(a) These regulations are intended and enacted to provide for the protection, preservation, and enhancement of architectural, historical, or cultural buildings, structures, and sites located within the C3 - Central Business District, the Downtown Johnstown Historic District, and the Historic Overlay District(s). Being that the windows, doors, and storefronts of a building are the primary architectural and character-defining features of said districts this ordinance applies specifically to the repair, replacement, condition, and maintenance of a building or structure’s windows, doors, and storefronts. The establishment and enforcement of this chapter is to provide for the:
(1) Preservation and value of the existing buildings located in the City of Johnstown Central Business District, Downtown Johnstown Historic District, and/or Historic Overlay District(s);
(2) Provide the use of historic-cultural landmarks for the education, pleasure, and welfare of the community;
(3) Protect and enhance the appeal and attraction of the City of Johnstown to its residence, visitors, tourists, and to serve as a support and stimulus to business and industry; and
(4) Fostering of civic pride in the beauty and the notable accomplishments, architecture, and history of the City of Johnstown’s past.
(b) Windows. The following regulations and restrictions shall apply to all windows located on any building’s street-side facade within the Central Business District, the Downtown Johnstown Historic District, and/or Historic Overlay District(s).
(1) When repairing and/or replacing a building’s window(s) it should be done in a matching historical manner without altering/enlarging the original opening or cutting new openings. The replacement windows shall be of the same size, shape, and configuration of the window it replaces.
(2) Broken windows shall be repaired or replaced in a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 45 days. If said repairs are not made within a timely manner, the City of Johnstown will levy the appropriate fines, as listed within City Hall - Room 205, upon the applicable property and property owner(s).
(3) Windows will not be permitted to be permanently replaced and/or filled in with wood, brick, concrete, or any other materials. Window openings/frames will be permitted to be covered by a wood surfacing as a temporary security precaution until the window is repaired and/or replaced within the above mentioned 45-day period.
(4) Windows which have been blocked or screened by wood, brick, concrete, or any other construction materials are to be reopened to re-establish the intent of the original building facade. In the event the blocked and screened window openings cannot be replaced due to a structural concern it will be the property owner’s responsibility to develop an alternative agreement with the City of Johnstown.
(5) Basement windows may have security grills installed; on non-street visible elevations of a building, the basement windows may be closed or filled with glass block.
(c) Storefront Doors and Windows. The following regulations and restrictions shall apply all commercial and retail property storefronts as well as entrances of residential buildings located within the Central Business District, the Downtown Johnstown Historic District, Historic Overlay Districts, with a street-side facade.
(1) A commercial or retail building’s original and/or existing storefront shall be retained, repaired, and rehabilitated whenever possible as to taking advantage of their distinctive and attractive appearance, large display areas, and abundance of natural light.
(2) When rehabilitating or remodeling a storefront the use of new concrete block, concrete imitations, aluminum or other types of siding, mill finished aluminum, or other artificial materials are not permitted.
(3) Exiting historical doors shall be retained and rehabilitated whenever feasible. When doors and/or doorways must be altered they shall be designed to respect the exterior architectural integrity of the building.
(4) The use and installation of storm doors and/or screen doors may be permitted on the front or side facade of a building pending the said door has matching frame or complements the color scheme of the building and does not obscure significant features of the door it covers.
(5) Storefront doors and windows must be maintained as follows:
A. All Central Business District, Downtown Johnstown Historic District, and/or Historic Overlay District storefronts doors and windows must be kept clean of obvious dirt, grime, bird dropping, graffiti, and the like.
B. No trash, debris, crates, cardboard boxes, or other packing materials may be stacked or stored in any storefront window.
C. The storefront windows of any vacant property, to be defined as absent of commercial/retail activity of more than 45 days, shall be covered with seamless paper of a neutral color as to obscuring public view of the interior of the building. These window coverings must be kept in good repair and shall not be torn, damaged, or otherwise left in a state of disrepair.
1. As a suggested alternative, the property owner may have the vacant storefront windows covered with decorative art. This artwork shall be approved and commissioned by the City of Johnstown and various local partnerships.
2. The commissioned artwork shall contain no suggestive, inappropriate, religious, political, or advertisements value.
(Ord. 5139. Passed 11-27-13; Ord. 5191. Passed 12-9-15.)