.

This parking lot provides a convenient and easily visible location for bicycle parking.

Avoid dead-end parking aisles

Provide an adequate number of shopping cart

corals in central locations throughout commercial

parking areas.

5.1.3 Parking Structures

Integrate ground level, street oriented uses within

parking structures where possible.

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Ensure that entrances and ramps are at a uniform

scale with other facade treatments and

streetscape elements.

This parking garage has been designed to fit into the character of uptown Waterloo.

Provide barrier free parking close to entrances and

elevators.

Ensure parking structures include the following

safety features:

Adequate and uniform lighting.

Protected light fixtures.

White paint to improve light levels and reduce

glare.

Clearly indicated exit routes and doors.

Locks and self-closing devices to secure

entrances and exits.

“Alert” signs to remind users to lock all vehicle

doors and check back seats.

Mirrors and circular support columns to avoid

potential entrapment and hiding area

Ensure that new parking structures incorporate

articulated facades that contribute to the

streetscape, and compliment the surrounding built

form and building features. Consider active uses

along primary street frontages.

Provide indoor bicycle parking spaces or

dedicated rooms within large parking structures.

5.1.4 Commercial Parking Lots

Controlled access gates should provide proper on

site vehicle stacking to avoid congestion on

adjacent streets.

Main traffic aisles should be incorporated to

provide direct and continuous circulation routes

throughout the site.

A pedestrian pathway(s) for safe travel through the

site should be provided. This could be

accomplished in the form of a landscaped pathway

and appropriate demarcation.

Provide lighting to eliminate any dark space or

potential entrapment areas. Attention should be

paid to areas where predators can hide, such as in

forests or along railway lines.

Provide internal landscaped islands and

landscaping around the perimeter of the lot to

reduce the heat impacts of asphalt and to soften

the appearance of the parking lot.

Provide a minimum 6 metre wide route with a

minimum center line turning radius of 12 metres to

accommodate a fire route through the lot. Where

controlled access gates are used, emergency

access gates are to be provided.

5.1.5 Driveways

Maximize the distance between site access

driveways as well as the distance between site

access driveways and street intersections.

Provide mutual driveways where appropriate,

especially along major collector and arterial roads

to minimize the number of driveways.

Ensure pedestrian safety and maximize visibility

through the proper location of driveways.

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Sportsworld Crossing provides a well designed pedestrian walkway through a busy parking area.


Access to Roads

Surface Parking Facilities

Outdoor Lighting

Drive Through Facilities 5.2 Site Services

Goal

To ensure that site servicing components are functional, attractive and appropriately screened from public view.

Design Guidelines

Ensure loading bays, recycling areas and garbage

storage facilities are located away from public

streets or screened through the use of

landscaping, walls and buildings.

Eliminate conflict between service/loading areas

and vehicle/pedestrian routes.

Design on-site circulation to eliminate reversing or

maneuvering on public streets.

Screen commercial outdoor storage from public

streets and adjacent residential uses.

This service area at Sportsworld Crossing consolidates many site services in a single area that is located

partially below grade and out of public view.

Orient continuous sources of noise and odour

away from sensitive adjacent uses. Use noise

attenuation measures where necessary.

Locate recycling and garbage handling within the

primary building or within an accessory structure.

Ensure adequate access for the related service

vehicle.

Deep well garbage and recycling systems are aesthetically pleasing and can be easily accommodated

on a site.

Apply a higher level of design and articulation (i.e.

thick cornice lines or glazed spandrel windows) to

garbage enclosures facing public streets or close

to internal driveways. A higher level of

landscaping may also be required.

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Encourage roll down doors to reduce entrapment

opportunities and improve storage concealment.

Encourage deep well garbage collection systems.

Locate utilities underground to improve the

appearance of the development. Where above

ground utilities are necessary, ensure compatibility

with other site features.


Ministry of Environment and Energy Noise

Guidelines

Landscape Design


5.3 Landscape Design

Goal

To provide landscaping which enhances each building or project as well as the streetscape.

Design Guidelines

Provide landscaping at the streetline which

contributes to the continuity of landscaping

between adjacent properties.

This streetscape landscaping provides continuity between adjacent properties and has a calming affect

upon the street.

Maintain unobstructed visibility to building

entrances, key architectural features, signage and

public spaces. Locate plant material in a manner

which provides adequate site lines for both

motorists and pedestrians.

Group trees and shrubs to frame building

elevations and to add visual interest to blank

facades and open spaces.

Install landscape elements which provide colour

and decoration, having regard for local seasonal

changes.

Install plant material to soften building elevations,

maintain a pedestrian scale and provide definition

to public walkways and open spaces.

Provide landscaping to screen and buffer parking

areas, open storage and other site service

elements.

This low level parking lot screening helps to buffer the parking lot while providing seasonal colour to the

streetscape.

Provide protection from excessive summer sun

and cold winter winds, especially adjacent to

outdoor areas where people congregate.

Stabilize steep embankments through the use of

soft and hard landscape material, such as

retaining walls, ground cover and trees.

Select plant materials which are ecologically

sound, appropriate for the existing and future site

conditions, and suitable for all seasons.

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Entrance planting at the award winning “Queens Heights”,, provides and enhances unobstructed visibility to the building entrance at a human scale. Hard and soft landscape materials have been used to accentuate the

entrance while stabilizing a steep embankment and providing protection from the outdoor elements.

Incorporate drought resistant plant material in

order to reduce long term maintenance

requirements and conserve water (xeriscaping).

Select native plant materials where appropriate

and avoid the use of invasive plant species.


Landscape Design

5.4 Site Signage

Goal

To ensure that exterior site signage provides an adequate amount of information and does not dominate the streetscape.

Design Guidelines

Provide clearly visible street numbers on ground

supported signs for identification and emergency

response purposes. The minimum height of all

street numbers shall be 150mm if within 15m of

the street line. If beyond 15m of the street line,

street numbers shall be 300mm.

Construct ground supported signs with a

horizontal orientation at a height proportionate to

the development. Ground supported signs should

incorporate building and landscape materials used

elsewhere in the project.

