The purpose of the architectural standards and design guidelines is to preserve and enhance the unique visual quality and character of the Town and to protect the general welfare by accomplishing the following:

A.

To preserve the small Town "village" atmosphere and the "in the park" theme resulting from the Town's physical relationship to Zion National Park.

B.

To protect the values, beauty and heritage of the area in physical appearance, quality of design and interrelationship of land use and development and thus serve as a valuable asset and benefit for the entire community.

C.

To enhance general property values within the Town, and to promote the economic well being of business.

D.

To promote the understanding that good architectural character and site planning design are not, in themselves, more expensive than poor architectural character and poor site planning design.

This chapter applies to all new construction and reconstruction of structures and buildings and newly established uses of land and expansions, alterations or modifications of existing structures, sites or uses of property within the Town. This chapter does not apply to routine maintenance.

In carrying out the purposes of this chapter, the following principles are applicable:

A.

Review of architectural character shall not be so restrictive that individual initiative is stifled in the design of any particular building or site or that substantial additional expense is required. Rather, it is the intent of this chapter that the review exercised shall be the amount necessary to achieve the overall objectives of this chapter.

B.

Good architectural character is based upon the suitability of a building or site for its purposes; the appropriate use of sound materials; a good relationship with other structures; uses and the character of the Town; and the principles of harmony, preparation and design in the elements of the building or site.

An excellent variety in personal choice can be enjoyed from the architectural styles which are in harmony with the Town's natural environment, Zion National Park and the region's pioneer heritage. Acceptable designs include historic park service architectural elements, materials and colors; informal buildings of stone and wood; and buildings reflecting the local architectural heritage.

A.

Planning elements:

1.

Height: Building heights shall be compatible with other structures in the area to preserve village scale, scenic views and to fit in with existing development. With the exception of important community, institutional or unique buildings which act as visual landmarks, a new structure should always be designed so that its height is in scale with its surrounding environment. While varied heights can offset each other in interesting ways, a building height out of scale with its surroundings can produce an inharmonious effect. Maximum heights for new and renovated structures are established by zones. No structure may include more than two stories.

2.

Setbacks: Minimum setbacks have been established by zone to soften the impacts of structures and maximize the dominance of natural features, vegetation and the views of Zion Canyon.

3.

Density: Density restrictions have been established by zone to maximize the dominance of natural features, vegetation, the views of Zion Canyon and to preserve the human scale of the built environment.

4.

Open space: Open space restrictions have been established by zone to preserve natural features, including natural vegetation, and to enhance recreational opportunities within the Town.

5.

Historic elements: All new construction and uses of land as affected by this chapter shall reflect the "in the park" ("parkitecture") or historic pioneer architectural theme and incorporate, preserve or imitate historical elements such as the rock work along the old irrigation ditch, the cut stone pillars along SR-9, and the cottonwoods which have been coveted and tended since pioneer times.

B.

Design elements:

1.

Scale: Scale is created by the size and proportion of construction and architectural detail which relate to human physical dimensions, perception and comprehending abilities. Scale is also determined by building mass, height and proportion as it relates to circulation and open space. New structures or renovations shall have a scale consistent with the identity, use, relationships and unique characteristics of the site, the neighborhood and the village/"in the park"/historic pioneer image.

2.

Proportion: Building mass shall be broken by the use of good architectural design and elements such as covered porches, roof overhang, breaks in large surfaces and shadow lines.

3.

Style: Various architectural styles emphasize distinct design elements, some of which are compatible with the character of the Town, and some of which the Town finds to be inharmonious and detrimental to the unique visual quality of the area.

a.

Acceptable styles: Styles which enhance the character of the Town and which are permitted, emphasize elements of design compatible with that of historic pioneer structures (frame and stone construction), an agriculture heritage (simplicity, utilitarian) and "parkitecture". Structures should seem an organic part of the landscape. Typical elements include horizontal or vertical siding, covered porches, stone pillars and walls, paned windows and gabled roofs, to name a few.

b.

Prohibited styles: Generally, architectural styles imported from other historic periods and other regions are out of context with the Town's architectural character and will not be permitted. The following styles and motifs are prohibited: Greek classic and Greek revival; Italian renaissance; Tudor; Victorian gothic, gothic revival or Queen Anne; geodesic dome; A-frame or Swiss chalet; tepee; half timbered; excessively rustic motifs; buildings designed to look like animals, objects or food items; international styles; mission or Spanish baroque, except for single-family residences that do not have frontage on SR-9; Pueblo or Santa Fe, except for single-family residences that do not have frontage on SR-9; or any style deemed detrimental to the intent of this chapter.

4.

Building material: Exterior building materials shall be compatible with the surrounding environment and historic structures in the area. A building may offer a subtle or strong contrast to adjacent structures as the result of the use and type of various materials. Similar exterior construction materials (indigenous stone and/or wood siding, for instance) shall be used for new construction in order to maintain a distinct regional character and establish visual harmony within the area.

a.

Acceptable materials: Wood siding, sandstone resembling that naturally occurring in the Springdale area (natural or dressed), stucco, rusted metal, and adobe and clay brick (subdued shades and earth tones) are acceptable exterior building materials. Synthetic or composite materials that resemble those listed above may be permitted if the Planning Commission finds that such materials are compatible with the surrounding structures, natural features, viewscapes, and environment.

b.

Prohibited materials: The following exterior wall finish materials are prohibited, with minor exceptions as noted:

(1)

Thick shake shingles.

(2)

Precast (cultured) stone, except if the Planning Commission finds the precast stone resembles or is compatible with sandstone naturally occurring in the Springdale area. Precast stone resembling granite, basalt, or river rock are examples of what is not appropriate for Springdale.

(3)

Ceramic tile (except as trim).

(4)

Weeping mortar.

(5)

Plastic, vinyl, or aluminum siding.

(6)

Nonrusted metal (except as trim or soffit material).

(7)

Asphalt siding.

(8)

Concrete or cinder block, except that the Planning Commission may approve the use of split face concrete block imbedded with stone fragments if the applicant can show that it is compatible with the surrounding structures, natural features, viewscape, and environment.

(9)

Glass, except when used in the following applications:

(A)

Windows that: 1) are designed to limit light trespass from interior lighting, and 2) are positioned and designed to reduce the amount of reflectivity and glare observed from neighboring properties.

(B)

Solar greenhouses, sun spaces, solar gain areas and other similar areas whose main function is to provide a source of passive solar heat. The Planning Commission may impose conditions on the use of glass in these applications to limit light trespass, reflectivity, and glare observed from neighboring properties.

c.

Acceptable materials for walls and fences: All materials used for the exterior surface of fences and walls must conform to the Town's color palette and be selected from the list below:

(1)

Wood.

(2)

Rusted metal.

(3)

Painted metal if there is no more than four square feet of coplanar contiguous painted surface.

(4)

Wrought iron.

(5)

Stucco.

(6)

Natural stone resembling rock native to Springdale.

(7)

Split rail.

(8)

Post and field fence, except when used in conjunction with a commercial use.

(9)

Chicken wire or barbed wire when used in conjunction with an approved agricultural use.

(10)

Chain link when used in conjunction with a recreational use that customarily requires chain link fencing such as tennis courts or baseball backstops.

(11)

Glass, Plexiglas, or similar material when used as pool or hot tub enclosures, provided the applicant demonstrates adequate measures have been taken to mitigate light reflectivity and glare from the material.

(12)

Synthetic material designed to resemble materials in the list above and that is compatible with the surrounding structures, natural features, viewscapes, and environment.

d.

Prohibited materials for walls and fences: Vinyl, precast stone or concrete blocks, gabion baskets, and cinder block. Walls may be constructed of any material if the exterior surface of the wall is composed of an acceptable material.

5.

Color: The Town has adopted a palette of acceptable colors under chapter 17.

6.

Roofline: Extreme variations in rooflines among neighboring buildings and structures result in a cluttered appearance. In order to achieve a harmonious and visually cohesive effect, the following rooflines are prohibited: mansard or fake mansard; gambrel; A-frame or modified A-frame; domes; curvilinear and conical. Notwithstanding, a roofline that is prohibited under this section may be approved by the Planning Commission if it finds that the roof is integral and necessary to the construction and/or is compatible with the surrounding structures, natural features viewscape and environment.

7.

Roofing materials: The color, texture and reflectivity of roof surfaces is an important consideration in establishing the visual quality of development in the Town. This is especially true for the many residential hillside vantage points from which the roofscape is visible.

a.

Acceptable materials: The following roofing materials are acceptable: wood shingles, oxidized copper, earth tone ceramic and asphalt tile; other roofing that meets the color and reflectivity standards as established by this section.

b.

Prohibited materials: The following roofing materials are prohibited: Any reflective material, brightly colored materials (bright red, blue, etc.), untreated aluminum or any bright metal, and white, light gray or multicolored pastel asphalt or ceramic tile.

c.

Mechanical equipment: Rooftop mechanical equipment, solar collectors and skylights shall be designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. Roof mounted mechanical equipment (air conditioning units, swamp coolers, heat pumps, etc.) shall be screened from public view and must be enclosed with materials which are visually compatible with the building and roofing materials used in the structure. Skylights and solar panels shall be mounted parallel to the roofline or integrated into dormers. Dish antennas may not be mounted on roofs.

8.

Exterior lighting: Exterior lighting must comply with chapter 15C.

9.

Fences and walls: The design of fences and walls shall be in harmony with the site and neighboring buildings. Fences and walls are structures and are thus subject to the same architectural requirements as buildings, and may be subject to further restrictions as specified by specific provisions for height, screening or other purposes.

10.

Signage: Signage shall be integrated into the design of storefronts and the siting of structures in a manner that complements the building and complies with the provisions of chapter 24 of this title.

Buildings and structures used for commercial uses shall meet the following design standards:

A.

The exterior design and architecture of the structure shall be compatible with the architectural context of Springdale, Zion Canyon and the historic architecture of the National Park Service ("parkitecture").

B.

Exterior design elements and architecture intended to associate the commercial use with commercial establishments located outside of Springdale, Zion Canyon or national parks in the western United States are prohibited. Examples of such exterior design elements and architecture include:

1.

Standardized color schemes.

2.

Building facades, rooflines, entrances, decorative elements and other similar design features intended to visually associate the commercial use with commercial establishments located outside Springdale, Zion Canyon or national parks in the western United States.

A pictorial pamphlet is available at the Town Office as a supplementary document to illustrate the standards set forth herein for the design and review of proposed construction or renovation of buildings, structures and signs which fall under the applicability of this chapter. A copy of this pamphlet is attached to the ordinance codified herein and is on file with the Town Clerk, and is hereby made a part of this title.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

A-frame: A structure with steeply angled sides and a roof that reaches to, or near to, the ground.

Bungalow: A small, usually single-story house style popularized in the west. A basic type features two gables, one over a front porch and another slightly to the side on the body of the house. The porch overhang is often supported by columns on piers. Decorative exposed rafter ends and massive chimneys also were used.

Geodesic dome: A domed or vaulted structure of lightweight straight elements that form interlocking polygons.

Gothic revival: A romantic style, distinguished by vertically pointed arches and steep, complex gable roofs with finials; and medieval decorative motifs, including battlements, pinnacles and delicate window tracery.

Greek classic and greek revival: Typical structures emphasize columns and pilasters supporting a prominent triangular, gabled pediment, a focal point of the facade and an extension of the roof. Highly symmetrical, Greek revival structures exhibit unadorned simplicity and purity, often emphasized by white or neutral painted exteriors.

Half timbered: Having a wooden framework with plaster or masonry filling the spaces.

Housing styles: A range of styles made possible by developments in building technology allowing wider use of steel and precast concrete. Includes modular buildings of steel frame with great expanses of glass; buildings exhibiting a continuity of form and sweeping curves instead of rectangular forms; structures with distinctive weight, texture and mass, created by the use of exposed rough or patterned concrete; and classical symmetrical forms and smooth wall surfaces with arches of precast concrete and decorative metal grilles, often excessively delicate in appearance.

International: International style is noted for the lack of applied ornament and smooth, uniform wall spaces often cantilevered over lower floors. The style's effect of mass and weight is minimized by white or neutral colors, cantilevers and treatment of windows as continuous wall surfaces. The result is almost a work of abstract or cubist art.

Italian renaissance: Characterized by symmetrically formal straight fronted buildings crowned with massive cornices. Wall surfaces were usually smooth with rusticated quoins. Second story windows were often emphasized, and balustraded balconies were sometimes used. Instead of smooth walls, north Italian examples featured rich sculptural ornament in classical orders around regular arched windows.

Mission or Spanish baroque: More ornate than its Pueblo or Santa Fe cousin, this style exhibits arched entryways (sometimes quite large in size) and window openings, rounded pediments or parapets surmounting the building facade, bell towers and stucco.

Parkitecture: A style typical of historic national park service structures, especially those typical to Zion National Park.

Pueblo or Santa Fe: Characteristics include vigas (protruding log beams), stucco or adobe, flat roofs and recessed plazas.

Swiss chalet: Elements include a gently sloping roof and overhanging eaves typical of huts in alpine areas. May exhibit ornate "gingerbread" detailing.

Tepee or tipi: A cone shaped tent, historically of skins or bark, but in modern times usually made of canvas. Symbolic Native American structure, especially typical of the Plains Indians.

Tudor or mock tudor: Characteristic of an architectural style derived from the Tudor period in England, having exposed beams as a typical feature.

Victorian gothic or Queen Anne: The epitome of "Victorian" architecture in its eclectic colors, complex rooflines and solidity of character. Gothic forms were relied on, but were distinguished by the addition of constructional color, heavier detailing, multiple gables and varied roof shapes, including dormers and towers.