(A) Residential structures shall be designed in an attractive manner to compliment the surrounding neighborhood, in size and character.
(B) All new residential structures must have a minimum 48-inch sidewalk for both interior and exterior lots, plus curbs and gutters. All intersections and driveway approaches must be ADA compliant. Curbs, gutters and sidewalks must be installed in infill housing parcels if neighboring parcels have curbs and gutters. Exceptions could include lots of one acre or more and small patio-style developments.
(C) Garages. All residences shall have fully enclosed garage space for two vehicles. The garage doors must be recessed from the front plane of primary facade, and if possible, not be visible from the street. (If site constraints or overall building design cannot accommodate garage space for two vehicles, an appeal must be made through the Planning Commission.)
(D) Roofs. No shake or corrugated metal roofs are permitted. All gutters, downspouts, and roof-top vents shall be treated with a color similar to the exterior materials. Gutters shall be visually unobtrusive.
(E) Exterior walls. Building materials must be similar to the materials of structures in the city, i.e., stone, brick, wood (or wood-simulated) siding. Materials such as aluminum siding, as well as synthetic stucco (EIFS products) are not historic cladding materials and shall not be used. However, cement board materials such as Hardiboard may be substituted for wood siding.
(F) Landscape. Each residence should have a minimum of one tree, of two-inch caliper, in the front yard, (except for patio-style homes where front yard dimensions will not accommodate trees), and appropriate lawn, ground cover and shrubs.
(G) Fence. No wire, chain link, or solid metal fence shall be allowed in the residential zoning areas. Typical fencing material could include masonry, vinyl (PVC), brick or wood.
(H) Color. The use of colors that are compatible with the surrounding area is highly encouraged. Color determination shall be based on historic schemes appropriate for the style of the building. Reference materials are available from the Planning Department.
(I) Home additions. New work must be compatible in massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property. The new design shall not use the same wall plane, roof line or cornice line of the existing structure.
(J) Decks, skylights and screening.
(1) Elevated wooden decks located at the rear of the structure shall be screened from street view with fencing and/or plants and shrubs when visible. Traditional wide front porches are encouraged.
(2) Skylights shall not be visible from the street.
(3) HVAC units, solar panels, satellite dishes and other similar appurtenances shall be located where they are not readily visible from the street. Electrical and gas meters and other mechanical equipment must be located on the side or rear facade. If visible, they must be screened with shrubbery or fencing.
(K) Out buildings. Accessory buildings must be of similar color to the main residence, and the material must complement the main residence. Placement of all out buildings, regardless of size, must be to the rear of the front facade of the residence.
(L) Additional guidelines shall be established through corridor plans and plan reviews.
(Ord. 3206, passed 11-17-09)