(a)

Purpose. The appearance review process is intended to:

(1)

Preserve the stability and taxable value of land and improvements in the Village;

(2)

Encourage harmony and quality workmanship in the design of buildings, awnings, signs, fences, parking lots, and other structures;

(3)

Encourage design which respects the attributes of the site, its buildings and structures, and surrounding sites, building and structures;

(4)

Maintain and enhance the character of the Village;

(5)

Encourage the maintenance of property and improvements; and

(6)

Protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

(b)

Applicability.

(1)

An appearance review certificate is required prior to the issuance of any permit or certificate of occupancy for a structure, fence, parking lot or sign or general landscaping, which involves any of the following:

(A)

New construction.

(B)

Exterior remodeling.

(C)

The construction or renovation of off street parking areas.

(D)

The installation of or modifications to lighting and landscaping.

(E)

The erection or alteration of any sign requiring a permit.

(F)

The erection or alteration of any fence.

(G)

The construction or remodeling of wireless telecommunications equipment.

(2)

An appearance review certificate is not required for the following:

(A)

Single-family dwellings.

(B)

Existing two-unit dwellings.

(C)

Individual townhouse units proposing to install or replace fences, patios, walkways or skylights.

(D)

Places of worship.

(E)

Properties owned by Units of Local Government.

(F)

Utilities.

(c)

Procedure.

(1)

Action by the Zoning Administrator. All applications are filed with the Zoning Administrator in accordance with the requirements of Section 30-4.2 (Application). Once it is determined that the application is complete, the Zoning Administrator will schedule the application for consideration by the Appearance Review Commission.

(2)

Action by the Appearance Review Commission. The Appearance Review Commission must hold a public meeting on the application within a reasonable time of receipt of a complete application. Notice for the public meeting must be in accordance with Section 30-4.3 (Notice). The Appearance Review Commission will evaluate the application pursuant to each of the applicable standards in Paragraph (d) below.

(d)

Approval Standards. No appearance review certificate will be granted unless the Appearance Review Commissions makes specific written findings based on the standards imposed by this section. These standards are:

(1)

All sides of a structure receive design consideration.

(2)

If the side or rear of the structure faces a street, a residential use, or a property located in a residential zoning district, the exterior materials used on the side or rear are comparable in character and quality to the exterior materials used on the facade of the structure.

(3)

Materials used in the construction and design of the structure are of durable quality.

(4)

Mechanical equipment is located or screened so as not to be visible from surrounding streets and properties.

(5)

The scale and placement of the structure on the site is appropriate to the proportion of the site covered by the structure and the location of the structure in relation to its lot lines.

(6)

Building design and placement must take into consideration natural grade conditions, existing vegetation, and other natural features.

(7)

Excessive similarity or dissimilarity in design in relation to surrounding or adjoining structures is discouraged, including but not limited to building height, exterior materials, building mass, roof line, and architectural features.

(8)

Design takes into consideration the relationship to the street and the pedestrian environment.

(9)

Parking, storage, and refuse areas are located and screened so as not to negatively affect neighboring properties.

(10)

Landscape is designed to maintain existing mature trees and shrubs to the maximum extent possible.

(11)

Landscape provides an aesthetically pleasing design and, where applicable, provides for the screening of parking, storage, refuse, and utility areas from the street and adjacent residential properties.

(12)

Selected plant materials shall be suitable to Wilmette's climate and to their location on the site. The use of invasive species is prohibited. Invasive species shall be those included in the "Chicago Botanic Garden" list of "Invasive Plants in the Chicago Region."

(13)

Parking areas are designed to achieve efficient traffic flow and minimize dangerous traffic movements.

(14)

Signs are of the appropriate design, color and placement to the structure, site and adjoining properties, in terms of materials, height, setback from the street, and proportion.

(15)

Accessory structures, exterior lighting and fences, complement the overall structure and site design, in terms of materials, size, and architectural character.

(16)

For new two-unit dwellings, review is limited to whether or not the proposed structure maintains the external appearance of a single-family dwelling.

(e)

Appeals. An applicant may appeal the Appearance Review Commission's decision to the Village Board within thirty (30) days of the Commission's decision. Appeals shall be considered by the Village Board at a regular meeting. A decision of the Appearance Review Commission may be upheld or overturned by a simple majority vote of those members of the Village Board present and voting.

(f)

Continuing Maintenance.

(1)

At no time shall modifications be made to a design for which an Appearance Review Certificate has been approved without the approval of the Appearance Review Commission.

(2)

The owner and any lessee of the property that has received an Appearance Review Certificate are jointly and severally responsible for the maintenance of all buildings, signs, fences, parking lots, structures and fixtures, and landscape areas in accordance with the terms of the certificate.

(Code 1993, § 20-5.7)