§ 58.517. Appearance Review.

To ensure that each duplex and tandem dwelling is harmonious and architecturally compatible with existing residential structures in the surrounding neighborhood, an appearance review in accordance with Part 3, Chapter 62 of this Code and the following additional standards are required prior to the issuance of a building permit. These standards apply to the front and side elevations of each building.

(a)

Variety in Design. Duplexes or tandem dwellings with identical front elevations must not be located on adjacent building sites. Simple reverse configurations of the same elevation on adjacent building sites are not sufficient. In order to qualify as a different façade elevation, dwellings must have different roofline configurations. In addition, at least four of the following architectural elements must be different from the adjacent building site(s):

1.

Architectural banding, trim, or cornice detail

2.

Window trim, the number of mullions or muntins, or shutters

3.

Window size and placement

4.

A covered entryway or front porch design

5.

Building projections and recesses

6.

Decorative roofline elements such as brackets or chimneys

7.

Façade articulation such as bay windows or dormers

8.

Exterior color and material

9.

One and two-story units

10.

Other generally accepted architectural elements, as determined appropriate by the Appearance Review Officer

(b)

Side-by-side Duplexes. Such duplexes must not have front elevations that are mirror images. The left side and right side of the building must be designed to include variety in at least three of the following elements:

1.

Roof style

2.

Architectural banding, trim, or cornice detail

3.

Window trim, the number of mullions or muntins, or shutters

4.

Window size and placement

5.

A covered entryway or front porch design

6.

Balconies or juliette balconies

7.

Building projections and recesses

8.

Decorative roofline elements such as brackets or chimneys

9.

Façade articulation such as bay windows or dormers

10.

One and two- story units

11.

Other generally accepted architectural elements, as determined appropriate by the Appearance Review Officer

(c)

Compatibility. The appearance review officer will consider the following factors when evaluating the compatibility of duplex or tandem dwelling development with the surrounding neighborhood:

1.

Logic of overall design

2.

Site plan

3.

Landscaping and pervious surface

4.

Driveway design, circulation and parking

5.

Environmental features and tree preservation

6.

Alignment of curb cut(s) to maximize ability to plant street trees and preserve on-street parking

7.

Compliance with the traditional city standards and requirements for residential development in section 62.600, of this Code.

8.

Compatibility with adjacent land uses

9.

Features of existing development and neighborhood form Staff may also make recommendations pertaining to setbacks and building height. Although these items are regulated by code, adjustments may be appropriate to improve neighborhood compatibility, address site constraints, or improve the design and character of the building.

(d)

Architectural Style. Each building must have consistent architectural elements that create a recognizable architectural style, including but not limited to classical revival, colonial revival, craftsman, Florida vernacular, Mediterranean revival, mid-century modern, minimal traditional, Florida ranch, or other style identified in an industry-accepted architectural guidebook. All architectural elements, details, features, and finishes on the exterior of the building must be both consistent and compatible with the architectural style employed. Architectural elements and variations shall not be restricted to a single façade. The appearance review officer will consider the following elements when evaluating conformance with this requirement:

1.

Roof type, pitch, form, material and overhang

2.

Exterior elevation, materials and finishes

3.

Window proportions, groupings, trim, muntins and details

4.

Column size, taper, base and moulding

5.

Balcony width and depth

6.

Porch width, depth, elevation and railings

7.

Chimney details

8.

Dormers/parapets

9.

Brackets, shutters, railings, rafter tails and decorative details

10.

Transparency

11.

Building projections and recesses

12.

Entryway and front door design

13.

Garage placement and door design

14.

Exterior lighting

15.

Incorporation of architectural features into any fire separation wall

16.

Other generally accepted architectural elements, as determined appropriate by the Appearance Review Officer

Together, these elements should create a cohesive structure that avoids boxy, flat facades; highlights architectural features using authentic and durable materials; and minimizes the visual impact of garages from the public right-of-way.

(e)

Side Elevations. Interior side elevations that do not face a corner must include at least one of the following elements to prevent blank walls:

1.

A minimum of 10% transparent or translucent materials on each story below the roof line; or

2.

Vertical and/or horizontal articulation that includes stepping the wall plane in or out by at least 2 feet according to the following requirements.

i.

The articulation must be provided on one-story walls and on both floors for two-story walls.

ii.

The inset or projection must extend a distance of at least 6 feet along the side property line and may continue another 36 feet of wall length before repeating the articulation.

iii.

Projections designed to accomplish the articulation requirement must meet the required side setback.

(f)

Design Variances. An applicant proposing to construct a duplex or tandem that does not comply with the standards in this section may apply for a design variance from the design review and development standards this Code. The following factors will be considered in review of the request:

1.

Neighborhood compatibility

2.

Site constraints

3.

Ability to preserve on-site trees or street trees

4.

Creative architectural design not anticipated by this code

(Ord. No. 2017-17, § 6, 4-10-2017, Doc. #1704101203)