(A) Massing and scale. New construction should conform to the massing, volume, height, facade proportions and scale of surrounding structures 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. New dwellings and commercial buildings should be compatible with the height of existing adjacent buildings.
(B) Materials and details. Materials and details should relate to those of existing nearby 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. Materials will be reviewed to determine their appropriate use in relation to the overall design of the structure. The use of vinyl, metal or hardboard siding will be considered by the Zoning Administrator or Commission on a case-by-case basis.
(C) Building elements.
(1) Roofs. In new construction, the skyline or roof profile should relate to the predominant roof shape of nearby buildings. Highly visible secondary structure roofs should match the roof pitch of the main structure. The 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 be placed on the front roof plane.
(2) Windows and entries. Vertically oriented, double-hung sash are the predominant historic window type in the city, although there are exceptions. The proportion, size, rhythm and detailing of windows and entries should be compatible with that of existing nearby buildings. The rhythm of solids to voids created by openings in the facade of the new structure should be visually compatible with surrounding structures.
(3) Porches and decks. Porches are a standard feature of many historic houses in the city and whether enclosed or unenclosed they are an important part of the streetscape. The front entry of new construction in residential areas should be articulated with a design element such as a porch, portico or landing which provides a transitional zone between the semipublic and public exterior zones and the private interior zone. This design element should be appropriately detailed and compatible with the size and scale of the building. Decks should be constructed at the rear of the building and should be integrated into the overall design. Decks should be appropriately detailed and should not be raised in a manner which makes them conspicuous.
(Prior Code, § 12-1713)