§ 6-337. Standards.

(a)

Facade standards.

(1)

These standards are intended to promote and enhance the unique character of the city; to help provide and maintain economically viable, attractive and convenient business districts; to protect and enhance property values; to cultivate and maintain a positive visual image; and to promote the public welfare.

(2)

These standards shall to the maximum practical extent, clearly differentiate between issues such as maintenance/new construction/alterations, historic/non-historic, requirements/recommendations, and city/parish permits.

(3)

These standards should be reviewed and updated by the city council with the advice and assistance of the planning and zoning board, as needed.

(b)

Roofs .

(1)

Design (materials/modifications):

a.

Roof shapes, materials and colors shall be compatible with the historic nature (if applicable) and character of the building and neighborhood.

b.

Skylights and solar collectors (if used) shall be aesthetically integrated into the roof profile and coordinated with roofing materials and finishes.

c.

Rooftop mechanical equipment, antennas, satellite dishes and similar elements shall not be permitted to be in view of the public right of way. When it is necessary to be located within a viewable area, such items shall be screened in a manner that is compatible with the roof profile and materials.

d.

Extraneous and unused elements, including but not limited to signs, equipment, and billboards, shall be pre-approved by the planning and zoning board.

(c)

Maintenance . Roofing materials, chimneys and other auxiliary structures shall be kept in a good state of repair and appearance.

(d)

Exterior walls.

(1)

Design (modifications/replacement):

a.

All elements of building facades shall be compatible with the original materials and construction of the building.

b.

Brick, stone, and other masonry surfaces shall be used as required to enhance the appearance of the building.

c.

Stucco surfaces shall have a texture that enhances existing building surfaces.

(i)

Exterior finishes and colors shall be compatible with neighboring structures.

(ii)

Plywood and/or asphalt shingle siding shall not be permitted.

d.

Window/through-wall type air-conditioning units if used, shall be harmonious with the facade and shall not interfere with or be hazardous to pedestrian circulation and shall not drain to the sidewalk.

e.

Vinyl gutter and down spouts are permitted.

(i)

Miscellaneous elements such as electrical boxes, conduits, pipes, and alarm units shall be shielded from view.

(e)

Maintenance .

(1)

All exterior facade materials shall be maintained in sound and attractive condition.

(2)

Rotten, broken, or otherwise deteriorated materials shall be repaired or replaced in kind.

(3)

Peeling and/or chalking painted surfaces shall be repainted or otherwise refinished in a manner aesthetically compatible with their location.

(4)

Gutters and down spouts shall be kept securely attached.

(f)

Design (modifications/replacement) .

(1)

Cornices shall be restored or replaced to be compatible with the original design of the building as part of any substantial facade renovation work.

(2)

Signs covering building cornices shall be removed and the cornice repaired and restored.

(3)

Lintels, arch work, and sills over windows shall be preserved, restored or replaced in a style compatible with the original construction.

(4)

Windows shall be of matching or otherwise compatible design and material and shall be of the same height and width as existed in the original construction. Vinyl-clad wood or metal or other weather resistant materials may be considered.

(5)

Ornamental window grilles or balconettes may be incorporated as decorative or security devices.

(6)

Boarding or filling in windows on street front and side facades shall be prohibited.

(7)

Windows facing alleys or yards may be closed with materials and a design that matches or are compatible with the surrounding materials and finishes.

(8)

Textured or colored glass and ribbed or patterned metal shall not be permitted as replacement materials for shopfront windows.

(9)

Non-metal security grilles, screens, and mesh wire shall be prohibited.

(10)

Public entry doors, including stoops and approaches shall be accessible to persons with disabilities to the maximum extent practical without being detrimental to the cosmetic value of the property.

(11)

Doorway steps, stoops, or ramps shall be compatible with the original design of the building. Where there are more than two (2) risers, railings shall be installed.

(12)

Rigid fixed awnings, canopies, and similar overhangs for weather protection and compatible with the building design are permitted over the first floor and on upper floor windows and entrances. Wooden shingle mansard type awnings are prohibited. Cloth awnings shall be made with fire retardant material.

(13)

First floor awnings shall terminate not higher than six (6) inches below the second floor windowsill. The front valance of awnings shall not exceed one (1) foot in depth. Signs, symbols or other designs compatible with the facade and in conformance with sign requirements are permitted on awnings.

(g)

Maintenance .

(1)

Cornices shall be structurally sound. Rotted or weakened portions shall be repaired or replaced. All exposed wood shall be painted or otherwise finished.

(2)

Windows must be tight fitting. Rotted, broken, loose or otherwise deteriorated or damaged sashes, windowpanes, mullions, and muntins shall be repaired or replaced in kind. All exposed wood shall be painted or otherwise finished.

(3)

Faded, peeling or similarly deteriorated awnings shall be removed, replaced, or repaired.

(4)

Extraneous and/or unused hardware, signs, and equipment shall be removed.

(5)

Broken, rotten, or damaged elements shall be removed, replaced or repaired.

(6)

Security grilles shall be free of rust, peeling paint or other unsightly appearance.

a.

Solid or other similarly permanently enclosed, covered, or painted shop-front windows shall not be permitted.

b.

Vending machines located within twenty-five (25) feet of the sidewalk shall be screened from view.

(h)

New buildings.

(1)

Design .

a.

Facades must be compatible with and enhance the character of the adjacent areas and must be approved by the planning and zoning board.

b.

ALL new commercial or business-oriented enterprises constructing new buildings within the city limits of Bogalusa must comply with this section regardless of zoning, with the only exception, buildings constructed for residential purposes.

(i)

Compliance procedures.

(1)

Reviews and approvals .

a.

Design plans are required to be reviewed and approved by the planning and zoning board before proceeding with work.

b.

The planning and zoning board notes that the Bogalusa City Council may refuse to approve drawings, plans, or specifications that are not suitable or desirable for aesthetic or functional reasons; and shall have the right to take into consideration issues such as, but not limited to, the suitability of the site plan, architectural treatment, plans, elevations, materials and color, construction details, streets, sidewalks, and the harmony of the plans with the surrounding area.

c.

To help facilitate approval, it is recommended that plans also be reviewed and submitted to the Bogalusa Building Official and the Parish Inspector and an endorsement/comment report be provided to the planning and zoning board.

(2)

Enforcement . Immediately following the date of adoption of these standards by the Bogalusa City Council, the planning and zoning board shall notify the public to be in compliance with this article. Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished in accordance with section 1-13 of the Bogalusa City Code.

(Ord. No. 2137, § 2, 10-20-2009; Ord. No. 2168, 3-16-2010; Ord. No. 2173, 5-18-2010)