Allentown City Zoning Code
§ 28-12.8
Appearance of Buildings.
[Added 4-20-2021 by Ord. No. 03-2021]
a.
Except as provided in this chapter, not more than one construction permit shall hereafter be issued for any dwelling to be erected in a housing development consisting of two or more houses if it is substantially alike in exterior design and appearance with any neighboring dwelling situated on the same or opposite side of the street within 150 feet of a dwelling then in existence or for which a construction permit has been issued or is pending. The distance herein specified shall be construed to mean the distance between the street property lines of the respective properties.
b.
Houses within such specified distance from each other shall be considered uniform in exterior design and appearance if they have any one of the following characteristics:
1.
The same basic dimensions and floor plans are used without substantial differentiation of one or more exterior elevations.
2.
The height and design of the roofs are without substantial change in design and appearance.
3.
The size and type of windows and doors in the front elevation are without substantial differentiation.
c.
In addition, there shall be not less than two separate basic house designs in every housing development consisting of eight or fewer houses, not less than three basic house designs in every housing development consisting of 15 or fewer houses, not less than five basic house designs in every housing development consisting of 50 or fewer houses, not less than 6 basic house designs in every housing development consisting of 77 or fewer houses and not less than eight basic house designs in every housing development consisting of 78 or more houses.
d.
To ensure conformity with the provisions of this chapter, no construction permit shall hereafter be issued for more than one dwelling in any housing development until the builder shall post or cause to be posted, on each specific lot on the map of the subdivision on file with the Construction Official, the type and model of each house for which a construction permit has been or is being issued.
e.
The provisions, requirements and standards heretofore set forth shall not be considered met where there is an attempt to make minor changes or deviations from building plans and location surveys, which changes show an obvious intent to circumvent the purpose of this section.
f.
Any construction to be performed within 200 feet of the Historic Preservation District shall be referred to the Historic Preservation Commission for their review and recommendation.