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1973-054ORDINANCE NO. 73 -54 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN APPEARANCE PLAN WHEREAS, the Buffalo Grove Board of Trustees adopted an Appearance Code, Ordinance Number 72 -12 on May 1, 1972. This Ordinance provided for the appointment of an Appearance Commission which would concern itself with and act in matters affecting the physical appearance of designated areas and whereas, the Commission was empowered to develop an Appearance Plan to serve as standards or guidelines for physical developments in the Village. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE, COOK AND LAKE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS. SECTION 1. There is hereby approved and adopted an "Appearance Plan of the Village of Buffalo Grove" a copy of which Plan is attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit SECTION 2. No Final Plan or Plat shall be approved unless the same has been submitted to the Appearance Commission and the Commission has submitted its findings to the President and Board of Trustees. SECTION 3. The President and Board of Trustees shall have the right to approve, amend or reject the findings of the Commission. SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval according to law. AYES NAYES 1 ABSENT PASSED 1973. APPROVED 1973. ATTEST: Villa we Clerk -4 0 i M� -2- c) Nodifica .ions or additions to - e.a.sting ordinances as they pertain to improving community appearance. d) Greater public interest and enthusiasm in overall. comm- Lulity beauty, appearance., cleanliness and order. SECTION IIA: ACAS 1ID K,�i�iII3TS UZiDM JURISDICT301i The Appearance Ordinance provides that the jurisdictional areas of the Appearance Commission are all areas within the Village of Buffalo Grove that are zoned: Xultiple family dwellings Business All types Commercial i landed development Industrial ?ublic lands These areas include both privately and publicly owned properties. Elements within these areas include: a) Improved and unimproved land, including open spaces, streets and parkways, playgrounds, gardens, malls., stream s, yards, rights -of may and other elements. b) External architectural features of buildings and structures of all types, existing and future, visible to the eye, and above grade. c) Iandscaping, land .topography and plant life, natural and man -made. d) Walks, drives, paths, parking areas.and plazas. e) Exterior furniture, .hardware, signs and markers, posts and fences, barriers, lights and lighting, supplementary structures and appurtenances. The purpose of these criteria is to establish a checklist of those items irhich affect the ,physical aspect of the Village environment. Pertinent to..appearance is the design of the site, building and structures, planting, signs, street hardware, and miscellaneous other objects izhich are observed by the public. These criteria are not intended to restrict imagination, innovation., or variety, but rather to assist in focusing on design principles which can result in creative solutions that *frill develop ,a satisfactory visual appearance within the Village. SECTION III: CRITERIA FOR AP?EJA-R9• CE A. T2ELATIO SHIR OF BUIMINGS TO SITE 1. The site shall be planned to accomplish a desi.raIL'_e transition - continued- with the streetscape, and to provide for adequate planting, pedestrian movement., and parking areas. 2. Site planning in which setbacks and yards are excess of zoning restriction is encouraged to provide an interesting relationship between buildings. 3. Parking areas shall be treated uith decorative elements, building ' vial I extensions, plantings, berms or other innovative means so as . to largely screen parking areas from view from public 'ways.- 4. The height and scale of each building shall be compatible with its site and adjoining buildings. 5. yetmly installed utility services, and service revisions. necessitated by exterior alterations, shall be underground., ' 5. The architectural character of the building shall be in, keeping with the topographical dictates of the site.. -7. In relating buildings to site, the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance in regard to bulk regulations, standards, and off- street parking shall be part of this criteria. This shall also apply to sub- section B which follows. B. RELATIONSHILn AND .SITE TO AATOEUNG AUA 1. :Adjacent buildings of different architectural styles shall be made compatible by such means as. screens, site breaks, and materials. - 2. Attractive landscape; transition to,`adjoining properties shall . be provided. 3. Harmony in texture,. lines and gasses is required. Honotony shall be avoided, 1�. Buildings shall have similar scale to those in the surrounding area. C LANDSCAPE AND SITE TREATly',.E'idT Landscape elements included in these criteria consist of all forms of planting . and vegetation, ground forms., rock groupings, water patterns, and all visible construction except buildings and.utilitarian structures. 