1. D-O Downtown Design Review Overlay District: The D-O Downtown Design Review Overlay District is intended to facilitate a higher level of design review and design regulation for development in the area surrounding Clarendon Hills' downtown. This higher level of design review/regulations is needed to protect the character of the greater downtown area and address the complexity of issues typically involved in downtown development. The D-O District is an overlay district that covers multiple zoning districts and applies extra regulations in addition to those within the underlying districts. While this overlay district covers multiple zoning districts, the intent of the overlay district is to promote a downtown area exhibiting unified character. For this reason, the consideration of deviations in the yard requirements of the underlying zoning district will be part of the design review process.

(Ord. 19-10-26)

The D-O District does not affect the permitted, conditional, or temporary uses allowed in the underlying districts, which are established in Article 8.

(Ord. 19-10-26)

The D-O District allows for deviations in the yard requirements of the underlying zoning district, which will not require a variance due to the high level of design review conducted in this process. All other dimensional standards and regulations of the underlying districts apply.

(Ord. 19-10-26)

The requirements of the D-O District apply to all properties proposed for modification/alteration, except for those used for single family residential use. The issuance of a certificate of downtown design review approval for the subject property are required for the issuance of any of the following:

1. Sign Permits: See Article 12 for regulation of signs.
2. Building Permits: A certificate of downtown design review approval shall be required as a condition of building permit approval for any exterior modification.
3. Site Alteration: A certificate of downtown design review approval shall be required prior to any site modification, even where no Village permits are required.
4. Modification Of Exterior Building Colors Or Materials: A certificate of downtown design review approval shall be required prior to any modification of exterior building colors or materials, even where no Village permits are required.

(Ord. 19-10-26)

The Village hereby establishes three (3) levels of alteration/modification of property within the D-O District, which determine the process for approval. The three (3) levels are defined below.

1. Level 1 Modifications: These are the lowest level of modification to the exterior of a building or property and consist of:
   1. Painting.
   2. Installing/changing awnings, signs, shutters, windows, doors, coping, gutters, downspouts, or roofing.
   3. Modifying site plant materials or paving.
   4. Modifying exterior trim carpentry with like materials and details.
   5. Normal repairs and maintenance.
2. Level 2 Modifications: These are more major modifications to the exterior of a building or property and consist of:
   1. Construction, removal or relocation of window and door openings.
   2. Changing exterior building materials, except that flat roofs are exempt.
   3. Removal of building components including coping, gutters, downspouts, and trim carpentry.
   4. Removal of site features such as plant material and paving.
   5. Installation of accessory structures/elements including lighting, fencing, HVAC equipment, and refuse/recycling containers and screening.
3. Level 3 Modifications: These involve the construction of new buildings and structures, including:
   1. Entirely new buildings or structures.
   2. Additions to existing buildings or structures.
   3. Demolition of existing buildings or structures.

(Ord. 19-10-26)

Applicants shall make application for downtown design review approval by completing the application packet and instructions provided by the Director of Community Development. A summary of the application/submission requirements is outlined below:

1. Level 1 Modifications:
   1. A completed application form obtained from the Director of Community Development.
   2. Samples of materials proposed for modification as required by the Director of Community Development.
   3. Exhibits showing:
      1. Exterior elevations illustrating the proposed modifications.
      2. Photographs of existing conditions on the property.
2. Level 2 And 3 Modifications: Applications must include all materials required for Level 1 modifications, plus the following, provided that the Director of Community Development can waive any of these materials if deemed not applicable.
   1. A plat of survey.
   2. A site plan showing proposed changes in relation to existing conditions.
   3. Either the plat of survey or the site plan must show existing utilities such as overhead wires, light fixtures, and fire hydrants, on or adjacent to the property.
   4. Location of all existing and proposed accessory structures.
   5. A grading plan, as required by Chapter 10 of the Municipal Code (Stormwater Control).
   6. A landscape plan, required if modification of existing landscaping is proposed.
   7. Any modification to paved surfaces.
   8. Any modification of signage.

