The purpose of the Downtown Design Guidelines regulations is to provide appropriately scaled commercial uses while maintaining and enhancing the historic character and development pattern in downtown Weedsport. Commercial uses in this district should provide goods and services for residents and support the local tourism economy. New development in this district will be regulated in accordance with the design standards herein which have been established to ensure that all new buildings, restoration projects, and new uses are compatible with the surrounding character of the district, balances growth, and protects the quality of life for both residents and visitors.
A. 
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ACCENT COLOR
A color in a building's color palette which is used for emphasis. This color can be more bold or vivid than the body or trim color, but should be used sparingly to create emphasis, contrast or rhythm.
ARCHITECTURAL DETAIL/FEATURE
A part, portion, or projection that contributes to the beauty or elegance of a building, exclusive of signs, that is not necessary for the structural integrity of the building.
ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTION
Anything attached to and extended outside the facade of the exterior wall of a building, not having a key structural value nor intended for shelter or occupancy, such as eaves, cornices, window sills or hoods, or other decorative features.
AWNING/CANOPY
A roof-like structure of fabric stretched over a ridged frame, designed and intended for protection from weather or as a decorative embellishment, and which projects from the facade of a building over a window or door.
BAY
A major spatial division, usually one of a series, marked or partitioned off by the principal vertical supports of a structure.
BODY COLOR
The main color of a building's color palette used over the majority of the facade surface. Can be a paint color or a natural building material, i.e., brick.
BRACKET
A projection from a building facade providing structural or visual support under an architectural projection such as cornices, windows, or any other overhanding member, and typically shaped like an inverted L.
Figure 7: Bracket Example
BUILD-TO-LINE
A line parallel to the property line along which a building shall be built. Usually used to ensure that the front facade of adjacent buildings are even with one another.
BUILDING ARTICULATION
The division of a building into meaningful parts and the changes in the depth of the surface of a building facade through attached columns, recessed windows or window bays, horizontal banding or decorative cornices.
BULKHEAD
The area between the sidewalk and the display windows.
Figure 8: Bulkhead Example
COLOR PALETTE
The set of colors used on a particular building. May also refer to the larger collection of potential colors that a property owner may choose from to develop his/her particular building color palette. Typically comprised of a body color, trim color and an accent color. Also referred to as a "color scheme."
COPING
A finishing or protective cap or course to an exterior wall, usually sloped or curved to shed water.
CORBEL
A brick or stone projecting from within a wall, usually to support a weight, often seen in a series of overlapping steps which is then referred to as "corbeling."
Figure 9: Corbel Example
CORNICE
A continuous horizontal projection that crowns and may project outward from the facade at the roofline.
Figure 10: Cornice and Frieze Example
EAVES
The overhanging lower edge of a roof.
EIFS
Known as an "exterior insulation finishing system," EIFS is a lightweight wall cladding comprised of foam plastic and thin synthetic coatings.
FACADE
The front of a building or any of its sides facing a public right-of-way or space, especially one distinguished by its architectural treatment.
(1) 
PRIMARY FACADEThe side of a building oriented toward a primary street or oriented toward the primary frontage of a secondary street. The main entrance to any building shall be located on the primary facade. Buildings which have side and rear facades facing a primary street shall treat all such facades as primary facades, with the exception of buildings fronting N. Seneca Street that have a rear facade on Erie Drive shall treat the rear facade along Erie Drive as a Secondary Facade.
(2) 
SECONDARY FACADEAll sides of a building not considered a primary facade shall be considered a secondary facade.
FANLIGHT
A semicircular or semielliptical window over a doorway or another window.
Figure 11: Fanlight Example
FENESTRATION
The design, proportioning, and disposition of windows and other exterior openings of a building.
FLAT ROOF
A roof having no slope, or one with only a slight pitch so as to drain rainwater.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign that is attached to, erected on, or supported by some structure (such as a pole, mast, frame, or other structure) that is not itself an integral part of or attached to a building or other structure whose principal function is something other than the support of a sign.
FRIEZE
A continuous horizontal band or panel that is usually located below the cornice and often decorated with a repeated pattern.
GABLE
A triangular portion of wall enclosing the end of a pitched roof from cornice or eaves to ridge.
GABLE ROOF
A roof sloping downward in two parts from a central ridge, so as to form a gable at each end.
GAMBREL ROOF
A ridged roof divided on each side into a shallower slope above a steeper one.
Figure 12: Gambrel Roof Example
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
For the purposes of this definition, general maintenance shall apply to exterior building elements, including but not limited to the roof, facade, windows, doors, trim, or other architectural elements. General maintenance shall be deemed as any cleaning, replacement, or repair of a minor part or parts of a building or structure which are defective or have been degraded by ordinary wear and tear or by the weather which may or may not require a building permit; is not considered construction, relocation, or alteration; and which does not alter the basic design or structure of the building. Painting is considered general maintenance only when a building element is being painted or "touched up" with the same exact color as what is on that particular building element prior to painting it. Changing a building element's color or an entire building color scheme is not considered general maintenance; and in such instances the new color(s) must comply with the color palette/scheme requirements in § 215-27I of this article.
GROUND FLOOR
The floor of a building at or nearest to ground level.
HIP ROOF
A roof having sloping ends and sides meeting at an inclined projecting angle.
Figure 13: Hip Roof Example
HORIZONTAL BRICK DETAILING
The use of projected or recessed brick or masonry courses in solider, stretcher, or other patterns which creates a continuous horizontal detail, but including a flat expression. The horizontal detailing may also be expressed as stepped brick details or changes in brick color. Cast stone or real stone is also an appropriate material. The important component of the detail is that there is a change in plane.
HORIZONTAL PROJECTION
A line located at the cap of the first floor which provides a stopping point for the eye as it extends across the face of the building, marking a transition in uses or floors. It could be a brick or masonry detail. It creates a definition across the building and shall project from the face of the building.
HUMAN SCALE
The proportional relationship of the physical environment (buildings, trees, parking lots, streets, etc.) to human dimensions.
LABEL
A molding or dripstone over a door or window, especially one that extends horizontally across the top of the opening and vertically downward for a short distance at the sides.
Figure 14: Window Label Example
LINTEL
A beam supporting the weight above a door or window opening.
MANSARD ROOF
A roof having on each of four sides a steeper lower part and a shallower upper part.
MASONRY
A building material which in includes all stone products, natural or manufactured, such as brick or concrete block, including decorative and customized blocks, usually with the use of mortar as a bonding agent.
PARAPET WALL
A low, protective wall at the edge of a roof, especially the part of an exterior wall, fire wall, or party wall, which extends above the roofline.
Figure 15: Parapet Wall Example
PARTY WALL
A wall used jointly by contiguous (abutting) structures, erected upon a line dividing two parcels of land, each of which is a separate real estate entity.
PILASTER
A shallow rectangular feature projecting from a wall, having a capital and a base and architecturally treated as a column.
Figure 16: Pilaster Example
PRIMARY STREET
Streets designated by the Village which have a crucial role in providing ground floor retail opportunities within Historic Commercial District boundaries. In the Historic Commercial District, the following shall be considered Primary Streets: North Seneca Street and South Seneca Street (NYS Route 34), Erie Drive (NYS Route 31), West Brutus Street and East Brutus Street, or as amended herein in the future. An exception shall be made for buildings along North Seneca Street where the rear of the building faces Erie Drive. Said buildings shall consider Erie Drive as a secondary street and shall follow the facade requirements for secondary facades for the rear facade along Erie Drive.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign attached to and projecting out from a building face or wall, generally at right angles to the building. Projecting signs include signs that are totally in the right-of-way, partially in the right-of-way, or fully on private property.
Figure 17: Projecting Sign Example
PROJECTION
Any component, member, or part which juts out from a building. In masonry, stones which are set forward of the general wall surface to provide a rugged or rustic appearance.
REFUSE COLLECTION AREA
An area on a property where refuse (trash, garbage, recycling, etc.) is collected and stored until it is either picked up and disposed of by a contracted company or taken off site and disposed of by the property owner. Such areas shall be enclosed or screened, kept clean and free of rodents.
REFUSE COLLECTION UNIT
A container (trash can, dumpster, recycling bin, etc.) used to collect refuse before it is properly disposed of or picked up by a contracted company.
RHYTHM
Any kind of movement characterized by the regular occurrence of elements, lines, shapes, and forms. Movement is characterized by a patterned repetition or alteration of formal elements or motifs in the same or a modified form.
Figure 18: Example of Building Rhythm
ROOFLINE
The edge of the roof around the building where the wall intersects with the eave of the roof. In the cases where there is a parapet wall on the building the roofline shall be considered the line where the roof and the bottom of the parapet wall meet.
SECONDARY STREET
Streets designated by the Village which have a less significant role than primary streets in providing ground floor retail opportunities within the Historic Commercial District boundaries. In the Historic Commercial District, the following shall be considered Secondary Streets: Franklin Street, Furnace Street, Liberty Street, West Watson Street, and Erie Drive in cases when the front of the building faces North Seneca Street, or as amended herein in the future.
SHINGLE
A thin, usually oblong piece of wood, asphaltic material, slate, metal, or concrete, laid in overlapping rows to cover the roof and walls of buildings.
SIDELIGHT
A window at the side of a door or another window. Also called a "wing light."
Figure 19: Sidelight Example
SIDING
A weatherproof material, such as shingles, boards, vinyl, or units of sheet metal, used for surfacing the exterior walls of a building.
SITE WORK
Work done at a site in preparation for a construction project, such as excavation, sheeting, shoring, and grading.
STOREFRONT
Building facade for the ground floor (at street level), facing the street, which is usually associated with commercial uses; and incorporates display windows which are visible from a street, sidewalk, or other pedestrianway accessible to the public, or adjacent public or private property.
STORY
A complete horizontal division of a building, having a continuous or nearly continuous floor and comprising the space between two adjacent levels.
STREET-WALL
The placement of facades created in a pedestrian-oriented district where stores are built to the front lot line and built from side lot line to side lot line.
Figure 20: Street-Wall Example
STRING COURSE
A horizontal course of brick or stone flush with or projecting beyond the face of a building, often molded to mark a division in the wall. Also called a "belt course."
TRANSOM
A crosspiece separating a doorway from a window or fanlight above it.
Figure 21: Transom Example
TRANSOM WINDOW
A window above the transom of a doorway. Also called "transom," "transom light."
TRIM COLOR
A color in a building's color palette which is used for finished woodwork and other trim elements typically used to decorate, border, or protect the edges of openings or surfaces. This color shall not be as bold or vivid as an accent color and may be used more frequently.
WINDOW HOOD
A projecting decorative molding over the arch of a window traditionally designed to throw off rainwater. Also called a "hood molding."
WINDOW SASH
The fixed or moveable framework of a window in which panes of glass are set.
WINDOWSILL
The horizontal member at the base of a window opening especially the ledge formed by such a member.
Figure 22: Window Element Examples
WROUGHT IRON-STYLE
A decorative contemporary metal feature (i.e., a bench, fence, etc.) which has been designed and painted/colored to mimic traditional wrought iron metal works.
YEAR-ROUND OPAQUE VEGETATION
Evergreen vegetation which will provide an opaque (non-see-through) screen for 12 months out of the year. Often used as an alternative to or in combination with a fence to achieve the required screening of refuse collection areas or parking lots.
For all infill and new construction projects the following requirements shall be met. The Planning Board may waive certain requirements on a case-by-case basis if evidence is presented that the following requirements do not compliment the architectural style of the original historic building, with a construction date between 1840 and 1920, located on the development site:
A. 
Placement:
(1) 
Buildings shall form a continuous street-wall and be built to the build-to-line for that parcel (the front facade shall line up with those of adjacent buildings).
Figure 23: Infill development placement in relation to the build-to-line established by adjacent properties.
(2) 
Buildings shall occupy at least 75% of the street frontage on primary streets, in order to maintain a continuous street-wall between adjacent buildings. This requirement applies to both streets on a corner lot.
Figure 24: Infill development placement in relation to the width of a parcel along the primary street frontage.
(3) 
Buildings shall be constructed in an architectural style to complement the existing historical building fabric in the Historic Commercial District (construction date between 1840 and 1920). Modern architectural style facades are prohibited.
B. 
Massing:
(1) 
Buildings shall not be built as a single story and shall be either two or three stories high. A parapet wall may be used to achieve matching a height with an adjacent building; however, each newly constructed building must have at least two stories of functional occupied space.
