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Town of Georgetown Design Guidelines

Book II: Design Review in Georgetown

1. Architectural Character

Traditionally, buildings in Georgetown were simple in character. This is a fundamental characteristic that is vital to the preservation of the historic integrity of the town. Regardless of stylistic treatment, a new building should appear simple in form and detail, in keeping with the tradition of Georgetown. Buildings also should be visually compatible with older structures in the Historic Design District without being direct copies of historic buildings.

A. Respect the sense of time and place in all projects.

1. In all new construction, one should be able to perceive of the character of the town as it was historically. Do not, however, attempt to create an exact perception of a point of time in the past.

B. Avoid stylistic ornamentation that confuses the history of Georgetown.

1. Use ornamental details with constraint.
2. Elaborate ornamentation, which is atypical in Georgetown, is discouraged.
3. Other styles that would also be misleading about the history of Georgetown are inappropriate.

C. New interpretations of traditional building styles are encouraged.

1. A new design that draws upon the fundamental similarities among historic buildings in the community (without copying them) is preferred. This will allow new structures to be seen as products of their own time yet compatible with their historic neighbors.
2. The exact copying or replication of historic styles is discouraged.
3. Applying highly ornamental details that were not a part of building in Georgetown is inappropriate.

2. Preservation of Historic Features

Historic features, including building and architectural details, building form and scale contribute to the character and significance of a structure and should be preserved. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship should be treated with sensitivity. Continued maintenance is the best preservation method. Rehabilitation work should not destroy the distinguishing qualities or character of the property and its environment.

A. Protect and maintain significant stylistic features.

1. The best preservation procedure is to maintain historic features from the outset so that intervention is not required. Employ treatments such as rust removal, calking, limited paint removal and reapplication of paint.

B. Avoid removing or altering any historic or significant architectural features.

1. Preserve features such as original doors, windows and porches in their original form and position.

C. Minimize intervention with historic features.

1. Maintain character-defining features. Then, repair only those features that are deteriorated. Finally, replace only those features that are beyond repair.
2. Patch, piece-in, splice, consolidate or otherwise upgrade the feature, using recognized preservation methods.
3. Protect materials and features that are adjacent to the area being worked on.

D. Avoid adding features that were not part of the original building.

1. For example, decorative millwork should not be added if they were not an original feature of that structure.

E. When disassembly of an historic feature is necessary for its restoration, minimize damage to the original materials.

1. Document the location of an historic feature if disassembly is required so it may be repositioned accurately.

3. Replacement of Missing Elements

While restoration is the preferred alternative, replacement with a similar feature is an option. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match that being replaced in design, color, texture and other visual qualities. Replacement should occur only if the existing historic material cannot be reasonably repaired.

A. Replacement of missing elements may be included in repair activities.

1. Replace only those portions that are beyond repair.

B. Replace missing original features in-kind.

1. Use the same kind of material as the original. However, a substitute material may be acceptable if the size, shape, texture and finish conveys the visual appearance of the original material.

C. Replacement of missing or deteriorated architectural elements should be based on accurate duplications of original features.

1. The design should be substantiated by physical or pictorial evidence to avoid creating a misrepresentation of the building's genuine heritage.

D. When reconstruction of an element is impossible, develop a new design that is a simplified interpretation of the original.

1. This is appropriate when inadequate information exists to allow for an accurate reconstruction of missing features.
2. The new element should be similar to comparable features in general size, shape, texture and finish.

E. Conjectural designs for replacement parts that cannot be substantiated by written, physical or pictorial evidence are generally inappropriate.

1. However, consider designs that are based on details from similar houses within the Historic Design District, when there is evidence that a similar element once existed. For example, where "scars" on the exterior siding suggest the location of decorative brackets but no photographs exist of its design, then designs for historic brackets on historic houses that are clearly similar in character may be used as a model.
   

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4. Directional Emphasis

The way a building reads as either vertical or horizontal, refers to its directional emphasis. Therefore, most buildings in Georgetown being two stories in height, have a vertical emphasis. This should be continued in new construction.

