The key objective is compatibility of new construction with adjacent buildings and with the city's cultural development and hill country atmosphere.

(1)

Site and building orientation. The location and orientation of a building, its entrance, parking and landscaping on a lot are important in retaining the overall character of the area, regardless of whether the project is commercial, or mixed use. New buildings in the business district should be visually and physically compatible in their siting and orientation with their neighbors. Buildings may typically be oriented parallel to the lot lines, but are encouraged to be angled or shaped to preserve existing trees and vegetation. The primary building entrance shall be similar in scale to those of neighboring structures. Although a building may be large, entries shall be scaled to the pedestrian level, thus making the building more appealing and the interior space more inviting. Buildings shall ordinarily have a front-facing, clearly defined entry in the primary facade, similar to the orientation of most existing structures.

(2)

Building mass and scale. Building mass an scale are affected by height, width, articulation, detailing, building setbacks, materials used, amount of openings, roof form, and may other features. New construction shall be similar in appearance in mass and scale to other structures found in Hill Country Village. Structures in the business district are usually large, often two or more floors in height, and may extend across the width of the lot. Their facades shall be detailed to remain in proportion and scale with pedestrian users. If new buildings are lengthy or horizontal, facade elements will be used to reduce the proportion and the visual width of the building. Examples of elements that give the impression of multiple structures include varying parapet heights, alternating projected and recessed sections of wall, and window arrangements. New offices and stores are not required to match the height of neighboring structures exactly, but shall be similar to adjacent building heights at the street facade. Divide large buildings horizontally and vertically into sections and that are in proportion and scale with pedestrians and not the automobile. Typical historical features that reduce the mass of large facades include columns or pilasters at regular intervals; repetitive patterns of openings, and horizontal masonry bands at each floor level. These features need not be exact reproductions of historical elements nor be traditional in execution. Contemporary facades can use similar methods to break up large building faces into smaller units. The size, alignment and repetition of facade elements are such as windows, windowsills, awnings, moldings and cornices should reflect Hill Country patterns. Many of the commercial structures in the Hill Country have flat roofs with parapet walls that extend above the roof. This treatment is to be carried through in new structures. A projected cornice at the top of the parapet (a common historic feature) shall be considered in the design of new buildings. A cornice serves to screen roofs and mechanical equipment including air conditioning units and to provide architectural interest and historic character. Alternatives to a cornice that screen roofs and mechanical equipment such as air conditioning units may be acceptable. The proportion and shape of building elements help to determine how well a building will relate to existing developments in the business district. Different architectural styles contain distinctly different proportions and shapes.

(3)

Building materials. Facade materials for all new buildings and exterior renovations shall include one or more of the following materials; clay or concrete brick, terra-cotta, natural stone, cast stone, granite, marble, travertine, architectural decorative materials (such as copper, bronze, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, porcelain enamel, natural materials, or other similar materials that do not require painting), stucco, custom faced concrete masonry unit, wood or metal siding. Paneled materials in large sections may be out of scale with materials used traditionally, and inappropriate in the business district. Imitation siding comprised of vinyl, aluminum, steel and other materials are discouraged. Acceptable trim materials include brick, cast stone, natural stone, ceramic tile, wood, concrete, or architectural decorative metals. Windows and doors should be comprised of wood, glass, painted metal, or architectural decorative metal appropriate for the style. Metal or vinyl clad wood windows and clear or unfinished aluminum windows and storm windows shall be finished in a color typical of Hill Country historic windows, or in a color that compliments the colors of other finished materials. Mirrored or reflective glass may be considered inconsistent with the architecture of the district. Roofing materials shall be compatible with Hill Country buildings; typically galvanized or painted metal panels, wood shingles and shakes; slate, clay, concrete or metal tiles. Flat roofs should not be exposed above the fascia or parapet walls.

(4)

Security. Security bars have become a common method of preventing loss of property. However, inappropriate use of them can detract from property values in an area, and can even discourage customers. If used, sufficient measures shall be taken with window and door security bars and shutters to avoid detraction from the character of the business district. security hardware shall be compatible with the style of the building. Wrought iron bars placed over the storefront windows are prohibited. Wrought iron security grills are acceptable only if installed on the interior of the building.

(5)

Finishes. Primarily finishes shall be of a type and composition appropriate to the materials to which they will be applied. Simple finishes are to be used and shall be of matte finish, not polished. Lap siding shall be finished in a solid color of either paint or prefinished. Stucco, if used, must be smooth to medium coarse in texture.

(6)

Use of color. Color scheme shall be subdued, not garish, and in keeping with the character and color schemes of nearby structures. Trim colors shall be selected that are compatible with the other, more permanent building materials on the structure, such as brick, stone or stucco. The natural colors of these primary materials should dominate the color scheme. Trim, including horizontal and vertical trim boards, porch framing and columns, and window framing, shall be painted in a color that compliments the base shade. Window sash, doors and/or shutters may be painted in a third color. Bright colors or fluorescent exterior colors are prohibited. Bright colors will be used in small amounts and for accent only. An extremely bright or fluorescent color is a color defined by the Munsell Book of Color as having a minimum value of eight and a minimum chroma of ten.

(7)

Parking areas. Where off street parking is necessary, parking lots shall be unobtrusive, attractive and secure in order to preserve and enhance the character of the area. To improve the appearance and comfort of parking areas, planting beds with shade trees and lighting shall be utilized throughout the parking lot. These features must be planned to promote safety and security. Limbs of trees over parking areas shall provide at least seven feet of clearance. Shrubs shall be low enough to provide a sense of security for the user.

(8)

Screening. Unattractive features of a building shall be screened from public view, such as dumpsters, utilities, air conditioner compressors and solar energy devices. Outdoor dining areas must be completely surrounded by "an architecturally compatible" fence designed to prevent trash from being blown onto adjacent areas. Outdoor dining should have low level, architectural or landscape screening. Screening fences shall be constructed of brick, stone, decorative concrete masonry units, stucco concrete masonry units, or metal (wrought iron, steel or aluminum bars) with a live evergreen vine or shrubs. Chain link fencing is not allowed in any area which is visible from a public right-of-way. All roof mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened from view from any street. Screening materials for rooftop equipment must be of a material architecturally compatible with the materials used elsewhere on the structure.

(9)

Exterior lighting. Suitable lighting for different types of uses is important. The type of lighting used shall be appropriate for the intended use of the illumination. Lighting may be used to illuminate architectural details, building entries, signage, sidewalks, alleys, and parking areas. However, lighting shall not dominate a facade or the street. Building lighting shall be directed away from neighboring residential structures. Lighting fixture lamps shall be shielded to focus light on business area only. Lighting fixtures, whether wall-mounted or on poles, shall compliment the style of the structure and the business district. Fully recessed down-lights, pole lights and gooseneck lights are encouraged. In terms of location, size and height, lighting fixtures in the business district, shall be coordinated with plantings, buildings, utilities, and parking areas.