(a) The Board of Architectural Review, in deciding whether to issue a certificate of appropriateness, shall determine that the application under consideration promotes, preserves and enhances the distinctive historical City character of the community and would not be at variance with existing structures within that portion of the district in which the structure is or is proposed to be located as to be detrimental to the interests of the District. In conducting its review, the Board shall make examination of and give consideration to the elements of the application including, but not necessarily limited to:
(1) Height;
(2) Building massing, which shall include the relationship to the viewer’s and pedestrian’s visual perspective;
(3) Window treatment, which shall include the size, shape and materials of the individual window units and the overall harmonious relationship of window openings;
(4) Exterior detail and relationships, which shall include all projecting and receding elements of the exterior, including but not limited to, porches and overhangs and the horizontal or vertical expression which is conveyed by these elements;
(5) Roof shape, which shall include type, form and materials;
(6) Materials, texture and color, which shall include a consideration of material compatibility among various elements of the structure;
(7) Compatibility of design and materials, which shall include the appropriateness of the use of exterior design details;
(8) Landscape design and plant materials, which shall include, but not be limited to, lighting and the use of landscape details to highlight architectural features or screen or soften undesirable view, and the trimming of trees located in the Downtown Architectural District;
(9) Pedestrian environment, which shall include the provision of features which enhance pedestrian’s visual perspective; and
(10) Signage, which shall include, the appropriateness of signage to the building.
(b) In conducting its inquiry and review, the Board may request from the applicant such additional information, sketches and data as it shall reasonably require. It may call upon experts and specialists for testimony and option regarding the matters under examination. It may recommend to the applicant changes in the plans that it considers desirable and may accept a voluntary amendment to the application to include or reflect such changes. The Board shall keep a record of its proceedings and shall append to the application copies of information, sketches and data needed to clearly describe any amendment to it.
(c) When its review is concluded, the Board will determine by a vote of its members, whether the application for certificate of appropriateness shall be approved. If approved by four or more of its members, the Board shall return the application and appended material to the Clerk with the instruction that the certificate of appropriateness be issued, provided all other requirements for a building permit, if applicable, are met. The certificate of appropriateness shall be valid for one year from the date of approval, or such extension as may be granted by the Board. If not approved, the Board shall return the application and appended material to the applicant with a notice that the certificate of appropriateness shall not be issued because the application did not meet the criteria and standards set forth herein.
(Ord. 97-65. Passed 11-20-97.)