§ 6-2010. Architectural guidelines for all nonresidential uses.

The compatible relationship of architecture along highways within the Newport development service overlay district is of critical public concern for any structure or site improvement. The purpose and intent of these architectural guidelines are not to stifle innovative architecture or development, but to assure respect for and to reduce incompatible and adverse impacts on the visual experience from the highway.

A.

Architectural guidelines.

1.

Building facade and exterior walls:

a.

Facades under two hundred (200) horizontal feet in length shall incorporate vertical elements and materials changes in the architectural design which break the visual monotony of the continuous façade.

b.

Facades in excess of two hundred (200) horizontal feet in length shall incorporate item a. above as well as recesses and projections in the architectural design which break the visual monotony of the continuous façade.

c.

Facades in excess of one hundred (100) horizontal feet, that face public streets and vehicle moving areas, excluding loading areas, shall have architectural features such as arcades, entry areas, awnings, and arches or similar enhancements of no less than fifty percent (50%) of their horizontal length of the facade.

2.

Windows. .....The following provision is applicable to all buildings that have facades less than one hundred (100) horizontal feet:

a.

Facades that face vehicle moving areas, excluding loading areas, shall contain windows between the height of three (3) feet and eight (8) feet for no less than fifty percent (50%) of the horizontal length of the building facade facing the public vehicle moving area. Windows shall be recessed and should include visually prominent sills, shutters, or other such forms of framing.

3.

Building materials.

a.

The exterior of buildings, to include accessory buildings, shall be built utilizing one (1) or more the following:

i.

Brick;

ii.

Decorative block;

iii.

Stone;

iv.

Stucco;

v.

Natural wood siding;

vi.

Cementious siding.

b.

Alternative materials that provide an equivalent appearance and durability of the above may be approved by the zoning administrator.

c.

The use of either concrete block, flat or corrugated metal or vinyl siding walls is prohibited for new development or expansions of existing development within the Newport development service overlay district.

d.

Vinyl siding may be utilized as trim accents on the exterior of buildings.

e.

These requirements shall not apply to a building façade which is not visible from the public right-of-way as approved by the zoning administrator.

4.

Building materials and colors. .....The use of attractive and compatible architectural materials help promote the character of the district. Buildings that generally favor colonial/historic styles are herein emphasized.

a.

Architectural treatment of all buildings, including materials, color and style, shall be compatible with buildings located within the same project or within the same block or directly across the street that are also consistent with these regulations. Compatibility may be achieved through the use of similar building materials, scale, colors or other architectural features.

b.

Architectural elements and treatments shall be used to create transitions between different uses and intensities. When transitions cannot be achieved architecturally, landscape and/or open space transitions shall be used to reduce impacts between different uses.

c.

No building exterior (whether front, side, or rear) shall consist of architectural materials inferior in quality, appearance or detail to any other exterior of the same building.

d.

Facade colors shall be nonreflective, subtle, neutral or earth tones. The use of high intensity colors, metallic colors, black or fluorescent colors are prohibited.

5.

Building entryway design elements. .....Entryway design elements to retail establishments, shopping centers, commercial, office and civic uses should give orientation character to the building. The standards identify desirable entryway design features.

a.

Each principal building on a site, and anchor store(s) within a shopping center, shall have clearly defined customer entrances, featuring no less than three (3) of the following:

i.

Canopies or porticos;

ii.

Overhangs;

iii.

Recesses/projections;

iv.

Arcades;

v.

Raised corniced parapets over the door;

vi.

Peaked roof forms;

vii.

Arches;

viii.

Outdoor patios;

ix.

Architectural details such as tile work and molding which are integrated into the building structure and design; or

x.

Integral planters or wing walls that incorporate landscaped areas and places for sitting.

6.

Roofs. .....Roof options in the Newport development service overlay district are:

a.

Flat roofs with parapets;

b.

Pitched roof with overhanging eaves.

7.

Fencing.

a.

Fencing along the highway right-of-way is discouraged, but if used, such fencing shall be landscaped to minimize visibility from the highway and may be comprised of any of the following materials:

i.

Brick;

ii.

Stone;

iii.

Wrought-iron;

iv.

Vinyl;

v.

Wood;

vi.

Aluminum.

b.

Chainlink fences are prohibited.

c.

Alternative materials that provide an equivalent appearance and durability of the above may be approved by the zoning administrator. (7-7-05; 7-19-18.)