Figure 25: Building Height.
(2) 
The building height measured at the primary street frontage must be maintained for at least 50% of the depth of the building before it may be stepped down, except for buildings with frontage on both North Seneca Street and Erie Drive where the height must be maintained for the entire depth of the building (no stepping down).
Figure 26: Building Height Depth.
(3) 
Building height shall be measured at the base of the parapet wall (where the wall meets the roof behind it). When there is no parapet wall, the roofline shall be measured as half the distance between the eaves and the highest ridgeline of the roof.
(4) 
Buildings which occupy parcels which have a primary street frontage which is 50% longer or greater than that of the width of adjacent buildings shall be constructed in a series of bays to appear as more than one building.
Figure 27: Appropriate vs inappropriate infill development for buildings with 50% more or longer street frontage than adjacent buildings.
C. 
Orientation.
(1) 
Buildings shall be oriented so that their main entrances are accessible from the primary street (not on the side or to the rear), thus maintaining the pedestrian experience and access along the primary streets.
(2) 
Buildings on street corners shall have storefront windows on both sides facing each street and shall have at least one entrance on the major thoroughfare (most heavily traveled street between the two upon which the building has frontage). Buildings with entrances from each street are encouraged.
Figure 28: This example of a corner building represents an appropriate secondary facade with both a functional ground-floor storefront and upper story windows. The pedestrian experience is thus maintained on both streets.
(3) 
Buildings along North Seneca Street where the rear of the building faces Erie Drive shall treat the rear of the building as a secondary facade.
(a) 
Existing buildings are not required to provide entrances at the rear of their buildings, but they must not let them look like traditional blank rear facades.
D. 
Construction requirements. New construction shall be held to the same standards as for the renovation and restoration of existing buildings, including all requirements listed in § 215-27.
For all construction projects in the Historic Commercial District, including new construction, infill development, and the restoration or renovation of existing buildings, the following requirements shall be met. The Planning Board may waive certain requirements on a case-by-case basis if evidence is presented that the following requirements do not compliment the architectural style of the original historic building, with a construction date between 1840 and 1920, located on the development site:
A. 
Primary facades:
(1) 
Architectural detail elements on the primary facade shall be restored, replaced, or added to enhance the historical character of the building. Every effort should be made to restore or replace elements original to the building based on historical photos and documents, as well as to remove inappropriate features such as shingled roofs over storefronts.
(2) 
Every building should incorporate at least three of the architectural detail treatments below on the primary facade. Note: Not all items on the list will be applicable to all buildings since there are several time periods represented in downtown. Buildings should be true to their historical period of initial construction, while still complementing and not competing with the architecture of surrounding buildings:
(a) 
Projected lintels, window hoods/labels and/or windowsills.
(b) 
Cornice at the top of a parapet wall.
(c) 
Brackets under cornices and roof eaves.
(d) 
Corbeling, a frieze, a string course or other type of horizontal brick detailing.
(e) 
Pilasters.
(f) 
Roof eaves at pitched roofs.
B. 
Secondary facades. Architectural detail elements on the secondary facades shall be restored or replaced to enhance the historical character of the building. Every effort should be made to restore or replace elements original to the building based on historical photos and documents. It will not be required to add architectural elements which were not original to secondary facades, but property owners are encouraged to add additional details to make their buildings more inviting and to stand out. If property owners take this route, they then must follow the standards for primary facades.
C. 
Ground-floor facades.
(1) 
Window style/treatment.
(a) 
Ground-floor windows shall not be tinted.
(b) 
Windows and doors shall occupy at least 70% of the building facade and be of a size and scale appropriate to the overall building; they shall not be undersized and shall fit original window openings.
(c) 
Window sashes and mullions shall not be clad in reflective unpainted metal, but rather painted the same trim color as the rest of the trim on the building.
(d) 
Windows shall have a solid base (bulkhead) under them (between the sidewalk and the window base) a minimum of 18 inches high.
(e) 
Security gates and bars are prohibited on all windows and doors in order to create an inviting public space.
(2) 
Commercial entrances.
(a) 
Entry doors shall be recessed from the building facade where historically accurate to the building.
(b) 
Entry doors shall be a minimum of 70% glass and may include a transom over the door.
