[Adopted 3-7-2016 by L.L.
No. 5-2016[1]]
A.
These guidelines shall apply to all commercial development in the
Village of Colonie along the Route 5 Corridor or other commercial
properties within the Village of Colonie, except those located within
the Commercial D District.
B.
Prior to being granted a building permit or any other approval required
from the Village before any change of use, exterior alteration (including
windows, light fixtures, signs, awnings, sidewalks, fences, steps,
paving or other exterior elements visible from a public street), restoration,
reconstruction, or new construction on a commercial property in the
Village of Colonie, the applicant for approval must present applicable
proposed designs for streetscape, site, building and/or sign designs
to the Village of Colonie Planning Commission.
These guidelines are meant to supplement and enhance existing
codes, ordinances and laws. All existing local and state laws will
still apply to work undertaken on commercial properties within the
Village. Signage must follow all current codes of the Village of Colonie.
Recommendations contained in these guidelines are in addition to regulations
of the underlying zoning district. Where provisions of these guidelines
conflict with those of the underlying zoning district, other provisions
of the Zoning[1] or Sign Ordinance,[2] the New York State Building Code, or any other applicable
laws or ordinances, the stricter provision shall apply. The intent
is to allow good quality design and creative innovation.
The following design guidelines apply to the Village of Colonie.
The goal of these guidelines is to provide guidance to the Village
of Colonie, property owners and developers who propose new commercial
development or redevelopment within the Village. The Village of Colonie,
and especially its primary commercial area along the Route 5 Corridor,
should have a high level of aesthetics and convey a positive attitude.
The following framework is provided for consideration whenever new
commercial site development or rehabilitation occurs.
To enhance the pedestrian quality of the district, provide connection
between and within sites:
A.
Create a sense of community by providing pedestrian, bicycle, and
vehicular links from the corridor to nearby neighborhoods, parks,
schools and other public destinations.
B.
Create a comprehensive pedestrian pathway system within a site and
between adjacent sites, linking all buildings, parking areas and green
spaces; ensure that this network connects to any nearby pedestrian
pathways.
C.
Consider providing designated walkways within and through large parking
lots with accented crosswalks provided, as necessary, for pedestrian
safety when crossing traffic and at building entrances.
D.
Provide passageways within large building masses to allow pedestrians
to pass through, particularly through shopping centers. These areas
also provide for the creation of public common areas to act as plaza
and provide locations for outdoor seating.
Continuous sidewalks shall be provided along the full length
of the property line to encourage pedestrian travel along the corridor.
Sidewalks should be separated from Central Avenue with a landscape
buffer.
A.
Sidewalks should be uniformly constructed of reinforced concrete
five feet wide by six inches thick.
B.
New sidewalks in the corridor should link smoothly into existing
walks when necessary.
C.
Heavy-duty, reinforced concrete sidewalks should be installed, continuously
parallel to Central Avenue, where the sidewalk crosses driveways.
D.
Where driveways and sidewalks intersect, the sidewalk should be a
different material, color or texture than the driveway.
E.
The landscaped buffer between the sidewalk edge and the road curb
should be a minimum of five feet from the curb edge whenever possible.
F.
Sidewalk material should be consistent throughout the corridor.
Driveways shall be provided so as to limit the number of access
points along the corridor, create a safe vehicular and pedestrian
circulation system, and provide clearly defined points of entry and
exit into a site.
A.
Sidewalks should continue through driveways uninterrupted.
B.
The number of access drives per parcel should preferably be limited
to one. The exception to this may occur for gas stations or if a parcel
has physical limitations requiring two points of access/egress.
C.
Driveways should be the minimum width required by NYSDOT regulations.
Large undistinguished curb cuts should be discouraged.
D.
Access/egress drives will be located to maximize the distance to
the nearest street intersection. Encourage shared drives between developments.
E.
Parking lots and driveways for adjacent parcels should be shared
whenever possible.
Tree lawns are the strip of land between the road and the sidewalk.
Site designs for new development or redevelopment should include,
wherever possible, a landscaped buffer between the sidewalk and the
edge of curb.
Site designs should provide ample landscaping that shades and
cools the corridor and provides visual enhancement for the Village
of Colonie.
A.
Zoning requires that 20% of a site be reserved as green space for
landscaped areas.
B.
Excluding the tree lawn and drainage structures (retention/detention
basins, etc.) a minimum of 10% of the site should be dedicated to
landscaped area distributed equally within the parking area and around
the building.
C.
Retention/detention basins and other drainage structures that collect
water above ground should be located behind or to the sides of structures,
whenever practical and possible.
D.
Landscaped buffers shall be used to define the edge and mitigate
the impact of commercial uses along the corridor and adjacent residential
neighborhoods north and south of the corridor.
E.
All mulch within landscaped beds shall be of a natural color.
F.
Parking lots shall be planned to include landscaped islands and landscaped
strips between parking aisles, whenever feasible to include them.
G.
Mechanical, service and trash facilities shall be well screened with
plants, appealing stockade fencing or decorative walls, while allowing
necessary access.
H.
Existing large trees should be incorporated into the design of new
developments or redevelopments whenever possible.
I.
Small remnant patches of landscape area should not be indiscriminately
paved to avoid maintenance; rather, these areas should be planted
with low-maintenance landscape material.
Site design should include adequate tree installation to improve
the visual aesthetic of the corridor and to shade heat-generating
parking lots.
A.
Trees planted in the tree lawn should be centered between the sidewalk
and the curb edge.
B.
Tree species should be selected for their ability to thrive along
the Route 5 and Wolf Road corridors. Selected species should be known
as not being exotic invasive plants.
C.
Trees should be located to provide shading and improve visual appeal
without reducing visibility and without compromising vehicular safety
along the corridor.
New development and redevelopments shall provide adequate parking
but should strive to minimize the total paved surface.
A.
Parking spaces shall be calculated as per § 242-8 of the Village of Colonie Zoning Code. However, the parking standards should be applied with flexibility, considering shared parking and banked parking options.
B.
Parking should be designed to provide easy and safe access to buildings
or pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles.
C.
All parking, loading and unloading areas should be sufficient to
serve the commercial and office uses within each development parcel.
D.
Reduce the scale of parking lots by breaking up large lots with landscape
strips and landscape islands.
E.
Parking lots located along roadways should be screened with low fences,
walls, ledges or berms.
F.
Parking areas should generally provide for ninety-degree parking.
G.
Whenever possible, travel lanes in parking lots should be double
loaded to create the most efficient parking layout. Parking areas
should be constructed with granite or concrete curbs to separate vehicular
and pedestrian traffic and to define corners and traffic islands.
(Asphalt curbing is not acceptable.)
H.
Parking areas should concentrate vehicles in the side yard or rear
yard wherever possible.
New developments and redevelopments should include a lighting
plan to serve multiple purposes, including good vehicular and pedestrian
visibility, safety and security, illumination of activity areas, and
accent lighting for architectural features and landscaping. Glare
and spillage of light into adjacent properties should be avoided.
A.
All new developments and redevelopments should submit prepared lighting
plans that show cutoff fixtures that shield adjacent residential neighborhoods
and control the direction of light.
B.
The light source is encouraged to be metal halide.
C.
Low-noise-level lights should be used, especially adjacent to residential
areas.
D.
Pedestrian-level lighting should be provided along the corridor as
well as along pedestrian walkways and links.
E.
The light source for all luminaires should not be visible.
F.
Wall packs mounted on buildings should downlight and/or be used as
a wall wash only. Incorporate shields so that lamping for wall packs
is not visible. Floodlights and spotlights shall not be used for general
lighting purposes.
G.
All wiring for new site lighting should be underground.
H.
Maximum illuminance shall not exceed zero footcandles (as measured
on a vertical plane) at the property line between new commercial or
multifamily development or redevelopments and residential properties.
At the property line between new commercial or multifamily developments
the illumination shall not exceed 0.5 footcandle, as measured on a
vertical plane.New lighting shall avoid nuisance to neighborhood properties
and shall not have adverse effects on the character of the area.
The siting and immediate setting around buildings should create
a pedestrian-friendly area and an attractive street front.
A.
New buildings and additions should respect the setbacks of buildings
in the immediate vicinity, where appropriate.
B.
Setbacks and building fronts should provide features to enhance the
pedestrian nature of the district, including flowers, benches, and
cafe seating areas. Setbacks should be pleasing and attractive for
visitors to the area as well as to local users.
C.
Setback areas should be used for landscaping and small commercial
uses designed primarily to enhance the pedestrian nature of the district.
D.
Particularly in areas with front parking lots, low walls or well
maintained hedges are appropriate to screen cars from the sidewalk.
Traditional low brick walls and fences no more than three feet in
height and no more than 60% solid, preferably backed by trees or fronted
by landscaping, should be used to define pedestrian areas. Landscaping
or other features which block views to the street should be prohibited.
On corner lots, building mass should be focused at the corner
to anchor the building and promote the corner as a gateway along the
corridor. Consider limiting the setback of new buildings at gateways
so that the architecture can help define the area.
Gas stations and similar buildings should be constructed up
close to the front of the lots. The associated pumps canopies and
parking can be placed on the side and rear to be screened as much
as possible. Drive-through windows and menu boards should be located
at the sides or rear of the businesses.
Design every project site for maximum utility of open space
for ventilation, sunlight, recreation and views for both new and existing
buildings. Open space areas may include benches, art, landscape, water
and hardscape features. Common open space areas shall be usable by
the public for various outdoor activities and leisure.
Note: For any of the historic buildings within the district,
the standards from the Secretary of the Interior's Standards
for Rehabilitation shall apply. As described above, the busy commercial
corridor contrasts with the quiet nature of the neighborhoods within
the Village of Colonie. New buildings and building improvements along
the corridor should enhance the pedestrian nature of the district,
in scale, interest, detailing and amenities, to be a positive aesthetic
addition to the area. Design for buildings in the Commercial District
should provide quality design, durable materials, pedestrian comfort
and quality of life with connections to the neighborhoods.
A.
Include interest in the building massing and detailing to create
pedestrian comfort, human scale and to provide an asset to the Village
and the surrounding neighborhoods.
B.
Additions to existing structures should take into account the entire
building to create a cohesive building design that enhances the most
significant architectural features of the building.
C.
Consider including architectural detailing to complement the significant
surrounding buildings and neighborhoods.
D.
Include detail that increases building interest and creates light
and shadow, such as piers, storefront windows, upper windows, columns,
arcades, porticos, trellises, porches, balconies, dormers, awnings
and brise soleils, with attention to trim and eaves. Consider including
a change in wall plane at transitions between materials.
E.
Consider orientation of the sun and natural light in building design.
Brise soleils, opaque awnings, porticos or trellises may enhance south-facing
windows or walls. North-facing windows may benefit from glass awnings
to allow north light to penetrate building, while adding rain protection.
Allow for plaza, outdoor courtyards or seating areas oriented toward
the sun adequately shaded.
F.
Repeat design and decorative building elements in all elevations,
not just the front facade.
G.
Avoid long expanses of blank walls.
H.
Encourage a diversity of architectural materials, forms and styles
that respect the traditions of architecture within the Village, including
gable or hipped roof forms, standing seam metal roofing, and brick
and wood siding (not vinyl).
I.
Modern architectural styles should not be avoided. However, buildings
of modern style should follow the design guidelines recommended in
this document.
J.
The architectural character of individual and groups of buildings
should be coordinated to create a locally distinctive character, identity
and sense of place.
A.
Building massing should reflect traditional lot widths and create
a composition with a human scale. This will help reduce the perceived
mass of larger buildings.
B.
Consider breaking up the front of a larger building by dividing it
into individual bays or blocks of 20 to 40 feet wide.
C.
Use variation in textures, materials, patterns, colors, building
plane and details to break down the mass and scale of the building.
Consider using articulation of the building to express base, water
tables, string courses, cornices and fenestration to reduce the apparent
size of a large building.
D.
Use transparency in design to open the facade to pedestrians, including
storefront or large display windows, porticoes, overhangs and partially
enclosed terraces.
Rooflines have functional purposes such as to direct water away
from the building and to allow for shading of the window below. In
addition, roof design provides opportunities to create an interesting
building profile, to enhance the building mass and to affect the overall
composition of the building design.
A.
The top of the facade should be terminated in a way that complements
and enhances the character of the building and the surrounding Commercial
District.
B.
Rooflines should be designed in proportion to the overall height
and mass of the proposed building, creating a distinction between
the top of the building and the lower floors.
C.
Overhangs on pitched roofs should be sufficient to keep water off
the face of the building and to allow for architectural articulation.
D.
Flat-roofed commercial buildings may have a parapet to raise the
height of the facade to create an appropriate scale. The parapet or
roof should be detailed to create an appropriate scale. The parapet
or roof should be detailed to create an attractive and balanced facade.
