(a) Every one-family dwelling unit hereafter erected shall:
(1) With the exception of mobile homes in mobile home parks, have a minimum square footage based on the requirements of the zoning district where the dwelling is located.
(2) Have a minimum width across any section of twenty-four (24) feet and shall comply in all respects with the State Construction Code. Where a dwelling is required, by law, to comply with any Federal or State standards or regulations for construction, and where such standards or regulations allow standards of construction which are less stringent than those imposed by the State Construction Code; then, and in that event, the less stringent Federal or State standard or regulation shall apply.
(3) Be firmly attached to a permanent foundation constructed on the site in accordance with the State Construction Code and co-extensive with the perimeter of the building, which attachment shall also meet all applicable building codes and other State and Federal regulations.
(4) Not have exposed wheels, towing mechanism, undercarriage or chassis.
(5) Be connected to a public sewer and water supply or to such private facilities approved by the County Health Department.
(6) Contain a storage area, whether in a basement located under the dwelling, in an attic area, in closet areas or in a separate structure, being of standard construction similar to, or of better quality than, the principal dwelling. Such storage shall be in addition to the space for the storage of automobiles and shall be equal to not less than fifteen (15) percent of the minimum square footage requirement of this Zoning Code for the zone in which the dwelling is located. In no case, however, shall more than two hundred (200) square feet of storage area be required by this provision.
(7) Be aesthetically compatible in design and appearance with other residences in the vicinity, and with either a roof overhang of not less than six (6) inches on all sides, or alternatively with window sills and roof drainage systems concentrating roof drainage along the sides of the dwelling; with not less than one (1) exterior door being in the front of the dwelling and containing permanently attached steps connected to said exterior door area where a difference in elevation requires the same.
The compatibility of design and appearance shall be determined in the first instance by the City Building Official upon review of the plans submitted for a particular dwelling, subject to appeal by an aggrieved applicant to the Board of Zoning Appeals within a period of fifteen (15) days from the receipt of notice of said Building Official's decision. Any determination of compatibility shall be based upon the following standards:
A. Architectural style is not restricted. Evaluation of the appearance of a project shall be based on the quality of its design and relationship to its surroundings.
B. Buildings shall have a good scale and be in harmonious conformance with permanent neighboring development.
C. Materials shall have good architectural character and shall be selected for harmony of the building with adjoining buildings.
D. Materials shall be selected for suitability to the type of buildings and the design in which they are used. Buildings shall have the same materials, or those that are architecturally harmonious, used for all building walls and other exterior building components wholly or partly visible from public ways.
E. Materials shall be of durable quality.
F. In any design in which the structural frame is exposed to view, the structural materials shall be compatible within themselves and harmonious with their surroundings.
G. Building components, such as windows, doors, eaves, and parapets, shall have good proportions and relationships to one another.
H. Mechanical equipment or other utility hardware on roof, ground, or buildings shall be screened from public view with materials harmonious with the building, or they shall be so located as not to be visible from any public ways.
I. The roof overhang and pitch shall be comparable to the overhang and pitch of homes typically found in the surrounding area, provided the pitch of the roof shall not be less than one (1) foot of rise for each three (3) feet of horizontal run.
J. Any determination of compatibility shall be based upon the standards set forth in this section, as compared against the character, design, and appearance of one (1) or more residential dwellings located outside of mobile home parks within one thousand (1,000) feet of the subject dwelling, where such area is developed with dwellings to the extent of not less than twenty (20) percent of the lots situated within said area; or, where said area is not developed, by the character, design, and appearance of one (1) or more residential dwellings located outside of mobile home parks throughout the City. The foregoing shall not be construed to prohibit innovative design concepts involving such matters as solar energy, view, unique land contour, or relief from the standard designed home.
(8) Comply with all pertinent building and fire codes. In the case of mobile homes, the standards for mobile home construction as contained in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations entitled "Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards," as amended, shall apply. Additionally, all dwellings shall meet or exceed all applicable roof snow load and strength requirements.
(b) The foregoing standards shall not apply to a mobile home located in a licensed mobile home park except to the extent required by State or Federal law, or otherwise specifically required in this Zoning Code pertaining to such parks.
(c) All construction required herein shall be commenced only after a building permit has been obtained in accordance with the applicable State Construction Code provisions and requirements.
(Res. 24-95. Passed 2-13-95.)