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Council amends design rules to allow 100% architectural metal in C1/C2 with design conditions (Ordinance 2026-001)
Summary
Council debated and amended zoning text to allow 100% architectural metal on all sides in C1/C2 zones but adopted a condition requiring that if more than 50% architectural metal is used, multiple types, colors or textures must be incorporated to avoid monotonous single‑material façades.
The City Council debated proposed ordinance amendments (Ordinance 2026‑001) that would allow 100% architectural metal as an exterior material in the C1 and C2 zoning districts. Council members raised concerns that permitting 100% metal without design safeguards could produce monotonous, single‑color buildings and erode prior design standards intended to encourage variety and articulation.
Staff said the key distinction is ‘‘architectural metal’’—metal panels with concealed fasteners or interlocking profiles—rather than inexpensive corrugated panels with exposed fasteners. Staff noted the zoning definition excludes products with exposed fasteners and that corrugated metal would remain restricted unless it met architectural standards.
Council members discussed articulation rules and past design review work, and several recommended adding a clarifying sentence to the ordinance. The council agreed on a revision requiring that if more than 50% architectural metal is used on a façade, multiple types (different colors, textures or profiles) must be employed to break up large uniform planes. One council member summarized the agreed language as: ‘‘If over 50% architectural metal is used, two or more architectural metals with different colors, textures, and profiles shall be used.’’
After inserting that condition, a motion to adopt the change passed. The transcript indicates the motion and second were made and the motion carried; a formal roll‑call tally was not recorded in the transcript provided.
The amendment aims to allow modern metal products while retaining design controls intended to prevent low‑cost, low‑design outcomes in the city’s business districts.
