Warren City Zoning Code
§ 16-20.3
Design Standards.
The general design theme shall be generally variations of a traditional theme. Buildings, signage and all other improvements shall be designed to follow a project design theme to the extent possible. The following design standards shall apply and shall be utilized to carry out the design theme of the project.
a.
General Design Standards.
1.
All buildings should be designed with an eye toward architectural detailing that complements the appearance of adjacent structures within the AH-1 Affordable Housing District.
2.
Buildings shall have variegated facades. Use of texture variations shall be encouraged.
3.
Pitched roofs are required.
4.
Entrances shall include such features as canopies or porticos, overhangs, recesses and side entries.
b.
Continuity of Treatment. All sides of building shall be architecturally designed so as to be consistent with regard to style, materials, colors and details. In the instance of multistory buildings, the architectural treatment and building materials of the first floor shall be compatible with upper stories.
c.
Exemptions. Whereas steep slopes are defined as and include all areas of land of 15% grade or greater, this major subdivision development shall be exempt from the restrictions on slopes greater than 15% as per Chapter XV, Subsection 15-7.2.
d.
Roof. The type, shape, pitch, texture and color of a roof shall be considered as an integral part of the design of a building and shall be architecturally compatible with the style, materials, color and design of such building. Pitched roofs shall be required. Roofs and rooflines shall conform to the following standards:
1.
No flat roof shall be permitted in any building.
2.
Architectural embellishments that add visual interest to roofs, such as dormers, belvederes, masonry chimneys and such similar elements shall be permitted, provided that same are architecturally compatible with the style, materials, colors and details of the building.
e.
Windows. Windows shall be architecturally compatible with the style, materials, colors and details of a building. Windows shall be vertically proportioned.
f.
Doors and Entrances. All entrances to a building shall be defined and articulated by utilizing such elements as lintels, pediments, pilasters, porticoes, porches, overhangs, railings, balustrades and other such elements, where appropriate. Any such element utilized shall be architecturally compatible with the style, materials, colors and details of such building.
g.
Physical Plant. All air-conditioning units, HVAC systems, exhaust pipes or stacks and elevator housing shall be shielded from view. Such shielding shall be accomplished by utilizing the walls or roof of the building and be designed to be architecturally compatible with the style, materials, colors and details of such building.
h.
Materials, Colors and Details. All materials, colors and details used on the exterior of a building shall be architecturally compatible with the style of such building, as well as with each other.
i.
Shutters. The use of shutters on building front facades shall be encouraged.
j.
Lighting. Light fixtures attached to the exterior of a building shall be designed to be architecturally compatible with the style, materials, colors and details of such building and other lighting fixtures used on the site. Consideration shall also be given to the type of light source utilized and the light quality such produces. The type of light source used on buildings, signs, parking areas, pedestrian walkways and other areas shall be the same or compatible. The use of low-pressure sodium or mercury vapor lighting either attached to buildings or to light the exterior of buildings shall be prohibited.
k.
All units shall be encouraged to be equipped with ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances and utilities, and further, the developer is encouraged to advance and/or achieve LEED standards and/or certification.