The Commercial Districts set forth herein are established to protect public health, and promote public safety, comfort, convenience, morals, prosperity and the general welfare, and protect and enhance the economic base of the Village and the value of property. These general purposes include, among others, the following specific objectives: A. To promote the most desirable use of land in accordance with a well-considered plan so adequate space is provided in appropriate locations for the various types of business uses, thereby protecting and strengthening the economic base of the Village. B. To place in separate districts those businesses that may create noise, odors, hazards, unsightliness, or that may generate excessive traffic. C. To permit selected business uses in districts where adjacent to or located in a residential area where such business uses have sufficient elements of service or convenience to such areas to offset the disadvantage. D. To encourage the grouping in appropriate locations of compatible business uses that will tend to draw trade that is mutually interchangeable and so promote public convenience and business prosperity and contribute to the alleviation of traffic and pedestrian congestion. E. To provide for the establishment of off-street parking facilities, permitted and required, so traffic congestion is alleviated, which will promote convenience and business prosperity.

See Section 17.12.070, Bulk Chart.

See Section 17.16.060, Use Chart.

See Chapter 17.20, Accessory Uses and Structures.

All commercial buildings constructed or redeveloped within a commercial zoning district shall be constructed or redeveloped pursuant to the following architectural standards: A. Building Orientation. The building shall be in scale and compatible with surrounding buildings to maintain the character of the area. Visual interest and pedestrian scale shall be considered in the site layout. The rear and sides of a building shall have architectural features similar in quality and design to the front of the building, especially if visible from a right-of-way. Materials shall be in harmony with adjoining structures. Adjacent buildings of different architectural styles shall be made compatible by such means as screens, sight breaks and materials. Project features which may have negative impacts upon adjacent properties, such as parking lots, service entrances, loading zones, mechanical equipment, etc., shall be buffered from the adjacent properties as appropriate. Building heights should be in scale with existing surrounding buildings. Variety in roof design is encouraged, with flat, gable, and hip roofs being the most common roof designs. Special design elements within roofs are also encouraged such as gable dormers, towers, and cupolas. In the commercial area commonly known as Downtown, two- and three-story buildings should be the norm. A small number of four- or five-story buildings may be permitted by the Village Board. The construction of new one-story buildings in the existing Downtown core area should be discouraged. B. Building Materials. Materials shall be selected for suitability to the type of buildings and the design in which they are used. Buildings shall have the same materials, or those which are architecturally harmonious, used for all building walls and other exterior building components wholly or partly visible from a public right-of-way. The use of different types of exterior wall materials elsewhere on the building exterior should be limited. Materials shall be of a durable quality. In any design in which the structural frame is exposed to view, the structural materials shall be compatible within themselves and harmonious to their surroundings. Use of traditional masonry materials such as brick or stone is encouraged. The amount of EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) or Dryvit, and standing seam metal should be limited. Architectural shingles, synthetic slate, or slate is encouraged on roofs. All projections and mechanical details such as louvers, exposed flashing, flues, vents, gutters and downspouts are to be recognized as architectural features and are to be treated to match the color of the adjacent surface, or an approved complementary color. C. Building Design. Architectural style is not restricted. Evaluation of appearance of a project by a reviewing body or staff, as applicable, shall be based on the quality of its design and relationship to its surroundings. Architectural features shall break up the building massing. The use of columns, brick patterns, windows, false windows, medallions, cornices, pilasters, quoins, decorative lighting, and protrusions must provide interest in the building elevations. The roofline must also be varied. Clear non-reflective glass should be used for ground floor windows and all windows shall have good proportions and detailed to make them important parts of the total facade. Roofs should be an integral part of the design and overall form of the building design. Parapets should be finished with cornices or other horizontal decoration with no visible flashing. Exterior building components such as windows, doors, eaves, and parapets shall have balanced proportions. Mechanical equipment or other utility hardware on the roof, ground, or elevations shall, wherever possible, be located so as not to be visible from any public ways or adjacent residential areas. Where such limitation on location is not possible, the facilities shall be screened from public view with materials harmonious with the building. Exterior lighting shall be part of the architectural concept. Fixtures, standards, and all exposed accessories shall be harmonious with building design. Monotony of design in single or multiple building projects shall be avoided. Variation of detail, form, and siting shall be used to provide visual interest. In multiple building projects, variable siting of individual buildings may be used to prevent a monotonous appearance. All accessory structures on a lot shall share a common architectural theme with the primary structure. Architectural expression shall be consistent in color, materials, and design. D. Building Color. The building color shall blend into surrounding buildings and the natural environment. The predominant color for most buildings shall be relatively subtle; the natural brick or stone colors of red, gray, and brown shall predominate. Darker or brighter accent colors may be used provided they are not garish or overpowering. Brick, stone, glass, and tile surfaces shall not be painted. All service doors shall be painted to match the building. Window glazing shall be clear or slightly tinted, not dark or reflective. Building color schemes approved by the Village Board shall not be altered without prior approval from Village Staff. Colors shall be harmonious with compatible accents. The color of paint used on trim shall complement the color of walls, character of the building and adjacent structures. The range of colors shall be kept to a minimum. E. Awnings and Canopies. Awnings and canopies shall be in character with the architectural style of the building. Awnings and canopies shall be positioned at least eight (8) feet above the sidewalk. Awnings shall fit within the frame of the store¬front; they shall neither hide the building’s façade, distort its proportions, nor cover architectural features. Where several storefronts are developed as a single building, they shall have awnings of the same style and similar color. Adjacent buildings developed at different times shall have awnings of a compatible style and color scheme. Awnings shall be made of canvas or a durable fabric material that can be easily cleaned. Awning frames shall be an accessory to the building façade and not a permanent feature. F. Pedestrian Amenities. Street furniture (benches, trash receptacles, lighting, walkways, etc.) shall be considered when designing commercial centers and may be required in certain developments. Bicycle racks shall be required for developments. Bicycle racks shall be located near the entrances of buildings, convenient for riders to use. G. Lighting. LED or metal halide lighting shall be required. Other types of lighting may be reviewed and approved at the discretion of the Village Board, provided the lighting is uniform with and comparable to LED or metal halide in terms of color, temperature, glare, lighting levels, or other specifications. Finishes of fixtures shall be durable and easily maintained, in dark neutral colors. All light bulbs shall be flush with the housing. All lighting shall be designed to minimize glare. All building or pole-mount¬ed lights shall be aimed directly downward only, and floodlights intended to light signage, landscape features, and facades shall be aimed only at those features. See Chapter 17.48 Off-street Parking and Loading for additional lighting requirements. H. Shopping Carts. Shopping cart corrals shall not have any advertising on them. Shopping cart storage areas shall be inside the building or screened with a wall to match the building. I. Sustainable Designs. Sustainable, environmentally-friendly, designs are encouraged. These designs may include, but are not limited to, green roofs, electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels, and permeable pavement, and shall be reviewed by Village staff for compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. All plans shall demonstrate a concern for the conservation of energy by their sensitivity to factors such as the orientation of a building, the use and location of glass and the use of landscape materials on the site. J. Refuse Containers. All refuse and recycling containers shall be enclosed with a six (6) foot tall masonry surround to match the building, with latchable solid gates. The materials stored within the enclosure shall not extend above the walls of the enclosure. Refuse and waste removal areas, service yards, storage yards, and exterior work areas shall be screened from view from right-of-way with materials harmonious with the building. To the greatest extent practicable, refuse containers shall not be located in front yards or adjacent to any public right-of-way. K. Landscaping. Planting islands of shrubs and/or trees, and decorative berms shall be implemented into landscape plans for screening of outdoor areas. Outdoor storage areas shall be screened from adjacent properties and the public right-of-way. This includes outdoor service areas and service yards, and other places in which individuals, patrons or employees tend to congregate. This shall be accomplished by the use of walls, fencing, plantings or combinations of the above. Plants that are noninvasive, hardy, harmonious to the design or intent of the area and of attractive appearance shall be used. Each area in a commercial zoning district for which a landscaping plan is required, which abuts residential property, shall provide screening that has been approved by the Village. Screening shall consist of a solid fence, or wall, not more than six (6) feet in height, or a dense hedge of shrubbery or evergreens, a planted earth berm or a combination of both. Attractive landscape transition to adjoining properties shall be provided; and landscape elements may include plantings and vegetation, ground forms, rock groupings, water patterns, and all visible construction except buildings and utilitarian structures. Where natural or existing topographic patterns contribute to beauty and utility of a development, they shall be preserved and developed. Parking areas and traffic ways shall be enhanced with landscaped spaces containing trees or tree groupings. Screening shall be of a type that is equally effective in winter and summer. L. Parking. Parking shall be provided on the same lot as the principal buildings that require the parking, unless joint parking lots or structures are developed. It is encouraged that parking areas be located to the side or rear of buildings on each lot. Limited visitor or short-term parking may be located in front of the building if necessary, provided such parking is well screened from the right-of-way. The design of parking areas shall minimize conflicts between pedestrian and vehicular circulation. See also Chapter 17.48 Off-street Parking and Loading for more requirements. Overnight truck and semi-tractor trailer outdoor parking and storage are prohibited. Overnight truck and semi-tractor trailer parking and storage shall be permitted within an enclosed loading dock, garage, or within a walled and gated sight screen enclosure. Said enclosure shall be open to the sky and constructed of the same masonry exterior materials as the principal building and of a height equal to the height of the first floor of the principal building. Temporary overnight parking, not to exceed forty-eight (48) hours, may be permitted for delivery vehicles that arrive after normal business hours. Vehicles used for the business shall be parked at the rear of the building or in a less prominent location so as not to be used for additional signage and advertising.

M. Continuing Maintenance Requirements. Even the best initial designs can be compromised by improper and inadequate maintenance. Such maintenance problems decrease property values and provide a negative impact on the whole community. Buildings and appurtenances, including signs, shall be cleaned and painted or repaired as required to present a neat appearance. Deteriorated, worn or damaged portions shall be rebuilt or replaced. Illuminated elements of buildings and signs shall be replaced as required to maintain the effect for which designed. No color, texture, shape or other exterior design feature characteristic approved by the Village shall be modified as a result of maintenance procedures, unless approved by the Village. Landscape materials, other than plantings, which have deteriorated or have been damaged or defaced, shall be properly repaired or replaced. Plantings should be kept watered, fed, cultivated, and pruned as required to give a healthy and well-groomed appearance during all seasons. Plant materials which have deteriorated or died shall be replaced with healthy plantings. Parking areas should be kept in good repair, properly marked and clear of litter and debris. No landscape design, plant materials, or other exterior design feature characteristic of the site approved by the Village shall be modified as a result of maintenance procedures, unless approved by the Village.

N. Operations. All business shall be conducted within completely enclosed buildings, except for off-street parking or loading or as otherwise permitted (outdoor dining, outdoor event or similar).

O. Outdoor Storage. No exterior sales or storage are permitted in front of the building or in the parking lot, including, but not limited to, ice machines and clothing drop boxes. All items stored on the property shall relate to the business (no personal boats, recreational vehicles, no leasing space to others).

P. Outdoor events/sales – Outdoor sales space shall be provided with a permanent durable, and dustless surface, and shall be graded and drained as to dispose of all surface water.

All activities shall conform with Section 17.08.090, Performance standards.

All signage shall be subject to the regulations contained in Title 18, Sign Code.

No tent or recreational vehicle shall be erected, used or maintained for living quarters.