Chapter 18.45
H HISTORIC DISTRICT

Sections:

18.45.010    Purpose.

18.45.020    Accessory uses.

18.45.030    Property development standards.

18.45.040    Performance standards.

18.45.010 Purpose.

(1) To encourage the preservation and restoration of historic structures within the town of Skykomish, recognizing that they are valuable assets, both economically and aesthetically, to the town and its citizens.

(2) To increase awareness and appreciation for the historic heritage of Skykomish, and its role in the westward expansion of the Great Northern Railroad. (Ord. 433, 2012; Ord. 235 § 3.91, 1995)

18.45.020 Accessory uses.

Residential uses accessory to the primary use as a commercial structure are allowed. (Ord. 433, 2012; Ord. 235 § 3.93, 1995. Formerly 18.45.030)

18.45.030 Property development standards.

The construction of a new building or the modification, addition, moving, or demolition of existing buildings in the historic district shall comply with the following:

(1) The historical and architectural characteristics of an existing historic structure that made it unique shall be properly preserved, and any changes shall generally conform to the character of the structures located within the district.

(2) No specific architectural style is required for the design of a new building or the alteration of an existing nonhistoric building in the district, except that all elements of the building design shall form an integrated statement, harmonious in scale, line and mass, and should blend well with the historic character of the district.

(3) Building Setback. Building setbacks shall be in line with adjacent facades to present a contiguous streetscape. An allowance may be made, if desired, to set back more than the minimum to accommodate site design and aesthetic considerations.

(4) Building Height. The building height shall be compatible with surrounding structures, with the maximum building height no higher than the height of the tallest building located in the district at the time the historic district was established.

(5) No historic structure or significant part of a structure shall be demolished or moved without the approval of the historic design committee. Nor shall any building be moved into the historic district that does not comply with the requirements of this section.

(6) Types of buildings not allowed in the historic district include, but are not limited to:

(a) Metal buildings;

(b) Mobile homes/offices;

(c) Metal storage containers;

(d) Tent structures.

(7) Off-Street Parking. No off-street parking is required in the historic district, although it is encouraged.

(8) All building and renovation plans occurring within the historic district must be approved by the historic design committee prior to the issuance of a permit. In making decisions, the historic design committee shall be guided by the Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Historic Properties (WAC 254-20-100), adopted here by reference. The committee, at its option, may also seek the advice of outside consultants in the field of historic preservation, as provided for in SMC 18.85.040. (Ord. 433, 2012; Ord. 235 § 3.96, 1995. Formerly 18.45.060)

18.45.040 Performance standards.

(1) Landscaping. There are no specific landscaping requirements, although the creation of green areas, flower gardens, container plantings and other forms of natural beautification are encouraged. Yard areas shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner.

(2) Fences. Fencing style shall be in harmony with the historic character of the district. Chain link fencing is not permitted. Fences shall not exceed six feet in height, and shall comply with site distance requirements of this chapter.

(3) Trash Receptacles. Trash receptacles must be enclosed within gated, solid walls or fences, and shall be provided for each property in commercial uses. The receptacle shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from any residentially zoned property boundary, and shall be maintained in a neat and sanitary manner.

(4) Street Furniture. Street furniture and miscellaneous structures located on private property, public rights-of-way, and other public property should be designed and constructed so as to be in harmony with buildings and surroundings.

(5) Exterior Mechanical Devices. All exterior devices, including but not limited to air conditioners, heating, cooling, ventilating equipment, and propane tanks, shall be screened from surrounding properties and streets and shall be operated so as not to distract from the historic character of the district, or disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring residents. Apparatus needed for the operation of solar energy systems need not be screened pursuant to this section.

(6) Antennas. Disc antennas exceeding 36 inches in diameter shall not be permitted on the roof, except where there is no other location on the lot which provides access to receiving or transmitting signals. In no case shall any part of any antenna be located more than 10 feet above the roof surface. Antennas mounted on the roof shall be located in the least visible location as viewed from adjacent rights-of-way and residential structures in residential zones. The antennas, including guy wires, supporting structures and accessory equipment, shall be located and designed so as to minimize the visual impact on surrounding properties and public streets. Antennas shall be screened through the addition of architectural features and/or landscaping that harmonize with the elements and characteristics of the property. The materials used in constructing the antenna shall not be unnecessarily bright, shiny, garish, or reflective. Whenever possible, disc antennas shall be constructed out of mesh material and painted a color that will blend with the background.

(7) Outdoor Storage. Outdoor storage of materials that are an incidental or accessory activity of a permitted use shall be allowed, if screened from view of surrounding properties and streets. Inoperable machinery or junk vehicles shall not be permitted.

(8) Outdoor Lighting. Outdoor lighting shall be in keeping with the nature of the historic district and shall be shielded so the direct illumination shall be confined to the property boundaries. Ground-mounted floodlighting or light projection above the horizontal plane is prohibited between midnight and sunrise, except to illuminate governmental flags.

(9) Detached Accessory Buildings. Detached accessory buildings, such as garages, storage sheds and wood sheds, are permitted as an accessory to a permitted use within the district. Accessory structures should complement the primary building and blend with the historic character of the district.

(10) Site Distance Requirements. At all intersections there shall be a triangular yard area within which no tree, fence, shrub or other physical obstruction shall be permitted higher than three feet above the adjacent grade. This triangular area shall be measured as follows:

(a) Street Intersections. At the intersection of two street rights-of-way, two sides of the triangular area shall extend 20 feet along both shoulder or curblines of the improved portions of the rights-of-way, measured from their point of intersection. For purposes of this subsection, an alley shall be considered a street.

(b) Street and Driveway Intersections. At any intersection of a street right-of-way and a driveway, two sides of the triangular area shall extend 20 feet along the edge of the driveway and 10 feet along the shoulder or curbline of the improved portion of the street. Such triangular area shall be applied to both sides of the driveway. (Ord. 433, 2012; Ord. 235 § 3.97, 1995. Formerly 18.45.070)