(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish standards for the exterior designs of buildings and structures in the R-3 Zoning District in order to ensure the compatibility of infill development with existing development and to encourage the development of new buildings of distinguished architectural character and appearance in this District.
(B) Applicability. All projects within the R-3 Zoning District that involve the construction of a new building or structure or an addition to an existing building or structure shall comply with the standards of this section.
(C) Building Orientation. Orientation of the "front" of the principal building shall be towards the street in a manner similar to existing buildings within the District.
(D) Building Modulation. The front elevation of the principal building shall be varied such that no continuous wall plane or surface exceeds 35 feet in length, and such that variations between wall planes or surfaces are at least 18 inches in depth. Variations in wall planes should be accompanied by corresponding changes in the roofline or other architectural elements of the building.
(E) Building Style. Traditional architectural building styles shall be incorporated into the design of a building. Architectural styles typically found within these older neighborhoods that can be used to help guide the styling of a building include Italianate, Queen Anne, Craftsman, Prairie, Foursquare, Greek revival, and Tudor.
(F) Building Base. A raised foundation or "base" shall be incorporated into the design of a new building. The utilization of a material that differs from the primary exterior building material, including stone or brick of a different color or size than that used for the overall building, or another durable masonry material, may also be used at the base of the building to give the appearance of a raised foundation.
(G) Building Materials. Suitable exterior building materials exposed to view shall include those listed in § 150.141 (D).
(H) Architectural Details. Architectural details shall be provided on building elevations visible from the public street, including, but not limited to, the following: quoins, lentils, cornice moldings, brackets, arches, corner boards, keystones, decorative lintels and sills, soldier courses, belt course, bay windows and other decorative features as appropriate for the design style of the overall building and material being used.
(I) Windows/Fenestration. Windows and doors placed on the front elevation shall be consistent with the size, scale and proportion of windows and doors of other buildings within the immediate neighborhood. This shall include the utilization of double hung windows or windows similar in appearance to double hung windows where possible.
(J) Roofline. The roofline of the building shall reflect the predominate roof type, orientation, scale and pitch of existing buildings within the immediate neighborhood.
(K) Garage Doors. Garage doors shall not be located on any building elevation facing a street. When located on a side wall or on a rear wall on a corner lot, the garage door shall be screened from view from the street. Where it is demonstrated that rear or side access is not possible, front access may be permitted provided that the garage and garage door is recessed behind the front wall of the building, the garage door does not occupy more than 50% of the linear face of the building, and no more than one double or two single stall garage doors are utilized.
(L) Porches. The incorporation of a covered front porch of an appropriate size and scale in areas where porches are prevalent on existing structures within the surrounding neighborhood shall be required. Front porches must be covered by a roof that is compatible with the roof over the rest of the structure.
(M) Balconies/Decks. If balconies and decks are incorporated into a building they shall be designed so that they are integrated into the overall style of design of the building. Methods of integrating balconies into the building design may include fully or partially recessing them into the facade of the building, placing them under a roof that is integrated into the overall roof plan, utilizing supports that are compatible with the rest of the building in terms of materials and design, and utilizing supports that reach to the ground rather than append to the exterior of the building.
(N) Alternative Designs. Alternative design solutions or exceptions to the mandatory standards of this section will be considered if it is demonstrated that strict compliance with a specific standard is not practical, or that the alternative being proposed will help in achieving a development that is compatible with its surrounding neighborhood or would provide some environmental benefit.
(Ord. 8612, passed 12-2-08)