230-110.1 Purpose.
The purpose of these Architectural Design Standards is to enhance the viability and livability of Gwinnett County and encourage pleasing aesthetic design quality in architecture. The Architectural Design Standards promote high quality and aesthetically attractive development and construction in Gwinnett County and establish the basic requirements for architectural and associated landscape components.
230-110.2 Applicability.
The Gwinnett County Architectural Design Standards shall apply to all buildings and structures constructed in unincorporated Gwinnett County. Wherever the provisions and/or conditions of a zoning case and the requirements of these standards impose a more restrictive, greater, or higher standards, the requirements of the strictest requirement shall prevail.
230-110.3 Architectural Design Review.
Buildings and structures not requiring an Architectural Design Review, as indicated below, shall adhere to the following:
A.Building elevations shall be included in the construction plans submitted for a building permit and shall include a finish legend that specifies each product style name and color for all exterior materials and finishes.
B.Alternate building designs may be granted upon review by the Director. Creative, innovative, and unique designs are encouraged, but care must be taken to maintain design compatibility with surrounding buildings and community features. The Director may authorize a review of an Alternative Architectural Review by the Planning Commission. Such Alternative Architectural Reviews shall be submitted on forms provided by and as directed by the Department.
230-110.4 Special Architectural Design Areas.
Certain buildings and structures shall adhere to special review and design requirements.
A.Buildings and structures within the following areas, or meeting the following thresholds, shall be subject to the following additional review procedures and additional design standards throughout this Section of the UDO:
1.Those located in an Activity Center/Corridor Overlay Zoning District
2.Those located in a Mixed-Use Zoning District
3.Those located in a Multifamily Residential Zoning District
4.Any new building or structure exceeding 100,000 square feet of gross floor area, regardless of location
B.Additional review procedures include:
1.Color elevations of all sides of each building shall be included in the construction plans submitted for a building permit and shall include a finish legend that specifies each product manufacturer, product style name and color for all exterior materials and finishes.
2.An architectural design guide illustrating building and site accessory design elements and features shall also be submitted with the construction plans.
C.Alternate building designs may be granted upon review by the Director. Creative, innovative, and unique designs are encouraged, but care must be taken to maintain design compatibility with surrounding buildings and community features. The Director may authorize a review of an Alternative Architectural Review by the Planning Commission. Such Alternative Architectural Review shall be submitted on forms and as directed by the Department.
230-110.5 Building Design for Parcels with Zoning Conditions.
Building designs required by zoning conditions as specified by the Board of Commissioners shall be subject to review and approval of the Department, prior to the issuance of a building permit.
A.Whereas a parcel that is subject to zoning conditions and the Architectural Design Standards of this section, the most stringent design condition/standard of each regulation shall apply to the building design.
B.The Director may approve a modification request, pertaining to the designated parcel zoning conditions, to allow alternate façade design and materials provided the building design modification proposes composition and façade finish materials of a quality which exceeds the parcel zoning conditions requirements. Any design modification request pertaining to parcel zoning conditions denied by the Director shall be submitted by application to obtain a Change in Conditions by the Board of Commissioners.
230-110.6 Architectural Design Standards for Non-Residential Buildings.
A.Design Composition.
1.Existing industrial or warehouse buildings constructed prior to the adoption of these standards are exempt.
2.Building designs shall incorporate façade treatments with a composition of materials, textures, and window and door patterns and colors. Building designs shall integrate at least one material change and color variation averaged over each façade. Buildings with facades longer than one hundred 100 feet shall have an articulated façade that incorporates at least one significant modulation that includes a plan offset and/or color and texture change.
3.The appearance and materials of the rear and side walls shall be similar to and compatible with the front of the building. Generally, the primary exterior materials incorporated on the front of the building shall be incorporated on all sides.
4.Building designs shall incorporate a composition of façade features. Features include, but are not limited to, columns, storefront, windows, piers, pilasters, changing rooflines, plan offsets, cornice tower elements, architectural patterns and texture, cupolas, and dormers.
5.Buildings with greater than four stories shall incorporate at least one significant color change, material change, or architectural feature on either the lower story or upper story.
6.Building facade elevation colors shall be neutral, earth tone, and natural finish.
7.The use of business identity colors may be allowed as part of an entrance feature subject to review by the Director.
8.Ground mounted electrical, mechanical, and like utility equipment shall be screened. Screening height shall be equal to the height of the equipment. Screens shall be a material consistent with the adjacent building or permanent vegetative landscaping.
9.Wall mounted electrical, mechanical, utility meters, and other utility equipment shall be screened.
Screening height shall be equal to the height of the equipment.
10.Electrical and gas meters on buildings shall be painted to blend with the surrounding wall.
