(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide quality exterior architectural building styles and material standards to enhance the visual environment of the main corridor entries to the city, thereby improving property values and stimulating investment in the business districts. The provisions of this section are intended to promote quality architecture to ensure that buildings retain their value, protect the investment of adjacent landowners, blend harmoniously into the streetscape and create a positive image for business and the city.
(B) Applicability. This section shall apply to all new construction in the General Commercial (GC), Professional Office (PO) and Commercial Mixed Use (CM) Districts on lots fronting U.S. 31 (Bridge Street and Michigan Avenue) and M-66. This section shall not apply to single-family detached and two-family residential structures. Architecture shall be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission, as applicable, as a part of site plan review under the requirements of §§ 153.230 through 153.243 of this chapter.
(C) All exterior materials shall comply with the following:
(1) Design standards. Buildings shall have architectural variety, but enhance the overall cohesive community character. At a minimum, the following standards shall be met.
(a) Buildings shall provide architectural features, details and ornaments such as archways, colonnades, cornices, peaked roof lines, hip returns, operable window shutters, transoms, gas lights or towers to accent and add interest.
(b) Repair of existing structures may utilize the existing roof pitch and roof design at the time of application.
(c) Plazas, strip malls or similar types of commercial or office developments where multiple businesses are located within the same building shall provide at least one dormer, archway or similar feature per business or store front.
(d) Building walls over 100 feet long shall be broken up with varying building lines, vertical architectural features, windows, architectural accents and trees.
(e) Building entrances shall utilize windows, canopies and awnings; provide unity of scale, texture and color; and clearly identify the entry.
(f) Building-mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened.
(D) Site elements. Signs and other site features shall be designed and located so they are aesthetically consistent and harmonious with the overall development. Sign bases shall be constructed of material which is compatible with the principal building. Mechanical equipment shall be screened.
(Prior Code, § 5.80) (Ord. 823, passed 1-4-2021) Penalty, see § 153.999