(1) Purpose: The purpose of the requirements set forth in this section is to protect, enhance and restore the historic character of the district. (Ord. 2571, 12-19-2005)
(2) Applicability: The following requirements apply to all new construction, additions, and/or alterations for all properties within a designated local historic district contained within the city center zone. (Ord. 2911, 9-4-2012)
(3) Standards:
A. Basics: The secretary of the interior's standards for rehabilitation shall provide the basic direction for review of improvements affecting historic properties. (Ord. 2571, 12-19-2005)
B. Guide: (Rep. by Ord. 2911, 9-4-2012)
C. Building Height: Building height is generally two (2) stories with no more than a one-story variation between buildings. New construction should set back any stories over two (2) from the historic property.
D. Building Setback: Structures should front on the street property line.
E. Scale:
1. Structures on the corners should be larger and more ornamental than buildings on the midblocks.
2. The building proportions should be restored or maintained, and replicated in new construction. New construction should replicate the pattern of original buildings which were typically fifty foot (50') wide storefronts, two (2) stories in height, and a ground floor height between ten (10) and sixteen feet (16').
3. Repetitive patterns found in materials, windows and spaces should be restored or maintained, and replicated in new construction.
F. Roofs:
1. Roofs should be flat or pitched roof behind a parapet wall.
2. Roof replacement materials should replicate the historical materials.
3. Roof color should not detract from the building.
4. Vents, skylights or asphalt roof materials should not be visible from the street.
G. Building Facades:
1. The original proportion and pattern of windows, doors, solid areas and open spaces should be restored or maintained, and replicated in new construction.
2. The original placement and design of recessed, storefront doors, vertical windows, and clerestories should be restored or maintained and replicated in new construction.
3. The original features of window design including frames, sash, muntins, glazing, sills, lintels, jambs, and molding should be restored or maintained and replicated in new construction.
4. Upper level windows should be of similar size and proportion to windows in turn of the century buildings, i.e., vertically proportioned. Groups of vertically proportioned windows are encouraged for office and commercial uses, and public rooms of dwellings.
5. Facade materials of mostly brick, stucco, clapboards and stone should be restored or maintained, and replicated in new construction.
6. The dimensions, color, and texture of materials should replicate the original.
7. The painting of unfinished surfaces such as brick or stone, and anodized or unfinished aluminum window framing should be discouraged.
H. Architectural Features:
1. Architectural features such as cornices, moldings, pilasters, and parapets should be restored or maintained, and replicated in new construction.
2. The design, proportion, materials and location of original architectural features should be maintained or replicated in new construction.
I. Colors:
1. Colors schemes should be simple, and should match the original building color or colors typical for the historical era when the building was first constructed.
2. Colors should preserve or emphasize the structural building details.
3. Color treatment should be consistent in signs, building ornamentation, awnings, and entrances.
J. External Lighting:
1. External lighting should be the minimal necessary to maintain safety and should not overpower the building.
2. External light fixtures should be simple in design and located in such a manner that do not obscure the building's design or ornamentation.
3. Fluorescent lights and light fixtures that predate Caldwell's city center should be discouraged.
K. Mechanical Systems:
1. Mechanical systems should be located in areas that are not visible from the street and screened from other public spaces and properties.
2. Rooftop mechanical systems should be hidden by a parapet wall to the front of the building and screened from the alley or rear of the building.
L. Signs:
1. All new signs should be architecturally compatible with the design of the existing or new building.
2. Signs should be integrated within the facade of the building. Ideal locations for signs include: the lintel band above the clerestory windows, entryways, display windows, or within decorative moldings that create natural frames for signs.
3. The color, material, size, shape, and method of illumination of signs should be integrated within the facade of the building.
4. Flush mounted, window, and awning signs, and signs using symbols or trademarks should be encouraged.
5. Projecting signs should be limited in size and number.
6. Signs appearing above the first floor level should be limited to identification of the building or principal use within the building.
7. Buildings with numerous businesses should limit exterior signs to small identification panels at the entrance.
8. Anodized or unfinished aluminum framing around signs should be discouraged.
9. Digital signs, reader boards and signs with moving parts should be discouraged.
M. Awnings:
1. The shape, color and location of the awning should be consistent with the historical and architectural character of the building.
2. Awnings which are used as an integral and creative form of signage should be encouraged.
3. Awnings with distinctive shapes such as barrel shape, segmented arches, or round ended should be carefully used.
4. Awnings which dominate the facade, run the entire length of the building, obscure the architectural features of the building, and awnings which are illuminated with fluorescent lighting should be discouraged. (Ord. 2571, 12-19-2005)