In order to promote the economic, cultural and general welfare of the people of the city and to ensure the harmonious, orderly and efficient growth and development of the city, it is deemed essential by the governing body that the qualities relating to the residential history of the city, and a harmonious outward appearance, that preserve property values and attracts tourists and residents alike, be preserved, some of these qualities being:

A.

The continued existence and preservation of historical areas and structures;

B.

The continued construction of structures in the historic styles; and

C.

A general harmony as to style, form, height, proportion, texture and material between structures of historic design and those of more modern design.

(Ord. 2003-11 § 1 (part))

"Alteration" means any change of the exterior architectural features of a structure, including, but not limited to, the erection, construction, reconstruction or removal of the structure or any of its parts. Additions are considered alterations.

"Façade" means one whole exterior face or elevation of a structure, from grade up to and including the top of the parapet. An individual façade is at least an eight-foot width that is offset from an adjacent plane by at least four feet.

"Height" means the vertical distance measured between the highest part of a structure and the existing grade or finished grade, whichever is more restrictive, at the midpoint of the street adjacent to the structure.

"Porch" means a roofed space outside the main walls of a structure at street or first floor level, which has a depth of not less than four feet from the outside face.

"Remodeling" means a change, including a reconstruction, in an architectural feature of a structure. It does not include additions.

"Significant structure" means a structure that is approximately fifty (50) years old or older, and relatively unchanged, and with architectural or historical merit, the demolition of or inappropriate alterations to which would be a loss to the historic fabric, quality and character of the city, and which has been declared to be significant in a municipal, state or federal historic structure survey, (whether or not limited to a single structure) or is listed in or suitable for or is eligible to be listed in a municipal register, the State Register of Historic Properties or National Register of Historic Places.

"Structure" means anything that is constructed or erected with a fixed location on the ground or attached to something having a fixed location on the ground. Structures include but are not limited to walls, buildings, fences, signs, swimming pools, spas, microwave satellite receiving dishes, TV antennas, communication devices and tennis courts.

(Ord. 2003-11 § 1 (part))

A.

The boundaries for the historic residential district within the city and historic structures shall be identified, designated and protected because of their special character of historic interest and significance.

B.

The boundaries and legal description for the historic residential districts as well as the location of historic structures shall be shown on the official zoning map and be located in the city planning department and on file in the city clerk's office.

(Ord. 2003-11 § 1 (part)

The power and duties of the historic preservation commission (HPC) shall be consistent with the historic preservation zoning Section 17.76 of this code. The HPC shall administer the design guidelines and, with respect to any exterior alterations brought to its attention, may require that those alterations adhere to the original architectural style and the design guidelines set forth in Section 17.77.050 of this chapter.

(Ord. 2003-11 § 1 (part)

The design guidelines have the following functions:

A.

To guide builders and homeowners wishing to propose expansions, renovations, exterior alterations and replacement of designated residential structures;

B.

To assist city officials and the public in reviewing development proposals;

C.

If there is a conflict or inconsistency between design ordinances, the provisions of this chapter shall apply.

1.

Porches. Preservation and renovation of the existing porch and original dimensions is encouraged especially if the porch faces the street. If necessary, replace in-kind an entire porch or section of porch that is too deteriorated to repair. Replacement should match the original in appearance, shape, texture, detail and dimension. When replacing items such as handrails, balusters, columns, ceiling or flooring boards, every effort should be made to maintain and duplicate the original profiles of these items. Rebuild steps with materials matching the historic precedent as closely as possible. Avoid enclosing porches especially those located in the front unless historically appropriate.

All wood on exterior porches, except flooring and stair treads, shall be painted or opaque stained.

2.

Decks. Decks in the front and side yard shall be consistent with the historic character of the structure and neighborhood.

3.

Windows. Repair the original structure before entire replacement. Most windows can be repaired or reinforced. If replacement is necessary, replace windows so that they are compatible with the historic character of the structure. If any of the original windows that are compatible with the historic character of the structure has true divided lights, the replacement sash shall duplicate the original window appearance. If windows have been altered in the past, restoration to the original appearance is encouraged. Window openings should not be reduced in size. Vinyl windows or other synthetic materials are not appropriate because they lack the resemblance of historical wood windows.

On the sides and rear facades of the structure, new windows in locations where no window previously existed may be approved provided they retain a similar ratio or height to width as original windows on the structure, are the same type of window as others on the structure (e.g. double-hung or casement) and are trimmed and finished to match the appearance of other windows.

4.

Entrance Doors. If the entrance door is original and compatible with the historic character of the structure, restoration of the original door and its surrounding (including leaded glass or stained glass decorations, or columns and transoms of windows) is encouraged.

If determined that the door and its surrounding is beyond repair, replace in-kind an entire entrance. All doors shall be painted, varnished or prefinished.

5.

Patio Doors. Patio doors may be permitted provided they have frames, similar to full view doors. Installation of raw aluminum or other metallic finishes are not permitted. Patio doors shall be painted or finished with a material that resembles a painted finish. Patio style doors on street facades shall be hinged doors, rather than sliding doors. If new sliding glass doors are installed, they should be placed at the rear of the building, away from the principal façade.

6.

Storm Windows and Doors. Aluminum or other metallic storm windows and doors shall be enameled, painted or otherwise coated with a colored surface to resemble a painted surface and shall be compatible with the historic character of the structure. Painted or varnished storm doors of wood and glass to match the original design on the structure or on similar structures in the district are encouraged. Storm doors of simple design that do not contrast with the style of the house may be used. Full view storm doors will be permitted.

7.

Skylights. Skylights on the roof slope over the main street façade are not permitted unless not visible from the street. Skylights may be permitted on rear roof slopes and on side roof slopes provided that the skylight is not obtrusive as to detract from the general appearance of the structure. The design of new skylights shall be as simple as possible, of the flat (not bubble) type, and finished to blend with the color of the roof.

8.

Roof Materials. Retain and preserve historic materials whenever possible. If replacement is necessary, use new materials to match the original in composition, size, shape, color, pattern and texture. Consider substitute material only if original is not technically feasible. Vents shall be located as inconspicuously as possible and shall be similar in color to the color of the roof. Rolled roofing, tar-and-gravel, rubberized membranes and other similar roofing materials shall only be used on flat or slightly sloped roofs, which are not visible from the ground.

9.

Dormers and Other Roof Alterations. Repair and retain existing dormers, maintaining the original roof slope and windows. New dormers should be compatible with the architectural character of the structure and neighborhood. Retain the shape of the original roofline, especially when visible from a public way. Other roof alterations shall be compatible with the roof shape and other historic features of the structure, such as siding and trim details.

10.

Chimneys. The exterior appearance of original chimneys visible from the street shall be maintained in good repair. New chimneys shall be constructed of material that maintains the historic integrity of the structure.

11.

Structure Exterior. Restoration of original wood siding and original decorative details such as cornices, brackets, shutters, columns and trim is encouraged. Soffits may be replaced provided the proposed material matches as closely as possible to the original.

Original wood siding or siding that maintains the historic character of the structure shall be retained and restored as necessary. If original siding is beyond repair, it shall be replaced with wood, composite wood or other materials that match the original appearance.

All architectural details including, but not limited to, window trim, frieze boards, cornices and other ornaments, must either remain uncovered or be duplicated in appearance and shall project beyond the siding the same dimensions as the original. Restoration of lost architectural trim is encouraged.

Original brick, stone and stucco siding should be retained. Replace or repair only the damaged portion. If any masonry feature is extensively deteriorated or missing, that feature should be replaced in-kind. Mortar, stucco and other exterior materials should match the original in strength, composition, color and texture. Old mortar joints should also be matched in width and joint profile. Painting of unpainted brick is not permitted.

12.

Foundations. All original foundation masonry, such as brick, stone or concrete block, shall be retained unless it is determined that significant repairs are required, in which case replacement with materials to duplicate the original appearance is encouraged. If duplicating the original appearance is not practical, other materials may be approved provided they blend with the historic character of the structure and the district.

13.

Additions. Construct a new addition so that there is the least possible loss of historic materials and so that character-defining features of the original structure are not obscured, damaged or destroyed. New additions should be located on an inconspicuous side or rear elevation so that the work does not radically change the character of the historic structure. Additions should be compatible in terms of mass, materials, relationship of solids to voids and color. A rooftop addition should be set back from the wall plane and be as inconspicuous as possible when viewed from the street.

Foundation material on new additions shall duplicate the original foundation material whenever practical. Other foundation materials may also be permitted provided they do not detract from the historic character of the structure.

14.

Fire Escapes and Rescue Platforms. Fire escapes and rescue platforms shall be located such that they are as unobtrusive from the street as possible. No fire escapes or rescue platforms shall be permitted on the front façade of a structure unless it is determined that no other location is practical. The design of fire escapes and rescue platforms shall be painted to blend with the colors of the house. Handicap access and appropriate compatible design shall be considered.

15.

Shutters. Shutters will be permitted provided that they are compatible with the historic character of the structure.

16.

Accessory Structures. Retain and preserve all historic accessory structures and their features that are character-defining elements, which includes foundations, steps, roof form, windows, doors, architectural trim and lattices. Replace only the deteriorated item to match the original in size, scale, proportion, appearance, texture and detail. Replace a historic accessory structure that is completely missing with either a reconstruction based on accurate documentation or a new design compatible with the historic character of the main building or historic outbuildings in the district. Keep the proportion and the height of new garages and outbuildings compatible with the proportion and the height of historic garages and outbuildings in the neighborhood. Locate new accessory structures in rear yards in a traditional relationship to the main building. Use traditional roof forms, materials and details compatible with the main building or historic outbuilding in the district when constructing new garages, outbuildings and decks.

17.

Fences and Retaining Walls. Retain and preserve the original fence and wall material whenever possible. If replacement is necessary, use new materials that match the historic materials in composition, size, shape, color, pattern and texture. Design new fences based on documentation of a historic fence, or create a new design compatible with the historic character of the structure and the neighborhood if a new fence or wall is to be constructed. New retaining walls in the front yard are not permitted unless determined for a health and safety need.

18.

Signage. Signs shall be designed in a style that is consistent with the historic building. No sign shall cover any historically significant features. Materials used shall be historically appropriate.

(Ord. 2003-11 § 1 (part)