41.25 - STANDARDS FOR ALTERATIONS.
(1) General.
(a) Alterations are defined as any change to any portion of the exterior of a building or site that replaces existing materials or changes its appearance. This section provides standards for building alterations.
(b) Materials and Features.
1. Alterations shall be in keeping with the original design and character of the building or site.
2. The removal of historic features on elevations visible from the developed public right-of-way is prohibited.
3. The introduction of conjectural architectural features without historic precedent on the building or site is prohibited.
(c) Replacement.
1. Existing features shall be replaced in-kind if they are too deteriorated to repair.
(d) Accessibility.
1. Whenever possible, access to historic buildings should be through a primary building entrance.
2. Barrier-free access requirements shall be complied with in such a manner that the historic building's character-defining exterior features and features of the site and setting are preserved or impacted as little as possible.
(e) Lead Paint.
1. Window replacement due to lead may not be eligible for state preservation tax credits. In order to replace a feature due to lead paint, the proposal must meet the following conditions:
a. A test result that demonstrates that a feature has tested positive for lead.
b. Documentation of the existing original feature, including profiles, dimensions, configuration, etc. This documentation should include drawings, photographs, and any other relevant documentation.
c. Documentation of the proposed replacement feature, which includes a cut sheet or shop drawing of the proposed replacement feature, and a detailed description of the profile, dimensions, configuration, material, finish, etc.
(2) Building Site.
(a) General.
1. Fences and retaining walls in the front yard shall be in character with the style of fences or retaining walls historically found in the district or in keeping with the materials and character of historic resources in the district.
(3) Exterior Walls.
(a) Masonry.
1. Masonry not previously covered shall not be covered with stucco, exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), paint, or other covering.
2. Removing a chimney visible from the developed public right-of-way or altering its appearance is prohibited.
3. Replacement brick units shall be of a similar dimension, color, and permeability as the historic bricks.
4. Composite patching, epoxy repair, mechanical repair, or a Dutchman repair of large masonry units shall follow established conservation methods, with the alteration to match the historic appearance as closely as possible.
(b) Wood.
1. Replacement siding shall imitate the original siding within one inch of historic exposure/reveal.
2. Where more than one layer of siding exists on the structure, all layers except the first must be removed prior to re-siding.
3. All trim must project beyond the face of the siding to the same extent it did with the historic siding.
4. Wrapping of trim and ornament is prohibited.
(c) Metals.
1. Replacement of part or all of a decorative metal feature should be in-kind or with a compatible substitute material, replicating the original appearance.
(4) Roofs.
(a) General.
1. Alterations to a roof shall include a roof style that is compatible with the existing roof.
2. The form of the roof visible from the developed public right-of-way shall not be altered except to restore it to the historic documentable appearance.
3. The removal of decorative and functional features visible from the developed public right-of-way is prohibited, except to restore the building to its historic appearance.
(b) Materials.
1. A roof feature may be replaced in kind if it is too deteriorated to repair.
2. Replacement materials shall replicate the appearance of historic roofing materials found on the structure or be compatible with roofing found on historic resources in the district.
(c) Skylights.
1. Skylights visible from the developed public right-of-way shall be flat, parallel to the slope of the roof, and have the frame painted to match the roof material, and be located least twelve (12) feet back from the front edge of the roof.
2. Other forms of skylights are allowed on elevations not visible from the developed public right-of-way.
(d) Chimneys.
1. Removing a chimney visible from the developed public right-of-way or altering its appearance, is prohibited.
(e) Vents.
1. Low-profile continuous ridge vents are permitted when the vents extend to the front edge of the fascia and are clad with the same material as the roof.
2. Rectangular or continuous soffit vents are permitted if they are finished or painted the same color as the adjacent soffit.
3. Round soffit vents, static vents, electric vents, wind turbines, and attic fans visible from the developed public right-of-way are prohibited.
(5) Windows and Doors.
(a) Openings.
1. A limited number of openings in walls above the foundation not visible from the developed public right-of-way or stepped back twelve (12) feet from the front edge of the building may be filled in a manner that retains the original opening pattern and size, and is similar in design, scale, architectural appearance, and other visual qualities of the surrounding wall.
2. New window or door openings may be added to elevations not visible from the developed public right-of-way or stepped back twelve (12) feet from the front edge of the building.
3. The new openings and the windows or doors in them shall be compatible with the overall design of the building.
(b) Sill and Head Height.
