The City of Brantford Urban Design Guideline
The City of Brantford Urban Design Guideline
The City of Brantford Urban Design Guideline
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title Page # Section Title Page #
1.0 Introduction 3 6.5 Access and Parking 33
1.1 Vision 4 6.6 Surface Parking 34-35
1.2 Priority Directions: General 5 6.7 Structured Parking 36
1.3 Priority Direction: Area Specific 6 6.8 Servicing and Loading 37
2.0 Public Spaces 7 6.9 Lanes and Driveways 38
2.1 Natural Heritage Features, Parks and Open Spaces 8 7.0 Intensification Corridors and Urban Growth Centre 39
2.2 Natural Heritage Features 9 7.1 Building Orientation and Site Layout 40
2.3 Parks and Open Spaces 10 7.2 Building Heights 41
2.4 Multi-use Trails 11 7.3 Minimum Ground Floor Height 42
3.0 Streetscape 12 7.4 Front Façade Stepbacks 43
3.1 Boulevard Design 13-14 7.5 Side Building Setbacks 44
3.2 Landscape Zone 15-16 7.6 Side Building Stepbacks 45
3.3 Crosswalks 17 7.7 Transition to Neighbourhoods 46
3.4 Street Furniture 18 7.8 Building Articulation and Detailing 47-48
3.5 Public Art 19 7.9 Roofs and Roofscapes 49
3.6 Signage 20 7.10 Materials 50
3.7 Transit Amenities 21 8.0 Residential Areas within the Built Boundary 51
3.8 Lighting 22 8.1 Site Design and Building Orientation 52
4.0 Parking 23 8.2 Built Form, Height, and Massing 53-54
4.1 On-street Parking 24 8.3 Building Articulation and Detailing 55
4.2 Bicycle Parking 25 8.4 Building Materials 56
5.0 Semi Private Open Space 26-27 9.0 Residential Areas with a Heritage Context 57
6.0 Private Spaces 28 9.1 Site Design and Building Orientation 58
6.1 Development of Large Parcels 29 9.2 Built Form, Height, and Massing 59
6.2 Community Structure 30 9.3 Building Articulation and Detailing 60
6.3 Lot Size Variety 31 9.4 Building Materials 61
6.4 Transit Supportive Design 32
Urban design involves the arrangement and design of buildings, landscapes, streets, and public spaces at a range of scales,
from - City-wide, district and block level, right down to an individual site. It is the process of giving form, shape, and character
to the physical elements that comprise neighbourhoods and the City.
Purpose:
The manual establishes guidelines which reflect the City’s expectations with respect to the character, quality and form of
development. New development and redevelopment should be unique while at the same time being in harmony with and
relating well to the existing built environment surrounding it. The manual also provides a consistent design baseline to assess
proposed developments.
Context:
This manual represents the City’s Urban Design Guidelines for Intensification proposals within the City’s delineated Built
Boundary, Intensification Corridors, and Urban Growth Centre (downtown). The guidelines should be read in conjunction with
the City of Brantford’s Official Plan, Zoning By-law, Provincial Plans, and other municipal development standards. The
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illustrative examples shown throughout the document demonstrate one example of how the guidelines can be applied and
are not intended to exclude other standards that meet the intent of the guidelines.
Design Objectives:
The Urban Design Manual has been prepared to achieve the following objectives:
Achieve high quality urban design throughout the City of Brantford in both the Public and Private Realm.
Encourage the design of a complete, effective and sustainable built environment consistent with Brantford’s character and
vision for the future.
Policy Direction:
Section 14 - Urban Design in the City’s Official Plan provides urban design policy directions for intensification within the built
up boundary. In addition, Subsection 14.3 outlines the following direction:
“14.3 - The City’s Urban Design Guidelines will be used to address development in the Urban Growth Centre, Intensification
Corridors and infill development and other intensification proposals in the built boundary identified on Schedule 1-2 Growth
Management”
New development and revitalization within the Urban Growth Centre and Intensification Corridors will result in a
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dense, more urban condition including active, pedestrian-supportive streets that are compatible with, and enhance,
adjacent land uses. These areas will be characterized by wide sidewalks, abundant landscaping, large and mature
street trees, street furnishing, public art and active at-grade uses.