E.
Long horizontal roof or parapet lines are not acceptable. Interrupt
rooflines with architectural treatment and features. The maximum acceptable
unbroken roofline is 30 feet.
F.
Distinctive roof forms, profiles and cornices should be maintained.
Alterations which are neither consistent with the original design
nor significant in their own right should be discouraged and/or removed.
G.
Roofs shall be an integral part of building design. False mansard
roofs are not acceptable in new developments or redevelopments.
The entrance to the building is the introduction to the interior
and, arguably, the most important design element of the structure.
Entrances should be attractive to vehicular passersby and to pedestrians.
A.
Whatever the building's architectural style, define and celebrate
building entries by use of human scale, architectural details and
elements, such as arches, posts, awnings, transoms, extensive use
of glass and first floor transparency, attractive doors and hardware,
etc.
B.
Orient main entries toward the primary direction of access. Secondary
entries from the street, facing a public space in the case of a grouping
of buildings around a public plaza or from the interior of a block
or parking lot, should be designed to complement the overall design
of the building.
C.
The building facade, which faces the primary street, should be open
and inviting.
D.
Safe, comfortable and adequate pedestrian access should be provided
to the primary entrance from the parking area and from the sidewalk
along the primary roadway.
E.
Rear entrances should be developed as necessary to provide access
to Commercial District businesses, and should be maintained to support
the overall appearance and convenience of the District.
The cumulative effect of the building facades creates the overall
character of the commercial areas. The care in their design, detailing
and maintenance can enhance or deter the community image of the Village.
Facades also project an image for the businesses they house and can
provide a sense of care and community pride for their inhabitants.
A.
Whether the building is an example of modern or traditional architecture,
it should respect traditional rhythms and the scale of other buildings
in the area; it should also work to enhance the overall character
of the area through quality materials, building details and craftsmanship.
B.
Building facades should provide a high standard of construction and
appearance.
C.
Architectural detailing should be designed to enhance the human scale
of the buildings. Building facades can be articulated with architectural
features such as piers and columns, porticos, pitched roofs with details
such as detailed fascias, or flat roofs with interesting cornices,
recessed and projecting bays and three-dimensional elements of architectural
details, balconies, signs, trellises, porticoes and awnings to create
a high quality design. Large expanses of unarticulated blank wall
should be avoided.
D.
Where existing development does not provide appropriate examples,
new development should strive to implement the intended vision with
quality design rather than repeat existing patterns.
E.
Building detailing and architectural elements and features such as
signs, lighting and awnings should enhance the individual character
of the building or grouping of buildings and should complement the
colors and features of adjacent buildings.
F.
At corner sites, facades facing side streets should be designed to
transition gracefully from the front facade and to improve the overall
character of the area. Side and rear facades visible from the street,
parking or from lots by pedestrians should be designed to be neat
and attractive.
G.
Chain businesses should be designed to fit into and enhance the Village
commercial corridors and complement the surrounding neighborhoods.
Design each project specifically with regard to its own site to enhance
the environment and improve the life of the corridors.
H.
Where making transitions between developments, avoid jarring contrasts
in building scale, forms, materials or colors.
I.
Use a proportion of openings vertical and horizontal that is generally
consistent with the style of the building. More traditionally designed
openings are typically vertically proportioned.
J.
Storefronts should use large display windows at the street level.
Storefronts provide an opportunity to present an establishment's
character and project a business image. They are an invitation into
the building. A neat and attractive showcase for appealing product
or service displays enhances the image of a business and improves
the pedestrian nature of the district. Quality storefront design,
restoration and renovation can go a long way towards enhancing the
apparent economic success of an area and creates a place where visitors
will want to return. Typical strip development has nearly done away
with storefront displays and reserved all display of goods to the
interior. This is typical of automobile-oriented versus pedestrian-friendly
environments. Storefronts and ground floor offices should have a character
that will enhance the human or pedestrian character of the commercial
area, rather than be designed as "big box" style architecture, with
little to no detail.
A.
Consider using a pattern of solids and voids for openings that relate
to a more traditional building design in the corridor, even in modern
construction. Storefronts should reflect the significant storefront
rhythms and proportions found throughout attractive pedestrian commercial
districts.
B.
New storefronts or ground floor offices and alterations should complement
or enhance the overall design of the applicant's building and
should be compatible with and complement the scale, massing and character
or other significant details of their own building facades. They should
enhance the district with appropriate colors, high-quality material,
well-designed details and thoughtful door locations. Storefronts should
relate to the rest of the buildings and the site design.
C.
Street-level facades should be differentiated from the upper floors
to create a visual base for the building and a pedestrian-friendly
scale. This can be achieved by architectural treatment and materials
selection.
D.
Forty-five percent to 75% of the storefront, other retail or commercial
office building street-level facade should be transparent through
the use of glass windows, doors and window displays. The intent is
to maximize the transparency of the storefront in order to enhance
the pedestrian nature of the street and invite entry to the business.
This may be partially offset by the use of pergolas, porticoes, landscaping
or other pedestrian-friendly enhancements.
E.
Attractive storefront displays are an important feature for the pedestrian
experience. Storefront display areas should be well thought out and
constructed using quality materials and craftsmanship to create attractive,
changeable displays. Attention should also be paid to enhancing the
permanent display floor, casework, shelving, display platforms, background
and interior storefront lighting.
Windows and doors should be part of an overall composition of
solid and void of the building. They should be of a quality and composition
to enhance the overall facade while serving the practical purposes
of protecting the building's interior from the elements and providing
daylight, air, passage and security. They also provide an opportunity
to allow for window displays, to enhance the character of the building
they occupy and to provide transparency and an inviting character
at the entry.
A.
A high percentage of glass in entrance doors and proximate to the
entrance is generally recommended for creating welcoming commercial
facades.
B.
When refurbishing an existing building, window replacements should
match, to the greatest extent practical, original window size, style
and configuration.
C.
For upper-story windows, necessary repair or replacement work should
match the original window in material and style, sash configurations
and size.
D.
As a rule, a deep sash profile and window depth behind the face of
the building adds aesthetic interest to the facade and should be sought
in window selection. (Wood windows and doors are preferred, but high
quality metal or clad is acceptable.)
E.
Only clear, colorless glass (no tinted glass) should be used for
display windows. Translucent or colored glass may be used for design
details.
F.
For storefronts at the sidewalk level, storefront windowsills should
be located 16 inches to 24 inches with a maximum of 30 inches above
the finished floor.
The choice of materials and texture has a great impact on the
perception of the property and the district. The objective is to create
an attractive area that evokes economic prosperity with visual interest
and pedestrian comforts to encourage repeat visits and a high degree
of visitor comfort. In addition, traditional materials, natural materials
and quality materials for construction should be used.
A.
Choose high quality materials and paint to prevent degradation and
for ease of maintenance. The Village of Colonie has a mix of architectural
styles. Facade improvements should be composed of materials that should
be equal to or exceed the quality of appearance of traditional materials.
They can encompass a wide range of materials from brick, stone and
wood to metal panels, ironwork and glass. Masonry should be encouraged,
as it is a durable, low-maintenance material that provides texture.
B.
Use materials to provide visual interest. Encourage materials that
offer texture.
C.
Use quality materials consistently on all visible sides of commercial,
office and multifamily residential buildings.
D.
Uncover, retain and restore any significant original building elements
that still exist, such as cornices, window trim and roof brackets.
Historic building materials and details should not be covered over.
Building alterations that are neither consistent with the original
design nor significant in their own right should be removed.
E.
In cases where improvements are to be made to commercial properties
with prior additions that contrasts in style, attempts should be made
to bring any significant character of the older structure into the
improvements in order to consider the overall design in the total
building composition and detailing. If unable to rehabilitate original
materials and/or details, replacement materials and design should
match or exceed the quality of the original.
F.
Prohibited or questionable materials.
(1)
Artificial products such as plastics, vinyl, aluminum siding, plywood
siding and T1-11.
(2)
Rough-hewn lumber.
(3)
Artificial stucco products are not prohibited but are not recommended.
If they are to be used, a sufficient amount of detail should be included
to mimic the interest of traditional buildings.
(4)
In most cases, modular cultured stone units and plain concrete block
should not be used, unless specific approval is granted.
Color is an intrinsic part of the overall character and composition
of architecture and site design and can enhance the appearance of
the districts. Colors should be carefully chosen. Brick, concrete
and stone have an inherent color. Other surfaces have applied color
from paint or enamel. Awnings, lighting and signs provide another
opportunity for color.