A well designed ground supported sign is simple, bold, includes the street number and is detailed in concert

with the architecture of the building.

Limit the number of messages on signs to avoid

“graphic overload”. Simpler signs are more easily

read. Generally signs with ten items of

information, including words, symbols and

abbreviations or less can be read by the motorist.

Signs with more than ten items of information

(graphic overload) create clutter in the

streetscape.

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This ground supported sign illustrates an example of “graphic overload.”

Provide a uniform height and location of fascia

signs on multiple tenancy buildings in order to

portray a unified image.

Use signage to promote a particular image in

neighbourhoods with a distinctive character.

“Artistic” signage that promotes the character of a

given area is preferred.

Automatic changing copy signs are not permitted

near residential properties, street intersections and

highway interchanges/frontages.

The signage on this property illustrates a uniform height of signage and presents a coordinated look.

This photograph of Eby Street at Market Lane captures the character of Market Village. Many residential

buildings have been converted to retail and restaurant uses. The signage is compatible with the character of

the area.

Provide on-site directional signage to orient people

within a development. Main site features (i.e.

telephone, washrooms, exits) should be identified.

Provide “Multiple Unit Identification Signage” for all

multiple building commercial and residential

developments (excluding single apartment

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buildings and street fronting townhouses) to

provide for ease of orientation.

Provide appropriate landscaped areas on the site

to properly identify the location of portable signs.

Ensure that mature landscaping and signage work

in harmony with each other.


City of Kitchener Municipal Code, Chapter 680

Emergency Services Policy 5.5 Lighting

Goal

To provide clarity of night-time visibility for pedestrians and motorists and to minimize the intrusion of light onto adjacent properties.

Design Guidelines

Design site lighting that considers all building and

user needs. Particular attention is to be paid to

pedestrian areas, driveways, transit stops,

parking, service areas and buildings.

Implement a hierarchy of lighting to reinforce

design continuity and decoration. For example,

building entrances should have a higher level of

lighting than a parking lot.

Use “full cut-off” and “non-visible reflective” type

lighting to eliminate glare and light spillage on

neighbouring properties. The source of light (the

element) must not be visible from adjacent

residential properties.

Select exterior street lighting fixtures based on

compatibility with the character of the

neighbourhood and in keeping with the City’s

inventory of available light fixtures.

An example of full cut-off pedestrian scale lighting in the Sportsworld Crossing Development.

Use pedestrian scaled lighting (3.5 to 4 metres

high) to clearly identify pedestrian routes, and

illuminate public spaces.

Use LED, metal halide, incandescent or

fluorescent lighting (white light) in order to provide

a better colour rendition and detail.

Full cut-off fixtures provide lighting where it’s needed without upward light spillage.

Provide uniform lighting by installing more fixtures

with lower wattage than fewer fixtures with higher

wattage.

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Coordinate lighting systems and landscaping to

ensure that plant materials or other landscape

features do not obscure site and street lighting.

Use lighting to accentuate historic buildings,

landscape features and public monuments.

Consider decorative, pedestrian-scaled lighting

along public walkways and new public spaces.

Consider decorative light fixtures for major public

buildings, large development projects and public

spaces/focal points.


Outdoor Lighting

Onlighting Downtown

5.6 Emergency Access

Goal

To minimize emergency response time.

Design Guidelines

Ensure that emergency vehicles can gain easy

access to, within and from the site.

Provide on-site vehicle circulation and parking

which does not conflict with the use of emergency

access routes.

Provide clear pedestrian passage to and from the

building to enhance emergency access and exit.

Identify maximum spatial separation between front

door entrance and street line for emergency

access.

Identify the location of hydrants and sprinkler

connections through the use of signage and

bollards.

Provide identification signage for all multiple

tenancy developments. Signage is to be provided

at the front and rear faces of commercial buildings

in order to identify building units, hydrants and

emergency routes.


Emergency Service Policy 5.7 Building Clusters

Goal

To arrange buildings to create safe, secure and usable internal spaces.

Design Guidelines

Orient building clusters to public streets.

Respect existing neighbourhood building patterns

and massing.

Provide pedestrian connections between on-site

open space and adjacent public open spaces.

Ensure high connectivity with active use areas and

low connectivity with sensitive natural areas.

An example of a building cluster oriented toward the public street.

Design internal open spaces and activity areas as

an integral component of the site.

Play areas should be clearly visible and have

multiple entry and exit points. Provide seating for

adults at play areas.

Design building clusters and open space areas to

optimize sunlight and shading in all seasons.

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Take advantage of site conditions such as grading

and existing plant material.

Excellent play environments, such as this one at the Tallpines Townhouses, are well designed, provide

adequate space for play activities and fit well into the site as part of the outdoor living area.

The interior courtyard of the Lancaster Maples is oriented to the south creating a warm micro-climate for use in the spring and fall and full solar exposure for the interior living areas. The large shade trees retained on

the site provide shade and cooling in the summer.

Consider the location of site services such as

garbage enclosures, loading areas and fire routes

early in the design process. Site services require

ease of access and maneuverability for large

vehicles, including ingress and egress in a forward

motion.

Separate pedestrian routes and recreational

facilities from vehicle circulation and parking

areas.

Design visible and well lit pedestrian routes along

natural desire lines.

Provide open space and/or outdoor recreational

areas at an appropriate scale for the type of

development.

Well designed recreational space includes places for adults and children in an outdoor extension of their living

environment.

Provide recreational facilities in residential projects

suited to the age and abilities of the occupants.

Use barrier free design principles in play and

relaxation areas. Consider site grading

requirements early in the design process to

maximize accessibility.

Recreational facilities are not to be located within

storm water management areas.

Orient noise sensitive uses away from off-site

noise sources and arrange buildings to provide

passive noise attenuation.

Orient principal internal and external living spaces

southward to maximize passive solar gain.

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Situate buildings to avoid overshadowing of

adjacent buildings and pedestrian routes.

Play environments which are isolated may be considered unsafe, and therefore unused.

Provide landscaping to allow for shadowing during

the summer and maximum solar exposure during

other seasons.


