Warren City Zoning Code
§ 16-21.3
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.
Applicability. These guidelines and standards shall apply to all applications for development.
b.
General Design Standards.
1.
All buildings should be designed with an eye toward architectural detailing that can be unique, and complement the appearance of adjacent structures.
2.
Buildings shall have varied facades. Use of texture and window variations shall be encouraged.
3.
Entryways shall give orientation and add aesthetically pleasing character to the front facade.
4.
Entrances shall include such features as canopies or porticos, overhangs, recesses/projections, raised corniced parapets over the door, peaked roof forms and arches.
c.
Continuity of Treatment. The architectural treatment of a facade or roof shall be completely continued around all visibly exposed sides of a building. 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.
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.
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. If systems are ground-mounted, landscaping and fencing shall be required for visual screen. Louver vents for HVAC systems are permitted on the exterior walls of buildings.
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 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 buildings may have a basement and basements may contain garages/parking.
l.
All units shall, at a minimum, be equipped with ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances and utilities or equivalent.