11.All roof mounted equipment, such as mechanical units, vent hoods, communication devices, and/or other building systems equipment, shall be screened from view on all sides of the building. Roof screening height shall be equal to the height of the equipment with building materials that complement the building facade.
12.PTAC wall units on buildings located in Special Architectural Design Areas shall incorporate ornamental louvers or screens.
13.Modular buildings with permanent foundation connection shall have an exterior façade of fiber cement panels which resembles horizontal siding or textured stucco finish. Metal façade panels are prohibited.
14.Portable buildings shall be prohibited.
B.Design Materials.
1.Building façade finishes shall be permanent durable materials.
2.Smooth face concrete masonry units are prohibited.
3.Textured face concrete masonry shall not exceed 25 percent of the non-fenestration surface area of any building facade.
4.Architectural smooth and industrial ribbed metal panels may be allowed subject to review by the Director.
5.Low temperature refrigeration buildings may have insulated metal panels subject to review by the Director.
6.Buildings in zoning districts that allow industrial classified buildings with industrial factory occupancies may have precast concrete or tilt-up concrete panels with textured coating finish.
7.Concrete panels shall have a design pattern of architectural reveals and/or insets.
8.The building facades shall incorporate a minimum of two colors.
9.Vinyl siding is prohibited.
10.Exposed plywood/OSB/pressed wood sheathing is prohibited.
11.Exterior burglar bars and steel roll-down curtains are prohibited.
12.Exposed neon, LED or other types of exposed bulb accent lighting shall be prohibited. Light emitting graphic features or signage located on interior walls or bulkheads shall be located a minimum of eight feet behind the exterior glass façade.
13.Equipment screens for ground mounted units shall have a finish that is consistent with the finish materials of the building façade or provide vegetative landscape screening immediately around the units. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
14.Equipment screens for wall mounted units shall have finish that is consistent with the finish materials of the building façade, or vegetative landscape screening shall be provided immediately in front of the equipment units. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
15.Equipment screens for roof mounted units and appliances shall be a finish and color consistent with the finish materials of the building facades. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
16.Under “glow” lighting of fabric, vinyl, or translucent material awnings is prohibited.
230-110.7 Architectural Design Standards for Multifamily Residential Buildings.
A.Design Composition.
1.Building designs shall incorporate a composition of features. Features include, but are not limited to, columns, windows, doors, balconies, pilasters, changing rooflines, plan offsets, cornice, porch entrances, tower elements, architectural patterns and texture, cupolas, and dormers. The maximum wall length without façade features shall not exceed 30 feet.
2.Building design shall incorporate a minimum two foot plan offset and/or a color change every 100 feet.
3.Building designs shall incorporate a composition of colors and materials. Building designs shall integrate at least one material change and color variation averaged over each façade.
4.The appearance and materials of the rear and side walls shall be similar to and compatible with the front of the building. Generally, the primary exterior materials incorporated on the front of the building shall be incorporated on all sides.
5.Building designs with greater than four stories shall incorporate at least one significant color change, material change, or architectural feature on either the lower story or upper story.
6.Building façade elevation colors shall be neutral, earth tone, and natural finish.
7.Buildings located in Special Architectural Design Areas shall incorporate ornamental louvers or screens on PTAC wall units.
8.Exterior burglar bars and steel roll-down curtains are prohibited.
9.Ground mounted electrical, mechanical, and like utility equipment shall be screened. Screening height shall be equal to the height of the equipment. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
10.Wall mounted electrical, mechanical, utility meters, and other utility equipment shall be screened.
Screening height shall be equal to the height of the equipment. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
11.All roof mounted equipment, such as mechanical units, vent hoods, communication devices, and/or other building systems equipment, shall be screened from view on all sides of the building. Roof screening height shall be equal to the height of the equipment. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
B.Design Materials.
1.Building walls shall incorporate brick, cast stone, and/or stone for at least 30 percent of the non- fenestration façade area in the first and second story. Exposed basement walls shall be considered as part of the first story.
2.Smooth face concrete masonry units are prohibited.
3.Exposed plywood/OSB/pressed wood sheathing is prohibited.
4.Architectural smooth and industrial ribbed metal panels may be allowed subject to review by the Director.
5.Exposed neon, LED or other types of exposed bulb accent lighting shall be prohibited, unless otherwise authorized by this UDO.
6.Equipment screens for ground mounted units shall have a finish that is consistent with the finish materials of the building façade or provide vegetative landscape screening immediately around the units. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
7.Equipment screens for wall mounted units shall have finish that is consistent with the finish materials of the building façade, or vegetative landscape screening shall be provided immediately in front of the equipment units. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
8.Equipment screens for roof mounted units and appliances shall be a material consistent with the finish materials of the building facades. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
230-110.8 Architectural Design Standards for Attached Residential Buildings.
A.Design Composition.