A. Buildings should have a vertical emphasis.

1. Where topography and the natural setting are a concern, buildings may deviate from this emphasis. Such deviations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

B. Window and door openings should reinforce the vertical emphasis of a building.

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5. Roofs

Typical residential roof shapes are gabled, hipped and shed. Gabled roofs are the most frequent, and usually the gable end is oriented toward the street. Most commercial buildings have gently sloping, almost flat, roofs, but some have gable and shed roofs. Because roof forms are often one of the most significant character-defining elements for some of the more simple structures in Georgetown, their preservation is important.

A. Preserve the original roof form.

1. Avoid altering the angle of the roof.
2. Maintain the perceived line of the roof from the street.
3. Flat skylights mounted flush with the roof may be considered in areas that minimize their visibility from public ways. Bubbled or domed skylights are not appropriate.
4. Placement of crickets or other snow guard devices should be done in such a way that they do not alter the form of the roof.
5. Preserve decorative roof accessories such as cresting, ridgecaps and finials.

B. Preserve the original eave depth.

1. The shadows created by traditional overhangs contribute to one's perception of the building's historic scale and therefore, these overhangs should be preserved.
2. Cutting back roof rafters and soffits or in other ways altering the traditional roof overhang is inappropriate.
   

6. Windows, Doors and Other Openings

Windows and doors are some of the most important character-defining features of a structure. They give scale to buildings and provide visual interest to the composition of individual facades. These features are inset into relatively deep openings in a building wall or they have surrounding casings and sash components that have substantial dimensions. They cast shadows that contribute to the character of the building. Because windows and doors so significantly affect the character of a structure, their size and shape should be preserved on historic structures. Their appropriate use in new construction is also a very important consideration.

A. Preserve the functional and decorative features of original windows and doors.

1. Repair frames and sash by patching, splicing or reinforcing.
2. If replacement is necessary, replace with similar features, to match the original.
3. Avoid the removal of historic windows and sash.
4. Be mindful that some existing windows or doors may not be original to the building and were inappropriate replacements. These should be replaced in accordance with these design guidelines.

B. Avoid changing the position of historic openings.

1. This is especially important on significant facades.
2. Avoid adding additional openings or removing existing openings on facades that are visible from the street.

C. Maintain original window and door proportions.

1. Altering the original size and shape is inappropriate.
2. Do not close down an original opening to accommodate a smaller window.
3. Restoring original openings which have been altered over time is encouraged.

D. Maintain the historic subdivisions of window lights.

1. Replacing multiple panes with a single pane or operable windows with fixed panes is inappropriate.
2. Replacing true divided lights with snap-in muntins is inappropriate.

E. On a replacement window, wooden pop-in muntins and mullions may be considered.

1. Their use will be considered by the DRC on a case-by-case basis.
2. Pop-in muntins and mullions should be made from wood and they should convey the scale and finish of those true muntins and mullions seen historically.
3. Pop-in muntins and mullions should be used on both the inside and outside of the window.

F. Maintain the historic ratio of window openings to solid wall.

1. This applies both to historic structures and new construction.
2. Significantly increasing the amount of glass will negatively affect the integrity of a structure.
3. Large surfaces of glass are inappropriate on residential structures and on the upper floors and sides of commercial buildings.
4. If necessary, divide large glass surfaces into smaller windows that are in scale with those seen traditionally.

G. Preserve original exterior storm windows.

1. Where exterior storm windows are necessary, or when replacing originals, wood windows with a sash matching that of the original windows are appropriate.
2. If storm windows were not an historic feature of a building, install new storm windows on the interior if feasible.
3. Exterior storm windows may be considered only if the frames match the proportions of the original windows.

H. When replacing a window or door is necessary on an historic structure, match the original design as closely as possible.

1. Preserve the original casing, and use it with the replacement.
2. Use the same material (wood) as that used historically.
3. Vinyl clad and aluminum windows are inappropriate.
4. Simple paneled doors were typical.
5. Very ornate doors are discouraged, unless photographic evidence can support their use.
6. Match the number and size of divided lights and panels.
7. Glass in a window or door should be clear. Any type of tinting is inappropriate.

I. A new opening should be similar in location, size and type to those seen traditionally.

1. All buildings which face the street should have a well-defined front entrance.
2. A general rule for a window opening is that the height should be twice the dimension of the width.
3. Windows should be simple in shape, arrangement and detail.
4. Unusually shaped windows, such as triangles and trapezoids may be considered as accents only.

