(A) Intent.
(1) It is the intent of these criteria to ensure, insofar as possible, that changes to a designated landmark in a historic district shall be in harmony with the reasons for designation.
(2) When granting a certificate of appropriateness, the Commission shall take into account the historic or architectural significance of the structure under consideration and the exterior form and appearance of any proposed additions or modifications to that structure as well as the effect of such change or additions upon other structures in the vicinity. In a historic district it is not the intention of these standards to require the reconstruction or restoration of individual or original buildings or prohibit the demolition or removal of same or to impose architectural styles from particular historic periods. In considering new construction in a historic district, the Commission may encourage contemporary design which is harmonious with the character of the district.
(B) Form and appearance.
(1) The Historic Preservation Commission shall adopt detailed standards which will take into account the historic and architectural significance and visual and historic elements for each designated historic district.
(2) The following criteria shall be considered, when relevant, along with other appropriate standards including “The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings,” in reviewing applications for a certificate of appropriateness:
(a) Lot coverage, defined as the percentage of lot area covered by primary structures;
(b) Setback, defined as the distance from the lot lines to the building(s);
(c) Building height;
(d) Spacing of buildings, defined as the distance between adjacent buildings;
(e) Building materials;
(f) Proportion, shape, positioning, location, pattern and sizes of any elements of fenestration;
(g) Surface textures;
(h) Roof shapes, forms and materials;
(i) Use of local or regional architectural traditions;
(j) General form and proportions of buildings and structures, and relationship of any additions to the main structure;
(k) Expression of architectural detailing, such as lintels, cornices, brick bond, and foundation materials;
(l) Orientation of the building to the street;
(m) Scale, determined by the size of the units of construction and architectural details in relation to the human scale and also by the relationship of the building mass to adjoining open space and nearby buildings and structures;
(n) Proportion of width to height of the total building facade;
(o) Archaeological sites and resources association with standing structures;
(p) Major landscaping efforts that would impact known archaeological sites;
(q) Appurtenant fixtures and other features, such as lighting;
(r) Structural condition and soundness;
(s) Walls, physical ingredients, such as brick, stone or wood walls, wrought iron fences, evergreen landscape masses, building facades, or combinations of these;
(t) Maintenance of pedestrian scale and orientation as well as provision for safe pedestrian movement; and
(u) Other exterior construction, including surfaced areas and signs.
(C) Conditions to certain approvals. In the event that the Historic Preservation Commission, in reviewing an owner’s proposed plans, shall find that a building or structure for which a building permit is required is to be an authentic restoration or reconstruction of a building or structure which existed at the same location but does not meet zoning requirements, the building or structure may be authorized to be restored or reconstructed at the same location where the original building or structure was located, provided the Board of Adjustment authorizes the restoration or reconstruction and no use other than that permitted in the district in which it is located is made of the property. Such conditions as may be set by the Historic Preservation Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall be conditions for the issuance of the building permit.
(1971 Code, § 9-10-19) (Ord. No. 1925, § 1, passed 12-8-1988; Ord. No. 21-032, § 1, passed 6-21-2021)