A. 
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the design and materials used for the exterior of buildings and structures within the City so as to maintain and enhance the attractiveness and values of property in the community. This article is further intended to support the creation of a pedestrian-oriented urban environment that emphasizes architectural and urban design principles of human scale and visual interest. Additionally, this article is intended to ensure the development of structures that maintain a long-lasting appearance; withstand the effects of time and exposure to the elements; resist damage in areas with high vehicular and pedestrian traffic and in areas where larger equipment that could cause damage is commonly used; that maintain a consistent character of development based on land use and zoning district particular to each development; and that contribute to the long-term economic and social vitality of the City of Jefferson.
B. 
Applicability. Refer to § 300-7.10 for the applicability of building design standards to single and two family buildings.
(1) 
New construction. The requirements of this section shall apply to all structures and buildings within the City constructed after the effective date of this chapter.
(2) 
Additions.
(a) 
All additions shall match or be substantially similar to the design and materials of the existing building.
(b) 
Additions to buildings constructed after the effective date of this chapter shall comply with the standards of this section.
(c) 
Buildings constructed prior to the effective date of this chapter.
[1] 
If additions to an existing building(s) constructed prior to the effective date of this chapter are less than or equal to 50% of the existing floor area of the building (measured cumulatively from adoption of this chapter), the standards contained herein shall not apply but shall be regulated per Subsection B(2)(a), above.
[2] 
If additions to an existing building(s) constructed prior to the effective date of this chapter are greater than 50% of the existing floor area of the building (measured cumulatively from adoption of this article), the standards contained herein shall apply.
(3) 
Alterations. For buildings constructed prior to the effective date of this chapter, alterations that do not impact the floor area of the building shall comply with the standards of this section, or shall match or be substantially similar to the existing building design and materials. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are not considered alterations.
(4) 
Exceptions and appeals.
(a) 
Exceptions. Exceptions to the building design standards set forth in this section may be granted by the Building/Zoning Inspector, to permit substitute building materials or construction of comparable quality or design when it can be demonstrated that the provisions of this section are infeasible and that the granting of such exception is in keeping with the purpose of this section. Decisions rendered by the Building/Zoning Inspector, may be appealed to the Plan Commission.
(b) 
Appeals. Any person affected by a decision of the Building/Zoning Inspector, may petition for a hearing before the Plan Commission.
(c) 
Variances. The Plan Commission is authorized to grant variances from the strict application of the building design standards within this section when it is claimed that the intent of the standards in this section have been incorrectly interpreted, do not apply, or their enforcement causes unnecessary hardship.
[1] 
The procedure for the granting of variances by the Plan Commission shall be the same as that required for variances in § 300-10.51, with the exception that the Plan Commission shall serve the role of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
[2] 
When taking action, the Plan Commission shall make findings as described in § 300-10.51.
(5) 
Beyond the rules in this section, additional building design standards may apply to:
(a) 
Conditional use permits.
(b) 
Planned unit development districts.
C. 
Review and approval. Through the building permit and/or site plan review process, the Building/Zoning Inspector shall be responsible and have authority to hear, review, and act upon all proposed exterior architectural plans for all proposed development.
D. 
Exterior building materials. The four classes of building materials referenced in this chapter have the following meanings:
(1) 
Class I materials include brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, and glass (curtain/storefront).
(2) 
Class II materials include split face or decorative block, EIFS, and stucco.
(3) 
Class III materials include architectural/decorative metal panels, residential aluminum siding, and siding made of wood, wood composite, vinyl, or fiber cement.
(4) 
Class IV materials include smooth face or nondecorative block; concrete panels (tilt-up or precast); asphaltic, fiberglass, metal, or poly-roofing siding; nondecorative metal panels; corrugated metal; and plywood, chipboard, or other nondecorative wood. Also includes any material not listed in Subsections A through C above.
Figure 300-7.01a
Exterior Building Material Requirements by Use
Type of Construction
Building Use
Exterior Building Materials Permitted
New construction of any kind
Multifamily uses
Class I, II, or III
New construction of any kind
Commercial and indoor institutional uses
Predominantly Class I with Class II and II used as accents/trim (less than 50% of the total building facade)
New construction of any kind
Mixed uses
Predominantly Class I with Class II and II used as accents/trim (less than 50% of the total building facade)
New construction of any kind
Industrial transportation, and storage uses
Class I, II, or III with some expectations for Class IV as noted in § 300-7.40
Any exterior change
Within the DHMU Zoning District
See § 300-7.50.
See the standards set forth in each applicable zoning district (Article II) and land use (Article III).
These standards apply to all multifamily buildings and structures constructed after the effective date of this chapter. These standards also apply to apartments with limited commercial land uses.
A. 
Exterior materials. Multifamily buildings shall be clad in Class I, II or III materials. Class IV materials are prohibited.
(1) 
Materials of comparable quality may be substituted for any class of material or be used as a decorative element if the material can be removed or replaced with a permitted exterior material, as determined by the Building/Zoning Inspector.
(2) 
Metal roofs and exterior metal walls shall be coated per the appropriate ASTM standards based on the roof or wall material. The most common materials and standards are galvanized steel (ASTM A 653 G-90), 55% aluminum-zinc alloy coated steel (ASTM A 792 AZ 50), 5% aluminum alloy-coated steel (ASTM A 875 GF60), aluminum-coated steel (ASTM A 463 T2 65), or pre-painted steel (ASTM A 755).
B. 
Building entrance.
(1) 
The primary entrance shall be on the front facade facing the street.
(2) 
The primary entrance shall be covered a minimum of three feet from the door. Recessed three-foot entries shall be deemed to meet this requirement.
(3) 
Exterior entry doors for individual units shall be residential in style (and shall include frame and panel (real or decorative).
(4) 
Exterior entry doors for multiple units may be residential (as described above) or commercial in style (glass).
C. 
Facade articulation.
(1) 
Facade lengths shall not be greater than 40 feet without articulation such as:
(a) 
Recesses or projections that step back or project a portion of the main facade plane.
(b) 
Recesses or projections of upper floors from the ground floor facade plane.
(c) 
Vertical division using different textures or materials.
(d) 
Division of the facade into individual units through the use of windows, entrances, arcades, porches, decks, balconies, lighting, etc.
(e) 
Roof form variation such as the inclusion of dormers, change in roof lines, or change in roof type.
(2) 
On facades facing the street, windows and/or doors shall be required in order to promote a visual connection to the street. The total area of windows and doors, including trim, shall comprise a minimum of 20% of the total facade area, excluding gables.
D. 
Wall details, trim, and windows.
(1) 
Exterior windows shall be appropriate to the architectural character of the building.
(2) 
All facade openings shall be articulated or appropriately trimmed through the use of materials such as lintels, sills, surrounds, shutters, etc.
(3) 
Natural wood shall be painted or stained unless it is cedar, redwood or other naturally weather-resistant species intended to be exposed.
(4) 
Pressure-treated lumber shall be painted or stained after a curing period of no greater than 18 months.
E. 
Patios, decks, and balconies.
(1) 
Ground-level patios and decks facing the street shall be bordered with landscape treatments. Covered porches are exempt from this requirement.
(2) 
Exterior stairs leading to a deck or balcony are not permitted on the front or street side of a building. On corner lots, exterior stairs shall be permitted on the interior side facade.
(3) 
Exterior corridors shall be covered by the building roof, shall be located within the footprint of the building foundation, and shall not be visible from the street.
(4) 
Upper-story decks and balconies shall be cantilevered, supported by vertical columns, or supported from above.
F. 
Mechanical and exterior building systems.
(1) 
Drainage pipes on exterior walls shall match or be complementary to the color of the roof and wall onto which they are mounted.
(2) 
Air intakes and exhaust vents for high-energy gas appliances and meters shall not be permitted on any facade that faces a public street, unless they are screened or if they match the color of the facade on which they are located.
(3) 
Building-mounted equipment.
(a) 
Window-mounted air conditioning units shall not be permitted in any window that faces a public street. When no alternative is available, units shall be masked (painted, encased, etc.) in order to blend into the building’s exterior finish and shall be flush-mounted so as not to project beyond the main plane of the facade more than necessary.
(b) 
Building-mounted equipment installed on the facade visible from an adjacent public right-of-way or residential district must be disguised with screening that is:
[1] 
Architecturally compatible with the primary structure to which the equipment is attached. Screening materials shall be identical to or substantially similar to the materials used on the building facade to which the equipment is attached.
[2] 
Incorporated as part of the building wall and/or flush-mounted so as not to project beyond the main plane of the facade.
[3] 
Consistent with the color of the structure to which the equipment is attached.
(4) 
Roof-mounted equipment. Roof-mounted equipment shall be screened, preferably by parapet walls. Other acceptable screen types shall be:
(a) 
Architecturally compatible with the primary structure to which the equipment is attached. Screening materials shall be identical to or substantially similar to the materials used on the building facade to which the equipment is attached.
(b) 
Consistent with the color of the structure to which the equipment is attached.
(c) 
Designed to be an integral part of the building’s architectural design and give the impression that it is something other than a mechanical screen.
(5) 
See § 300-6.21F for screening requirements for ground-mounted mechanical systems.
G. 
Wall- or roof-mounted lighting.
(1) 
Full cutoff light fixtures are required.
(2) 
The design, color, height, location, and light quality of all on-building light fixtures shall be consistent throughout the entire site, unless the building is divided into individual components; in such case, all on-building light fixtures shall be consistent within each individual component.
(3) 
All entrances shall be lit after sunset. The minimum illumination at each entrance shall be 1.0 footcandles.
These standards apply to all commercial buildings and structures constructed after the effective date of this chapter. These standards also apply to mixed-use building and live/work unit land uses.
A. 
Orientation.
(1) 
Buildings are encouraged to be oriented so that the front facade faces the road with the highest traffic volumes.
(2) 
Facades facing the road with the highest traffic volumes shall be designed to have the appearance of a front facade and shall include windows, doors and/or other architectural components typically associated with front facades, as approved by the Building/Zoning Inspector.
(3) 
Service or loading areas shall not be permitted between the building and the public street.
(4) 
Drive-through windows shall not be located between the building and the public street.
B. 
Facade articulation.
(1) 
Facade lengths shall not be greater than 70 feet without articulation such as:
(a) 
Division of the facade into individual components (i.e., storefronts, distinct uses) through the use of architectural elements such as porches, balconies, windows, covered entrances, arcades, awnings, marquees, lighting, signage, etc.
(b) 
Recesses or projections that step back or project a portion of the main facade plane.
(c) 
Recesses or projections of upper floors from the ground floor facade plane.
(d) 
Vertical division using different textures or materials.
(e) 
Roof form variation such as the inclusion of dormers, change in roof lines, or change in roof type.
(2) 
In the Downtown Periphery Mixed-Use District, any building exceeding five stories must provide a 15 feet to 20 feet stepback from the facade above the fifth story and must incorporate facade articulation if greater than 40 feet in width.
(3) 
Buildings shall be designed to provide interest and variety. Flat, unadorned walls shall be avoided. Each facade of a building shall include at least one design element to break up the flatness of blank walls and shall at a minimum include varied materials or colors, change in texture, expressed joints and details, or surface relief. Additional elements used to break up the facade may include balconies, lintels, sills, headers, belt courses, reveals, pilasters, windows, chimneys, and other ornamental features as deemed appropriate by the Building/Zoning Inspector.
C. 
Exterior materials. Commercial buildings shall be predominately clad in Class I materials. Class II and Class III materials may be used as accents and trim not to exceed 50% of the total building facade. Class IV materials are prohibited.
(1) 
Rear building elevations not facing a public street or public parking lot shall be exempt from this requirement.
(2) 
Materials of comparable quality may be substituted for any class of material or be used as a decorative element if the material can be removed or replaced with a permitted exterior material, as determined by the Building/Zoning Inspector.
D. 
Building entrance.
(1) 
The main entrance shall be clearly defined and accentuated through the use of detailing, distinctive materials, and/or colors, projections or recesses, porticos, covered entrances, stoops, or other features as deemed appropriate by the Building/Zoning Inspector.
E. 
Mechanical and exterior building systems.
(1) 
Drainage pipes on exterior walls shall match or be complementary to the color of the roof and wall onto which they are mounted.
(2) 
Air intakes and exhaust vents for high-energy gas appliances and meters shall not be permitted on any facade that faces a public street.
(3) 
Building-mounted equipment.
(a) 
Window-mounted air conditioning units shall not be permitted in any window that faces a public street. When no alternative is available, units shall be masked (painted, encased, etc.) in order to blend into the building’s exterior finish and shall be flush-mounted so as not to project beyond the main plane of the facade.
(b) 
Building-mounted equipment installed on the facade visible from an adjacent public right-of-way or residential district must be disguised with screening that is:
[1] 
Architecturally compatible with the primary structure to which the equipment is attached. Screening materials shall be identical to or substantially similar to the materials used on the building facade to which the equipment is attached.
[2] 
Incorporated as part of the building wall and/or flush-mounted so as not to project beyond the main plane of the facade.
[3] 
Consistent with the color of the structure to which the equipment is attached.
(4) 
Roof-mounted equipment. Roof-mounted equipment shall be screened, preferably by parapet walls.
(a) 
Screening shall be architecturally compatible with the primary structure to which the equipment is attached. Screening materials shall be identical to or substantially similar to the materials used on the building facade to which the equipment is attached.
(b) 
Equipment shall be consistent with the color of the structure to which the equipment is attached.
(c) 
Screening shall be designed to be an integral part of the building’s architectural design and give the impression that it is something other than a mechanical screen.
(5) 
See § 300-6.21F for screening requirements for ground-mounted mechanical systems.
F. 
Wall- or roof-mounted lighting.
(1) 
Full cutoff light fixtures are required at each entrance.
(2) 
The design, color, height, location, and light quality of all on-building light fixtures shall be consistent throughout the entire site, unless the building is divided into individual components; in such case, all on-building light fixtures shall be consistent within each individual component.
(3) 
All entrances shall be lit after sunset. The minimum illumination at each entrance shall be 1.0 footcandles.
A. 
Architectural design.
(1) 
Buildings shall be designed to provide interest and variety; flat, unadorned walls shall be avoided.
(2) 
Buildings shall be oriented so as to face the road with the highest traffic volumes. This requirement shall not apply to buildings with frontage on state or federal highways, unless there is direct access from the development to the highway.
(a) 
If a visitor, office, and/or customer entrance component is included in the building, such space(s) shall be clearly defined and accentuated through the use of detailing, windows, distinctive materials and/or colors, projections or recesses, or other architectural features as deemed appropriate by the Building/Zoning Inspector.
B. 
Exterior materials. Industrial buildings shall be clad in Class I, II or III materials. Certain Class IV materials are also acceptable as noted.
(1) 
For all facades facing a public street, a minimum of 15% of the facade shall be composed of Class I building materials.
(a) 
This requirement may be reduced to 10% of the facade provided that other elements are incorporated into the building and site design, such as facade articulation, increased landscaping, or other improvements approved by the Building/Zoning Inspector.
(2) 
Smooth-faced/nondecorative block may be used as deemed appropriate by the Building/Zoning Inspector.
(3) 
Concrete panels (tilt-up/precast) may be used if they are part of a palette of permitted materials or if they incorporate horizontal and vertical articulation including, but not limited to, changes in color or texture.
(4) 
EIFS and similar material shall only be used above the ground floor.
(5) 
Nondecorative metal panels may be used as deemed appropriate by the Building/Zoning Inspector.
(a) 
In the RH-35, LI, BP, MI, HI, IOS, IOC, AO, FG, and EX zoning districts, visible exterior fasteners shall be the same color as the attached wall for any principal or accessory building visible from a public street.
(b) 
In all other zoning districts, exterior wall fasteners shall be fully concealed from view.
(6) 
Materials of comparable quality may be substituted for any class of material or be used as a decorative element if the material can be removed or replaced with a permitted exterior material, as determined by the Building/Zoning Inspector.
C. 
Mechanical and exterior building systems.
(1) 
Applicability. See § 300-6.21F to determine whether screening is required.
(2) 
Drainage pipes on exterior walls shall match or be complementary to the color of the roof and wall onto which they are mounted.
(3) 
Building-mounted equipment.
(a) 
Building-mounted equipment installed on the facade visible from an adjacent public right-of-way or residential district must be disguised or screened in one of the following ways:
[1] 
Architecturally compatible with the primary structure to which the equipment is attached. Screening materials shall be identical to or substantially similar to the materials used on the building facade to which the equipment is attached.
[2] 
Incorporated as part of the building wall and/or flush-mounted so as not to project beyond the main plane of the facade.
[3] 
Consistent with the color of the structure to which the equipment is attached.
(4) 
Roof-mounted equipment. Roof-mounted equipment visible from an adjacent public right-of-way or residential district shall be screened, preferably by parapet walls. Other acceptable screen types shall be:
(a) 
Architecturally compatible with the primary structure to which the equipment is attached. Screening materials shall be identical to or substantially similar to the materials used on the building facade to which the equipment is attached.
(b) 
Consistent with the color of the structure to which the equipment is attached.
(c) 
Designed to be an integral part of the building’s architectural design and give the impression that it is something other than a mechanical screen.
Downtown Historic Mixed-Use District (DHMU) Design Standards. See § 300-2.33 for additional requirements for this district.
A. 
Purpose. This district is intended to implement the urban design recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan, by preserving and enhancing the historical quality of the downtown, and by attaining a consistent visually pleasing image for the downtown area, as defined by the mapped boundaries of the Downtown Historic Mixed-Use District.
B. 
Applicability. The regulations of this section shall apply to new development and changes to the exterior of any building within the mapped boundaries of the Downtown Historic Mixed-Use District.
C. 
Review and approval.
(1) 
There are three categories of review in this district:
(a) 
Renovation review (renovation of the exterior appearance of a property such as repainting, re-roofing, residing or replacing with identical colors, finishes, and materials).
(b) 
Design alteration review (change only in the exterior appearance of a nonresidential or multifamily property such as painting, roofing, siding, architectural component substitution, fencing, paving, or signage).
(c) 
Project review (modification to the physical configuration of a property such as the erection of a new building, the demolition of an existing building, or the addition or removal of bulk to an existing building).
(2) 
Plan Commission review and approval may be required. The three categories and procedural requirements for review and approval are described fully in § 300-10.44.
(3) 
Design standards for changes meeting the criteria for project review are found in § 300-7.50E, below. Design standards for changes meeting the criteria for design alteration review or renovation review are found in § 300-7.50F, below.
(4) 
Designated historic structures. These regulations are separate and in addition to requirements related to changes to local, state, and national landmarks and properties, and as regulated by the Historic Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 151 of the City of Jefferson Municipal Code). Prior to taking action, the Plan Commission shall consult with the Historic Preservation Commission for all properties designated as historic, contributing to a historic district, or considered by a study or survey to be eligible for listing on a local, state, or national register.
D. 
Design theme. The design theme for the Downtown Historic Mixed-Use District is based on its historical, pedestrian-oriented development pattern that incorporates retail, residential, and institutional uses. Building orientation and character includes minimum setbacks at the edge of the sidewalk, multi-story structures, use of alleys for access, and on-street or other off-site parking. The design theme is characterized by a variety of architectural styles popular at the time, including Italianate, Romanesque, and Neoclassical, in a two- or three-story format with office, storage, or residential located over commercial. The facades of these buildings have a traditional main street storefront appearance, are relatively small in scale, have street yard and side yard setbacks of zero feet, have prominent horizontal and vertical patterns formed by regularly spaced window and door openings, detailed cornice designs, rich detailing in masonry coursing, window detailing and ornamentation, and are predominately brick, stone, or wood. Exterior building materials are of high quality. Exterior appurtenances are minimal. Exterior colors are harmonious, simple, and muted. Exterior signage blends, rather than contrasts, with buildings in terms of coloring (complementary to building), location (on-building), size (small), and number (few).
Figure 300-7.50a
Architectural Components
300-28.tiff
E. 
Design standards for project review (new construction, building additions, and building alterations).
(1) 
The design standards contained in this Subsection shall apply to all changes meeting the criteria for Project Review (including all new buildings, building additions, and new building appurtenances). Such activities shall correspond to the following:
(a) 
The following requirements for building setback; height; building mass; horizontal rhythms (created by the placement and design of facade openings and related elements such as piers, columns); vertical rhythms (created by the placement and design of facade details such as sills, transoms, cornices and sign bands); roof forms; exterior materials; exterior surface features and appurtenances; exterior colors; exterior signage; on-site landscaping; exterior lighting; parking and loading area design; and the use of screening.
(2) 
Building setback. Throughout the district, the setback of buildings from street yard and side yard property lines shall be compatible with existing buildings in the immediate area which conform to the design theme described in Subsection D above, as determined by the Plan Commission. Any building exceeding five stories must provide a fifteen-foot to twenty-foot stepback from the facade above the fifth story and must incorporate facade articulation if greater than 40 feet in width.
(3) 
Building height.
(a) 
Throughout the district, the height of buildings shall be compatible with existing buildings in the immediate area which conform to the design theme described in Subsection D(1) above, as determined by the Plan Commission.
(b) 
Buildings shall not be more than two stories taller than the height of a building of similar use on one of the immediately adjoining properties. See Figure 300-7.50b. Taller building heights may be approved by conditional use permit.
Figure 300-7.50b
Building Height Example
300-29.tiff
(4) 
Building mass.
(a) 
Throughout the district, the mass of buildings shall be compatible with existing buildings in the immediate area which conform to the design theme described in Subsection D(1) above, as determined by the Plan Commission.
(b) 
The characteristic proportion (relationship between facade height and width) of the design theme shall be maintained.
(c) 
Building mass for large structures (with a facade area exceeding 5,000 square feet) shall be disguised through the use of facade articulations, or through the use of exterior treatments which give the impression of directly adjoining individual buildings, as determined by the Plan Commission.
(5) 
Horizontal rhythms. The horizontal pattern of exterior building elements formed by patterns of building openings for windows and doors, and related elements such as piers and columns shall be spaced at regular intervals across all visible facades of the building, and shall be compatible with those of existing buildings in the immediate area which conform to the design theme described in Subsection D above, as determined by the Plan Commission.
(6) 
Vertical rhythms. The floor heights on main facades shall appear visually in proportion to those of adjoining buildings. The rhythm of the ground floor shall harmonize with the rhythm of upper floors. The vertical pattern of exterior building elements formed by patterns of building openings for windows and doors, and related elements such as sills, headers, transoms, cornices and sign bands shall be compatible in design and elevation with those of existing buildings in the immediate area which conform to the design theme described in Subsection D above, as determined by the Plan Commission.
(7) 
Roof forms. Flat or gently sloping roofs which are not visible from the street shall be used. Mansards or other exotic roof shapes not characteristic of the design theme described in Subsection D above, as determined by the Plan Commission, shall not be used. See Figure 300-7.50c.
Figure 300-7.50c
Roof Forms
300-30.tiff
(8) 
Exterior materials. Selected building materials shall be compatible with those of existing buildings within the same block-face which conform to the design theme described in Subsection D above, a determined by the Plan Commission.
(a) 
Masonry. Stone or brick facing shall be of even coloration and consistent size. Cinder block, concrete block, concrete slab, or concrete panel shall not be permitted.
(b) 
Siding.
[1] 
Wood, thin board texture vinyl, fiber cement, or textured metal clapboard siding may be appropriate, particularly if the proposed non-masonry exterior was used on a building which conforms to the design theme described in Subsection D above, as determined by the Plan Commission.
[2] 
Clapboard or board and batten may be appropriate in certain instances where used on the existing structure within the same block-face which conforms to the design theme described in Subsection D above, as determined by the Plan Commission.
[3] 
Class IV materials are prohibited.
(c) 
Glazing. Clear, or slightly tinted glass or related glazing material shall be used. Mirrored glass, smoked glass, or heavily tinted glass shall not be permitted, unless needed in a special situation as determined by the Plan Commission.
(9) 
Exterior surface. Exterior surface appurtenances shall be compatible with those of existing buildings in the immediate area which conform to the design theme described in Subsection D above, as determined by the Plan Commission.
(a) 
The traditional storefront design theme (characterized by strong horizontal and vertical rhythms formed by building openings, windows, and transom windows) shall be employed for all new nonresidential buildings. Ground floors consisting entirely of residential or office uses shall be exempt from this requirement.
(b) 
Throughout the district, avoid cluttering building facades with brackets, wiring, meter boxes, antennae, gutters, downspouts and other appurtenances. Unnecessary signs shall also be avoided. Where necessary, such features shall be colored so as to blend in, rather than contrast, with the immediately adjacent building exterior. Extraneous ornamentation which is inconsistent with the design theme described in Subsection (d) above, as determined by the Plan Commission, is also prohibited.
(10) 
Awnings and marquees. Awning and marquee size, color and placement shall complement the architectural character of the building, as determined by the Plan Commission.
(a) 
Soft, weather-treated canvas or vinyl materials which allow for flexible or fixed installation shall be used for awnings.
(b) 
Aluminum or suspended metal canopies shall be prohibited.
(c) 
Signage applied to awnings shall be simple and durable.
(d) 
Backlit awnings are prohibited.
(11) 
Exterior lighting. On-building exterior lighting shall be compatible and harmonious with the design theme described in Subsection D above, as determined by the Plan Commission.
