Page 183 - Des Moines - Zoning, Planning and Design Ch 134, 135

DRAFT 135-2. DeSiGN reQUireMeNtS

Downtown High-Rises

D. Peaks and Valleys in the Skyline. The high-
rise height shall be lower or taller than 4 of the
8 surrounding buildings by a minimum of 8
stories. Variation in the skyline is the intent of this
1
requirement.
e. Multiple towers. When more than one tower is
utilized for a development, the following is required.
1. Varying Heights. The heights of the multiple
towers shall be varied to encourage
development of an interesting skyline. Existing Skyline. Note that the skyline has buildings of
varied heights in peaks and valleys. Certain buildings have
2. Spacing. Spacing between towers shall be a distinctive caps, especially those tallest in height .
1
minimum of 60 feet to allow light and views of
the sky between the towers.

2.4.6 cAP reQUireMeNtS 1 include image? if so, need a referenced image
The top stories and the roof of a high-rise shall be B. The massing and/or material expression of the cap
considered the cap (refer to Figure 2.4-A). should define it distinctly from the middle of the
A. The high-rise is exempt from the building type’s roof building.
type requirement.
c. The surrounding building context shall be
considered when determining the building cap.
1 Markup Language: The surrounding building context shall
be considered when determining the maximum building Variation is preferred.
height. Variation is preferred.

Building Base (gray)
Building Middle:
Facade may step back
away from the street

Building Base:
minimum stories
within Build-to
Zone
Build-to Primary Street Frontage
Zone

Tall Building Portions (dashed)
oriented with short side perpendicular
to Primary Street Frontage

Figure 2.4-C. Building Massing in Build-to Zone Figure 2.4-B. High-Rise Building Orientation

CITY OF DES MOINES CHAPTER 135: PLANNING AND DESIGN DRAFT 135-2-13