A. 
The purpose of these design-based criteria is to maintain and enhance the historic and architectural integrity of the Central Business (CB) District in the Village of Churchville, and to ensure future development and redevelopment in the Village center is compatible and harmonious with the desired traditional character and design.
B. 
The CB District contains a number of buildings that are of historical and/or architectural interest and/or are substantially consistent with the purpose of this article. This article establishes standards that provide a minimal level of protection for such buildings.
C. 
The CB District also contains a number of buildings that are not consistent with the purpose of this article. This article establishes standards for all existing buildings that will ensure that future alterations and additions bring these buildings into a greater degree of compliance with the requirements of this article for new construction.
D. 
The purpose of these standards is to ensure that buildings are sited in such a way and that building facades are designed in such a way as to ensure that Churchville's CB District will evolve into a compact, walkable, mixed-use district with a high-quality public realm.
E. 
While these standards do not mandate or prohibit any particular architectural style, the community has expressed a preference for architectural styles that relate to the traditional architecture found in the CB District. New construction within the CB District shall strive to reinforce the coherence of the Village center by harmonizing with its historic character. This can best be achieved by varying the details from building to building while emulating the range of building types exemplified by the traditional structures and reinforced by these standards.
F. 
This article provides a framework for protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the traditional character of the Village in pursuit of the following objectives:
(1) 
Achieve quality contextual design;
(2) 
Encourage design continuity to support the Village's traditional and historic patterns of development;
(3) 
Guide appropriate rehabilitation and preservation of traditional structures;
(4) 
Promote mixed-use development and buildings on prominent corners;
(5) 
Support and encourage economic prosperity of local businesses;
(6) 
Protect and improve property values; and
(7) 
Promote the role of the Central Business District as attractive civic spaces where people come to do business, shop, and socialize.
A. 
These design standards shall apply to all uses, except single-family dwellings, within the Central Business District and shall apply to existing structures and new structures, including, but not limited to, any upgrades, reconstructions, modifications, additions, expansions, or changes of exterior appearance, and new construction requiring site plan review.
B. 
For this purpose of this article, the term "traditional structure" shall refer to existing structures within the CB District constructed before 1940 and all buildings constructed in or after 1940 that are substantially consistent with the purpose of this article and all existing civic buildings.
C. 
Civic buildings are publicly and privately owned buildings that contain civic uses considered to support the common good. Civic uses may be educational, cultural, religious or governmental. Civic buildings often have a ceremonial quality and their design rarely fits into the norm of the typical commercial and residential structures that are regulated by this article. For this reason, new civic buildings are exempt from the specific requirements of this article. They are, however, expected to exhibit a traditional character and design.
Applicants shall submit the following information to the Village Clerk as part of the site plan review application:
A. 
Photographs of the site and building which clearly show exterior details.
B. 
Photographs of adjacent buildings or properties.
C. 
Architectural drawings of the proposed exterior changes which clearly illustrate exterior materials, material dimensions, colors, height, and lighting and include an accurate scale.
D. 
Material details, specification sheets, and product literature/samples.
E. 
Any available historical information regarding the history of construction, use, and/or modification of the building in question.
F. 
Additional information as requested by the Planning Board to complete its review.
A. 
In the review of development and redevelopment plans, the Planning Board shall consider whether the proposed alteration or construction is compatible with the structure on the property and/or the surrounding properties in the Central Business District with respect to the purpose, intent, and standards set forth herein.
B. 
The review and approval of development or redevelopment shall be conducted in accordance with the site plan review process contained in Article XVIII of this chapter.
C. 
The Planning Board reserves the right to consult with any other board, commission, department, agency, and/or official it deems advisable for the purposes of design review and considerations.
D. 
The Village may engage the services of engineers, planners, architects, or other design professionals to aid in the consideration of all Central Business District development. The applicant shall reimburse all costs incurred for such professional services to the Village.
"Placement" refers to how a building is situated on the lot. "Orientation" refers to the location of a building's main axis, or front facade. Building placement and orientation are a crucial part of the interface of private building facades with public thoroughfares, which shape a compact, walkable public realm. The placement and orientation of nonresidential buildings shall be in accordance with the following:
A. 
