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Major landscaping items, fencing, walkways, private yard lights, signs (house numbers) and benches which reflect the property's history and development shall be retained. Dominant land contours shall be retained. Structures such as gazebos, patio decks, fixed barbecue pits, swimming pools, tennis courts, greenhouses, new walls, fountains, fixed garden furniture, trellises and other similar structures shall be compatible to the historic character of the site and the neighborhood and inconspicuous when viewed from a public walkway. Recommended New site work should be based upon actual knowledge of the past appearance of the property found in photographs, drawings and newspapers. New site work should be appropriate to existing surrounding site elements in scale, type and appearance. Plant materials and trees in close proximity to the building that are causing deterioration to the building's historic fabric should be removed. However, trees and plant materials that must be removed should be immediately replaced by suitable flora. All high - intensity security lights should be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. Prohibited No changes may be made to the appearance of the site by removing major landscaping items, trees, fencing, walkways, outbuildings or other elements before evaluating their importance to the property's history and development. Front yard areas shall not be transformed into parking lots nor paved nor blacktopped. Front yard areas shall not be fenced and fences shall not extend forward beyond the setback line of the house. The installation of unsightly devices such as television reception dishes and solar collectors shall not be permitted in areas where they can be viewed from the public thoroughfare. Not Recommended Telephone or utility poles with high - intensity overhead lights should be installed so that they cannot be seen from the thoroughfare. III. NEW CONSTRUCTION New construction includes any new building or structure constructed within the boundaries of the historic district, or any new addition to an existing building. New construction should be designed considering the appearance of the other buildings in the neighborhood. A. HEIGHT AND PROPORTION The majority of structures in the district are two stories high and are square, rectangular, or irregular in plan. There are a few story- and -a -half residences. The prevalent facade proportions are between a 1:1 and a 1:2 height -to -width ratio. Required The height of a new structure and its height -to -width proportions shall be consistent with adjacent buildings in the district. The building height shall be no greater than that of the tallest existing structure and no less than that of the lowest existing structure of the same type in the same block. Fagade proportions shall be established by permitting no structure with a facade wider or narrower than those existing in the same block. Additions to existing buildings shall be related in height and proportion to the existing structure. Recommended Contemporary designs should be compatible in character and mood to the building or neighborhood. Prohibited Additions may not be constructed that would change the existing facade of a building, alter its scale or architectural character, or add new height. Not Recommended New stories should not be added, nor should existing stories be removed, which would destroy important architectural details, features or spaces of the building. Any style or period of architecture that is incompatible with what exists should not be permitted in the new additions. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval. Elicia Feasel Executive Director