Tempe Pedestrian Oriented Design Guidelines

Code provides pedestrian oriented design guidelines that are desirable but no required or regulated. These guidelines include use of cool materials, rainwater storage, and particular landscape designs.

Cool materials: To mitigate heat island impacts, new and existing developments are encouraged to use roofing and building materials that provide high reflectivity and/or high emissivity as appropriate to use and occupancy. Use permeable paving surfaces where appropriate, and high reflectivity and/or emissivity paving materials. Reflective surface paving should not be used in large unshaded areas which create significant eye strain or contrast to surroundings, and might impair visibility of pedestrians or drivers.

Rainwater storage: Underground retention and on-site rainwater storage for irrigation purposes is permitted, subject to Engineering Division review and approval. Permeable surfaces can be used to decrease area used in calculation for retention. Shared retention is encouraged where opportunities for dedicated public open space can be provided.

Landscape designs: landscape plans should satisfy guidelines like retaining natural vegetation and incorporating it into the landscape design, as practicable and defining pedestrian pathways and open space areas with landscape materials where appropriate. A plant list is provided. Tree selection is also part of these guidelines. Consideration should be given to providing a broad canopy where shade is desired and species should be selected based on growth characteristics and site conditions, including available space, overhead clearance, soil conditions, exposure, and desired color and appearance.