(Ord. 19-10-26)

Two (2) levels of design standards shall be used to evaluate applications. Mandatory standards must be met in order to receive approval. Design guidelines represent objectives that should be fulfilled to the greatest extent possible, but may not be practically achievable in every instance, depending on site/property conditions.

1. Mandatory Standards: An affirmative finding of the following mandatory standards is a condition of approval:
   1. All sides of a building or structure must receive design consideration commensurate with its effect or impact on the character/appearance of the downtown.
   2. Mechanical and service equipment must located, designed and screened to not be visible from public streets or adjacent properties.
   3. Accessory structures and uses, including parking lots, outdoor storage and refuse areas, must be effectively screened by landscaping and/or fencing to not impact adjacent properties.
   4. Building design must reinforce the street wall in the immediate area.
   5. Buildings and site improvements shall be designed in harmony with the existing topography such that no retaining walls are used and topographic grades do not exceed fifteen percent (15%). Berms used for screening may be allowed where appropriate.
   6. Principal buildings must be designed to be pedestrian friendly.
   7. Landscaping must be designed to be compatible with the northern Illinois climate to minimize plant mortality and promote healthy and vigorous growth. The use of native plants is encouraged.
   8. Parking and site circulation must be designed to maximize safety and achieve efficient traffic flow.
   9. Signage must be designed to reinforce the traditional character of the downtown and avoid practical or aesthetic impacts on adjacent properties.
2. Design Guidelines: Approvals must be based on the reasonable fulfillment of the following design guidelines, where such guidelines are applicable to conditions on and surrounding the property:
   1. Building elevations facing a residential lot or district must be designed in a compatible manner with respect to materials, colors and design details.
   2. Building design must be respectful of, and compatible with, other surrounding buildings on adjacent properties, without replicating or nearly replicating any adjacent buildings such that design monotony is created.
   3. Buildings and site improvements must be designed to preserve, where practical, existing vegetation and natural features.
   4. Site accessories, such as light fixtures, fences, and miscellaneous structures, must be designed to be compatible with the overall character of the downtown and to avoid practical or aesthetic impacts on adjacent properties.
   5. Accessory buildings must be consistent with the principal structure, and project design as a whole, in terms of building materials, scale, and style/character.

(Ord. 19-10-26)

