(A) The Planning Commission, in deciding whether to issue a certificate of appropriateness, shall determine that the application under consideration is in conformity with the requirements of the village ordinances with respect to the location and height of buildings, the location, nature and height of walls and fences, and the nature and extent of hardscaping on the site and that the application will not be hazardous, inconvenient or in conflict with pedestrian or normal traffic movement, and promotes, preserves and enhances the distinctive architectural village character of the community. In conducting its review, the Planning Commission shall make examination of and give consideration to the elements of the application including, but not necessarily limited to:
(1) Height, which shall include the requirements of all other village ordinances.
(2) Building massing, which shall include in addition to the requirements of any other village ordinances, the relationship of the building width to its height and depth; and its 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 the appropriateness of the use of exterior design details.
(7) Compatibility of design and details, which shall include the appropriateness of the use of exterior design details.
(B) In conducting its inquiry and review, the Planning Commission 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 opinion regarding the matters under examination. It may recommend to the applicant changes in the plans to comply with current ordinances that it considers desirable. The Planning Commission may accept a voluntary amendment to the application to include or reflect such changes. To expedite approval, the Planning Commissioner can approve minor alterations with the authorization of the Planning Commission, without calling a meeting; or can call an additional meeting of the Planning Commission to consider changes. The Planning Commission 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 Planning Commission will determine by a vote of its members, whether the application for a certificate of appropriateness shall be approved and shall adopt written findings of fact regarding the compliance of the application with the applicable statutory requirements. If approved by 3 or more of its members, the Planning Commission shall return the application and appended material to the Clerk-Treasurer, together with the written findings of fact regarding the application, with the instruction that the certificate of appropriateness be issued, provided all other requirements for a building permit, if applicable, are met. If not approved, the Planning Commission shall return the application and appended material, together with the findings of fact regarding the application, to the Clerk-Treasurer with the instruction that the certificate of appropriateness shall not be issued because the application did not meet the criteria and standards set forth herein. The Clerk-Treasurer shall promptly give to the applicant written notice of the determination of the Planning Commission and, if the application has been approved, shall issue the certificate of appropriateness to the applicant promptly after the expiration of the time within which an aggrieved party may appeal such action.
(Ord. 584, passed 4-21-1986; Am. Ord. 04-2009, passed 7-20-2009; Am. Ord. 03-2014, passed 8-18-2014)