1. there natural or existing topographic patterna contribute to beauty and utility of a develo�cmer_t, they shall be preserved and developed. Modification to topography will be perm itted there it contributes to good appearance. continued- 2. Grades of .calks, parking spaces, terraces, and other paved areas shall provide an inv t?ng and stable appearance for walydmg and, if seating is provided, for sitting., 3. Landscape treatment shall he provided to enhance architectural features, strengthen vistas and important axes, and provide shade. Spectacular effects shall be reserved for special locations only. 5 1. Unity of design shall be achieved b repetition of certa plant acent varieties and other materials, and by co-rrelati on with adjacent developments. 5. .1ant material shall be selected for interest in its structure, texture., and color and for its ultimate growth. Plants that are indi a onus .to the area and others that will be hardy , harnonious to the design, and of good appearance shat be used. o. In locations where plants will be susceptible to injury by pedestrian or motor traffic, they shall be protected by appro- priate curbs, tree guards, or other devices. 7. Parking areas and traffic trays shall be enhanced .with landscaped spaces containing trees or tree groupings. Shru'as shall be used only where they will not. obscure vision and ti,ill not require e rcessive maintenance. 8. building sites limit planting, the placement of-trees in parka• -ays or paved areas is encouraged. 9. Shade trees in parking areas or areas of extensive hard surfacing should be given special drainage considerations. They could be tiled, have curbs `put around them aa d have the soil mounded up in the curbed areas. 10. Screening of service yards, and other places - i&dch tend to be unsightly, shall be accomplished by use of walls, fencing, planting, or combinations of these. Screening shall be equally effective in winter and summer. 3-10 In areas where general planting will not prosper, other materials -- such as fences, walls, and pavings of wood, brick, stone, gravel, and cobbles- -shall be used. Carefully selected, plants shall be combined with such materials where possible. 12. Exterior lighting, when used, shall enhance the building design and the adjoining landscape. Luting standards and fi.xvures shall be of a design and size compatible with the building and adjacent areas. Lighting shall be restrained in design, and excessive brightness and brilliant colors avoided. -; ont inued- 4 -5� 13. the provisions o£ the Euifalo C-M'le Zoning Ordinance in regard to bulk regulations, standards and off - street parking; relating tr4 trees and shrubs; all other village Ordinances or portions of Ordinances 'vthich directly affect appearance, shall.be a part of the criteria of this sub- section. D. BUILDING D ,SIt J 1. Architectural style is not restricted -- evaluation of appearance of a project shall be based on quality of its design and relcionship to surroundings. 2. Buildings shall have good scale and be in harmonious conformance Frith permanent neighboring development. 3. rterials shall have good architectural character and shall be selected for harmony of the building -,rith adjoining buildings. Materials shall be selected for suitability to the type of buildings and the design in which they are used. Buildings shall. have the same materials, or those which are architecturally harmonious, used for all building walls and other exterior building. components wholly or partly visible from public nays. Inappropriate materials and methods, and those rich will produce inconsistency- with the structure of the buildings sha13. be avoided. Materials shall be of durable quality. In any design in which the structural frame is eyposed tQ view, the structural materials shall meet the other criteria for materials. Building components - -such asrindows, doors, eaves and parapets -- - shall have good proportions and relationship to one another. 5• Colors shall be hannonious, with bright or brilliant colors used Only for accent. b. Mechanical equipment or other utility hardware on roof, ground, or pub buildings shall be screened from li c vietrwith materials harmonious with the building, or they shall be located so as not tv be visible from any public ways. 7. Exterior lighting shall be part of the architectural concept shall Fixtures, standards, mailboxes, and all exposed accessories be harmonious with building design. $. Refuse and waste removal areas, service yards, storage yards, and exterior work areas shall be screened- from view from public rays, using materials as stated in criteria for equipment screening. - continued- 9. ionotoiry of design in single or multiple building projects shall be avoided. Variation of detail, form, and siting shall be used to .provide visual interest. In multiple building projects, var_able siting or individual buildings may be used to prevent a; monotonous appearance 10. Inappropriate. incompatible, bizarre, and exotic designs shall ' be. avoided. 