The document summarizes streetscape design guidelines for Mammoth Lakes, California. It discusses recommendations from the Main Street Plan and Zoning Code Update, including widening sidewalks, using consistent street furniture, improving lighting, and requiring pedestrian-friendly design in new commercial developments. The guidelines are intended to create a cohesive streetscape that enhances the pedestrian experience and sense of place throughout the downtown area.

1. Appendix Item A
Streetscape Character Areas and Design Guidelines

2. 1
Streetscape Character Areas and
Design Guidelines
The primary sources of guidance for streetscape design are the
Main Street Plan (2013) and the Zoning Code Update (2013). The
Main Street Plan provides design recommendations and a plan for
phased improvement to Main Street. The Zoning Code Update pro-
vides specific regulations that will shape future development such
as height, setbacks, and frontage improvements. The key areas of
each plan relating to pedestrian infrastructure are discussed below.
Main Street Plan
The Main Street Plan recommends that Downtown sidewalks should be
wide enough to accommodate amenities such as landscaping, seating
areas, trash cans, and bike parking. The Downtown core should include
the greatest concentration of furnishings, plantings, lighting, and gate-
way monumentation. The streetscape palette will soften outside of the
downtown area; while the elements will remain the same, the density
will decrease, with ornamental beds, boulders and accent lighting re-
duced to intersections, transit stops, and boundaries between sub-areas.
Recent investments in streetscape improvements, such as the new
gateway monument signs, new signage, lights, banners, and bus
shelters shows the the Town is committed to improving the pedes-
trian experience and working toward developing a unique iden-
tity for Mammoth Lakes. Streetscape improvements should be
strategically located and continuous throughout the Downtown.
1. Street Lighting
Existing pedestrian pole lighting will provide the most substantial light-
ing within Downtown. Lighting is one of the most important methods for
creating character and sense of place within a streetscape environment.
Commercial Zoning Code Update
Main Street Plan

3. 2
Asamountainresorttown,protectionofthedarkskiesiscritical,andnew
streetscapeimprovementsreflectasoftandsubduedapproachtolighting.
2. LED Lighting
LED lights can be utilized to create glowing accents on boulders, shrubs,
and ornamental grasses.
3. Street Furnishings
Recommended streetscape furnishings were chosen primarily for their
ability to withstand climatic extremes.All streetscape furnishings should
be constructed of powder-coated steel, and the trash and recycling cans
should be bear-proof. The furnishings should fit with the ‘village in the
trees’ character.
a. Trash and Recycling Receptacle
Bear-proof trash/recycling cans with a pinecone graphic will be installed
along Main Street. To customize the bear-proof trash/recycling cans, a
pinecone-type graphic will be designed and installed on each face of the
unit, mimicking the pinecone topper of the gateway monuments.
b. Benches
Brown powder-coated recycled steel benches will have a modern wood-
en-slat appearance. The benches will be constructed from powder-coat-
ed steel.
c. Bicycle Racks
Bike racks will be powder-coated steel in the same style family as the
specified benches. These will fit in with the urban landscape and in-
clude artistic designs.
d. Bus Stop Shelter
New bus stop structures will be located on both sides of Main Street and
Trash and Recycling
Receptacles
Benches
Street Lighting
LED Lighting

4. 3
Old Mammoth Road. Enhanced bus stops and shelters will encourage
residents and visitors to use public transportation. The existing stops
lack amenities and are not connected to sidewalks. Riders must wait on
unpaved areas for the bus or, when snow is present, on the shoulder of
Main Street.
e. Banners
Banners should be colorful, fun, and simple to quickly convey a mes-
sage. Text should be limited to one-third of the banner area to create a
more attractive and dramatic design. Event banners should be removed
within 1-3 days of the completion of the event. Fabric banners should
be made of high quality fabric, and removed immediately when loose,
frayed, or faded.
Commercial Zoning Code
The Town’s zoning regulations shape development on private proper-
ties, providing a key tool for implementation of the community’s vi-
sion. Zoning regulations address a range of development considerations
such as permitted uses (residential, hotel, commercial, etc.), building
height, and parking.
The Town is currently updating its zoning regulations to encourage
development that promotes a vibrant downtown. Along Main Street,
the updated regulations will promote pedestrian-oriented development,
support economic growth and sustainability, increase density and vital-
ity, maintain views and minimize shading, and reduce the role of cars.
1. Commercial Districts
The commercial areas are where pedestrian facilities and furnishings
should be concentrated. The commercial areas are designated by three
districts, the Downtown District, Old Mammoth Road (OMR) District,
and Mixed Lodging/Residential (MLR) District. The regulations such
as density, height, and setbacks vary by district. Below is a brief sum-
Bicycle Racks
BannersGateways
Bus Stop Shelter

