Fulton Design guidelines ordinance (§ 62-34)

The following design guidelines shall apply to any alteration, demolition or new construction to properties designated by the city council, following the process outlined in this article, as "A Fulton Preservation Property", so that properties will be compatible with their original style and character as well as to the surrounding historical structures:

(1) Height. The height of any proposed alteration or construction should be compatible.

(2) Proportions of windows and doors. The proportions and relationships between doors and windows should be compatible.

(3) Relationship of building masses and spaces. The relationship of a structure within a historic district to the open space between it and adjoining structures should be compatible.

(4) Roof shape. The design of the roof should be compatible.

(5) Scale. The scale of the structure after alteration, construction or partial demolition should be compatible.

(6) Directional expression. Facades in city historic districts should blend with other structures with regard to directional expression and orientation to the streetscape. Structures in a city historic district should not be significantly higher or wider than surrounding structures. The directional expression of a structure after alteration, construction or partial demolition should be compatible with its original architectural style and character.

(7) Architectural details.

a. Architectural details and materials should be treated so as to make an historic property compatible with its original design or its predominant architectural style.

b. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property should be avoided.

c.

Changes that create a false sense of historic architecture should not be undertaken. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right may be retained and preserved or the property may be restored to its original period.

d. Deteriorated historic features should be repaired rather than replaced. When replacement is required, the new feature shall match the old design and, where economically feasible, materials.

e. Chemical or physical treatments for surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting is not recommended.

(8) Archaeological resources. Significant archaeological resources affected by a project should be protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures should be undertaken.

(9) Signage. The character of signs should be in compliance with city ordinances and in keeping with the historic or architectural character of the individual property and the surrounding district. The historic preservation commission shall recommend approval or denial to the planning and protective administration official, prior to any installation.

(10) Minimum maintenance. The minimum maintenance standards shall be those outlined in the BOCA National Property Maintenance Code as adopted and updated by the city council.

(11) Ordinary maintenance. Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior element of any building or structure. Ordinary maintenance shall be defined as work, for which a building permit is not required by this Code, where the purpose and effect of such work is to correct any deterioration or decay of or damage to a structure and to restore the same to its condition prior to the occurrence of such deterioration, decay, or damage.

(12) Exclusion. This article shall not be construed to prevent the construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition of any such elements which the authorized municipal officers shall certify as required by health, safety or community welfare.