HomeMy Public PortalAboutWatertown Community Forum Presentations_ 2015_1112 WATERTOWN MASSACHUSETTS
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
TOWNWIDE FORUM
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NOVEMBER 12, 2015 ASSOCIATES
urban design
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS Watertown, MA
GAMBLE ASSOCIATES 10/4/2105 update 201512016
week# 0 1' 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17' 18 19 20 21 22
month A SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN F
week of 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 1
CLIENT MEETING O O • • • • • •
Phase I COMMUNITY OUTREACH
A. Meet w/ Planning Staff+ Neighborhood Tour '
B. Community Listening Session 1*
C. Community Listening Session 2* ■
D. Community Listening Session 3*
E. Community Forum#1*: Preserving Our Neighborhoods
Phase II PRELIMINARY RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS(14 weeks)
A. Residential 3d model prototypes
B. Diagrams, photographs, drawings and text
C. On Line Visual Preference Survey
Phase III FINAL DESIGN STANDARDS(five weeks)
A. Finalize Standards I
B. Community Forum 2*: Draft Design Guidelines '
C. Town Council/Planning Board meetings ■
PRODUCTS by Phase
I. Summary Review of Neighborhood Pressures d
II. Preliminary Residential Standards (Poster) '
III. Final Standards (Document print/on-line)
*Location of community meetings to be confirmed I
CRAFTING GUIDELINES
IS A BALANCING ACT
PROPERTY RIGHTS PUBLIC GOOD
"CARROTS" "STICKS"
RESOURCES REGULATIONS
GUIDELINES STANDARDS
(SHOULD) � (MUST)
WATERTOWN HAS
A MIX OF STYLES
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QUEEN ANNE
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• STEEP, IRREGULAR ROOF FORM
• PATTERNED SHINGLES
• PRIMARY, FRONT FACING GABLE
• ASYMMETRICAL FACADE
• PARTIAL OR FULL-WIDTH PORCH
GREAT STREETS CAN
HAVE A MIX OF STYLES
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WHAT MAKES A
GOOD BUILDI NG ?7
2
4
1 3 5
6
1 Large, welcoming porch creates /� Primary hip roof form has deep
threshold between interior and exterior. 4 overhangs that create shadow lines.
2 Hip roof dormer reinforces entry and Double window element mirrored in hip roof
breaks up primary roof form. 5 dormer ties upper and lower levels together.
3 Board and batten pattern siding creates Dense plantings soften transition from
rhythm and visual interest. house to ground and add privacy buffer.
Z 3 5
7
8
6
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4
1 Visually heavy, natural materials ground /� Landscaping softens the transition from A variety of window forms and munton
the building and create a "base." 4 the building to the ground. 7 styles add visual interest.
2 Unifying primary gable roof gives visual Turret form breaks up massing and Lighter, natural shingle siding delineates
hierarchy to roof forms. 5 anchors the center of the building. 8 upper story.
3 Hip-roof dormer breaks up primary roof Recessed entry and small porch signal Single-lane driveway with parking at
and adds visual interest. entry. rear downplays the car's importance.
3
5
2
1 4
6
1 Large, welcoming wrap-around front porch /� Arch-topped windows on ground floor
breaks down central mass of house. 4 echo the roof form of the turret.
2 Bands of differently colored and shaped Turret form adds vertical element and
shingles add visual interest. visual focal point that balances porch.
3 Dog house dormer breaks up large, Dense,varied vegetation integrates
single roof form. 6 house into the surrounding landscape.
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2 8
4
7
1 5
6
1 Massing broken down into primary and /� Arch-topped windows add visual Well-defined entry with high level of
secondary hierarchical forms. 4 interest and detail. detailing.
2 Prominent vertical chimney contrasts Vegetation softens the transition from Brick is a natural, durable building
horizontal form of main house massing. the building to the ground. 8 material.
3 Soldier course of brick at floor Natural stone retaining wall adds Intricate cornice with deep overhang
transition adds subtle detail to facade. character and material richness. accentuates transition to roof.
WHAT ARE OTHER
TOWNS DOINGS?
SOMERVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE
Main lessons:
1. Clear diagrams help to clarify exactly what is and isn't allowed
2. Dimensionally-based guidelines can be restrictive in certain instances
3. Color-coding can help direct readers to pertinent information
PORTICO DORMER WINDOW
A frontage type featuring a set of stairs with a landing leading to the entrance of a building.A portico has a roof supported by A window or set of windows that projects vertically from a sloped roof,designed to provide light into and expand the habitable
columns or piers. space of a half-story.
DIMENSIONS DIMENSIONS
Landing Width(min) 4 feet 24 feet or 50%of the eave
Landing Depth(min) 4 feet /� Width(max) length of the main roof
`f\ (whichever is shorter(
Ceiling Height(min( 8 feet
Permitted Encroachment(max) 100%max Front&Rear Wall Setback(min) 8 ft.6 in.
Side Wall Setback(min) 1 ft.6 in.
STANDARDS Ridge Line Setback(min) 1 foot
i. Paving,excluding driveways,must match the abutting Roof Slope(min) 4:12
sidewalk unless paved with pervious,pourous,or permeable ` Fenestration(min) 50
materials. .X STANDARDS
ii. Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any abutting i. Setbacks are strictly enforced regardless of permitted dormer
sidewalk
iii. Stairs may be built perpendicular or parallel to the building width.
facade,but must lead directly to ground level or an abutting ii The maximum permitted width of a dormer applies to single,
°\ sidewalk. multiple,or attached combinations of dormers on each side
of a roof
O i
REAR ADDITION PORCH,PROJECTING
An extension from the rear wall of the main body of a building. A frontage type featuring a wide,raised platform with stairs leading to the principal entrance of a building.Porches provide outdoor
amenity space and may have multiple levels or a roof supported by columns or piers.
DIMENSIONS DIMENSIONS
Setback from side Elevation(min) 1 foot 10'or 50%of facade
Width(min) width,whichever is greater
th
Floor Plate Area(max) 5 of the Floor Plate of
the Principal Building Depth(min) 6 feet
Height(max) 2 stories Ceiling Height(min) 8 feet
Furniture Area,Clear(min) 6 feet x 6 feet
Permitted Encroachment(max) 10 feet
• \ STANDARDS
/ STANDARDS 1. Paving,excluding driveways,must match the abutting
i. The slope r the
materials.
sidewalk unless paved with pervious,pourous,or permeable
any pitched roof a rear addition must be \ y
equal to less than slope of the roof of the main body of .
the building
ing and no less than nine and one-half degrees(9 5° n Stairs are not permitted to encroach onto any abutting
2 12) sidewalk.
iii Stairs may lead directly to ground level,an abutting
Q sidewalk,or be side-loaded.
�. O iv. The porch balustrade must permit visual supervision of the
public realm through the posts and rails.
v. A porch may be screened provided the percentage of window
• area to wall area is seventy percent )or greater.
Permanent enclosure of a porch to create year-round living
space is not permitted.
2 CITY OF NEWTON HISTORIC PRESERVATION
GUIDELINES FOR ADDITIONS & NEW CONSTRUCTION
Main lessons:
1. Simple sketches illustrate concepts in an approachable way
2. Text outlines concepts while being flexible enough to allow variety
3. "Yes" - "No" dichotomy makes it easy to understand
Scale:Height and Width Alignment,Rhythm and Spacing t
Additions to existing buildings should generally be smaller Although the architecture of Newton is characterized by n n n n
than the original building with similar floor-to-floor and first great variety in its neighborhoods, within each block there IJ U L1 !J
floor heights. tends to be consistency in the proportions of the fagades
and spacing of buildings. The consistent spacing establishes
TheNHC/HDCencourage: a rhythm that is historically prevalent and that should be
• Constructing an addition that is smaller or similar in scale applied to additions to existing buildings. The construction
to the existing building or those on adjacent sites of an addition should not make an existing building appear
• Constructing an addition larger than adjacent buildings substantially wider or closer to its neighbors than the f
by breaking the building mass,dividing its height or width patterns of existing buildings on the streetscape. Yes No
to conform with adjacent buildings The NHC/HDC encourage: The proportions of the windows of the left addition are consistent
• Constructing taller masses of the buildings at the rear of • Constructing additions in a manner that does not with those at the original building. The windows of the right
addition are much wider with the first floor window being
properties,away from the street and adjacent buildings significantly alter the visual alignment,rhythm and significantly taller and the second floormuch shorter.
