The use of land in the Village has a direct bearing on the public health, safety, and welfare.

Standards are needed to ensure that new development is done in a coordinated manner.

The provisions in this article are adopted consistent with state statutes.

Each parcel of land in the Village is intended to have a zoning designation.

In some instances, state and federal law limit the Village's ability to regulate certain land uses.

Promote a sound development pattern by separating the Village into various districts where each has uniformly applicable development standards;

Separate incompatible land uses to the greatest extent possible;

Encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the Village;

Regulate and control the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings, structures, and land;

Provide for a variety of housing options;

Allow different, but compatible land uses (i.e., mixed uses), to occur in specified areas of the Village;

Avoid or, as a less preferred alternate, minimize congestion;

Avoid or, as a less preferred alternate, minimize environmental degradation; and

Preserve prime agricultural lands and stabilize the economic base of farming in the Village as well as to allow for needed urban expansion.

Base zoning districts. Recognizing that different areas of the Village serve unique functions, the Village is divided into a number of zoning districts. Even though some of the districts may share similar characteristics, they possess one or more unique qualities that set them apart from the other districts. Although these districts may not now possess each of the attributes in these descriptions, it is intended that as land uses change over time they more closely reflect the intended uses. Uses are allowed in the various districts consistent with the development standards in this article and development limitations as described in § 170.900 and other sections. Each of the land uses listed in the land use matrix (Appendix A)[1] that are shown as being allowed in a zoning district are determined to be consistent with the purpose statements of such district.

Establishment.[2] The following base zoning districts are established as described in Appendix C:[3]

Generally. Overlay zoning districts, as the name would suggest, are applied on top of base zoning districts to account for unique conditions or requirements.

Establishment. The following overlay zoning districts are established:

Title. The map that depicts the location of the various zoning districts shall be titled "Village of Richfield."

Official Zoning Map. The Village Clerk shall maintain one paper copy of the Zoning Map as the official map which shall be signed by the Village President and attested by the Village Clerk. If there is a discrepancy between this Zoning Map and other maps as may be made available, the map maintained by the Village Clerk shall control in all instances.

Availability. The Zoning Map maintained by the Village Clerk shall be available for public inspection upon request. The Village Clerk and Zoning Administrator may post the Zoning Map on the Village's website and otherwise make and distribute copies in a manner deemed appropriate.

Preparation of a new official map. In the event the Zoning Map maintained by the Village Clerk is damaged, lost, or destroyed, and after each amendment, the Zoning Administrator shall prepare a new Zoning Map and submit it to the Village President and Village Clerk for signature.

History of amendment. The Zoning Map maintained by the Village Clerk may contain a descriptive history of recent amendments that have been made, indicating the ordinance number and date of action.

Archive of superseded maps. The Village Clerk shall maintain a permanent archive of superseded Zoning Maps that are created after January 1, 2021.

Amendment. The procedure and requirements to amend the Zoning Map are set forth in Article 5.

General purpose zoning districts. For the purposes of this chapter, land uses, as defined in Appendix B[1] are classified as principal, accessory, or temporary. Appendix A[2] lists principal land uses (Series 1 to 16), accessory uses (Series 17), and temporary uses (Series 18). Each of the land uses is designated as one of the following:

Planned development districts. Land uses that are permitted in a planned development district are enumerated in the general development plan for the district, along with development standards, if any.

Generally. No accessory building shall be constructed until the principal building is completed or is under construction.

Exemption for a utility cabinet. For the purpose of this chapter, a utility cabinet may be established on a vacant lot prior to the establishment of a principal use.

Removal of a principal building while retaining an accessory building. Pursuant to the procedures and requirements in Article 5, the Plan Commission may approve a special exception to allow the removal of a principal building, while retaining the accessory building, when the Commission determines that the principal building is dilapidated and the accessory building meets current building codes and serves a useful purpose. If the Commission approves the special exception, the property owner must record a deed restriction, as approved by the Commission, in the Washington County Register of Deeds office that controls the use of the accessory building and incorporates any requirement imposed by the Commission as a condition of approval, such as time limitations (e.g., construction of a principal building).

