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The Task Force recognizes that this definition requires the use of discretion on the part <br /> of the City which can lead to disagreements and delays in the decision-making process. <br /> However, it also addresses the essence of the issue, which is the preservation of the <br /> character-defining features of a building. <br /> An alternative definition could include: <br /> "Demolition of a building for purposes of historic preservation shall be <br /> defined as the removal of the front facade or the most visible facade from <br /> the street, including changes to the roof and roof line. The front or most <br /> visible facade shall be considered the forward most ten feet of the <br /> structure." <br /> • <br /> INOIN it,q1 <br /> Is this historic preservation? <br /> 3. Design Review. The City currently reviews the design of all new additions to <br /> homes that are greater than ten feet in height. This review involves evaluation of <br /> projects relative to existing zoning regulations regarding setbacks, height, and <br /> floor area ratio (FAR). The review also involves evaluation of the proposed <br /> design's compatibility with surrounding properties. In some areas of town <br /> including the Downtown, the City has adopted design guidelines which call for <br /> certain styles of homes, particular site layout requirements, more limited choice <br /> of building material, etc. These guidelines are intended to maintain the traditional <br /> design and historic character of the Downtown on both new buildings and <br /> modifications to existing structures. In addition to new structures and additions, <br /> design review applies to exterior changes to residential structures that are <br /> proposed ten feet or more above the ground. The thinking behind this <br /> requirement is that these types of changes are more visible to the public and <br /> adjacent neighbors than alterations to the lower ten feet. With historic structures, <br /> proposed changes to the first floor are often problematic. The location, spacing, <br /> and size of window and door openings, as well as the type of windows and <br /> doors, are often significant character-defining features of historic homes. The <br /> design of porches and foundation treatments can also be important. The Task <br /> Force is suggesting that design review authority be expanded to include the first <br /> floor of structures on certain categories of homes, either all homes that are <br /> determined to be historic or all homes in a potential Historic District. <br /> Page 5 of 10 <br />