Townhome Lot The master plan creates a vibrant neighborhood by proposing a strategy to include mixed-use, mixed-income through the inclusion of a variety of housing types. One of the housing types illustrated in the master plan is the Townhouse model. The townhouse building type is strategically placed within the master plan to enclose spaces and create a continuous street edge to enable a slightly more urban village neighborhood.
New townhouses created within the master plan must be designed to enhance the public realm and must blend with the traditional architectural character of the historic areas of the City of Athens. Vehicular access will always be achieved at the rear of the townhouse dwelling unit. A minimum of two parking spaces per dwelling shall be provided. Rear service lanes or alleys shall be screened from pedestrian view to the extent possible and shall be screened by building facades, fences, wall and/or landscaping.
Setbacks for townhouse dwelling units vary and should be determined based upon the placement within the master plan. Setbacks have been determined by several factors including placement adjacent to and the framing of open spaces. Adequate space has been provided for stoops, porches, stairs and landscape planting to soften the character of the facades along the street.
The overall building mass of a series of townhouse dwellings should be designed as a composition rather than a series of connected individual dwellings. Buildings should have a simple, articulated with a base, middle, and top. The scale of the townhouse buildings should be compatible with the scale and character of the surrounding single-family homes. End townhouse dwellings at corners shall address the corner and are allowed to have front entrances along the end elevation. End townhouse dwellings should be designed to "feel" like single-family houses. The maximum height for townhouse buildings is 3 stories.
Windows and doors must be vertical in proportion and based on time-tested traditional architectural styles. Pane sizes and proportions must be consistent on different windows and doors used throughout the house. Use of special windows, including bays, bows, dormers, fanlights, and paired or grouped windows are encouraged, but must be used in proper situations based upon classic design principles. Grouped windows must be separated by a minimum of 5 1/2" between windows. Factory manufactured grouped windows are unacceptable.
Suitable materials for all facades include brick, stucco, wood, or composition siding with beveled, shiplap or beaded lap profiles.