Limitations. Under state law, a Village may not limit the number of community living arrangements so long as the total capacity of such facilities does not exceed 25 or 1% of the Village's population, whichever is greater. When that threshold is exceeded, the Village Board may prohibit additional community living arrangements from being located in the Village. Additionally, when the capacity of community living arrangements in a ward reaches 25 or 1% of the population, whichever is greater, the Village Board may prohibit additional community living arrangements from being located in the ward. A foster home or a foster treatment home that is the primary domicile of a foster parent or foster treatment parent and that is licensed under § 48.62, Wis. Stats., and an adult family home certified under § 50.032(lm)(b), Wis. Stats., are exempt from this provision.[1]

Periodic review of existing facilities. Not less than 11 months but not more than 13 months after the first licensure of an adult family home under § 50.033, Wis. Stats., or of a community living arrangement and every year thereafter, the Village Board may make a determination pursuant to § 59.69(15)(j), Wis. Stats., as to the effect of such facility on the health, safety, or welfare of residents of the municipality. If the Village Board determines such facility poses a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the residents of the municipality, the Village Board may order such facility to cease operation or obtain a conditional use permit to continue operation. Such facility shall cease operation within 90 days after date of the order, or the date of final judicial review of the order, or the date of the denial of a conditional use permit, whichever is later. The fact that an individual with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or a positive test for the presences of HIV, as defined in § 252.01(1M), Wis. Stats., antigen or nonantigenic products of HIV or an antibody to HIV resides in a community living arrangement with a capacity of eight or fewer persons may not be used under this subsection to assert or prove that the existence of the community living arrangement in the community poses a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the residents of the Village.[2]

Applicable standards. Lots, buildings, and other structures not located within a planned development district must conform to the dimensional standards specified in Appendix C,[1] except as may be otherwise allowed in this chapter. The standards for lots, buildings, and other structures in a planned development district are enumerated in the general development plan for the zoning district.

Change in lot. The size and/or configuration of a lot shall not be modified by any means when such modification increases the degree of an existing nonconformity or makes a conforming lot or building nonconforming. This restriction does not, however, apply when a governmental body acquires land from a willing or unwilling seller for a road construction project or any other public project.

Intent. The size of buildable lots, along with other dimensional standards, are used to encourage mutually compatible uses as set forth in the Village's Comprehensive Plan.

Standard. The minimum size of lots must comply with the standards specified in Appendix C,[1] except when such lots are otherwise authorized herein.

Exemptions. An outlot created by a land division that is authorized by the Village is exempt from the minimum lot size requirements if such parcel is dedicated to the public or used for stormwater facilities or other types of development-related infrastructure or common open space, including walking and recreation trails.

Measurement of lot area. Lot area is measured on the horizontal plane and excludes the following:

Use of a lot not meeting specified dimensional standards. The use of a vacant nonconforming lot is governed by requirements in Article 15.

Change in lot with a conditional use. The property boundary lines of a lot containing a conditional use shall not be modified in any manner without the express authorization of the Village Board upon recommendation of the Plan Commission. If the Plan Commission determines that the proposed reconfiguration or change in lot area is substantive, the proposed change may only occur if the Village Board grants a new approval of the proposed lot consistent with the review procedures and requirements for a conditional use in effect at the time.

Lot area in the context of land divisions. Minimum lot area requirements are one of many factors that affect how many lots could potentially be created through the land division process.

Intent. Standards controlling the configuration of lots are intended to avoid oddly shaped lots, multisided lots, and any other configuration that increases the likelihood a property owner might seek relief from a dimensional standard arising from a poorly designed lot.

Standard. Side lot lines must be substantially at right angles or radial to street lines. Lot lines shall not cross municipal boundaries. As a general rule, lots must be rectangular in shape, and lots having more than five sides shall be avoided. However, a lot line may follow the center of the stream when lot(s) on either side conform with all other requirements.

