Town of Georgetown
Design Guidelines
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Introduction
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This chapter presents the design policies and guidelines for the rehabilitation or alteration of historic additions and historic accessory structures and the construction of additions and new accessory structures in the Historic Design District. The design guidelines are organized into relevant design topics. Within these design topics are the individual policies and design guidelines which the DRC will base its decisions. Finally, the individual design guidelines will imply whether it applies to the rehabilitation of historic structures, new construction or both.
Do not forget that your property is located in the Georgetown/Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District. The Town of Georgetown is recognized nationally for the quality and character of its historic resources. When work is proposed, bear in mind the impact it will have on any neighboring historic resources and the town as a whole.
1. Existing Additions
Some changes to a building may be evidence of the history of the structure, its inhabitants and its neighborhood. Such changes may have developed significance in their own right, and this significance should be recognized and respected.
A. Preserve an older addition that has achieved historic significance in its own right.
- For example, a porch or a kitchen wing may have been added to the original building early in its history. Such an addition is usually similar in character to the original building in terms of materials, finishes and design.
B. A more recent addition that is not historically significant may be removed.
- For example, a sun room or greenhouse may have been added within the last several decades and not achieved historic significance. In this case, removal of this addition and restoration of the original facade would be encouraged.
2. New Additions
When planning an addition to an historic building, consider the effect the addition will have on the historic building itself. When creating an addition to an historic structure, the new work should be recognized as a product of its own time and yet the loss of the building's historic fabric should be minimized. A design for a new addition that would create an appearance inconsistent with the historic character of the building is inappropriate.
A. Design an addition such that it will not obscure or destroy the character of the original building.
- An addition that seeks to imply an earlier or later period than that of the building is inappropriate.
- An addition that conveys an inaccurate variation on the historic style is inappropriate. For example, introducing very ornate "Victorian" details is inappropriate on the simple cottages of Georgetown.
- An addition should not obscure or damage character-defining features (such as windows, doors, porches, brackets or roof lines).
B. An addition should be visually subordinate to the main building.
- An addition should respect the proportions, massing and siting of the historic building.
- The form and detailing of an addition should be compatible with the historic building. Simpler details on an addition can help distinguish it from the original structure.
- Set an addition back from the primary facade in order to allow the original proportions, form and overall character of the historic building to remain prominent.
- If an addition would be taller than the main building, set it back substantially from primary character-defining facades.
- A small "connector" linking the historic building and the addition may be considered.
C. A substantial addition should be distinguishable from the historic building so it can be understood as a more recent change.
- This can be accomplished with a jog in the wall planes, or by using a cornerboard to define the connection, or a subtle change in material or a subtle differentiation between historic and more current styles.
D. The materials of an addition should be similar to that of the primary structure.
- The materials also should be similar to those seen historically in the Historic Design District.
- Match the lap dimension, finish and size of materials on the historic structure.
E. Windows in an addition that are visible from the public way should be the same as those of the historic structure.
- The window-to-wall ratio should be similar to that of the historic structure.
3. Roof and Dormer Additions
Dormers were sometimes used to create more head room in attics. Most dormers
had vertical emphasis, and only one or two were used on the side of a
building. When considering constructing an addition to the top of an historic
residence, it is important that the integrity of the building be preserved.
A roof or dormer addition should be designed in a manner that minimizes
damage to historic building fabric, does not alter the perceived character
from the street and is in keeping with the character of the original structure.
A. Roof additions should be in character with the style of the primary structure.
- The size of roof additions, including dormers, should be kept to a minimum and should be set back from the primary facade so that the original roof line and form is perceived from the street.
- Gabled dormers are appropriate for most architectural styles, and hipped dormers may be appropriate for some architectural styles.
B. A new dormer should remain subordinate to the historic roof in size and character.
- A new dormer should be lower than the primary ridge line and set in from the eave.
4. Preserving Accessory Structures
Accessory structures include garages, carriage houses, barns, sheds, mining structures and privies. Because accessory structures help interpret how an entire lot was used historically, their preservation is strongly encouraged.
A. If an existing accessory structure dates from the town's period of significance, then its preservation is encouraged.
- When treating a historic accessory building, respect its character-defining features such as primary materials, roof materials, roof form, historic windows, historic doors and architectural details.
- Avoid moving a historic accessory structure from its original location.
- If an accessory structure does not date of the period of significance, then its preservation is optional.
B. If an existing accessory structure is beyond repair, then replacing it in-kind is encouraged.
- An exact reconstruction of the accessory structure is not necessary in these cases. The replacement should be compatible with the overall character of the historic structure, while accommodating new uses.
- If a new accessory structure is needed, see also the design guidelines for New Accessory Structures.
C. New uses that require minimal change and maintain the utilitarian character of an accessory structure are preferred.
- New uses which significantly alter the character or size of an accessory structure are not appropriate.
5. New Accessory Structures
Accessory structures include garages, carriage houses, barns, sheds, mining structures and privies. A new accessory structure should be subordinate to the primary structure on a site.
A. Locate an accessory structure to the rear of a lot.
- Locating an accessory structure to the side of a primary structure, but set back substantially may also be considered.
B. Construct an accessory structure that is subordinate in size and character with the primary structure.
- In general, accessory structures should be unobtrusive and not compete visually with the house. While the roof line does not have to match the house, it is best that it not vary significantly.
- An accessory structure should remain subordinate, in terms of mass, size and height, to the primary structure.
- Tuff Sheds® and other pre-manufactured storage structures are not allowed.
C. An accessory structure should be similar in character to those seen traditionally.
- Basic rectangular forms, with hip, gable or shed roofs, are appropriate.
D. Maintain the traditional range of building materials on accessory structures.
- Appropriate siding materials for secondary buildings include: unpainted or stained wood siding, wood planks, vertical board and batten siding or corrugated metal.
- These materials should be utilitarian in appearance. The use of muted, natural colors and finishes is particularly encouraged.
E. Maintain the simple detailing found on accessory structures.
- Ornate detailing on accessory structures is inappropriate.
- Avoid details that may give an out building a residential appearance. Accessory structures should not mimic primary structures.