A.
A coordinated palette of colors should be composed for each development.
B.
Colors should be selected to enhance the overall character and composition
of the building, be harmonious with the overall streetscape and improve
the district's appearance.
C.
Generally, use of natural tints of materials such as reds, browns,
tans, grays and greens are best as primary colors. Save bright accent
colors for awnings and signs on commercial buildings.
D.
A simple color scheme is generally suited to a quality storefront.
Generally, there is a wall color, trim color, accent color and roof
color.
E.
The quality of preparation for painting as well as the quality of
the paint can go a long way toward extending the life of the paint
job. Use paint manufactures' top quality line colors.
F.
Color variation can give visual interest to a building.
G.
Do not use strong colors that produce the impression that the entire
building is a sign.
Lighting presents an opportunity to enhance a facade and the
surrounding area. The lighting fixtures chosen can add to the character
of the storefront, improve the business image, and enliven the street.
Picturesque, articulated evening lighting creates an appealing district
to attract evening visitors.
A.
The fixtures chosen and their illumination qualities should complement
the architectural character of the building and district.
B.
Lighting of storefronts and of storefront displays until 11:00 p.m.
should be encouraged to enhance the overall appearance of the district
in the evening.
C.
Building lighting should be used to illuminate main signs, streetside
storefront displays and the building's architectural features,
as well as to enhance outside seating areas.
D.
Lighting should not call attention to itself (such as blinking lights)
or cause light spillage to pedestrians, adjacent buildings or to the
sky, temporary holiday lights excluded.
E.
Awnings should not be internally illuminated to avoid overemphasizing
the storefront at the expense of the rest of the building's facade.
Awnings and canopies can be used to reinforce the design characteristics
of the building's architecture, provide an opportunity for a
design accent, and also serve practical functions. They can shield
pedestrians from rain and can shade them and merchandise from the
sun. Generally, they are not appropriate on the north side of buildings
that will get little to no sun, unless transparent for weather protection
and aesthetic appeal. For the purposes of these guidelines, the definition
of an "awning" is a protective sloped projection over the door, window
or storefront of a building, generally supported by a frame attached
to the building. A canopy is a horizontal, ornamental and protective
flat projection from a building facade, generally cantilevered out
from a building, that may be supported by the building wall above.
A.
Design awnings and canopies should provide pedestrian comfort, solar
and rain protection, as well as keep good building aesthetics in mind.
B.
Coordinate the choice of awning and canopy designs, proportions,
colors and materials as part of an overall building design scheme.
Note: They should not be the primary design element of the building.
C.
Place awnings and canopies within and in relation to the structural
frame of the storefront, window or doorway; generally, this means
within a window frame or within the frame formed by the storefront
cornice or sign panel above and by vertical piers or columns on either
side. Alternatively, they may be mounted between a transom and display
window to allow light into a business.
D.
The frame of the awning or canopy should be a minimum of eight feet
six inches above the pavement. The bottom of an awning or canopy valance
should be a minimum of eight feet above the pavement.
E.
Valances should extend a maximum of 12 inches.
F.
Generally, canopies should have thin visual profiles so as to obscure
as little of the building and storefront as possible.
G.
Color and style of any awnings for upper-story windows should coordinate
with any street level awnings.
H.
Good quality cotton or acrylic awning canvas, such as Sunbrella fabric,
is acceptable. Well-designed canopies or awnings of glass and steel
or standing seam metal are permitted to enhance the overall building
design. Other materials are subject to approval. Items to be discouraged
include:
(1)
Backlit awnings are prohibited, but quality down lighting is permitted
to illuminate the sidewalk and storefront.
(2)
Materials such as vinyl, plastic, aluminum (except for awning frames)
and fiberglass are prohibited for awnings since they generally detract
from the character of the commercial district.
(3)
Bubble awnings.
(4)
Awnings may not project across multiple buildings, but should enhance
the individual nature of their building.
A.
Air conditioners should not project beyond the building face. For
permanently installed units, openings should be trimmed to provide
a finished opening around unit.
B.
Satellite dishes and cable wiring should not be visible from across
the street of the principal building facade.
C.
Appurtenances should be installed as to not detract from the building
appearance or cover or damage architectural details.
D.
