§ 84-187. Criteria for issuance.

The commission shall adhere to and seek compatibility of structures in the district and in so doing, the following guidelines shall be considered by the commission in passing upon applications for certificates of appropriateness:

(1)

New construction.

a.

All new construction shall be visually compatible with the buildings and environment with which they are related.

b.

The general design, scale, gross volume, arrangement of the site plan, texture, material and exterior architectural features of new construction shall be in harmony with its surroundings and shall not impair the toute ensemble of the neighborhood.

c.

No one architectural style shall be imposed.

d.

Quality and excellence in design should be major determinants.

(2)

Exterior alterations.

a.

All exterior alterations to a building itself and other buildings with which it is related, as provided in subsection (1)b of this section and in applying these standards, the original design of the buildings may be considered.

b.

Exterior alterations shall not affect the architectural character or historical quality of the building.

(3)

Signs.

a.

The scale, and design of any sign should be compatible with the buildings and environment with which it is related.

b.

The materials, style, and patterns used in any sign should be compatible with the buildings and environment with which it is related.

(4)

Demolition. In considering an application for the demolition of a landmark or a building in an historic district, the following shall be considered:

a.

The historic or architectural significance of the building.

b.

The importance of the building to the toute ensemble of the district.

c.

The special character and aesthetic interest that the building adds to the district.

d.

The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building because of its design, texture, material, or detail.

e.

The future utilization of the site.

(5)

Nonconforming use. The reconstruction of buildings legally nonconforming as to use and destroyed by fire, storms, or other acts of God shall be governed by the provisions of the zoning ordinance except that the commission shall regulate the exterior design of such buildings in accordance with the criteria set forth in this division.