(1) Without restricting the permissible limits of the applicable zoning district, the height and scale of any new building shall be compatible with its site and any existing adjoining buildings.

(2) Where adjacent buildings are of different architectural styles in the MB-I zoning district, any new structure shall be made compatible through such devices as screens, sight breaks and exterior wall treatment.

(3) Development features that may have negative impacts on adjacent properties (i.e., parking lots, off-street loading areas, mechanical equipment, etc.) shall submit plans for buffering these elements from neighboring properties.

(4) In established neighborhoods, the planning director may allow variations in design to conform with existing adjacent buildings and sites if there is no threat to public health, safety, or welfare. Whenever possible, the average standards for the abutting properties shall be the minimum standards for the proposed development. All developed lots or parcels that abut the property proposed for development shall be considered in determining the average standards for development. Where neighborhood design is better served, alternative designs may be considered for the following elements: