The Village of
Put-in-Bay
DESIGN GUIDELINES
January 2013
VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
1
Prepared for the
Village of Put-in-Bay
431 Catawba Avenue
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
by
KENT STATE
UNIVERSITY
CLEVELAND
URBAN DESIGN
COLLABORATIVE
Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
Kent State University
1309 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 357-3434
January 2013
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mayor
Ruth Scarpelli
Village Council Members
Judith A. Berry
Terry Gentry
Jeff Koehler
Lee Krendl
Melinda McCann Myers
Zoning Board
Terry Bodenbender
Peter Huston
Lee Krendl
Joey Wolf
TABLE of CONTENTS
1INTRODUCTION...........................................................................7
2 HOW TO USE THESE GUIDELINES .......................................7
3 DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS.....................................................8
4 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS........................................9
5 DESIGN GUIDELINES................................................................ 11
INSELRUHE Historic home on Bayview Avenue
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VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of these Design Guidelines is to:
1. encourage well-designed buildings and sites;
2. promote the safe, functional, and attractive development of
commercial areas and new mixed-use projects;
3. preserve and enhance the unique historic and cultural features of
the Village;
4. promote environmental building design and material choices;
5. reinforce the identity of the Village in ways that benefit residents
and enhance the tourist experience; and
6. promote economic activity and increase property values.
HOW TO USE THESE GUIDELINES
Begin by reviewing the process, submission requirements, and
frequently asked questions on page 9. If you have questions about
the process or submission requirements, please contact the Zoning
Inspector at (419) 341-0882.
Consult the general guidelines on page 8. These guidelines apply to all
projects. Then review the guidelines for your specific type of project: new
construction, renovation/addition, site improvements, or signage.
These guidelines are intended to be straightforward and user-friendly.
Keep in mind that every project is unique and some of the guidelines
may not apply in every case. Working with an architect or other design
professional is the best way to ensure a high-quality design and to
expedite the design review process.
VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
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DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS
ADVISO
RY
B
O
AR
DE
SI
GN
VIEW
RE
Inspector
Board
Chairperson
D
Zoning
Zoning
Design review in Put-in-Bay is conducted by a three member Design
Review Advisory Board consisting of the zoning inspector, the zoning
board chairman, and a community representative. The Advisory
Board uses these guidelines when making their recommendations.
The Advisory Board recommendations are non-binding, but will
be taken into account by the Planning Commission during the plan
review and approval process.
PLAN SUBMISSION
Community
Representative
Plans should be prepared by a professional such as an engineer,
builder, surveyor or architect. Plans should be drawn at a scale of not
less than 50 feet to the inch.
Plan shall consist of the following materials:
•
Site Plan
A drawing showing the location, type, size, or dimensions
of proposed and/or existing structures and site features
including: footprint of structures, landscape details,
proposed plan materials, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas,
freestanding signs, dumpster locations, fencing and lighting
locations.
•
Building Elevations
Drawings showing the front, rear and side elevations of
the proposed structure(s) which includes the color and a
description of all materials (i.e.: siding, windows, doors, roof,
gutters, lighting, trim, and utilities).
•
Photographs
Photographs showing the proposed building site and
surrounding properties. In the case of an alteration and/or
addition, photos shall depict existing structures and their
relationship to adjacent property.
For new signs or changes to existing signs, the applicant should also
submit:
• A scale drawing of the sign details, including materials,
dimensions, color, lighting and lettering style.
• Photographs showing existing sign or proposed sign location.
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VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
•
What if my project is relatively small?
Smaller projects, such as signs, awnings, minor storefront remodeling or minor
parking lot adjustments will be reviewed by village staff on behalf of the Planning
Commission. If the village staff recommends disapproval of a minor project, and the
sponsor chooses not to revise it according to staff suggestions while wanting to move
it forward, the applicant may present the project to the Planning Commission for
their consideration.
•
How detailed do applications need to be?
The scope of your project should determine the detail of your submission to the
Planning Commission. Larger construction projects will require professionals
to prepare the application to provide sufficient detail and clarity so that the
Planning Commission is able to analyze the impact of the project and determine its
compliance.
•
Do I have to provide sample materials?
Sample materials are not absolutely required, but are often helpful in visualizing
the way a project looks. Again, the scope of your project should determine if sample
materials would help the Planning Commission in its review.
•
Must I be present at the Design Review Advisory Board Meeting when my project
is being considered?
You may send a representative to speak on your behalf.
•
How will the Advisory Board review my project?
Advisory Board judges design qualities in light of these Design Review Guidelines,
the advice of professionals such as city staff, as well as their personal experiences
and observations. The Advisory Board conducts reviews to encourage private
development of the highest caliber. Good planning and design do not necessarily
mean added cost. In some cases, the suggestions of the Advisory Board may result in
lower costs and a more valuable project.
•
Are the decisions of the Advisory Board binding?
