a.

The compatible relationship of architecture along U.S. 17 is of public concern. The intent of the architectural review is not to stifle innovative architectural design but to assure respect for, and reduce incompatible and adverse impacts on, the visual experience from the roadway. To accomplish this, the Planning Commission shall use the following guidelines in reviewing proposed structures, site improvements, signs, and streetscape improvements:

1.

Proposed development shall avoid excessive or unsightly grading, indiscriminate earth moving or clearing of property, and removal of trees and vegetation that could cause disruption of natural water courses or disfigure natural landforms.

2.

Proposed development shall be located and configured in a visually harmonious manner with the terrain and vegetation of the parcel and surrounding parcels. Structures shall impede, as little as reasonably practical, scenic views from the main road or from existing structures and the natural environment. Structures shall not dominate, by excessive or inappropriate height or mass, any general development, adjacent building, or natural landscape in an incompatible manner.

3.

The architectural design of structures and their materials and colors shall be visually harmonious with the overall appearance, history, and cultural heritage of the Town, with natural land forms and existing vegetation and with other development plans approved by the Town. Specific consideration shall be given to compatibility with adjacent properties where such projects demonstrate the Town's character.

(a)

Large work area doors or open bays shall not open toward or face the highway.

(b)

Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment, duct work, air compressors, other fixed operating machinery shall be either screened from view or located so that such items are not visible from the highway. Large trash receptacles, dumpsters, utility meters, above-ground tanks, satellite dishes, antennas, etc., shall be similarly treated, as practicably as possible.

(c)

All development, including those in which the principal facade is oriented to the interior of the lot, shall be designed so that all facades visible from the roadway or from adjacent sites shall be completed in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

(d)

No temporary structures are permitted except those used in conjunction with and during construction projects.

(e)

Fencing along the highway right-of-way is discouraged, but, if used, such fencing shall be of quality materials (brick, stone, wood) and shall be landscaped to minimize visibility from the highway.

(f)

Long monotonous facade designs including, but not limited to, those characterized by unrelieved repetition of shape or form or by unbroken extension of line shall be avoided.

(g)

Materials with similar texture and appearance as appropriate to the Town's character.

(h)

Generally, no more than three colors per building should be used. Semi-transparent stains are recommended for application on natural wood finishes.

(i)

The location and dimensions of wall signs shall be indicated and shall maintain compatibility with architectural features of the building.

(j)

Architectural lighting shall be recessed under roof overhangs or generated from concealed source, low level light fixtures.

(k)

Building massing should reflect proportion and scale appropriate to the existing Town design.

4.

The landscape plans for the proposed development shall provide visually harmonious and compatible setting for structures on the same lot and on adjoining or nearby lots and shall blend with the surrounding landscape. Natural appearing landscape forms are strongly encouraged; formal plans and the appearance of straight hedges are discouraged. Landscaping shall be required between buildings and sidewalks, parking lots and driveways. The scale of the proposed landscaping shall be in proportion to the building.

5.

Site lighting shall be of low-intensity from a concealed source, shall be of a clear white light that does not distort colors, and shall not spill over into adjoining properties, buffers, roadways, or in any way interfere with the vision of on-coming motorists.

6.

To the extent that they relate to aesthetic considerations, the design and construction techniques of the proposed development shall respond to energy consumption and environmental quality considerations such as heat loss, heat gain, air emission, and runoff water quality.

7.

Streetscape Improvements and External Changes.

(a)

Streetscape improvements include those architectural or functional facilities or structures that occur on site but are not part of the building and that encourage and facilitate human interaction with the environment. Examples include, but are not limited to the following: decorative light fixtures, fountains, sculpture, benches and tables, planters, retaining walls, pedestrian and bicycle paths, bicycle parking structure, trash receptacles and enclosures, vendor areas, bollards, and fences. These improvements shall be designed to be consistent with all guidelines listed above, and shall be reviewed for aesthetic functionality and compatibility with the Town's character.

(b)

Decorative, low-level intensity, non-concealed source lighting that defines vehicular and/or pedestrian ways may be acceptable if part of a lighting master plan. It is strongly discouraged as general lighting for a development. The master plan must show the relationship of the fixtures and the light patterns to each other, to the project site, to unit development, and to the U.S. 17 corridor.

(c)

External changes to streetscape improvements and existing structures and sites subject to review by the Planning Commission shall be consistent with all guidelines and standards in this section. External changes of a minor nature include external color and structural material changes, parking lot additions and alterations, relocation of accessory structures, and similar minor changes as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Some minor external changes may also require development plan approval (see Article IV).

8.

Signs, permanent.

(a)

Applicants for new or replacement signs in the Highway Corridor Overlay District shall apply to the Planning Commission for review at the time of full development review or as a separate application.

(b)

The Planning Commission is hereby authorized to approve or disapprove the appearance of features of such proposed signs and the Zoning Administrator's approval shall be given only after the Commission's approval is granted.

(c)

All signs shall meet all requirements of Article XVI.

(d)

The amount of information on signs shall be no more than is necessary to provide reasonable identification of the name of the business to the passerby. While corporate logos that are part of a business name or business identification are authorized within Article XVI, color, size, and subject matter are reviewed under subsection (a).

(e)

An integrated sign system design shall be required for all new Planned Developments (PDs), commercial and residential subdivisions, office complexes, and shopping centers within the Highway Corridor District. The establishment of integrated sign systems for existing developments is strongly encouraged. These systems shall be reviewed for materials, colors, shapes, sizes, compatibility with architecture, and establishment of unity of design for the development. Individual signs shall be reviewed for conformance with such sign systems, whether newly established or existing.

(f)

Materials, colors, and shapes of proposed signs shall be compatible with the related building(s). Size and proportions shall not be a dominant feature of the site and shall be judged by sizes and proportions of signs on adjacent and nearby properties that are compatible with the Town's character.

(g)

Spot-lighting of signs shall be restricted to not more than one 150-watt light per side for sign faces up to 40 square feet and not more than two 15-watt lights per sign faces over 40 square feet. The sign base and/or proposed landscaping shall be designed to shield the light from on-coming motorists and to conceal the light fixture.

9.

Signs, temporary.

(a)

Temporary signs within the Highway Corridor Overlay District shall comply with the design guidelines set forth in this section for colors and materials and with Article XVI and shall be reviewed for such compliance by the Zoning Administrator.

(b)

In the case of multiple principals (for example, owner, developer, architect, engineer, contractor, or real estate or leasing agent), all information shall be contained on a single sign not to exceed the maximum size and height allowed in Article XVI.

(c)

Temporary signs within the corridor shall not be lighted.

b.

Following project completion, all design features required by the Town or shown on approved plans shall be maintained in good condition by all subsequent owners of the property. Changes proposed shall require approval by the Planning Commission.