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Book I All Chapters |
Book II (Section 1) Your Character Area |
Book II (Section 2) Site Design Guidelines |
Book II (Section 3) Building Design Guidelines |
Book III (Section 1) Your Char.acter Area |
Book III (Section 2) Site Design Guidelines |
Book III (Section 3) Building Design Guidelines |
| Your proposed project requires a COA. |
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| Your proposed project is in the Historic Design District. |
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| Your proposed project does involve an historic property and is in the Millsite, Meadows or Gateway Design District. |
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| Your proposed project does not involve an historic property and is in the Millsite, Meadows or Gateway Design District. |
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Types of Projects Reviewed by the DRC
Section 17.04.050 of the Municipal Code requires a COA for "any new construction; additions to or remodeling of existing structures, where the exterior appearance of the structure is involved; moving or demolition of existing structures; and erection of fences or walls."
In general this means that all persons desiring to construct, demolish, move or in any way alter the exterior of a building or property, must obtain a COA from the DRC. The construction of new fences, major structural landscape elements and signs also must receive a COA. Repairs (i.e., exact replacement in size, shape, materials and texture) do not require DRC approval but may require a building permit. (Property owners should check with the Georgetown Building Inspector regarding whether planned repairs must be reviewed by the DRC.)
The DRC must review the following types of work.
Rehabilitation and Alterations of an Historic Building
This includes any property designated as "historic" in the historic
district. Any alteration to the exterior of a historic building, including
the construction of an addition to it, is subject to review. (Book II:
Design Guidelines for the Historic Design District applies to such a property.)
Alteration of All Other Structures
This may be a property that is older but has lost its integrity as a historic
structure, or it may be a newer building that has not achieved historic
significance. Section 1: Design Guidelines for the Character Areas and
Section 3: Design Guidelines for Building Design apply to such a property.
(Note that either Book II or Book III may apply to such a property, depending
upon its location.)
Site Work
This includes landscaping of grounds for new construction as well as new
grading and construction of driveways and fences for all projects. Section
1: Design Guidelines for the Character Areas and Section 2: Design Guidelines
for Site Design apply to such a project. (Note that either Book II or
Book III may apply to such a property, depending upon its location.)
New Construction
Construction of any new, freestanding structure, either as a primary or
an accessory structure, is subject to review. Section 1: Design Guidelines
for the Character Areas, Section 2: Design Guidelines for Site Design
and Section 3: Design Guidelines for Building Design apply to such a project.
(Note that either Book II or Book III may apply to such a property, depending
upon its location.)
Demolition
Demolition of whole or parts of buildings or accessory structures require
approvals. Demolition of site features such as fences and walls also requires
approval.
Public Sector Projects
Any public sector project that proposes to alter the historic and/or visual
character of a street, streetscape, park or other publicly owned property
is subject to review by the DRC.
Maintenance and Repair Exception
Maintenance and repair generally are not reviewed by DRC. However, if
the maintenance and repair activity changes the physical appearance of
a building or involves the removal and replacement of significant materials
and components on a historic structure, DRC approval may be required.
"Small Project" Exception
The DRC has developed a list of "small projects" that will be
deemed "appropriate" upon a required review by the Building
Inspector, instead of through review by the DRC, except as noted. This
list will continue to evolve; however, currently "small projects"
are defined as the following:
- Hot Tubs - Hot tubs must be placed entirely within an enclosure and are not visible from any public way. Other hot tubs require DRC review.
- Reroofing - Any reroofing which uses asphalt 3-Tab, small scale T-lock, or 40-year dimensional shingles, or standard cedar shingles, is appropriate. All other reroofing, including all metal roofs, requires DRC review.
- Gutters and Downspouts - Guttering is appropriate if painted to match the house AND if no exterior trim elements are altered in any way. Historic homes should consider the half round gutter shape to accommodate molding and preserve the historic character.
- Mechanical Installations (e.g., air conditioners/condensers) - Small unit mechanical systems that are placed on side or rear facades, painted to match the existing structure, have no reflective metallic surfaces and/or are screened from view and do not exceed 3' by 2 1/2' by 2 1/2' are appropriate.
- Satellite Dishes - Satellite dishes are appropriate if no more than 2 feet in diameter and mounted on sections of the roof or property which do not face the street
- Signs - All signs that meet all requirements of Chapter 18 of the Georgetown Municipal Code, including the size, materials, lighting and location, may be approved by the Building Inspector. A sign application may be referred to the DRC when it requests alternative materials, extensive brackets, unusual lighting arrangements or unusual configurations.
The Design Review Commission will consider how each proposed project meets the guidelines and how the proposed work would therefore help to accomplish the design goals set forth in this document and in the other relevant codes and regulations.
The design review process is "reactive," in that it only applies to proposed actions initiated by the property owner. While it guides an approach to certain design problems by offering alternative solutions, it does not dictate a specific outcome and it does not require a property owner to instigate improvements that are not contemplated. For example, if an owner plans to repair a deteriorated porch, the guidelines indicate appropriate methods for such work. If porch repair is the only work proposed by the property owner, the process does not require that other building features that may be deteriorated, such as a roof in poor condition, be repaired.