The Advisory Board’s decisions serve as a recommendation to the Planning
Commission. The Planning Commission’s decisions are binding.
•
If the Planning Commission recommends changes, do I have to prepare and
present revised drawings showing all of them?
Yes, the final record set of drawings must show the final design solution. However,
in cases where an applicant disagrees with the requested changes, he or she
may ask the Planning Commission to modify or reject the Advisory Board’s
recommendations. If the applicant accepts the Advisory Board’s recommended
modifications, revised plans incorporating the changes should then be submitted.
VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
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• Do the Guidelines ALWAYS apply?
Essentially, yes. In some cases, however, the Planning Commission, after conferring
with village staff, may decide to waive or add certain submittal requirements if it is in the
best interest the project.
• Who Makes the Final Decision?
Final review decisions are made by the Planning Commission.
• How much time will Design Review add to my project?
Design review typically adds only a few days to a few weeks to the approval process.
Variance?
YES
NO
DENIED
Public Hearing
YES
Design Review
Proposal
Presentation
Use
Change?
Permit Issued
YES
NO
Zoning
Change?
YES
DENIED
Village Council
Readings (x3)
+
Planning Board
Review
APPROVED
DENIED
NEW CONSTRUCTION
PROPOSAL
Ottawa County
Building
Commission
APPROVED
NO
Planning Board
Review
DENIED
DENIED
Planning Board
Review
Building + Zoning
Permits to build
Ottawa County
Building
Commission
Review
APPROVED
CONSTRUCTION
RENOVATION
PROPOSAL
Adheres to
Code?
Village Zoning
Inspector
Ottawa County
Building
Inspector
Successful Project
Completed
Compliant with
community guidelines
Final Permit Issued
NO
Design Review
Proposal
Presentation
Zoning
Change?
APPROVED
DENIED
YES
Village Council
Readings (x3)
+
Design Review
Construction Phase
Check-ins
Planning Board
Review
APPROVED
DESIGN REVIEW is one component of the
approval process for renovations and new
construction in Put-in-Bay.
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VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Section 1. DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR ALL PROPERTIES
1.1 Architectural Compatibility
New buildings and building additions should be designed to be
compatible with adjacent buildings’ scale and level of detail.
This means that a building’s height and form, material choices,
window and door patterns, setback from the street, landscaping
treatments, and signage choices should be determined with
careful consideration of neighboring buildings.
1.2 Preservation of views
Views of Lake Erie and the Perry Monument are important to
the experience of Put-in-Bay. When siting new buildings or
building additions, take care to frame important views, rather
than block them.
1.3 High quality materials, durable construction
Durable, high quality materials are important to the
character of Put-in-Bay. These materials also withstand
heavy use, are resistant to vandalism, and stand up to
inclement weather, which helps to ensure the longevity of a
building. Choose durable, natural materials, such as:
• brick and stone for building exteriors
• metal, slate, asphalt or wood shingles for roofs
• wood, metal or dolomite for fencing and edge treatments
The use of durable materials is especially important for
buildings with primarily summer-season uses. Heavy
pedestrian traffic and large crowds can cause the quick
deterioration of lightweight synthetic materials such as vinyl
siding, cellular pvc (i.e. Fypon), and hardboard siding. These
materials are best reserved for the upper stories of a building,
with more durable, natural materials at pedestrian level.
MAINTAIN and HIGHLIGHT views of
Lake Erie and the Perry Monument
wherever possible.
NATURAL MATERIALS such as brick, stone, and dolomite are durable and attractive.
VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
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WATERFRONT COLOR PALETTE emphasizes the
nautical character of the area.
A TRADITIONAL COLOR PALETTE is appropriate
in the downtown historic district.
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VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
1.4 Preferred color palettes
Paint colors are not regulated in Put-in-Bay, but colors that
are permanent to an exterior material (such as roof color,
vinyl siding color, awning colors, etc.) will be considered
as part of the Design Review process. Building colors
should complement, and not conflict with, buildings in the
surrounding area.
• Along the waterfront, the dominant color palette reflects the
nautical character of the area, with an emphasis on “Cape
Cod” colors including red, blue, beige, gray, and brown.
• In the historic district, the dominant color palette is
derived from traditional architectural styles and natural
materials found in the area, especially brick and stone.
• Elsewhere in the Village, color choices are at the
discretion of the property owner, provided that they are
harmonious with surrounding buildings.
Section 2. NEW CONSTRUCTION
2.1 General principles for new construction
Put-in-Bay encompasses several distinctive building
types, including small-scale, traditional architecture in
the downtown district and larger-scale, tourist-oriented
bars, resorts, and restaurants. The natural setting of
the environment also provides an ideal setting for green
building practices and environmentally-conscious
development. All of these building types can coexist on the
island, provided that careful attention is paid to building
form, materials, and design details.
