(A) Adoption of design guidelines. Pursuant to §§ 155.80 through 155.87 hereof, Historic Landmarks, the City Council adopts the following design guidelines for residential and non-residential buildings which are designated as historic landmarks. Such design guidelines shall be applicable in addition to the Secretary of Interior's standards for the rehabilitation of historic buildings. If there is a conflict between these design guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior's standards for the rehabilitation of historic buildings, the most restrictive regulations shall apply.
(B) Elements of design guidelines. These guidelines focus on the following elements for work that is to be done on residential or non-residential structures which are designated historic landmarks:
(1) Color;
(2) Roof styles;
(3) Ornamental features;
(4) Porches;
(5) Windows;
(6) Exterior materials; and
(7) Fences.
(C) Color. Colors shall be used to maintain the character of the area where the historic landmark is located and to complement and promote the heritage of both residential and non-residential construction. The color of the exterior surfaces of historic landmark structures is one of the factors with the greatest visual impact. The colors for the trim and primary structure shall be tones that reflect the time period of the original construction. These colors are readily available from major paint suppliers and usually are categorized into a selection grouping for compatibility. The primary colors may be used in combination with each other to provide contrasting trim colors. Painting of structures totally in one paint color scheme is strongly discouraged and will be addressed at the time of consideration of any application.
(D) Roof styles. An important element of the visual presentation of a structure is the style and construction of the roof. The character of the roof must be compatible with the general period of construction.
(1) Residential roof styles. The roof and pitch of the roof shall be in keeping with traditional types and styles in use in historic residential areas of the city. If repaired or replaced, the original pitch and style are required. Some of these roof types include a gable with such variations as the “clipped gable” and “saltbox.” These also include the hip with such variations as “gable on hip.”
(a) Any of these traditional roof types is acceptable without the need to duplicate the predominant roof type of a specific area since part of the charm of the city streetscape is the variety of roof styles and pitches. Acceptable materials include slate, asphalt shingle, and simulated shingles. Wood shingles must be approved by the Fire Marshal.
(b) Original roof materials and color shall be retained for replacement of a roof when at all possible. The color and texture of shingles shall be appropriate to the architectural style and period of the structure.
(2) Non-residential roof styles. Non-residential historic landmark structures located in the downtown area should typically have a flat roof with parapet walls along the front and sides. Pitch roofs for non-residential historic landmark structures are permitted in transitional areas where residential structures are located. Pitch roofs are preferred for historic landmark church structures but are not required. Metal roofs on historic landmark structures located in transition areas may be of metal construction only if such construction is standing seam of a green, bronze, or other color pertaining to the time period. Changes to the roof type or material of any historic landmark structure, residential or non-residential, requires review recommendation and approval of the Commission and other bodies, as may be required by this subchapter.
(E) Architectural detail. Architectural details help establish the character of historic structures. These details are unique to the period of time which the Commission is seeking to preserve.
(1) Architectural details are those items that add to the basic features of the construction of an historic landmark to give the structure its own unique character and signature. These features may be items such as window and door trim styles, corner pilasters, gable peak ornamentation, lattice work, balustrades, traditional paneled and louvered wooden shutters and similar details.
(2) The applicant is encouraged to extend the design style of the existing historic landmark structure to any addition, and, in the case of alteration of an existing historic landmark structure, the architectural details of the exterior shall be preserved. Changes that have taken place in the course of time which are evidence of the history and development of the building and the environment may have acquired significance in their own right; and their significance shall be recognized and respected. Architectural details of any period or style not original to the building shall not be introduced. Commercial historic landmark structures shall demonstrate detail on parapet walls, windows, doors, trim and brick work.
(F) Porches. Porches are one of the most important characteristics of residential structures. Nonresidential structures also have specific treatments to the front of the structure which are of similar importance.
(1) Porches on historic landmark structures in residential areas are encouraged and shall be retained. Porches are an integral part of the original design of a historic residence. They are often the most important design element on the front of a residence. It is important to preserve the historic integrity of a residence by retaining original elements such as posts, balustrades and steps. New construction shall incorporate these elements into the design of the new structure.
(2) It is recommended that new rooms added to historic landmark structures be constructed to the rear of the house where they are not visible from the street. If it is unavoidable to enclose a porch, all supporting posts, railings, and other decorative features shall be retained. A design that is easily reversible shall be considered. Porches shall not be enclosed with glass or walls or any other material. The only acceptable material is screening.
(G) Windows. The style and type of windows helps to establish the historical character of residential and non-residential structures. The primary emphasis shall be on windows that are visible from public spaces.
(1) Residential.
(a) Windows are a defining character of the heritage of a designated historic landmark structure. Alterations or additions to historic landmarks shall have windows that are compatible with the existing and surrounding structures. Most original structures which are historic landmarks feature double hung wood windows and some newer structures feature an assortment of casement windows.
(b) As a general policy the following standards shall be observed when work is done on a residential historic landmark structure:
1. The original shape of the window shall be maintained.
2. The original number and arrangement of panes should be maintained.
3. The characteristic window shape shall reflect the period of construction.
4. Aluminum storm windows and screens are appropriate. Blind stop storm windows painted to match sash color are preferred.
5. Shutters, unless appropriate to the style of the building, shall not be introduced. Shutters shall fill an opening in height and width so that if they were closed, the opening would be covered.
6. Window openings shall not be introduced unless they match the existing window configuration, and their placement harmonizes with the existing pattern of the openings.
7. Original windows shall not be filled in.
(2) Non-residential.
(a) Similar to residential structures, windows on non-residential designated historic landmark structures are an integral part of the character of the structure. The window types must be consistent with the style. The windows and the entrance are a principle feature for this style.