Following the following steps should result in an organized and, hopefully, more successful application process for a COA.
Step 1. Consider Professional Design Assistance
These guidelines are not intended to take the place of professional design
assistance, which is highly recommended, but rather to assist the owner
and designer in creating the best project. Property owners are strongly
encouraged to engage licensed architects and other design and planning
professionals to assist them in developing their concepts. Doing so may
facilitate a quick review process and often will save the owner time and
money. Please note that the DRC cannot design or assist in the design
process of any project submitted for approval.
Step 2. Check Other Town Regulations
Remember that the guidelines supplement other adopted Georgetown ordinances.
Town Hall can provide information about these regulations. These other
regulations also may affect the design character of a project. Examples
include:
- Land Use Code
- Sign Code
- Building Code
Step 3. Become Familiar with the Design Guidelines
Review the basic organization of the guidelines book and determine which
chapters will apply to the project.
Step 4. Review the Site Context
Consider immediately adjacent properties and also the character of an
entire block. In many cases, the character of a Character Area in general
is also an important feature. Understanding the historic character of
the area, as well as that of surviving historic resources, is vital to
the development of an appropriate design.
Step 5. Develop a Design Concept Using the Guidelines
The guidelines form the basis for the DRC's design review decisions.
Step 6. Preliminary Review (optional)
Prepare a packet for preliminary review by the DRC prior to the expenditure
of drawings for final review. This step is highly recommended for new
construction, accessory buildings, major alterations and additions.
Step 7. Prepare and Submit a Complete Application Packet for Formal
Review
An application packet should be prepared (the contents of which are discussed
in the following section) and submitted to the DRC for review. A presentation
of the proposed project to the DRC is necessary to obtain a COA. The presentation
should focus on how the proposed work complies with the design guidelines.
Step 8. Submit the design for formal review.
Presentation to the DRC is the culmination of the design review process.
The presentation should focus on how the proposed work complies with the
Guidelines.
The DRC has two categories for projects that must be reviewed: major projects and minor projects. Minor projects are those that do not add square footage or add less than 50 square feet; major projects include all else. The DRC has separate submittal requirements for these two types of projects.
Major Projects
Major project applications must be complete and submitted 10 days prior
to the DRC meeting for which they are scheduled to be on the agenda. Two
copies of following information should accompany the application:
- A completed application and check off sheet (available from Town Hall)
- Full sets of construction drawings, including:
- Dimensioned floor plans
- Dimensioned elevations showing height, width, depth of building and dimensions of door and window openings
- Site plan for new construction, additions, accessory structures, to include a topographical (topo) plan with a minimum of 2 foot contours for new construction and site grading (setbacks must be indicated on the site plan)
- List of exterior materials (separate from the drawings) and samples of all synthetic materials
- Landscape plan for all new construction, accessory structures and additions to a building footprint
Preliminary Reviews
A preliminary review by the DRC is highly recommended for new construction,
accessory buildings, major alterations and additions. Preliminary review
packets are due ten days prior to the DRC meeting for which they are scheduled
to be on the agenda. The review packet should contain the following materials:
- Preliminary review request
- Scaled elevations and floor plans with dimensions
- List of exterior materials
- Site plan with topographical plan
Minor Projects
Minor project applications must be complete and submitted ten days prior
to the DRC meeting for which they are scheduled to be on the agenda. One
copy of the following information should accompany the application:
- A completed application and check off sheet (available from Town Hall)
- Scaled drawings with dimensions
- List of exterior materials (product samples may be required)
- Site plan for fences, walls, patios and decks (setbacks must be indicated on all site plans)
These design standards apply to all projects in the Town of Georgetown, including alteration to any existing property as well as construction of a new building. Taking on a project in a historic community can, at its outset, appear quite challenging. One of the purposes of this document is to help clarify the goals and objectives of the Town of Georgetown for enhancing its natural and historic sense of place. To assist in this endeavor, consider the following five "precepts" as you consider any potential project:
1. Keep it Simple
The image of Georgetown is that of a simpler time. Much of the built environment
is composed of simple forms which reflect the climate, a "western"
attitude, the town's remoteness as well as the limitations of early transportation
systems.
2. Keep It in Scale
Another aspect of Georgetown is its sense of scale. Much of the town is
perceived from a variety of view points. This overall scale is reflected
in the street layout and in the buildings which enhance a pedestrian environment.
3. Respect All Historic Resources
Georgetown's historic resources are vast. While the mineral resources
have been mostly extracted, the sense of history is evident through the
integrity of the town's many historic buildings. Typically, old buildings
should significantly outnumber new structures in an intact historic district.
The sense of time and place on the street is also important. One
should be able to perceive the character of the neighborhood as it was
historically.
