Design standards

A. Special considerations shall be implemented for building design that is in keeping with and enhances the historic look and feel of the village. Design standards shall be considered in terms of scale, massing, roof shape, spacing and exterior building materials. The design standards shall promote quality buildings and renovations that are similar to and compatible with the traditional historic architecture of the Village of Chepachet. These design standards will ensure development that is consistent with the Town's sense of history and promote a human scale and pedestrian-oriented village character.
B. A mix of uses which complement each other and the character of the village are encouraged in the Village Zone. By placing emphasis on compatibility with neighboring architecture and current uses, a balance can be maintained that is sustainable and economically viable for the village. Additionally, the strategic installation of outdoor seating and small park areas, which may include benches, green spaces and connecting pathways, are encouraged to help facilitate pedestrian access to and from businesses and residential properties.
C. The size and scale of buildings shall resemble surrounding buildings, businesses, houses or barns. The look of shopping centers and big box retail centers shall be avoided. Appropriate architectural details that add visual interest at the street level are required to reduce building scale. Blank and flat walls shall be addressed to either be screened or dressed up with windows, covered walkways, columns, or raised surfaces to break up the wall and add visual interest.
D. Buildings shall be placed in a manner that is complementary to the existing development pattern and architecture of the village. Massing, height and setbacks from the street and other buildings should be consistent or complementary with surrounding buildings.
E. New construction or substantial reconstruction should consider alterations that incorporate traditional pitched roof forms, gables and other attributes that contribute to the historic character of the village. The use of flat roofs, concrete block and large panels of glass as part of the facade or street-facing portions of the building is discouraged and represents architectural design not in keeping with the village.
F. All service areas, inclusive of mechanical, loading utilities and equipment storage shall be as unobtrusive or sufficiently screened so that they may not be seen from the street, public common areas and neighboring residential uses. These areas shall also be designed and/or incorporate techniques to buffer noise to adjacent uses.