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Town of Georgetown Design Guidelines

Book II: Design Review in Georgetown

1. Landscaping and Site Features

Traditionally, a simple palette of plant materials appeared in Georgetown, in response both to the limited availability of varieties and to the restricted range of plants that would grow successfully in Georgetown's climate. While some variety in the landscaping is anticipated on individual properties, the overall character should be in keeping with that seen historically. Where landscape and site feature elements existed historically, they should be preserved.

Plant materials should be used to create continuity among buildings, especially in front yards and along the street edge. Plants should be selected that are adapted to the Georgetown climate and that are compatible with the historic context. Consideration also should be given to the future care and maintenance of these materials.

A. Preserve historic landscape features.

1. Existing native plantings should be preserved in place. This particularly applies to significant trees and shrubs.
2. When trees must be removed, replace them with comparable plantings on the site.
3. Existing historic landscape features, such as fences, sidewalks and trees, should be preserved, and should be protected during construction.

B. Incorporate established plantings in new projects.

1. Replacement plant materials should be similar in size or equivalent massing to the plants removed (e.g., a cluster of smaller new trees may be used to establish a massing similar to one large original tree).
2. Minimize disruption to root systems in excavation and relocation activity.
3. Clear-cutting existing stands of vegetation with the intent to replant after construction is inappropriate.

C. In new landscape designs, use plant materials that are compatible with the historic context of Georgetown.

1. Landscaping schemes that are simple and subdued in character are encouraged.
2. Use plant materials in quantities and sizes that will have a meaningful impact in the early years of a project.
3. Avoid planting too close to a structure that will damage architectural features or building foundations.

D. Use plant materials that are adapted to the Georgetown climate.

1. Using native trees, shrubs and wildflowers is encouraged.
2. Plant materials that are drought-tolerant are preferred. Using large areas of sod that require intense maintenance is discouraged.
3. Using perennials is encouraged.
4. Extensive areas of exotic plantings are discouraged.

E. When plant materials are used for screening they should be designed to function year-round.

1. When installed, these materials should be of a sufficient size and number to accomplish a screening effect year-round. For example, shrubs may be selected with a branch structure that will filter views in winter time, or mix evergreens with deciduous plants for a year-round effect.
2. Planting screens should include trees and shrubs. Ground covers and flowering perennials alone will not provide sufficient screening.

F. Maintain a landscaped edge along the edge of a site.

1. This will help to define the road edge and provide a separation between pedestrian and vehicular areas and neighboring properties.
2. In residential areas, this will also minimize the continued erosion of the street edge by keeping automobiles on the street or in designed parking areas.

2. Retaining Walls

Stone retaining walls are used in some areas where yards slope down to the street, where steep slopes occur or at railroad grades. These walls are important assets of the historic district and they should be preserved.

A. Preserve original retaining walls.

1. Replace only those portions that are deteriorated beyond repair. Any replacement materials should match the original in color, texture, size and finish.
2. Do not introduce mortar into drystack retaining walls.
3. Painting a historic masonry retaining wall, or covering it with stucco or other cementious coatings, is not appropriate.

B. Maintain the historic height, form and detailing of retaining walls.

1. Increasing the height of a wall to create a privacy screen is inappropriate.

C. Reduce water pressure on retaining walls by improving drainage behind them.

1. Also provide drains in the wall to allow moisture to pass through it.

D. For a new retaining wall, use materials similar to those seen historically.

1. Natural rock or stone should be used for a new retaining wall. Brick retaining walls will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
2. Log and railroad ties may be used in areas of minimal visibility on a limited basis for retaining walls and terracing, provided that the horizontal method of construction is utilized.
3. Unfaced concrete and concrete block are not appropriate.

E. Minimize the height of a new retaining wall.

1. Where a wall is necessary, limit its height to less than four feet. Use a series of terraces with short walls where the overall retaining height must be greater than four feet.
2. Contour the site to reduce the need for retaining walls.

