The Four Strategies of CPTED

Guidelines For Store Fronts

For a neighborhood to remain healthy, its local businesses must flourish; and for businesses to do well they must be safe places to frequent.

With the increase in separating commercial areas from residential ones, and the decline which often accompanies this separation, it is essential that CPTED guidelines be followed when building or remodeling commercial property. Simple design features, such as positioning cash registers near the main entrance and keeping pay phones visible, can accomplish much in the way of making customers feel safe and secure.

• Cash registers should be located in front of store near main entrance
  
  
• Public paths should be clearly marked
  
  
• Signs should direct patrons to parking and entrances
  
  
• There should be no easy access to the roof
  
  
• Rear access to shops should be provided from rear parking lots

• Windows should face rear parking lots for increased visibility
  
  
• Window signs should cover no more than 15% of windows
  
  
• Interior shelving and displays should be no higher than five feet for increased visibility
  
  
• Exterior of buildings should be well lit
  
  
• Loading areas should not create hiding places
  
  
• Clear visibility should be maintained from the store to the street, sidewalk, parking areas and passing vehicles
  
  
• Retention area should be visible from the building or street; it should be a visual amenity, not hedged or fenced off
  
  
• All entrances should be under visual surveillance or monitored electronically
  
  
• Dumpsters should not create blind spots or hiding areas

• Property boundaries, where possible, should be marked with hedges, low fences or gates
  
  
• Private areas should be easily distinguishable from public areas
  
  
• Shops should be identified by wall signs for those parking in the rear
  
  
• Awnings should be installed over rear doors and windows
  
  
• Parking area should be, clearly visible from the building or street

• Operating hours should coincide with those of other neighboring businesses
  
  
• Pay phones should be call-out only and under surveillance at all times
  
  
• Interior space should be well lit