The size and spacing of buildings along a streetscape Trim and Details
' placement of all The top addition
four additions is almost doubles In the same way that form and mass of an addition should
similar,however the width of the be compatible but not necessarily copy historic buildings,
the roof forms house and is new details should be compatible but not necessarily copy
_ vary. It is r) inappropriate. historic trim and details. Existing details and trim may be
Yes Yes generally more The lower
appropriate to No addition is more used as the basis for those on additions and be simplified
add a sloped roof modest and in to provide compatibility without requiring duplication of
addition to a n keeping with the historic features. Using similar forms such as those found at
historic building existing building
l unless the spacing and parapets,rooflines,windows,doors,trim,porches,balconies
l historic building building form. and other fagade elements can help establish continuity and
No No originally had a /, compatibility within a building,block and the historic setting
flatroof Yes as a whole.
3 THE BROOKLINE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS
Main lessons:
1. Before-After examples provide a visual aid
2. Nine general, overarching principals frame all guidelines
3. Photographic comparisons support textural arguments
GENERAL GUIDELINES
These Guidelines are intended to encourage appropriate design by applicants and foster predictability in a - :
Commission actions. While the Commission can, in the exercise of its discretion, permit applicants to
depart from the Guidelines, applicants are encouraged to follow them to the greatest extent possible and
should not expect that the Commission will permit exceptions to them in most circumstances. The
Commission does not anticipate departing from certain of the Guidelines, such as that regarding artificial
siding, under any circumstances. Further, it should be understood that certain properties, and the
specific features of certain properties, may be treated as having greater than usual architectural or historic
significance. l
Although the points listed in these General Guidelines are covered in greater detail in the Specific Design
Guidelines that begin on the following page,these nine general guidelines are listed here to highlight their p ==M ,1.. H.,..�:
importance:
• ORNAMENTAL AND DECORATIVE DETAILING SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED.
255 Walnut Street with exterior siding and ornamental trim
• DETERIORATED ORNAMENTAL, DECORATIVE AND CHARACTERISTIC ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES SHOULD BE intact.
REPAIRED, RATHER THAN REPLACED. w.aa
y
• NO ARTIFICIAL SIDING MAY BE INSTALLED. hFe
•WOOD WINDOWS AND METAL CASEMENT WINDOWS SHOULD BE RETAINED.
•THERE SHOULD BE NO NEW OPENINGS ON PRINCIPAL FAQADES, EXCEPT TO RESTORE ORIGINAL OR '^
i;
PRE-EXISTING OPENINGS. ' '=`-=x' _
�.
• MISSING ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED AS AUTHENTIC BY PHOTOGRAPHIC, PHYSICAL _• •- _= _� ?�
OR HISTORICAL EVIDENCE BEFORE THEY ARE REPRODUCED. !
• HISTORIC CARRIAGE BARNS AND AUTOMOBILE GARAGES SHOULD BE PRESERVED. l •J :3
• NEW FENCES SHOULD NOT ACT AS VISUAL BARRIERS.
•TRADITIONAL BUILDING MATERIALS SHOULD BE USED FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS. ...
249 Walnut Street with original siding and ornamental trim
covered or removed.
4 WEST CONCORD DESIGN GUIDELINES
Main lessons:
1. Organization mimics that of the Zoning Code
2. Photographs of familiar buildings illustrate concepts
3. Subsections provide greater detail on the General Guideline
4.6.1 Exterior Materials and Siding 0 '
General Guidelines: Property owners are encouraged to use and maintain existing traditional material whenever possible as it is both essential to the
GUIDELINE architectural character of the individual building and plays a strong role in the visual appeal of West Concord Village. Building materials should
differentiate architectural elements and be consistent with the rhythm and proportion of the building design.
Surface Treatments-All exterior surfaces visible to the public shall be covered with a siding material. '`,
4.6.1.A The long term maintenance characteristics of all materials should be considered during the selection
process. The rear and side elevations shall incorporate the materials,design details and theme of the front
facade when exposed to public view. r y y
Material Types-Exteriors facades should utilize materials appropriate to the character of the building. Kati
Wood clapboard,cedar shingles,brick,and stone are traditional to the area and encouraged for wall
4.6.1.B surfaces,although in some circumstances,other materials may be considered. Alternative building
materials should be both natural and sustainable materials which maintain the traditional appearance of
these structures. �A
v
Color of Materials—Material color should be complementary to a building's trim and accents as well as
to its surroundings. Color schemes that reflect traditional New England colors with accenting trim work
are strongly encouraged,as is the use of contrasting colors to accent architectural details and entrances.
West Concord's eclectic nature may allow for a broader color palette than would be appropriate in other r ' . iiiui0i p ii u
4.6.1.0 village centers in the area,but the use of loud,attention grabbing colors,or ones which are disharmonious
with other colors found on the building or on adjacent structures,should be avoided.
For further information on Color Selections,see Section 4.8.1 Paint and Building Colors.
DAVIS DOWNTOWN AND TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOODS DESIGN GUIDELINES
Main lessons: "Tiered Reviews" to
1. Make things easy on the property owner
2. Protect the character of the neighborhoods
3. Provide a greater degree clarity and predictability in the approval process
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Primary Building Scale and Form:
Building Forms
Use building and roof forms that are similar to those seen MASS&SCALE
1 traditionally.
- A similarity of building and roof forms contributes to a sense of
visual continuity along a block. In order to maintain this feature, a new
i
building should have a basic roof and building forms that are similar to
X those seen in the neighborhood. "Exotic"building and roof forms that
would disrupt this pattern are inappropriate. BUILDING
FORMS
A Use building forms that are similar to those seen traditionally.
oo Simple rectangular solids are typically appropriate.
00 Raised foundations are preferred. Finished floor heights should be within the
range typically seen in the neighborhood.
00 "Exotic"building and roof forms that would detract from the visual continuity of BUILDING
Inapprop is the streetscape are discouraged. Examples include geodesic domes and A- MATERIALS
f frames.
Appropriate
B Use roof forms that are similar to those seen in the
The repetition of similar building and roof forms neighborhood.contributes to a sense of visual continuity.Exotic g ADDITIONS:
roof shapes that would disrupt this feature are Sloping roofs such as gabled and hipped are preferred for primary roof forms. CHARACTER
inappropriate. Shed roofs are appropriate for some additions. ELEMENTS
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_ ADDITIONS:
J r MASS&SCALE
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Sloping roofs such as gable, hipped
and shed roofs are preferred.
DAVIS DOWNTOWN AND TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOODS DESIGN GUIDELINES
Main lessons: "Tiered Reviews" to
1. Make things easy on the property owner
2. Protect the character of the neighborhoods
3. Provide a greater degree clarity and predictability in the approval process
Project Scope—Tier Review Process Approval and Appeal Process
Tier#1 Minor Design Review Mandatory review by staff with option to
• Residential Additions 480sq.ft.or less and not Optional Preliminary Concept Review appeal to the Planning Commission
visible from the street Submittal of all required plans and information
• Single-story accessory structures 480sq.ft.or less Staff review and determination regarding project • Staff reviews and makes determination
(with the exception of gazebos,trellis,small sheds, consistency with guidelines and zoning • Staff determination may be appealed to the
fences or other small structures as determined by • Public notice posting of the proposed project on Planning Commission
the Planning and Building Director) the project site
• Commercial and mixed-use fagade alterations A copy of the on-site posting and notice shall be
Projects deemed significantly inconsistent with the intent of the provided to adjacent neighbors
guidelines may be referred to the next level of review or to the . Staff review and approval of proposal
Planning Commission.