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The built form will be compatible with the scale of any adjacent residential neighbourhoods.
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Where underutilized blocks exceed 100 metres in depth and 250 metres in length (i.e. Former Canadian Tire Site at
the intersection of Colborne Street East and Iroquois Street), new development should be designed to subdivide these
blocks into more manageable, walkable land parcels.
Taller buildings above six storeys may be appropriate on sites where lot size, setbacks, stepbacks and building
transitions can be made to respect the neighbouring properties. Taller building sites are anticipated in some areas of
the Urban Growth Centre and in key locations along Colborne Street East, King George Road, and Lynden Road.
Midrise buildings in the Intensification Areas are considered to be 4 to 6 storeys in height and would be appropriate
on sites where lot size is appropriate and setbacks can be made to respect neighbouring properties.
A diversity of built form and land uses, including mixed use development, will be encouraged to improve public
safety, the vitality of businesses and development within the Intensification Areas and to promote opportunities for
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live-work relationships.
Opportunities to integrate open space in the form of parks, civic spaces or semi-private open space within larger
redevelopments will be encouraged at key locations.
Ensure a consistent, high-quality urban frontage along the Grand River riverfront, downtown main streets, and Colborne Street West;
New buildings, open spaces and street design will build on the unique character of the Urban Growth Centre and Colborne Street
West (i.e. a human-scaled building base, street trees, active at-grade uses, riverfront views, cultural heritage resources). Adjacent
neighbourhoods and the riverfront setting by being context specific, appropriately scaled, and containing an appropriate mix of uses;
Establish a generally low-rise streetwall height (two-four storeys) for redevelopment sites which will take the form of a podium where
taller building elements are proposed;
Ensure building mass, building height and street and open space design contribute to compatible development within the Urban
Growth Centre and along Colborne Street West;
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Intensification Corridors
Underutilized parcels including large surface parking areas and single storey developments should be redeveloped for street-
oriented single use or mixed use development in low, mid, and high-rise buildings;
Large blocks should be subdivided into smaller, walkable blocks through walkways, drive-aisles and new roads where feasible;
Utilize opportunities to redefine the existing boulevard within the right-of-way through building setbacks, bump-out parking, or
narrowing of the street pavement where feasible ;
Development should be designed to integrate with the stable low-rise residential character of the street. Buildings should therefore
consider reasonable height transitions; and
Where feasible and compatible, new housing development should contribute to higher density residential forms, including
townhouses and walk-up apartments.
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2.1 Natural Heritage Features, Parks and Open Spaces Intensification Areas and Residential Infill
New developments should capitalize on their adjacency to parks and open New developments should address adjacent natural heritage features.
spaces
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Environmental Protection Areas in the Intensification Areas should be
preserved. To protect natural vegetation, ecological functions and the
cultural landscape, all other natural heritage features should be pre-
served where possible;
Opportunities should be sought to develop appropriately
2. Streets, cycling infrastructure, and multi-use trails should be used to con-
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DESIGN GUIDELINES
4. Parks and open spaces should be designed to serve the diverse needs of
the community, including facilities for passive (e.g. walking trails,
community gardens, seating areas, park pavilions, interpretive displays,
etc.) and active recreation (e.g. sports fields, skating rinks, etc.);
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. New recreational trails should connect to existing trail networks, streets, parks,
open spaces and natural heritage features to create a linked trail network that pro-
vides pedestrians and cyclists with connections and recreation opportunities;
2. Trails should link to core activity areas such as the Urban Growth Centre, Intensifica-
tion Corridors, and the Grand River riverfront. They should create strong links be-
tween new communities, open space, and appropriate natural heritage features;
Multi-use trails should be designed to distinguish between
3. The design of the recreational trail should reflect the function and nature of the
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5. Nature trails should include multiple access points. The design of access points
should consider that people arrive by a variety of means, including car, foot, bicycle,
or transit. Entrances should also be designed to accommodate persons with physi-
cal disabilities and therefore include stable yet permeable surfaces;
6. Where appropriate, trails should include adequate amenities, such as seating, waste
receptacles, lighting, signage, route information, and educational and historic infor-
mation. Amenities should be designed according to site-specific conditions; and
7. Trails located within sensitive natural environments should be constructed of low Trails located within sensitive natural environments should be
impact materials that are porous and stable, such as crushed rock, wood chip paths, constructed of low impact materials that are porous and sta-
or board walks. All trails should be designed according to site-specific conditions. ble.
