Does the new By-law address the design of individual buildings?
The new By-law does not specify a particular style for new buildings, and does not create any design review bodies to review building designs. However, Part 5 of the By-law does require that new multi-family buildings screen rooftop equipment, provide pathways, and ensure that common areas are visible for safety. In addition, Part 5 requires that most new commercial buildings (especially big ones) include prominent entrances and avoid bland, featureless walls, and that they screen rooftop equipment. The By-law provides a menu of options as to how those goals may be met, and allows developers to suggest other ways of achieving the requirements through “alternative equivalent performance.” In addition, the By-law addresses the design of commercial parking and industrial parking lots by requiring new lots to be landscaped, and by requiring the inclusion of pedestrian walkways and bicycle parking for larger commercial developments.