1.Building designs shall incorporate a composition of features. Features include, but are not limited to, columns, architectural windows, balconies, pilasters, changing rooflines, cornice, ornamental roof brackets, porch entrances, tower elements, material patterns, cupolas, and dormers.
2.Building designs shall incorporate a composition of colors and materials. Building designs shall integrate at least one material change and color variation averaged over each façade.
3.Setbacks and/or roof lines shall be varied so that no more than three adjoining dwelling units within a single building shall have the same front setback or roof line.
4.Allowed building elevation colors shall be neutral, earth tone, and natural finish.
5.Ground mounted electrical, mechanical, and like utility equipment shall be screened. Screening height shall be equal to the height of the equipment.
6.Wall mounted electrical, mechanical, utility meters, and other utility equipment shall be screened. Screening height shall be equal to the height of the equipment.
7.All roof mounted equipment, such as mechanical units, vent hoods, communication devices, and/or other building systems equipment, shall be screened from view on all sides of the building. Roof screening height shall be equal to the height of the equipment.
B.Design Materials.
1.Front building walls shall incorporate brick, cast stone, and/or stone for at least 50 percent of the non- fenestration facade area.
2.Concrete masonry units, metal wall panels and industrial metal siding are prohibited.
3.Exposed plywood/OSB/pressed wood sheathing is prohibited.
4.Exposed neon, LED or other types of exposed bulb accent lighting is prohibited.
5.Equipment screens for ground mounted units shall have a finish that is consistent with the finish materials of the building façade or provide vegetative landscape screening immediately around the units. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
6.Equipment screens for wall mounted units shall have finish that is consistent with the finish materials of the building façade, or vegetative landscape screening shall be provided immediately in front of the equipment units. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
7.Equipment screens for roof mounted units and appliances shall be a material consistent with the finish materials of the building facades. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
230-110.9 Architectural Design Standards for Detached Residential Buildings.
A.Design Composition
1.Building designs shall incorporate a composition of features. Features include, but are not limited to, columns, architectural windows, balconies, pilasters, changing rooflines, cornice, ornamental roof brackets, porch entrances, tower elements, material patterns, cupolas, and dormers.
2.Building designs shall incorporate neutral, earth tone, and natural finish colors.
B.Design Materials.
1.Concrete masonry units, metal wall panels, and metal siding are prohibited.
230-110.10 Architectural Design Standards for Parking Decks and Structures.
A.Design Composition.
1.Building designs shall incorporate a composition of features. Features include, but are not limited to, columns, pilasters, tower elements, ornamental grilles, ornamental wall screens, plan offsets, and architectural material patterns.
2.Building designs shall incorporate a composition of colors and materials. Building designs shall integrate at least one material change and color variation averaged over each façade. Buildings with facades longer than 100 feet shall an articulated façade that incorporates at least one significant modulation that includes a plan offset, color change, and/or texture change.
3.Parking decks and structures in Special Architectural Design Areas must maintain architectural compatibility with the adjacent principal buildings.
4.Exterior facades shall incorporate ornamental or solid guardrail designs.
5.Building façade elevation colors shall be neutral, earth tone, and natural finish.
6.Accent colors for unique façade design features may be allowed subject to the review of the Director.
7.Facades facing public streets or private driveways shall incorporate landscape areas immediately in front of the parking structure.
8.Openings for ventilation, service, or emergency access located in the façade of the first level must be decorative and shall be designed as an integral feature of the overall façade design.
9.Ground mounted electrical, mechanical, and like utility equipment shall be screened. Screening height shall be equal to the height of the equipment.
10.Wall mounted electrical, mechanical, utility meters, and other utility equipment shall be screened. Screening height shall be equal to the height of the equipment.
11.All roof mounted equipment, such as mechanical units, vent hoods, communication devices, and/or other building systems equipment, shall be screened from view on all sides of the building. Roof screening height shall be equal to the height of the equipment.
B.Design Materials.
1.The front, sides, and rear facades of parking decks and structures shall have a primary composition of brick, stone, architectural pre-cast concrete, and/or formed concrete with textured finish that relates and is compatible to the finishes of the adjacent principal building.
2.Backlit translucent wall panels shall be prohibited.
3.Equipment screens for ground mounted units shall have a finish that is consistent with the finish materials of the building façade, or provide vegetative landscape screening immediately around the units.
4.Equipment screens for wall mounted units shall have finish that is consistent with the finish materials of the building façade, or vegetative landscape screening shall be provided immediately in front of the equipment units. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
5.Equipment screens for roof mounted units and appliances shall be a material consistent with the finish materials of the building facades. Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
6.Under “glow” lighting of fabric, vinyl, or translucent material awnings shall be prohibited.
Screening shall not resemble mechanical louvers.
230-110.11 Architectural Design Standards for Commercial and Non-residential Canopy Structures.