Depth and width. The depth to width ratio of a lot must not exceed 2.5 to 1. Pursuant to the procedures and requirements in Article 5, the Plan Commission may approve a special exception to exceed this standard to account for special circumstances, provided that all other requirements can be met. A special exception shall not be granted when doing so will allow an increase in the number of lots that could be created through the land division process.

Intent. The concept of residential density regulations is to control the intensity of land use in relationship to the natural, physical, and ecological characteristics of the area; the capacity for adequate sewage disposal; the ability to provide appropriate municipal services; basic economic factors, and to achieve the desired character as set forth in the Village's Comprehensive Plan.

Standard. The maximum number of lots within a proposed development must comply with the standards specified in Appendix C.[1] If the zoning district does not specify a density, the maximum lot density is presumed to be one principal building per the minimum required lot size.

Calculation.

Intent. Each lot must have direct physical access to the road system.

Standard. Each lot must have frontage on a public street for physical access to the lot in the location approved by the Village, Washington County, or State of Wisconsin for the distance specified in Appendix C.[1]

Exemptions. A parcel created by a land division that is authorized by the Village is exempt from the street frontage requirements if such parcel is dedicated to the public or used for stormwater facilities and/or other type of development-related infrastructure or common open space, including walking and recreation trails.

Measurement of lot frontage. Lot frontage is measured along the front lot line or the base setback line established by the Washington County Highway Width Map, whichever is furthest from the center of the abutting roadway. Frontage on a public road where access is prohibited by the body with jurisdiction to control access does not constitute frontage for the purpose of this section.

Intent. Lot width requirements, along with other dimensional standards, establish minimum requirements to ensure compatibility of lots and that lots are buildable consistent with the character as set forth in the Village's Comprehensive Plan.

Standard. The width of lots must comply with the standards specified in Appendix C,[1] unless otherwise modified.

Exemptions. A parcel created by a land division that is authorized by the Village is exempt from the lot width requirements if such parcel is to be dedicated to the public or used for stormwater facilities and/or other types of development-related infrastructure or common open space, including walking and recreation trails.

Measurement of lot width. Lot width is measured along an imaginary line generally parallel to the front lot line and at the front-yard building setback line.

Intent. Lots fronting on a lake must have a sufficient width to provide for reasonable access to the water for use and enjoyment.

Measurement of water frontage. Water frontage is measured perpendicular to one or both of the side lot lines at the ordinary high-water mark.

Intent. Standards for controlling the minimum and maximum floor area of buildings are intended to ensure development is compatible with the size of the lot and the character of development as set forth in the Village's Comprehensive Plan.

Measurement of floor area. Floor area is measured from exterior wall to exterior wall. In multi-unit buildings, floor area is measured from exterior wall to exterior wall and from the center of common walls between adjoining units.

Standard for residential living area. A building intended in whole or part for residential purposes must provide a minimum floor area as specified in Appendix C.[1] Such minimums are stated in terms of the minimum total floor area required for a building and that portion of the total which must be provided on the first-floor level. In a split level building the first-floor level shall include all areas which are not over another living area of the building. The following are specifically not included in such measurement:

Standard for residential garages. The floor area of residential garages must comply with the standards in Appendix C.[2]

Intent. Building coverage is a measure of how much of a lot is occupied by buildings and is used in conjunction with other standards, such as building height, to ensure buildings fit the character of each zoning district as generally set forth in the Village's Comprehensive Plan.

Standards. Development on a lot must comply with the building coverage standards set forth in Appendix C.[1]

Measurement and calculation of building coverage.

Intent. Standards to control the amount of impervious surface are intended to protect natural vegetation, land features, and the aesthetics of a lot for the benefit of the subject property and surrounding properties.

Standard. The amount of land disturbance must comply with the standards specified in Appendix C.[1]

Measurement and calculation of impervious surface.

