The form and function of the above Development Patterns and specific development projects within those patterns is primarily due to the design of four basic Design Elements: streetscapes, residences, sites, and open spaces.

    Streetscapes – Streetscape design refers to the design of public rights of way, and the relationship of building frontages to that design aimed at creating a coherent visual aesthetic along a street. It consists primarily of the roadway design, roadway landscape edge, and pedestrian facilities.

    Residences – Building design involves the location, orientation, scale, massing, façade design, and architectural elements of a building. Basic urban design rules regarding each of these aspects of building design can create a compatible environment capable of blending a diversity of architectural styles in a consistent manner.

    Sites – Site design refers to the use, function, and design of areas between buildings on private lots. It addresses elements of landscape, access, circulation, parking, signs, and exterior lighting.

    Open Space – Open space design refers to areas set aside to perform a specific function as open exterior areas. It may be in public, common, or private ownership, but it is distinguished from mere un-built areas by its design for a specific function, and its intentional relationship to streetscapes and buildings. It covers a range of sizes, scales, and designs, including courtyards, plazas, squares, greens, parks, and conservation areas.

The design guidelines in the following sections are organized under the principle Development Patterns of the Maize Comprehensive Plan, and are broken into guidelines for each of the major Design Elements tailored to support the specific Development Pattern. The Agriculture development pattern does not include guidelines, as it contemplates little or no development activity beyond agriculture or conservation developments.