Item 5: Public Hearing on Ordinance Establishing Chambers Special Area Zone

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ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER When new construction occurs, each project must do its part to contribute to the ETN. Whether the project is a remodel, an addition, or a new home, it should be designed thoughtfully, with good proportions, balanced composition, and developed details. In many cases seeking professional design services rather than do-it-yourself will make a big difference in the outcome, but the first step is for everyone to understand what makes an authentic traditional house in this neighborhood. In traditional housing the roof is the dominant definer of character. The pitch of the roof and the relationship between the main roof and secondary roof elements do more than anything else to define the home and give it appropriate scale. Architectural elements such as windows, doors, bays, and porches are the features that give the home its identity and need to be placed and proportioned to contribute to the overall composition. Siding, trim, and color provide visual interest, texture, and fine-grained character. Authentic traditional homes have depth that comes from materials and details that have thickness. In contrast to the flatness found in newer "traditional" homes, older homes have subtle relief and shadow in their details. The guidelines in this section attempt to characterize these detail elements that make up the ETN in order to encourage compatible and harmonious renovations, additions, and development in the future. The compatibility of a new development can be achieved by choosing elements similar to (not necessarily identical to) elements found in the existing neighborhood. Good quality design is of equal importance to compatibility with the dominant neighborhood character. Good craftsmanship, intelligent site planning, and design respectful of neighbors and the shared "room" of street and front yards have a tremendous impact on the quality of the neighborhood. II