Intent. Standards controlling the height of buildings and other structures, along with other dimensional standards, to ensure that structures fit the character of each zoning district as generally set forth in the Village's Comprehensive Plan.

Standard. Except as specified in this section, the height of buildings and other structures must comply with the standards specified in Appendix C,[1] except as modified.

Measurement of building height. The vertical distance from the grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface.

Modifications. The height standards in Appendix C are modified as follows:

Intent. Building setback standards, along with other dimensional standards, establish a pattern of development in each of the zoning districts. The established setback standards provide for a varying degree of:

Generally. Except as allowed in this section, buildings must comply with the setback requirements set forth in Appendix C.[1]

Establishment of base setback line. Base setback lines are established generally parallel to the center line of all public streets and ways, and shall be located on the street right-of-way line as shown on the Washington County Highway Width Map as may be amended from time to time.

Setback standards. No building shall be erected, structurally altered, or relocated so that any vertical wall/support, supporting a roofed or enclosed portion is closer to the base setback line than the setback distance specified in Appendix C, except as allowed in this section. For the purpose of this section, a roof overhang of 24 inches or less is not included in any setback measurement.

Setback averaging.

Decks and porches. Decks and porches are considered to be part of the building and therefore must comply with all applicable setback requirements or as allowed in Subsection H below.

Wheelchair access ramps. The Building Inspector may, upon written petition, allow the construction of an unenclosed wheelchair access ramp in a setback area, provided that the proposed location for the ramp is the only reasonable location based on the existing configuration of the building and the ramp encroaches into the offset area no more than is necessary to provide access to the building. Also see Article 16 for additional provisions relating to reasonable accommodations.

Use of setback areas. The only permanent structures permitted within the setback area include necessary public utility devices, fences, and those signs permitted in residential and agricultural zoning districts and in the P-1 District. Any required setback area shall be landscaped and kept clean and free from the accumulation of debris or refuse, and shall not be used for the storage or display of equipment, products, vehicles, or any other material.

Corner lots. On corner lots of record, as of April 1, 2022, the effect of the setback regulations shall not reduce the buildable width of such corner lot to less than 30 feet. If setback regulations create a building envelope that is less than 30 feet wide, the Plan Commission may approve a lesser setback as a special exception consistent with the procedures and requirements in Article 5.

Exceptions. The following may be located in a required setback, provided that they do not extend into, or are located within, a utility easement or a required fire lane and meet all other requirements of this chapter:

The size of the subject property;

The character of the area;

The size of the proposed accessory building;

The extent to which the proposed accessory building is visible from public and private streets and other properties in the area;

The practical difficulty in placing the proposed accessory building in the location described in this subsection; and

Other factors related to relevant circumstances.

Generally. Every building hereafter erected, structurally altered, or relocated shall be located on a single lot. In no case, except in business districts, industrial districts, and planned development districts, shall there be more than one principal building on a lot, except as provided in this section. The principal residential building shall be built first in all districts.

Distinction between one building and multiple buildings.

Exception.

Additional standards. When this chapter allows more than one principal building on a lot, the Plan Commission or Village Board, as appropriate, may:

Generally. The number of accessory buildings on a lot must comply with the requirements set forth in Appendix C.[1]

Distinction between one building and multiple buildings.

Rural accessory buildings. Pursuant to the procedures and requirements in Article 5, the Plan Commission may allow more accessory buildings than what is specified when one or more of the accessory buildings on a lot are designated as a rural accessory building.

Adequate drainage required. No principal building shall be erected on or moved onto land where the building is subject to periodic flooding or where the land is not adequately drained at all times, or where the first-floor level is less than two feet above the highest anticipated floodwater level.

Obstruction to drainage prohibited. The damming, filling, relocating, or otherwise interfering with the natural flow of surface water along any surface water drainage channel or natural watercourse is not allowed except with approval of the Plan Commission.

