Taos City Zoning Code
§ 16.16.220.8
Standards for noncontributing properties.
A.
Changes in use.
Changes in use (if applicable), and new construction of noncontributing properties shall follow the standards of this section.
B.
Consistent style of new construction.
The appropriate style for new construction should be consistent with the predominant type and style of architecture of the streetscape. See streetscape definition in section 16.16.220.6 of this chapter. At the discretion of the historic preservation commission, new construction may emulate the style of an existing contributing property, provided that the application for a certificate of appropriateness is accompanied by substantial documentation and architectural details demonstrating that the proposed new construction is consistent with the predominant style of architecture in the streetscape. When additions to or modification of an existing building are contemplated, every effort shall be made to maintain the integrity of the existing building’s style while emulating the original style of the building. Under no circumstances shall manufactured or mobile home parks be permitted within the historic overlay zone.
C.
Historic photographic documentation.
Historic photographic documentation shall, when possible, be submitted to verify the historic use of specific materials, style and detailing for a specific preservation or rehabilitation project.
D.
Design standards for architectural style of new construction.
1.
At the discretion of the historic preservation commission, all new construction shall comply with the design standards of one of the following architectural styles. New construction includes additions to a contributing property. A combination of styles may be permitted at the discretion of the historic preservation commission, provided that the design meets the design standards for each style.
a.
The Pueblo/Spanish Revival Style.
(1)
Massing/scale.
Buildings shall express a massive structural quality in appearance as opposed to a “single facade” appearance. Buildings over one story shall be designed to appear more as an aggregation of smaller “building blocks” rather than a single large box or block.
 |
(A)
Buildings shall be designed to be “wall dominated” so that building geometry is more defined by walls, and the roofs are visually less dominant in the overall design.
(B)
Wall thickness shall be revealed at door and window openings. Columns, lintels and other exposed structural elements should be scaled in a matter that corresponds to the mass of the building.
 |
(C)
Building shall be topped by “flat” (moderately sloped) roofs obscured by parapets (firewalls). Dead flat roofs are not recommended. Parapets should obscure the sloping roof surface on the front and side facades as proper drainage may allow. Alternative treatments should be consistent with the building style.
(D)
Building cantilevers or other visually and apparently unsupported structures are not permitted.
(2)
Light and shadow.
Building masses should be arranged so that they cast shadows on each other and emphasize the contrast of light and shaded surface at corners. The suggestion as to the use of shadows shall not be construed as to override adjacent building owners’ solar rights.
(4)
Doors and windows.
(A)
Window shapes, arrangements and types should be reminiscent of those found in contributing properties. True divided light windows are encouraged. Simulated divided light windows are discouraged;
 |
(B)
The combined door and window area in any facade facing a street shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the total area of the facade, except for the use of large display windows under portales of commercial buildings;
(C)
No door or window in a facade facing the street shall be located nearer than three feet (3') from the corner of the facade;
(D)
Window and door openings or areas shall be recessed a minimum of four inches (4"). Doors shall be wooden or a combination of wood and glass;
(E)
Skylights should not be visible from the streetscape as defined in section 16.16.220.6 of this chapter.
 |
(5)
Architectural detailing.
(A)
Detailing should be functional. Portales should provide protection from weather, canales should drain a roof area, and projecting vigas should reflect structural members within. Weaving vigas projecting from the same plane in different directions and in the same building block as shown in figure 4-22.24 of this section are not permitted. All exposed structural elements should express understanding of the traditional structural sense. Applied, nonfunctional structural elements (such as exposed viga ends where no viga beams are used for actual structural members) and other “applied” architectural details are not permitted;
(B)
Window and door moldings and exposed lintels are appropriate. Wood trim should be minimal around window and door openings. A rounding effect or bullnosing should be used creating a transition from wall surface to window surface. Exposed lintels above window and door openings should be made of wood;
(C)
Awnings shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for a certificate of appropriateness pursuant to subsection 16.16.220.12.D of this chapter. Retractable awnings with a documented historical precedent are encouraged. Aluminum, plastic and bubble shaped awnings are prohibited;
(D)
Portales should have exposed beams and columns with transitional devices such as corbels. Corbels may have ornamental design.
(6)
Solar integration.