Roof-mounted equipment and mechanicals shall not be visible from
any ground angle. Their masking should be an integral part of overall
architectural design with regard to form, materials and color.
Well-maintained buildings show pride and care in the Village
and will enhance its economic viability and quality of life. In addition,
general building and facade stabilization is important to preserve
the architectural integrity and longevity of the building. Facades
should be maintained in a state of general cleanliness to give a sense
of economic success and a sense of pride in the community and to impart
the desire of visitors to return. It is the responsibility of the
building and business owners to maintain their buildings in good repair.
Cracked windows, peeling paint, and burnt out lamps all diminish the
professional image and pedestrian nature of the Village's commercial
areas. All work needs to conform to state building code requirements,
per the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation
and per good trade practices for good quality construction and rehabilitation.
Work should include but not be limited to:
Signs are the flagship of the quality and character of the commercial district. They present a vital design opportunity as well as identify the name of the establishment. Their design can show the flair of a business, relay the nature of the business and present an image of the quality of the business. Signs should be harmonious with the architectural style of the property and enhance the character of the surrounding district. Signs provide an opportunity to add color, interest, detail and depth to the facade. Sign designs must be included along with the building permit application to relay the overall building design and sign design approval must be obtained from the Village Sign Review Board. Signage must conform with the Code of the Village of Colonie, Chapter 181, Signs (Village of Colonie Sign Law). Please review this code prior to the design, erection, construction, alteration, enlargement or relocation of any sign within the Village of Colonie.
A.
General guidelines.
(1)
All signs should be of professional quality.
(2)
The sign design should be clear and easy to read, and balance a positive
image for the business it represents and the overall district appearance.
(3)
Consider creating signs that are not flat, but three-dimensional
through depth, materials and construction. Attention can also be given
to create interest with the sign profile.
(4)
The use of trade images within sign design, such as bread for a market,
a coffee cup for a cafe or a bagel for a bagel bakery provides easy
trade recognition and understanding for visitors and passersby and
can add character and color to the storefront and the district.
(5)
Sign copy should be limited to the name, address, function and logo
of the establishment.
(6)
Signs are permitted only to refer to the establishments located within
the buildings where the signs are located and not off-premises businesses.
(7)
Attractive sign lighting should be designed in conjunction with sign
design.
(8)
Historically significant signs should be retained if possible. Significant
signs painted on masonry walls on buildings like the former/historic
movie theater, for example, should be retained, if possible, even
if the business is no longer in existence.
(9)
Be considerate in sign placement to not obstruct the visibility of
adjacent properties of businesses.
(10)
Separate number signs of the street address with twelve-inch
letters in Arabic numerals shall be affixed to the building per the
Village of Colonie Code.
(11)
Additional signs allowed in the Code of the Village of Colonie
not listed below, including temporary signs, drive-through signs,
signs on parked vehicles, on-site advisory signs, and signs in residential
districts shall be crafted with quality design and fabrication to
make the signs attractive, balancing visibility with overall enhancement
of the district. These signs shall not detract from the aesthetics
of the district, nor the intent of these guidelines.
B.
Sign types.
(1)
Awning and canopy signs. Awning and canopy signs are visual messages
incorporated into the valance of an awning, or affixed to a canopy.
(a)
Signs on awnings should be well designed to enhance the facade
and district while still advertising the business.
(b)
A maximum of eight-inch letters should be provided on the valance
of an awning or twelve-inch letters on a structural canopy.
(c)
Awnings may incorporate attractive, professionally created logos
or type on the sloped portion of the awning, or valance, which may
not exceed 15% of the sloped area.
(d)
Signage should hang no lower than eight feet above grade.
(e)
Appropriately designed quality metal letters are generally appropriate
for structural canopies. Freestanding metal channel letters with neon
can also be acceptable.
(2)
Banner signs. Banner signs are not permitted in the Village of Colonie.
(3)
Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs are not attached to or part
of any building, but are separate and permanently affixed in or upon
the ground; freestanding signs may not exceed six feet in height above
the ground on which they are affixed. Included are pole signs, pylon
signs and monument signs.
(4)
Portable signs. Portable signs are not structurally attached to the
ground, a building, a structure or another sign. Portable signs include
sidewalk signs, A-frame signs and menu and sandwich board signs. Portable
signs are not currently allowed in the Village of Colonie.
