Note — As to ord. no. 3224 §1, adopted April 10, 2007, ord. no. 3220 as set out in this article shall take effect after a new Architectural Review Board is appointed, confirmed and notifies the Mayor and Board of Aldermen in writing of a date specific that it is prepared to start receiving and reviewing cases pursuant ord. no. 3220 as set out in this article.
[Ord. No. 2147 §1(5-40), 11-24-1997; Ord. No. 2439 §1, 3-14-2000; Ord. No. 3220 §1, 3-29-2007; Ord. No. 3308 §1, 12-11-2007; Ord. No. 3759 §8, 8-26-2013; Ord. No. 4391, 10-26-2020; Ord. No. 4715, 10-27-2025]
A. 
The Architectural Review Board shall review all building permit applications for construction and reconstruction of all new or existing principal buildings as defined in Section 405.080 of this Municipal Code, proposals for all permanent gates, support structures and related fencing erected at any entrance to a residential subdivision.
B. 
Architectural review shall be required for all residential building additions of five hundred (500) square feet and over and residential accessory buildings that require a conditional use permit.
[Ord. No. 2147 §1(5-41), 11-24-1997; Ord. No. 3220 §1, 3-29-2007; Ord. No. 3759 §8, 8-26-2013]
The Planning Director or his/her designee shall initially review all permit applications under this Article. The Planning Director may require an architectural plan or such other information as he/she deems necessary to determine compliance with the architectural criteria provided in Section 500.110 hereof. The Planning Director shall forward to the Architectural Review Board complete copies of all applications, architectural plans and/or other information provided by the applicant in order for the Architectural Review Board to perform the duties specified in this Article.
[Ord. No. 2147 §1(5-42), 11-24-1997; Ord. No. 3220 §1, 3-29-2007; Ord. No. 3759 §8, 8-26-2013]
The City shall provide written notification of any application, by first class mail, to all property owners shown by the City tax records within three hundred (300) feet of the property lot line of the proposed construction and to all owners of property located within the subdivision of the site of the proposed construction, so that said persons may comment on the proposed construction.
[Ord. No. 2147 §1(5-43), 11-24-1997; Ord. No. 2456 §1, 4-25-2000; Ord. No. 2618 §1, 9-25-2001; Ord. No. 3077 §3, 10-24-2005; Ord. No. 3220 §1, 3-29-2007; Ord. No. 3759 §8, 8-26-2013; Ord. No. 3904 §1, 6-8-2015]
A. 
No building permit for any new or existing principal building or for any roof-mounted solar energy system shall be issued until such time as the Architectural Review Board and/or Board of Aldermen makes an affirmative finding that the building permit application of the proposed construction or reconstruction is in compliance with the following criteria:
1. 
For new or existing principal building:
[Ord. No. 4066 § 1, 1-23-2017]
a. 
Style. No single architectural style should be superimposed upon buildings, and each should reflect its own individual style. Monotonous design should be avoided; variation of detail and form should be used to provide visual interest. Evaluation of the appearance of a project shall be based on the quality of its design and relationship to surroundings. Additions should relate to the existing buildings in design, details, colors and material.
b. 
Scale and proportion. The height, scale and proportion of each building should be compatible with its site and adjoining buildings. Building components such as windows and doors should have proportions appropriate to the architecture of the structure.
c. 
Proportion. Elements of building massing should relate to the size and shape of those of adjacent buildings.
d. 
Materials. Materials should be selected for suitability to the type of building and the design in which they are used and for harmony with adjoining buildings. Materials should be of durable quality.
(1) 
The use of polyvinyl chloride (vinyl) siding and soffits is prohibited.
