(A) In making a determination whether to issue or deny a certificate of appropriateness, the Commission shall consider, among other things, the purpose of this chapter and the effect if the issuance upon the historic, aesthetic or architectural values, characteristics and significance of the District or any building or structure within the District. The criteria to be used by the Commission in making its determination shall include, but are not limited to architectural style of the proposed construction, alteration, extension or repair with the prevalent architectural style or styles within the District; the compatibility of the general design, arrangement, texture or material of the construction, alteration, extension or repair with the historic aesthetic or architectural values, characteristics and significance of the District or any building or structure within the District; and the relationship of the location of the construction, alteration, extension or repair to the streets and structures within the District.
(B) The Commission shall adopt detailed architectural standards for its use in making a determination pursuant to the above criteria. For any building or structure undergoing construction, alteration, extension or repair within the District, these architectural standards should include, but are not limited to the following elements:
(1) The appropriate height;
(2) The proper proportions of the front facade;
(3) The proper proportions of windows, doors or other openings;
(4) The appropriate bulk and density;
(5) The appropriate textures, materials and shapes for roofs;
(6) The appropriate landscaping and proper location and design of accessory buildings, structures and uses;
(7) The appropriate directional expression of front elevations and general scale of any building and structure;
(8) Other appropriate standards for architectural details; and
(9) Methods to evaluate the economic reasonableness of any criteria of standard utilized by the commission in making a determination to issue or deny a certificate of appropriateness.
(C) If an applicant shows that failure to issue a certificate of appropriateness will cause an imminent threat to life or property, the certificate shall be issued.
(1981 Code, § 39.04)