§ 16-20J.006. Specific regulations—Residential Subarea I.

In addition to the general regulations set forth in section 16-20J.005, and any other applicable regulations, the following regulations shall apply to all properties located within Residential Subarea I:

(1)

Certificates of Appropriateness: Certificates of appropriateness within this subarea shall be required as follows:

a.

When required:

1.

To change the exterior appearance of the following elements of a structure within the subarea, when said changes can be seen from the public right-of-way: foundations, siding, chimneys and roofs;

2.

To change the exterior appearance of the following elements of the front façade of a structure: windows, doors, architectural details and porches. For the purpose of this chapter, front façade means the elevation of the building which faces the front yard as defined in Code of Ordinances section 16-28.007(3) and (4).

3.

To erect a new structure; and

4.

To demolish or move any contributing structure, in whole or in part, within the subarea.

b.

Type required:

1.

Type I certificates of appropriateness for ordinary repairs and maintenance are not required in this subarea. This exemption in no way obviates the requirements for certificates of appropriateness for all minor alterations (Type II), major alterations (Type III) and demolitions (Type IV, except partial demolitions).

2.

Except with regard to Type I certificates, the procedures for determining the appropriate type of certificate required under subsection 16-20J.006(1)a. above shall be those specified in section 16-20.008 of the zoning code, provided, however, that a partial demolition shall require a Type IV certificate of appropriateness only when said partial demolition will result in the loss of significant architectural features which destroys the structure's historic interpretability or importance of the front façade.

(2)

Financial Hardship Exemptions:

a.

These regulations set forth a minimum standard of architectural compatibility within the subarea. However, in order to balance this concern with other equally important objectives in the district, including economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and prevention of displacement of residents, the urban design commission may allow reasonable exemptions from these regulations on the ground of economic hardship to the property owner. The burden of proof that the regulations and guidelines pose such a hardship shall be on the property owner.

b.

In order to qualify for an economic hardship exemption, the applicant(s) must first make a showing that the alteration(s) requested is necessary in order to continue utilizing the structure for its intended purpose.

c.

If the urban design commission finds that this requirement of subsection (b) herein is satisfied, they shall consider the following factors in determining whether an economic hardship exemption in whole or in part will be granted:

1.

The present and future income of the property owner(s) and those occupying the property;

2.

The availability, at present or in the future of other sources of income of revenue, including loans, grants, and tax abatements;

3.

The cost associated with adherence to the subarea regulations;

4.

The degree of existing architectural importance and integrity of the structure; and

5.

The purpose and intent of this chapter.

d.

The urban design commission shall balance these factors as applied to the applicant for said exemption and shall grant said exemption, in whole or in part, as appropriate to the case upon a finding that the economic hardship to the applicant is significant and substantially outweighs the need for strict adherence to these regulations.

(3)

Lot Size, Dimensions and Configurations: In addition to the requirements of the subdivision and zoning ordinances, the compatibility rule specified in this chapter 20J shall apply to all subdivisions and aggregations of lots with regard to lot size, dimensions and configurations.

(4)

Duplexes: Notwithstanding any contrary provisions in Part 16 of the Code of Ordinances, new construction of a new two-family or duplex dwelling shall be permitted within this district only as a single building.

(5)

Grading:

a.

Grading shall not excessively or unnecessarily alter the natural topography of the site, with the exception of grading necessary to protect and preserve the structural integrity of a structure.

b.

New grades shall meet existing topography in a smooth transition.

(6)

Architectural Standards:

a.

Building façades:

1.

All new construction shall conform to the existing building orientation by having porches and front doors facing the front yard.

2.

At a minimum, the front of all new construction, including any portion thereof, shall be placed at the distance from the street determined by the compatibility rule.

3.

There shall be two (2) side yards, one (1) on each side of the principal building, each having a width of not less than the width of the side yards for the block as established by the compatibility rule.

4.

There shall be a rear yard of not less than 10 feet.

5.

All building materials which upon completion are visible from the public right-of-way, shall be compatible with those which predominate in the subarea.

6.

Siding repair or replacement shall match the original materials in scale and direction. Wood clapboard, if original, is preferred; however, aluminum, masonite, vinyl or other horizontal siding is permitted if window trim, cornerboards, and fascia/bargeboards are left in place or replaced with new material to match the original.

7.

No new construction of additions shall exceed the height of the existing structure on the site or, for new construction, that of the tallest structure of like use on the block.

b.

Windows and doors:

1.

Architecturally significant windows and doors, including details, trimwork, and framing, shall be retained.

2.

Replacement windows and doors shall be permitted only when originals cannot be rehabilitated. Replacement windows and doors shall match the original in design, materials, shape and size with no more than a one-inch width or height difference from the original size.