(a) 
On-building lighting. The design, color, height, location, and light quality of all on-building light fixtures shall be consistent for all light fixtures.
(b) 
Ground-mounted lighting. The design, color, height, location and light quality of ground-mounted lighting shall be consistent with the design theme described in Subsection D above, as determined by the Plan Commission.
(12) 
Signage. All signage existing upon the adoption date of this chapter, which does not comply with the standards of Article IX: Signage, may be continued as long as it is well maintained.
(a) 
The maintenance of such legal nonconforming signs shall be limited to repair of the sign structural or lighting elements, and to the repainting or replacement of the sign face with identical new material, and original appearance.
(b) 
Should a change in material or original appearance be desired, the legal nonconforming sign shall be removed.
(c) 
Sign size, color and placement shall complement the architectural character of the building, as determined by the Plan Commission.
(13) 
Cleaning. Structural components and exterior materials shall be cleaned when necessary, and with only the gentlest possible methods.
(a) 
Low-pressure water, steam cleaning, and soft natural bristle brushes are permitted.
(b) 
Sandblasting and power washing (more than 400 psi) are prohibited.
(c) 
Other methods shall be pre-approved by the Plan Commission.
F. 
Design standards for design alteration review and renovation review (changes to the exterior appearance of a property).
(1) 
Applicability. The design standards contained in this subsection shall apply for the following changes to the exterior of a property:
(a) 
All changes meeting the criteria for design alteration review (including painting, roofing, siding, architectural component substitution, fencing, paving, and signage).
(b) 
All changes meeting the criteria for renovation review (including repainting, re-roofing, residing, or replacing with identical colors, finishes, and materials).
(c) 
Any other instance in which existing construction is proposed for rehabilitation and/or restoration. (New projects, building additions, and new appurtenances and features shall comply with the design standards of Subsection E, above.)
(2) 
In general. Buildings shall be restored relying on physical evidence (such as photographs, original drawings, and existing architectural details) as much as possible, in keeping with the design theme described in Subsection D above, as determined by the Plan Commission.
(3) 
Exterior materials and surface features. Materials and features identical to the original exterior materials and surface features shall be used. If replacement with identical materials and features is not possible, other features and materials may be used, provided they are compatible with the design and style of the building, as determined by the Plan Commission.
(a) 
Where such knowledge is lacking, materials and features in common use at the time of building erection shall be used.
(b) 
Significant architectural features, including cornices, moldings and coursings shall be preserved or replaced with identical features and materials where possible.
(4) 
Windows and doors. The size, proportion, and rhythm of original windows and doors shall not be altered.
(a) 
Original window and door openings shall not be blocked. Where now blocked, blocked window and door openings shall be restored where possible.
(b) 
Window and door features, including lintels, sills, architraves, shutters, pediments, hoods and hardware, shall be preserved where possible.
[1] 
If preservation is not possible, as determined by the Plan Commission, window and door features shall be replaced with identical features and materials. If replacement with identical features and materials is not possible, other features and materials may be used, provided they are compatible with the design and style of the building, as determined by the Plan Commission.
[2] 
Dark frames (i.e., anodized bronze) shall be used to replace storefront and upper story windows.
[3] 
Clear aluminum finishes and mill finish aluminum storm windows are prohibited.
[4] 
If shutters are proposed, real, functional shutters or shutters that are the same dimensions as real, functional shutters (as opposed to purely decorative shutters) shall be used.
(5) 
Storefronts. Storefronts shall fit inside the original shop front in terms of all three dimensions (vertical, horizontal and front to back articulation).
(a) 
Display windows shall be restored to their original appearance.
(b) 
The configuration of display windows shall be substantially similar to the original configuration. This provision shall be construed to prohibit garage doors and bay windows when they were not part of the original building design.
Figure 300-7.50d
Storefronts
300-31.tiff
(6) 
Entrances, porticos, and porches. Original porches, and steps shall be retained, except as required to meet accessibility standards. Porches, porticos, steps, and related enclosures which do not comply with the architectural design theme, as determined by the Plan Commission, shall be removed. See § 300-4.40(5) for ramp requirements.
(7) 
Roofs. The original roof shape and character of visible materials shall be retained. Original architectural features which give the roof its essential character, including dormer windows, cupolas, cornices, brackets, chimneys and weather vanes, shall be preserved if in keeping with the architectural design theme described in Subsection D above, as determined by the Plan Commission.