Solar collectors, flag poles, unenclosed ground-story
terraces, decks, patios and porches may project into any required
yard not more than 1/2 its required dimension and not more than 10
feet into any required setback. Chimneys, flues, columns, sills and
ornamental architectural features may project not more than two feet
into a required setback.
No yard or other space provided about any building
or structure for the purpose of complying with this chapter shall
be considered as a yard or other open space for another building or
structure.
Courts shall conform to the following requirements:
A. An open space in the form of an inner court or outer
court shall be provided in connection with any building in any district
wherever any room therein in which a person or persons live, work,
sleep or congregate cannot be adequately lighted and ventilated from
the street or yard. Such court shall be adjacent to such room, the
windows of which shall open onto such court. This provision shall
not apply to specialized commercial and/or manufacturing processes
where controlled light and/or ventilation are required.
B. Outer court.
(1) The width of any outer court upon which windows open
from a living room, bedroom or dining room shall be not less than
the height of any wall opposite such windows. However, when the depth
of such court is less than six feet, the minimum width shall be twice
the depth.
(2) The depth of an outer court formed by walls on three
sides shall be not greater than 1 1/2 times the width.
C. Inner court.
(1) The least dimension of an inner court shall be not
less than the full height of the walls enclosing such court, but not
less than 50 feet for apartment buildings and not less than 10 feet
for two-family dwellings.
(2) An open and unobstructed passageway shall be provided
for each inner court. Such passageway shall have sufficient cross-section
area and headroom for the passage of fire-fighting equipment and shall
be continuous from the inner court to a yard or an unobstructed open
area with adequate access to a street.
The application for a permit for any and all
uses shall be accompanied by a site plan showing building location,
service and parking areas and access to highways. Where a driveway
or access road gives access to a state road or highway, approval by
the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation shall be required.
The area, width or depth of any lot shall not
be reduced by subdivision, sale or development so that the lot width,
lot area, lot area per dwelling unit, courts and yards or other spaces
are smaller, or so that the coverage is greater than prescribed herein.
[Amended 1-23-2014 by Ord. No. 904]
Any remodeling of the exterior of commercial buildings in the
Downtown Commercial District shall be done in conformance with the
standards adopted by the Sayre Borough Council, which standards shall
be incorporated by reference in this chapter.
A. Purpose.
(1)
Historically, most retail storefront facades incorporate certain
traditional elements which over decades have served both an aesthetic
and functional purpose. The most successful storefront designs are
those which properly utilize and work within those elements, rather
than defeat them. A good storefront will attract attention, provide
effective display space, allow natural light into the retail space,
and contribute to the overall appearance of the downtown. A well designed
facade will both work within the aesthetic unity of the building,
and still reflect the individual character and personality of the
business. The overall purpose of these guidelines is to preserve the
traditional character of downtown Sayre, while respecting the variety
of traditional architectural styles represented there, including but
not limited to Victorian and Art Deco styles.
(2)
The facade renovations proposed follow a simple set of requirement
which will also provide the basic guidelines for storefront facade
renovations throughout the zoned Downtown Commercial Sayre District:
(a)
Where the original historic facade remains largely intact, it
should be repaired and restored, replacing only the missing features;
(b)
Where original historic elements have been covered by later,
modern installations, the original facade should be uncovered and
restored, if possible.
(c)
Where the original facade elements have been completely removed,
or are beyond repair, the new storefront facade should be designed
as much as possible to complement and blend with surrounding facade
designs.
(d)
A facade design should employ a limited palette of complimentary
colors, which if possible do not clash with the schemes of adjacent
buildings. Extremely bold color schemes should be avoided.
B. Elements of the storefront facade. Most storefront facades constructed
from the mid-19th through the early 20th century shared certain typical
components which worked both stylistically and functionally. These
would generally include:
(1)
The structural frame. In the overall building design, each individual
storefront is generally inserted within an encompassing frame, which
provides the common structural and design element linking together
each storefront facade. The frame includes dividing piers, columns
or pilasters, the sign band, and a storefront cornice or parapet.