3. Fences and Walls

Fences and walls were not always a part of traditional construction in Georgetown. However, when used historically, they were simple wood picket or metal fences, as well as low stone walls. These were relatively low in height and had a "transparent" character, allowing views into yards and providing interest to pedestrians. Where an historic fence or wall exists, it should be preserved. The height and design of a new fence or wall should be in character with those used traditionally in the neighborhood and they should relate in character to the principal structure on the lot.

A. Preserve original fences.

1. Replace only those portions that are deteriorated.
2. Typical historic fence types seen throughout the Historic Design District include: wood picket, wrought iron, twisted wire, short stone walls and plant materials.
3. An historic wood fence should be protected against the weather with a painted surface.

B. A new fence or wall should be similar in character with those seen historically.

1. A fence or wall that defines a front yard or a side yard on a corner lot is usually low to the ground and "transparent" in nature. A fence or wall should not exceed four feet in height.
2. Solid, "stockade" fences do not allow views into front yards and are inappropriate. They may be considered in back yards and along alleys.
3. A solid wood plank fence also may be used in a rear yard, if the top of it is "transparent" in character, such as a lattice element. The fence may be four foot of solid with two of lattice or spaced pickets. A rear yard fence may not exceed six feet in height.
4. A wood fence should be painted.
5. Chain link, concrete block, unfaced concrete, plastic, fiberglass, plywood, slatted "snow" fences and mesh "construction" fences are discouraged in front yards.
6. Note that using no fencing at all is often the best approach.

C. A side yard fence should be set back from the primary facade of a house.

1. Two types of side yard fences may be considered: a fence that extends between two houses and a fence that runs between two houses.
2. The setback should be significant enough to provide the historic sense of open space between homes.
3. A side yard fence may be taller than their front yard counterparts, but the taller portion must be located behind the primary facade of the house.
4. Although a side yard fence is usually less transparent as well, it should incorporate "transparent" elements to minimize the possible visual impacts.
5. Also consider using lattice, or other transparent detailing, on the upper portions of the fence.

D. Appropriate fence materials include wood, iron, wire, stone or plants.

1. Chain link, concrete block, unfaced concrete, plastic, fiberglass, plywood, slatted "snow" fences and mesh "construction" fences are inappropriate.

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4. Sidewalks

Sidewalks, where they exist, are also significant elements. Historically, red flagstone sidewalks were seen along many of the north-south residential streets, the streets surrounding the historic school and city park, and along Sixth Street. In many areas, sidewalks do not currently exist, and never did historically. Currently there is a mixture of original flagstone, replacement flagstone, broken flagstone, and broken concrete sidewalks. Except for the commercial areas, sidewalks are typically unprotected by curbs. Sidewalks should be compatible with the surrounding area.

A. Preserve historically significant sidewalks.

1. Replace only those portions that are deteriorated beyond repair. Replacement should be made with red flagstone that matches the original in color, texture, size and finish.

B. When new sidewalks are to be installed, they should be compatible with the historic character of the streetscape.

1. New sidewalks should be made with red flagstone that matches the original in color, texture, size and finish. Concrete is inappropriate.
2. Boardwalks may also be considered where sidewalks existed historically, and when other laws permit.
3. A new sidewalk should align with those that already exist along a block.

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5. Lighting

The character and level of lighting is a special concern of the community. Historically, site, building or street lighting was not a part of the Georgetown nightlife. Exterior lighting should be a subordinate element, so that the stars in the night sky are visible. Traditionally, exterior lights were simple in character. Most used incandescent lamps. These were relatively low in intensity and were shielded with simple shade devices. This overall effect should be continued. Thus, exterior lighting should be low in intensity, shielded and simple in character.

A. Exterior lights should be simple in character and low in intensity.

1. The design of a fixture should be simple in form and detail.
2. Lights that cast a color similar to that of daylight are preferred.
3. All exterior light sources should have a low level of luminescence.
4. Lighting fixtures should be appropriate to the building and its surroundings in terms of style, size and intensity of illumination.

