(A) Architectural standards for single- and two-family residential developments. It is the intent of these design standards to promote both technically and aesthetically high quality housing options within the town that contribute to the character and value of the town. Under conditions where a strict interpretation of these design standards may be either physically impossible or contravene the design intent, a modification to the residential architectural standards may be proposed to maintain the spirit, rather than the letter, of the law. The request for modification shall be submitted to the Technical Review Committee for review. Within a reasonable amount of time, the Technical Review Committee shall review the request for modification making a recommendation to approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove the request to the Plan Commission.
(1) Street orientation and massing.
(a) Residential uses. All residential construction shall comply with respect to street orientation and massing to adjacent homes.
(b) Institutional use provisions.
1. Schools, churches, and government buildings shall be built so that they terminate a street vista whenever possible, and shall be of sufficient design to create visual anchors for the community.
2. Civic building walls shall be clad in stone, brick, marble, or cast concrete. Civic building roofs shall be clad in slate, sheet metal, corrugated metal, or diamond tab asphalt shingles. Flat roof lines are allowed.
3. All rooftop equipment on civic buildings shall be enclosed in building material that matches the structure or is visually compatible with the structure.
(2) Roofs. All roofing materials shall be subject to approval by the Plan Commission.
(a) Two or more roof planes visible on the front of the house shall be required.
(b) The pitch of the largest square footage roof must be 6:12 or greater with façade gables of 8:12, unless the style of the house warrants a change. A roof pitch of 3:12 may be permitted for prairie style homes subject to review by the Architectural Review Committee.
(c) There shall be a minimum roof overhang of eight inches, measured from the exterior surface of the exterior material, on all sides of a house featuring brick or stone. There shall be a minimum roof overhang of 12 inches, measured from the exterior surface of the exterior material, on all sides of a house featuring any type of siding that is not brick or stone.
(d) The roof shall be covered with the highest industry standard roofing materials including, but not limited to natural clay tiles, slate, concrete tiles (with natural texture and color), wood shakes or shingles (with adequate fire protection), or high profile, three-dimensional asphalt/fiberglass shingles with a 30-year warranty, or synthetic or recycled material that simulates tile, stone, shake or slate.
(e) All metal roofing shall be approved by the Plan Commission.
(3) Building material requirements.
(a) Where two wall materials are combined horizontally on one elevation, the heavier material must be below.
(b) The exterior elevations of all single story residences 1,500 square feet or less in livable floor area shall be masonry. This requirement shall include all sides of the structure, exclusive of windows, doorways and bays.
(c) The exterior wall surface of the first floor of any multi-story residence shall be masonry.
(d) At least 50% of the front elevation of all residential buildings greater than 1,500 square feet, exclusive of windows, doorways (other than garage doors), and bays, shall be masonry. When garage doors are allowed on a front elevation, in making the calculation, garage doors shall be included as part of the front elevation.
(e) The side and rear elevations of all residences greater than 1,500 square feet that abut a street, open space, trail, or park, shall have at least 50% masonry as the exterior building material on all visible elevations.
(f) All vinyl siding shall be approved and endorsed as meeting or exceeding ASTM D3679 by the Vinyl Siding Institute through their Vinyl Siding Certification Program. Vinyl siding shall be a minimum thickness of 0.048 inches. Lap siding shall have a maximum six inch exposed board face. A letter or certificate stating such shall be attached to each building permit request. All vinyl siding colors shall be submitted for review by the Architectural Review Committee.
(g) All front elevation returns shall be required to match the front elevation masonry in style and height.
(h) Provide detailing that transition or frame material changes. Example: decorative caps on brick/stone, trim boards, and the like. Home styles that do not lend themselves to such transitions may be approved by the ARC.
(i) For at least 60% of the building foundation perimeter, use any combination of concrete, stone, or unique variation of color, texture, or material, at least ten inches in height, around the base of the building. Buildings may alternatively incorporate other architectural features such as ledges, facade reveals, ground level fenestration, raised planters, or landscaping elements within three feet of finished grade.
