The regulations set forth in this article are adopted to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare, particularly in view of the following facts:

1.

One of the great scenic islands of the Great Lakes area lies within the borders of the city, rich in Indian lore and historic interest dating back to the year 1670.

2.

Because of this history and the natural beauty of the island, the city has become a world renown recreational resort.

3.

The city is, in effect, the steward for mankind for the preservation of both its natural beauty and its historical monuments.

4.

The welfare of the city requires the protection and enhancement of the attractiveness of the city as a recreational resort, as contributing to the economic soundness of the city and the economic and social welfare of its inhabitants.

For the reasons set forth in Section 18.01 above, this article establishes procedures and standards for architectural review for certain structures, developments, site, grading and improvements within the City of Mackinac Island.

The following definitions shall apply for purposes of this article only.

1.

Commercial structure shall mean a building and structure used for solely commercial purposes, mixed commercial and residential purposes, hotels, churches or places of worship, and institutional buildings.

2.

Noncommercial structures shall mean all other buildings or structures including single family residences, duplexes, multifamily residential dwellings (apartments), bed and breakfast establishments, and boardinghouses.

All plans for new construction, additions, or exterior alterations to a property in a historic district as provided in the Mackinac Island Code of Ordinances shall comply with the requirements for approval of a certificate of appropriateness from the Mackinac Island Historic District Commission in lieu of the Architectural Review requirements contained in this article.

Within all other parts of the city of Mackinac Island, no building shall be constructed or structurally altered in exterior appearance, including site grading of the surrounding grounds, unless and until the architectural plans have been submitted to the city and have been reviewed in accordance with the requirements of this article.

When architectural review is required by section 18.04, applications shall be accompanied by the following information:

A.

The name and address of the applicant or developer, including the names and addresses of any officers of a corporation or partners of a partnership.

B.

A legal description of the property.

C.

Drawings, sketches and plans showing the architectural exterior features, heights, appearance, color and texture of the materials of exterior construction and the placement of the structure on the lot, and any additional information determined necessary by the planning commission to determine compliance with the requirements of this article.

D.

Photographs of existing site conditions, including site views, existing buildings on the site, streetscape views in all directions, and neighboring buildings within 150 feet of the site.

E.

For projects requiring site plan review, a site plan shall also be submitted in accordance with article 20.

In reviewing the architectural design of projects, consideration should be given to the architectural exterior features, heights, appearance, color and texture of the materials of exterior construction and the placement of the structure on the lot such that the same are congruous and in harmony with those of the structures within and contiguous to the district in which the property is located and the historical character of the island, and further that the structure would not be unsightly grotesque or detrimental to the stability of the value and welfare of the surrounding property, structures, residence and to the general and economic welfare and happiness of the community as a whole.

The following is a list of architectural review standards that shall be applied when considering a project for zoning approval, or when architectural review is otherwise required by section 18.04. The purpose of these standards is to ensure that any construction will be harmonious to its surrounding neighborhood and to the historic character of Mackinac Island. It is recognized that Mackinac Island has several unique neighborhoods each with a distinct architectural character, which are important to preserve for future generations to appreciate, enjoy and foster. All design, construction and materials must satisfy appropriate State of Michigan construction codes adopted by the City of Mackinac Island.

In consideration of the architectural style of existing buildings within 150 feet of the subject property, the planning commission may modify or waive certain requirements outlined below, provided that any such modification is in keeping with the intent of this article, and that such modification will result in an architectural design which is more compatible with the historic character of the surrounding neighborhood and Mackinac Island as a whole.

A.

Non-commercial structures in all areas except the R-4 District.

1.

Foundations. Foundation materials shall in some way be treated (painted, parged, stuccoed or otherwise detailed) to provide a finished appearance. Natural and synthetic stone native to, or characteristic of, the Great Lakes basin are excepted.

2.

Walls. The majority of all exterior wall surfaces shall be covered with materials that provide the appearance of wood shingles, horizontal lap siding, vertical board and batten siding, or natural stone native to the Great Lakes basin. Accent panels and window or door trim may be of any material. Log exteriors may be allowed where consistent or congruous with the character of the surrounding neighborhood.

3.