Tier#2 Major Design Review Mandatory review by staff with option to
• Residential Additions over 480sq.ft. . Mandatory Preliminary Concept Review appeal determination to the Planning
• Alterations of residential buildings visible from the Submittal of all required plans and information Commission
street that change or impact the design of the Staff review and determination regarding project . Staff reviews and makes determination
original structure consistency with guidelines and zoning 0 Staff determination may be appealed to the
• Single-story accessory structures over 480sq.ft. • Public notice posting of site and mailing"Intent Planning Commission
• New single family and duplex buildings to Approve"letter to all property owners within a
• New structures or additions two-stories or less in 300'radius(minimum)of the project site Note,all Tier#2 projects within a 300 foot radius of
mixed use and core commercial areas • A copy of the on-site posting and notice shall be a Designated Historical Resource shall be referred
• In the residential districts,a proposed change in provided to adjacent neighbors. to the Historical Resources Management
the occupancy of an existing structure from a less • Staff review and approval of proposal Commission prior to mailing of"Intent to Approve
to more intensive use,i.e.from residential to office Letter"
or retail
Projects deemed significantly inconsistent with the intent of the
guidelines may be referred to the Planning Commission.
Tier#3 Planning Commission Report and Hearing Mandatory Review by the Planning
• Two-story accessory structures Mandatory Preliminary Concept Review Commission with option to appeal action to
• New projects involving the merger of two or more • Submittal of all required plans and information the City Council
parcels • Staff review and determination regarding project • Staff reviews proposal and makes
• New structures or additions greater than two- consistency with guidelines and zoning. Staff recommendation to Planning Commission
stories or 32-feet in the mixed use areas and preparation of a report to the Planning Planning Commission holds hearing to review
greater than three stories in the core commercial Commission and take action on the proposal
areas . Report will focus on compatibility of proposed • Planning Commission actions can be appealed
• Project that include the proposed demolition of buildings in relation to surrounding properties as to the City Council
primary buildings 45 years of age or older well as consistency of the proposal with the
• Projects requiring Conditional Use Permit review as intent of the guidelines Note,all Tier#3 projects within a 300 foot radius of
required in the City's Zoning Ordinance • Public notice:posting the site,publishing in a Designated Historical Resource shall be referred
• Parking waiver requests in conjunction with newspaper and mailing of the"Notice of Public to the Historical Resources Management
accessory structure applications in Old North and Hearing" Commission prior to public hearing.
University Ave/Rice Lane • A copy of the on-site posting and notice shall be
provided to adjacent neighbors
0 Planning Commission public hearing and action
CURRENTLY IDENTIFIED
PROBLEMS
SINGLE-FAMILY REAR AND SIDE DORMERS AND
KNOCK-DOWNS ADDITIONS ROOF ADDITIONS
SINGLE - FAMILY
KNOCK DOWNS
AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY
HOME ON A LARGE LOT
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THE PARCEL DIMENSIONS FIT A
DEVELOPER'S PRO-FORMA
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SETBACKS DETERMINE THE
BUILDABLE FOOTPRINT
ALLOWABLE LOT COVERAGE
REDUCES THAT SQUARE FOOTAGE
1
ZONING DETERMINES THE
ALLOWABLE HEIGHT LIMIT
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F.A. R. CONTROLS HOW MUCH
INTERIOR SF IS ALLOWABLE
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THE ROOF IS THE SPACE BETWEEN
THE 2ND FLOOR AND ZONING ENVELOPE
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IMPERVIOUS DRIVEWAYS FILL
IN THE SIDE YARD SETBACK
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THE RESULTING 2-FAMILY IS A
SIMPLISTIC BOX WITH LITTLE DETAIL
WHAT CAN BE DONE
TO IMPROVE THIS
SITUATION ?