Figure 9: Sample Brick Wrap Calculation
(4) Façade design/construction requirements.
(a) A single front elevation shall not be repeated unless it is separated by at least three different front elevations along either side of the same street frontage.
(b) There shall not be more than 10% of the houses in the subdivision with the same front elevation.
(c) The exterior wall surface of the first floor of any multi-story residence shall have a minimum of one two foot step back on both the front and rear elevation and a gable on the front and rear elevation, unless the style of the house warrants a change.
(d) Exterior chimneys for fireplaces which abut a public road shall be made entirely of masonry. Half chimneys for gas appliance fireplaces shall have a roof and vent on the side, and are hereby expressly prohibited from being located on the front elevation.
(e) All siding shall match in terms of type, color, and texture.
(f) Front porches are encouraged, and are to be a minimum of four feet in depth without columns. In the event that a front porch has columns, the columns shall be a minimum of six inches by six inches for a single-story porch, or 12 inches by 12 inches for a two-story porch.
(g) Stains and paints used for exterior walls need to comply with the existing appearance and character of the neighborhood.
(h) Monolithic exterior building walls (walls with one type of siding and no windows or doors) are prohibited. There shall be a change of siding materials and/or architectural features (such as windows, chimneys, doors, and the like) on all sides of each house.
(i) While two openings (i.e. windows or doors) are preferred, there shall be a minimum of one opening provided on all elevations of a residential building, with the exception of elevations that face a street. Any elevation facing a public street shall have a minimum of three openings.
(j) With the exception of large picture windows, casement windows and small windows that do not open, there shall be permanent external window treatments on all windows visible from a public street. Acceptable window treatments include, but are not necessarily limited to shutters and dividers (i.e. mullions or inserts).
(k) Exhaust vents shall not be visible from the front elevation of the home. Additionally, no wall-mounted vent or louver shall be located on the first floor exterior of a front elevation.
(l) It is required that the workmanship on the exterior of the building will be of highest industry standard resulting in no visual defects (such as wavy siding).
(m) Unless adjacent to masonry wrap, all windows, doors and corners shall have a minimum nominal one inch by six inch wood or vinyl surround.
(n) All siding must be masonry, wood, cement fiber board, stucco, matching approved materials in scale, E.I.F.S. All siding shall be reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee.
(5) Mailboxes. The location and construction of mailboxes shall comply with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Postal Service.
(B) Architectural standards for multi-family-1 and multi-family-2 residential developments/zoning districts. The implementation of various design standards is a catalyst to ensure quality construction for present and future developments. This architectural design standards section applies to multi-family residential uses. Exceptions may be considered for special developments with distinct and unique architectural designs.
(1) Façade design/construction requirements.
(a) Architectural detailing, horizontal/vertical off-sets, window details and other features shall be provided on all sides of the building to avoid blank walls.
(b) All siding must be masonry, wood, fiber cement plank siding, stucco, decorative pre-cast panels, matching approved materials in scale, integrally colored block stone, E.I.F.S. Each building must feature a minimum of 50% brick or stone on all elevations visible from an adjacent property or street. All siding shall be submitted for review by the Architectural Review Committee.
(c) Projects with multiple buildings must have the site layout and building orientation reviewed by the Plan Commission.
(d) Windows are required on all sides of the dwelling that are visible from the street.
(e) Entries shall be clearly defined and accented with such features as awnings, porticos, overhangs, recesses/projections, arcades, raised corniced parapets over the door, peaked roof forms, and arches.
(f) Any structure with three or more units shall incorporate wall articulation to reduce apparent scale. Elements such as wall plane projections, recesses, significant architectural features that break up the wall plane, columns, pilasters, and the like can be used to achieve this.
(2) Roofs. All roofing materials shall be subject to review by the Architectural Review Committee.
