In order to maintain and promote the unique historic character of downtown Martinsville and to foster economic revitalization, the following design and visual compatibility standards shall apply to the exterior of every building in the district.
(A) General requirements.
(1) A building exterior shall not be altered where the defining characteristics of the structure are lost or substantially changed.
(2) The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features is prohibited unless no other practical alternative is available.
(3) Because each building is a physical record of its time, place and use, any change that creates a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, is prohibited.
(4) Because a building changes over time, those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.
(5) Distinctive features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a building shall be preserved.
(6) Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture and other visual qualities.
(7) Chemical or physical treatments such as sandblasting and high pressure water washing that cause damage to historic materials are prohibited.
(8) New additions, exterior alterations or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the building.
(9) New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be done in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the building would be unimpaired.
(10) Lost or missing historic features are not required to be replaced.
(B) Specific requirements.
(1) All replacements of historic elements such as windows shall conform to the size, style and shape of the original. Where practical, the use of like material is required.
(2) Brick, wood, metal, stone and other original building materials shall be preserved and retained, and not covered with non-historic material such as vinyl.
(3) Paint colors, awning styles and colors, and signage must evoke historicity and be visually compatible with other colors, awnings and signage in the Historic Downtown District.
(Ord. 2009-1626, passed 5-4-2009)