(a) The exterior appearance and form of all buildings, and the use, and color materials shall be appropriate and suitable for the building proposed and in accord with prevailing architectural design principles and standards. The use of exposed concrete blocks for exterior walls shall be prohibited. The buildings shall be set at proper grades and otherwise in proper relation to the proposed surroundings.
(b) Excessive Dissimilarity. The exterior design or appearance of buildings shall not be excessively dissimilar to that of any other building existing, or one for which a permit has been issued in the immediate neighborhood, in relation to one or more of the following:
(1) Area. The gross floor area for a dwelling unit shall be similar to that of the dwellings in the neighborhood and shall be not less than established in this Planning and Zoning Code
(2) Height. The height of the roof of buildings may vary. However, in general, the variation shall not exceed nine feet upon the same dwelling or between adjoining dwellings.
(3) Exterior Design. Materials, color and other significant design features for all building types shall not be excessively dissimilar. However, a finding of excessive dissimilarity shall include that it is of such nature as to produce one or more of the above noted harmful effects.
(c) Excessive Similarity. The exterior design or appearance of a building shall not be excessively similar to that of any other building existing or for which a permit has been issued, or to that of any other structure included in the same application, on a lot abutting on the same street and within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the proposed lot in respect to one or more of the following features of exterior design and appearance:
(1) Exterior Design. The façades of a dwelling, particularly the street elevation, shall not be apparently identical; there shall be variations in the size and arrangement of doors, windows, entrances, porches, dormers or other openings and breaks.
(2) Reverse Arrangements. Reverse arrangements shall not be approved unless there are changes in the elements of the façade. Variety shall be encouraged by different compositions of the main sections or wings of the dwelling.
(3) Other Features. Other significant features such as, but not limited to, exterior materials, roof line or height, or other design elements, shall not be apparently identical. However, a finding of excessively similar design shall include that it is of such nature as to produce one or more of the harmful effects noted herein.
(Ord. 2020-124. Passed 11-4-20.)