These elements could be constructed of brick, stone, precast concrete,
metal, wood, granite, or tile.
(2)
The storefront. The storefront itself is inserted within the
structural frame. The storefront includes a base panel, which could
be brick, metal, wood panel, granite, tile, or structural glass, depending
upon the style and period. Above the base panels are the display windows.
The entryway was generally recessed, which provided an area for the
entry door to swing without interfering with the sidewalk, and also
provided a small amount of lateral display area visible to pedestrians
in advance of the front display windows. Above the entryway, but below
the signband, there would often be a space of sufficient height to
provide an area for an awning. Retractable awnings were a typical
feature of the traditional storefront.
C. Inventory. The first step in planning facade improvements is the
careful identification and inventory of the overall style and the
individual components of the original storefront which have survived,
whether visible or covered by later facade alterations. Those historical
elements should be utilized and restored, if feasible.
(1)
Design guidelines. In the discussion below, the applicable design
principals for each component of a facade will be reviewed in detail.
While not every building will include each possible component, overall
the guidelines provide a basis for designing the restoration or reconstruction
of virtually every storefront.
(2)
The basic frame. The basic structural frame of a facade provides
the important visual basis for separating and distinguishing individual
storefronts. It will usually include vertical piers, columns or pilasters,
which often provide critical structural support as well as the aesthetic
function, and a cornice or parapet.
(a)
The frame elements should remain visible and not be obscured
by other facade elements, such as signage, awnings, or other additions.
(b)
The frame elements should be consistent throughout, although
individual components of the frame may be of different materials.
For example, the columns may be of brick, while the parapet could
be of wood or masonry.
(c)
A facade should be designed to emphasize the frame's vertical
elements, to highlight the identity of individual stores. Horizontal
emphasis, which obscures the divisions among storefronts, should be
avoided.
(3)
The parapet or cornice. Most storefront facades include a prominent
architectural element, which boldly defines the top of the storefront,
and clearly separates the first floor businesses from upper stories.
One-story buildings tend to have parapet walls, which generally extend
well above the roofline.
(a)
In a multistory building, some type of cornice or other substantial
architectural element would have been employed to set off the storefront
from the upper floor facade.
(b)
The existing cast concrete parapets are an important historical
feature, and should be preserved, if feasible.
(c)
Cast concrete parapets can be cleaned and restored with the
natural color, or sealed and stained with a palette of compatible
colors.
(4)
The signband. In most traditional storefronts, there is a signband
located below the cornice or parapet.
(a)
Each principal business sign should fit within the applicable
signband, if one exists, and not protrude over or cover the basic
frame elements.
(b)
If possible, individual signs should be of similar construction,
design, and color.
(c)
All signs must meet the requirements in the Borough Code.
(5)
Awnings. The use of awnings as a storefront device was virtually
universal in the 19th century. Awnings shade the sidewalk and window
display area, provide shelter from rain, and protect the interior
of the business from the glare of direct sunlight when the sun is
near the horizon.
(a)
If possible, awnings should be located in the area between the
signband or cornice and the top of the entryway door. Awnings should
not cover elements of the building frame or other significant architectural
features.
(b)
Awnings should be of a substantial fabric, such as Sunbrella,
resistant to fading, and should be uniform in color and pattern for
each storefront within an individual building.
(c)
Awnings must conform to the requirements of the Borough Code.
An awning may include a commercial message in the valance, provided
appropriate size of lettering is used based on the size of awning.
A commercial logo is allowed in the face of an awning dormer.
(d)
Awnings may be fixed or retractable.
(e)
Interior lit awnings are not permitted; however, lighting beneath
the awning, which solely illuminates the sidewalk, is permitted.
(f)
A dormer, if employed on a fixed awning, should be located over
the entryway, if possible.
