Streetscape Specifications
What is the streetscape?
The streetscape is that part of the street right-of-way between the face of the curb and the
building. In downtown Boise, the streetscape includes the sidewalk surface, street trees, historic
street lights and a collection of furnishings. These furnishings include benches, planters for flowers,
tree grates, trash receptacles, bicycle racks, transit shelters, newsstands, bollards and drinking
fountains. In areas that have an urban character such as the central business district, the sidewalk
surface runs from the building face to the curb, and street trees are planted in tree grates. In areas
that have a neighborhood character, the sidewalk surface is separated from the street by a tree lawn
where the street trees are planted.
Why does City of Boise have streetscape standards?
Since the mid 1980s, significant investment has been made in downtown Boise’s streetscapes. These
highly visible improvements have been instrumental to the success of the downtown area. The
streetscapes provide a setting for community events, for development of adjoining private property,
and for the everyday interaction of people who frequent downtown. Streetscape standards have been
established to assure over time that the way downtown sidewalks are designed, and the materials and
furnishings used on these sidewalks create a distinct identity and attractive ambience for downtown,
which serves as the social, commercial and cultural heart of the community. The standards classify
streets by the character of the area in which they are located. For each category, they identify how
the sidewalk is surfaced—whether brick, concrete or a combination is used—and the specific make, model
and color of the furnishings that are to be installed. The streetscapes create a common design thread
throughout the downtown area which contributes to a feeling of coherence and continuity.
How to determine the streetscape standards for you project:
Step 1: Find your parcel and streetscape type on this map
Step 2: Download and review the PDF below of the standards for your streetscape type
Step 3: Review the specifications for your streetscape type in the PDF
Step 4: Review the Quality Control: Construction Standards & Conditions for streetscape projects
Each PDF below includes streetscape standards, specifications, order information, construction details, and construction standards and conditions for each streetscape type.
Streetscape Type 1
Urban Brick (wide) (1.3MB)
Urban Brick (narrow) (1.3MB)
(For best printing results for this PDF choose: print/properties/2-sided print, flip on short edge)
Streetscape Type 2
Urban Concrete with Brick (wide) (1.3MB)
Urban Concrete with Brick (narrow) (1.3MB)
(For best printing results for this PDF choose: print/properties/2-sided print, flip on short edge)
Streetscape Type 3
Urban Concrete (wide) (1.3MB)
Urban Concrete (narrow) (1.3MB)
(For best printing results for this PDF choose: print/properties/2-sided print, flip on short edge)
Streetscape Type 4
Neighborhood (1.3MB)
(For best printing results for this PDF choose: print/properties/2-sided print, flip on short edge)
Streetscape Type 5
Urban Parkway (1.3MB)
(For best printing results for this PDF choose: print/properties/2-sided print, flip on short edge)
Streetscape Type 6
Capitol Boulevard (1.3MB)
(For best printing results for this PDF choose: print/properties/2-sided print, flip on short edge)
Streetscape Type 7
Special/T.B.D. (1.3MB)
(For best printing results for this PDF choose: print/properties/2-sided print, flip on short edge)
Streetscape Type 8
Celebratory Corners (1.3MB)
(For best printing results for this PDF choose: print/properties/2-sided print, flip on short edge)
Downtown Boise Streetscape Standards & Specifications Manual
Standards for all streetscape types (3.7MB)
(For best printing results for this PDF choose: print/properties/2-sided print, flip on short edge)