(a) The roof shall be a minimum of 6:12 on sloped roofs; a façade gable shall be a minimum of 8:12.
(b) There shall be a minimum roof overhang of nine inches on all sides of a multi-family residential building with a sloped roof.
(c) The roof shall be covered with the highest industry standard roofing materials including, but not limited to natural clay tiles, slate, concrete tiles (with natural texture and color), wood shakes or shingles (with adequate fire protection), or high profile, three-dimensional asphalt/fiberglass shingles with a 30-year warranty, or synthetic or recycled material that simulates tile, stone, shake or slate.
(d) Any structure with three or more units shall incorporate roof articulation to reduce apparent scale. Elements such as balconies, porches, arcades, dormers, cross gables, secondary hipped or gabled roofs can be used to achieve this appearance.
(3) Dumpsters. Dumpsters shall be enclosed with a solid enclosure that is of the same material as the primary structure, is a minimum of six feet in height, and contains a solid gate. Shrub plant material shall be provided where possible to further enhance the wall enclosure. In no instance shall a dumpster all enclosure or dumpster plantings be located within a utility and/or drainage easement.
(4) Mechanical screening. All mechanical equipment shall be screened from view. This can be achieved by solid landscaping, solid fence or walls for ground placed equipment (provided that the fence or wall is not placed within a utility and/or drainage easement), and the use of parapet walls or other roof structures of the same or compatible material of the main structure(s). For the purposes of administering and enforcing this chapter, the term PARAPET is defined as a portion of the vertical wall of a building which extends above the roofline.
(5) Architectural features. All multi-family residential buildings shall incorporate a minimum of four of the following features, and side and rear elevations shall contain at least one architectural feature.
(a) Front porch greater than eight feet by four feet (see also § 154.113(A)(4)(f) for column specifications);
(b) Reverse gables;
(c) Covered front stoops/steps with pathway leading from sidewalk;
(d) A separate overhead door for each garage bay;
(e) Decorative garage doors or windows in garage doors;
(f) Transom windows;
(g) Veranda/balcony;
(h) Two or more roof planes;
(i) Brick or stone on 100% of the front elevation, exclusive of openings;
(j) Two or more dormers;
(k) At least four feet of relief at one or more points along the front elevation;
(l) Bay windows;
(m) Side-loaded garages with courtyard entry;
(n) Full first floor masonry;
(o) Sunroom, screened porch, or balcony;
(p) Overhangs or soffits of at least 15 inches over all exterior walls; or
(q) Use of brick and stone on the same elevation.
(6) Any commercial uses or buildings constructed within a M-1 or M-2 District, as permitted by this chapter, shall meet the requirements of the neighborhood commercial architectural standards, and shall have a similar design or theme, materials, and compatible architecture with that of the multi-family residential buildings on-site.
(7) Stand-alone clubhouses, amenity buildings, and the like shall meet the architectural requirements of the multi-family-1 and -2 architectural standards.
(C) Architectural standards for professional business office and regional commercial developments/zoning districts. The implementation of various design standards is a catalyst to ensure quality construction for future commercial development. The following design standards apply to commercial uses within the town. Exceptions may be considered for special developments with distinct and unique architectural designs.
(1) Façade design/construction requirements.
(a) Façade colors shall be low reflectance, subtle, neutral hues or colors. The use of high-fluorescent colors shall be prohibited. Building trim and accent areas may feature brighter colors or primary colors, provided the building trim and accent areas do not exceed 10% of any single exterior façade exclusive of all windows, doors, or other building openings. Building trim and accent areas featuring brighter colors or primary colors in excess of 10% of any single exterior façade shall be submitted for review by the Architectural Review Committee.
(b) All buildings are to have similar design or theme, materials, and compatible architecture.
(c) All siding must be brick, stone, cement fiber board, stucco, decorative pre-cast panels, architectural metal panels, matching approved materials in scale, integrally colored CMU, E.I.F.S., or a combination of these materials. Each building must feature a minimum of 50% brick or stone on all elevations. Any smooth-face CMU is limited to use as a trim or accent material. Changes in material shall be separated with a transition material. All siding material shall be submitted for review by the Architectural Review Committee.
(d) For projects with multiple buildings, site layout and building orientation will be reviewed by the Technical Review Committee. Attempts shall be made to incorporate variation in building height, building mass, roof forms and changes in wall planes.
(e) The exterior of all buildings adjacent to residential areas shall be limited to brick, stone, stucco, E.I.F.S., fiber cement board, or another material approved by the Plan Commission.
(f) If the length of any elevation is greater than 50 feet, it shall have incorporated into the wall plane at least one projection or recess of at least three feet and extending a width of at least 20% of the length of any elevation. If the length of any elevation is greater than 100 feet, it shall have incorporated into the wall plane at least two projections or recesses with a depth of at least three feet and a width of at least 20% of the facade length. If the length of any elevation is greater than 150 feet, it shall have incorporated into the wall plane at least two projections or recesses with a depth of at least five feet and a width of at least 20% of the facade length. If the length of any elevation is greater than 250 feet, it shall have incorporated into the wall plane at least three projections or recesses with a depth of at least five feet and a width of at least 20% of the facade length. Flat roofs shall feature articulation that coincides with the wall plane articulation. For the purposes of administering and enforcing this chapter, an awning shall not constitute a facade projection. The ARC may approve wall plane recesses and projections designs that do not meet the above noted minimums; however, under no circumstance shall the ARC approve a wall plane design that does not include any projections or recesses, unless the wall planes are less than 50 feet in length.
(g) All commercial buildings of 15,000 square feet or less shall incorporate four-sided architecture. All buildings elevations shall feature the same materials and level of architectural detailing as the front elevation. Exceptions may be granted by the ARC for a side or rear elevation which is not visible from an adjacent property, or an existing or planned private street or public right-of-way.
(h) Integrate at least one material change, color variation, or horizontal reveal for every floor of a building facade (greater than two stones); vertical spacing may be averaged over facade. On such buildings, the first floor facade shall appear to be greater than the other floor heights. Integrate at least one material change, color variation, or vertical reveal every 50 horizontal feet of building facade (greater than 15,000 square feet); horizontal spacing may be averaged over facade elevation. All buildings, regardless of size or number of stories, shall use scale and design elements, such as but not limited to special lighting, awnings, trees, and other elements, to visually relate the building to the pedestrian scale and visually anchor the building to the ground/street level. Exceptions may be granted by the ARC for buildings featuring architectural styles which lend themselves to less variation.
(i) For at least 60% of the building foundation perimeter, use any combination of concrete, stone, or unique variation of color, texture, or material, at least ten feet in height, around the base of the building. Buildings may alternatively incorporate other architectural features such as ledges, facade reveals, ground level fenestration, raised planters, or landscaping elements within three feet of finished grade.
(2) Roofs.
(a) Roof features. Roofs shall have at least two of the following features:
1. Parapets. Parapets shall not exceed one-third of the height of the supporting wall and must conceal flat roofs and completely screen any and all rooftop mechanical units.
2. Cornice. Cornices shall be three-dimensional.
3. Eaves and overhangs. Eaves and overhangs shall extend 18 inches past the supporting walls.
4. Cupolas. Cupolas shall not exceed 15 feet past the base roofline.
(b) Roof pitch. The roof shall be a minimum of 6:12 pitch on a sloped roof; a façade gable shall be a minimum of 8:12 pitch.
(c) Roof material. All roofs shall be covered with the highest industry standard roofing materials including, but not limited to natural clay tiles, slate, concrete tiles, (with natural texture and color), high quality architectural standing seam metal roofing, wood shakes or shingles (with adequate fire protection), or high profile, three-dimensional asphalt/fiberglass shingles. Metal roofs shall have a low gloss finish to reduce glare. The following materials shall be subject to review by the Architectural Review Committee and/or Technical Review Committee: green roofs, solar panel roofing, wood shake, metal, and synthetic or recycled materials used to simulate natural materials.
