Plan review

A. Structures and accessories. In reviewing applications for the alteration, construction, relocation, repair or demolition of a new or existing structure and/or accessory, the Commission shall give consideration to the following:
- (1) The historic, architectural or archaeological significance of the structure and/or its accessories.
- (2) The way in which the structure, stone wall and/or its accessories contribute to the historical, architectural or archaeological significance of the neighborhood and the Town.
- (3) The appropriateness of the general design, arrangement, texture, material and siting proposed in the plans.
- (4) Solar system installations. In addition to those standards provided in § 260-123, in reviewing an application for the installation of a solar energy system (i.e., solar panels), the HDC will consider building-mounted or building-integrated systems; ground-mounted systems are prohibited in the downtown historic district. Solar panels should be placed in areas that are least viewable to the public. installations that would alter the characteristic features of a historic structure should be avoided. Panels should not be visible above the roofline, and panels installed on flat-roof buildings should be set back from the edge. Where solar panels and other appurtenances will not be visible from any public way, they shall be eligible for administrative staff review and approval (consistent with § 260-62C of the Zoning Code) rather than a review by the full Historic District Commission.
  [Added 11-6-2017 by Ord. No. 873]
B. Stone walls. In addition to those standards provided in § 260-61A, in reviewing an application for the alteration, construction, relocation, repair or demolition of a stone wall, the Commission shall give consideration to the following:
- (1) The historical importance of stone walls in delineating the property boundary of land.
- (2) The scenic importance of stone walls along the designated scenic roadway and the neighborhood.
- (3) The impact that the proposed plans would have on the historical integrity of the stone wall(s).
- (4) The ability of a plan to show due regard for stone walls and not disturb any identified unique and significant archaeological sites.
- (5) The retention of stone walls whenever possible and their proper maintenance.
- (6) Breaks for roads, utility easements or fire lanes such that they are the minimum necessary and are sufficient to provide emergency vehicles clear access onto and off the site.
C. Staff reviews. The Town Manager may designate a member of his/her professional staff to render a decision on an application on behalf of the Commission for work categories listed in Subsection C(3) hereof. In order to be eligible for a staff review, two copies of a completed application form for a certificate of appropriateness signed by the applicant and owner of the subject property must be submitted. A detailed description of the work to be performed is also required, along with labeled and dated current photographs of the property. In some cases, manufacturer's specs, product information, elevations or other technical or descriptive information may also be required. Requests for approval of dumpster enclosures and fences require submission of a site plan.
- (1) Unfavorable staff review. In order to qualify for staff-level review and approval, the work must conform to the guidelines outlined and comply with all other applicable regulations. Should staff determine that the application does not conform to the guidelines, it shall be scheduled before the full Commission for a formal hearing and decision.
- (2) Favorable staff review. Staff shall issue a stamped certificate of appropriateness just as the full Commission does, and the staff member issuing it shall sign his/her name to the approval.
- (3) Work categories eligible for staff review.
  - (a) Dumpster enclosures. Wooden opaque fence styles are appropriate dumpster enclosures. Such fences shall have flat tops, preferably capped, as this not only gives a finished look but also protects the end grain of the wood, lending a longer life for the fence. Most flat-board, closed-space, wooden fences are acceptable. Stockade fences shall not be approved. Metal posts may be used but should be placed inside the enclosure and be completely concealed from view by the fence face.
  - (b) Fences, gates and arbors. Capped flat-board, closed-space, wooden fences are acceptable. Lattice toppers are also appropriate, provided that they do not increase the fence height beyond seven feet. Such toppers shall be proportioned consistent with the following: For a fence height totaling six feet, 4.5 feet shall be board fence with 18 inches of lattice; this amounts to a 3:1 ratio of board fence to topper. Traditional spaced picket fences shall also be approved at heights not exceeding four feet. The space between pickets shall not exceed the width of one picket; a tighter spacing is preferred. Stockade-style, chain-link and vinyl fence proposals shall not be eligible for staff-level review and approval and are generally not approved by the Commission.
  - (c) Awnings, except as signs. Any awning making use of text or graphics to advertise a business name or location shall be considered a sign and must be reviewed as such by the full HDC. Other awnings, in use as sun shields, for sheltering of merchandise or customers, for conservation of energy, or simply to dress up a storefront, add architectural interest or make a building more inviting, are encouraged. Awning materials should be soft canvas, acrylic or vinyl rather than wood or metal. Awnings should be installed without damaging the building or visually impairing distinctive architectural features. Awnings may be fixed or retractable and must provide at least eight feet of clearance from the bottom edge to grade.
  - (d) Replace/repair in kind where tax credits are requested. Ordinary repairs/replacements in kind require no certificate of appropriateness. However, if state or local tax credits are requested, a certificate is necessary. This provision empowers staff to issue such certificate if the following conditions are met: Deteriorated architectural features should be repaired rather than replaced whenever possible. If replacement is necessary, the new feature should match the existing or original feature in design, composition, texture, material and other visual qualities. Replacement of missing features should be substantiated by documentary, physical or pictorial evidence. Replacement-in-kind of nonconforming materials or features exceeding 25% of the total shall require full Commission review and decision.