(2) 
Exterior materials for new residential structures shall be identified including the area and the area percentage of such exterior materials used for each elevation of the residence, excluding doors and windows. For each side and rear elevation, the exterior shall include at least ten percent (10%) or equal amount (whichever is the lesser) of the primary exterior material used for the exterior front building elevation, as well as ten percent (10%) or equal amount (whichever is the lesser) of the secondary exterior material used for the exterior front building elevation. The word "primarily" means the majority of the front elevation area, excluding doors and windows. The word "secondary" means the second most used material of the front elevation area, excluding doors and windows.
(3) 
Additions to existing residential structures shall not be required to comply with Subsection (A)(d)(2) above, provided any such addition contains no greater floor area than the existing structure.
e. 
Colors. Colors, including trim and accent colors, should be harmonious and visually compatible with neighboring buildings.
f. 
Awnings, canopies and marquees. Awnings, canopies and marquees should fit the character of the building and not interfere with the appearance of the surrounding buildings. Unused brackets should be removed.
g. 
Preservation of period detail. Original details on existing buildings, such as cornices, horizontal bands and decorative elements, should be preserved.
h. 
Screening. Facilities, including, but not limited to, trash dumpsters and rooftop and mechanical units, should be visually screened with materials harmonious with the building.
i. 
Lighting. Exterior lighting, when used, should be of a design and size compatible with the building and adjacent areas. Excessive brightness should be avoided.
j. 
Landscaping. Landscape treatment, where appropriate, should be provided to enhance architectural features and provide visual interest. Landscape materials may include plants, trees, fences, walls and paving.
k. 
Fireplaces/Chimneys. Fireplaces and their chimneys must be enclosed with masonry (stone or brick), or metal from foundation to chimney cap.
[Ord. No. 4387, 9-28-2020[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance provided for the redesignation of former Subsection (A)(1)(k) as Subsection (A)(1)(m).
l. 
Foundation Siding. All siding must lap the foundation a minimum of two (2) inches. The distance between the siding and the finish grade on the exterior of a structure shall be a minimum of four (4) inches and a maximum of six (6) inches. The ARB may waive this requirement on the rear of a structure if warranted by steep topography.
[Ord. No. 4387, 9-28-2020]
m. 
Application procedure. The application for Architectural Review should include the following:
(1) 
Cover Sheet.
(a) 
Title block including address of property.
(b) 
Area map showing the general location of the property within the context of arterial roadways.
(c) 
Lot Area (square feet and acres).
(d) 
Floor Area (square feet) and Floor Area Percentage.
(e) 
Green Space Area (square feet) and Green Space Percentage.
(f) 
Distance from street.
(g) 
Height of Building (Lowest point to highest point along front, excluding chimney.)
(h) 
Roof Material/Color.
(i) 
Brick or Stone Color.
(j) 
Siding Type and Color.
(k) 
Trim and Accent Color.
(l) 
Window Style and Make.
(2) 
Site Plan (multiple sheets as necessary) developed in accordance with Sections 405.260(A)(1)(a) through 405.260(A)(1)(i) of the Town and Country Municipal Code including (but not exclusively) the following:
(a) 
Sealed and signed engineer's calculations of differential water runoff on lot before and after new construction to insure compliance with Sections 415.100 through 415.120 of the Town and Country Municipal Code.
(b) 
Landscape plan showing materials to be maintained and proposed new materials.
(c) 
Include all architecturally significant elements such as retaining walls, detention ponds and driveways.
(3) 
Architectural representation of the proposed structure.
(a) 
Line drawn structure elevations.
(i) 
For renovations and additions show both the existing structure with demolition identified and the proposed structure.
(ii) 
Each elevation must identify exterior materials.
(iii) 
Include the area and area percentage of each material for each elevation and insure it is compliant with Section 500.110 of the Town and Country Municipal Code.
(b) 
Color renderings of all four (4) sides of the structure.
(c) 
Parts (i) and (ii) of this Section may be combined at the discretion of the applicant or the request of the Board.
(4) 
General interior floor plan of the affected areas of the structure.
(5) 
Photo of existing structure and photos of existing structures on both sides and across the street of the proposed project.