J. Windows and doors should be finished with trim elements similar to those used traditionally.

1. This trim should have a dimension similar to that used historically.
2. Divided lights should be formed from smaller mullions integral to the window. Pop-in muntins and mullions are inappropriate.

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7. Porches and Awnings

Projecting elements, such as porches and awnings, help to provide visual interest to a building, can influence its perceived scale, protect entrances and pedestrians from snow and provide shade in summer. A porch is often one of the most important character-defining elements of a residential facade. Where porches exist on historic structures, they should be maintained in their original condition and form. If a porch no longer exists on an historic structure, then it should be replaced. These features should also provided in new construction, and should be compatible in size and shape and type to those seen historically.

A. Preserve an original porch.

1. Replace missing posts and railings where necessary.
2. Match the original proportions and the spacing of balusters.
3. Avoid using wrought iron posts and railings.

B. Avoid enclosing porches.

1. Enclosing a porch with opaque materials that destroy the openness and transparency of a porch is inappropriate.

C. If replacing a porch is necessary, reconstruct it to match the form and detail of the original.

1. Use materials similar to the original.
2. Avoid decorative elements that are not known to have been used on the building.
3. If it is known that a building had a porch, efforts should be made to accurately reconstruct it.
4. When you do not know what the original looked like, it is important that new details be compatible with the design of the porch and the style of the house

D. The use of a porch on any new residential building is strongly encouraged.

1. A porch should be similar in scale to those used historically, but should be large enough to function as more than just an entry landing.

E. The use of an awning on a commercial building may be considered.

1. The awning should fit the dimensions of the storefront or window opening. It should not obscure ornamental details.
2. Avoid exotic forms that are not traditionally found in Georgetown.
3. Coordinate the color of the awning with the color scheme of the entire building.
4. Operable fabric are appropriate.
5. Non-operable or fixed metal awnings are discouraged.
6. Installing lighting in awnings so they effectively act as an internally lit sign is inappropriate.
   

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8. Building Foundations

Many of Georgetown's historic houses and sheds were built on stone foundations. Some of these have deteriorated and must be replaced. When replaced, foundations should be consistent with the original foundation.

A. When replacing a foundation wall, design it to be compatible with that seen on similar historic buildings.

1. The form, materials and detailing of a foundation wall should be similar to the original foundation and of nearby historic buildings. Match the mortar in strength, detail, composition and color.
2. New foundation walls should not increase the height of the structure to the degree that the historic character or alignment of building fronts are compromised.
3. If it is necessary to install windows and window wells in the foundation for egress, avoid placing them on the street facade, especially on historic structures.

B. In new construction, a clear distinction between foundation and wall material should be present.

1. For example, wood siding should not extend to the ground.

C. Exposed foundation walls on new construction should be of stone-faced, exposed aggregate concrete or stucco.

1. Foundations should have minimum of six inches (6") and a maximum of twelve inches (12") of exposure of plain concrete.
   

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9. Chimneys and Stovepipes

Because of the cold mountain winters, the use of chimneys and stove pipes is an integral part of most residential construction in Georgetown. The sole purpose of a chimney is the safe removal of smoke and sparks. Any major deterioration of a chimney compromises this purpose, with many implications for the comfort and safety of the building's inhabitants. The proper maintenance and repair of historic chimneys is therefore important.

A. An historic chimney should not be removed.

1. A chimney is an important exterior design element.

B. If replacement is absolutely necessary, a chimney should be replaced in the historic style.

1. The chimney shape should match that of the historic one being replaced.
2. The brick laying pattern and mortar should match that of the historic chimney being replaced.

C. A chimney should be regularly checked for deterioration.

1. Chimneys are subject to the same forces of deterioration as all other character-defining features. However, because of their location, chimney problems are more often neglected.
2. Annual chimney inspections should be conducted for leaning, cracking, deteriorated pointing or brickwork, deteriorated flashing, deteriorated flue liner, build-up of surface soot and intrusions such as nest or debris.

D. A stovepipe, on any building, should have a matte, non-metallic dark finish.

Book 2 Chapter 6 | Book 2 Chapter 8