In C4-7, C5-2, C5-3, C5-4, C5-5 and C6 Districts, the City Planning Commission may permit through block arcades to be located in commercial buildings or mixed buildings. For each square foot of through block arcade located in C4-7, C5-2, C5-4, C6-1, C6-2, C6-3, C6-4, C6-5 and C6-8 Districts, a bonus of three feet of floor area may be permitted and for each square foot of through block arcade located in C5-3, C5-5, C6-1A, C6-6, C6-7 and C6-9 Districts, a bonus of six feet of floor area may be permitted. Through block arcades may be located on a zoning lot in conjunction with a publicly accessible open area or an arcade but in no event shall the total floor area permitted on that zoning lot exceed the amount set forth in Section 33-12 (Maximum Floor Area Ratio) by more than 20 percent.

In the districts with an equivalent residential floor area ratio of 10, any floor area bonus earned by providing a through block arcade may be applied to increase the residential floor area of a mixed building provided the maximum floor area ratio for the residential portion does not exceed 12.0.

Each application for a through block arcade must meet the following criteria:

(1)        result in substantial improvement of pedestrian circulation; and

(2)        provide appropriate secondary commercial frontage along the through block arcade such as small shops and restaurants.

Bridges, mezzanines and balconies which add interest and function to the arcade without unduly obstructing its light and air may be incorporated in the proposal.

Lighting, paving, signs and plantings shall be specified in the application.

The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize any adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area.