When required. A traffic impact analysis is required when the anticipated number of trips per day of the proposed development at build-out is 500 or more. When the number of trips is 300 or more but less than 500, the Village may, in its sole discretion, require a traffic impact analysis when circumstances warrant such review.

Purpose. A traffic impact analysis evaluates the adequacy of the existing transportation system to serve the proposed development and determine the expected effects of the proposed development on the transportation system. The traffic impact analysis must provide adequate information for Village staff to evaluate the development proposal and to provide recommended conditions of approval in the event approval is recommended.

Preparation. When a traffic impact analysis is required, the applicant must hire an engineer as approved by the Zoning Administrator to prepare the report. The approved engineer shall have expertise in transportation planning.

Trip generation rates. Trip generation rates for various land uses shall be based on the manual entitled "Trip Generation" (latest edition) published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. Trip generation rates from other sources may be used if it can be shown that the alternative source better reflects local conditions.

Form and content. A traffic impact analysis must be completed consistent with the most current revision of the Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines published by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

On-site storage of a recreational vehicle. A recreational vehicle may be kept on a residential property, provided that it belongs to the occupant of the dwelling unit. Any such recreational vehicle that is not stored within a building shall be licensed by the State of Wisconsin or any other state.

Parking of a commercial vehicle as an ancillary use to a residential use. In all zoning districts, except for business and industrial districts, the occupant of a dwelling unit may park no more than one panel truck and/or one pickup truck on the premises, provided that it is used for business purposes.

Residential parking. Parking of vehicles accessory to a residential use shall be limited to those actually used by the residents, or for the temporary parking of guests.

Legislative findings. The Village Board finds that the public health, safety, and general welfare of the Village are compromised when private parties impose negative use restrictions upon real property in the Village which prohibit or have the economic or practical effect of prohibiting the use of such real property for grocery store or drugstore purposes after a grocery store or drugstore owner or operator has terminated grocery store or drugstore operations upon such real property. Such negative use restrictions are separate and distinct from commercially reasonable noncompete clauses included in shopping center development agreements whereby a landlord may agree with a tenant that is a grocery store or drugstore not to lease another space in the same shopping center to a second grocery store or drugstore, respectively, in order to induce the first tenant to sign a long-term lease as an anchor tenant at such shopping center development.

Prohibition on negative use restrictions. A private agreement that purports to impose negative use restrictions upon real property in the Village so as to prohibit or have the economic or practical effect of prohibiting the use of such real property for grocery store or drugstore purposes after a grocery store or drugstore owner or operator has terminated grocery store or drugstore operations on such real property, when such use would otherwise be permitted (including as a conditional use) under this chapter, is against public policy, void, and unenforceable. This prohibition applies whether the private agreement is incorporated in a deed restriction, a restrictive covenant, a lease or memorandum of lease, or any other instrument. This prohibition applies to all such private agreements, including those created prior to the effective date of this section.

Penalties. The penalty provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any such private agreements entered into prior to April 1, 2022, which is the effective date of this section.

Applicability. The odor control standards established in this section apply to all land uses and activities, except where the odor is created by food cooking; the construction of a principal use on the subject property; the application of fertilizers; or incidental traffic, parking, loading, or maintenance operations. Public utilities and services that are otherwise allowed under this Code are essential public services and are therefore also exempt.

Standards. No odors shall be created for periods exceeding a total of 15 minutes per any day that are detectable (by a healthy observer such as the Zoning Administrator who is unaffected by background odors such as tobacco or food) at the boundary of the subject property, where such property is located in a residential, institutional, or commercial zoning district or the Light Industrial (LI) District.

Applicability. The air pollution standards established in this section apply to all land uses and activities, except where the air pollution is created during the construction of a principal use on the subject property, or by incidental traffic, parking, loading, or maintenance operations.

Standards.

Applicability. The standards for fire and explosive hazards established in this section apply to all land uses and activities.

Standards.

Applicability. The standards for glare and heat established in this section apply to all land uses and activities, except where glare is created during the construction of a principal use on the subject property, or by incidental traffic, parking, loading, or maintenance operations.

