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SEC. 7. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR REVIEW OF NEW CONSTRUCTION AND CERTAIN ALTERATIONS.
(a) Standards. All construction of new buildings and all major alterations, which are subject to the provisions of Sections 1110, 1111 through 1111.6 and 1113, shall be compatible with the District in general with respect to the building's composition and massing, scale, materials and colors, and detailing and ornamentation, including those features described in Section 6 of this Appendix. Emphasis shall be placed on compatibility with those buildings in the area in which the new or altered building is located. In the case of major alterations, only those building characteristics that are affected by the proposed alteration shall be considered in assessing compatibility. Signs on the buildings in Conservation Districts are subject to the provisions of Section 1111.7.
The foregoing standards do not require, or even encourage, new buildings to imitate the styles of the past. Rather, they require the new to be compatible with the old. The determination of compatibility shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 309.
(b) Guidelines. The guidelines in this subsection are to be used in assessing compatibility.
(1) Composition and Massing. New construction should maintain the character of the District by relating to the prevailing height, mass, proportions, rhythm and composition of existing historic buildings.
The height and massing of new buildings should not alter the traditional scale of existing buildings, streets and open spaces. On the interior of the block, the existing streetwall height should be maintained. An appropriate streetwall height is established by reference to the prevailing building height on the block and especially that of adjacent buildings. If the adjacent buildings are of a significantly different height than the rest of the buildings on the block, then the prevailing height of buildings on the block should be used as a guide. A setback at the streetwall height can permit additional height above the setback without breaking the continuity of the street wall. On blockfronts where the street wall is less well-defined, greater latitude in height may be allowed.
Most existing buildings are built to the property or street line. This pattern should not be broken since it could damage the continuity of building rhythms and the definition of streets.
The standard proportions of new buildings should be established by the prevailing streetwall height and width of lots. Lot assembly should be discouraged to maintain the existing lot pattern and building proportions. In cases where lot assembly does occur, it is necessary to break up the facades of new buildings into discrete elements that relate to prevailing building proportions. The use of smaller bays is a way in which to relate the proportions of a new building with those of historic buildings.
The design of a new structure should repeat the prevailing pattern of two- and three-part vertical compositions, although low buildings could use a one-part vertical division. A base element is necessary to define the pedestrian environment. Alterations to existing structures should maintain the existing vertical and horizontal divisions, and should respect the original ground story enframement. Cornices and belt courses should not be removed or altered.
(2) Scale. The existing scale of the immediate area and the Conservation District should be maintained. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including: a consistent use of size and complexity of detailing in regards to surrounding buildings, continuance of existing bay widths, maintenance of an existing streetwall height, and incorporation of a base element (of similar height to existing bases) to maintain the pedestrian environment. Large wall surfaces, which increase a building's scale, should be broken up through the use of detailing and textural variation to reduce the scale.
Existing fenestration (windows, entrances) rhythms and proportions which have been established by lot width or bay width should be repeated in new structures. The spacing and size of window openings should follow the sequence set by historic structures. Large glass areas should be broken up by mullions so that the scale of glazed areas is compatible with that of neighboring buildings. Casement and double-hung windows should be used where possible.
(3) Materials and Colors. The use of like materials can relate two buildings of obviously different eras and styles. Similarly, the use of materials that appear similar (such as substituting concrete for terra cotta) can link two disparate structures, or harmonize the appearance of a new structure with the architectural character of a conservation district. The preferred surface materials for this district are brick, terra cotta, stone, and concrete (simulated to look like terra cotta or stone). The texture of surfaces can be treated in a manner so as to emphasize the bearing function of the material, as is done in rustication on historic buildings. In addition, in some cases it may be appropriate to leave the surface roughly dressed, emphasizing the utilitarian character of the interior frontages.
Traditional light colors should be used in order to blend in with the character of the district. Dissimilar buildings may be made more compatible by using similar or harmonious colors, and, to a lesser extent, by using similar textures.
(4) Detailing and Ornamentation. A new building should relate to the surrounding area by picking up elements from surrounding buildings and repeating them or developing them for new purposes. An ornamental detail can be taken from an adjacent building and used in a new building to relate the latter to the surrounding area. Alternately, similarly shaped forms can be used without directly copying historical ornament. The new structure should incorporate prevailing cornice lines or belt courses and may use a modern vernacular instead of that of the original model.
(Added Ord. 414-85, App. 9/17/85)
SEC. 8. TDR: ELIGIBILITY OF CATEGORY V BUILDINGS.
Category V Buildings in the Commercial-Leidesdorff District are eligible for the transfer of TDR as provided in Section 1109(c).
(Added Ord. 414-85, App. 9/17/85)
SEC. 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
It is hereby found that the area known and described in this Appendix as the Front-California Street area is a Subarea within the C-3 District that possesses concentrations of buildings that together create a Subarea of architectural quality and importance which contributes to the beauty and attractiveness of the City. It is further found that the area meets the standards for designation of a Conservation District as set forth in Section 1103 of Article 11 and that the designation of said area as a Conservation District will be in furtherance of and in conformance with the purposes of Article 11 of the City Planning Code.
This Designation is intended to promote the health, safety, prosperity and welfare of the people of the City through the effectuation of the purposes set forth in Section 1101 of Article 11 and the maintenance of the scale and character of the Front-California area by:
(a) The protection and preservation of the basic characteristics and salient architectural details of structures insofar as these characteristics and details are compatible with the Conservation District;
(b) Providing scope for continuing vitality of the District through private renewal and architectural creativity, within appropriate controls and standards. It is intended to foster a climate in which the area continues to provide a variety of retail and commercial uses of significant value to the City.
(c) Encouragement of the continued intensive use of the District by financial district workers during the noon hours.
(Added Ord. 414-85, App. 9/17/85)
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION.
Pursuant to Section 1103.1 of Article 11, of the City Planning Code (Part II, Chapter II of the San Francisco Municipal Code), the Front-California area is hereby designated as a Conservation District.
(Added Ord. 414-85, App. 9/17/85)
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