The purpose of this chapter is to encourage the physical development
of the Village in a way that will provide the maximum degree of aesthetic
satisfaction through architectural and natural beauty and harmony
and thereby provide for the well-being of its inhabitants, as well
as for greater economic stability, through preservation and enhancement
of property values. The architectural appearance of buildings erected,
remodeled or placed within the Village is regulated with this purpose
in mind. Such regulation, however, is not intended to impose a pattern
of regimented conformity to any specific architectural style established
by the governing body or review board, or the existing residents of
any area, but is intended solely to prevent any development which
would substantially affect adversely the character of the neighborhood,
reduce its desirability, and depreciate surrounding property values.
A.
No building shall be permitted, the design or exterior appearance
of which is unorthodox or abnormal in relation to the surroundings
as to be unsightly or offensive to generally accepted tastes.
B.
No building shall be permitted, the design or exterior appearance
of which is identical with those adjoining as to create excessive
monotony and drabness.
C.
No building shall be permitted where any exposed facade is not constructed
or faced with a finished material which is aesthetically compatible
with other facades and presents an attractive appearance to the public
and to surrounding properties.
D.
No building shall be permitted to be located in a manner which would
unnecessarily destroy or substantially damage the natural beauty of
the area, particularly as it would adversely affect values incident
to ownership of land in that area, or which would unreasonably affect
adversely the beauty and general enjoyment of existing residences
on adjoining properties.
A.
Any river-facing facade shall be designed and constructed with the
same quality and materials as facades facing Water Street in the B-C
District.
B.
Upper-story balconies and bay windows may project up to 36 inches
over the sidewalk, though no closer than 36 inches to the street curb.
C.
If used, awnings shall project at least 24 inches from the building
face. If illuminated, awnings shall be lit from above; backlit, glowing
awnings are prohibited.
A.
The Architectural Review Board shall be appointed by the Village
President subject to confirmation by the Village Board. The Architectural
Review Board shall meet on call to hear and review any case submitted
to it pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
B.
The membership of the Architectural Review Board shall consist of
three persons, one of whom shall be a licensed architect, landscape
architect or similarly qualified professional.
C.
The Architectural Review Board shall keep records of all its proceedings,
and its decisions shall be stated in writing, including the specific
reasons for refusing a permit or for any conditions of approval.
D.
The members of the Architectural Review Board shall receive such
compensation as the Village Board shall from time to time designate.
In order to ensure that no proposed building would be in conflict
with the provisions of this chapter, the Building Inspector shall
submit to the Architectural Review Board the plans for such building,
including adequate elevations or sketches to enable the Board to judge
the building's appearance, and shall not issue a building permit until
the Architectural Review Board has approved such plans.
Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Architectural Review
Board shall have the right to appeal such decision to the Board of
Appeals, provided that such appeal is taken within 90 days of the
final action of the Architectural Review Board.
A fee as set by the Village Board will be charged for the review
conducted by the Architectural Review Board. The fee shall be paid
prior to any review by said Board and shall not be refundable.