The placement of buildings shall follow the Central Business District minimum and maximum front yard requirements in Article IV of this chapter. Relief from this provision may be provided for historically appropriate architectural elements and pedestrian amenities, such as recessed entries or chamfered corners, as deemed appropriate by the Planning Board.
B. 
A portion of the building frontage may be set back more than 12 feet from the public right-of-way, provided that at least 50% of the building frontage is set back no more than 12 feet. At corner locations, building frontage setbacks may exceed 12 feet to accommodate special corner treatments, provided at least 75% of the building frontage along each street is set back no more than 12 feet from the public right-of-way.
C. 
New building frontages shall extend to both side property lines to the extent practicable. Breaks between or through buildings may be incorporated to provide pedestrian and/or vehicular access to rear parking facilities or other spaces, buildings, etc. located behind the building.
D. 
The front facade shall be oriented to the primary street, or at the same orientation as adjacent original buildings.
E. 
Buildings situated at street corners should "wrap" the corner by continuing certain facade elements (such as the cornice or horizontal accent bands) on all street elevations (see Figure 7).
Figure 7: Facade Wrapping the Corner
250 Figure 7 Facade Wrapping the Corner.tif
F. 
Building orientation and main entrances should face the primary street and should be easily identifiable and scaled to the size of the street they are on.
G. 
All new buildings with frontage along public streets shall have retail frontages along those streets. Retail uses are not required in such buildings, but the design of the building is required to be suitable for retail or other pedestrian-oriented uses.
"Massing" and "form" refer to the volume and shape of a building. Buildings should provide visual interest that engages pedestrians and others to promote activity and business vitality. Wherever possible, new development should enhance the visual quality of the site on which it is located, as well as the character of the surrounding area. The massing and form of nonresidential buildings shall be in accordance with the following:
A. 
All nonresidential development should be of a similar height and massing to those of existing traditional structures in the Central Business District. There should be no abrupt changes in height from adjacent structures.
B. 
All nonresidential development shall be at least two stories in height so as to achieve a strong visual "street edge."
C. 
A building frontage shall have a transition line. A transition line is a horizontal architectural element, such as a cornice, balcony or change in material, which spans the full width of the facade, and creates a distinction between the first and second stories. Transition lines shall be designed in proportion to the overall height and width of the proposed building and shall relate to adjacent traditional structures or buildings constructed in accordance with this article. The Planning Board may waive this requirement for buildings without retail frontage.
D. 
A building frontage wider than 50 feet shall have vertical division lines. A vertical division line is an architectural element, such as a pilaster, change in plane or change in material, which creates distinct increments of the building mass. Vertical division lines shall be designed in proportion to the overall height and width of the proposed building and shall be spaced at sufficient intervals to avoid large undifferentiated wall surfaces. The Planning Board may waive this requirement if the building design harmonizes with the scale of nearby traditional structures and avoids large undifferentiated wall surfaces by means other than vertical division lines.
E. 
All buildings shall exhibit a clearly defined base, mid-section, and crown. This can be accomplished using a combination of architectural details, materials, textures, and colors (see Figure 8).
Figure 8: Tripartite Design
250 Figure 8 Tripartite Design.tif
F. 
Buildings which are "squat" in proportion or which have very strong horizontal elements that dominate the facade are discouraged.
G. 
The design of new structures should avoid mimicking the architectural style and appearance of traditional structures, but rather complement the design by utilizing similar massing, form, fenestration, and architectural design elements.
H. 
Buildings designed to advertise or promote a uniform corporate image shall be prohibited.
Roof styles and treatments of nonresidential buildings shall be in accordance with the following:
A. 
A building frontage shall have a roofline. A roofline is an architectural element, such as a cornice, parapet or change in material, which creates a distinction between the top of the building and the lower floors. Rooflines shall be designed in proportion to the overall height and width of the proposed building and, where practicable, shall relate to existing adjoining traditional structures or buildings constructed in accordance with this article.
B. 
Longer buildings should provide fluctuations in the roofline which break up the long run of the facade and which attract attention to key places such as entryways.
C. 
Flat roofs shall slope to the back of the building to provide proper drainage and shall include an historically appropriate ornamental cornice.
D. 
