Guías de Diseño Urbano

A key objective of the urban design guidelines is to ensure that development contributes cohesively to its context and surrounding environment. This means considering not only the architecture of individual buildings, but also how projects interact with the surrounding public realm. Elements such as active ground-floor uses, appropriately scaled open spaces, sidewalks connectivity, all play a critical role in creating places where people want to live, work, and invest. By aligning projects with these principles, developers can help foster vibrant, enduring neighborhoods while also strengthening the long-term value of their investments.

We acknowledge that the current code may impose certain restrictions and create challenges in advancing more urban design-oriented projects. However, this should not discourage developers from applying best practices of urban design.

In fact, we encourage creative approaches that align with the spirit of the guidelines, even within existing code parameters.

Here are some of the recurring comments and best practices:

Ensure your design engages to the street and creates an active streetscape.

Building placement along the main street- parking on the back.
On a large façade, break development and encourage pedestrian routes pathways.
Highlight the main entrance- portico, awing, over hang.
Exhaust and intake vents moved to rear or where services are located (not in front of entrance or outdoor seating).

Incorporating Plazas/Open Spaces

Plazas are one of the most significant public spaces that contribute to livable cities that allow their citizens to create social, physical, and mental connections. This space type may function as pedestrian site arrival points, homes for public art, settings for recreation and relaxation, and inconspicuous security features for high-profile buildings. Even when not required, especially in mixed uses projects, consider incorporating plazas into your project.

Ensure a usable open space and not just a way to meet quota.
Provide walkable path with access to and from parking.
Pedestrian safety through bollards or plantings.

Design stormwater as an amenity

While Public Works code requirements must always be followed, look for opportunities to balance compliance with creative design solutions that transform stormwater features into community assets.

Optimizing Surface Parking

Surface parking lot should not disrupt the streetscape or pedestrian activities.
Parking locations must not be in the frontage of property lines.
Even in parking lots, focus on pedestrian safety and connectivity.
Soften and Screen the visual impact of parking lot through perimeter landscape buffer of shade trees.
Pedestrian connections between parking and the core area should be attractive and convenient to use.
Implement bicycle parking solutions to encourage the use of alternative forms of transportation while enhancing the public realm.
Seek multiple access points to and from parking.
Push for shaded access.

Integrating Planned Communities into the Urban Fabric

Vehicular stub out any future connections to possible adjacent development properties.
Do not gate Communities. Gated communities go against most of what is currently in vogue in progressive urbanist.
Ensure easy and visible access to surrounding pedestrian and multimodal connections.
Explore opportunities to insert planted tree islands within cul-de-sacs or other ‘turn around’ configurations.

Recursos

Use the checklist to ensure your project complies with:

Article XIII. - Architectural Standards and Guidelines for Commerical Buildings and Projects

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División de Planificación

División de Planificación del Condado de Orange
201 S Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL

407-836-5321
planning@ocfl.net