11. The provisions of the Buffalo Grove Zoning Ordinance in regard to bulk regulations and standards, and those portions of all codes which directly affect appearance, shall be part of the criteria of this sub- section. E. SIMIS 1. I•yall signs shall be part of the architectural concept. Size, color, lettering, location, and arrangement shall be harmonious with the building design, and, shall be compatible with signs on adjoining buildings. Signs shall have good proportions. 2. Ground signs shall be designed to be compatible frith the architecture of the building. The same. criteria applicable to wall signs shall apply to aground signs. 3, Identification signs of a prototype design shall conform to. the criteria for building and ground signs. 4. Haterials used in signs shall have good architectural character and be harmonious with building design and surrounding landscape. 5. Every sign shall have good scale in its design and in its visual relationship to buildings and surroundings. 6. Colors shall be used harmoniously and with restraint. Excessive brightness and brilliant colors shall be avoided. Lighting shall be harmonious with the design. If external spot or flood lighting is used, it shall be arranged so that light source is shielded from view. 7. The provisions of the Buffalo Grove Sign Ordinance in regard to General Standards for Signs shah be part of the criteria of this sub- section. F. 12ISCELDUiEOUS ST�tUCTUM S AM _ STRFM HArRU��ARE 1. Hiseellaneous- structures include any structures, other than buildings, visible to view from any public tray or ways. Street hardware includes all objects not commonly referred to as structures and located in streets and public ways and outside of buildings. (See Section V DEMITIONS) continued - 2. Miscellaneous structures and street hardware. located. on private property shall be designed to be part of the architectural con- cept of design and landscape. Eaterials shall be compatible with buildings, scale shall be good, colors shall be, in ha o. with buildings and surroundings, and -proportions shall be attractive. 3. Miscellaneous structures and street hardware located in public ways and other public property shall be harmonious with design of adjacent buildings and other structures and Village laAscape. a 4. Lighting in connection :aiith miscellaneous structures and street hardware shall meet the criteria apzlicabl.e.to site, landscape, buildings, and signs. . The provisions of the Buffalo Grove Zoning, Ordinance in regard to bulk regulations and standards, and of those portions of the other Village Ordinances which directly affect appearance, shall be part of the criteria of this sub- section. G. IlAINTMIANCE PLA i1VING AND DESIGN FACTORS 1. Continued good appearance depends upon the extent and quality of maintenance. The choice of materials and their use,- togetl er with the types of finishes.and other protective measures, must be conducive to easy maintenance and upkeep. 2. Materials and finishes shall be selected for their durability and wear as well as for their beauty. Proper measures and devices shall be incorporated for protection against the elements, negl.eGt,, damage and abuse. 3. Provision. for washing and cleaning of buildings and. structures, aid control of dirt and refuse, shall be included in the design. Such configurations that tend to catch and accumulate debris, leaves, trash, dirt, and rubbish shall be avoided. H. FACTORS FOR EVALUATION The following factors and characteristics relating to a development,' and idhich affect appearance, will govern the Appearance Commission's evaluation of a design submission: CONFOR1,WNCE TO ORDINANCES AND THE VILLAGE ` PLAN LOGIC OF DESIGN EMERIOR SPACE UTILIZATION ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER ATZ'TRACTIV q"XE=SS I.IATERIAL SZZCTION continued- H. FACTORS FOR EVALUATION CONTINUA, HAF' MNY AND C0141PATIBILITY ' CI CUZ.:ATION - VEHICUL-4.1 _SID PEDESTRI21 MAINTENANCE ASPECTS SECTION IVs MUNISTRATION The Appearance Commission will meet in public session in accordance �n_th the authority granted it under the Appearance Code. The schedule and agenda of regular and special meetings will be made public and properly posted. Regular meetings irM be held twice a ` month inth special meetings called by the Chairman when deemed appropriate. Procedures for conduct of meetings and public hearings, submission and review of proposals, and processing of all other matters