3.0 Streetscape
Photo source: Ontario Home Builders Association, image from - City of Waterloo
The boulevard refers to the area of the street between the front
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property line or building face and the edge of the curb. Well de-
signed boulevards are important throughout the Intensification
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. The Street Furniture and Landscape Zone should be located directly between the
sidewalk and vehicle traffic. The zone contains landscaped areas with site
furnishings, and infrastructure facilities such as benches, bicycle locks, transit
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3. Located between the sidewalk and the building or property line, transition zones
provide a dedicated area for window shopping, spill-out retail, building entrances,
street furniture and signage;
4. Boulevards should reflect their adjacent land use. For example, wide pedestrian-
supportive boulevards are encouraged in areas with retail uses at grade;
6. Sidewalks should be at least 3.0 metres wide with a minimum open walking zone of
2.1 metres (see Downtown Streetscape Plan);
DESIGN GUIDELINES
THE CITY OF BRANTFORD
9. Limited use of feature paving bands constructed of materials other than asphalt (including pavers or concrete) may be used. These materials may
continue across driveways and signalized intersections to indicate pedestrian priority;
10. Boulevards should be planted with street trees located in the Street Furniture and Landscape Zone;
11. Benches, bicycle locks, and pedestrian lighting should be located within the Street Furniture and Landscape Zone; and
12. In areas with retail at grade, a 1.1 metre wide transition zone should be situated between the sidewalk and the private property boundary to
accommodate opportunities for spill-out retail and active at-grade uses.
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Benches, bicycle locks, and pedestrian lighting should be located within Photo source: IBI Group, Image from: City of Kitchener
the Street Furniture and Landscape Zone. Boulevards should be planted with street trees located in the Street Furniture
and Landscape Zone.
The Intensification Areas are intended to transition into tree-lined avenues and main streets. Streets should include
significant landscaping and large, mature street trees, which will greatly enhance the visual and environmental
qualities of streets within the Intensification Areas. Street trees provide shade and comfort to pedestrians, reduce
the urban heat island effect, and provide a buffer between vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. As new development occurs, all streets within the Intensification Areas should
include enhanced landscape design through tree planting and landscaping in
the public and private right-of-way;
2. Street trees should be placed to grow to maturity under urban soil conditions
(e.g. tree pits, minimal space, etc.);
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3. Key entrances to the Urban Growth Centre, including Dalhousie Street and
Colborne Street, should ensure a high proportion of tree planting. Closely
spaced (6 to 8 metres apart, or double rows) will emphasize the urban tree
canopy along these streets and walkways; (see Downtown Streetscape Plan)
5. Supplemental street trees should be considered where the existing tree canopy
is reaching the end of its life-cycle;
6. Street trees should be planted with appropriate soil volume in continuous tree
trenches to allow for full growth and to ensure their long-term viability;
7. Where occasional compaction of planting soil is anticipated, the use of soil cells
should be considered;
DESIGN GUIDELINES
9. Street trees should generally be located within the boulevard and should be
offset a minimum of 1.5 metres from the curb to accommodate snow storage,
large vehicle movements and minimize salt damage. Where this is not possible,
street trees should be located between the sidewalk and the public right-of-
way;
10. Trees should be spaced consistently at 6.0 to 9.0 metre intervals based on
mature size. Appropriate clearances from utility boxes, street lights and sight
triangles should be considered. Sight lines should also be considered in the
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11. Street trees and landscaping should be locally adapted species. Plants that grow
naturally in the City of Brantford are adapted to the local climate and soil
conditions and can survive with minimum maintenance, use of fertilizer,
pesticide or irrigation;
All shrubs and ground cover should be tolerant of urban con-
12. Shrub and ground cover planting should be utilized in open tree pits, provided ditions, should be noninvasive and completely non-toxic,
the minimum pedestrian clearway dimension is available; appropriate for public areas.
13. All shrubs and ground cover should be tolerant of urban conditions, should be
noninvasive and be completely non-toxic, appropriate for use in public areas;
and
14. Seasonal appeal, especially for the winter months should be considered for all
planting.