(c) 
Entry doors shall be constructed of clad wood, steel (must have a painted nonreflective finish), fiberglass or painted wood; and shall have a minimum twelve-inch bottom style or base.
(d) 
Entry doors shall fit original openings in the building facade. Transoms and sidelights may be installed with doors in order to achieve this requirement.
(e) 
Storm doors of any kind are prohibited.
(f) 
Entrances may have an awning or canopy over them, subject to the specific requirements on § 215-27H.
D. 
Upper-story facades.
(1) 
Windows on upper-story facades shall be historic replicas and shall fit the original window openings.
(2) 
The windows should also be spaced evenly and complement the overall architectural rhythm of the building.
(3) 
Window sashes and trim shall not be left white, but shall be painted the same trim color as the rest of the trim on the building.
(4) 
Upper-story windows also shall incorporate at least two of the following:
(a) 
A fanlight (especially to help fill original window openings).
(b) 
A label over the top of the window.
(c) 
A projected lintel above the window.
(d) 
A window hood.
(e) 
A projecting window sill (with or without additional decoration).
(5) 
Original window openings shall not be "bricked in" or filled in with any other material such as plywood or vinyl siding. Some decorative solid fanlights may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if the property owner is unable to provide windows which completely fit the original historical window opening. If this option is pursued, documentation must be provided to the Planning Board for their consideration, and the architectural detail (solid fanlight) must be used in all windows in the same manner on that particular floor of the building. The Planning Board may also consider, on a case-by-case basis, allowing property owners in install false windows or heavily tinted windows on upper-story facades in order to create, restore or maintain the architectural rhythm on the building facade where due to interior renovations, the placement of a particular window is not prudent for the use of the space. Once again, documentation must be provided to the Planning Board for their consideration.
(6) 
Unless proven to be historically accurate by the property owner, shutters are prohibited on all windows (ground floor and upper stories).
E. 
Building materials:
(1) 
Building facades shall be constructed of brick or other acceptable masonry or faux brick products as deemed acceptable by the Planning Board. The materials chosen shall reflect the historical character of not only the building in question, but of the entire district as well. It is important to note that buildings should not be "cookie cutter" versions of one another, but should be harmonious and have individual character while still maintaining a cohesive historical themed streetscape.
(2) 
Brick masonry or clapboard siding must constitute 80% of primary facades and 60% of secondary facades (after subtracting storefronts and windows). The balance of the facades must be comprised of wood (not vertical or diagonal wood siding), stone, architectural concrete, or synthetic soffits/cornices. Any exceptions must be documented as appropriate historical deviations or approved on a case-by-case basis by the Planning Board. The following materials are prohibited unless allowed by the Planning Board on a case-by-case basis:
(a) 
Metal siding.
(b) 
Vinyl siding.
(c) 
Vertical or diagonal wood siding.
(d) 
Wood shingles.
(e) 
Wood or concrete shake siding.
(f) 
Smooth face concrete block.
F. 
Building corners:
(1) 
Where feasible, building corners should incorporate prominent features to create a focal point for pedestrians such as a diagonally cut entrance on the corner of the building with a view into the commercial space.
Figure 29: Examples of features to incorporate for buildings with corners on intersecting streets, including diagonal entrances and arched entrances, which create statement designs and inviting pedestrian environments.
(2) 
In order to provide safe pedestrian and vehicular movement there shall be no projections from the building (including signage), freestanding signs, furniture or other items which encroach into the sight distance triangle at the corner intersection.
G. 
Roofs:
(1) 
Roofs may be sloping or flat and similar roof styles and heights shall be used to create a visually cohesive and interesting streetscape. Flat roofs must incorporate a parapet wall along the primary facade and on all primary streets. Roof types and heights shall be appropriate to the historical architectural character of the building.
(2) 
The following requirements shall be met:
(a) 
Flat hip and gable roofs are acceptable so long as gable ends do not occur on the primary facade or on a primary street.
(b) 
Sloped roofs must have overhanging eaves of at least 18 inches.
(c) 
Mansard roofs are prohibited.
(d) 
Flat roofs may incorporate a parapet wall on the primary facade. If used, the parapet wall must be at least three feet above the roofline.