(6)
The storefront base. Virtually all storefronts will contain
a base panel below the display windows, which were constructed of
a variety of materials, mentioned above. The base panel provides a
strong anchor for the storefront, placing the display area at an effective
viewing height, and also acts as a kickplate.
(a)
During the 19th century, most storefronts had bases of wood
panel construction, regardless of whether the frame of the building
was wood, brick, or masonry. While a wood panel restoration is often
the most historically appropriate, wood construction is also relatively
high maintenance compared to some other construction materials. Building
owners or proprietors undertaking restoration should be cognizant
of the ongoing maintenance requirement.
(b)
Base panels should utilize a material which is historically
and aesthetically compatible with the frame of the facade. Victorian
storefronts look best with brick or wood panel bases, while Art Deco
and other classic contemporary designs will look best with pigmented
structural glass (often used on the original), tile, granite, or similar
material.
(c)
When wood panel construction is employed, wood should be exterior
grade, properly sealed, and primed and painted with good quality exterior
grade paint, one coat of primer, and two finish coats, or stained
and sealed with multiple coats of an exterior grade clear finish of
polyurethane or spar varnish.
(d)
Trim moldings of soft pine, intended for interior use, should
not be used in exterior facade applications, as the wood will not
maintain a durable finish when exposed to weathering.
(e)
The design, construction and color of the base panels should
be uniform throughout a multi-unit facade.
(f)
Base panels should be flush or slightly recessed six inches
to 12 inches within the building frame, and should not be more than
30 inches in height or an appropriate height based on the size of
the building.
(7)
Windows.
(a)
Display windows. The display windows are the most important
feature of the storefront. An inviting display window encourages window-shopping,
provides a view of the inside of the store, and allows daylight to
enter the store interior. The display window visually connects the
business with the street.
[1]
The windowsill should not be higher than 30 inches from the
sidewalk, and the top of the window should be a minimum of eight feet
in height.
[2]
Overall, glazing of windows and doors may represent at least
70% of the total storefront area.
[3]
Small glass panes were historically used in 19th century facades,
as the technology for manufacturing large glass panes was not yet
available. Small panes can obscure a retail window display, but are
appropriate for some types of businesses. In retail situation where
smaller panes are historically appropriate, they can be employed as
an accent at the top, sides and/or bottom of the window frame, so
that the open view of the display area is still maintained.
[4]
As with the base panels, display windows should be flush with
the frame, or recessed no more than six to 12 inches.
(b)
Upper story windows. Upper story windows cannot be boarded up
and must remain glass windows. If a building of facade is remodeled,
the windows must be reinstalled in upper story windows.
(8)
Entryways. The storefront entry and door is the gateway into
the business, and will make an important impression on the customer.
Typically, entryways are recessed from the front of the facade through
the construction of an alcove. This provides additional shelter from
the elements, and an area for the doorway to swing out without interfering
with sidewalk pedestrian traffic. The entryway also provides an area
of additional window display along the sides, which is visible upon
approach from the sidewalk. Modern handicapped access codes require
18 inches of clearance on the pull side of the door, which is not
always possible within the confines of the existing recess.
(a)
Entryways and doors should comply with Handicap Accessibility
requirements mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the
requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, where feasible.
The entryway slope must be a minimum one in 12 grade, and thresholds
must not exceed 1/2 inch in height. Doors must be a minimum of 36
inches in width, with a clearance of 18 inches on the pull side.
(b)
Doors must pull out. Door hardware must be of a type approved
by the Borough Code.
(c)
A recessed entry should be maintained if possible. The floor
of the entry should use a material compatible with the storefront
design, which resists expansion and contraction, is impervious to
water penetration, and offers adequate traction.
(d)
Avoid the installation of a solid entry door. Entry doors should
have at least 50% of the surface glazed, and should be compatible
in design with the overall facade.