New development within the Intensification Areas will create a significant amount of vehicular and pedestrian
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traffic, particularly in the Urban Growth Centre. A system of crosswalks where some form of traffic control is in
place (e.g. signal, school crossing) is essential to ensure the safe coexistence of vehicles and pedestrian traffic.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
2. The location of crosswalks and design of curb cuts should conform to the policies inherent in the Ontarians with Disabilities Act;
3. Crosswalks should be clearly designated for safety, with appropriate surface markings or variation in surface treatment and signage
where appropriate;
4. Additional mid-block pedestrian signals and courtesy crossings with specialized markings and signage may be considered at
locations with high pedestrian volumes; and
5. Traffic signals that accommodate pedestrians should be timed such that pedestrians have adequate time to clear the crossing.
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Audible signals and pedestrian countdown devices will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Public art pieces should be durable and easily maintained; Public art should be both physically and visually accessible and
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barrier free.
2. Public art should be place-specific and explore opportunities to
celebrate historic and cultural events of local, national and
international significance;
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Successful intensification is dependent on the provision of an efficient active transportation network. Streets
within the Intensification Areas should support active transportation, including walking, cycling and transit,
through the provision of safe, accessible transit amenities.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
DESIGN GUIDELINES All lighting should be located within the Street Furniture
and Landscape Zone.
1. The design and location of lighting should consider sustainability and the
impacts of light pollution, including energy efficiency, directional lighting
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that reduces wasted energy, induction lighting, solar power, and street
reflectors and sensors (to help regulate brightness and when lights turn
on and off);
3. All lighting should be located within the Street Furniture and Landscape
Zone; and
4.0 Parking
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4.1 On-Street Parking
THE CITY OF BRANTFORD Intensification Areas and Residential Infill
DESIGN GUIDELINES
DESIGN GUIDELINES
2. Bicycle parking should be located close to building entrances and throughout the Urban Growth Centre.
should be sheltered. Short-term visitor bicycle parking should also
be provided;
Interior courtyards should be designed to maximize sun exposure through the massing and location of
taller buildings.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
The courtyard on the north side of the BRAC building adds valuable amenity
space within downtown Brantford
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6.1 Development of Large Parcels
THE CITY OF BRANTFORD Intensification Areas and Residential Infill
The redevelopment of large parcels or a group of consolidated parcels should be designed as an integral part of the
adjacent land uses, including parks and open spaces and natural heritage features.
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The Urban Growth Centre is a successful example of a well-established urban neighbourhood characterized by well-
connected streets and blocks, street-oriented buildings and attractive boulevards. New large developments in the
Intensification Areas, particularly in the Intensification Corridors, should achieve a similar scale and allocation of
land uses to ensure people can comfortably walk, bike or take transit to where they live, work and play.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
There are a variety of lot sizes and shapes within the Intensification Areas, including large commercial properties
along King George Road (north of HWY 403), small urban properties in the Urban Growth Centre, and residential
properties along Erie Avenue.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Continuing to provide a variety of lot sizes in larger scale development parcels helps to promote a diversity of built forms and
uses;
2. Lot shapes should be rectilinear where possible to maximize design and siting potential. Exceptions may be considered in
order to address issues of slope, existing property boundaries or density requirements;
3. Corner lots should be adequately sized so development within them can abide by setback requirements on both streets; and
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4. Lots adjacent to amenity areas such as community centres, transit facilities, parks or other natural or urban destinations
should be designed to support higher density development.
A variety of lot sizes should be provided in larger scale development parcels to help promote diversity of built form and use.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
THE CITY OF BRANTFORD
1. A mix of land uses and higher densities should be promoted around key
locations, including key intersections and adjacent to the Grand River riverfront,
Transit use should be promoted and encour- in order to create the critical mass required to make transit a viable option;
aged, through consideration of the urban
structure and the design of public spaces, to 2. Access to local transit routes should be located within a 5-minute (400 metre)
ensure successful intensification in the City of walking distance of most residents;
Brantford. New development within the In-
3. Auto dependent uses such as drive-through retail and car washes should be
tensification Areas should achieve a density
discouraged in the Intensification Areas;
that supports transit use throughout the City.
