(b) Existing Buildings or Structures. Any reuse, alternation of or addition to an existing building or structure within the Uptown Historic District and a Historically Significant Property shall be evaluated with respect to the following items:
(1) Compatible reuse. Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide either a compatible use for a property consistent with the District regulations and to make minimal alterations to the exterior of the building and/or structure or to return the property to its original use or purpose.
(2) Alterations. Alterations of a historic building or structure shall be guided by the following:
A. Preservation of original features. The distinguishing qualities or character of a building, structure, the site and its environment shall be preserved. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided.
B Respect for period features. A building, structure or site shall be recognized as a product and representative of the period when built. Alterations that are inconsistent with features of the period when built shall be avoided.
C Respect for changes over time. Changes over time are evidence of the history and evolution of a building, structure or site and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this significance should be recognized and respected.
D Distinctive features. Distinctive architectural features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure or site should be preserved or restored.
(3) Repair of deteriorated architectural features. Deteriorated or damaged architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced when practical and economically feasible. Repair or replacement should be based on accurate duplication of features, substantiated by historic, physical or pictorial evidence rather than relying upon architectural elements from other buildings or structures. Replaced features and alternate materials should match design, color, texture and visual qualities of the original or the existing elements or features. Exterior cladding of a structure with contemporary materials shall be consistent with and visually similar to the original materials and construction methods used on the property. Photographic documentation in the form of color prints of the property include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following images of the property: setting and location characteristics; each façade or vertical surface affected by the construction, alteration, or demolition; and architectural features, appurtenances, or lot improvements impacted by the proposal.
(4) Proper cleaning methods. Surface cleaning shall be undertaken with cleaning methods which will not damage the historic building materials. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods which will damage the exterior shall not be undertaken.
(5) Additions.
A. Compatible contemporary additions. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to an existing property shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical, architectural or cultural materials and are compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood or environment.
B. New additions. New additions or alterations to structures or buildings shall not impair the essential form and structural integrity of the building. Additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the building or structure is not impaired.
(6) General Criteria. In considering the appropriateness of any changes, including signs, displays or landscaping, the Planning Commission shall take into account, in addition to any other pertinent factors, the historical and architectural style and general design, construction methods, probable longevity, the arrangement, texture, material and color of the proposed changes as they relate to the property in its present condition, and shall also consider the relation thereof to the same or related factors in other properties, objects and areas in the neighborhood.
(c) Color Palette. Colors for the exterior of a new building, or existing building where the exterior surface is repainted or new exterior cladding is installed, shall be selected from the Uptown Historic District color palette approved by the Planning Commission and available through the Community Development Administrator. Existing natural brick shall not be painted.
(d) Exterior Lighting.
(1) Exterior lighting shall be included in the architectural concept and be part of the development plan submitted to the Community Development Administrator. Exterior lighting fixtures, standards and visible accessories shall be harmonious with the building design.
(2) Gas discharge lamps and tubes shall not be permitted to be used for signs or building accent lighting within the Historic District when they are exposed to the direct view of motorists and/or pedestrians traveling on the public streets or sidewalks. Mercury vapor and sodium vapor lamps and luminaries used for the general illumination of public spaces are exempt from this restriction.
(Ord. 3273. Passed 5-9-24.)