The purpose of the Architectural Review District is to maintain and enhance the distinctive character of the Uptown District by safeguarding the architectural integrity of the various period structures within it, and to prevent intrusions and alterations within the district that would be incompatible with this established character.

(Ord. 92-81. Passed 1-19-93.)

   The boundaries of the Architectural Review District are coterminous with the boundaries of the Uptown District.

(Ord. 92-81. Passed 1-19-93.)

   In considering the appropriateness of any proposed change to the exterior surface of structures or to the other environmental features of the district, including landscaping, vegetation and exterior signage, the Uptown Review Board shall consider the following:

   (a)   The distinguishing original qualities or character of a period building, structure or site and their environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible.

   (b)   All buildings, structures and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance inconsistent or inappropriate to the original integrity of the building shall be discouraged.

   (c)   Whereas changes which may have taken place in the course of the time are evidence of the history and development of a building, structure or site and its environment, if these changes are deemed to have acquired significance, then this significance (if any) shall be recognized and respected.

   (d)   Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure or site shall be treated with sensitivity.

   (e)   Significant architectural features which have deteriorated shall be repaired rather than replaced, wherever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, and if possible, substantiated by historic, physical or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other buildings or structures.

   (f)   The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with methods designed to minimize damage to historic building materials. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials should be avoided.

   (g)   Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archeological resources affected by, or adjacent to any project.

   (h)   Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical, architectural or cultural material, and such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood or environment.

   (i)   Wherever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the original structure would be unimpaired.

(Ord. 92-81. Passed 1-19-93.)

   (a)   Existing Structures and Premises. Reconstruction or rehabilitation within the Architectural Review District shall conform to the distinguishing, original exterior qualities or character of the structure, its site, and its environment.

   (b)   New Construction. The design of new structures and of additions to existing structures, including new site improvements, shall take into account the architectural style, general design, arrangement, texture, material and color of other structures and premises within the Architectural Review District.

   (c)   Materials.

      (1)   The use of natural traditional exterior materials such as brick, stone, masonry and wood is encouraged on all new structures and all reconstruction or remodeling of existing structures within the Architectural Review District.

      (2)   The use of contemporary materials, such as metals, fiberglass and plastics for exterior surfaces is permissible provided these materials duplicate the design, texture and other visual qualities of the building's original materials. Each application proposing the use of contemporary materials shall provide detailed plans to the Board, to allow the Board to understand the proposed method of installation and the impact on specific architectural elements of the building.

   (d)   Color. Traditional colors and combinations of those colors that reflect the character of the Uptown District, and approved by the Uptown Review Board, shall be used for building exteriors for all new construction to be built, and reconstruction, remodeling and exterior maintenance of existing structures within the Architectural Review District.

   (e)   Signs. All signs within the Architectural Review District shall conform to color and material standards of this section, be of such a style or design that reflects the character of the Uptown District and shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 1181. Sign size and shape shall also respond to the existing proportions of period structures, and signs shall not be permitted to cover, blank out or close existing window and doorway openings or otherwise hide important architectural features.

   (f)   Guidelines. Guidelines, policies and general information pertaining to the use of materials, colors, signage, landscaping, renovation techniques and other design considerations which would be helpful to the public in preparing plans for review shall be kept and made available to the public by the secretary of the Board.

(Ord. 92-81. Passed 1-19-93.)

   (a)   A certificate of appropriateness is required from the Uptown Review Board prior to any new construction, remodeling, reconstruction or demolition. A certificate of appropriateness is required from the Zoning Officer prior to the onset of maintenance or repair such as set forth in subsection (c) hereof.

   (b)   A certificate of appropriateness is required from the Uptown Review Board prior to the erection of any sign, which requires a permit pursuant to Chapter 1181. The Uptown Review Board may grant a variance to the requirements of Chapter 1181.

   (c)   Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any property within the Uptown District, provided such work involves no change in material, design, texture, color or outer appearance; nor shall anything in this chapter be construed to prevent any change, including the construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition of any feature which in the view of the Building Official and the Zoning Officer is required for the public safety because of an unsafe, insecure or dangerous condition.

   (d)   Applications for a certificate of appropriateness shall be filed with the Zoning Officer at least 15 days before a meeting of the Uptown Review Board. The applicant shall submit with their application, drawings, material and color samples, sketches and other information that indicate or identify the proposed exterior.

   (e)   The Uptown Review Board shall review and approve, approve with modification, or disapprove such applications. Upon approval, or approval with modifications the Zoning Officer shall issue a certificate of appropriateness to the applicant within thirty days.

   (f)   Upon disapproval of an application, or upon the issuance of a certificate attaching material modifications, the applicant may within ten days appeal to Council pursuant to Section 1107.06.

(Ord. 01-81. Passed 1-15-02; Ord. 2024-11. Passed 7-2-24.)