Peaked or gable roofs shall have historically appropriate overhangs. The use of ornamental brackets is encouraged.
E. 
Eaves shall include design detail to add visual interest.
F. 
Air-handling equipment, antennas, satellite dishes and other mechanical equipment should be placed or screened in such a manner so as not to be visible from the street.
The arrangement of facade elements should be so designed to create a recognizable and consistent composition. "Fenestration" refers to the depth, spacing, and rhythm of openings on a facade. A building facade serves as the interface between the public realm and the interior space of the building and should be compatible with the character and context of the surrounding area. Nonresidential building facades shall be in accordance with the following:
A. 
All facade elements.
(1) 
New building facades facing streets, pedestrian walkways or waterways shall be active. Active building facades shall include windows, building entrances and other architectural features that enhance the pedestrian scale and experience of the building frontage.
(2) 
The rhythm of openings on a facade shall observe the sizes, rhythms, and proportions of elements typical of traditional structures.
(3) 
Facade elements such as windows and bays should be of a consistent proportion to each other. Elements which share a common area (e.g., all of the windows at the base level) should be of a consistent proportion and size as well.
(4) 
The use of depth is encouraged to highlight facade openings such as windows to create a three-dimensional relief which produces shadows. Windows should not be mounted flush to the exterior of the facade.
(5) 
Pairs of window shutters may be used if determined to be typical of the style of building. Shutters shall appear to actually cover the entire window opening when closed. Shutters shall not be mounted flush to the exterior of the facade but hung as if they were functioning on a hinge.
(6) 
Along front facades, all exterior building walls and structures shall be constructed with durable materials such as masonry, stone, brick, finished wood, cement fiber clapboard, stucco or glass.
(7) 
No more than three exterior building materials should be used on any one facade of a building.
(8) 
Changes in materials shall occur at inside corners. Material changes at the outside corners or in a plane shall be avoided.
(9) 
Buildings that are located on a street corner are considered to have two primary facades.
B. 
First floor. The first floor includes the area of facade below the transition line.
(1) 
The first-floor levels of a facade shall provide the highest amount of facade openings and articulation.
(2) 
Front facades in the area between two feet and eight feet from the ground shall provide a minimum level of transparency of at least 60% or the average of adjacent traditional structures, whichever is greater (see Figure 9).
(3) 
The use of opaque, mirrored, or tinted glass with less than 50% light transmittance is prohibited. If screening is necessary, interior blinds or curtains are encouraged.
(4) 
Awning or transom windows are encouraged at the street level.
C. 
Upper floors. Upper floors include all facade area above the transition line.
(1) 
The facade for the upper floors shall incorporate a minimum of 30% but no more than 50% of transparent glass openings or the average of such on nearby traditional buildings, whichever is greater (see Figure 9).
(2) 
The spacing of upper-floor openings shall match that of the major entrance and design elements on the first floor.
(3) 
Upper-floor openings shall be residential in size, proportion, and character. Upper-floor windows shall be double-hung with ornamental elements such as a flat stone lintel or hoodmolds. Other traditional window styles that match that of adjacent traditional buildings are permitted.
Figure 9: Facade Transparency
250 Figure 9 Facade Transparency.tif
D. 
Entrances and doors.
(1) 
Primary entrances shall face the principal street and be so located to afford direct access from the sidewalk, where applicable.
(2) 
Corner buildings may have two separate entry points or a single entry point at the corner.
(3) 
Doors that contain at least 30% transparent glass shall be used for any new and redeveloped nonresidential building entrances on the primary facade. Opaque doors may be used for access to upper floors.
(4) 
Entrances for upper floors should be distinguished from entrances for first-floor uses.
(5) 
Storefront construction should be recessed enough at the point of entry to allow the door to swing out without obstructing the sidewalk.
(6) 
Awnings and canopies shall be designed to fit the window, door, or storefront openings they are intended to cover and shall not be placed in a manner that obstructs the view of facade design elements.
All building materials, textures, and colors utilized in nonresidential developments or redevelopments are subject to the following:
A. 
Building facades shall be constructed of durable materials such as brick, stone masonry, terra cotta, stucco, fiber cement (panels, siding and trim boards) or finishing wood.
B. 
