(A) Intent:
(1) It is the intention of these regulations to insure, that construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, moving, or demolition of buildings, structures, appurtenant fixtures, outdoor advertising signs, or other significant features in the district shall be congruous with the special character of the district. However, it is not the intention of these regulations to require the reconstruction or restoration of individual or original buildings or prohibit the demolition or removal of the same or to impose architectural styles from particular historical periods. In considering new construction, the Commission and/or the Village Planner shall encourage design that is harmonious with the character of the district;
(2) In granting a Certificate of Appropriateness, the Commission and/or the Village Planner shall take into account the historical or architectural significance of the structure under consideration and the exterior form and appearance of any proposed additions or modifications to that structure as well as the effect of such change or additions upon other structures in the vicinity;
(3) The Commission or Village Planner shall take no action under this Ordinance except to prevent the construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, moving, or demolition of buildings, structures, appurtenant fixtures, outdoor advertising signs, or other significant features that would be incongruous with the special character of the historic district or landmark.
(B) Exterior Form and Appearance:
(1) The following criteria shall be considered, when relevant, by the Commission or Village Planner reviewing applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness. All applications for Certificate of Appropriateness shall be subject to review based upon the Design Standards then in effect. These standards are set forth in a manual prepared by the Commission and approved by Village Council:
(a) Lot coverage, defined as the percentage of the lot area covered by primary structures;
(b) Setback, defined as the distance from the lot lines to the building(s);
(c) Building height;
(d) Spacing of buildings, defined as the distance between adjacent buildings;
(e) Exterior building materials;
(f) Proportion, shape, positioning, location, pattern and sizes of any elements of fenestration;
(g) Surface textures;
(h) Roof shapes, forms and materials;
(i) Use of local or regional architectural traditions;
(j) General form and proportions of buildings and structure, and relationship of any additions to the main structure;
(k) Expression of architectural detailing, such as lintels, cornices, brick bond, and foundation materials;
(l) Orientation of the building to the street;
(m) Scale, determined by the size of the units of construction and architectural detail in relation to the size of man and also by the relationship of the building mass to adjoining open space and nearby buildings and structures;
(n) Proportion of width to height of the total building façade;
(o) Archaeological sites and resources associated with standing structures;
(p) Appurtenant fixtures and other features such as lighting;
(q) Structural condition and soundness;
(r) Walls - physical ingredients, such as brick, stone or wood walls, wrought iron fences, evergreen landscape mass, building façades, or combinations of these;
(s) Ground cover or paving;
(t) Maintenance of pedestrian scale and orientation, as well as provision for safe pedestrian movement;
(u) Color (new construction, additions, alterations, and repainting only and not for existing residences);
(v) Effect of trees and other landscape elements.
(2) The Secretary of the Interior's "Standard for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings" shall be the sole principles and guidelines used in reviewing applications of the State of North Carolina for Certificates of Appropriateness;
(3) Interior arrangement or design shall be exempt from review by the Historic Preservation Commission. Interior construction and/or reconstruction shall not require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
(Ord. 21-12, passed 07-27-2021; Ord. 23-13, passed 5-23-2023)