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Design controls defined within the Downtown Historical District are created to maintain and enhance the distinctive character of the Downtown Historical District by safeguarding the architectural integrity of the various period structures within it, and to prevent intrusions and alternations within the District, such as parking lots and open space use that would be incompatible with this established character.
(Ord. 37-02, passed 7-10-02)
Plans to make changes to the exterior of structures or other environmental features in the Downtown Historical District are subject to review by the Architectural Review and Design Commission using the Rickey Report as a standard of historic reference. The Rickey Report is a study done of this particular area by outside consultants and is available for public inspection by.
(Ord. 37-02, passed 7-10-02)
In considering the appropriateness of any proposed change to the exterior surface of structures or to the other environmental feature of the district, including treescaping and exterior signage and lighting, the Commission shall consider the following:
(A) The distinguishing original qualities or character of a period building, structure, or site and their environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided.
(B) All buildings, structures, and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance inconsistent to the original integrity of the building shall be discouraged.
(C) Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure, or site shall be maintained and used as major guideposts for the style of the building.
(D) Significant architectural features that have deteriorated shall be repaired rather than replaced. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition and design. Repair or replacement of architectural features shall be based on accurate duplications of features, and substantiated by historic, physical, or pictorial evidence rather than on a conjectural design or the availability of different architectural elements from other buildings or structures.
(E) The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with methods designed to minimize damage to historic building materials. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials are to be avoided.
(F) Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archeological resources affected by or adjacent to any project.
(G) When alterations and additions to existing buildings are compatible with size, scale, color, material, and character of the property and environment they shall not be discouraged if they do not destroy significant historical architectural materials or alter the intended era of the structure.
(H) New additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the original structure would be unimpaired.
(I) Any alterations to trees in the Downtown Historical District can only be made by permission of Architectural Review and Design Commission, except for the yearly maintenance and replacing by the Beautification Council.
(Ord. 37-02, passed 7-10-02) Penalty, see § 155.2617
(A) Existing structures and premises. Reconstruction or rehabilitation within the Downtown Historical District shall conform to the distinguishing original exterior qualities or character of the structure, its site, and its environment.
(B) New construction. The design of new structures and of additions to existing structures, including new site improvements, shall take into account the architectural style, general design, arrangement, texture, material, and color of other structures and premises within the Downtown Historical District.
(C) Materials.
(1) All new structures and all reconstruction or remodeling of existing structures within the Downtown Historical District shall utilize natural traditional exterior materials, such as brick, stone, masonry, and wood.
(2) Contemporary materials could be used if they would contribute to the preservation or enhancement of existing integrity and new structure and be architecturally harmonious.
(D) Color. Traditional colors, and combinations of those colors that are both identified with the origin or the era in which the Downtown Historical District was originally built and approved by the Architectural Review and Design Commission, shall be used for building exteriors for all new construction, reconstruction, remodeling, and exterior maintenance of existing structures within the Downtown Historical District.
(Ord. 37-02, passed 7-10-02) Penalty, see § 155.2617
(A) A certificate of approval is required from the Architectural Review and Design Commissioner prior to any new construction, remodeling, reconstruction, or demolition, as well as for any exterior changes to the building that may devalue it as an asset to the historical community of downtown Cambridge.
(B) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any property within the Downtown Historical District.
(C) Applications for certificate of approval shall be filed with the Architectural Review and Design Commission at least 15 days before a meeting of the Commission. The applicant shall submit with the application, drawings, materials, and color samples, and any other aids that would assist the Commission in understanding the wishes of the applicant.
(D) The Commission shall review and, within 15 days, grant a certificate, disapprove an application, or approve an application with modification.
(F) Application may be obtained at the City Engineer's office.
(Ord. 37-02, passed 7-10-02) Penalty, see § 155.2617
All applications for a variance shall be made directly to the Planning and Zoning Commission upon forms as prescribed by the Commission in accordance with § 155.1803. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall have the power to grant variances from the provisions and requirements of this subchapter which will not be contrary to the public interest or the intent and purpose of this subchapter, but only where, owing to special conditions pertaining to a specific piece of property, the strict application of provisions to requirements of this subchapter would cause undue or unnecessary hardship.
(Ord. 37-02, passed 7-10-02)
YARD, LOT COVERAGE, AND HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
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