3.

New doors and windows, when permitted, shall be compatible in scale, size, proportion, placement, and design to existing windows and doors.

4.

The ratio of openings to solid for all new construction (for example, windows to wall) shall be established by the compatibility rule, with a permitted differential of ten (10) percent.

5.

Windows in the front façade of new construction shall be predominantly vertical in proportion and must not be constructed in combination of more than two (2) windows.

6.

Replacement exterior doors shall match the original openings and conform to the original door in material and design.

7.

New exterior doors shall be wood panel or fixed glass panel in wood frame. In the alternative, metal doors may be used if their design matches that of an original door.

c.

Foundations:

1.

Foundations shall be of brick, painted concrete block or stuccoed.

2.

Foundations shall be of masonry pier or continuous wall construction closed with solid or screen infill wall.

3.

Lattice, painted concrete block, brick or stucco shall be used as infill between foundation masonry piers when infill is otherwise required.

4.

Slab on grade is not permitted.

d.

Storm doors and storm windows: Storm doors, screen doors or storm windows shall be of compatible design and shall not cover, obscure or dominate significant architectural details.

e.

Chimneys:

1.

Chimneys shall be retained whenever possible.

2.

If extending or repairing a chimney, the original materials, mortar, color and pattern shall be matched whenever possible.

3.

The construction of new chimneys shall not be permitted on the front façade.

4.

New chimneys shall be faced with brick or stucco.

5.

Siding on chimneys is prohibited.

f.

Roofs:

1.

Replacement roofs shall match the original roof in material, pitch and shape as well as ridge, overhang and soffit construction.

2.

Cold-rolled roofing is permitted only on flat roofs.

3.

Corrugated metal and corrugated fiberglass roofs are not permitted.

4.

The shape and pitch of roofs for new construction shall be subject to the compatibility rule.

5.

Dormers shall not be permitted on the roof over the front façade of any structure.

6.

Skylights, solar panels and communication equipment, when otherwise allowed by these or other regulations, are not permitted on the roof over the front façade of any structure.

g.

Porches:

1.

Architecturally significant front porches, steps and stoops shall be retained, whenever possible.

2.

Replacement front porches, steps and stoops shall match the original in size, design and materials.

3.

Front porches may be enclosed with screenwire or glass if the main characteristics of a front porch are maintained.

4.

Front porches shall be required for the development of new homes and the compatibility rule shall apply or columns shall be six-inch by six-inch posts; the top and bottom rails of the balustrade shall be constructed of two-inch by four-inch lumber or the equivalent; the top rail shall not be higher than 36 inches above the porch floor; the bottom rail of the balustrade shall be three (3) to four (4) inches above the porch floor; and the individual balusters shall be constructed of two-inch by two-inch lumber and shall not be more than four (4) inches apart.

5.

Front porches shall contain balustrades, columns and other characteristics including floor dimension, height, roof pitch and overhang consistent with historic features for porches in that block, although standard lumber is permitted.

6.

New decks shall be permitted to the rear of the house.

h.

Accessory structures: Accessory structures, such as carriage houses, smoke houses, tool sheds, greenhouses, tenant and alley houses, electric vehicle charging stations equipped with Level 1 and/or Level 2 EVSE, air conditioners and heating units, shall be located to the side or rear of the main structure within the buildable area of the lot and shall not project beyond the front of the main structure. In addition, said structures shall be located in the least visible location within permissible areas. Screening with appropriate plant or fence materials is required if said structure is visible from the public right-of-way.

i.

Walls and fences:

1.

Front yard closure walls are not permitted.

2.

Fences in the front yard of any structure shall be of wood picket type construction.

3.

Retaining walls which are located in the front yard shall have a finished masonry surface constructed of materials compatible with the exterior finish of the principal dwelling. Retaining walls shall be integrated into the landscape.

j.

Architectural details:

1.

Exterior architectural details, such as brackets, decorative trim, corner boards, windows moldings, railings, columns, steps and doors, which contribute to the character of the buildings and appear on the front façade, shall be retained, restored or replaced to match the original in dimension and design.

(7)

Paved Surfaces:

a.

The original layout, patterns and paving materials of sidewalks, curbs and streets shall be retained.

b.

Where no sidewalks existed historically, no new sidewalks shall be installed.

(8)

Off-Street Parking Requirements:

a.

Off-street parking shall not be permitted in the front yard.

b.

Carports and garages shall be behind the rear of the main structure. If the main structure is located on a corner lot, the front yard setback for that side of the street shall apply to the construction of a carport or garage.

(Code 1977, § 16-20J.006; Ord. No. 2014-53(14-O-1278), § 2(Attach. B), 12-10-14 )