(e) 
Parapet walls must extend at least 12 inches above rooftop mechanical units to shield them from view along the public right-of-way. Exceptions may be made on existing buildings on a case-by-case basis by the Planning Board.
(f) 
Cornices on parapet walls must project at least six inches, but no more than 18 inches from the face of the facade.
(g) 
Modifications to existing flat roofs which are necessary to correct drainage issues (creating a sloped roof), must include the extension of, or addition of a parapet wall to extend above the new sloped roof along the primary facade.
(h) 
Corrugated metal and wood shake roofs are prohibited. Standing seam metal roofs shall be permitted so long as they have a minimum sixteen-inch separation between the seams and, if visible from ground level, are either black, brown or grey in color without a metallic finish.
H. 
Awnings/canopies:
(1) 
Awnings and canopies shall be constructed to replicate traditional, historic storefront awnings which are appropriate to the architectural period and style of the building.
(2) 
Awnings and canopies shall be made of weather/fade-resistant and fire-retardant fabric stretched over a metal frame. Metal, plastic, glass and any other shiny or reflective non-cloth-like materials are prohibited.
(3) 
Awnings and canopies must be colored in the same color scheme as the building. Single colors are acceptable but no more than two colors are allowed.
(4) 
Any signage, writing or symbols used on an awning or canopy shall not cover the entire surface of the fabric and shall also complement the overall color scheme for the building.
(5) 
Awnings and canopies shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet above the top of sidewalk and project a maximum of halfway across the sidewalk, subject to any and all other regulations restricting structural encroachments within the public right-of-way.
I. 
Color palette/scheme:
(1) 
Buildings shall have a color scheme of at least two, but no more than three colors. The color scheme shall consist of appropriate historic paint colors (see Table 3 below), subject to approval by the Planning Board. For guidance on appropriate historic color schemes, see the Benjamin Moore & Company "Historic Paint Color" Collection or similar historic paint color collections.
(2) 
Building color schemes shall consist of a body color, trim color, and/or an accent color.
(3) 
Existing buildings may maintain their existing building colors; however, if a building or building trim/decorative element is repainted a different color other than what was existing at the time of adoption of this chapter, then all new color schemes must be approved by the Planning Board prior to painting.
(4) 
Individual building color schemes do not have to match exactly the shade or manufacturer brand of the adopted historical color palette, but must be consistent with and close to the shades in said color palette (as determined by the Planning Board).
Each of these buildings have an appropriate color scheme which highlights architectural details while not overwhelming the entire building.
The color schemes on these two buildings while unique, are distracting and too bold for buildings in the historic district.
Table 3: Examples of acceptable vs. unacceptable color palettes/schemes.
(5) 
Building colors or an entire color scheme which is not consistent with the requirements of this section may be approved, on a case-by-case basis, by the Planning Board if sufficient historical documentation is provided by the property owner demonstrating that the color(s) they want to use are indeed historical to their building. The Planning Board may deny such a request if it is determined that the requested color scheme is contradictory to and inappropriate for the revitalization of the entire Historic Commercial District.
J. 
Signage:
(1) 
Projecting signs and signage on the windows of storefronts is encouraged, but shall not be distracting or hazardous to pedestrians. Signs shall not project so far out from the building to interfere with traffic, trees, or utility lines, or cover up a single storefront window or door.
(2) 
The following requirements shall be met:
(a) 
The restoration of historical signage or murals painted directly on to the facade of a building is encouraged. The final design and size shall be approved by the Planning Board prior to installation in order to ensure the compatibility of the proposed signage or mural with the rest of the Historic Commercial District.
(b) 
The reuse, renovation, or restoration of a historical projecting sign (supported by historical documentation) is encouraged.
(c) 
Projecting historical replica signs (made with a wrought-iron-style frame and support members) on individual storefronts at an appropriate pedestrian scale are encouraged.
(d) 
Signage which is painted or applied on the glass of storefront windows and doors is encouraged. At least 70% of the glass must remain uncovered to encourage interaction between pedestrians and store owners (allowing pedestrians to see into the store).
(e) 
The color scheme used for signage (both on a projecting sign and signage painted/applied on window or door glass) shall match the building color scheme; and shall not, for safety reasons, be distracting to motorists.
(f) 
Moving, scrolling, or flashing signs, words or images on signs is prohibited.