5. 4
mary of each district.
a. Downtown District (D)
Downtown (D) District is intended to provide a thriving mix of residen-
tial, non-residential, and lodging uses and a distinctive gateway entry
into town, with a focus on ground-level commercial uses and active
frontages. The development standards are intended to concentrate de-
velopment along Main Street with a focus on active street frontages and
the buildings that frame the street and provide an animated, pedestri-
an-friendly environment with high visual quality.
b. Old Mammoth Road (OMR) District
The Old Mammoth Road (OMR) District is intended as an arts and
culture district oriented toward medium scale commercial development
along Old Mammoth Road, emphasizing community serving retail, art-
ist galleries, office, and service uses. It is intended to encourage a mix
and intensity of uses in a pedestrian-scaled environment at a scale and
form that is appropriate to its neighborhood context and adjacent resi-
dential uses and forms.
c. Mixed Lodging/Residential (MLR) District.
The Mixed Lodging/Residential (MLR) District is intended to allow a
variety of lodging, residential, and non-residential uses to encourage a
mix of uses and emphasize transient occupancy.
2. Specific Requirements
a. Maximum Block Length
Block length is limited to 350 feet measured from curb edge to curb
edge. A block length up to 600 feet shall only be allowed when a mid-
block pedestrian connection is provided or the Community and Econo-
nomic D
Downtown Commercial Districts

6. 5
irector finds that:
1. It is not feasible or practical to provide a mid-block pedestrian con-
nection due to the location and configuration of the lot; and
2. Safe and convenient pedestrian connections are provided throughout
the site and provisions are made to accommodate cross-access to/from
to pedestrian areas that may be developed on adjacent properties.
b. Architectural Articulation
Buildings shall include sufficient architectural design features to create
visual interest. Compliance with this requirement shall be evaluated by
the Community & Economic Director in the review process.
c. Pedestrian-Friendly Design Features
Building frontages along designated active frontages shall be designed
to enhance the storefront character of retail areas. Storefronts consist
of detailed and composed facades with individual windows set in well
detailed frames. Frontages should incorporate features that contribute
to pedestrian comfort and interest, such as awnings, recessed entries,
arcades, hanging lights, and bracket hung signs. Architectural and orna-
mental features shall not impede pedestrian routes.
d. Arcades
The minimum depth of an arcade shall be five feet clear, measured
from the back face of the columns to the ground floor facade.
e. Building Design
Buildings shall be well designed to create a pedestrian-friendly envi-
ronment and support a vital and active public realm. Buildings shall
appear integrated with the natural features and existing buildings in the
districts; complement the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain setting; and
contribute to the Town of Mammoth Lakes’ “village in the trees” iden-
Pedestrian Friendly Design Features
Block length is limited to 350 feet measured
from curb edge to curb edge

7. 6
tity.
f. On-site pedestrian circulation and access must be provided accord-
ing to the following standards
1. Internal Connections
A system of pedestrian walkways shall connect all buildings on a site
to each other, to on-site automobile and bicycle parking areas, and to
any on-site open space areas or pedestrian amenities.
2. To Street Network
Regular connections between on-site walkways and the public sidewalk
shall be provided. An on-site walkway shall connect the primary build-
ing entry or entries to a public sidewalk on each street frontage. On
sloping sites, the walkway between the building and the sidewalk or
other public outdoor area shall be designed as usable open space with
generously sized steps and landings, with features such as low risers
and wide treads, and any planter boxes that include seating ledges.
3. To Adjacent Properties
Direct and convenient access shall be provided from commercial and
mixed-use projects to adjoining residential and commercial areas to the
maximum extent feasible while still providing for safety and security.
4. To Transit
Safe and convenient pedestrian connections shall be provided from
transit stops to building entrances.
5. Pedestrian Walkway Design
• Walkways shall be a minimum of six feet wide, shall be hard-sur-
faced, and paved with permeable materials.
Arcades
Access to Street Network

8. 7
Access to Street Network Sloping Sites