Windows. The maximum glass area for any of the exterior wall surfaces (excluding approved attached or detached greenhouse type structures and fully enclosed porches) is 50 percent. A minimum of 70 percent of the individual window units shall be either the single hung or double hung type, or single hung or double hung in appearance. Mirrored or dark tinted glass with visible light transmittance of less than 60 percent shall not be allowed. The replacement of windows identical in appearance to existing windows does not require architectural review. The installation of new windows or the replacement of existing windows with a new window type shall be required, as determined appropriate by the Planning Commission, to match the type (i.e., single hung, double hung) and appearance (i.e., with muntins) of the original windows or what would have been typical historically.

4.

Doors. Doors shall be the hinged type, or at a minimum shall look like hinged doors. On residential or residential accessory buildings, horizontal tracked doors shall be allowed, but roll-up or tilt-up style garage doors shall not be allowed.

5.

Roofs. All roofs shall be in keeping with the roofs of surrounding buildings and the historic nature of Mackinac Island. The minimum pitch for the main portion of the roof shall be 6 vertical and 12 horizontal. Roof coverings for the main portion of the roof shall have an individual unit shingled appearance and be of materials such as wood, asphalt, fiberglass, or metal. Ribbed or standing seam metal roofs may also be allowed, as determined appropriate by the Planning Commission.

6.

Porches. Front porches or stoops, when provided, shall be covered with a roof that is compatible with, but does not necessarily match, the structure's main roof.

7.

Colors. When architectural review is required by this ordinance, colors shall be reviewed and shall be in keeping with surrounding buildings and the historic nature of Mackinac Island. Neon, florescent or iridescent colors are prohibited. Changing the color of a building or structure (repaint) does not require architectural review but any such repaint is subject to the prohibition against neon, florescent or iridescent colors and shall be in keeping with the colors of surrounding buildings and the historic nature of Mackinac Island.

8.

Monotony of design. For new construction or additions involving multiple units, monotony of design shall be avoided. Variation of detail, form and siting shall be used to provide visual interest.

9.

Chimneys. All chimneys shall be stylistically consistent with the appearance of the building. Existing chimneys that are stylistically significant shall be preserved.

B.

Non-commercial structures located within the R-4 District.

1.

Foundations. For foundations that have in excess of 24 inches above grade on average of exposed block, the material shall in some way be treated (painted, parged, stuccoed or otherwise detailed) to provide a finished appearance. If the exposed foundation is less than 24 inches on average above grade, this requirement shall not apply. Natural and synthetic stone native to, or characteristic of, the Great Lakes basin on the exterior of the foundation are also exempt from this requirement.

2.

Walls. The majority of all exterior wall surfaces shall be covered with materials that provide the appearance of wood shingles, horizontal lap siding, vertical board and batten siding, or natural stone native to the Great Lakes basin. Accent panels and window or door trim may be of any material. Log exteriors may be allowed where consistent or congruous with the character of the surrounding neighborhood.

3.

Windows. The maximum glass area for any of the exterior wall surfaces (excluding approved attached or detached greenhouse type structures and fully enclosed porches) is 50 percent. A minimum of 70 percent of the individual window units shall be either the single hung or double hung type, or single hung or double hung in appearance. Mirrored or dark tinted glass with visible light transmittance of less than 60 percent shall not be allowed.

4.

Doors. Doors shall be the hinged type, or at a minimum shall look like hinged doors. On residential or residential accessory buildings, horizontal tracked doors shall be allowed, but roll-up or tilt-up style garage doors shall not be allowed.

5.

Roofs. All roofs shall be in keeping with the roofs of surrounding buildings and the historic nature of Mackinac Island. Roof coverings for the main portion of the roof shall have an individual unit shingled appearance and be of materials such as wood, asphalt, fiberglass, or metal. Ribbed or standing seam metal roofs may also be allowed, as determined appropriate by the Planning Commission.

6.

Porches. If front porches or stoops are covered with a roof, said roof shall be compatible with the structure's main roof.

7.

Colors. When architectural review is required by this ordinance, colors shall be reviewed and shall be in keeping with surrounding buildings and the historic nature of Mackinac Island. Neon, florescent or iridescent colors are prohibited. Changing the color of a building or structure (repaint) does not require architectural review but any such repaint is subject to the prohibition against neon, florescent or iridescent colors and shall be in keeping with the colors of surrounding buildings and the historic nature of Mackinac Island.

8.