(A)
The use of solar and other energy collecting and conserving features may be used;
(B)
Solar features, such as trombe walls, sunspaces, greenhouses and clerestories should be hidden, and are best handled if they are integrated into the new structure and should not be visible from the streetscape. Skylights must not be visible;
 |
(C)
Solar hardware such as collectors, especially water heating collectors, shall not appear to have been set on roofs, walls or the ground as an afterthought. They shall be built into and integrated into the overall building design;
(D)
Solar features that do not comply with the above shall be hidden from the streetscape by a screening device or disguise. Screening methods include: sufficiently high parapets, roof mounted apparatus, fences, berms, landscaping or buildings to block from public view, and ground mounted apparatus;
(E)
The use of glass areas for collectors, trombe walls, greenhouses, or direct solar gain is acceptable on a south elevation, provided the percent of glass on the south elevation does not exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of the total wall surface;
 |
(F)
Reflected glare on nearby buildings, streets or pedestrian areas shall be avoided.
(7)
Mechanical equipment.
(A)
Exterior mounted mechanical and electrical equipment, vents, solar hardware and satellite dishes shall be architecturally screened and not publicly visible from the streetscape as defined in section 16.16.220.6 of this chapter;
(B)
Roof mounted satellite dishes, larger than twenty-four inches (24") in diameter, are prohibited. Screening for ground mounted satellite dishes shall be accomplished in a manner as described for solar hardware.
b.
The Pitched Roof Territorial Revival [Style].
(1)
Massing/scale.
(A)
Buildings are to be designed to appear as based on a single block, usually rectangular in shape;
 |
 |
(B)
Partial multi-story additions to an existing single-story building are not permitted;
(C)
A human scale should be achieved near ground level on larger buildings and along street facades and entryways through the use of scale elements such as porches, doors, windows, columns (usually square) and railings;
(D)
Buildings should not appear to have multiple layers of facades. A single wall plane should dominate all elevation;
(E)
Porches are encouraged and shall be designed to appear as “attachments” to the main portion of the building. Porches should provide a transition between the outside street and the building interior.
(2)
Materials and texture.
Buildings shall be coated with mud plaster or a stucco material that has a texture which emulates that of mud plaster to have a smooth massive surface.
(3)
Roofs.
(A)
Roofs shall be pitched, either gable or hip, with a substantial slope, but not to exceed twelve to twelve (12:12) nor less than four to twelve (4:12);
(B)
Porch roofs shall have a slope visibly different from the main portion of the building;
(C)
Roof material shall be composition shingles, roll roofing, plastic corrugated, or metal. Roof glazing, within the plane of the roof may be allowable, provided the total area does not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the roof area on any one elevation. Domed skylights are not permitted;
(D)
Dormers are allowed to provide additional usable space in half-story areas. Dormer exterior walls should have wood shingles, horizontal wood siding or stucco. Dormer roofing material should be consistent with the building roofing material;
(E)
Flat skylights may be permitted.
(4)
Doors and windows.
(A)
Window shapes, arrangements and types shall be reminiscent of those found in contributing properties of the Pitched Roof Territorial Style.
(B)
The combined door and window area of any publicly visible facade shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the total area of the facade, except for the use of large display windows located under the porches of commercial buildings not to exceed eighty percent (80%) of the total area of the facade.
(C)
Windows and doors may be topped by wood pedimented moldings and have wide side and bottom casings.
(D)
Doors shall be wooden or a combination of wood and glass. True divided light is encouraged.
(5)
Architectural detailing.
(A)
Porches should provide protection from the weather and be constructed of square or turned wood posts with simple detailing reminiscent of those found in contributing properties of the Pitched Roof Territorial Style;
(B)
Porch railings shall have balusters of turned or square shape and should terminate at simple top and bottom rails;
(C)
Shingles and horizontal wood siding or stucco may be used in gable ends and for dormers reminiscent of those found in contributing properties of the Pitched Roof Territorial Style.
(D)
Awnings may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. Retractable awnings with a documented historical precedent are encouraged. Aluminum, plastic and bubble shaped awnings are prohibited.
(6)
Solar integration.
(A)
Solar collection features incorporated into the building facade are not appropriate;
(B)
Solar hardware shall be flush with the roof;
(C)
Solar hardware such as collectors, especially water heating collectors, shall not appear to be set on roofs, walls, or the ground as an afterthought; and rather they shall be built into and integrated into the overall building design;
(D)
Solar features that do not comply with the above shall not be visible from the streetscape as defined in section 16.16.220.6 of this chapter. Screening methods include: fences, berms, landscaping or building;
(E)
The use of glass area for collectors, trombe walls, greenhouses, or direct gain is acceptable on a south elevation, provided the percentage of the glass on the south elevation does not exceed sixty-five percent (65%) of the total wall surface;
(F)
Reflected glare on nearby buildings, streets or pedestrian area is not permitted.