A.Design Composition.
1.Canopy designs shall incorporate neutral, earth tone, and/or natural finish colors that matches the adjacent principal building.
2.Canopy design may include one six-inch height horizontal feature featuring a business color.
3.Other business identity color features and graphics may be allowed as signage.
4.All under canopy lighting for gas/service islands must be fully recessed fixtures.
B.Design Materials.
1.Columns shall have full height brick, stone, stucco, and/or architectural wood case with a finish that complements the finish of the principal adjacent building. Columns shall be a minimum of 12 inches by 12 inches plan size.
2.Exposed rough timber columns may be allowed subject to review by the Director.
3.The vertical fascia panels shall be an opaque material. Backlit translucent panels shall be prohibited. The color of the vertical façade panels shall match the main color of the adjacent principal building.
230-110.12 Architectural Design Standards for Commercial, Non-residential, and Multifamily Miscellaneous
Site Structures. Miscellaneous site structures include, but are not limited to, trash enclosures, shopping cart corrals, and vending/self-service machines.
A.Design Standards for Commercial, Non-residential, and Multifamily Miscellaneous Site Structures.
1.Dumpsters shall be screened from view on all sides with an opaque wall and gate. Dumpster enclosures screen walls shall have a finish consistent with the finish materials of the building façade. Screen walls shall be a minimum of six-feet-high and shall be at least equal in height to the height of the dumpster.
2.Trash receptacles shall be screened from view on all sides with an opaque wall or decorative fence. Trash enclosures shall have a finish consistent with the finish materials of the building façade. The screen wall or fence shall be at least equal in height to the height of the trash receptacles.
3.Shopping cart corrals, located in parking lots, shall have decorative side rails and posts with at least 50 percent infill screen. Shopping cart corrals located directly at the facade of the building shall be screened with an opaque decorative masonry wall at least equal in height to the height of the carts.
4.Vending/self-service machines shall not be located directly in front of glass/window storefront areas. The vending machines shall not exceed the ratio of one vending machine per 25 linear feet of tenant store frontage.
230-110.13 Architectural Design Standards Color and Finish Chart.
A.Definition of Colors and Materials
1.Neutral – Colors that have a low (less than 50 percent) color value and low (less than 50 percent) color saturation intensity.
2.Color value (also known as lightness or luminosity) is the measure of the relative lightness or darkness of a color.
3.Color saturation is the measure of the intensity of a color.
4.Earth Tone – Colors that draw from a color palette of browns, tans, warm grays, greens, oranges, whites, and some reds, and some blues. The colors in an earth tone scheme are muted and flat in an emulation of the natural colors found in dirt, moss, trees, and rocks.
5.Natural Finish – Colors and patterns that naturally occur in wood grain textures or stone without a tinted finish.
Table 230-3: Color and Finish Chart
| Brick | Natural clay colors or paint finish earth tone and neutral colors. |
|---|
| Stone | Natural finish colors. |
| Stucco/EIFS | Earth tone and neutral colors. |
| Earth tone and neutral colors of textured coating finish. |
| Tilt-up Concrete | |
| Concrete with earth tone and/or neutral color coating or architectural concrete with exposed aggregate finish. |
| Pre-cast Concrete | |
| Earth tone and neutral colors. Metal panels with simulated natural finish may be allowed subject to review by the Director. |
| Metal Panels | |
| Earth tone and neutral colors. Tile with simulated natural finish may be allowed subject to review by the Director. |
| Ceramic Accent Tile | |
| Standing Seam Metal | Colors shall be earth tone, neutral, dark green, silver, black, dark metallic bronze, or beige, and/or aged copper. |
| Roof | |
| Standing Seam Metal | Colors shall be earth tone, neutral, dark green, silver, black, dark metallic bronze, or beige, and/or aged copper. |
| Awnings | |
| Colors shall be earth tone, neutral, dark green, and/or black. Alternative colors may be utilized provided that the awnings and other alternative color features do not exceed 10 percent of any single façade surface area. Graphic stripes or non-object graphics may be allowed subject to the review of the Director. |
| Fabric Awnings | |
| Earth tone and neutral colors – colors shall be consistent with features/colors of the principal adjacent building. |
| Canopy Fascia Panels | |
| Slate or Stone Shingles | Natural stone finish color. |
| Natural terra cotta or slate color. |
| Architectural Roof Tiles | |
| Dimensional Shingles | Shingles with slate or natural stone color appearance. |
| Natural Finish. |
| Wood Shakes | |
| Earth tone, neutral, and natural finish colors for the main field and accents. |
| Wood Siding & Fiber | |
| Cement Siding and Panels | |
| High Pressure Laminate | Earth tone and neutral colors. HPL panels with simulated natural finish may be allowed subject to review by the Director. |
| (HPL) | |