22.045 An Ordinance Relative to Form-Based Zoning - Amendment to Definitions - CertifiedIn the Year Two Thousand Twenty Two
Upon the Recommendation of Mayor Gina‐Louise Sciarra & Planning & Sustainability
22.045 AN ORDINANCE RELATIVE TO FORM-BASED ZONING - AMENDMENT TO DEFINITIONS
An Ordinance of the City of Northampton, Massachusetts, providing that the Code of Ordinances, City of
Northampton, Massachusetts, be amended to create form‐based zoning in downtown Northampton and
Florence Center. Such zoning requires modification of many sections of the code including the following
sections below.
Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Northampton, in City Council assembled, as follows:
Amend Chapter 350 2.1 Definitions by modifying
The Definition of height by replacing the existing graphic with this graphic:
And by adding in alphabetical order the following:
Build-to-Zone: The area between the minimum and maximum front setback lines. The
Build-to-Zone is measured perpendicular to the street line of any lot frontage. If the lot is on
a street corner, the Build-to-Zone applies to both frontages
(a) Diagram:
Form Based Code
1 of 14
Building Frontage Occupancy: a minimum percentage of the width of a lot’s street
frontage within the Build-To-Zone that must be occupied by a building.
(b) Diagram
Ground Floor Elevation: Ground floor elevation is the height difference between the
average top grade of the edge of the sidewalk closest to the front lot line to the top of the
finished floor of the ground story of a building.
(c) Diagram
Ground Floor Façade, Civic: A type of ground floor façade that is designed to stand apart
from its surroundings due to the special nature of its use as a public facility. A Civic Ground
Floor Façade is associated with a civic building which is often among the most prominently
sited and architecturally significant in a neighborhood. The design characteristics of a civic
ground floor façade vary widely, except that the entrance is typically quite prominent.
Ground Floor Façade, Commercial: A type of ground floor façade where the building
facade is aligned close to the street line or is set back from it a small distance. A
commercial-front has substantial glazing on the ground floor, although not as much as is
typical of a Storefront. The bottom sills of ground floor windows may be higher than those in
storefronts to provide a degree of privacy.
Ground Floor Façade, Storefront: A type of ground floor façade where the building façade
is aligned close to or at the Street Line with at-grade entries for each ground level use. This
type is commonly associated with retail, service or hospitality uses. It is predominantly
glazed and includes a high level of design detail. It may include an awning or canopy that
may encroach into the Public Frontage Zone or Pedestrian Throughway Zone.
Ground Floor Façade, Residential: A type of ground floor façade where the building
facade is set back from the street line with an intervening porch, stoop/ramp, or portico
providing a transition between the public realm and the private realm. A residential façade is
often elevated above the adjacent public realm. It includes at least one pedestrian entrance.
This type is commonly associated with residential use, but may also be used for commercial
uses, especially in locations where commercial and residential uses are in close proximity. A
residential facade has a moderate level of glazing.
Ground Floor Use Limitation Area: The front portion of the ground floor of a building that
is subject to limitations on allowed uses.
(d) Diagram
Principal Entrance Spacing Requirement. The maximum number of feet allowed
between principal ground floor entrances on a street-facing façade of a building.
Public Realm Zone, Furnishing and Utility Zone: The furnishing and utility zone is the
area of the sidewalk where pedestrians might pause or rest on benches or cafe seating and
where many of the utilities, like lighting and hydrants, are located. This is the area typically
planted with street trees. The furnishing and utility zone varies in width.
Public Realm Zone, Lot Frontage Zone: The Lot Frontage Zone is made up of the
combination of the Build-to-Zone and the area (if any) between the front lot line (also known
as the street line) and the minimum front setback. The lot frontage zone is measured from
the street line of any lot frontage. If the lot is on a street corner, the Lot Frontage Zone
applies to both frontages.
(e) Diagram:
Public Realm Zone, Pedestrian Throughway Zone: The Pedestrian Throughway Zone is
the primary portion of the sidewalk used for active movement and travel by pedestrians.
Public Realm Zone, Public Frontage Zone :The Public Frontage Zone is the area between
the Pedestrian Throughway and the front lot line. The size and character of the Public