Prescott City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VIII
Performance Standards and Architectural Standards
§ 635-73 Intent.
It is the intent of this article to use performance standards for the regulation of industrial uses to facilitate a more objective and equitable basis for control and to ensure that the community is adequately protected from potential hazardous and nuisance-like effects.
§ 635-74 Vibration.
A.
No operation or activity shall transmit any physical vibration that is above the vibration perception threshold of an individual at or beyond the property line of the source. Vibration perception threshold means the minimum ground- or structure-borne vibrational motion necessary to cause a normal person to be aware of the vibration by such direct means as, but not limited to, sensation by touch or visual observation of moving objects.
B.
Vibrations not directly under the control of the property user and vibrations from temporary construction or maintenance activities shall be exempt from the above standard.
§ 635-75 External lighting.
No operation or activity shall produce any intense glare or lighting with the source directly visible beyond an industrial district's boundaries or register 1/2 footcandle at a residential property line.
§ 635-76 Odor.
No operation or activity shall emit any substance or combination of substances in such quantities that create an objectionable odor as defined in § NR 429.03, Wis. Adm. Code.
§ 635-77 Particulate emissions.
No operation or activity shall emit into the ambient air from any direct or portable source any matter that will affect visibility in excess of the limitations established in Ch. NR 415, Wis. Adm. Code
§ 635-78 Visible emissions.
No operation or activity shall emit into the ambient air from any direct or portable source any matter that will affect visibility in excess of the limitations established in Ch. NR 431, Wis. Adm. Code.
§ 635-79 Hazardous pollutants.
No operation or activity shall emit any hazardous substances in such a quantity, concentration or duration as to be injurious to human health or property, and all emissions of hazardous substances shall not exceed the limitations established in Ch. NR 445, Wis. Adm. Code.
§ 635-80 Architectural standards.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to serve the public interest by requiring the design of new buildings and changes of existing building to meet minimum architectural design standards to minimize adverse impacts on adjacent properties.
B.
Unless otherwise noted, all properties in the Multifamily, Commercial and Industrial Districts shall comply with the standards of this section.
(1)
These provisions apply to all new buildings and additions to existing buildings where the addition exceeds a 50% expansion of the existing building footprint.
C.
The applicant shall provide documentation (scaled drawings, sketches, color renderings, narrative descriptions, etc.) as to how the following standards apply:
(1)
Context refers to how the proposal fits with the surrounding area. New design elements should be compatible with nearby development.
(a)
A building addition should match or complement the existing structure.
(2)
Scale is the relative size and mass of structures compared to one another.
(a)
A small building should not be constructed adjacent to large buildings unless provisions are made to minimize the difference in scale. Refer to Figure 1.
(b)
The visual continuity of roofs and contributing elements (parapet walls, cornices, etc.) should be maintained in building development or redevelopment.
Figure 1: Streetwall To create a visually unified "streetwall," new buildings shall be no more than 30 feet taller or 30 feet shorter than the height of the existing building(s).  |
(3)
Balance and proportion are the relationship of one building to another where each is in harmony with their surroundings.
(a)
The vertical pattern of exterior building elements should be compatible in design and elevation of existing buildings in the immediate area.
(b)
The horizontal pattern of exterior building elements formed by patterns of windows and doors should be spaced at regular intervals across all visible facades of the building and should be compatible with existing buildings in the immediate area.
(c)
Unless otherwise exempted by the Zoning Administrator or Plan Commission, the applicant shall submit with the application a minimum of one color rendering of the proposal.
(4)
Unity and theme pertain to a consistent style and purpose, especially applicable to a multiple building development.
(5)
Color and material elements apply to a building exterior that is generally visible from a public street and/or alley.
(a)
Building color should be nonreflective and high-intensity, fluorescent, day glow and/or neon and metallic colors are discouraged; where such colors constitute a component of a standardized corporate theme or identity, muted versions colors, with Plan Commission approval, may be used.
[1]
Structures in the Commercial District designated as historic buildings shall be either earth-tone colored or colored appropriate to the period in history for which they were designated.
(b)
Primary exterior building materials should be similar and/or complementary to existing structures within the immediate area. Building materials should consider the facades of the structure and an adjoining structure to provide a suitable transition between facades. Where a side and/or rear elevation is not exposed to view from a public street, a combination of primary and secondary materials may be used.
(c)
Secondary materials should be similar in color, shape, and appearance to the primary materials but the aesthetic and/or finished qualities of the primary materials are not required.
(d)
Acceptable surface materials include but are not limited to, glass, brick, ceramic tile, terra cotta, cultured stone, cut stone, carved stone, stucco, wood, decorative concrete block, metal roofs, decorative metal, and metal accent components.
[1]
Stone or brick facing shall be of relatively even coloration and consistent in size.
(e)
The use of nondecorative exposed concrete block, preengineered metal building systems, and sheet may be used with Plan Commission approval.
(f)
The use of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) or similar materials is prohibited.
(g)
The Zoning Administrator may permit exterior surface materials not listed in the subsection, provided the material is a result of new technology and/or the material is equal to better quality, appearance, and durability than the permitted materials. The applicant shall provide the manufacturer's warranty of any nonlisted materials.
(6)
In Commercial Zones, the traditional storefront design theme, characterized by strong horizontal and vertical rhythms formed by building openings, columns, cornices, kick plates, sign bands, large display windows and transom windows, shall be employed, when practical.
(a)
Building facades should not be cluttered with brackets, wiring, meter boxes, antennas, gutters, downspouts, and other appurtenances. Appurtenances shall be colored to blend with the building exterior. Ornamentation that is inconsistent with the general design theme of the downtown area may be prohibited.
(b)
Clear or slightly tinted glass should be used. Mirror glass, smoked glass or heavily tinted glass is not permitted.
(7)
Building length and facades. Buildings greater than 100 feet in length shall be divided into smaller increments of between 45 feet and 85 feet through articulation of the facade. This can be achieved through combinations of the following techniques or, with Plan Commission approval, other similar techniques:
(a)
Stepping back or extending forward a portion of the facade.
(b)
Using different textures or materials. The materials shall be drawn from a common palette.
(c)
Dividing facades, with separate display windows and entrances.
(d)
Varying the rooflines by alternating dormers, stepped roofs, gables or other roof elements.
(8)
All metering and mechanicals, such as but not limited to transformers, gas and electric meters, rooftop units, utility service boxes, cables, conduits, vents, turbines, flues, chillers and fans, telecommunication devices, and trash/recycling storage receptacles shall be screened from public view, except when state statutes or other regulations require otherwise, by incorporating the following design standards:
(a)
Locate mechanical equipment and service areas at the rear of the building along an alley facade or on the building rooftop.
(b)
Screen mechanical equipment and service areas, as per L-6 of the Landscape Standards in Article XIII.
(c)
Mechanical equipment located on a building rooftop shall be set back from the building edge a sufficient distance to screen the equipment from view of adjacent streets.