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(a) The purpose of this section is to encourage the proper use of appropriate materials and details. The materials and details of new construction shall relate to the materials and details of existing adjacent buildings.
(b) Diagonal siding is generally unacceptable. Materials that imitate natural materials are not acceptable. Imitative materials, such as asphalt siding, wood-textured metal siding or artificial stone, shall not be used. Materials shall be reviewed to determine their appropriate use in relation to the overall design of the structure.
(c) Brick and/or stone fronts which match the original building construction are preferred in all cases.
(Ord. 88-005. Passed 3-14-88; Ord. 23-023. Passed 9-25-23.)
The Kenton Downtown Historical District is architecturally diverse within an overall pattern of harmony and continuity. The maintenance of the scale and quality of design is essential for new construction in the District. Guidelines for new construction focus on general rather than specific design elements in order to encourage architectural innovation and establish continuity. All new construction is reviewed in terms of massing, rhythm , materials and details, building elements and site. Generally, all structures should be completed in these categories in conformity with surrounding. structures. Reproduction of historic designs and details is artificial and expensive and is recommended only for some in-fill cases or small scale construction.
(Ord. 88-005 . Passed 3-14-88. )
The existence of uniform narrow lots in the Kenton Downtown Historical District area naturally sets up a strong rhythm of buildings to open space.
Historically, any structure built on more than one lot used vertical facade elements to maintain and vary the overall rhythm on the street rather than interrupting the rhythm with a long, monotomous facade. The directional emphasis of new construction should relate to that of existing adjacent structures.

(Ord. 88-005. Passed 3-14-88. )
For the intimate space of a shallow setback, ground cover and low shrubs will provide more visual interest and require less maintenance than grass.
When lots are left vacant, as green space or parking area, a visual hole in the street "wall" may result. Landscape treatment can eliminate this potential problem by providing a wall of enclosure for the street. The City should maintain boulevard trees when possible. The boulevard trees mark a separation between the automobile corridor and the rest of the streetscape.

