13 - Laserfiche WebLink

architectural style of the building. The plans incorporate articulation in the wall planes, balconies, traditional design features (porches, knee braces, gable roof), and a combination of light colored materials. The proposed building colors meet the Downtown Design Guidelines, which state that colors should be appropriate to the architectural style of the building. The Downtown Specific Plan has the following policies that are applicable to the project: Land Use Policy No. 15 Initiate an amendment to Municipal Code Section 18.84 to limit building height in all residential zoning districts in the Downtown (including future Planned Unit Development Districts) to not more than two stories and not more than 30 feet. Historic Preservation Policy No. 6 New residential building design, including the design of replacement buildings for buildings constructed before 1942 which are approved for demolition, should draw upon the primary exterior features of the Downtown's traditional design character in terms of materials, colors, details of construction, and setbacks and should utilize or be based on one of the following architectural styles found in Downtown dating from pre-1942: Gothic Revival, Italianate, Victorian (Queen Anne, Stick, and Folk), Bay Tradition, Craftsman, Prairie, Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival, Minimal Traditional, Vernacular Forms, and FHA Minimum House. The height of the buildings would not exceed 30 feet in height, which is considered acceptable in most residential zones within the City. Staff notes that a PMC amendment for limiting height and stories of structures in the Downtown has not yet been initiated and the intent of this policy is to limit development to two stories. However, staff believes the proposal would be consistent with a reasonable interpretation of the Downtown Specific Plan Land Use policy in the absence of an amendment to the PMC relating to building height. Furthermore, the Commission was supportive of the proposed height given the low and varying roof. The applicant is proposing traditional architecture with modem elements. The materials, colors, and details of construction are based upon a "modern farmhouse" style that is characterized by wood and metal siding, front porches, prominent porch supports, knee braces, and gable roof. These details are also found in Craftsman and Minimal Traditional architecture. Although the use of metal siding and standing seam metal roofs are not typically used in downtown development projects, staff believes, and the Commission agreed at the Work Session, that the materials are high-quality and appropriately used in a way that is sensitive to the historic design quality of Downtown. Staff has included a recommended condition of approval to revise the plans such that all roofs are standing seam metal roofs, to ensure a more unified design. The applicant proposes to use quality vinyl windows. In the Downtown, staff prefers that traditional wood-framed/sashed windows be used. Staff acknowledges the high cost of these windows and generally supports the use of quality fiberglass- or vinyl-framed/sashed windows provided they have a similar frame and sash thickness as found on a traditional wood- framed/sashed window. Furthermore, when simulated mullions (grids) are used, the Downtown Design Guidelines state that the mullions be on both sides of the window rather than located between the glass panes. For this project, some of the windows will require high PUD-118, 4791 Augustine Street Planning Commission Page 18 of 25