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III. NEW CONSTRUCTION • New construction includes any new building or structure built within the boundaries of the historic district, or any new addition to an existing building. New construction should be designed considering the appearance, scale, styles and setbacks of the other buildings in the neighborhood. New work may be contemporary or may suggest motifs from historic buildings in the district. A. HEIGHT AND PROPORTION The majority of the structures in the district are two stories in height and have square or rectangular plans. There are several houses that have L- or T- shaped or rambling ground plans. There are a few single -story cottages and one- and one -and -a -half story bungalows. The most prevalent facade proportions are between a 1:1 and 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 in the same block. Fagade proportion shall be established by permitting no structure with a faVade wider or narrower than those existing in the same block. Additions to the existing buildings shall be related in height and proportion to the existing structure. Recommended Design of new construction should be compatible in character and mood to the building or neighborhood. Prohibited Additions that would add new height or change the existing fagade of a building and change its scale and architectural character shall not be considered. Not Recommended New stories should not be added nor existing stories be removed which would destroy important architectural details, features and spaces of the building. Any style or period of architecture that is incompatible with the existing should not be permitted in the new additions. B. BUILDING MATERIALS Wall materials in the district range from brick, stucco and wood clapboard and shingles, to aluminum, vinyl and fiberboard / composite siding. Required Exterior materials used on a new structure shall be compatible in scale, texture and color (as pertains to masonry) with adjacent structures. Materials used on an addition to an existing structure shall related to the existing or original materials of that structure. Also, as much of the original structure as possible shall be retained so that the addition could be removed without damage to the basic structure and appearance of the building. Recommended Alternative or composite siding may be used when it is the only feasible alternative. This siding should be compatible with the • original size and style and with the materials of other buildings in the district. Prohibited Inappropriate materials such as asbestos, asphalt, cast stone or artificial brick shall not be used. Not Recommended Glass blocks should not be used. Concrete block should not be used for anything other than the foundations. C. SHEDS AND ACCESSORY BUILDINGS Required Sheds and accessory structures (gazebos, decks, doghouses, playhouses, fountains and small reflecting pools, outdoor sculpture, children's play equipment, etc.) shall be located at the rear of the property and as unobtrusively as possible while preserving historical relationships between the buildings, landscape features and open spaces. Proportions and materials shall conform to those required for new construction. Recommended Accessory building designs should be compatible in character and mood to the residence and the neighborhood. Prohibited Prefabricated metal sheds shall not be used. Not Recommended Prefabricated wood composition sheds should not be used unless they conform to all other guidelines and standards. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 1. A more appropriate design for this site would be to reduce the shed size to about 10' x 12' and reduce the height by a half story. However, with the site in relation to adjacent properties, and that it is not permanent, the structure could be considered by the Commission with a conditional approval that all other Building Codes are met. If a variance or special exception is required, the applicant would reapply with an amended design. 2. The Standards and Guidelines are explicit regarding replicating the same design or by a design more in keeping with the historic period of the structure. A flat roof with no railing is recommended but an increase in the depth of deck and roof could be considered. Written by Elicia Feasel • Historic Preservation Administrator