(7)
Mechanical equipment.
(A)
Exterior mounted mechanical and electrical equipment, vents, solar hardware and satellite dishes shall be architecturally screened and, in particular, roof mounted equipment shall not be visible from the streetscape as defined in section 16.16.220.6 of this chapter;
(B)
Solar hardware shall be mounted flush with the roof consistent with the roof pitch and profile and be included in overall glazing allowances;
(C)
Roof mounted satellite dishes larger than twenty-four inches (24") in diameter are prohibited. Screening for ground mounted satellite dishes shall be accomplished in a manner as described for solar hardware.
 |
c.
Bungalow/Craftsman Style.
(1)
Massing/scale.
One to one and one-half (1-1/2) story structures with low simple lines and projecting roofs. Porches and eaves have exposed roof rafters. Large covered front porches have massive buttressed columns as an extension of the main roof.
(2)
Light and shadow.
A single main shape and decorative extensions of the roof and large dormers on the roof are appropriate. The building may be side gabled, front gabled, or cross gabled.
(3)
Surface material and texture.
Exteriors may have any combination of weatherboard, stucco, and stone veneer.
(4)
Doors and windows.
Should be four (4) over one or six (6) over one double hung windows.
(5)
Architectural detailing.
Include exposed rafters and decorative brackets under the eaves. Handcarved wood motifs and no shutters are typical.
(6)
Solar integration.
(A)
Solar collection features incorporated into the building facade are not appropriate to this style and should be avoided;
(B)
Solar hardware shall be flush with the roof;
(C)
Solar hardware such as collectors, especially water heating collectors, shall not appear to be set on roofs, walls, or the ground as an afterthought; and rather they shall be built into and integrated into the overall building design;
(D)
Solar features that do not comply with the above shall be hidden from the streetscape as defined in section 16.16.220.6 of this chapter by a screening device or disguise. Screening methods include: fences, berms, landscaping or building;
(E)
The use of glass areas for collectors, trombe walls, greenhouses, or direct gain is acceptable on a south elevation, provided the percentage of the glass on the south elevation does not exceed sixty-five percent (65%) of the total wall surface;
(F)
Reflected glare on nearby buildings, streets or pedestrian areas is not permitted.
(7)
Mechanical equipment.
(A)
Exterior mounted mechanical and electrical equipment, vents, solar hardware and satellite dishes shall be architecturally screened and, in particular, roof mounted equipment shall not be visible from the streetscape as defined in section 16.16.220.6 of this chapter;
(B)
Solar hardware shall be mounted flush with the roof consistent with the roof pitch and profile and be included in overall glazing allowances;
(C)
Roof mounted satellite dishes larger than twenty-four inches (24") in diameter are prohibited. Screening for ground mounted satellite dishes shall be accomplished in a manner as described for solar hardware.
2.
Design standards applicable to all styles.
a.
Fluorescent and pastel colors are not permitted. All colors shall be approved at the discretion of the historic preservation commission, provided that the application is accompanied by a color sample of all proposed colors.
b.
All surface materials and textures shall be approved at the discretion of the historic preservation commission, provided that the application is accompanied by a sample of all proposed surface materials and textures.
c.
Any color of finish should minimize any glare. Aluminum, copper, and steel may be treated to minimize glare.
d.
Attic vents must be placed on the inside of a parapet. If the building does not include parapets, attic vents must be painted to match the color of the building.
e.
Aluminum casing is permitted on doors and windows provided that the casing is painted or acid etched.
f.
Chainlink fencing is prohibited; wire fencing may be permitted.
g.
The total area of windows as a percentage of the total facade may exceed the maximum amount permitted only on the north elevation.
h.
Wood shutters are permitted.
i.
Carvings and corbels and lintels are encouraged; carvings may be painted.
j.
Metal caps on exposed vigas are permitted.
k.
Signage may be painted on the wall of a building, provided that the sign does not exceed more than two (2) words and must only advertise the product or service made available (e.g., “pharmacy” or “art gallery”). Such sign shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet.
l.
Only wooden garage doors are permitted.
m.
Pyramid skylights may be permitted.
n.
Enclosing an existing portal is permitted provided that a new portal is added.
o.
Street walls must change at least six inches (6") in height every thirty feet (30') and must be proportional to the mass and scale of the building.
p.
Drainage collectors with downspouts may be the same color as the building.
(Ordinance 99-05 adopted 1999; Ordinance 02-11 adopted 2002; Ordinance 10-07 adopted 2010; Ordinance 11-04 adopted 2011; Ordinance 15-07 adopted 2015)