New development should also look to create 4. Transit facilities should be located at public places such as parks and open
a range of complementary uses at key desti- spaces, community centres, schools, and community facilities such as libraries
nations and take advantage of and support and galleries;
high levels of pedestrian activity.
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Transit facilities should be situated to key destinations, where pedestrian activity is high and where sufficient pedestrian connections are provided.
Much of the urban form within the Intensification Areas is defined by surface parking. In the short-term,
enhanced design is important to improve their appearance from the street. In the mid to long-term, these surface
parking areas will become viable opportunities for intensification with the majority of parking located in
structured decks or below grade.
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Surface parking lot with landscaping, pedestrian access, and sidewalks for
internal site circulation
Above grade parking structure with commercial use at grade from the City of Waterloo
In the short-term, the enhanced design of surface parking lots is important to minimize their impacts on public
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spaces.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Landscaping, or other parking area screening devices, should not obstruct the primary
building façade or total visibility of the parking area.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
pedestrian safety;
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Where servicing and loading areas are required, they should not be visually obtrusive;
2. Loading docks and service areas should be located at the side or rear of buildings and should be screened from public view;
3. Servicing enclosures should be constructed of materials that complement the main building (e.g. no chain link fencing);
4. Service and refuse areas should be paved with an impervious surface of asphalt or concrete to minimize the potential for
infiltration of harmful materials;
5. Service and refuse areas should not encroach into the exterior side or front yard setback; and
6. Loading and service areas may occupy the full rear yard if adequate landscape edge and buffer treatments are provided.
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Servicing enclosures should be constructed of materials that complement the main building façade.
Public lanes could be considered to service the commercial uses within the Intensification Areas where feasible, and
to provide access to structured and below-grade parking with minimal interference to pedestrian circulation (i.e.
curb cuts) provided issues of maintenance can be resolved.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
trees. Laneways should provide some variety in building form and setbacks.
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7.1 Building Orientation and Site Layout Intensification Areas and Residential Infill
The relationship of buildings to one another, and to streets and open spaces, influences the amount of energy they
THE CITY OF BRANTFORD
consume, the comfort of pedestrians at the street, and the quality of interior spaces. Buildings should frame streets
and open spaces, and preserve desirable views.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Buildings should be positioned to frame abutting streets, internal drive aisles, sidewalks, parking areas and amenity areas. On corner
sites, buildings should be designed to frame both the primary and the secondary street;
2. Where a building abuts a natural heritage feature or open space, the interface should create opportunities for easy public access and
viewing from streets and adjacent developments. It is therefore encouraged that where possible, new developments in this condi-
tion face and open towards the public open space;
3. Developments adjacent to any existing heritage properties, or within any area with a prominent heritage character, should carefully
consider that their design is context specific and reflects the heritage character of each property;
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4. Alterations to existing heritage buildings should match, within 2 metres, the pre-established setback of adjacent buildings to ensure
a continuous street wall. This is especially beneficial on sites where buildings are set back from the street or missing;
Buildings should be appropriately located to frame streets and open spaces, with the primary entrance
directly accessible from the sidewalk. On corner sites, buildings should be designed to frame both the
primary and secondary street frontages.
The ability of buildings to fit into the existing context, and contribute positively to the character of the streetscape
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is imperative to ensuring successful new buildings in the Intensification Areas. Generally, new buildings should be
between 2 to 8 storeys, depending on their context. Where mid-rise buildings can be accommodated (between 4 to
8 storeys), or in instances where buildings taller than 8 storeys can be accommodated, such buildings should be de-
signed in a manner that promotes human-scaled development, minimizes adverse impacts on adjacent
streetscapes, and provides appropriate transitions to nearby residential neighbourhoods.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Buildings within Intensification Corridors should 5. New development within the Urban Growth Centre and Intensifica-
generally be limited to a mid-rise scale, ranging tion Corridors will strengthen communities, and accommodate
between 4 to 8-storeys; many new residents and jobs. To ensure the most efficient use of
existing infrastructure, and to create a vibrant streetscape, a mini-
2. The maximum height (8-storeys) should generally only mum level of development is also required; and
be achieved if the built form demonstrates compliance
with all other design guidelines (i.e. stepbacks, angular 6. All new buildings should achieve a minimum height of 7.5m (2-
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planes, etc.); storeys) to promote intensification and ensure the most efficient
use of existing infrastructure.
