ELEMENTS OF SITE DESIGN    

 

Service Elements
In a well-designed project, service elements (i.e., dumpsters and recycling bins, mechanical facilities, mail box clusters, utility meters, delivery areas) are located to minimize their visual and physical impact on the site, as well as on adjacent properties.  Service elements should be separated from pedestrian circulation and screened from view.  Their location should also facilitate easy access for maintenance and/or trucks with minimal disturbance.  Whenever possible, they should be combined and located in enclosed areas off alleys, side drives, or within a parking area.

 

Screened electrical box

 

Well-designed and screened service elements

 

Key Points:

  • Place service elements and delivery areas at the rear of buildings or parking areas or in an enclosed area to minimize their impact on a site.  Service elements should be screened from view.
  • Use surfacing materials designed to withstand repeated pick-up and drop-off of waste containers.
  • Screen service elements with a durable, attractive structure and planting beds with hardy, native vegetation of which at least fifty (50) percent is non-deciduous.  Refer to Critical Design Practices: Screening for additional information.