(A) Siting and setback. New construction should maintain the uniform setback of older residential and commercial buildings along the street.
(B) Massing, height and scale. New construction should conform to the massing, volume, height, facade proportions and scale of buildings within view of the site, and also comply with existing zoning regulations. The gross volume of any new structure should be visually compatible with the buildings and elements within the surrounding area.
(C) Materials and details. Although the architectural character of the district is quite eclectic, materials and details should be compatible with adjacent buildings. Wood and masonry are preferable to vinyl, metal or hardboard siding. Imitative materials such as artificial stone or brick veneer should not be used. The use of vinyl, metal or hardboard siding will be considered by the Zoning Administrator or Commission on a case-by-case basis.
(D) Parking. Parking areas should be located at the side or at the rear of the buildings and should be screened with landscaping, low walls or appropriately detailed fences. A vegetation screening plan should accompany plans for parking development.
(E) Building elements.
(1) Roofs. In new construction, the skyline or roof profile should relate to the predominant roof shapes of the surrounding area. Roofing materials used on new buildings should be appropriate to the design of the building and the visibility of the roof. Roof hardware such as skylights, vents and metal pipe chimneys should not be placed on the front roof plane.
(2) Windows and entries. Prominent first-floor display windows and distinctive entries facing the street are typical for existing historic commercial buildings. Similarly, vertically-oriented, double-hung sash is the predominant window type for the upper stories of residential buildings within the district. The location, proportion, size, rhythm and detailing of windows and entries should address these traditional forms.
(3) Signs and lighting.
(a) Signs, graphics and lighting should be designed as part of the facade. Signs on commercial blocks housing several adjacent businesses should be designed to unify the facade, while providing identity for individual businesses.
(b) Type, style, sign color and sign materials should complement the building exterior. Lighting should be compatible with the building exterior and signs. Internally lighted signs should not be used where they overpower the facade or setting.
(Prior Code, § 12-1712)