Standards.

Applicability. The standards for water quality established in this section apply to all land uses and activities.

Standards.

Applicability. The requirements of this section apply to all uses and activities, except those vibrations created during the construction of the principal use on the subject property.

Requirements. No physical vibration emanating on a property that is above the vibration perception threshold of an individual shall pass beyond the property line of such property. "Vibration perception threshold" means the minimum ground- or structure-borne vibrational motion necessary to cause a reasonable 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.

The design and layout of a site, including principal and accessory buildings, parking areas and access drives, building service areas, docking and loading areas, and other elements, can have a substantial and long-lasting effect on the utility of the subject property and on surrounding properties and the overall character of the Village.

The standards in this division are intended to provide meaningful guidance to property owners, design professionals, and public officials.

The standards in this division are intended to promote the public health, safety, and welfare and are reasonably related to the public purpose of achieving an attractive, functional, and prosperous community.

The location and orientation of all buildings shall meet the individual lot size, width, setback and yard requirements set forth in the applicable zoning district regulations.

Buildings and other improvements must be arranged on a site and in a configuration that does not impede traffic accessibility and circulation to/from adjacent streets and adjoining sites developed with similar nonresidential uses.

Individual building pads or parcels intended for freestanding uses separate from the primary building shall be arranged to provide and/or accommodate readily accessible cross-access from within and across parking areas to enhance on site circulation.

Buildings shall be arranged to reduce visibility of service areas from public streets, customer parking areas, and adjacent properties.

Service yards and facilities, including storage areas (if permitted) and docking and loading facilities, shall be easily accessible by service vehicles, separated from the primary parking access and circulation functions, centrally located to serve multiple establishments and tenants (if any), and integrated into the overall design of the buildings and landscaping features so the visual and acoustic impacts of these functions are located out of view from public streets and adjacent agricultural and residential zoned areas through the use of architectural extensions of buildings, walls, fences, landscaping features and plantings, or a combination thereof.

Existing natural resources and topographic features of a site should be preserved where such features contribute to the beauty and utility of a development site.

Buildings and other improvements should be located to take advantage of a site's natural topography and drainage, existing vegetation and other natural features. Modifications to such features may be permitted when required for safety purposes, or, where modification contributes to and furthers the visual appearance, function, and utility of the site.

No building or sign shall be permitted to be sited on the property in a manner which would unnecessarily destroy or substantially damage the natural beauty and aesthetics of the area, particularly insofar as it would adversely affect values incident to ownership of land in the area; or which would unnecessarily have an adverse effect on the beauty and general enjoyment of existing structures on adjoining properties.

Utility services shall be underground to reduce visual clutter unless otherwise approved by the Village Board.

A building shall be arranged on the site so as not to impede traffic accessibility and circulation to or from adjacent streets and adjoining sites.

The front of the building shall be generally parallel to the street or a public area, such as a courtyard, plaza, or the like.

A docking or loading area or a service area for a commercial, institutional, or industrial building shall be easily accessible to service vehicles, separated from the on-site parking area, and designed to serve multiple establishments and tenants, when possible. Such docking or loading area shall not be readily visible from a public street, an on-site customer parking area, or an abutting property in a business or residential district or in an agricultural zoning district that is designated for future commercial or residential development in an adopted Comprehensive Plan. Screening from view may be accomplished by i) integrating such area into the overall design of the building (e.g., inside of the building or use of architectural extension of a building wall) or ii) using a fence; a berm; landscaping, above what is otherwise required in this chapter; other suitable feature; or any combination thereof.

Existing natural resources and topographic features on the site shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible while affording a reasonable use of the property.

The project shall not create any hazard.

The project shall be designed to avoid existing hazards, whether man-made or natural, and if avoidance is not possible, to mitigate the effects of the hazard to a satisfactory level necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

Parking areas and pedestrian accessways located on the site shall be designed to promote safety and efficient traffic flow.