Building materials, textures, and colors should be compatible with adjacent traditional structures so as not to detract from existing historic character.
C. 
A single material should be used as the dominant theme in the facade, with secondary materials used only to highlight and accent the design.
D. 
The use of stucco, vinyl siding, plastic panels, sheet metal, clear-coated aluminum, stainless steel, mirrored glass, plywood panels, concrete block, or smooth concrete is prohibited.
E. 
Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) may be utilized above a building transition only. Solid paintable PVC trim boards are permissible. The use of other modern and nontraditional materials or textures may be permitted with Planning Board approval.
F. 
All brick, stone, concrete, or other masonry materials shall also match the size, color, and style of existing traditional masonry elements.
G. 
All wooden materials shall be finished using either stain or paint to match the color and style of existing traditional wooden elements.
H. 
All metal materials shall be finished and colored to match traditional structures.
I. 
All glazing shall be clear or lightly tinted.
J. 
Masonry that has not previously been painted shall not be painted unless deterioration has progressed so far that a protective surface coating is needed. In such cases, a breathable masonry paint or stain shall be used. Masonry that has previously been painted shall be repainted with a breathable masonry paint or restored to unpainted masonry.
K. 
If paint is to be removed from masonry surfaces, the gentlest effective paint removal method available shall be employed so as to avoid damage to historic masonry and mortar. Sandblasting and similar methods shall never be employed.
The following additional regulations shall apply to the rehabilitation and reuse of existing traditional structures, unless it is so determined by the Village Board that the restoration of any such structure to its original state would be inconsistent with the purpose and intent of this article:
A. 
Each property shall be recognized as a product of its own time. Alterations that seek to create a false sense of historical development are discouraged.
B. 
Changes to a building that have taken place over time are evidence of its history and development. Those changes that have acquired significance in their own right shall be recognized and preserved.
C. 
Where architectural or site features are determined to contribute to the character of the property or the district, proposed alterations or additions shall be designed to minimize the impact on those features.
D. 
New additions, exterior alterations, or new construction shall not destroy historic materials or general features that characterize the property. The new work shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale and architectural features of the property and the surrounding neighborhood, to protect the integrity of the property.
E. 
Additions or alterations to structures shall be constructed in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure and the site would be unimpaired.
F. 
Design elements on traditional structures shall not be altered or covered in a manner that would adversely impact the facade and architectural character of the structure.
G. 
Existing traditional structure architectural elements and features shall be retained to the greatest extent practicable. Removal of traditional elements must be approved by the Planning Board.
H. 
Existing traditional structure architectural elements and features of buildings that are in need of repair or replacement shall be done so in kind by either reusing original materials or duplicating the design and materials of the original as closely as possible, unless otherwise permitted by the Planning Board.
I. 
In the event that traditional structure architectural elements or features have previously been removed or altered from their original state, subsequent efforts to repair or replace these elements should be done to return the structure to its original specifications as closely as possible.
J. 
Traditional structure window, storefront, and door openings shall not be reduced in size or covered.
K. 
Traditional structure window, storefront, and door openings that have been covered or filled in on a building facade shall be restored.
L. 
Replacement windows shall fill the original size of each opening.
M. 
Lowered ceilings shall have a soffit at windows allowing retention of the full window height.
A. 
Alterations to existing buildings shall be compliant with the requirements for new construction to the greatest extent practicable. No alteration shall be permitted that will make an existing building less compliant with the requirements of this article for new construction than it was prior to the alteration.
B. 
If the cost of alterations and/or additions to existing buildings exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of the building, or where the building area of a proposed addition exceeds 50% of the building area of the existing building, the entire building shall comply with the requirements for new construction to the greatest extent practicable. This standard shall not be applicable to traditional structures where the standard would result in construction that is contrary to the original historic character of the building.
C. 
Street-level residential occupancies of mixed-use structures are prohibited in the Central Business District.
D. 
Alternative energy sources, such as solar panels, are encouraged and should be incorporated into the design of the building so as not to detract from the overall character.
E. 
Developers and builders are encouraged to utilize roofing materials that reflect sunlight (e.g., lighter colors) or incorporate vegetated roofing. Methods such as these decrease heating and cooling needs on a building by reflecting sunlight rather than absorbing it.