Cluster Townhouses

Outdoor Amenity Areas for Senior Citizens

Outdoor Play Spaces for Children

Emergency Access Multiple Unit Identification

Policy


Landscape Design

Shadow Studies

5.8 Public Art

Goal

To encourage the provision of art in major building projects.

Design Guidelines

Provide public art in all major public works and

building projects.

Provide a reasonable contribution of public art,

with significance, as a component of all major

commercial, office and institutional projects.

The Duke Street entrance to Kitchener City Hall is the setting for this publicly funded sculpture. The modest

budget for this three component work was included at a tiny fraction of the overall project cost.

The foyer of the Canada Trust Building on King Street includes a striking wall mural which is also visible from

the street.

Use artist-designed functional components in

publicly accessible interior areas (lobbies,

reception areas, meeting rooms) and outdoor

areas (plazas, landscaped spaces). Also consider

using artists’ design in signage and banners.

Plan for public art in the conceptual stage of the

development in order to integrate art works into

the building and site design. Public art should

provide a focal point in the development and

become a prominent landmark for the community.

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Public art may include a wide range of art forms.

Building or landscape elements, such as

fountains, decorative doorways, signage,

architectural features, lobby or other public area

design elements, murals, sculpture or other

graphic expressions of any materials (glass, metal,

concrete, fabric, wood, neon etc.) are considered

public art.

An example of public art being a prominent landmark for the community and a focal point for the development

Consider the following in determining the location

for public art:

Public art is encouraged to be integrated into

the site and conceived with the historical and

future context in mind.

Public art should be sited at the more publicly

accessible parts of the site.

Public art should be sited in a manner which

does not jeopardize other design objectives

such as providing clear site lines, barrier-free

access and personal safety and security.


Zoning By-law 85-1, Section 5.19 (Public Art

Bonusing Provisions in the Downtown)

Public Art

Culture Plan II

6.0

BUILDING DESIGN AND MASSING

Building design and massing contributes to urban quality, sense of place and compatability. Massing refers to the building’s physical form, which includes roofline, wall plane, rhythm and is influenced by specific design features and architectural treatments that break down bulk into defined, articulated components that relate to one another, surrounding built form and the street. A high quality building design will enhance pedestrian usability and help create attractive streetscapes. Good building detail is important in contributing to a rich and vibrant urban place. Significant public locations such as landmark sites, terminus sites, corner buildings, heritage buildings, and infill sites require special consideration. These guidelines do not advocate a particular architectural style. Rather, they encourage individual architectural expression. Attention is placed on certain building elements to achieve good form through a variety of architectural expressions. The Ontario Planning Act gives municipalities the authority to request and approve building elevations limited to building mass and conceptual design. The general guidelines contained in this section of the Urban Design Manual, and any other approved Design Brief, shall be used to evaluate building elevations.

6.1 Massing and Building Design

Goal

To provide attractive building forms, facades and roof designs which are compatible with surrounding buildings.

Design Guidelines

Locate the main building facade towards a public

street or internal courtyard. Principal walls should

have windows along the street or interior space to

provide casual surveillance and break up the

building mass.

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Locate active uses such as retail, service shops

and restaurants at the street level to encourage

pedestrian activity and interaction between internal

spaces and the public realm.

A well defined entrance from the street at the Regional Building on Frederick St.

Emphasize the main building entrance. Canopies

over doorways and other treatments are

encouraged to provide weather protected outdoor

space.

Avoid blank walls along the principal building

elevation facing a street, private roadway or rear

elevations facing residential properties or public

space. Where blank walls are unavoidable, use

architectural techniques (banding, soldier course,

pilasters, glazed windows, etc.), murals and

additional landscaping materials to enhance the

elevation.

Vary and articulate building facades to provide

visual interest. Building mass along streets can be

broken up by a series of bays to create the

impression of smaller building units.

Design buildings to ensure a transition in scale,

form and height from adjacent buildings. Use

building mass, location of windows, horizontal

lines, cornices, gables and roofs to create

transition and a change of scale.

Organize tall buildings into distinct sections

including a strongly defined base element to

improve the pedestrian environment, an

articulated middle section to minimize bulk and a

defined top section which contributes to an

interesting skyline.

Mix long and short townhouse blocks on

residential streets to provide for variation in the

streetscape. Avoid single monotonous elevations

through use of rooflines, colours, chimneys,

window bays, materials, and other features.

Articulate corner and rear elevations.

The attention to detail in the building and site design of Kitchener Housing’s Linden Terrace are a reflection of the City’s commitment to achieving a high standard of

urban design.

Detail buildings using cornices, keystones, window

bays, eaves, dormers, entrance canopies, and

other such elements.

Design rooftops to have some identifiable shape.

Avoid square or flat rooftops on large buildings.

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Enclose or screen rooftop mechanical equipment.

Integrate roofs and screening with the design of

the building in terms of form, materials and colour.

The roof design of the Regional Building on Frederick Street encloses the HVAC equipment and provides an

identifiable shape to the structure.


Mixed Use Corridor Design Briefs 6.2 Infill Development

Goal

To ensure infill development complements existing buildings and neighbourhood character.

Design Guidelines

Design buildings at a scale which is compatible

with adjacent structures. New buildings should

respect the established heights and setbacks in

the neighbourhood.

Design buildings to be compatible with the

surrounding built form through appropriate building

mass, design features and materials.

Use materials that are similar to those found in the

existing neighbourhood.

Maintain the rhythm of existing building

separations, the size and dimensions of existing

façade openings, the proportion of opening to wall

and vertical articulation.

Design buildings to respect the “invisible lines”

created by existing neighbourhood building

features such as cornices, gable heights, porch

elevations, similar roof pitches and other defining

elements.

Create interest and vitality in new building facades

using elements found within the existing

neighbourhood (porches, dormers, bay windows,

roof pitches, etc.).

Ensure that all accessory building features and

components including rooftop mechanical

equipment, air conditioning equipment/units, and

balconies are well integrated into the building

design and do not negatively impact the

streetscape.

Provide adequate fire separation distance

between new infill buildings and existing buildings.

Accommodate vehicle parking and circulation in a

manner that respects the existing neighbourhood

condition. Vehicle parking should not dominate

front yards and should not detract from the

character of the neighbourhood.


