For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(a) “Building Inspector” means the officer charged with the administration and enforcement of the Zoning Code.
(b) “Commission” means the Roscoe Village Commission. See Section 1321.01.
(c) “Exterior architectural characteristics typical of Roscoe Village building” means:
(1) The architectural character of Roscoe Village, consisting mainly of two themes, as follows:
A. Redbrick masonry buildings, mainly of the era of 1830-1860 and basically of the late classic revival style, simplified in its midwestern usage.
B. Frame residential buildings, mainly of the era of 1850-1900 and representative of the unassuming Village victorian of that period.
(2) There are a number of intermixes of the above as well as a larger number of buildings of such modest nature or of such extensive remodeling as to have effectively lost all architectural importance.
(3) It is with reference to the basic architectural character of the key buildings noted above that the need for compatibility in the future construction in Roscoe would be made. Compatibility need not infer imitation, but rather a satisfying response in terms of scale, building materials, and details. Buildings of subsection (c)(1)A. above are typified by gabled roofs, wood double hung windows, square headed and in vertical alignment, stone sills and heads at openings, and wood trim at eaves and doors. Buildings vary in height up to four stories and occasionally employ stepped gables and walls. Original roof materials are now gone. Roofing is variously metal, asphalt shingle, slate, or dark roll roofing. Foundations are commonly of sandstone, the faces being chisled in light relief. Stone trim elsewhere is finished smooth. Buildings of subsection (c)(1)B. above are typified by simple vernacular devices of the carpenter's art of the time, such as turned balusters, fret work at eaves, scalloped edges on siding and the like. Keeping to a small scale, these wooden buildings, chiefly houses, have narrow woodsash, usually square-headed, horizontal siding showing about five inches to the weather, gabled or tripped roofs, and open porches with slim wooden posts. Corner boards are generally used. Stone or brick masonry bases are common. There is practically no use of shutters at sash.
Because of the rapid changes of grade, stone steps, and retaining walls are common. Where brick work is used, it is generally laid up in running bond with headers at each sixth course. Stone pilasters and trim occur in several of the commercial buildings. Simple flat surfaces predominate, but column capitals may protrude. Both late classic, Greek Revival, and Romanesque details occur at sash and door openings.
(4) No single style predominates in Roscoe Village, and combined with the uneven terrain and the variation of building size, a nonregular and informal character prevails. This is not the case, however, at the corner of Hill and Whitewoman Streets where a strong degree of conformity exists due to nearly equal eave lines and roof heights and a consistent use of details and materials. It is desirable that this urbane feeling be strengthened in this area, while the more relaxed and varied format be maintained elsewhere.
(5) The general character of the streets and walks reinforces the informal feeling of the site, with variation in setback curb line, walk height, and the interruption of trees. Spaces between buildings are generally terraced and green ground cover abounds. Stone and concrete make up most walk area at this time, although wood boardwalks may have once been in use. It may be summarized that an irregular, well-foliated landscape prevails and deserves to so continue while paths, walks and retaining walls remain of masonry and concrete construction.
(d) “Exterior architectural feature” means the architectural treatment and general arrangement of such portion of the exterior of a structure as is designed to be exposed to public view, including kind, color, and texture of the building material of such portion and type of all windows, doors, lights, signs, and any other fixture appurtenant to such portion.
(e) “Structure” means a combination of materials, to form a construction that is safe and stable; including among others, stadia, gospel and circus tents, reviewing stands, platforms, stagings, observation towers, radio towers, billboards, sheds, coal bins, fences and display signs. The term “structure” shall be construed as if followed by the words “or part thereof.” The distinction between "structure" and "building" should be noted. “Structure” is the broader term; “building” is a restricted form of structure. For the purpose of abatement of nuisances, a “structure” in addition to the above, shall include buildings, outhouses, barns, scaffolds, ash pits, wagons, auto trailers, junk, rubbish, excavations, walls, or any object or thing used or maintained above or below the ground, or any part of such structure. (1993 Code 153.03)