(b) Similar to policies for residential windows, the following shall be observed when work is done on a non-residential historic landmark structure:
1. The original shape of the window shall be maintained.
2. The original number and arrangement of panes should be maintained.
3. The characteristic window shape shall reflect the period of construction.
4. Window openings shall not be introduced unless they match the existing window configuration and their placement harmonizes with the existing placement pattern of the openings.
5. Original windows shall not be filled in.
(H) Exterior materials. Exterior treatment of walls is critical in residential structures.
(1) Many of the structures in historic areas were originally constructed with wood exteriors. To support the character of designated historic landmarks, wood is preferred for exterior repairs, additions, and new construction, when it is consistent with the existing exterior surface. Materials that mimic the appearance of wood may be utilized so long as the historic exterior appearance of historic landmarks are maintained in all cases.
(2) As a general policy, the following standards shall be observed:
(a) Trim and detailing shall not be removed unless being repaired or replaced with compatible material of the time period.
(b) Replacement wood siding shall replicate the materials, dimensions, lap dimensions, detailing and placement patterns of the original.
(c) Artificial siding, including, but not limited to, vinyl, aluminum, and artificial brick and stone may be used only when it is deemed absolutely necessary, and in such cases, the visual historic character of the structure must be maintained.
(d) Painting of original brick is inappropriate unless it is mismatched or so deteriorated that it cannot withstand weather. If painting is necessary, original brick colors shall be used.
(e) Decorative shingles on the entire exterior of a structure may not be used, unless historic documentation exists that indicates such usage.
(f) Covering original brick of non-residential structures with aluminum or false fronts including mansard-type awnings shall not be permitted. Any remodeling or reconstruction of structures with this treatment shall include removal of aluminum siding and false fronts.
(I) Fences. Materials used for enclosures of residential property often reflect the character of the neighborhood.
(1) Fences in the front yard of an historic landmark structure are a decorative element. As a rule, the fence regulations adopted by the city shall govern fences unless otherwise provided herein.
(2) As a general policy, the following standards shall be applicable to fences in the yards of historic landmark structures:
(a) Metal fences located in the front yard shall be decorative iron material, and no chain link fences are permitted in the front yard.
(b) Wood-picket fences are appropriate in front and rear yards of houses when they are consistent with the architectural style of the main structure. Board fences, with the boards spaced closely together, are appropriate only around rear yards.
(c) New front yard fences shall be open in character so as to not create a visual barrier between the main structure and the public street.
(d) New decorative fences placed in the front yard shall not exceed a height of 42 inches.
(e) Fences located in the front yard shall have an appropriate transition to fences located in the rear and side yards. Transitions may be accomplished by gradually increasing the height to the height of the rear yard fence, incorporating landscaping to aid in the transition, or extending the character of the decorative fence into the rear of the side yard.
(J) New construction. The following general policies shall be observed for any new construction of a residential or non-residential structure designated as a historic landmark:
(1) These guidelines apply only to the exterior of buildings and to areas of lots visible from the public rights-of-way.
(2) New structures shall be constructed to the same scale and style as structures in the surrounding area so that they are compatible with such other structures.
(3) Outbuildings, garages and storage buildings shall reflect the character of the existing residence and surrounding structures and shall be compatible with the existing residence in terms of height, scale, roof shape, materials, texture, and details. The location and design of outbuildings shall not be visually disruptive to the character of the surrounding buildings.
(4) The appearance of new construction, including driveways, sidewalks, lighting, fences, and walls, shall be visually compatible with the environment of the existing structures and sites to which they relate.
(K) Exterior materials.
(1) Any construction of exterior walls for any historic landmark structure shall be of exterior fire resistant construction having at least 75% of the total exterior walls above grade level, excluding doors and windows, constructed of masonry or other equivalent material, in accordance with the city’s building and fire codes. Strict adherence to this requirement shall not be such as to prevent architectural integrity of the period.
(2) Standards for masonry construction types on historic landmark structures are listed below:
(a) Stone material. Masonry construction using stone material may consist of granite, marble, limestone, slate, river rock, and other hard and durable naturally occurring all weather stone. Cut stone and dimensioned stone techniques are acceptable.
(b) Brick material. Brick material used for masonry construction shall be hard fired (kiln fired) clay or slate material which meets the latest version of ASTM standard C2l6, standard specification for facing brick (solid masonry unit made of clay or shale), and shall be severe weather (SW) grade, and Type FBA or FBS or better. Unfired clay, sand, or shale brick are not allowed.
(c) Concrete masonry units. Concrete masonry units used for masonry construction shall meet the latest version of the following applicable specifications: ASTM C90, standard specification for hollow load bearing concrete masonry units; ASTM Cl45, standard specification for solid load bearing masonry units; ASTM Cl29, standard specification for hollow and solid nonload bearing units. Concrete masonry units shall have an indented, hammered, split face finish or other similar architectural finish. Lightweight concrete block or cinder block construction is not acceptable as an exterior finish.
(d) Concrete panel construction. Concrete finish, pre-cast panel, tilt wall, or cement composition reinforced panel construction shall be painted, fluted, or exposed aggregate. Smooth or non-textured concrete finishes are not acceptable unless painted.
(e) Glass and metal standards. Glass walls shall include glass curtain walls or glass block construction. “Glass curtain wall” means an exterior wall which carries no structural loads, and may consist of a combination of metal, glass, or other surfacing material supported in a metal framework.
(Ord. 03-2008-21, passed 3-25-08; Am. Ord. 01-2020-08, passed 1-28-20)