Zoning By-law 85-1

Shadow Studies 6.3 Building Design and Microclimate

Goal

To minimize adverse microclimate impacts through building design.

Design Guidelines

Design buildings and site landscaping in order to

reduce or mitigate an undesirable wind impact on

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pedestrian comfort level. Use elements such as

stepped building facades, canopies, arcades and

appropriate plant materials.

Provide sheltered or canopied pedestrian spaces

at all major building entrances.

Market Square on Frederick St. provides shelter at the street and is a well used transit stop.

Orient buildings, outdoor spaces and pedestrian

activity areas to maximize sunlight exposure

during the cooler months and shading during the

warmer months.

Minimize shadows cast on adjacent properties,

especially outdoor spaces and pedestrian activity

areas. The City may request a shadow study to

demonstrate that the height and/or location of a

building will not generate unacceptable amounts of

shadow over adjacent lands.

Depending on the size and location of a proposed

project, the city may request a wind and/or snow

deposition study to determine that any adverse

climate conditions are mitigated.


Shadow Studies

Landscape Design

7.0 CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is defined as the proper design and effective use of the built environment to reduce crime and the fear associated with crime, and an improvement in the quality of life. The thrust of the CPTED concept is that manipulation of the physical environment can produce desired human behaviour or conversely reduce (or eliminate) undesired human behaviour. The concept involves more than physical security measures. It is based on the belief that crime can be directly related to the design of the physical environment and implementation of good urban design. CPTED does not purport to provide crime prevention solutions to the broad universe of human behaviour, but rather specific behaviours in a specific environment. The concept seeks to prevent certain types of crimes and the fear associated with them by manipulating variables that are closely related to the specific environment. CPTED is the specific design of physical space in the context of the needs of the legitimate users of that space, the expected/intended use of the space and the anticipated behaviour of both legitimate users and potential offenders. CPTED is a proactive approach to crime prevention. The principles of CPTED overlap in many areas and work together to provide a safe and secure environment for legitimate users of a space, while increasing the perception of risk to a potential offender. It is important to implement the CPTED principles at the earliest stage of a development project. Owners, developers, architects, planners, landscape architects, lighting and grading engineers need to work together to achieve the highest level of safety for all developments.

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Goal

The goal of CPTED is to emphasize the perceived risk of detection and apprehension to a potential offender. The key is to have potential offenders perceive that an unwarranted intrusion will elicit a protective response from not only those having legitimate access to a space, but also the casual user of a space. The arrangement and design of buildings (interior and exterior), structures and open spaces can encourage or discourage undesirable behaviour and criminal activity. Ultimately, the CPTED concept strives to achieve a design that is appropriate for the designated use of the space by identifying the potential for criminal activity and providing a solution compatible with the designated use by implementing strategies that will enhance the effective use of the space.

Key Principles:

The key principles of CPTED are:

Access Control

Surveillance

Territorial Reinforcement

Maintenance

Access Control

This strategy is directed at decreasing criminal opportunity by denying access to crime targets and creating a perception of risk to offenders. This can be accomplished by the judicial placement of buildings, entrances/exits, parking areas, fencing and lighting for example. This strategy can also include the use of physical and mechanical means of controlling access through locking devices, alarm systems, and signage to mention a few. Access control limits the opportunity for crime by taking steps to clearly differentiate between public space and private space. The aim is to physically guide people through a space by strategically locating streets, sidewalks, building entrances, lighting and landscaping.

Clearly defined walkways guide people through spaces to the intended destination.

Define public space (sidewalk) from Semi-private space (front yard) and private space (front porch) with soft and hard Landscape elements (plants, ornamental fencing,

alternative surface treatments).

Surveillance

This strategy refers to the placement of physical features, activities and people in a way that maximizes visibility and observability of a space. It is directed toward keeping intruders easily observable and therefore less likely to commit criminal acts. Site and building design must ensure that users can see and be seen.

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This can be accomplished by the proper selection and placement of landscape material, lighting, building orientation, parking lot location, and window locations to provide maximum visibility and observation. Surveillance can also include more formalized measures such as CCTV, security guards or a police presence.

This play area is ideally located for maximum

eyewitness potential and provides amenities for adults to supervise their children.

Perimeter trees should be limbed up to 1.8 metres

above grade to provide clear visibility into a property, especially parking lots. Buildings should be oriented so

windows over look parking lots.

Territorial Reinforcement

This strategy encourages legitimate users of a space to develop a sense of ownership and responsibility for a space. People have a desire to protect or defend their own space. Extending a persons sphere of influence can be a significant deterrent to a potential offender. Elements of territorial reinforcement can include the use of physical attributes that express ownership such as signage, fencing, and lighting, as well as symbolic barriers including landscaping and changing surface treatments that provide a psychological deterrent to a potential offender.

There is no mistaking the entrance to this building. The design of the entrance clearly indicates you are leaving

public space and entering private space.

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An intruder beyond the public space on this street would

clearly stand out and be easily identifiable.

Maintenance

This strategy encourages the care and ongoing maintenance of a property ensuring the continual use of space for its intended purpose. Maintenance also serves as an additional expression of ownership over a space. Key elements for ongoing maintenance include regular pruning of landscape material, inspection of lighting and replacement of burnt out bulbs, removal of graffiti (within 24-48 hours), garbage removal. Maintenance is based on the “Broken Windows Theory” which has proven that the presence of one broken window will entice vandals to break more windows in the vicinity. Vandalism and graffiti encourages more vandalism and graffiti as does an uncared for property or building.

A well maintained property tells people that someone

cares about the property.

Lighting maintenance is very important to ensure

appropriate light levels are maintained to eliminate dark or shadowed areas.

