Design standards
The purpose of this section is to establish standards which will protect the unique character of natural resources located in the designated Ocean Drive district. It is the intent of these design standards to continue to preserve established street patterns, ensure building layouts to reflect adjacent building mass and incorporate terrain, vegetation and scenic vistas into the overall design process.
A. Public scenic vistas shall not be obstructed by new development whenever possible. Other desirable views from public areas and existing buildings to historically significant buildings or natural features shall be retained, whenever possible.
B. Site grading shall insure positive drainage of water away from the proposed buildings in such a manner as to prevent ponding or sheeting at walks and parking areas. Runoff generated by the proposed site development or alteration must be disposed of in a manner so as not to affect adjacent properties or rights-of-way.
C. Retention of natural grades and recognition of off-site grades shall be the objective of all grading plans. It is improper to place a building designed for a largely level site on a sloped site in a manner that interrupts the natural ground line. Prominent flat areas or bank cuts around buildings are discouraged.
D. All setback areas shall be maintained in their natural state except in cases where covenants or deed restrictions existing prior to the adoption of the critical area review district prohibit a property owner from adhering to this standard.
E. There shall be a minimum setback of seventy-five (75) feet from either a designated wetland or a coastal feature as defined by the coastal resources management council. This setback shall be maintained in its natural state.
F. If the proposed development requires cutting down of trees and/or disturbance of ground cover, then all such loss of vegetation shall be replaced to the greatest extent possible on the site in equal measure and in a manner approved by the committee.
G. Street trees are required for every development and should be planted at a maximum thirty (30) feet on-center unless such planting schedule shall result in the diminishing of a scenic vista. Minimum tree size shall be fifteen (15) gallons. Species are to be as specified by the committee in consultation with the tree warden. Street trees should be planted at a minimum of two feet from the face of the curb. Where trees are proposed in an area with a monolithic sidewalk wider than four feet, tree grates shall be used to protect the base of the tree and provide pedestrian safety.
H. All accessory uses such as garages and boat houses, whether attached or detached to main building shall be considered to be an integral part of the overall design concept. The siting of any accessory use shall not be unnecessarily prominent and in instances where such uses are attached to the main building, they shall appear as an addition with access preferably from the rear or the side.
I. Due to the area's fragile vegetation, potential for storm and sea flooding, erosion, and poor septic system drainage posing the threat of ground water pollution during seasonal high water table, the high areas within the site are better suited for development. However, the placing of buildings on higher elevations require extra care while designing especially with regards to massing and roof shapes. Shapes that emphasize verticality are discouraged.
(Ord. 4-97 § 1 (part), 1994: prior code § 1262.05.07)