(d) Roof access shall be located within the interior space of the building to eliminate exterior ladders for roof access.
(3) Mechanical screening. All mechanical equipment shall be screened from view. Wall and ground-mounted equipment shall be screened with a wall or fence consistent with the exterior materials used on the primary building. Such walls and fences shall be a minimum of one foot taller than the equipment and softened with landscaping. Roof-mounted equipment shall be screened from the view by parapets, dormers, portion of roof, or other screens. The material of all such screens shall be consistent with the exterior materials used on the facade of the primary building, unless use of such material is deemed not logical or feasible by the ARC, in which case the ARC may approve an alternative material. All roof-top equipment screens shall be constructed so that the equipment screen fully obscures the view of the equipment from all points of abutting property lines and all points of the farthest right-of-way line of any adjacent public or private street. The line of site measurements shall be taken at a height of eight feet from grade along the applicable property line or right-of-way line. The town may require multiple line of site exhibits depending upon existing or proposed conditions, including but not limited to distance from equipment and changes in grade. Mechanical and utility equipment not shown on plans (due to unknown location or other reasons) or mechanicals added that were not originally planned for do not remove the developer's responsibility to comply with these standards.
(4) Dumpsters. Dumpsters shall be enclosed with a solid enclosure that is of the same material as the primary structure, is a minimum of six feet in height, and contains a solid gate. Shrub plant material shall be provided where possible to further enhance the wall enclosure. In no instance shall a dumpster all enclosure or dumpster plantings be located within a utility and/or drainage easement. In no instance shall a dumpster be located in the front yard.
(5) All buildings located on property zoned public/semi-public shall meet the professional business office/regional commercial architectural standards.
(D) Architectural design standards for neighborhood commercial developments/zoning district. In addition to the professional business office and regional commercial standards prescribed above, all neighborhood commercial developments shall also comply with the following standards:
(1) Elements. Architectural elements used on the front elevation shall be implemented on all elevations and shall incorporate no less than three of the following architectural elements:
(a) Color change;
(b) Texture change;
(c) Material change;
(d) An expression of architectural or structural bays through a change in roof plane, height, or architectural enhancements, and must be approved by the Plan Commission;
(e) Balconies;
(f) Awnings; or
(g) Story change wherein a clear delineation between each story of the structure is provided by a consistent cornice line.
(2) Entryways. Each single tenant retail establishment greater than 7,500 square feet shall have clearly defined, highly visible customer entrances featuring no less than three of the following:
(a) Canopies or porticos;
(b) Overhangs;
(c) Recesses/projections;
(d) Arcades;
(e) Raised corniced parapets over the door;
(f) Peaked or gabled roof forms;
(g) Arches;
(h) Columns;
(i) Awnings;
(j) Sidelights, transoms width must equal door width;
(k) Architectural details such as tile work and moldings which are integrated into the building structure and design;
(l) Integral planters or wing walls that incorporate landscaped areas and/or places for sitting, awnings, porches, plinths, bay windows, or shutters;
(m) Enhanced exterior lighting, such as wall sconces, building mounted accent lights, or decorative pedestal lights;
(n) Prominent 3-D entryway feature such as a clock wireless support structure or other similar architectural design element projecting from the plane of the main exterior walls by a minimum of eight feet and raised above the adjoining parapet wall or roof by a minimum of three feet.
(3) Exterior building materials.
(a) Exterior building materials shall not include smooth-faced concrete block, or concrete tilt-up panels. However, concrete tilt-up panels with brick or stone facing can be used on rear elevations.
(b) Exterior building materials shall consist of brick, stone, integrally colored CMU, pre-cast concrete (must have integral color or and embedded brick or stone with brick or stone in-print, on rear elevations only), stucco and external insulation finish system (E.I.F.S) that simulates a stucco appearance, or a combination of these materials. All siding materials shall be submitted for review by the Architectural Review Committee.