7.1 CPTED Report Submission Requirements All development proposals in Kitchener are to incorporate the principles of CPTED. Certain site plan proposals, as determined by the Supervisor of Site Plan Development and certain subdivision proposals as determined by the Manager of Development Review, will be required to submit a CPTED report for the City’s approval as a Condition

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for Issuance of Site Plan Approval or prior to Draft Plan Approval for subdivisions. Consultants submitting a CPTED report are to be knowledgeable in CPTED and formally trained. The CPTED report is to clearly outline how each of the CPTED principles will be incorporated into the development with details of the specific strategies to be implemented for each of the principles. As each development is unique and will have individual challenges, the suggested CPTED strategies provided in this section are not intended to be a checklist or complete listing of strategies, but rather guidelines to be considered in the design process. 7.2 CPTED Strategies - Subdivisions Subdivisions are the core of a community. They incorporate a multitude of uses; from housing to schools to neighbourhood shopping to public spaces, as well as the road network and public walkways that connect all of these uses. Consideration needs to be given to each of the uses in a subdivision and to how these uses will interact with one another. Gateway entrance features, traffic calming measures and front lotting dwellings onto public spaces will create a greater perception of risk to a potential offender and create a stronger sense of community.

Goal

To create a safe environment where people live, work and play.

Design Guidelines

Access Control:

The street network should be designed to limit

access without disconnecting one area from

another.

Streets should be designed to discourage cut-

through traffic.

Traffic calming measures should be implemented

on higher volume streets to not only deter

speeding but also impede escape routes from

subdivisions.

All streets should provide sidewalk on both sides.

Provide gateway features such as a columned

entrance with landscaping to clearly define the

entrance to a subdivision.

Public walkways should be limited in length and be

observable from surrounding properties and

streets.

Surveillance:

Locate parks and open spaces in front of

residential areas so they can be easily observed

from nearby homes or provide a larger street

frontage for views into park and open space areas.

Dwellings should front onto streets (rear-lotting

dwellings should be avoided as it creates a

disconnect and eliminates the opportunity for

surveillance).

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Use pedestrian scale lighting in high pedestrian

traffic areas.

Landscaping should not create hiding areas or

entrapment areas.

Locate central mail boxes in high pedestrian and

vehicular traffic areas.

Territorial Reinforcement:

Public spaces and parks should be signed with

hours of operation and behaviour expectations.

Locate public spaces and parks in front of

dwellings to extend the homeowners sphere of

influence to include the public or park space.

Accentuate entrances with different surface

treatments, architectural elements and landscape

design.

Where possible use shorter length streets to

create more of a community feel for residents

Design homes with front porches and recessed

garages to encourage interaction between

residents.

All buildings should provide the municipal address

on both the front and rear of the structure with

numbers at least 150mm in height in a visible

location.

Maintenance:

Maintain landscaping to a high standard in all

seasons.

Provide a light standard/fixture numbering system

to allow the public to easily report broken or burnt

out lights.

7.3 CPTED Strategies – Parks, Open Spaces and Trails

Parks, open spaces and community trails are very important components of any community. They need to be places where people of all ages feel safe while engaging in organized or passive activities. Care is to be given to ensure programmable spaces do not have conflicting activities adjacent to one another. Parks, open spaces and trails should be visible from homes and streets.

Goal

To provide a safe recreational environment for people of all ages.

Design Guidelines

Access Control:

Parks, open spaces and trails should be designed

to provide direct links to the surrounding

community and neighbourhood.

Trails should provide multiple points of entry and

exit to prevent entrapment.

Parks, open spaces and trails should be signed

with the appropriate details of hours of operation,

behaviour expectations and contact information for

reporting problems.

Provide an entrance feature at the principle

access point for parks and trails.

Design trails along preferred desire lines.

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Provide suitable surface treatment to allow barrier

free access.

Surveillance:

Locate parks and open spaces in front of

residential areas so they can be easily observed

from nearby homes.

Provide a larger street frontage at park and open

space entrances to maximize visibility of the area

by passersby and street traffic.

Use pedestrian scale lighting in high pedestrian

traffic areas.

Landscaping should not create hiding areas or

entrapment areas.

Locate playground equipment in areas that afford

maximum surveillance opportunities.

Provide lighting only in areas that are intended to

support evening/night activities.


Give consideration to placement of various types

of activities planned for parks to ensure conflicting

uses are not adjacent to one another.

Locate public spaces and parks in front of

dwellings to extend the homeowners sphere of

influence to include the public space or park.

Accentuate entrances with different surface

treatments, architectural elements and landscape

elements to define borders.

Maintenance:

Maintain landscaping to a high standard in all

seasons.

Provide regular garage pickup and garbage

container maintenance. Encourage deep well

garbage systems.

Ensure trails are inspected in a timely fashion to

remove any debris, garbage or deadfall from trees.

Provide a light standard/fixture numbering system

to allow the public to easily report broken or burnt

out lights.

Remove graffiti within 24-48 hours or sooner.

Repair damage caused by vandalism within 24-48

hours or sooner.

7.4 CPTED Strategies – Single Detached Dwellings

Residential areas are the heart of a city. Our homes are the centres of our lives, where we should feel most safe. And, while we may have multiple choices when it comes to walking through a certain part of town or using public transportation, we have few choices when it comes to the streets where we live. The guiding principle here is “know they neighbour.” Streets and homes should be designed to encourage interaction between neighbours. Examples of good design elements include a front porch, property lines that are defined simply by low shrubbery rather than high fences, exterior illumination and house numbers that are clearly visible from the street.

Goal

To create environments where neighbours interact and to build and maintain homes that are not targets for criminal activity.

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Design Guidelines

Access Control:

Use walkways and landscaping to direct visitors to

the proper entrance and away from private areas.

Install shrubbery or low fencing to control access

to private areas.

Door locking devices should not be located within

1.0 metre of any window opening (side light).

If door locking devices are within 1.0 metre of a

window opening, the window should be covered

with a protective window film.

Provide secure locking devices on all windows and

doors.

Dead bolt locks are preferable on all exterior

doors.

Garage doors should be equipped with a garage

door opener (do not keep the opener visible in

vehicle).

Surveillance:

Install light fixtures to fully illuminate all doorways

that open to the outside to provide an average of 5

foot candles within 3.0 metres of the doorway.

Front doors are to be fully visible from the public

street.

Windows should be installed on all sides of the

building where permissible.

Use motion detection lights to illuminate walkways

and yard areas to provide visibility to all areas.

