(A) Intent. The intention of the Common Council of the city is that no proposed structure or alteration shall be deemed to be in violation of this subchapter based upon personal preference to taste or choice of architectural design of any person or persons involved in the administration and enforcement of this subchapter. Only the recommendations listed in the divisions below will be considered while evaluating proposed construction.
(B) Standards. The following standards shall be considered for applications filed under this subchapter:
(1) Typical elements of traditional Bern-area Swiss architecture include low-pitched roofs, expansive roof overhangs, roof materials featuring tile, simulated tile, high profile asphalt shingles, or heavy shakes, stucco or stucco-like wall materials, balconies, scrolled slats, flower boxes, arched doorways, shutters, traditional scrolling or Rococo designs, and stucco color of white or off-white. The Architectural Review Committee may develop more detailed design suggestions and criteria acceptable to the Committee.
(2) Whether or not the proposed structure, building or improvement is compatible with existing well-designed structures, acceptable to the Committee, in the vicinity and in the city as a whole.
(3) Whether or not, in terms of design, material, texture, color, lighting, landscaping, dimension, line or mass or roof line and height, the proposed structure, building or improvement is designed to serve primarily as an advertisement or commercial display, exhibits exterior characteristics likely to deteriorate rapidly, would be of temporary or short-term architecture or aesthetic acceptability, would be plainly offensive to human sensibilities or would otherwise constitute a reasonable foreseeable detriment to the community.
(C) Matrix. The matrix attached to Ch. 152, Appendix D, will be utilized by the Review Committee in determining the incentives received by an applicant filing under this subchapter.
(D) Parking lots. All parking lots shall be constructed of either asphalt or concrete, bounded with curb and gutters. Curbs must be fabricated concrete. Specifications must conform to those of the subdivision regulations of the city.
(E) Utility service and equipment. In an effort to enhance the aesthetic quality of the commercial community, underground communications and electric service building connection lines are encouraged in architectural review districts. Underground communications and electric service lines may be required.
(F) Exterior equipment. Air conditioning, heating, electric generators, exhaust duct, exhaust fans, exhaust blowers, refrigeration equipment and any other equipment located on roof, wall or on site shall satisfy the following requirements:
(1) Exterior equipment should be located out of the public view.
(2) If the location of equipment must be in public view, a substantial screen, fence and/or landscaping must be used to make the equipment obscure.
(G) Waste disposal. In a growing, progressive, commercial community, it is necessary to protect, and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare with aesthetics that will convey to new business and consumers that the city invites and welcomes them to the community. Waste generated by normal business activities and its disposal should be carefully planned to achieve this concept.
(1) Waste disposal receptacles are to be located on the site in an area that is not considered the focal point of the complex. Usually this will be in the rear of the building or structure, or to the rear limits of the property. The waste disposal receptacle site must be readily accessible to Fire Department access.
(2) Waste disposal receptacles shall be screened from public view by the use of an architectural masonry, brick, ornamental iron or wood closure that is compatible with the aesthetics of the surrounding area. The use of an attractively designed gate is required. Landscaping shall be incorporated in a manner to effectively help obscure the waste disposal receptacle.
(3) The location, screening and landscaping of waste disposal receptacles shall be recommended by the architectural review committee.
(H) Accessory buildings. Accessory buildings and structures located in an architectural review district shall meet all the requirements set forth in the architectural review subchapter, the International Building Codes, 2006 Edition, as promulgated by the International Code Council, its successors and assigns, and the flood management ordinance.
(1) Manufactured buildings and structures, mobile homes, temporary office units, manufactured storage sheds or buildings, trucks, truck trailers, buses and other temporary facilities are not allowed to be used as an accessory building.
(2) Temporary facilities may be allowed on commercial construction sites during and up to completion.
(Ord. 649, passed 2-10-14)