§ 6.03.11. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

A.

Intent.

The intent of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is to achieve the creation and re-creation of a safe, attractive and economically viable physical environment, and that the proper design and effective use of the physical environment would lead to a reduction in the incidence and fear of crime and an improvement in the quality of life.

B.

Applicability.

The provisions of Section 6.03.11 shall be incorporated into the site design of all newly developed and redeveloped properties with non-residential or multi-family uses. For expansions to existing developments meeting the above criteria, these regulations shall apply only to the area of expansion. If the application of CPTED principles conflict with other sections of this Code, the most restrictive shall apply.

C.

Requirements.

A minimum of one CPTED strategy from each of the principles of Natural Surveillance, Natural Access Control and Territorial Reinforcement shall be incorporated into the site design phase for all applicable development.

1.

Natural Surveillance (Reduce Opportunities)

Criminal opportunities can be reduced by creating an atmosphere that does not encourage or invite unlawful activity. Strategies include;

a.

well lit public outdoor areas and pedestrian walkways;

b.

well lit parking areas;

c.

direction to general public access from all parking areas;

d.

signs directing general public to entrances for general public;

e.

easily identifiable store entrances;

f.

restrict the access to roofs or upper levels;

g.

elevators and stairs in parking garages located on the perimeter to permit natural surveillance from exterior public areas via glass-back elevators and glass at stairs and elevator lobbies; and

h.

Parking areas designed in a way to accommodate the immediate or future installation of emergency communications.

2.

Natural Access Control (Increase Visibility)

Visibility in and around the business and residential areas will help to reduce crime. strategies include:

a.

store windows facing all parking areas;

b.

interior shelves and displays not exceeding five feet in height;

c.

well lit interior/exterior spaces;

d.

building-mounted lighting installed on all exterior walls, especially at delivery/service and entrances for general public;

e.

clear visibility maintained from the store to the street, parking areas, pedestrian walkways, and passing vehicles;

f.

all entrances and exits under visual or electronic surveillance; and

g.

landscaping, buildings, walls and fences which do not create hiding places or hinder visibility.

3.

Territorial Reinforcement

Physical features can be used to distinguish private areas from public spaces. Residential areas should be designed to mark territory, sending a message that the property belongs to someone. Strategies to differentiate private areas from public spaces include:

a.

landscaping, special pavement, and low fences;

b.

security system signage displayed at access points;

c.

public spaces identified by welcome, directional, marquee, or similar signs; and

d.

wrought iron, aluminum picket or similar non-opaque decorative gates used to identify entrances or direct pedestrian traffic.

4.

Maintenance and Management

Maintenance and management shall be considered at the site design phase, as the selection of materials and finishes impact the types of maintenance methods that can be sustained over time. Proper maintenance prevents reduced visibility due to, for example, plant overgrowth, and obstructed or inoperative lighting. Strategies include:

a.

low-maintenance landscaping and lighting treatments;

b.

location of light fixtures at suitable heights for easy maintenance and replacement; and

c.

posting current information indicating who to call when maintenance is required, such as light bulb burnout, plant overgrowth, etc.

(Ord. No. 08-29, § 2, eff. 2-1-09; Ord. No. 09-62, Item Q, 10-26-09, eff. 2-1-2010)

Editor's note

Ord. No. 08-29, § 2, effective February 1, 2009, amended the Code by adding two separate sections both numbered 6.03.10. The second was renumbered as 6.03.11 at the discretion of the editor.