Driveways should be visible from either the front or

back door and at least one window.

Maintain landscaping to provide maximum visibility

to and from the house.

Ensure landscaping does not impede visibility to

and from ground floor windows.


Clearly define property lines and private areas with

landscaping, unique surface treatments or fencing.

Dwellings should provide the municipal address on

both the front and rear of the building with

numbers at least 150mm in height in a visible

location preferably with photocell lighting to ensure

visibility at night.

Use front porches or stoops to create a transitional

area between the street and the home.

Porch lights should be equipped with photocell

technology or timer switches.

Maintenance:

Keep all exterior light fixtures in working order.

Keep litter picked up and the yard neat.

Maintain landscaping with regular pruning and

keep the law mowed.

The house, garage and any storage buildings

should be kept in good repair.

Ensure all window and door locking devices are

maintained in good working order.

7.5

CPTED Strategies – Multiple Dwellings

Multiple dwellings pose the same problems as single family dwellings but these problems can easily be compounded by the number of dwellings and residents. Here we have a greater number of public areas to consider: shared interior hallways, elevators; laundry rooms and parking areas, and so on. Multiple dwellings don’t necessarily mean multiple problems. There’s a certain amount of truth to the old saying – “there’s safety in numbers” and with neighbours who take responsibility for each other there’s no reason why a multiple dwelling building cannot be a safe place to live.

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Goal

To create multiple dwellings with safe and secure common areas, parking facility and amenity spaces.

Design Guidelines

Access Control:

Access to the building should be limited to no

more than two points of entry.

Elevators should be centrally located in high

pedestrian traffic areas.

Common hallways to be illuminated with a white

light source to an appropriate level.

Common building entrances should be equipped

with automatic door closure and locking devices.

Balcony railings should not exceed the height

required in the building code and should not be of

a solid or opaque material.

Entrances into parking lots should be highlighted

by landscaping or architectural design.

Parking garages should have a secured access

point requiring an access card or key.

Common areas of the building (laundry room, mail

room etc.) should have window openings to the

exterior and to interior common hallways.

Common areas of the building (laundry, mail room

etc.) should be access card or key controlled.

Unit doors to be equipped with a 1800 viewer.

Surveillance:

Exterior doors should be visible from the public

street.

All doors that open to the outside should be well

lit.

All building facades should have windows.

Parking spaces should be assigned to each unit

but not be marked with a unit number.

Visitor parking is to be designated and signed.

Surface parking areas should be visible from

windows and doors.

Parking areas and pedestrian walkways should be

well lit.

Amenity areas should be visible from a multitude

of windows and doors.

Ensure that garbage enclosures do not create

blind spots or entrapment areas.

Elevators and stairwells should provide maximum

glazing opportunities and be visible from windows,

doors and common hallways.

Ensure shrub material is maintained to a

maximum height of 0.9 metres for clear visibility.

All stairwells should be well lit and open to view,

not behind solid walls.

Surface parking areas should not be defined by

berms or landscaping that shield them from view.

Use open railings and open risers whenever

possible in accordance with the Ontario Building

Code.

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Property lines should be defined by landscaping or

a see-through fence.

Landscaping and fencing should provide visibility

into the site from the street.

Building entrances should be accentuated by

architectural features, lighting and landscape

elements.

All buildings and residential units should be clearly

identified by street address numbers that are a

minimum of 150mm in height and illuminated.

Door locking devices should be located a

minimum of 1.0 metre from any window opening.

If door locking devices are within 1.0 metre of a

window opening, the window should be covered

with a protective window film.

Common doorways should have windows and be

key or access card controlled.

Maintenance:

Maintain all common areas to very high standards.

Keep trees pruned up to 1.8 metres from grade

and shrubs pruned back from windows, doors and

walkways to a maximum height of 0.9 metres.

Enforce rules regarding discarded vehicles and

inappropriate outdoor storage.

Provide adequate garbage facilities and ensure

garbage is removed in a timely fashion.

Ensure all exterior and interior lighting in common

areas is inspected regularly and burnt out bulbs

replaced.

Graffiti should be removed within 24-48 hours or

sooner.


hours or sooner.

Provide a forum for residents/tenants to report

vandalism and graffiti and perpetrators thereof

(anonymously if necessary).

7.6 CPTED Strategies – Institutional Uses

Institutional uses, such as churches, libraries, community centres and schools pose unique situations when applying the CPTED strategies. They can each involve a multitude of uses, different types of user groups and may have unusual hours of operation. That being said, there are ways to mitigate these situations by carefully designing buildings and sites being cognizant of their unique characteristics and applying CPTED in areas that will provide the greatest benefit.

Goal

To create institutional and public buildings which foster a safe environment for all users and deter the potential for criminal activity.

Design Guidelines

Access Control:

Clearly define the primary entrance to the facility

with lighting, landscaping, unique surface

treatments and architectural features.

Limit the number of access points to as few as

possible.

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Require visitors pass through a “checkpoint”

attended by someone in authority.

Where possible require key or access card for

entry.

Public restrooms to be equipped with a “maze”

entry system rather than doors.

Secure outdoor amenity areas with appropriate

height fencing where appropriate (such as daycare

facilities).

Surveillance:

Avoid large blank walls which limit visibility and

serve as targets for graffiti.

Design exterior facades to have windows and

architectural features with appropriate landscaping

to deter vandalism.

Do not block or cover exterior windows and doors

with signage or opaque window coverings that

obscure visibility.

If using CCTV as a means of surveillance use light

fixtures with a white light source such as metal

halide to provide the best chromaticity (colour

rendition).

Erect signage advising the facility employs video

surveillance equipment for security purposes that

may or may not be monitored at any time.

Locate outdoor parking areas (including bicycle

parking facilities) and amenity space to be under

observation from the main building.


Provide highly visible, architecturally appropriate

signage in the design, include the municipal

address on way-finding signage.

Clearly define the boundaries of the property with

landscaping or a see through fence.

Use window film on ground floor windows of

buildings with high value targets (such as

computer rooms in schools).

Maintenance:

Install landscape materials that mature within the

available space and ensure that at maturity they

will not obstruct light fixtures or visibility.