Monotony of design. For new construction or additions involving multiple units, monotony of design shall be avoided. Variation of detail, form and siting shall be used to provide visual interest.

C.

Commercial structures in all areas.

1.

Siding. The surface of all exterior walls accessible to the public or exposed to public views shall be clad in wood to reflect a traditional/historic appearance. Materials having the appearance of wood or other historically appropriate materials may be allowed, as determined appropriate by the Planning Commission.

2.

Windows.

a.

Windows on the street level for display purposes shall be framed in wood or like material with a minimum trim width of 3½ inches, must be a minimum of 18 inches above the walking surface, and the top of the window shall not be more than 12 feet above the walking surface.

b.

The maximum glass area for upper level exterior wall surfaces is 50 percent. A minimum of 70 percent of the individual window units shall be either of single or double hung type, or single hung or double hung in appearance. Mirrored or dark tinted glass with a visible light transmittance of less than 60 percent shall not be allowed.

c.

The replacement of windows identical in appearance to existing windows does not require architectural review. The installation of new windows or the replacement of existing windows with a new window type shall be required, as determined appropriate by the Planning Commission, to match the type (i.e., single hung, double hung) and appearance (i.e., with muntins) of the original windows or what would have been typical historically.

d.

The requirements of this subsection shall not apply to approved attached or detached greenhouse type structures.

3.

Building entryways. Entryways shall be recessed into the building walls. No doors shall be opened directly onto the public right-of-way. No sliding, revolving, roll-up, tilt-up or overhead garage style doors shall be allowed.

4.

Roofs. All roofs shall be consistent with types and appearance of those on surrounding architecture.

5.

Overhangs. Overhangs, canopies, and projecting elements extending over the public right of way shall have prior municipal approval from the City Council. All such elements shall be compatible with the architecture of the building. No access to the roof of an overhang, canopy or the like will be allowed.

6.

Awnings. The style of awnings shall be appropriate to the architecture of the building and be in keeping with the traditional shed or sloped style found historically. No backlit awnings shall be allowed. The City of Mackinac Island sign ordinance (Ordinance No. 351, as amended) must be followed in regards to lettering. Color choices shall meet the commercial "colors" standard as set forth in the following paragraph.

7.

Colors. When architectural review is required by this ordinance, colors shall be reviewed and shall be in keeping with surrounding buildings and the historic nature of Mackinac Island. Neon, florescent or iridescent colors are prohibited. Changing the color of a building or structure (repaint) does not require architectural review but any such repaint is subject to the prohibition against neon, florescent or iridescent colors and shall be in keeping with the colors of surrounding buildings and the historic nature of Mackinac Island.

8.

Utility features. Placement of such features as venting, central air/heating, satellite dishes, ATM and vending machines and the like will be reviewed for visibility and noise impact. Such features shall be disguised or shielded from view and muffled to suppress noise levels. No window mounted heating/ventilating/air conditioning (HVAC) units shall be allowed.

9.

Lighting. Exterior lighting and fixtures, as well as interior lighting intended to be viewed from the outside, shall be appropriate to the architecture of the building and to the historic nature of the neighborhood. Architectural outlining, flashing, strobe, neon or the like shall not be allowed. Decorative lighting for holidays and special Island events shall be allowed only for the duration of the event.

10.

Chimneys. All chimneys shall be stylistically consistent with the appearance of the building. Existing chimneys that are stylistically significant shall be preserved.

(Ord. No. 542, § 1, 2, 11-9-2016)

If a specific application of the architectural review standards set forth in this article is determined by the planning commission to be inappropriate, or to serve no useful purpose, or is contrary to any other applicable law or regulation, including but not limited to building, fire or mechanical codes, the contrary or inappropriate architectural review standards shall not apply.

(Ord. No. 539, § 1, 2, 7-20-2016)

Where required or requested in accordance with section 20.03, preliminary plan review shall occur prior to architectural review. In matters involving single-family residences less than 3,500 square feet in size, the zoning administrator or planning commission may refer the application for architectural review to the city architect for comment and recommendations. For all other matters, the application shall be referred to the city architect for comment and recommendations. The recommendations of the city architect shall be submitted to the zoning administrator, who shall present the recommendations along with the application and site and architectural plans to the planning commission for action. Final review and approval will be by the planning commission.