(6) 
Submit letter or statement describing to what degree and how material of any existing structure to be demolished will be recycled, reused or repurposed.
(7) 
Submit affirmation of notification of subdivision trustees (names and contact information) regarding the project.
2. 
For roof-mounted solar energy system: Design and installation of any roof-mounted solar energy system shall conform to applicable industry standards and shall comply with the City Building Codes, Building Regulations and with all other applicable fire and life safety requirements. The manufacturer's specifications and a site plan showing the location of the proposed solar energy system shall be submitted as part of the application.
a. 
General requirements for solar energy systems.
(1) 
Solar energy systems shall be allowed in any zoning district and may be installed upon receipt of the necessary construction, electrical and/or mechanical permits and payment of applicable permit fees, if any.
(2) 
This Section applies to solar energy systems to be installed and constructed for either residential or non-residential use.
(3) 
The solar energy system, including all connecting parts and equipment, shall have manufacturer-applied finishes and shall not be field painted.
(4) 
A solar energy system may exist only as an accessory use and shall not be erected on a lot until a primary structure has been constructed.
(5) 
Any solar energy system that remains nonfunctional or inoperative for a continuous period of six (6) months shall be removed by the owner at the owner's expense, and the underlying structure shall be properly repaired. Visible deterioration of any solar energy system shall be promptly repaired.
b. 
Roof-mounted solar energy systems.
(1) 
Roof-mounted solar energy systems may be mounted on principal or accessory structures but shall conform to all requirements of this Section.
(2) 
Roof-mounted solar energy systems on residences or residential accessory structures shall be installed in the plane of the roof (flush-mounted) or made part of the roof design (with capping or framing that is compatible with the color of the roof or structure), except that mounting brackets shall be permitted if the applicant can demonstrate that the existing pitch of the roof would render the solar energy equipment ineffective or construction would otherwise be impossible.
(3) 
Roof-mounted solar energy systems on a flat roof shall be screened from view of any street in a way that is compatible with the architectural design of the structure upon which the solar energy system is mounted.
(4) 
Roof-mounted solar panels shall be no closer than twelve (12) inches from any ridge, edge, eave, hip or valley, and the top of the solar panels shall be no more than eight (8) inches off the plane of a sloped roof.
(5) 
Any system incorporated into a commercial building shall be integrated into the basic form and main body of the building. If roof-mounted, all collector panels shall fit into the form of the roof; if the building's roof is sloped or if rack mounting is used on a flat roof, the mounting must be concealed from view at street level. All equipment and panels related to a solar energy system shall be set back a minimum of one (1) foot from the edge of the roof.
[Ord. No. 3220 §1, 3-29-2007; Ord. No. 3759 §8, 8-26-2013; Ord. No. 3904 §2, 6-8-2015]
A. 
Composition. There shall be an Architectural Review Board consisting of eight (8) members appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Board of Aldermen. At least three (3) of the eight (8) members shall be building or design professionals, such as architects or engineers. The members of the Board shall serve for a term of three (3) years. Four (4) members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
B. 
Duties.
1. 
The Architectural Review Board shall work with any applicant and interested party to find architectural design solutions for all parties, to the extent that the Board deems appropriate and feasible.
2. 
The Architectural Review Board shall consider and vote on all applications for permits for residential construction and reconstruction under this Article. Except as provided in Section 500.115(F) hereof, the decision of the Architectural Review Board on a residential application for architectural review shall be final.
3. 
The Architectural Review Board shall consider and approve all applications for permits for roof-mounted solar energy systems that are flush-mounted on the rear of the roof, on the side of the roof not facing onto a street, or on top of a flat roof and not visible from the ground, provided that the proposed solar energy system complies with the requirements set forth in the City's Code, including the standards set forth in Section 500.110.
4. 