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Y �
e
e
e
e
e
SLIDE 1/2 THE HOUSE BACK TO THE
REAR OF THE ZONING ENVELOPE
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-
-
SEPARATE THE FRONT ENTRANCES
TO DISTINGUISH THE RESIDENCES
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CREATE A UNIFYING PRIMARY ROOF
FORM WITH EAVES AND WINDOWS
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CREATE SECONDARY, CROSS GABLES
TO BREAK DOWN THE MASSING
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F \
I
ADD OCCUPIABLE PORCHES TO
DIMINISH THE APPARENT HEIGHT
F \
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e
PURPOSEFULLY ARRANGE/ALIGN
WINDOWS VISIBLE FROM THE STREET
F \
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a
e
USE TRIM TO ACCENTUATE CORNERS,
ENTRANCES, AND MATERIAL TRANSITIONS
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a
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EMPLOY PERMEABLE PAVING FOR
DRIVEWAYS AND WALKWAYS
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PLANT ROBUST, NATIVE LANDSCAPING,
AND RETAIN EXISTING MATURE TREES
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THE SAME VOLUME AND SQUARE
FOOTAGE, WITH MORE CURB APPEAL
REAR AND SIDE
ADDITIONS
0
NoME
P SMP-�N N, SEEP `01
ON
SETBACKS DETERMINE WHERE AN
ADDITION CAN BE BUILT ON THE LOT
ae ao
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THE ONLY ALLOWABLE PLACE TO
EXPAND IS TO THE REAR OF THE HOME.
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A LARGE, BLOCKY ADDITION CREATES A
SINGLE, OVERPOWERING MASSING
eeea a o
CREATING A SEPARATE ROOF FORM AND
ALIGNING THE WINDOWS HELPS
USING THE LANGUAGE OF THE ORIGINAL HOME
CREATES A MORE VISUALLY HARMONIOUS ADDITION
DORMERS AND
ROOF ADDITIONS
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p,-�YP1CP� F�SHA��pW `O�
HOME pN A
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F
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ZONING DETERMINES THE
ALLOWABLE BUILDING ENVELOPE
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THE ONLY DIRECTION THE HOUSE IS
ALLOWED TO EXPAND IS UPWARDS
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THIS DORMER IS OVERSIZED AND
ISN'T TH E SAM E ARCH ITECTU RAL STYLE
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THIS "DORMER" IS REALLY ANOTHER
STORY BADLY HIDDEN IN THE ROOF
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THIS DORMER IS THE CORRECT
STYLE, BUT OVERPOWERS THE ROOF
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THIS DORMER MIMICS THE ORIGINAL
ONE AND PRESERVES THE ROOF SLOPE
Preservation Tools to Consider :
Demolition Delay Ordinances
Local Historic Districts
Architectural Preservation Districts
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What when ou don '
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Wellesley, assac usett
Demol 'ished
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Newbury, Massachusetts
Demol 'ished 'i n 2013
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Wenham , MA
Demol 'ished 'i n 2011
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990
There are two kinds of historic districts
in Massachusetts .
National Register Districts
1
ENTERING pLEASAhT
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Silencer's = HISTORIcNational Register
Historic District DISTRICT
O
MAIN STREET 4'�
AREA � ARLINGTON
- MASSACHUSETTS
Local Historic Districts
There is a big difference between a National Register
District and a Local Historic District.
National Register Local Historic
Districts Districts
ATIONAL - ----
PARK
SERVICE
TOWN HALL
_r
Established by the Established by Town
National Park Service Meeting or City Council
Primarily an honorary Very effective at protecting
designation historic resources
Level of Protection
By Local Historic Preservation Ordinance
Demolition Architectural Local
Delay Preservation Historic
Districts Districts
emol 'it 'ion elay
Demolition Delay :
Can delay a demolition
for a period of usually
63 12 or 18 months .
e molition Delay
Ordinances
Provide a
" Window of Opportunity"
to Protect Significant
Historic Resources
Demolition Delay
Success Stories
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Demolition Delay
Success Stories
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Demolition Delay
Success Stories
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Demolition Delay
Success o ri es
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Demol 'ished
Local
Local Historic Districts :
Can permanently prevent
demolitions and
inappropriate alterations .
Local Historic Districts :
Ical Projoects Reviewed
n
Demolitions Aw"a
s
Iff f
New Construction
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Local Historic Districts :
Typmical Reviewed
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Vinyl Siding
Window Replacement
. ,
Local Historic Districts :
Ical Projoects Reviewed
-T .
Roof Replacement
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Fences
Local Historic Districts :
Exempt 'ions Under State Law
Interior Features
Exterior Architectural � -
Features When NOT _ is,s n4
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Local Historic
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3 . Arch 'itectural
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Architectural Preservation
Districts
• Projects not Requiring a
Building Permit are
Exempt from Review
• Minor Alterations
Receive an Advisory ,
Review
• Major Alterations 1 -
Receive a Binding
Regulatory Review
Architectural Preservation Districts :
Biondming
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Demolitions, Additions and
New Construction
Architectural Preservation Districts :
Advisory Reviews
Removal of
Architectural Trim and
Installation of Vinyl
Siding .
Neighborhood Conservation Districts
in Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Historic Districts and
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Districts
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Brookline
Ipswich
Lowell
Northampton
North Andover
Wellesley
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Demolition Delay Ordinances
Architectural Preservation Districts
Local Historic Districts
Questions
Watertown ' s
Regulatory Tools
Neighborhood Preservation & Design
Community Forum
November 12, 2015
R e ( pry Tnnic A vailable
•: Zoning Tools
Development Review Tools
Site Plan Review
Special Permit Processes
•
Zoning
♦♦♦ SETBACKS DETERMINE THE
. Z o n i n g R
equirements BUILDABLE FOOTPRINT
BuildingCoverage
Impervious
- ALLOWABLE LOT COVERAGE
REDUCES THAT SQUARE FOOTAGE
Set Backs -
Floor Area Ratio ( FAR ) m
MR
CONTROLS HOW MUCH
1IOR SF IS ALLOWABLE
ZONING DETERMINES THE
ALLOWABLE HEIGHT LIMIT
Zoning Requirements
Enabled by Chapter 40A
Purpose : Regulates the amount of development
on a lot, and how the development sits on the site
Example : Table of Dimensional Regulations ,
Section 5 .04 of Zoning Ordinance
Building Coverage, % Impervious Coverage, Setbacks, Height,
FAR. . .
Zoning Requirements
Pros
Already part of the Zoning Ordinance: Vary by District
Can protect open space or create additional buffers
Can improve stormwater recharge
Can indirectly protect specimen trees, other features
Cons
Restrains development on lots that currently have the ability to
accommodate it
Can create new, non-conforming lots
May create higher/taller buildings to create a desired result
Uses lot coverage, setbacks, etc . as a surrogate for good
design
Zoning Reqidirements ,
Adjust requirements to deal with different lot sizes, areas
of Town or different Zoning Districts?
Ranges now from 20% in the SC to 50% in the Rl .2
Create a sliding scale for lot/building coverage?
Smaller Lots = More coverage allowed
Larger Lots = Less coverage allowed
❖ Allow open or enclosed porticos in setbacks ?
Deveir -- --- - � t Review Tools
Site Plan Review
Special Permit Processes
Development Review: Site Plan Review
❖ Purpose : Review by Town Boards of how the
development on the lot is situated
Not Discretionary ( By- Right) : Can include
conditions, but can ' t vote to deny the project
Development Revi* ewe Site Plan
Review
Pros
Familiar to Town Boards, General public
Can recommend changes to building/site design based on
adopted Design Guidelines
Can adjust to different areas of Watertown
Cons
Increased cost or delay of what was By Right
Uses zoning to address tear-downs or conversions
Invites neighbor/neighborhood conflicts
Develc -- ment Review : Special Permit
' ❖ Enabled by Chapter 40A
❖ Purpose : Review by Town Boards of how the
development on the lot occurs
Special Permit
Discretionary : Allows for conditions and /or a
vote to deny the project
Development Review: Special Permit
Pros
Familiar to Town Boards, General public
Can require changes to building/site design based on
adopted Design Standards and Design Guidelines
Can adjust to different areas of Watertown
Cons
Increased cost or delay of what was By Right
Discretionary: Changes, restricts, or reduces what was By Right
Invites neighbor/neighborhood conflicts
DevPIr - -it Review: Opt*ions
Set a threshold for what activates a Site Plan Review or
Special Permit for a tear-down
50% new construction?
Adjust requirements to deal with different areas of Town
or different Zoning Districts
Create a sliding scale for lot/building coverage?
Smaller Lots = Less coverage allowed
Larger Lots = More coverage allowed