D. Signage. Downtown Commercial District.
(1)
Signage is regulated by the Borough Code. Before a new storefront sign can be installed, or an existing
sign altered, an application must be submitted to Code Enforcement
Office and approved. All signs must be installed in accordance with
the requirements of the article, and be aesthetically designed.
(2)
Among the more important criteria of the article:
(a)
Only one principal sign is allowed per business.
(b)
Signage should be installed in the facade signband, or other
architecturally appropriate location, and must not cover important
architectural features of the facade.
(c)
The total area of the storefront signage must not exceed 600
square feet.
(d)
Window signs must not exceed one square foot for each linear
foot, not to exceed 600 square feet of the total area signage.
(e)
Window signs, awning lettering and projecting signs are not
included in the calculation of total permitted sign area.
[Amended 6-23-2021 by Ord. No. 967]
(f)
In general, signs must be appropriate for surrounding adjacent
properties.
E. Lighting. Exterior lighting is an important component of storefront
design, in particular for the illumination of signage.
[Added 5-15-2006 by Ord. No. 840]
A. Purpose and scope.
(1)
Residences and commercial and industrial establishments
situated within the Borough are entitled to clean air and environmental
circumstances free of unreasonable dust, obnoxious odors, noxious
fumes and smells, as well as an environment free of stored debris
and storage of combustible solid fuels in adjacent or exposed exterior
areas within densely populated areas.
(2)
This section shall provide for the prohibition
of the installation of any exterior furnace or exterior burning device,
the primary purpose of which is to convert solid combustible fuel
into a heat or energy source for interior spaces for all residential,
commercial and industrial districts.
(3)
Research indicates outdoor fuel-burning appliances
cause emission problems that cross property lines because the smoke
stays close to the ground and it can easily reach humans working or
playing outdoors or penetrate neighboring buildings. It also causes
problems with smoke visibility. The low-lying smoke can worsen cardiovascular
problems such as angina, irritate eyes and lungs, trigger headaches
and worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis.
B. Definition. As used in this section, the following
terms shall have the meanings indicated:
OUTDOOR FUEL-BURNING APPLIANCE
A device, including any furnace, stove or boiler, designed
and. constructed to burn solid fuels, including wood, coal or other
solid fuels, manufactured for placement outdoors for the heating of
the living area of a structure. An outdoor fuel-burning appliance
utilizing a heat pump or that uses the following fuel sources will
not be included in this definition and is exempt from the prohibition
provided in this section: solar energy, electric, oil, propane gas
or natural gas.
C. Outdoor fuel-burning appliances prohibited. All future
outdoor fuel-burning appliances are hereby prohibited within the Borough
of Sayre. An outdoor fuel-burning appliance utilizing solar energy,
electric, oil, propane gas or natural gas will not be included in
this definition and is exempt from the prohibition provided in this
section.
D. Violations and penalties. Any person, firm or corporation
who shall violate any provision of this section, shall, upon conviction
thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $600 and, in
default of payment of said fine, to imprisonment for a term not to
exceed 90 days. Every day that a violation of this section continues
shall constitute a separate offense.
E. Grandfather clause and existing outdoor fuel-burning
devices.
[Amended 9-18-2008 by Ord. No. 859]
(1)
This section shall not be construed to be retroactive
and shall not require the removal of any outdoor fuel-burning appliance
in existence within the Borough at the effective date of this section.
All outdoor fuel-burning appliances in existence at the effective
date of this section shall have or must erect a flue or chimney which
has a minimum termination height of 15 feet above the natural ground
level upon which the appliance is located. The existing systems may
not be replaced, and if they are not utilized for a period of one
year, they will be deemed abandoned and must be removed.
(2)
If an outdoor fuel-burning appliance is more
than 50% torn down, physically deteriorated or decayed, any rebuilding
or restoration of said outdoor fuel-burning appliance shall be a violation
of this section.
(3)
Existing systems may be upgraded for efficiency
and reduction of pollution.