(a) Applicability of Regulations. In addition to the development standards set forth in this Chapter, the guidelines set forth in this Section shall apply to the exterior appearance and design of all new construction.
(b) Exceptions. The Design and Construction Board of Review or the Planning Commission, as applicable, is authorized to grant an exception to the guidelines contained in this Section if the applicant demonstrates that, due to the unusual shape or topography of the lot or an adjoining lot, or due to the location or design of existing structures, mature trees, or other features, the application of the guidelines would be unreasonable.
(1) In determining whether to grant an exception, the Design and Construction Board of Review or the Planning Commission shall consider:
A. The Master Plan;
B. The purposes of the Zoning District;
C. The intent of the guideline from which the exception is requested; and,
D. Whether the intent of the guideline may be met by an alternate means.
(2) The Design and Construction Board of Review or the Planning Commission, as applicable, may grant a complete exception from the, guideline or it may modify the guideline in view of the peculiarities of the site. Any modification of the guideline shall be considered an "exception." An exception shall be granted or denied in writing.
(3) The applicant must obtain development plan approval incorporating the exception within one (1) year of the grant, or the exception will expire.
(4) Any person aggrieved by the grant or denial of an exception may appeal the decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals by filing a written notice of appeal, stating the reasons therefore, with the Zoning Administrator, within ten (10) days of the grant or denial of the exception.
(c) Guidelines for Single-family Attached Dwellings:
(1) To break up the mass of attached units, the front setbacks for adjacent units should vary a minimum of two (2) feet, or different building materials, architectural designs/treatments, or rooflines should be utilized.
(2) If the development is located within an established residential neighborhood, the newly constructed units shall be compatible with the surrounding residential properties in terms of height, bulk, building materials, window shape and arrangement, and roof pitch.
(3) Front setbacks for adjacent units should vary a minimum of 2 feet.
(4) The principal orientation of the attached single-family units shall be the public street on which the lot has frontage, if applicable. There shall be at least one entrance, of each unit, facing such public street, and the principal windows of the attached single-family units shall also face this street.
(5) Vehicular entrances to the attached single-family development shall be minimized and designed in such a way as to maximize safety, maximize efficient traffic circulation, and minimize the impact on any adjacent residential neighborhood.
(6) All accessory structures shall be located behind the rear building line of the attached single-family dwellings.
(7) A subdivision plat shall be submitted with the development plan, where individual attached units are to be constructed on individual lots. The subdivision plat shall meet the standards of the Subdivision Regulations.
(8) Applicants must clearly demonstrate that the use will be compatible with the neighborhood, particularly with regard to traffic circulation, parking, and appearance.