The City of Davison overlay design district is recommended in order to meet the following:

   (a)   Preserve the small-town, unique character of the City of Davison.

   (b)   Complement the existing pattern of architecture of buildings. Development should rely on found character, not imported character. Structures should be designed and developed or redeveloped to complement architecture, mass and bulk in the area surrounding it.

   (c)   Enhance the pedestrian orientation of the Davison community and encourage streetscape design that is inviting and on a human scale as well as insuring consistent pedestrian connections throughout the City.

   (d)   Communicate the community's vision for the City and its downtown area and ensure pending developments comply with these guidelines while specific and detailed guidelines are created.

(2008-01. Passed 3-10-08.)

   (a)   This overlay district applies to all of the City of Davison. The standards outlined will apply to all developments (excluding single-family dwellings) including:

      (1)   All newly constructed buildings.

      (2)   All exterior building improvements and signage changes which require a building and/or sign permit (only standards applicable to the changed element apply).

      (3)   Renovation of a structure that requires site plan review (all standards are applicable).

      (4)   All new or reconstructed parking areas with five (5) or more spaces.

      (5)   All City or otherwise public improvements shall conform to the same process.

   (b)   These guidelines are intended to be temporary in nature and will remain in place for up to two (2) years, from the date of adoption. During this time the Planning Commission will work to develop more permanent guidelines and adopt them as changes to the Zoning Code as required by the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, Act 110 of 2006.

(2008-01. Passed 3-10-08.)

   (a)   Signs should be architecturally compatible with the style, composition, materials, colors and details of the building and with other signs on nearby buildings, while providing for adequate identification of the business.

   (b)   Symbolic and historic three-dimensional signs such as barber shop poles and appropriately sized projecting signs are encouraged. Signage should have the capability of being lit in the evening, although the source of light must not be visible to motorists or pedestrians.

(2008-01. Passed 3-10-08.)

   New development and redevelopment should complement the existing pattern of building heights.

(2008-01. Passed 3-10-08.)

   (a)   Buildings in the Downtown/Main Street area should work together to create the "wall of buildings" effect associated with traditional "Main Street" areas.

   (b)   New construction and infill buildings must maintain the alignment of facades along the sidewalk edge where appropriate and when applicable.

   (c)   In instances where there are parking areas abutting the street, the sidewalk edge must be delineated in a manner that is consistent with the City of Davison streetscape master plan.

(2008-01. Passed 3-10-08.)

   (EDITOR’S NOTE: This section was repealed by Ord. 2014-09. Passed 12-8-14.)

   (a)   To maintain and promote the unique character of Davison, buildings should not be branded using an architectural style of a company.

   (b)   Franchise architecture (building design that is trademarked or identified with a particular chain or corporation and is generic in nature) is not allowed, unless approved by the Planning Commission. Franchises or national chains must follow these standards to create a unique building that is compatible with Davison.

   (c)   When restoring or renovating an historic structure, there should be an attempt to return the facade to its original character. Original materials or details and the shape and size of original window openings should be preserved and missing original elements such as transom windows should be replaced.

   (d)   When developing or redeveloping in the traditional main street/downtown area, a minimum of thirty percent (30%) of the ground level facade and sides of buildings adjacent to public right-of-ways shall be transparent (windows and doors). A minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the building's rear facade facing a public right-of-way, parking area or open space shall be transparent. Reflective or glass tinted more than forty percent (40%) is not allowed.

   (e)   Rehabilitation or redevelopment projects should be constructed to be long-lasting and use materials and detailing that maintains the distinct character and harmony of the area. Traditional materials including brick, stone (including cast stone) and stucco should be used as the primary building materials. Tile, stone, glass block, copper flashing, metal and wood should be considered for accent materials. Preferred is a high level of design and architectural detail. At rear entrances the primary materials should be used in a way that highlights the entrance. Infill construction should reflect some of the detailing of surrounding buildings in window shape, cornice lines and brick work.

(2008-01. Passed 3-10-08.)

   (a)   Landscaping treatments should be used to enhance the pedestrian experience, complement architectural features and/or screen utility areas.

   (b)   The use of flower boxes, planters and hanging flower baskets is encouraged.

(2008-01. Passed 3-10-08.)

   If the proposed project falls within an area identified in the City's Streetscape Master Plan, the appropriate period-fixture lighting (as specified by the City of Davison) should be incorporated into the project whenever applicable.

(2008-01. Passed 3-10-08.)

   (a)   All sidewalks shall be constructed to a minimum of five (5) feet in width or the width of the abutting adjacent sidewalk, whichever is greater. When located within the area identified in the City's Streetscape Master Plan, the sidewalk shall be so designed and installed so that it is consistent with the streetscape (soldier course at edge).

   (b)   Any development abutting or adjacent to the route of the proposed Heritage Trail should incorporate a non-motorized connection to the trail, being a minimum of eight (8) feet wide.

   (c)   All sidewalks shall be designed and constructed to conform with Chapter 1026 of the City of Davison Code of Ordinances and the barrier-free requirements of the Michigan Building Code.

(2008-01. Passed 3-10-08.)