(A) Purpose. The buildings in the Village’s Downtown Business District define Swanton’s built environment and contribute to the character of the community. Enhancing the quality and compatibility of these buildings and thereby protecting the character of this areas is of utmost importance. The standards set forth below are intended to achieve among others the following purposes:
(1) To strengthen, protect, enhance and improve the existing visual and aesthetic character of the B-2, Downtown, District;
(2) To protect and enhance property values; and
(3) To provide guidelines for property owners, architects, and contractors to aid in the preparation of appropriate plans.
(1) The Planning Commission may grant an exemption from these standards when the exterior building modifications are minor in nature, meaning the design modifications will have no discernable impact on neighboring properties, the public, the public right-of-way, or those intended to occupy or use the proposed development.
(2) The Planning Commission may grant an exception or modification to the Design Standards in § 150.275(C) 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 design standards would be unreasonable. The Planning Commission may grant a complete exception from the standard, or it may modify the standard in view of the peculiarities of the site. Any modification of the standard shall be considered an “exception.” In determining whether to grant an exception, the Planning Commission shall consider:
(a) The purposes of the Zoning District;
(b) The intent of the guideline from which the exception is requested; and
(c) Whether the intent of the standard may be met by an alternate means.
(C) Design Standards. The design standards set forth in this subsection shall apply to the exterior appearance and design of all new construction and building renovations in the B-2, Downtown District.
(1) Buildings and principal building entrances shall be oriented toward the public street so as to define the street edge and contribute to a dynamic pedestrian and street environment.
(2) The primary pedestrian entrance to the principal building shall be located on a frontage line, adjacent to the public sidewalk.
(3) Windows and Doors on Primary Facades Facing a Street. Building facades facing a street shall meet the following window and door design standards:
(a) First Floor (Building Base) Façade. Transparent glass or framed facade open areas consisting of display windows, entries and doors shall comprise at least 60% of the wall/facade area between the height of two (2) feet and ten (10) feet above the nearest sidewalk grade. The bottom edge of such window shall not be higher than 30 inches above grade.
(b) Upper Floors facing a Street. Transparent glass or façade openings shall comprise at least 30% of the wall/façade area for each floor above the first floor.
(c) Window frames shall incorporate windowsills and lintels and/or window heads that are visually distinct from the primary exterior finish materials used on the façade on which it is located.
(d) A maximum of twenty (20) percent of the windows that can be seen from all public rights-of-way, excluding alleys, shall be opaque.
(4) Each building façade, other than the front façade, that is visible from a private right-of- way, public parking area or public circulation area should incorporate design elements at least every 30 horizontal feet, such as changes in color or texture and material modules; projections, recesses, and reveals; arcades or pergolas providing pedestrian interest; or equivalent elements that subdivide the wall into human scale proportions.
(5) Facade openings, including windows, shall be vertical in proportion.
(6) Facades may be supplemented by awnings, which shall be straight sheds with or without side flaps or curved.
(7) All roof top equipment shall be concealed in building materials that match the structure or shall be painted to be visually compatible with the structure.
(Ord. 2023-03, passed 2-27-2023)