No zoning permit required by this Municipal Code shall be issued unless it has been approved by the Plan Commission pursuant to the Architectural Control provisions of this Section unless the work to be performed under the zoning permit is exempted from review under this section or this Code, or does not change the exterior facade or character of the structure.
A. Compliance. For the purpose of promoting compatible development, aesthetics, stability of property values, and to prevent impairment or depreciation of property values in the Village of Rochester, no structure shall hereafter be erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, or have its exterior altered or changed in such a manner as to violate the principles set forth in subsection B. of this Section.
B. Principles. To implement and define criteria for the purposes set forth in subsection A, the following principles are established:
1. The design or exterior appearance of a building or sign which is of such unorthodox or abnormal character in relation to its surroundings as to be unsightly or offensive to generally accepted taste and community standards is not permitted.
2. The design or exterior appearance of a building or sign which is so identical with those adjoining as to create excessive monotony or drabness is not permitted.
3. Any exposed facade or roof of a building or a sign that is not constructed or faced with a finished material that is aesthetically compatible with the other facades, roofs or signs and presents an attractive appearance to the public and to surrounding properties is not permitted.
4. No building or sign shall be permitted to be sited on a property in a manner which would unnecessarily destroy or substantially damage the natural beauty of the area, particularly insofar as it would adversely affect values incident to ownership of land in that area; or which would unnecessarily have an adverse effect on the beauty and general enjoyment of existing structures on adjoining properties.
C. Administration. The Zoning Administrator shall require that each zoning permit application in any district be accompanied by plans showing the exterior elevations of all existing and proposed structures on the property; a description of the proposed materials to be used; and proposed floor elevations of all structures.
1. The Zoning Administrator shall review permit applications for minor exterior alterations, decks, accessory structures less than 200 square feet in size, and signs pursuant to the standards set forth in Section 35-22 of this Chapter and subsection B. of this Section. If, in the Zoning Administrator’s judgment and experience the standards have been met, he may issue the permit according to the requirements of this Code. If, in the Zoning Administrator’s judgment and experience the standards have not been met or are in question, or he has a concern regarding the application of the standards, he may, in his discretion, refer the application to the Plan Commission pursuant to subsection C.2 of this Section.
2. The Zoning Administrator shall transmit all zoning permit applications not exempted in subsection C.1. and their accompanying plans to the Village Plan Commission for the Plan Commission’s review and determination, with the exception that structures reviewed by the Historic Preservation Committee pursuant to Chapter 38, or reviewed previously via site plan or developer’s agreement; and permits that do not affect the exterior structure may be excluded.
3. See also Section 35-22.
D. Review and Findings. The Plan Commission shall review the referred plans at a subsequent meeting; but not more than 45 days after the original application for a zoning permit. The Plan Commission shall not approve any zoning permits unless it finds, after viewing the application that the structure, as planned, will not violate the principles set forth in Section 35-22 of this Chapter and subsection B. of this Section. If an application is rejected, the Commission shall set forth the reasons for the rejection in writing.
E. Appeals. Any person or persons aggrieved by any decisions of the Plan Commission related to architectural control may appeal the decision to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Such appeal shall be filed with the Village Clerk within 30 days after the filing of the decision with the Zoning Administrator.