B. Minimize the visual impacts of site and architectural lighting.

1. Unshielded, high intensity light sources and those that direct light upward is inappropriate.
2. Shield lighting associated with service areas and parking lots.
3. Timers or activity switches are strongly encouraged to prevent unnecessary sources of light late at night.
4. Where safety or security are a concern, the use of motion sensors that automatically turn lights on and off are strongly encouraged.
5. Do not wash an entire building facade in light.
6. Avoid placing lights in highly visible locations, such as on the upper walls of buildings.
7. Avoid duplicating fixtures. For example, do not use two fixtures that light the same area.
8. Security lighting will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

C. Prevent glare onto adjacent properties by using shielded and focused light sources that direct light onto the ground.

1. The use of downlights, with the bulb fully enclosed within the shade, or step lights that direct light only on to walkways, is strongly encouraged.
2. Lighting shall be carefully located so as not to shine into residential living space (on or off the property) or into public rights-of-way.

6. Residential Parking, Garages and Driveways

Although not a part of the historic streetscene of Georgetown, the automobile and its associated storage is a part of contemporary life. When they were introduced, parking was an ancillary use and located to the rear of a site. This tradition should be continued, and in all cases, the visual impacts of parking-which includes driveways, garages and garage doors-should be minimized. On-site parking, when necessary, should be subordinate to other uses and the front yards should not appear to be a parking area.

A. Avoid parking in the front yard.

1. Traditionally, front yards were not used as paved parking lots, and instead, yards provided views to facades and open space. Parking in the front yard is strongly discouraged because it would alter this established relationship.

B. A garage should not dominate the street scene.

1. A garage should be subordinate to the primary structure on the site.

C. A detached garage is preferred.

1. In order to minimize the impact of a garage on the street scene, locate it to the rear of the building. Setting a garage back substantially from the primary building front, may also be considered.
2. This will help reduce the perceived mass of the overall development.
3. The material and detailing of a detached garage should be utilitarian, to be compatible with other historic accessory structures.

D. When a garage must be attached, the percentage of building front allocated to it should be minimized.

1. A garage door should be designed to minimize the apparent width of the opening. Use materials on the door that are similar to that of wall surface of the primary structure. This will make it read as an integral part of the structure. Wood clad garage doors are preferred.
2. When necessary, an attached garage should be detailed as part of the primary building.

E. Use paving materials that will minimize the impact a driveway will have on a streetscape.

1. Exposed aggregate concrete, gravel or chip and seal are appropriate paving materials.
2. Consider providing only "tire tracks" instead of large driveways.
3. Plain asphalt or black top is not allowed.
4. Use materials that are not impervious to water and will not create runoff into the street or onto adjacent properties.

F. When parking is not located in a garage, screen it from view from the public right-of-way.

1. Consider using a fence, hedge or other landscape device.
2. Also consider visual impacts on adjoining properties.

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7. Public and Commercial Parking

Public parking lots were not a part of Georgetown's early history. Therefore much of its historic character derives from a way of building in which the automobile was not a factor. The visual impacts of features associated with storage of automobiles, including driveways, garages and parking lots, therefore should be minimized. Care should also be taken to provide pedestrian circulation that is separate from, and does not conflict with, vehicular circulation.

A. Screen a parking area from view from the street.

1. Screen a parking area from view of the public right-of-way with plantings, fences and walls.

B. Design parking areas to be accessed from the rear of a site, rather than from the street.

1. An on-site parking area should be located behind a building, where its visual impacts will be minimized, unless site conditions (such as steep slopes) prevent this arrangement.

C. Parking should be planned to function efficiently.

1. Design the parking layout so that all spaces are accessible and usable throughout the year.
2. Provide adequate turning radii and travel lanes.

D. Minimize the visual impact that large areas of parking create.

1. Minimize the surface area of paving and consider using materials that blend with the natural colors and textures of the region. Options to consider are: modular pavers, gravel and grasscrete. Chip and seal may be considered, but large areas of black top or plain asphalt are inappropriate.
2. When large parking lots are necessary, increase landscaping to screen the lot, and consider dividing the lot into smaller components. Provide landscaped "islands" in the interiors of lots. (These may double as snow storage zones in winter months.)
3. This guideline is especially important for projects on large parcels of land.
   