that come before the Buffalo Grove Appearance Commission will be in accordance with its published RULES Or PROCEDURE. SECTION V: PARTICIPATION AND INC 's LS A. PARTICIPATIO14 Significant success of the program to improve and sustain the visual appearance of Buffalo Grove will depend in a large measure upon broad cooperation and participation of.all segments of the community. An attractive and well.. maintained Village will result in stable property values and a better environment in which to live and work. It. is the responsibility of individuals. business and civic groups, public officials and agencies, and the residential community to participate in programs to achieve this purpose. The public -at- large "must be made aware of the objectives and duties of the Appearance Commission through programs of public relations and education, B. COMIMIITY PROJECTS Privately and publicly supported projects which improve the physical appearance of the Village should be encouraged. C. INCENTIVES FOR BE DESIGN SOLUTIONS Excellence in design and planning, which may be achieved through appropriate innovation and imaginative concepts, should be encouraged. To accomplish this, incentives should be. developed for guidance to designers and planners of future developments -�rlthin the Village. - continued- C. INCEIdTIVES FOR BE,TT- DESIGN SOLUTIONS - CONTD4 Such incentives to good appearance will possibly involve, jurisdictional areas of other Commissions and Boards of the Village. Changes to existi g ordinances and regulations may also be suggested. Specific incentives, therefore, are not included in the Appearance 21an. The 'Appearance Commission may, however, make recommendations to Commissions or Boards so that incentives for improving.the appearance of the Village can be considered. For example, consideration may be given to variations in buildin4 height, re- quired yards, and other bulk requirements, provided that such change :a113 pro- duce a more logical and attractive use of;property,'and that to will be _beneficial rather than detrimental to the surrounding area and the corm unity. Outstanding projects shall be given public recognition and adequate publicity , along with citations to those responsible for their develop ent. Such a pro- `gram will be sponsored by the Appearance Commission as an incentive for higher quality in appearance. paintenance and upkeep are required for all the parts and objects which compose the Village image. Lawns and planting require considerably more periodic attention than do buildings-- r_onetheless both require maintenance in order, to retain a good appearance. improper and inadequate maintenance decreases value and results in bad appearance. Therefore, it is necessary that ^ai�ten -ance be a concern of the Appearance Commission. SECTION VI: . 1-1ArNTMTXNCE FOR GOOD A2PELWITCE A. SITE 1. Landscape materials, other than plantings, which have deteriorated or have been damaged or defaced, should be properly, repaired or, replaced. 2. Plant materials -which have deteriorated or died shall.be replaced with healthy plantings, or the area should be redesigned x1th.other treatment to provide an attractive appearance. 3. ,plantings should be kept watered, fed., cultiv ated, and pruned as required to give a healthy and well groomed appearance during all seasons. Parking areas should be kept in good repair, properly marked, and clear of litter and debris. 5. ' Vacant property shall be kept free of refuse and debris, and `shall have the vegetation cut periodically during the gro:aing season. continued- B. BUILDINGS AND Alm, I TEtI 1TCES 1. Buildings and appurtenances, including signs, should be cleaned, painted, or repaired as required to present a neat appearance. 2. Deteriorated, worn, or damaged portions should be rebuilt or replaced. 3. Building and sign illumi- nating elements should be replaced as required to maintain the effect for which designed. ' C. PUBLIC PROP ME TY 1. 'arkway planting areas "should be maintained by the adjacent property owner or tenant in order to add to the esthetic enhance - ment of the private property and the overall attractiveness of the streetscape. 2. Sidewalks, curbs and gutters, roadside berms, and other public improvements in the public right -of -Tay shall. be repaired and maintained as necessary. 3. Refuse containers of an esthetically satisfactory design a1d color should be placed in locations which will encourage their use - -to avoid littering of z•:aste matarials. 