Height and scale. New commercial or industrial structures shall be compatible with any preexisting building patterns found in adjacent or nearby buildings with regards to massing, height, scale, form and setbacks. The height of new buildings should attempt to coordinate common heights and facade lines with neighboring buildings. In cases where there is a sharp contrast between the massing, height, scale, form or setbacks of immediately adjacent buildings, compatibility with the adjacent buildings of a smaller scale is generally preferred, and a transitional buffer around existing historic properties may be requested by the Planning Board.

Setbacks. Whenever possible, new structures should be located close to the minimum setback to establish or maintain a defined street edge.

Design and orientation. The building's primary facade should be sited parallel to the street. Buildings shall be oriented to ensure good sight lines for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The primary entry on all new construction shall be easily identified, scaled appropriately to the size of the building and face the street.

Architectural details. New structures shall contain architectural design features that complement the Village's existing historic architecture. The use of columns, cornices, clock towers, turrets, and covered entry features are encouraged, where appropriate. Air handling units, condensers, satellite dishes and other equipment placed on roofs must be set back, screened from view or disguised with a permanent architectural feature so as not to be readily visible from the public right-of-way.

Windows and roofs. Fenestration shall reflect that of existing historic structures within the Village and be compatible in proportion, shape, location, pattern and size. Roof forms shall relate to neighboring buildings in form and material whenever possible. Windows shall relate to the overall scale of the building and shall include a casing whenever possible.

Building materials. New construction shall utilize quality materials and colors that are compatible with those found in existing buildings. The context of the historic nature of the area shall be considered when choosing materials and colors. Natural building materials such as brick, stone, and wood are highly encouraged, and natural colors selected from a historic paint palette are preferred.

Landscaping. When undertaking new construction on an undeveloped site, significant trees and vegetation shall be preserved whenever possible. Natural landscaping, rather than large parking areas, should dominate the streetscape. Landscaping shall be sited and designed in a manner that will help maintain and reinforce a consistent street wall in areas where there are no building facades.

Parking areas. The preferred location for main parking areas is at the side and/or rear of the building. Locating main parking areas between the building and the street should be avoided to lessen the visual impact of parking areas within the streetscape. Where parking areas are visible from the street, buffer landscaping and architectural screening features shall be provided, such as tree planting, berms, low walls, decorative fencing and/or hedging.

Loading, service, storage and refuse areas. Loading, service, storage and refuse areas are fundamental components to any commercial or industrial building. However, these areas detract from the streetscape when they are exposed to public view. These facilities shall be oriented away from and not visible from the street and shall be adequately screened by a combination of fencing, walls and/or landscaping.

Site lighting shall be configured to minimize any impacts on adjacent or nearby residential buildings. Site lighting shall be directed downward and inward and be night-sky compliant. Uplighting may be permissible in instances where it is designed to highlight landscaping or architectural features. Lighting design plans for parking areas should be organized to avoid a clutter of light standards, particularly where these are highly visible from the public right-of-way. Where site lighting abuts a public street, it should relate in size, scale, design and location to the surrounding public streetscape.