1. Pre-Application Meeting: Pre-application meetings with the Director of Community Development are not mandatory, but are strongly encouraged to ensure that applicants understand: 1) the submittal requirements; 2) the standards and guidelines upon which approvals and denials are based, and 3) the approval process. The Director of Community Development shall notify applicants of any deficiencies in applications, which shall require correction prior to processing.
2. Zoning Analysis: Upon submittal of an application, the Director of Community Development shall analyze the application to determine if the proposal meets all regulations of this Chapter. The findings of such analysis shall be transmitted to the applicant. If it is found that the application requires a special use permit or variations, the applicant shall decide to either revise the application or apply for variances for approval of these violations. At the discretion of the Director of Community Development, applications for Downtown Design Review may be heard concurrently with applications for a special use permit or variations.
3. Determination Of Modification Level: The Director of Community Development shall analyze all applications and make a determination of the level of modification inform the applicant accordingly within ten (10) days from the submission of a complete application.
4. Level 1 Modifications Decided By The Director Of Community Development: All applications that involve Level 1 Modifications are decided by the Director of Community Development.
   1. Non-Mandatory Meeting: Upon notification by the Director of Community Development that the application constitutes a Level 1 Modification, the applicant shall have ten days in which to meet with the Director of Community Development to present and discuss the proposed modifications.
   2. Findings And Decision: The Director of Community Development shall transmit written findings of approval, approval with conditions, or denial to the applicant within twenty one (21) days from the submission date of a completed application.
   3. Appeals: Decisions of the Director of Community Development may be appealed to the Downtown Design Review Commission.
5. Level 2 Modifications Decided By The Downtown Design Review Commission:
   All applications that involve Level 2 Modifications are heard and decided by the Downtown Design Review Commission.
   1. Mandatory Downtown Design Review Commission Meeting: The applicant shall attend a mandatory public meeting with the Downtown Design Review Commission, to be held within forty (40) calendar days of the submission of a complete application, to present the proposal and to respond to questions. Notice of the meeting shall conform to Article 15.
   2. Action By The Downtown Design Review Commission At Meeting: Following the applicant's presentation of the proposal, and subsequent discussion, the Downtown Design Review Commission shall make findings relative to the Mandatory Standards and Design Guidelines established above, and either approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application. Within ten (10) calendar days of the meeting, the Director of Community Development shall prepare a report to document the action taken by the Downtown Design Review Commission, and transmit the report to the applicant.
   3. Appeal Of Decisions By The Downtown Design Review Commission: Appeals of the decisions by the Downtown Design Review Commission by the applicant or by an adjacent property owner must be filed with the Director of Community Development within thirty (30) days of the action taken by the Downtown Design Review Commission. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of the appeal, the Village Board takes action on the appeal. The Village Board shall review the findings of the Downtown Design Review Committee and either affirm, affirm with modifications, or reverse the decision. Within ten (10) days of the Board of Trustee's action, the Director of Community Development shall prepare a report to document the action taken and transmit the report to the applicant.
6. Level 3 Modifications Decided By The Village Board: All applications that involve Level 3 Modifications are heard by the Downtown Design Review Commission, which shall forward its recommendation to the Village Board for final action.
   1. Mandatory Downtown Design Review Commission Meeting: The applicant shall attend a mandatory public meeting with the Downtown Design Review Commission, to be held within forty (40) calendar days of the submission of a complete application, to present the proposal and to respond to questions. Notice of the meeting shall conform to Article 15.
   2. Recommendation By The Downtown Design Review Commission At Meeting: Following the applicant's presentation of the proposal, and subsequent discussion, the Downtown Design Review Commission shall make findings relative to the Mandatory Standards and Design Guidelines established above, and recommend either approval, approval with conditions, or denial of the application, which shall be forwarded to the Village Board. Within thirty (30) days of the meeting, the Village Board shall review the findings of the Downtown Design Review Committee and either affirm, affirm with modifications, or reverse the decision. Within ten (10) days of the Board of Trustee's action, the Director of Community Development shall prepare a report to document the action taken and transmit the report to the applicant.
   3. Appeal Of Decisions By The Downtown Design Review Commission: Appeals of the decisions by the Downtown Design Review Commission by the applicant or by an adjacent property owner must be filed with the Director of Community Development within thirty (30) days of the action taken by the Downtown Design Review Commission. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of the appeal, the Village Board takes action on the appeal. The Village Board shall review the findings of the Downtown Design Review Committee and either affirm, affirm with modifications, or reverse the decision. Within ten (10) calendar days of the Board of Trustee's action, the Director of Community Development shall prepare a report to document the action taken and transmit the report to the applicant.
7. Changes To Downtown Design Review Approvals: The owner of a property that has received approval for Downtown Design Review must implement the modifications in strict conformance with the application and the approval received. Any changes to an approved application shall be a violation of this Chapter and any unauthorized improvements shall be subject to removal. Proposals for changes to an approved Downtown Design Review application shall constitute a new application.
8. Emergency Modifications: Temporary modifications made under emergency circumstances do not require Downtown Design Review approval, when, in the opinion of the Director of Community Development, such modifications are needed to prevent structural collapse or failure, or damage to adjoining property. Permanent modifications to address the causes of the emergency shall be required to obtain Downtown Design Review approval.
9. Time Limit On Approvals: Downtown Design Review approvals shall become null and void if construction has not been initiated within one year of the date of approval and completed within two (2) years of the date of approval. The Director of Community Development may, in his discretion, grant a one year extension to both the initiation and completion of construction.

(Ord. 19-10-26)