1. Infilling at the head or jambs is prohibited.
2. The new or reconfigured openings shall have similar appearance to the historic windows or doors of the structure.
3. The sills of historic window openings on elevations not visible from the developed public right-of-way may be raised to serve bathrooms and kitchens.
(c) Windows.
1. Original decorative windows shall be repaired and retained.
2. Only when original windows are too deteriorated or hazardous to repair may they be replaced with new windows that replicate all design details.
3. Replacement multi-light windows shall use true divided lights or simulated divided lights with window grids on the exterior and interior with spacer bars between the panes of glass.
4. A historic single-glazed sash may be modified to accommodate insulated glass when it will not jeopardize the soundness of the sash or significantly alter appearance of the window.
5. Incompatible, non-historic windows may be replaced with new windows compatible with the historic character of the building.
6. Storm windows shall have a matching or a one-over-one pane configuration that will not obscure the characteristics of the historic windows and have frames and trim painted or have a non-reflective coating.
7. New windows that are compatible with the historic character of the building may be reinstated in openings that had previously been filled in.
(d) Pedestrian Doors.
1. Historic entrance doors or those dating from the period of significance may be replaced with a door that blends with the character of the structure when the original is beyond repair.
2. Doors shall not have a textured fake wood grain.
3. Storm doors shall be full-light or full-view, wood or aluminum, and shall be compatible with the entrance door and the overall design of the building.
(e) Garage Doors.
1. Garage doors shall be similar in design, scale, architectural appearance, and other visual qualities prevalent within the historic district.
(6) Entrances, Porches, Balconies and Decks.
(a) Replacement.
1. An entire entrance or porch that is too deteriorated to repair shall be replaced using any available physical evidence or historic documentation as a model to reproduce the porch features.
2. A historic entrance or porch shall be retained in all instances, including change of use or space function.
(b) Porch Elements.
1. Where physical evidence of the overall historic form and detailing are not evident, porch elements shall be of a simple design found on similar historic resources within the district.
2. Accessible graspable railings may be added to stair railings and should be painted to match the associated railing.
3. Spaces beneath porches and stairs shall be enclosed with a framed lattice of crisscross design, narrow vertical boards, masonry, or other approved openwork design to allow ventilation.
4. All wood on exterior porches shall be painted or opaquely stained.
(c) Enclosing Porches.
1. Porches on elevations visible from the developed public right-of-way may have framed screens or storm windows, similar in proportion to windows on the structure and painted or coated to match the trim on the porch, installed on the condition that the balustrade be retained and preserved, repaired, or replaced in a design compatible with the historic character of the structure.
2. Enclosing porches visible from the developed public right-of-way with solid walls is prohibited.
(d) Balconies and Decks.
1. Rear yard decks and balconies shall have simple railings in keeping with the character of the structure.
2. All parts of the deck shall be painted or opaquely stained.
(7) Building Systems.
(a) Mechanical Systems.
1. Mechanical and service equipment shall be installed so that it is as unobtrusive as possible and does not damage or obscure character-defining historic features.
2. Grilles, vents, equipment, meters, and other equipment attached to the building shall be finished or painted to match the building.
3. Installing mechanical equipment on the roof that is highly visible from the developed public right-of-way is prohibited.
(b) Solar.
1. Roof-mounted solar arrays on sloped roofs shall be flat, parallel to the slope of the roof, and arranged in a pattern or grid parallel to the roof's ridge and eaves.
2. Roof-mounted solar arrays on flat roofs shall be installed so as to be minimally visible from the developed public right-of-way.
(c) Lighting and Electrical Systems.
1. Decorative light fixtures shall replicate the original in style and placement.
2. Security light fixtures or security cameras shall be installed so that they are as unobtrusive as possible and do not damage or obscure character-defining historic features.
3. Exterior mounted conduit on elevations visible from the developed public right-of-way is prohibited.
4. Roof appurtenances such as antennas, satellite dishes, or communications equipment should be installed so that they are minimally visible from the developed public right-of-way and do not damage or obscure historic features.
(d) Rooftop Features.
1. Rooftop decks or terraces and green roofs or other roof landscaping, railings, or furnishings shall be installed so that they are inconspicuous and minimally visible on the site and from the street.
(Am. by ORD-25-00044, 6-27-25) (Am. by ORD-25-00044, 6-27-25) (Am. by ORD-22-00042, 6-4-22)