(c) Wood siding or similar materials are permissible in limited applications, but shall not be used as the primary building material.
(4) Display windows. All front façades and facades along pedestrian walkways shall have display windows, faux windows, or decorative windows for no less than 60% of the facades’ horizontal length.
(E) Architectural design standards for industrial-1 and industrial-2 developments/zoning districts. The implementation of various design standards is a catalyst to ensure quality construction for future industrial development. In addition to all professional business office and regional commercial standards as prescribed above, the following standards shall also apply to all industrial uses, including light industrial uses. Exceptions may be made for special developments with distinct and unique architectural designs.
(1) Siding.
(a) Exterior siding shall be stone, brick, E.I.F.S., and/or pre-cast concrete (painted or pigmented). The ARC may also approve buildings with architectural metal panels if the architectural style of the structure warrants the use.
(b) All pre-cast concrete must include embedded reveals on all elevations at uniform intervals to create visual interest and reduce the massing of the wall plane.
(2) Entryways. Each single tenant industrial establishment greater than 7,500 square feet shall have clearly defined, highly visible customer entrances wherein the primary customer entrance features the following:
(a) Recesses/projections;
(b) Sidelights and/or transoms;
(c) Embedded texture or reveal incorporated into the entrance design, featuring a complimentary accent color;
(d) Integral planters or wing walls that incorporate landscaped areas;
(e) Enhanced exterior lighting, such as wall sconces, building mounted accent lights, or decorative pedestal lights.
(F) Additional architectural standards for the Town Center and Old Town Zoning District(s). In addition to the professional business office and regional commercial, and neighborhood commercial standards prescribed above, the following standards shall also apply to developments located within the Town Center District and commercial development in the Old Town District:
(1) Exterior building materials. Exterior materials shall be natural in appearance in keeping with the historical style of the town, if with the Old Town District. Predominant exterior building materials shall be high quality materials, including, but not limited to, brick, limestone, other native stone, and natural wood. Synthetic materials can be used that simulate natural materials (EIFS, cement fiber board, and cast stone).
(2) Entryways. Each building that is greater than 7,500 square feet in gross floor area shall have clearly defined, highly visible customer entrances wherein the primary customer entrance features no less than three of the following:
(a) Canopies or porticos;
(b) Overhangs;
(c) Arcades;
(d) Raised corniced parapets over the door;
(e) Peaked or gabled roof forms;
(f) Arches;
(g) Columns;
(h) Prominent 3-D entryway feature such as a glass-encased entrance or other similar architectural design element projecting from the plane of the main exterior walls by a minimum of eight feet and raised above the adjoining parapet wall or roof by a minimum of three feet;
(i) Other features as approved by the Architectural Review Committee.
(3) Display windows. All front façades and facades along pedestrian walkways shall have display windows, faux windows, or decorative windows for no less than 60% of the facades’ horizontal length.
(4) Dumpsters. Dumpsters shall be enclosed with a solid enclosure that is of the same material as the primary structure, is a minimum of six feet in height, and contains a solid gate. Shrub plant material shall be provided where possible to further enhance the wall enclosure. In no instance shall a dumpster all enclosure or dumpster plantings be located within a utility and/or drainage easement.
(5) Street furniture. Street furniture such trash receptacles, benches, drinking fountains, light standards, flag poles, water features and public art should be included in plans and designed to be part of the architectural concept.
(6) Buildings must orient, frame, and/or direct pedestrian views to adjacent buildings, parks, plazas, destinations, and other points of interest.
(7) Front elevations shall feature a minimum of three colors. Other elevations visible from the public right-of-way shall feature a minimum of two colors.
(Ord. 121410, passed 1-11-2011; Ord. 111114, passed 11-11-2014; Ord. 041216-A, passed 4-12-2016; Ord. 010819, passed 2-12-2019; Ord. 111020C, passed 12-8-2020)