3. Buildings taller than 8-storeys are encouraged in key
areas, including:
Floor heights for commercial uses are generally greater than a typical residential floor. Recognizing that ground
THE CITY OF BRANTFORD
floor retail will not be immediately viable throughout the Urban Growth Centre and Intensification Corridors, a
ground floor height of 4.5 metres is recommended, in areas where future conversion to retail uses at ground level
may be desired, to allow for flexibility of ground floor uses.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
where provided.
New buildings should have a minimum ground floor height of 4.5 metres.
The podium created through a stepback above the building base creates a human-scaled streetwall and mitigates
the overall impacts of the building height on adjacent streetscapes. The remainder of the building envelope
should be carefully considered to allow for a minimum of 5 hours of sunlight per day on boulevards across the
street within the Urban Growth Centre and Intensification Corridors from March 21st (spring equinox) to Septem-
ber 21st (Fall Equinox) to ensure pedestrian comfort and encourage active use of the streetscapes.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. A 45-degree angular plane should be applied at a height equivalent to 80% of the width of the right-of-way. Above this 80%
height, building envelopes should generally stepback to adhere to the angular plane;
2. On wider right-of-ways, a 45-degree angular plane applied at 80% of the right-of-way width will result in a stepback at the
upper floors of the building. In this case, an additional “pedestrian perception stepback” is recommended to achieve a human-
scaled building podium;
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3. Stepbacks should be a minimum of 1.5m. 3m is recommended to ensure usable outdoor amenity spaces.
The use of angular setbacks, stepbacks and angular planes helps to shape the built form.
New developments in the Urban Growth Centre and Intensification Corridors should maintain as continuous a
streetwall as possible, while respecting the adjacent properties access to natural light and air. As a result, new
buildings should apply a minimum distance from existing buildings with side windows.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. New buildings should maintain a minimum 5.5 metre distance from existing adjacent buildings that have windows on their side-
facing walls;
2. When the new building is set back at least 5.5 metres from the property line, it should incorporate glazing where possible; and
3. Additional setbacks will be required when the existing building has its primary windows on the side face. The distance of the setback
in these instances will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
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It is important to maintain views and sunlight penetration to public boulevards through the articulation of the
sides of the building. Providing breaks in the streetwall on the upper levels achieves this, and mitigates the
“canyon effect” on longer corridors.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Where properties have wider frontages, the building’s uppermost storeys can step back sideways - allowing for the
application of glazing, thereby reducing the amount of blank sidewalls, should that building be built ahead of its
neighbours; and
2. Narrow sites will not be able to reasonably achieve side stepbacks at the upper levels, and as a result may not achieve their
maximum permitted height.
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Example of where a tall streetwall is desirable. Example of where a varied streetwall is desirable, side stepbacks are encour-
aged.
Where the Urban Growth Centre and Intensification Corridors are adjacent to stable residential neighbourhoods, the
application of an angular plane is recommended to provide a transition in height from mid-rise buildings to low
residential homes to reduce shadow impacts on the residential properties, as well as the perception of height.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Above 80% of the building’s permitted height, the property should stepback sideways 5.5 metres to provide sky views and sunlight
penetration to the sidewalks in the right-of-way, and to other nearby properties;
2. When a varied street wall is preferred, side stepbacks should be encouraged above the minimum building height for that area; and
3. Upper storey side Stepbacks are not required for buildings that are 20 metres (6 storeys) or less.
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Front, side, and rear property angular planes are recommended to ensure appropriate transitions to adjacent stable low rise resi-
dential development.