Ensure all exterior and interior lighting in common

areas is inspected regularly and burnt out bulbs

replaced.

Keep parking areas maintained and free from

garbage or debris.

7.7 CPTED Strategies – Commercial Store Fronts

For a neighbourhood to remain healthy, its local businesses must flourish; and for a business to do well it must be a safe place to frequent. With the increase in separating commercial areas from residential areas, and the decline of commercial store fronts which often accompanies this separation, it is essential that CPTED strategies be followed when building or remodeling commercial property. Simple design features such as positioning cash registers near the main entrance and keeping pay phones visible can accomplish much in the way of making customers feel safe and secure.

Goal

To make commercial store fronts safe places for employees and shoppers alike.

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Design Guidelines

Access Control:

Clearly identify the building entrance (awnings,

canopies, landscape planters etc.).

Provide way-finding signage to direct patrons from

parking areas to entrances.

Locate cash registers at the front of the store near

the main entrance with clear visibility to the

outside.

Rear access doors should be equipped with a 180

degree peep hole viewer.

Ensure the building exterior does not provide

access to the roof.

Security alarms and appropriate locking devices

should be installed on all exterior doors.

Window film can be applied to windows and doors

to prevent the “smash & grab” thief.

Surveillance:

Windows should face front and rear parking areas

for increased visibility.

Signage is not to cover more than 15% of window

and glass door area.

Provide adequate lighting on exterior of building.

Interior shelving and displays should not exceed

1.5 metres in height.

Ensure loading areas and garbage enclosures do

not create entrapment areas or hiding places.

All entrances should be under visual surveillance

by staff or monitored electronically.

Unobstructed visibility should be maintained from

the store to the sidewalk, street and parking areas.

Pay phones should be located away from the store

front and be visible from the cash area.


Property boundaries, where possible, should be

delineated with high branching trees, low hedges,

fences or gates.

Private areas should be easily distinguishable

from public areas.

Stores with rear parking should be identified with

fascia signs on rear façade of building and

preferably a rear entrance.

Position parking areas to be clearly visible from

the building and street and delineate parking

spaces.

Operating hours should coincide with those of

neighbouring businesses.

Maintenance:

Keep buildings and walkways clean, repaired and

unobstructed.

Maintain parking areas to a high standard without

potholes or trash.

Remove faded posters, broken signs and worn

displays.

Maintain landscaping to a high standard.

Install attractive window displays in vacant stores

to eliminate the “abandoned” image.

Keep lines of sight open throughout site by

pruning trees and shrubs to allow visual access to

all parts of the site.

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7.8 CPTED Strategies – Shopping Malls

Shopping malls often provide much of the public space in suburban communities and as such can be a mixed blessing. On one hand they perform the important function of being a “town centre”, serving as a gathering place for the community, while on the other hand, a mall can serve as an attraction for criminal activity. While the shopping mall continually grows in size and popularity, it also becomes a haven for abnormal users and the site of a growing number of parking lot crimes. It is now more important than ever that the people designing these centres implement CPTED strategies in the design process.

Goal

To create shopping malls that are safe places for people and their vehicles.

Design Guidelines

Access Control:

Signage should clearly mark public entrances in

conjunction with landscaping and architectural

features.

Sidewalks and public areas should be clearly

defined by way of unique surface treatments

and/or landscaping.

Loading and delivery areas should have

designated hours of operation and be separate

from public parking areas.

Parking areas should not be bermed or

landscaped to restrict visibility from the public

street.

Public restrooms should be equipped with a

“maze” entry system rather than doors.

Secure all exterior mechanical equipment.

Ensure the building exterior does not provide

access to the roof.

All exterior garbage and recycling facilities are to

be secured and ensure they are not potential

entrapment areas.

Surveillance:

Public restroom entrances should be visible from

main pedestrian areas, but away from outside

exits.

Parking areas are to be adequately illuminated at

night to ensure there are no dark or shadowed

areas.

Avoid creating dead-end alleys or blind spots in

loading areas.

Provide perpendicular parking in front of stores,

rather than parallel, to allow greater visibility

between cars and aisles.

Provide secured parking close to the building for

nighttime employee use.

Large parking areas can benefit from pole

mounted CCTV systems to serve as a deterrent to

parking lot crimes.

Provide multiple shopping cart corral location

throughout parking areas.


Define property perimeter with landscaping,

decorative fencing and appropriately scaled

signage.

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Signage should clearly identify the interior

businesses.

Highlight public entry point with architectural

features such as awnings or canopies and unique

surface treatments on sidewalks.

Maintenance:

Keep buildings and walkways clean, repaired and

unobstructed.

Maintain parking areas to a high standard with no

potholes, trash or graffiti.

Install attractive window displays in vacant stores

to eliminate the “abandoned” image.

Maintain landscaping to a high standard.

Ensure all parking lot and exterior building lights

are inspected regularly and burnt out bulbs

replaced immediately.

7.9 CPTED Strategies – Office Buildings

Recent and historic events have changed people’s perception of safety in an office building environment. It can be difficult to distinguish between an employee and an intruder in many cases, making the building design and security measures evermore important. Office buildings are located in a wide array of settings, ranging from highly urban areas to industrial areas, suburban areas to rural areas. The location of the office building as well as the type of office building will dictate what level of security measures should be employed to secure the facility. Employing the appropriate CPTED strategies early in the design process can reduce the need for certain types of more traditional security measures that may create a “fortress” type appearance.

Goal

To create an environment which fosters safety for employees while making intruders easily identifiable.

Design Guidelines

Access Control:

Limit the number of public entrances to preferably

one or two.

Each public entrance should be clearly identified

by unique surface treatments and signage.

Accentuate the primary entrances with

architectural features, lighting, landscaping and

unique surface treatments.

Staff/employee entrances should be key or photo

access card controlled.

Public access to office buildings should only be

available during business hours.

Certain types of office buildings may benefit from

more traditional target hardening measures such

as anti-ram barricades, strategically located

bollards, bars on windows or an active police or

security guard presence.

Require visitors to pass through or by a “check

point” attended by someone in authority (visitor

badges or a sign-in system are effective to monitor

visitors).