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8. Service Areas

Service areas include loading areas and storage areas for trash, recycling containers, snow, firewood and site maintenance equipment. Many of these require access year-round and should therefore be carefully planned as an integral part of a site. At the same time, the visual impacts of service areas should be minimized. When laying out a site, adequate provision should be made for service areas. They should not simply be located in "left over" side yards, for example.

A. Service areas should not be visible from major pedestrian ways.

1. Locate a service area along the rear of a site.
2. Trash areas, including large waste containers or dumpsters, should also be screened from view, using a fence, hedge or enclosure. For a larger storage area, consider using a shed to enclose it. (See also design guidelines for Accessory Structures on page 45.)
3. Provide adequate trash storage capacity so that debris will not overflow the containers.
4. Consideration should be given to winter time snow and ice buildup that could otherwise impede access to receptacles.
5. Combine service areas with those of other properties, when feasible.

B. Trash storage should be designed to be secure from animals.

C. It is important that trash areas are accessible year-round.

D. The use of an off-street loading zone is encouraged.

1. In large structures locating a loading area in the building is preferred.

E. Provide access to a service area such that service vehicles will not interfere with pedestrians and other vehicular traffic.

F. In commercial uses, service entrances should be separate from those used by customers.

1. When feasible, the location of service areas should be coordinated with adjacent properties so that the size and number of driveways and other paved surfaces can be minimized.
2. Central service handling areas also should be considered.

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9. Utilities

Utilities that serve properties may include telephone and electrical lines, ventilation systems, gas meters, propane tanks, air conditioners and fire protection, telecommunication and alarm systems. Adequate space for these utilities should be planned in a project from the outset and they should be designed such that their visual impacts are minimized.

A. Minimize the visual impacts of utilities and service equipment.

1. Provide adequate space for utilities. They should not simply be put into "left over" space that abuts the public right-of-way.
2. Locate utilities at the rear of a property and screen them.
3. Minimize the visual impacts of vents and exhaust hoods by integrating them into the building design.
4. Vents for direct-vent fireplaces should not be installed on the building front.
5. Window air conditioning units or condenser elements should be located where they are not visible on a front facade.
6. Any utility device or piece of service equipment should have a matte or non-reflective finish and be integrated with the building colors.

B. Screen rooftop appurtenances, such as mechanical equipment and antennas, from view.

C. Place new telephone and electrical lines underground when feasible.

D. Solar devices should not block views or significantly detract from the setting.

1. If attached to the building, solar devices should lay flush with the roof line. This will not cause a significant decrease in the devices' solar gain capabilities.
2. If not attached to the building, collectors should be located only in the side and rear yards. Exposed hardware, frames and piping should have a non-reflective finish, and be consistent with the color scheme of the primary structure.
3. Collectors not attached to the building should be screened by whatever landscaping may be necessary to reduce their visibility.

E. Screen a satellite dish to reduce their visibility.

1. Use landscaping to screen a satellite dish that is mounted on the ground.
2. A small satellite dish should not be mounted to the front of a structure.
3. See also the Municipal Code for more guidance.

F. Wind generators should be located in rear and side yards, away from public view.

1. Their height shall not exceed that of the height of the primary structure.
2. Wind generators should be painted to match the color scheme of the primary structure and the natural surroundings.
   

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10. Snow Shedding

New buildings should minimize the potential negative impacts of snow shedding patterns on adjacent properties and pedestrian ways.

A. Provide for safe snow shedding and removal.

1. Commercial buildings with metal-clad roofs should have snow guards, brakes or other devices to prevent snow and ice shedding onto public ways.
2. Locate decks, courtyards and pedestrian ways such that snow shedding hazards are minimized.
3. Provide adequate space for snow storage on the site.

Book 2 Chapter 5 | Book 2 Chapter 7