(g) 
"Open" flags are encouraged on storefronts; however, other non-flag-type moving, spinning or air blown moving signage is prohibited.
(h) 
Freestanding signage in the public right-of-way and in the sight distance triangle at corners, unless it is NYS DOT approved directional signage, is prohibited. However, sandwich board signs are permitted so long as they do not block pedestrian access on the sidewalk and the may only be out during business hours.
K. 
Public space:
(1) 
Public space is as important as building facade renovations and interior renovations for the success of the revitalization of Downtown Weedsport. Property owners are encouraged to provide public pedestrian spaces along their commercial storefronts and along the rear of buildings on Erie Drive. These types of spaces include but are not limited to:
(a) 
Outdoor seating or cafe space.
(b) 
Additional landscaping.
(c) 
Benches and trash receptacles.
(d) 
Bike racks.
(2) 
Where there are large gaps between existing buildings (vacant lots in between structures), property owners shall install a temporary street-wall a minimum of six feet high in order to maintain a cohesive street frontage and enhance the pedestrian experience.
Figure 30: Street-Wall Example: The pedestrian experience has been maintained in the bottom image through the use of a street-wall.
L. 
Parking:
(1) 
Parking spaces/lots shall be located to the rear or the side of the building and shall be screened from view along the public right-of-way (see Subsection O below for screening requirements).
(2) 
Areas which are available for public parking and not designated solely for residential units shall be properly signed and marked.
(3) 
Curb cuts into parking lots shall be no wider than 24 feet and each parcel shall have only one curb cut per street (i.e., a parking lot on East Brutus Street may not have more than one access from East Brutus Street).
(4) 
Curb cut locations and size shall be placed to minimize the impact on the pedestrian experience and view of a cohesive street-wall throughout the Historic Commercial District.
Figure 31: Appropriate use of a street-wall and limited width curb cut opening for parking lots between buildings. A combination of landscaping with a fence or brick wall may be used as well.
M. 
Maintenance activity:
(1) 
None of the guidelines or standards in this document shall prohibit the general maintenance and cleaning of buildings, including cleaning masonry or painting building facade elements (as long as the element being painted is being painted with the same color paint as what was existing). If paint colors are being changed then the guidelines and standards in Subsection I, above, must be followed.
(2) 
All activities not deemed to be general maintenance activities shall be subject to the requirements in this document.
N. 
Storage and accessory uses. Accessory uses, including but not limited to dumpsters or other refuse collection units, storage sheds, mechanical equipment, commercial vehicle storage/parking, and loading docks or access areas shall be located at the rear of the property or building and screened from view from the public right-of-way in accordance with the requirements in Subsection O below.
O. 
Landscaping/screening:
(1) 
Property owners are encouraged to provide landscaping on their property in the form of grass areas, planter boxes, shrubs, trees, etc., in addition to the landscaping provided by the Village in the public right-of-way (street trees). Property owners shall maintain and not remove any landscaping installed by the Village or required by this document without prior written consent from the Village Board of Trustees.
(2) 
Property owners shall provide screening for parking lots and accessory uses as follows:
(a) 
Parking lots shall be screened from view along the public right-of-way with either a combination of year-round opaque vegetation and a wrought-iron-style fence, or a brick wall (or any acceptable combination thereof) a minimum six feet high.
(b) 
All buildings, existing and newly constructed, shall screen dumpsters and refuse collection areas from view from the public right-of-way with either a brick or masonry wall enclosure which complements the main building in both material and color (concrete block is prohibited), built to a height of at least one foot above the height of the dumpster or refuse collection unit. Property owners may choose to construct a combination of year-round opaque vegetation and a wrought-iron-style fence built to a height of at least one foot above the height of the dumpster or refuse collection unit as an alternative to a masonry wall enclosure.
(c) 
Loading areas shall be screened view along the public right-of-way with either a combination of year-round opaque vegetation and a wrought-iron-style fence, or a brick wall (or any acceptable combination thereof) a minimum six feet where feasible.
(d) 
Modifications or variances from any of the above requirements may be approved by the Planning Board on a case-by-case basis in areas where meeting these requirements cannot be met.
Figure 32: Parking Lot Screening vs. No Parking Lot Screening