The aesthetic qualities of the building, it’s façade, roof line, windows, and access points are all vital factors in
how the public perceive a building, and how that building impacts their experience of the street.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. The façades of large buildings should be designed to express individual commercial or residential units through distinct
architectural detailing, including entrance and window design;
2. Despite the use of various architectural styles within the City, the design and material quality should be consistent and building
materials and finishes should be complementary;
3. Lots that face on to parks and open spaces should be subject to architectural and landscaping controls in order to provide an
optimal interface;
4. Corner buildings at key intersections should emphasize the focal nature and visibility of these buildings through elements such as
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bay windows, projections, recesses, special materials, and other architectural details;
5. Buildings should incorporate architectural details such as vestibules, recessed entrances, covered walkways, canopies and awnings
to provide weather protection;
6. Where retail uses are provided at-grade, significant amount of the building frontage on the ground floor and at building base levels
should be glass to allow views of the indoor uses and create visual interest for pedestrians. Clear glass is preferred to promote the
highest level of visibility;
7. Where retail uses are provided at-grade, building entrances should work in conjunction with retail uses and can be expressed and
detailed in a variety of ways including large entry awnings, canopies or double-height glazing. Retractable awnings and canopies
may encroach into the public right-of-way provided a minimum of 2.5 metres of vertical clearance is provided. Permanent awnings
or canopies that encroach into the public right-of-way may require a permit;
8. Where residential uses are included above retail uses, separate entrances should be provided;
9. Secondary entrances should not be the dominant entrance. However, they should be easily accessible and convenient for service,
loading and parking areas; and
10. When building frontages exceed 12 metres in width they should be divided into functionally and visually smaller units through the
use of façade articulation, internal courtyards, and networks of connected walkways and landscaping.
The above diagram depicts some of the key components of the guidelines affecting building form and massing
Mechanical penthouses that extend above the maximum height limit, but fall within the recommended angular
THE CITY OF BRANTFORD
planes, will not impact shadowing, will generally not be visible from adjacent sidewalks, and are minimally visible
from the opposite sidewalk.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Mechanical penthouses may exceed the maximum height limit by up to 5m, but may not penetrate the recommended angular
planes;
2. All mechanical penthouses should be designed and clad with materials that complement the main building façades;
3. The portion of the building roof that is not used for a mechanical penthouse should be occupied by green roofs and/or useable
outdoor amenity space; and
4. Sustainable technologies, such as photovoltaic panels, are encouraged on the roofs of buildings. These panels should fit within the
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of new buildings within the Urban Growth Centre and Intensification Corri-
dors. Particular attention should be paid to building podiums, as this is the
portion of the building that is most visible from the streetscape.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. All new buildings and developments should utilize building materials chosen for their
functional and aesthetic qualities, as well as their energy and maintenance efficiency;
3. Finished materials should extend to all sides of the building, including building
projections and mechanical penthouses;
URBAN DESIGN MANUAL
4. The ground floor should incorporate a minimum of 60% glazing to enhance safety
through casual surveillance;
5. Building materials and finishes on building façades facing onto or visible from public
streets and public spaces should not include synthetic siding systems, mirror/heavily
tinted glass panels, and unadorned concrete block;
6. Blank walls or unfinished materials along property lines where new developments are
adjacent to existing parking areas or smaller-scaled buildings should be avoided;
51
8.1 Site Design and Building Orientation
THE CITY OF BRANTFORD Intensification Areas and Residential Infill
The relationship of buildings to one another, and to streets and open spaces, influences the amount of energy
they consume, the comfort of pedestrians at the street, and the quality of interior spaces. New buildings should
frame streets and open spaces, and preserve desirable views. Additions/renovations to existing buildings and new
buildings should maintain appropriate building/lot coverage ratios and generally reflect the existing historic
character.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Where proposals exist for large residential buildings, please refer to Section 7.1;
2. Alterations to existing buildings and new buildings should generally match the pre-established front yard setback of adjacent
buildings to ensure a continuous streetwall. This is especially beneficial on sites where buildings are currently set back from the
street or are missing altogether;
3. For dwellings with windows facing the side yard, setbacks should generally be a minimum of 1.2 metres;
URBAN DESIGN MANUAL
4. Where no windows are provided, setbacks should generally be a minimum of 0.45 metres;
5. There should be a minimum rear yard setback of 7.5 metres measured either to the rear property line or, in instances where a gar-
age is present in the rear yard, to the face of the garage which is closest to the residential dwelling;
6. In instances where a garage is present in the rear yard, there should be a minimum setback of 0.5 metres between the rear proper-
ty line and the face of the garage which is closest to the rear property line;
7. In all cases, additions / renovations or new buildings should not have a building depth greater than 17 metres;
8. Rear yard decks, porches and garden sheds should be permitted provided the rear yard is a minimum 7.5 metres deep. This ex-
cludes rear yard garages that are attached to the dwelling or located at the rear of the property (lane or driveway access);
9. The amount of parking area in the rear yard should be limited to 40% of the rear yard area; and
10. On extra wide lots or those with extra large rear yards, the maximum number of parking spaces should be directly related to the
number of units and internal parking circulation should be discouraged to prevent double-loaded parking areas.