4. Street hardware shall be erected.and secured properly and shall be cleaned or painted regularly to present an orderly appearance. Signs shall be -treated similarly,. SECTION VII DEFINITIONS Definitions included in this section are of those words or terms used in the Appearance Plan, and iahich are not in common usage or the meaning of which •differs from the usual definition or could be misconstrued as to meaning. AP?FARANCE The outward aspect visible to the public. A.nPURTMOCES The visible., functional objects . necessary to and part of buildings, ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER - The composite or aggregate of the characteristics of structure, form, materials, and function of a building, group of build- - ings., or other architectural composition. ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT - The basic . esthetic idea of a building., or Croup of buildings or structures, including the site and landscape development, u�iich produces the architectural character. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE - A- prominent or significant part or element of a building., structure, or site. continued- SECTION VII: Dr�, 'INITIONS CO IT Ll UED ARC ITECT'tP. AL STYLE - The characteristic form and detail, as of buildings of a particular historic period. ATT'RACTIVr - Having qualities that arouse interest and pleasure in the observer. B l A raised corm of earth to provide screening or to improve the esthetic character. COHESI udESS - Unity of composition between design elements of a. building, or a group of buildings, and the landscape development. C01 PIUIBILITY Harmony in the appearance of two or more buildings, structures, and landscape developments in the same vicinity. CONSERVATION - The protection and care which pre -gent destruction or, deterioration of historical or otherwise significant structures, buildings, or natural resources. DIZORATIVE SCREEN A gall or fence intended to partially or entirely cut off visibility to the area behind it. EMRIOR BUILDING COMPONENT An essential and visible part of the exterior of a building. EZERIi1�L ARCFTITECTURAL FEATURE Tne architectural style and general arrange - ment of such portion of a building or structure as is designated to be open. to view from a public street, place, or way, including the kind, color, and texture of the building material of such portion and the type of.wi.ndows, doors, lights, attached or ground signs, and either fixtures appurtenant to such portion. HA -FMONY - A quality which produces an esthetically pleasing k;hole as in arrangement of varied architectural and landscape elements. LANDSCA:'E - Elements of nature, topography, buildings, and other man -made objects combined in relation to one another. LOGIC OF DESIM - Accepted principles and criteria of validity in the solution of the problem of design. I CMLNICAL EQUI114ENTT - Equipment, devices, and accessories, the use of which relates to water supply, drainage, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and similar purposes. IIISCELLLNEOUS STRUCTURES -,Structures., other than buildings., visible from public ways. Examples are: memorials, stagings, antennas, water tans and toi %,ers. sheds, shelters, fines and walls, kennels, transformers, drive -up facilities. continued- -12- , SECTION VII: D=, NITIONS - CONTINUED ?LJ4NT 2iAT IALS - Trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, grass, perennials- annuals., and bulbs. ;ROPO�-�TION - Relationship of parts of a building, landscape, structures, or buildings to each other and to the vhole -- balance. RULES OF PROCEDURE Regulations adopted by the Appearance Commission f or the administration of duties delegated by the legislative authority. SCALE - Harmonious relationship of the size of`parts to one another and to the human figure. SCREENING - Structure of planting zahich conceals from view from public ways the areas behind such structure or planting. SHRUB - A multi- stemmedvoody plant other than a tree. SITE BREAK - A structural or landscape device to interrupt long vistas and create visual interest in a site development. STREET HAPM-1ARE - Objects other than buildings, structures, and plantings located in streets and public ways and outside of buildings. Examples are: lamp posts, utility poles, traffic lights, traffic signs, benches, litter containers, planting containers, letter boors, fire hydrants. STREE'TSC0E - The scene as may be observed along a public street or way composed of natural and man -made components, including buildings, paving, planting, street hardware, and miscellaneous structures. UTILITARIAN STRUCTURE - A structure or enclosure relating to mechanical or electrical services to a building or development. UTILITY HAMIARE - Devices such as poles, cross -arms, transformers and vaults, gas pressure regulating assemblies, hydrants,azd buffalo booms that are used for water, gas, oil, sewer., and electrical services to a building or a project. UTILITY SEERVICE - Any device, including wire, pipe, and conduit which carries gas, w ater, electricity, oil, and communications into a building or development. VILLAGE - The Village of Buffalo Grove, Illinois.