Section 22-182 Architectural standards for commercial buildings

Prior to the adoption of 2004 (22-182) on 12/13/2004, Section 22-182 read as follows.

 Architectural styles should be consistent with character of architectural styles found within the City of Thomasville as listed in the Commercial Design Guidelines, to the extent deemed applicable by  the Zoning Board of Appeals. The following architectural standards shall be applied to all new commercial buildings within the City of Thomasville, excluding designated industrial parks, and shall be applied to development and redevelopment:

    (a) Exterior finish material on every facade facing a public right of way and 30 percent on the  remaining facades shall be limited to stone, brick, stucco, pre-cast concrete, clapboard siding, and wood shingles.  

     (b) No blank facades are permitted for all facades visible from a public right-of-way, particularly the primary facade.  All visible building facades shall have clear glazed areas and  all visible facades shall have openings of at least 20 percent and no more than 75 percent of the facade area, and the openings shall meet the following requirements:

        (1) Storefronts shall be directly  accessible from the sidewalk and shall have clear glazed areas  no more than ten feet from the ground, equal to a maximum of 75 percent of its primary facade length.

        (2) Windows shall be recessed a minimum  of two inches from the exterior face of the facade.

        (3) Multiple windows in the same rough opening shall be separated by a minimum of a two  inch wide post and sit on one continuous sill.

          (4) All visible building facades shall have a  Typical Window.   It is recommended that the typical window be vertical or square in proportion, but may include side or fan lights.  Once a  Typical Window is designated, any window which is not typical shall be considered an "Accent  Window."  The primary facade shall have no more than three (3) Accent Windows.  All other visible facades may have up to five (5) Accent Windows.  An Accent Window may not be larger in area than four times a Typical Window.  Side lights and fan lights abutting a door shall not be considered as separate windows.

 (5) If shutters are used, they shall be sized to match the opening, and be provided for all windows on a given wall.

 (6) If security bars are used, they shall be located on the interior of the structure and designed in  such a manner so they appear as muntins in a divided light window.  Mesh and chain link are not permitted to cover openings.

 (7) Mechanical systems, backflow preventers, television antennae, satellite dishes and communication devices shall be screened from view by landscaping or built elements designed as an integral part of the building architecture.

        (8) Any building constructed as new  Development or Redevelopment as defined in Section  22-6 is required to have a symmetrical pitched roof with a slope of no less than 5:12.  Any building  constructed as new Development or Redevelopment as defined in Section 22-6 which utilizes a  barrel tile roof  shall have a symmetrical pitch of no less than 3:12.  Any flat roofed building, whether new Development or Redevelopment, shall utilize a parapet or false mansard of no more than six (6) feet in height as measured from the bottom of the parapet or mansard or no more than the maximum height as permitted under Section 22-181 for the zone in which the building is constructed.

        (9)Architectural details such as texture, pattern, color, and building form used on the front facade should be incorporated on all visible building facades, but does not apply to any facade facing service courts or other areas generally not visible to the public.

         (10) In order to avoid “cookie cutter” style  buildings and in recognition of the fact that corporations have available a minimum of two design options, individual “corporate image” architectural design elements and colors shall be incorporated only as secondary elements to the  buildings and not as the dominant element.

 (11) Chain link fencing must be vinyl coated and will only be permitted in the rear setbacks for all  zoning excluding areas zoned residential and agricultural. Chain link fencing shall be permitted in all setbacks in areas zoned agricultural or residential. A list of approved fencing materials is maintained in the Planning Department.

 (12) All awnings shall be consistent with the architecture of the building.  Signs displayed on  awnings shall comply with the Thomasville Commercial Design Guidelines.

     (c)  To the fullest extent possible, all utility connections including, but not limited to, electric and phone shall be placed underground.