Town of Georgetown
Design Guidelines
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Introduction
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This chapter presents the design policies and guidelines for the construction of an addition or new accessory structure in the Millsite, Meadows and Gateway Design Districts. 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. Note, that if your project involves an historic structure in any of these three Design Districts, you will need to consult Book II: Guidelines for the Historic Design District for guidance on design issues that relate to your particular project.
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, even in the newer, developing areas of the town, bear in mind the impact it will have on any neighboring historic resources and the town as a whole.
1. New Accessory Structures
An accessory structure-including sheds, barns and garages-can provide much needed storage space on a site, but can also have significant impacts on the surrounding area. In order to avoid any negative impacts an accessory structure may have it should be well-designed and constructed of durable materials that help it relate to the primary structure on the site.
A. Locate an accessory structure to the rear of a lot.
- Locating an accessory structure to the side of the primary structure, but set back substantially, is also appropriate.
- Locating an accessory structure in the front yard is discouraged.
B. Construct an accessory structure that is subordinate in scale with the primary structure.
- In general, an accessory structure 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, scale 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 accessory structures 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.
2. New Additions
When planning an addition to a building, consider the effect the addition will have on the building and the surrounding environs. When creating an addition to minimize its visual impacts.
A. An addition should be visually subordinate to the main building.
- An addition should respect the proportions, massing and siting of the primary building.
- The form and detailing of an addition should be compatible with the primary building
- If an addition would be taller than the main building, set it back substantially from primary character-defining facades.
B. 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 Design District.
3. Roof and Dormer Additions
Dormers were sometimes used to create more head room or floors that were not a full story. Most dormers had vertical emphasis, and only one or two were used on the side of a building. A roof or dormer addition should be designed in a manner that does not alter the perceived scale of a 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 roof line and form is perceived from the street.
B. A new dormer should remain subordinate to the roof in scale and character.
- A new dormer should be lower than the primary ridge line and set in from the eave.