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NORTH HARBOR BOULEVARD SPECIFIC PLAN 167 A 2.S~ C~aracter Zones An outgrowth of an analysis of the visual issues and the items within the visual categories is a series of zones, each of which has its own particular characterts- tics. The study area has heen divided into eight charac- ter zones, as follows. (See Figure 2.7.) 1. Designed O~ Space: (No significant visual prob- lems, some elements of higher visual quality.) Areas of intentionally undeveloped land including open recre- ational areas and school grounds. These are generally attractive 'green' areas which enhance the study area. 2. Undroeloped/Unused Mhd: (Lack of spatial defini- tion/ appearance issues.) Vacant lots and open land with no designed use and with no or few built forms. The visual quality is uninteresting with no visual focus or emphasis. Visual containment is lost and views are often of the land uses beyond. 3. Undevel~:~d Land Uses: (Lack of spacial defini- tion/ intrusive visual elements). Temporary or mov- able land uses on open lots generally with few perma- nent built forms (e.g., vehicle sales lots, mobile homes). . Areas of open character with little visual containment. Boundaries are open or low and generally poor, land- scape is insufficient or non-existent. There is a high level of visual confusion created by flags, signs, parked vehicles and bright colors. 4. Disorganized Single StoryBuilding: (Building Appearance/Intrusive visual elements) Established areas with no distinct land use pattern. Mainly older quality and poorly maintained buildings on small lots. Buildings are generally of a low architectural standard with no particular style, cluttered frontages and many assorted signs. Setbacks are inconsistent and sidewalks are either narrow or absent. Landscaping is insuffident or non-existent. 5. Organized Single Story Buildings: (Lack of spatial definition) More recently established developments typically consisting of retail, commercial and fast food outlets with a high proportion of strip and L-shaped malls. Buildings are generally of an acceptable archi- tectural standard, although individual malls are differ- ent styles and characters. Signs are better organized. Developments are mainly single story with associated parking lots. Space around the buildings is designed for ease of vehicle movement as well as allowing for internal pedestrian movements. Most areas have designed landscapes. 6. Multi-Story Buildings/Architectural Character: (No significant visual problems/confused zones.) Taller buildings and groups of buildings, typically residential or motels with better than average visual or architec- tural interest. These areas are generally maintained to a reas6nable standard with some associated landscap- ing. 7. Large Buildings~Logy Architectural Q~"~y: (Intrusive visual elements.) Mixed land uses with larger individ- ual buildings on large or roedium sized lots, typically industrial in character. These buildings are generally functional in character with little or no detailing around the buildings. Lots are open and are generally used for storage or vehicle parking. Little or no land- scaping or other vegetation is present. 8~ Low Rise Single lot Developments: (Categories vary.) Single buildings set within individual and gen- erally landscaped lots; typically residential neighbor- hoods. Buildings are of mixed quality with irregular maintenance standards. Most areas are away from the major circulation routes. The character zones as described above are at times mixed within a relatively small area. This happens especially where single larger lots or groups of lots are of significant visual weight and therefore ara catego- rized separately from surrounding zones. Where visu- al characters are mixed, they are shown as 'Multidimensional Zones.' No overriding landscape and visual character occurs. These are shown on Figure A.7 and surrounded by a black border. In other places, single lots or small groups of lots are inconsistent with the overall character zone, and may be more accurately classed within a different category. However, where these are of little visual importance and do not alter the general character of the wider area, the major zone classification only is shown. These notable inconsistencies are marked on (FigureA.7) by an asterisk. Also shown on (Figure A.7) are open views. These denote distant views with a feeling of openness, and areas where the visual quality or feature is not directly related to the streetscape. Where the adjoining land use character is the main visual definition to space as viewed from streets within the study area, the character of the adjoining area is indicated. A 2,5.4 Road Edges The streets that form the core of the area lack strong unifying features. In particular, Harbor Boulevard lacks a consistent landscape theme as exists along other parts 11