Outdoor storage areas, when allowed, shall be located behind the front face of the building.

Outdoor storage areas adjoining residential districts must be screened with a wall, a nonmetallic fence, a berm, landscaping, or any combination, as approved by the Plan Commission.

Materials kept out of doors shall not exceed the height of required screening.

Outdoor storage areas shall consist of concrete or asphaltic concrete. The Plan Commission may approve the use of gravel in low-traffic areas, provided that such area is smaller than the remaining surfaced area. If gravel is allowed, the control of fugitive dust must be addressed to the satisfaction of the Plan Commission.

General requirement. When garbage and/or recyclable materials are stored out-of-doors, such materials shall be stored in a container which is concealed or suitably screened from public view.

Dumpster enclosure.

Site plan. Refuse containers and dumpster enclosures must be depicted on an approved site plan.

Location. Dumpster enclosures must be located:

The exterior design of a building has a substantial and long-lasting effect on surrounding properties and the overall character of the Village.

Buildings and especially those within a largely developed area should fit into the context in which they occur.

Architectural design standards should allow for a variety of architectural styles and be flexible to the greatest extent possible.

The standards in this division are intended to provide meaningful guidance to property owners, design professionals, and public officials.

The standards in this division are intended to promote the public health, safety, and welfare and are reasonably related to the public purpose of achieving an attractive, functional, and prosperous community.

Description. The massing of a building refers to the overall size, bulk or volume of space which a building encloses. Scale is conveyed by elements or parts of the building facade where doorways, windows, and details enable people to gauge its relative size and character in relationship to the size of the human form.

Standards. The massing and scale of buildings must comply with the following requirements:

Description. The form and proportion of a building's elevation and roof are basic form-giving characteristics that are important in relating a new building to other buildings and to its setting.

Standards. The form and proportion of buildings must comply with the following requirements:

Description. The fenestration of building facades is the orderly arrangement of openings within the elevations of the building.

Standards. Fenestration and entrances on buildings must comply with the following requirements:

General standards. Exterior building materials must comply with the following requirements:

Appropriate exterior building materials. The following are examples of appropriate exterior building materials for new buildings and additions:

Prohibited exterior building materials.

Building designs shall minimize the effects of size and scale by highlighting individual dwelling units using separate entrances and integrating garages (for multifamily buildings), use of variable rooflines, door and window openings, facade protrusions or recesses, and use of porticos, overhangs, arcades, arches and outdoor patios.

Accessory structures must be compatible with the primary building in terms of its character, roof shapes, building materials, colors and architectural details.

Building facades must incorporate unified and complementary finished materials, and to promote longevity and durability. Materials that are appropriate or prohibited are listed in § 170.985.

Colors shall be compatible, coherent, and harmonious with existing materials in the immediate area. Color schemes shall be used consistently throughout the property, including on both the upper and lower portions of the buildings, and on all facades of a building or structure. The following provisions must be adhered to unless the review of the Plan Commission states otherwise:

Variation in architectural detail, mass and proportion of individual buildings may be used to provide visual interest where more than one building is located on a single parcel.

Roofs are elements of buildings which significantly affect the architectural character. The roof is vital to the overall design theme of a building since it is related to its mass, scale, form, and proportion. For all visible roofs, roofing materials and construction must be high quality, such as but not limited to, standing-seam metal, slate, cedar, or architectural shingles. Roofing materials and shape must be compatible with the architectural style of the building and with surrounding buildings and roofs.

All buildings, or groupings or nodes of buildings and structures, shall be designed to be sensitive to existing views, or view corridors, and the contexts of the surrounding natural and built environment.

Generally. Buildings require mechanical equipment and service areas which are normally unsightly and noisy. These areas include, but are not limited to, loading docks, exterior storage areas, dumpsters and mechanical equipment, such as plumbing vent stacks, transformers, fans and cooling towers.

Standards. The following standards address the treatment of service and utility areas in order to reduce the negative visual impact of such areas: