The Town of Swansboro Planning Board and Board of Commissioners deem it necessary and desirable in the interest of encouraging high quality nonresidential and mixed-usedevelopment by avoiding poor building design and by creating a rich, harmonious blend of quality buildings. These regulations are intended to influence architectural design, construction and reconstruction of buildings in a manner that achieves a visually desirable environment to allow for creativity and diversity and avoid monotony in design. Unless otherwise specifically provided, or unless clearly required by the context, the words and phrases used in this article shall have the meanings defined in § 152.016, Basic Definitions and Interpretations.

(Ord. 2005-O3, passed 3-15-2005) (Am. Ord. 2013-O13, passed 5-21-2013)

   (A)   (1)   The standards and guidelines contained in this subchapter shall apply to all new nonresidential and mixed-usedevelopment and to expansions or alterations of any such existing building where the expansion or alteration exceeds 50% of the building value as assessed for real property taxes within the current tax year.

      (2)   Accessory structures constructed on the same lot and incidental to the principal structure which are less than or equal to 50% of the building value as assessed for real property taxes shall be exempt from this requirement.

   (B)   All development subject to this article shall utilize a design that enhances existing Town architectural styles, designs, and forms and creates visual character. Enhancement shall be achieved through techniques such as varied roof lines, the use of similar proportions in building mass and outdoor spaces, similar relationships to the street , relief of the visual effect of long extensive walls, and the use of building materials that have natural color, including primary colors, shades, and textures that adds architectural interest to the façade .

(Ord. 2005-O3, passed 3-15-2005) (Am. Ord. 2014-O18, passed 10-21-2014)

   Design standards promote creativity and innovation while discouraging obtrusive, incongruous structures. The town discourages architectural styles that do not enhance or add visual character to the Town. The town supports the view that inspiring, well maintained, and harmonious development is in the best economic development interests of all residents and businesses.

   (E)   Massing. A single, large, dominant building mass shall be avoided. Where large structures are required, mass should be broken up through the use of setbacks , projecting and recessed elements, and similar design techniques. Changes in mass shall be related to entrances, the integral structure, and/or the organization of interior spaces and activities and not merely for cosmetic effect.

(Ord. 2005-O3, passed 3-15-2005)

   Monotony of design in single or multiple building projects shall be avoided by varying detail, form, and siting to the maximum extent practicable, within the standards set forth in this article, to provide visual interest.

(Ord. 2005-O3, passed 3-15-2005)

   The purpose of this section is to enhance the design character of existing development, to add visual character to the community , and to promote harmony in the visual relationships and transitions between new and older buildings or an upgrade from the surrounding area by complementing other buildings of good design. New buildings should respect the scale, and proportion of existing development.

(Ord. 2005-O3, passed 3-15-2005)

   Architectural character focuses on the specific details that greatly affect the overall appearance of a particular development. These architectural character standards in this section provide direction in aspects of color, facade materials, rooflines, and the enhancement of entryways. The primary goal is to define the ‘finishing touches’ that provide the development with a sense of permanence, style, and compatibility. The Town discourages proposals that have not taken these matters into account. The Town policy is that all development is compatible of surrounding areas and that it ensures privacy, safety, and visual coherency.

      (1)   Each building shall have a primary façade that faces a public street , private street , or which has the main public entrance.

      (2)   The primary façade may have a clearly identifiable base, body, and cap with defining elements, or may have other architectural features that express quality design characteristics by providing other coherent and complete styles of architecture (See 152.560.1).

      (3)   Any building façade that is not the primary façade , and that has frontage along a private drive , parking area , or street , shall be considered a secondary façade .

       (4)   Secondary facades shall also have a clearly-identifiable design quality, using materials and architectural elements similar to the primary façade .

      (5)   Any façade that does not face a street , private drive , or parking area , but is adjacent to a primary or secondary façade , shall continue around the corner any required architectural elements of the adjoining façade for a distance equaling at least 20% of the length of the façade .

      (1)   Architectural elements can be used to define bays, add interest and variety; relieve the visual effect of long extensive walls; and split tall structures into human scale.

      (4)   Rooflines, windows, doors, stairwells, porches, pilasters and breaks in the facades may be used to establish bays.

      (6)   Bays may project or recess four inches or greater.

      (7)   Landscaping may be used to give the sense of break in long facades . Berms with shrubs and trees of sufficient size to break up façade planted next to the building may be used. Landscaping should be shown on architectural rendering or elevation and meet the requirements of §§ 152.500 through 152.512, Regulations for Landscaping.

      

      (8)   Canopies and awnings may be used and are encouraged.

      (9)   Another way to break façade is through a change of materials or textures.

(See Figure 152.560.4)

         (a)   Canopies or Porticos;

         (b)   Arcades;

         (c)   Overhangs;

         (d)   Recesses/projections;

         (e)   Raised corniced parapets over the doors;

         (f)   Peaked roof forms;

         (g)   Arches

         (h)   Wing walls;

         (I)   Outdoor patio

         (j)   Display windows;

         (k)   Planters; and

         (l)   Architectural details such as tile work and moldings which are designed into the building structure and overall design.

      (3)   Variations in color schemes are encouraged in order to articulate entryways and public amenities so as to give greater recognition to these features.

         

         (a)   Each building shall be constructed with approved primary surface materials.

         (b)   Approved primary surface materials shall include:

            1.   Brick or glazed brick;

            2.   Wood;

            3.   Fiber Cement (Hardiplank);

            4.   Stucco or synthetic stucco;

            5.   Tinted and textured concrete masonry;

            6.   Concrete (Pre-Cast or Cast-in-place);

            7.   Glass;

            8.   Split face block; and

            9.   Concrete block may be permitted on interior sides and rears provided it matches the color of the corresponding surface materials.

         (c)   If renovating the structure, brick, stone, or wood facades shall not be covered or replaced with artificial siding or panels. Synthetic materials that resemble or match the original façade can be used.

         (d)   Secondary materials may be used to add architectural interest. They may consist of one or more primary materials. Metal is allowed as a secondary material in the MI zoning district only.

         (e)   Façade with main entrance may be glass (including windows and doors) or combinations of glass and materials listed in item division (C)(4)(b) of this section.

         (f)   Variations of materials and textures are encouraged with each storefront in multi-tenant buildings.

         (g)   It is recommended that primary surface materials shall be natural colors including primary colors, or have “earth” tones (i.e. gray, white, beige, brown, or brick) (See Figure 152.560.7).

         (h)   For secondary materials, additional colors may be used.

         (a)   Each primary façade may have a clearly identifiable base, or the wall materials may extend to the floor slab or into the ground if the material is appropriate for ground contact (such as masonry or stone). Wood, glass, stucco, etc. will terminate above grade .

      

         (c)   Soldier course may be used to define the base.

         

Figure 152.560.10                        Figure 152.560.11

         (d)   A change of materials may be used to define the base.

         (e)   A “water table ” may be used to provide a clear distinction between the base of the building and the middle (See Figures 152.560.12 through 152.560.14).

Examples of “water tables ” (Figures 152.560.12 through 152.560.14)

            

         (a)   Each required façade shall have a defined body.

         (b)   The body should be the area between the base and the cap.

         (c)   The body of the building should be broken up in order to avoid long monotonous walls as described in division (B) of this section, Wall Planes, unless the wall is a design element.

         (d)   Structures in complexes, without streetfrontage shall have their main entrance on a primary façade .

         (a)   Roof lines shall be varied to reduce the scale of structures and add visual interest (See Figures 152.560.15 through 152.560.26)

         (b)   Roof shape (for example: flat, hip, mansard, or gable) and material shall be architecturally compatible with façade elements and the rest of the building. Can include cornices, fascias, dormers and overhangs (See Figures 152.560.15 through 152.560.18).

         (d)   Flat roofs must be enclosed by a parapet that screens mechanical equipment from view by pedestrians at street level.

         (e)   The height of the parapet shall not exceed 1/3 of the height of the supporting wall and should not exceed a maximum height of six feet. Such parapet shall not be of a constant height for a distance of greater than 150 feet.

         (f)   Green roofs and solar panels are encouraged. Solar panels shall be at the same slope of the roof. Otherwise they should be located at the rear of the building or on the ground (See Figures 152.560.22 through 152.560.23).

      Figure 152.560.15                  Figure 152.560.16

            

            

      Figure 152.560.17                   Figure 152.560.18

     Figure 152.560.22                     Figure 152.560.23

   Figure 152.560.24                     Figure 152.560.25

(Ord. 2005-O3, passed 3-15-2005; Am. Ord. 2022-O11, passed 8-8-2022)

   The operational compatibility standards in this article shall apply to all uses and shall be in addition to all other requirements of the UDO.

      (1)   Hours of operation and deliveries;

      (2)   Location on a site of activities that generate potential adverse impacts on adjacent uses, such as noise and glare ;

      (3)   Placement of trash receptacles;

      (4)   Location of loading and delivery areas;

      (5)   Location, intensity, and hours of illumination;

      (6)   Placement and illumination of outdoor vending machines, telephones, ATMs, and similar outdoor services, structures, and activities;

      (7)   Additional landscaping and buffering;

      (8)   Height restrictions to preserve light and privacy and views of significant features from public property and rights-of-way ;

      (9)   Preservation of natural lighting and solar access;

      (10)   Ventilation and control of odors and fumes; and

      (11)   Dust-control paving.

(Ord. 2005-O3, passed 3-15-2005) (Adopted 5-21-2013)