The Architectural Review Board shall consider and vote on all applications for non-residential construction and reconstruction under this Article. The Architectural Review Board shall make a recommendation of approval or disapproval for non-residential construction and reconstruction that shall be referred to the Board of Aldermen for review and final decision.
C. 
Fee Required. A non-refundable fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) shall be paid to the City of Town and Country at the time of filing a request for architectural review. The fee shall not be refunded if a request for architectural review is withdrawn or rescheduled and a new fee shall be required.
D. 
The Architectural Review Board shall develop and implement its own policies and procedures in accordance with this Section.
E. 
Meetings shall be held upon such dates chosen by the Architectural Review Board.
F. 
An applicant for architectural review of a residential structure aggrieved by a decision of disapproval of the Architectural Review Board [provided that at least two (2) members of the Architectural Review Board voted for approval] shall have the right to a review by the Board of Aldermen upon filing of an appeal within ten (10) days of the decision along with an appeal fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00).
G. 
Any person who has been aggrieved by a final decision on architectural review under this Article shall have the right to appeal said decision to the Circuit Court of St. Louis County in accordance with Chapter 536, RSMo.
[Ord. No. 2147 §1(5-44), 11-24-1997; Ord. No. 3220 §1, 3-29-2007; Ord. No. 3759 §8, 8-26-2013]
If the trustees of a subdivision have approved the construction or reconstruction of a residence or a solar energy system that is the subject of architectural review as provided in this Article, the applicant shall include with his/her building permit and architectural review application a written confirmation of such approval, which may be considered by the Architectural Review Board and the Board of Aldermen in determining compliance with this Article.
[Ord. No. 2230 §1(5-45), 7-27-1998]
A. 
No building permit for any new construction, swimming pool, addition or remodeling [if the estimated cost is in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00)] of a single-family residence shall be issued until such time as the applicant shall include with the permit application a cash escrow deposit of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). Said deposit is intended to guarantee the cleaning, maintenance and/or repair of City streets, both public and private, which are damaged or defaced in the course of such reconstruction and any antecedent demolition. The applicant shall be liable for such damage or defacement, and shall pay the reasonable cost of restoring the streets, curbs and sidewalks in question to their original condition, as provided herein.
[Ord. No. 4372, 8-10-2020]
B. 
At least five (5) working days prior to the applicant's use of any street in the City for demolition and/or construction the applicant shall notify the Public Works Director of the date the work is scheduled to begin and end. The Public Works Director shall examine the condition of the streets to be used for the construction and any antecedent demolition and shall photograph or videotape the streets, and potentially affected surrounding right-of-way ,showing the condition of the pavement, curbs, sidewalks and other physical features, which shall be dated with accompanying documentation made of the location depicted. Within five (5) days of the project's completion the Public Works Director shall inspect the pavement, curbs, sidewalks and other physical features. If the Public Works Director determines that any damage or defacement has occurred, the Director shall photograph or videotape the area of concern, which shall be dated with accompanying documentation of the location depicted.
[Ord. No. 4372, 8-10-2020]
C. 
After identifying damage or defacement the Public Works Director shall notify the applicant in writing, who shall then cause the area to be cleaned, maintained and/or repaired as may be necessary to restore the area to its original condition. The Public Works Director shall grant the applicant a reasonable time to accomplish such restoration, after which the Public Works Director may cause the work to be performed and deduct from the escrow deposit accordingly. The Public Works Director may cause the restoration to be performed without notice to the applicant if the damage or defacement presents a safety hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic and immediate corrective action is necessary.
D. 
If the costs of the City's restoration of the area exceeds the escrow amount, the applicant shall be billed for the overage and said amount shall be paid to the City within thirty (30) days. Until the overage has been paid or the claim has been resolved, the applicant shall not be granted any permits by the City, and this bar shall extend to the granting of occupancy permits for the project in question. Any portion of the deposit not expended or budgeted for expenditure shall be refunded to the applicant within thirty (30) days of the completion of work.
[Ord. No. 4372, 8-10-2020]