4. Make All New Design Compatible to the Existing Context
While the historic resources are extensive, they must be balanced with
a new project which reflects the dynamics of changing times. That is,
while historic, the town is not frozen in time. For this reason, new construction
should draw upon the design elements of the historic buildings, while
not directly imitating them. Therefore, regarding this concept, consider
the following as a general STANDARD:
New interpretations of traditional building types in the Historic
Design District are encouraged, such that they are seen as products of
their own time yet compatible with the history.
- Historic details that were not found in Georgetown are inappropriate.
- Historic proportions of height, width and depth are very important to be compatible with the historic mass and scale of Georgetown .
5. Read All Applicable Design Guidelines.
How to Understand the Design Guidelines
Presented in Books II and III
A Typical Guideline
Guidelines are contained in Books II and III of this report. A typical
design guideline may contain of five parts:
- The first is the design element category (e.g., retaining walls, windows, residential parking) under which the design guideline falls. These categories are numbered (i.e., in arabic numbers) in Book II and in Book III.
- Second is an introductory discussion of the design element and why it is important. Included in this discussion is a policy statement that describe a desired state or condition of the design element being discussed. Policy statements are shown in italics in the introductory discussion of the design element.
- Third is the design guideline statement itself, which is typically performance-oriented, describing a desired design treatment. Design guidelines are listed as capitalized letters under each design element.
- The design guideline statement is followed by supplementary information that is treated as sub-points of the guideline. These sub-points may include additional requirements, or may provide an expanded explanation. These sub-points are listed as arabic numbers under each design guideline.
- Additionally, a photograph or illustration may be provided, to clarify the intent of the guideline.
It is important to note that all of the elements of the design guidelines (i.e., including the introductory and informational sections, the policy statement, and the sub-points) constitute the material upon which the DRC will make its determination of the appropriateness of a proposed project.
The numerical ordering of the Guidelines does not imply a ranking of importance, although the DRC has attempted to organize the guidelines from bigger issues, the "macro," to detailed concerns, the "micro." The emphasis placed on individual guidelines varies on a case-by-case basis, depending upon the context of the proposed project.
Definitions of Key Terminology
The degree to which a property owner must comply with design guidelines
varies from guideline to guideline. The degree of compliance required
is dictated by the language used in the guideline itself. The following
terms related to compliance are used in the design guidelines contained
in this report. The definitions of these terms indicates the degree of
compliance required.
Appropriate - In some cases, a stated action or design choice is defined as being "appropriate" in the text. In such cases, by choosing that design approach, the applicant will be in compliance with the guideline. However, in other cases, there may be a design that is not expressly mentioned in the text that also may be deemed "appropriate" by the DRC.
Consider - When the term "consider" is used, a design suggestion is offered to the applicant as an example of one method of how the design guideline at hand could be met. Applicants may elect to follow the suggestion, but may also seek alternative means of meeting it.
Context - In many cases, the applicant is instructed to relate to the context of the project area. The "context" relates to those properties and structures adjacent to, and within the same block, as the proposed project.
Guideline - In the context of this document, a "guideline"
is design directive that must be met, in order to be in accordance with
the intent of these guidelines.
Historic Structure - In general, an historic structure is one that is at least 50 years old or older, or is associated with significant people or events. In the context of this document, an historic structure is one that dates from the town's historic period (1860-1915) of significance used for defining context and retains a significant amount of its physical integrity and character-defining features. However, other buildings may date from outside this period of significance and still be considered historic (e.g., the early ski period, Swiss Chalet architecture from the 1950s).
Imperative mood - Throughout this document, many of the guidelines are written in the imperative mood. The applicant is often instructed to "maintain" or "preserve" an established characteristic. For example, one guideline states: "Maintain the original proportions of a door." In such cases, the user shall comply. The imperative mood is used, in part, because this document is intended to serve an educational role as well as a regulatory one.
Inappropriate - Inappropriate means impermissible. When the term "inappropriate" is used, the relevant design approach shall not be allowed. For example, one guideline states: "A new addition that creates an appearance inconsistent with the historic character of the building is inappropriate." In this case, a design out of character with the historic building would not be approved.
Non-Historic Structure - Recent buildings and those fifty years old or older that have lost their integrity are considered to be "non-historic structures." These structures do retain value as residential or commercial properties, but do not possess the significance and/or physical integrity necessary to be listed as "historic."
Preferred - In some cases, the applicant is instructed that a certain design approach is "preferred." In such a case, the applicant is encouraged to choose the design option at hand. However, other approaches may be considered.
Should - If the term "should" appears in a design guideline, compliance is strongly encouraged, but is not required.
When physical conditions permit or when feasible - In some
design guidelines, the applicant is asked to comply with the statement
"when feasible." In these cases, compliance is required, except
when the applicant can demonstrate that it is not physically possible
to do so. For example, one guideline states: "Patch, piece-in, splice,
consolidate or otherwise upgrade the existing material, using recognized
preservation methods when physical conditions permit, rather than remove
the element." In this case, the owner shall retain the original material,
unless they can demonstrate that it has deteriorated to the extent that
it is not practical to do so.
Table of Contents | Book 1 Chapter 2