1. Policy: Site Planning
Alleys are a part of the Telluride character. They help to express the arrangement of the town grid, provide for service areas away from the street and offer opportunities for access to secondary structures. In some larger projects, internal walkways may link with the alley system. Existing alleys are framed with sheds and outbuildings, many of which are historic, that help define the alley edge and contribute to the low scale of these places. In general, a modest, rustic character is found. The variety of small buildings and ancillary structures along alleys also provides visual interest and helps make Telluride’s alleys unique pedestrian routes.
A. Preserve the system of alleys and rectangular blocks in site planning
1. Retain the alleys in site plans.
2. An alleyway should be sited on a north-south or east-west axis.
3. Alleys are used by pedestrians and bicycles as well as vehicles. Design them to accommodate all user groups in a safe manner.
B. Locate any new building such that the image of the alley is maintained
1. Consider preservation of view corridors along alleys when positioning buildings and fences.
2. The dominant elevation of the building should be oriented parallel to the alley(s), to reinforce the perception of the grid.
3. Even where alleys were not actually developed, they were platted and this should therefore be reflected in new projects. This may be expressed as an open corridor in a large project.
4. Provide visual interest on all façades that will be seen from alleys and pedestrian ways.
5. A building should step down in scale along the street and alley edge.
6. Use varied building setbacks and changes in materials to create interest and reduce the perceived scale along alleys.
7. Also maintain views along alleys by keeping a low scale of building.
C. Maintain the general alignment of secondary structures along alley edges
1. Refer to the building code and Public Works for more information.
2. Consider impacts of the placement of alley structures on views, access and quality of open space.
3. Some variation in setbacks to alleys is desired to provide visual interest for pedestrians.
D. Design parking areas to be accessed from alleys or rear drives rather than from the street
1. Coordinate work in and along the alley with Public Works.
2. In a residential context, the use of a detached garage, located along the alley, is especially encouraged.
E. An alley landscape design should be simple and rustic in character
1. Avoid highly elaborate and excessive planting schemes and ornate furnishings along alley edges.