The design of new residential buildings, as well as additions and renovations, should be context-sensitive, consid-
ering reasonable height transitions. Additions/renovations to existing buildings and infill development should be
consistent with the character of the community and minimize adverse impacts on adjacent dwellings.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Where proposals exist for large residential buildings, please refer to Section 7.0 Urban Growth Centre & Intensification Corridors;
2. Additions/renovations to existing buildings and infill development should ensure a final building that reflects the height, scale and
massing of adjacent buildings; and
3. Additions/renovations to existing buildings should not be greater than 1/3 of the total building volume. Infill development should
not be greater than 1/3 the total building volume of adjacent development.
URBAN DESIGN MANUAL
The diagrams above demonstrate the possible build-to envelope (based on setbacks established in this document), and how an appropriate ad-
dition (at 1/3 of the total building volume) might fit within this envelope.
Where streets lack a continuous building frontage and there is no negative impact on the identified character defining elements of a heritage property, new
development should contain a setback which reflects an average between those of adjacent buildings.
The aesthetic qualities of the building, its façade, roof line, windows, and access points are all vital factors in how
THE CITY OF BRANTFORD
the public perceive a building, and how that building impacts their experience of the street. New buildings should
be designed to integrate within the surrounding Residential Area. Additions and renovations to existing buildings
and infill development should not produce negative impacts on adjacent buildings.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
The choice of building materials is integral to the appearance and function of new buildings. Additions and reno-
vations to existing buildings should be consistent in character and quality of detail with the original materials,
windows and architectural details used to construct the principal dwelling. Infill development should be con-
sistent with the character and quality of detail of adjacent development. Where proposals exist for large residen-
tial buildings, please refer to Section 7.10
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Preferred cladding materials include brick, stone, metal, glass in-situ concrete and pre-
cast concrete
57
9.1 Site Design and Building Orientation Intensification Areas and Residential Infill
Residential infill in areas with a heritage context should create a consistent street wall. Alterations to existing
THE CITY OF BRANTFORD
buildings should match the pre-established setback of adjacent buildings to ensure a continuous street wall. This is
especially beneficial on sites where buildings are currently set back from the street or are missing altogether.
URBAN DESIGN MANUAL
New buildings in older built-up areas should create a consistent street wall. Step backs on upper levels should be a minimum of 1.5 metres.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. New buildings and renovations to existing designated buildings or buildings within older built-up areas should not mimic
adjacent heritage properties, but should have sympathetic scale, massing, and height;
2. Heritage properties are to be retained and restored. Their removal is a last resort. Retaining the façade in not an acceptable
substitute to the retention of the whole structure;
3. Heritage properties should generally be limited to their existing height, not including the cornice or parapet, to encourage the
retention of these key features;
4. On blocks with significant heritage frontage, new buildings should have a height-to-width ratio that is similar to existing
buildings;
5. Where appropriate, and where it will not negatively impact the identified character defining elements and values of a heritage
property, new buildings should include setbacks and stepbacks which are consistent with those of adjacent properties. New
buildings should maintain appropriate window proportions and rhythms of entrances, and are encouraged to incorporate green
URBAN DESIGN MANUAL
roofs.
New buildings in older built-up should not disrupt the existing scale of development.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Additions or renovations to a heritage property should use materials that match or enhance the original structure (i.e. colour,
texture, scale, etc);
2. Where appropriate, heritage structures should be retained and incorporated into new developments, through adaptive re-use; and
3. In all renovations/alterations to a heritage property, a heritage professional should be involved to ensure the most appropriate
renovation techniques and materials are employed.
URBAN DESIGN MANUAL
Material selection for heritage context infill developments should be sympathetic to adjacent heritage build-
ings.