(a)
Portable signs should not exceed 10 square feet per sign, face,
and neither exceed four feet in height nor exceed 30 inches'
width.
(b)
Portable signs should not impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic,
and must be placed in the immediate vicinity of the advertised establishment.
(c)
Portable signs should not be permanently affixed to anything
and should be removed when the premises advertised is closed.
(d)
One portable sign may be appropriate per business establishment.
(e)
The sign may not include any moving parts.
(f)
All exposed surfaces, including edges of the sign, should be
finished with trim.
(5)
Projecting signs. Projecting signs should be located above storefront
display windows and below second-story windowsills. In the case of
a single-story building, projecting signs should be located above
storefront display windows and below the roofline.
(a)
Projecting signs should be located above storefront display
windows and below second-story windowsills. In the case of a single-story
building, projecting signs should be located above storefront display
windows and below the roofline.
(b)
A projecting sign should be mounted with its lowest point a
minimum of nine feet above the sidewalk and should extend from the
building face a maximum of five feet, and all parts must be a minimum
of five feet from any sidewalk area.
(c)
The size and location of a projecting sign should complement
neighboring signs and the building to which it is attached, but may
not be any larger than 10 square feet per face.
(d)
Projecting signs that overhang the Village right-of-way may
require a special revocable permit from the Village of Colonie.
(6)
Roof signs or parapet signs. Roof signs are not allowed in the Village
of Colonie and require a special exemption sign permit, which may
only be granted for an exceptionally high level of design.
(7)
Shopping center signs. A shopping center consists of three or more contiguous businesses sharing a landlord, owner, person or entity with shared parking, access from outside and as defined in the Code of the Village of Colonie, Chapter 181.
(8)
Wall signs. Wall signs are the most common sign type. They are painted
on or attached to the outside wall of a building with the face of
the sign in the plane parallel to such wall and extending a maximum
of 12 inches from the face of such wall to the face of the sign.
(a)
Wall signs should be coordinated with the architectural features
of the building and should not obscure architectural detail.
(b)
Wall signs should be located within a traditional sign band
location. For buildings without a sign band, wall signs should located
above the top of first floor storefront openings and below second
floor windowsills or below the roofline on a one-story building.
(c)
Wall signs should be a maximum of two feet six inches high.
(d)
Wall signs should fit within the architectural framework of
the storefront.
(e)
Lettering on wall signs should be an average of 12 inches high
and a maximum of 18 inches high and occupy about 65% of the sign.
(9)
Window signs. Window signs painted or permanently affixed on glass
windows may provide an attractive and affordable touch to the storefront.
(a)
Window signs should complement the window display.
(b)
Window signs should not occupy more than 20% of the window surface.
(c)
Window signs should not obscure the display area.
(d)
Window signs are generally placed 1/3 of the window height down
from the top of the window.
(e)
Text is often successful if horizontally aligned within 12 inches
to 18 inches of the base of the storefront window, and can be successful,
as can text, with or without logos, centrally designed within storefront
windows or door.
(f)
The color of the letters should contrast with the display background.
(g)
Typically, vinyl computer-cut letters and logos of professional
quality and permanently affixed to glass are preferred.
(h)
Window signs affixed to the glass may only include the name
of the establishment, a very brief description of the service offered,
a logo, and/or building address number.
(i)
Window signs within storefront displays, if used at all, should
only briefly provide more detailed or changeable information about
the business such as the phone number, hours of operation or services
offered.
(10)
Sign lighting. Lighting for signage presents an opportunity to enhance the district in evening hours, and attractive light fixtures can enhance the overall appearance of the building. All lighting devices and wiring shall conform to § 181-7 of the Village of Colonie Sign Code.
(a)
Lights should be chosen to be integral to, and to enhance the
character of, the building.
(b)
Individual lighting fixtures should be positioned to provide
even lighting.
(c)
Internally lit signs should have an opaque background to allow
the illumination of letters only.
(d)
When exposed lamps are used to illuminate signs, they should
be equipped with gooseneck reflectors or other devices arranged so
as to concentrate the illumination upon the area of the sign and prevent
glare. Special attention should be given to illumination so as to
avoid glare to pedestrians, motor vehicles or adjacent properties.
(e)
Each outside lighting installation and each illuminated sign
should be controlled by a twenty-four-hour timer by Intermatic or
equivalent.
(f)
Allowable lighting types are listed under the building lighting.
