The standards described in this subsection shall supersede any landscape buffer width requirements found in Article VIII of the Land Development Code for frontage areas. Stoops, stairs, chimneys, and bay windows are allowed to extend beyond the build-to line as long as they do not exceed more than 25 percent of the front facade. Open porches, projecting signs, balconies, arcades, awnings and outdoor cafes may also extend beyond the build-to line. However, at least 5 feet of unobstructed sidewalk width and room for any required tree strip must be retained. Parking is one component of the successful commercial area, but should not dominate the streetscape or degrade the public realm.
Parking areas located in front of buildings are inconvenient and unpleasant for pedestrians.
They significantly increase walking distances from the public sidewalk. They create hot expanses of asphalt, and prevent the pedestrian on the public sidewalk from enjoying building details and activity within the building. In addition, they prevent the building from contributing to an intimate, comfortable street edge. Buildings pulled up to the street without intervening motor vehicle parking have more of a human scale. A larger curb turning radius at a parking area ingress and egress point allows vehicles to negotiate a turn rapidly, whereas a smaller radius forces a vehicle to slow down.