As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ALTERATION
Any act or process which changes one or more of the exterior
architectural features of a structure.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Embodiment in a building of distinctive characteristics of
a type, period or method of construction, representation of the work
of a master architect or builder or possession of high artistic values.
BOARD
The Architectural Review Board of the Town of Riverhead.
BUILDING
A structure having a roof supported by walls, intended for
permanent occupancy. When separated by a party wall without openings,
it shall be deemed a separate building. A "building" shall include
travel trailers, mobile homes and other structures on wheels or other
supports if used for business or industrial purposes.
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
The architectural style, design, general arrangement and
components of all of the outer surfaces of any building or structure,
including but not limited to the kind, color and texture of the building
material and the type and style of all windows, doors, lights, signs
and other fixtures appurtenant to said building or structure.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The association of a building or structure with events which
have contributed to the formation and development of the Town of Riverhead
or with the lives of people who have been important to the community,
or a building or structure which has made a contribution to the broader
patterns of our common history.
MATERIAL CHANGE
A modification to the architectural style, general design
and general arrangement of the exterior of a building or structure,
including the kind and texture of the building materials and the type
and style of all windows, doors, light fixtures, other appurtenant
fixtures and other features such as walks, fences, driveways and parking
areas. In addition, all activities that affect the exteriors and require
a building permit are also included in this definition.
NEIGHBORHOOD SIGNIFICANCE
A contribution to the creation of a physical setting representing
a period important in the evolution of the Town. It is understood,
in this case, that the physical setting, which is composed of buildings,
landscape features, open space and other natural and architectural
features, can transcend the sum of its parts in creating a sense of
history. Some examples of situations in which a building would have
neighborhood significance are: it is one of a group of similar buildings
constructed and/or designed by an individual important in Riverhead's
history; it is a compatible element in a group of buildings of similar
or equally important significant architectural styles; its location
makes it an important element in the neighborhood; its size gives
it a dominant place in the neighborhood.
RECONSTRUCTION
The rebuilding or constructing again of a building or part
of a building. The reconstruction may or may not be a return to the
original design of the building.
REHABILITATION
The upgrading of a building, previously in a dilapidated
or substandard condition, for human habitation or use. Rehabilitation
does not necessarily retain the building's original architectural
features.
RESTORATION
The replication or reconstruction of a building's original
architectural features. "Restoration" usually describes the technique
of preserving historic buildings.
STRUCTURE
A combination of materials, other than a building, constituting
a fabrication that is safe and stable. Excluded shall be a combination
of such materials having a total floor area of less than 50 square
feet and which is used for purposes other than family dwelling, storage,
business, farm or industrial purposes. Also excluded shall be fences
four feet or less in height in a front yard and six feet or less in
height elsewhere on a lot.
TOWN
The Town of Riverhead.
VISUALLY COMPATIBLE
It is not the intent that all buildings in a neighborhood
should look the same, but that a mix of styles, sizes, etc., that
blend together well shall be allowed and that facade designs that
respond to the historical character of an area be encouraged but not
necessarily required.