(Ord. 88-005. Passed 3-14-88. )
Porches and steps that are appropriate to the building shall be retained.
Porches and additions reflecting later styles of architecture are often important to the building's historical integrity, and, whenever possible, shall be retained. Porches and steps removed from the building shall be reconstructed through photographic documentation and historical research. Similar material shall be used to repair or replace, where necessary, deteriorated architectural features of wood, iron, cast iron, terracotta, tile and brick. Similar material shall also be used to replace missing architectural features such as cornices, brackets, railings and shutters, whenever possible.
(Ord. 88-005. Passed 3-14-88. )
(a) The use of awnings and canopies in the Kenton Downtown Historic District has been prevalent throughout the historical period of the District. Awnings and canopies serve as an attractive design feature and provide shelter from the elements.
(b) Awnings and canopies should be traditional in design and material and they should not obscure or destroy any historical features. Awnings and canopies should be appropriately sized, spanning one store front. Awnings and canopies should not be internally illuminated and they should not be designed as a pet or mansard roof addition.
(c) Inappropriate materials, such as plastic, wood, ore asphalt that disturb the character and appearance of the building, shall not be used.
(Ord. 88-005. Passed 3-14-88; Ord. 23-023. Passed 9-25-23.)
(a) General Principals.
(1) All work shall be of a character and quality that maintains the distinguishing features of the building and the environment. The removal of architectural features is not recommended.
(2) Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced whenever possible. In the event of replacement, new materials shall match the original in composition, design, color, texture and appearance. Duplication of original design based on physical or pictorial evidence is preferable to using conjectural or "period" designs or using parts of other buildings.
(3) Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship characteristic of structures of a period shall be treated sensitively. Furthermore, if changes in the use of a building are contemplated, they should be accomplished with minimum alteration to the structure and fabric.
(4) In general, it is expected that buildings will be restored to their original appearance. However, alterations to buildings are sometimes significant because they reflect the history of the building and neighborhood. This significance shall be respected, and restoration to an "original" appearance may not always be desirable in some cases. All buildings shall be recognized as products of their own time and not be altered to resemble buildings from an earlier era.
(b) Specific Guidelines. In evaluating proposals for restoration and rehabilitation, the following guidelines shall be used throughout the Kenton Downtown Historical District:
Item | Section Number |
Item | Section Number |
Demolition | |
Facade Capping | |
Fences | |
Materials and Details | |
New Construction | |
Parking and Landscaping | |
Porches, Steps and Applied Architectural Features | |
Restoration and Rehabilitation | |
Siding and Surface Treatment | |
Signs | |
Site/Setback | |
Kenton Downtown Historical District Streetscape Plans | |
Windows and Doors | |
(Ord. 88-005 . Passed 3-14-88.)
(a) Cleaning; Sandblasting. Original masonry and mortar shall be retained whenever possible without the application of any surface treatment. Masonry shall be cleaned only when necessary to halt deterioration and always with the most gentle method possible, such as low pressure water and soft natural bristle brushes. Brick and stone surfaces shall not be sandblasted, except in situations where this method is the only solution to cleaning and/or restoration. Sandblasting cleaning erodes the surface of the material and accelerates deterioration. Chemical cleaning products which could have an adverse chemical reaction with the masonry material should not be used.
(b) Repair. Materials and ingredient proportions similar to the existing mortar shall be used when repointing. This will create a bond similar to the original. Repointing with a mortar of high Portland cement content may create a bond stronger than is appropriate for the building materials, possibly resulting in cracking or other damage. The original mortar profile, color, texture and bonding pattern shall be retained.
(c) Painting; Removal. The original color and texture of masonry surfaces shall be retained. Paint shall not be indiscriminately removed from masonry surfaces, because some brick surfaces were originally meant to be painted. Accent paint colors should complement the design of the building, coordinate with adjacent buildings, and not distract from the theme of the District. Colors should be chosen from historical selections that complement the architectural design.
(Ord. 88-005. Passed 3-14-88; Ord. 23-023. Passed 9-25-23.)
Deteriorated siding material shall be replaced with material used in the original construction or with materials that resemble the appearance of the old as closely as possible.
Resurfacing of buildings in the Kenton Downtown Historical District with any material that is inappropriate, such as artificial stone, artificial brick veneer, asbestos and asphalt shingles, or vinyl or metal siding, is not permitted.
(Ord. 88-005. Passed 3-14-88. )
(a) General Principles.
(1) A signage permit is required for all signs in the Kenton Downtown Historical District. Details on sign permits are the same as those found in Section 1437.10.
(2) Signs should be compatible with the character of the Kenton Downtown Historical District and blend with the character of the structure on or near which they are placed. In evaluating permit applications for signs, the following guidelines will be used:
A. Signs should not conceal the architectural detail, clutter the building's image or distract from the unity of the facade, but rather complement the overall design.
B. Sign materials should complement the material of the related building and/or adjacent buildings. Surface design elements should not detract from or conflict with the related structure's age or design.
C. No facade should be damaged in the application of signs, except for mere attachment.
D. Projecting signs that hang over the pedestrian walkway are encouraged. Projecting signs should be no higher than fifteen feet from ground level and not project more than three feet over the sidewalk.
E. Temporary signage is to be displayed for a maximum of ninety days.
(b) Sign Area.
(1) Most buildings are designed with a definite panel or framed zone for the sign mounting. This area should be used with the sign taking a complementary shape.
(2) Signs should be in scale with the facade of the building and located in a manner that emphasizes the architectural elements of the building.
(3) Each building may have one building sign oriented to each street on which the premises has frontage, identifying the building as a whole or it's predominate use.
(4) On buildings where the front facade does not ascetically accommodate building signage, projecting signs are the preferred choice. If necessary, window signs will be considered as primary building signage as long as they compliment the design of the building.
(c) Lighting. Signs in the Kenton Historic District should be lit if at all possible. Lighting for signs should be of a traditional style. Both internal and external lighting will be considered.
(d) Prohibited Devices.
(1) No sign or light shall move, flash, or make noise (indicators of time or temperature may move).
(2) Vinyl banners are not to be used as a permanent signage. They will be considered as temporary signage only to be hung or placed for a maximum of ninety days.
(e) Administration. No sign shall be erected without a permit issued by the Architectural and Historic Board of Review, application for which shall be accompanied by such scale drawings, photographs, and other information as the Board may require.
(Ord. 91-022. Passed 1-13-92; Ord. 23-023. Passed 9-25-23.)
New buildings shall be sited at a distance in line of existing adjacent buildings. A setback greater than those of adjacent buildings may be allowed in some cases. Reduced setbacks may be acceptable at corners. This happens often in the Kenton Downtown Historical District and can lend delightful variation to the street.

(Ord. 88-005. Passed 3-14-88. )
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