Page 175 - Des Moines - Zoning, Planning and Design Ch 134, 135

DRAFT 135-2. DeSiGN reQUireMeNtS

Building Facade Elements

G. exception. Modification to these material
installation requirements may be approved through
a type 1 design exception.

135-2.3. Building Facade elements
2.3.1 APPlicABilitY

The following design requirements are applicable to all
building types unless otherwise stated.

2.3.2 WiNDOWS
Windows on street and public way facades of all
buildings shall be constructed consistent with the
following requirements:
A. Amount. Each building shall meet the transparency Figure 2.3-D. Vertically Oriented Windows with Expressed Lintels
requirements applicable to the building type. See
Chapter 135, Article 1.
B. recessed. All windows, with the exception of
ground story storefront systems, shall be recessed
with the glass a minimum of 1.5 inches back for
House buildings and 2 inches back for all other
building types, measured from the facade surface
material or adjacent trim.
c. Vertically Oriented. See Figure 2.3-D. All windows
shall be vertically oriented unless the following
standards are met:
1. Flat Cap Type. When the flat cap type is used,
horizontally oriented windows may be used for
up to 30 percent of the total transparency area
of each upper story.
2. House B Building Type. For the House B building Metal Awning
type, horizontally oriented windows may be used
for up to 50 percent of the total transparency
area of each story.
D. Visibility through Glass. Reflective glass and
glass block are prohibited on street and public way
facades. Windows shall meet the transmittance and
reflectance factors established in the transparency
definition (see 135-7.1.7).
e. expressed lintels. For masonry construction,
lintels shall be expressed above all windows and
doors by a change in brick coursing or by a separate
detail or element. See Figure 2.3-D.
2.3.3 AWNiNGS, cANOPieS, & liGHt SHelVeS
Awnings, canopies, and light shelves on all buildings
except House building types shall be constructed
consistent with the requirements of this subsection. See Canvas Awning
Figure 2.3-E
Figure 2.3-E. Examples of Awnings

CITY OF DES MOINES CHAPTER 135: PLANNING AND DESIGN DRAFT 135-2-5