Design Elements — On-lot parking for Wide or Larger Lots
One of the more difficult design issues within conservation subdivisions is parking. Front-facing garages can lead to a streetscape of vehicles and driveways and numerous curb-cuts in subdivisions with sidewalks. Side-loaded garages can mitigate this issue to some extent by moving vehicles from the front of each home to the side, enhancing the streetscape and pedestrian environment. Wider lots are necessary to accommodate these garages and may not be possible on smaller lots. Rear-facing garages oriented toward an alley can also improve the streetscape and pedestrian quality of the development.
Side Loaded Garage Orientation Options
Ordinance Considerations
Provisions for parking and garages are typically located in the Zoning or Subdivision and Land Development ordinance and apply to all residential developments. However, if pedestrian orientation is of particular importance for a municipality's conservation subdivision developments, specific parking requirements, like a prohibition on front-loaded garages, could be included in the conservation subdivision ordinance. However, side-loaded garages require a wider lot, and rear-loaded garages can require more impervious surface through the necessity of an alley.
Good Example
By featuring side-load garages in Uwchlan Woods at Williamsburg, the façades do not focus on vehicular accommodations.
This dwelling unit in the Reserves at Chaddsford using the design of the garage entry to create a unique courtyard near the entrance to the home.
Sideload garages allow the architecture to become the focal point, rather than the vehicular accommodations.