(a) Excessive Dissimilarity. The exterior design and size of a building or structure, its orientation on the site, and its landscape treatment shall not be excessively dissimilar to any other existing building, structure, site plan or landscape plan in the neighborhood. For the purposes of this section, a building, structure, site plan or landscape plan shall be deemed to be "existing" if a valid permit has been issued for its construction.
(b) Excessive Similarity. The exterior design and size of a building or structure shall not be excessively similar in relation to any other building or structure, existing or for which a permit has been issued, on a lot located such that the buildings may be viewed simultaneously, particularly any of the following features of exterior design:
(1) Facade. An elevation shall not be apparently identical, including the size and arrangement of either doors, windows, porches, or other openings or breaks in the facade, nor shall there be a directly reverse arrangement;
(2) Other significant features. Architectural features, including but not limited to materials, colors, roofline, or other design elements shall not be apparently identical.
(c) Inappropriate Design. If, based upon evidence in the record, the Board determines that a building, structure, addition, site plan or landscape plan is inconsistent with the predominant architectural style of the residence, or residences in the neighborhood, or is otherwise inconsistent with other elements of the design of the building, structure, site plan or landscape plan, the Board may make a finding that the design is inappropriate.
(d) Harmful Effects of Design. In order to make a valid determination of excessively similar, dissimilar or inappropriate design, the Board must also issue a finding or findings, based upon the evidence in the record, that such similarity, dissimilarity or inappropriateness will produce one or more harmful effects on one or more properties in the neighborhood and identify what the potential harmful effect( s) will be.
(Ord. 2014-31. Passed 6-17-15.)