[Amended 4-16-1996 by L.L. No. 4-1996]
Within any business or industrial district,
a building, structure or lot shall only be used for the uses indicated
in the Table of Use Regulations[1] for the specific district in which it is located on the
Zoning Map and in accordance with the particular classification of
that use in that district. Further, any such building, structure or
lot shall only be utilized in conformance with the provisions of the
Table of Dimensional Regulations.[2] In addition, such use shall also comply with all other
applicable provisions of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: The Table of Use Regulations is included at the end of this chapter.
[2]
Editor's Note: The Table of Dimensional Regulations is included at the end of this chapter.
[Added 10-3-2023 by L.L. No. 1-2023]
A.
Design guidelines.
(1)
Purposes. Inappropriateness or poor quality of design in the exterior
appearance of commercial and industrial land developments adversely
affects the desirability of the immediate area and neighboring areas
and, by so doing, impairs the stability and value of both improved
and unimproved real property in such areas. It is the purpose of this
chapter to prevent these and other harmful effects of such exterior
appearance of buildings and land developments and thus to promote
and protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the community.
(2)
Applicability. These design guidelines shall apply to new construction of any commercial or industrial structures requiring site plan approval by the Planning Board pursuant to § 122-61 (Site plan approval). If any part of these design guidelines conflicts with the standards set forth in § 122-47C (Special conditions and safeguards for certain special exception uses), then the more restrictive requirements shall apply.
(3)
Design guidelines.
(a)
Height and scale. New commercial or industrial structures shall
be compatible with any preexisting building patterns found in adjacent
or nearby buildings with regards to massing, height, scale, form and
setbacks. The height of new buildings should attempt to coordinate
common heights and facade lines with neighboring buildings. In cases
where there is a sharp contrast between the massing, height, scale,
form or setbacks of immediately adjacent buildings, compatibility
with the adjacent buildings of a smaller scale is generally preferred,
and a transitional buffer around existing historic properties may
be requested by the Planning Board.
(b)
Setbacks. Whenever possible, new structures should be located
close to the minimum setback to establish or maintain a defined street
edge.
(c)
Design and orientation. The building's primary facade should
be sited parallel to the street. Buildings shall be oriented to ensure
good sight lines for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The primary
entry on all new construction shall be easily identified, scaled appropriately
to the size of the building and face the street.
(d)
Architectural details. New structures shall contain architectural
design features that complement the Village's existing historic
architecture. The use of columns, cornices, clock towers, turrets,
and covered entry features are encouraged, where appropriate. Air
handling units, condensers, satellite dishes and other equipment placed
on roofs must be set back, screened from view or disguised with a
permanent architectural feature so as not to be readily visible from
the public right-of-way.
(e)
Windows and roofs. Fenestration shall reflect that of existing
historic structures within the Village and be compatible in proportion,
shape, location, pattern and size. Roof forms shall relate to neighboring
buildings in form and material whenever possible. Windows shall relate
to the overall scale of the building and shall include a casing whenever
possible.
(f)
Building materials. New construction shall utilize quality materials
and colors that are compatible with those found in existing buildings.
The context of the historic nature of the area shall be considered
when choosing materials and colors. Natural building materials such
as brick, stone, and wood are highly encouraged, and natural colors
selected from a historic paint palette are preferred.
(g)
Landscaping. When undertaking new construction on an undeveloped
site, significant trees and vegetation shall be preserved whenever
possible. Natural landscaping, rather than large parking areas, should
dominate the streetscape. Landscaping shall be sited and designed
in a manner that will help maintain and reinforce a consistent street
wall in areas where there are no building facades.
(h)
Parking areas. The preferred location for main parking areas
is at the side and/or rear of the building. Locating main parking
areas between the building and the street should be avoided to lessen
the visual impact of parking areas within the streetscape. Where parking
areas are visible from the street, buffer landscaping and architectural
screening features shall be provided, such as tree planting, berms,
low walls, decorative fencing and/or hedging.
(i)
Loading, service, storage and refuse areas. Loading, service,
storage and refuse areas are fundamental components to any commercial
or industrial building. However, these areas detract from the streetscape
when they are exposed to public view. These facilities shall be oriented
away from and not visible from the street and shall be adequately
screened by a combination of fencing, walls and/or landscaping.
(j)
Site lighting shall be configured to minimize any impacts on
adjacent or nearby residential buildings. Site lighting shall be directed
downward and inward and be night-sky compliant. Uplighting may be
permissible in instances where it is designed to highlight landscaping
or architectural features. Lighting design plans for parking areas
should be organized to avoid a clutter of light standards, particularly
where these are highly visible from the public right-of-way. Where
site lighting abuts a public street, it should relate in size, scale,
design and location to the surrounding public streetscape.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 122-11, Additional restrictions
for FP and A Districts, added 8-6-1973, as amended, was repealed 7-6-2021 by L.L. No. 3-2021.