Surveillance:

All public entrance points should be visible from a

main reception or security desk.

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Locate surface parking areas to be visible from

office windows and doors.

Restrict landscape material to 0.9 metres in height

at building perimeter to maintain unobstructed

visibility.

Limb up trees to 1.8 metres to provide clear sight

lines.

Design interior spaces to have windows and doors

providing visibility into hallways.

Create amenity spaces where they are under

surveillance by windows and doors.

Stairwells and elevator vestibules should provide

maximum glazing and illumination to provide open

views and be located within view of reception and

security desks.

Public restroom entrances should be visible from

nearby offices and be equipped with a “maze”

entry system rather than doors.

Buildings should be oriented to have the main

entrance facing the public street.

Parking spaces should be assigned to employees

and visitor spaces clearly marked.


Perimeters should be defined by landscaping or

low fencing.

Fencing should be designed to maintain

unobstructed visibility from the street.

Exterior private areas should be easily

distinguishable from public areas.

Reception and or Security areas should be

positioned to screen all entrances.

Maintenance:

Keep all exterior areas neat and clean.

Remove trash and debris immediately.

Maintain landscaping to a high standard with

regular pruning.

Ensure all interior lighting in common areas and

exterior lighting is inspected regularly and burnt

out bulbs replaced.


7.10 CPTED Strategies – Industrial Uses

In most industrial design, the most important issue is the safety of those who will be working or travelling to the area. Unfortunately, safety is often given little consideration. After work hours, industrial areas are for the most part poorly illuminated, seldom under any type of surveillance and virtually deserted. Add to this isolation the industrial danger areas, loading docks, service entrances, blind alleys and expansive parking areas and you have the potential for an extremely unsafe environment. It is in this type of environment where CPTED strategies can really pay off.

Goal

To protect people, assets and equipment without creating a fortress scenario.

Design Guidelines

Access Control:

Keep building entrances to a minimum and

monitor them.

Site entrances should be easily securable.

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Avoid dead-end driveways and street designs to

increase surveillance opportunities from passing

traffic.

Assign parking by shifts and provide late-night

workers with close-in spaces.

Plan storage yards for vehicular and visual access

by patrol cars.

Restrict access to roofs by way of dumpsters,

loading docks, stacked items etc.

Use a separate well marked and monitored

entrance for deliveries.

Entrance to parking areas should be controlled by

fence, gate or attendant.

Employee entrance should be close to employee

parking and work station.

Keep nighttime parking areas separate from

service areas.

Use separate docks for shipping and receiving.

Pedestrian access to railroad tracks should be

restricted.

Delivery bays should be secured with locks.

Surveillance:

Illuminate and define all entrances so that they are

visible to the public and patrol vehicles.

Position parking attendants for maximum visibility

of property.

Design the reception area to have a view of

parking areas, especially visitor parking.

Avoid creating hiding places in dead-ends or

storage yard and loading docks.


Gateway effect or formal entrance should be

created with landscaping, fencing, gates etc.

Deliveries should be limited to daytime hours.

Vehicle entrances should be defined by different

surface treatments and use of clear signage.

Separate employee parking from visitor parking

and keep shipping and receiving areas separate.

Operating hours should coincide with those of

neighbouring businesses.

Secure storage yard and parking areas with

fencing and gates.

Maintenance:

All landscaping should be maintained to a high

standard.

All lighting should be inspected regularly and burnt

out bulbs replace.

Keep storage yards orderly and do not store

garbage on site.


7.11 CPTED Strategies – Parking Structures

Typically, parking structures are places of discomfort for legitimate users and can be an ideal location for many types of criminal activity. Unattended garages provide shelter opportunity for homeless persons in inclement weather and a secluded area for many types of criminal activity. For the typical user, there is a sense of isolation in these structures with little opportunity for, or access to help in an emergency situation. CPTED strategies can do much in the way of improving parking structure safety without tremendous cost. With the simple addition of high intensity light or painting the interior of the structure with white reflective paint, a parking structure will feel and be much safer.

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Goal

To provide parking facilities that deter criminal activity and provide security for legitimate users and their vehicles.

Design Guidelines

Access Control:

Use attendants or cameras and sound monitors,

indicate their presence with clear signage.

Pedestrian entrances should be adjacent to

vehicle entrances.

Stairwells should be open and visible to the street,

maximize glazing at stairwells.

Elevators should be close to the main entrance

with the entire interior of the elevator in view when

the doors are open, glass doors for elevators are

preferable.

Ground floor should be designed to be open for

visibility, but secured to prohibit access by wire

mesh or stretch cable.

Access should be limited to no more than two

designated, monitored entrances.

Panic alarms can be installed throughout the

garage provided there is personnel to respond.

Surveillance:

All elevators should be monitored by cameras and

sound and maximize the use of glazing.

Exterior structure walls should provide openings

reinforced with stretch cable railings to allow

visibility into and out of the structure.

Interior shear walls should provide openings

reinforced with stretch cable railings for maximum

visibility within the structure.

Paint the interior of the parking structure with white

reflective paint.

Use white light source (such as metal halide) light

fixtures strategically located to eliminate any dark

or shadowed areas.

Provide clear way-finding signage throughout the

structure.

Use round columns where possible to eliminate

hiding spots.

Install convex mirrors in appropriate locations.

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Install light fixtures at a height that prohibits

vandalism and protect with wire cages or an

unbreakable material.


Do not allow free access to adjacent buildings

without direct monitoring.

Public and private parking spaces should be

designated.

Hours of use should reflect that of local business

with secure closing during non-use hours.

Secure all mechanical equipment areas both

inside and outside the structure.

Maintenance:

Keep all surfaces clean and remove garbage/trash

daily.

Repaint when necessary.

Regularly inspect all light fixtures and replace

burnt out bulbs immediately.



hours or sooner.

Post signage with a phone number for users to

report vandalism or graffiti in highly visible

locations.

Documents

Urban Design Manual - Kitchener · design. Identity Encourage distinctive and recognizable design. Provide a focus for activity. Reinforce neighbourhood character and place making