• Style Buildings can be designed in a variety of styles,
from traditional to contemporary. Regardless of style,
all buildings should have architectural features that
include, but are not limited to the following: recesses,
projections, wall insets, arcades, window display areas,
awnings, balconies, window projections, landscape
structures or other features that complement the design
of the structure.
NEW BUILDING should be compatible,
in terms of height, set back, and
massing, with surrounding properties.
• Building Location & Orientation Buildings should have at
least one principal entrance oriented toward the primary
frontage property line. Building entrances should be
clearly defined and highly visible, using features such
as canopies, porticos, arcades, arches, wing walls, and
integral planters.
MAIN ENTRIES should be prominent,
attractive, and oriented toward the
street frontage.
VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
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BUILDING ILLUMINATION should be
used to highlight architectural features.
• Architectural Features Buildings with exterior walls greater
than 50 feet in horizontal length should be constructed
using a combination of architectural features and a variety
of building materials and landscaping near the walls. Walls,
which can be viewed from public streets, should be designed
using architectural features and landscaping for at least 30%
of the wall length. Architectural features include, but are not
limited to the following: recesses, projections, cornices, wall
insets, arcades, window display areas, awnings, balconies,
window projections, landscape structures or other features
that complement the design intent of the structure and are
acceptable to the Design Review Advisory Board.
• Building illumination is highly encouraged. Lighting of the entire
facades or specific architectural features such as entrances, roof
forms, and outdoor dining areas are some possibilities.
• Screening The architectural design of new buildings should
incorporate design features which screen, contain, and
conceal all heating, ventilation, air conditioning units, trash
enclosures, dumpsters, loading docks and service areas.
2.2 Commercial storefront buildings Observe the sizes and proportions of older storefronts when
planning any new storefronts. They should, for example, have
bulkheads, display windows, and transoms similar to those
commonly used in the past.
SERVICE AREA SCREENING can
significantly enhance the appearance of
a property.
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2.3 Retail, Strip Center
Strip centers are smaller commercial developments that typically
develop at major street intersections. Normally, they are multitenant facilities in a linear configuration. The standards for these
developments require basic compatibility with its location. Special
attention should be given to the style and quality of the arcade
walkway, pedestrian access, public access, and sign compatibility.
2.4 Office, Single & Multi-Tenant Buildings These buildings can be located in a variety of locations and
therefore require special sensitivity to the immediate area. In
case of larger multi-tenant buildings, all aspects of site planning,
architectural design, signage, landscaping, traffic, and community
amenities should be considered. Particular attention should be
given to its overall context in the neighborhood.
VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.5 Multi-Family
Multi-family projects must pay particular attention to unique
characteristics inherent in a residential living environment. This
will include site planning, color, texture, scale, landscaping, parking,
overall façade and design in context to its surroundings. Lighting
design and placement must be considered as well as placement and
design of refuse containment. Amenities such as a swimming pool
and clubhouse facilities should be considered as well as pedestrian
access to nearby public spaces and commercial areas.
2.6 Hotels and Resort Complexes
• Hotels in the historic downtown area should be compatible
with neighboring commercial buildings and designed to
contribute to the street scene.
• Hotels in the historic downtown area can have a storefront at
the street level to maintain the continuity of the street edge.
Projecting balconies on upper stories are architecturally
appropriate and enhance the guest experience.
• Resort hotels and complexes are only appropriate on large
lots where an expanse of green is available. The form often
includes a series of wings, which can serve to screen parking
areas and service uses from street view.
• New hotel buildings should be designed with features to reflect
the mass and scale of traditional hotel buildings. They should
reflect the design guidelines for mass, scale and materials for
commercial building types.
• Common hotel building features include a central module or
form, varied building heights and grand entry. Secondary hotel
features include dormers and porches.
• Hotels and resort complexes should provide outdoor spaces
designed for public use.
2.7 Waterfront Facilities
• Buildings and site design should provide a pedestrian-friendly HOTELS and RESORT COMPLEXES
edge to the water, allowing for walkways that interconnect to should have architectual details and
provide views and access to the shore.
features that reflect historic buildings in
• New construction should recognize that this is the “front
door” of the community, as ferry passengers see this coastline
upon arrival.
the Village.
• New buildings should appear in scale with those seen
historically, by dividing larger structures into smaller modules
and by providing variations in building heights, mixing one,
two and three stories, and especially stepping floor height
down toward the water.
• Balconies and decks along the waterfront are encouraged.
VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
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2.8 Mixed Use Developments & Planned Unit Developments
• Development projects should avoid wetlands, mature forest
land, and other areas unsuitable for development.
• Existing elements of the landscape, such as views, trees and
natural land contours can enhance the project and should be
integrated into the design where possible.
• Buildings should be compactly grouped on a development site
to provide more usable open space.
• Minimize the volume of stormwater that leaves the
development site through the use of mechanical or natural
treatment systems such as vegetated filter strips, bio-swales,
green roofs, rain barrels, permeable paving, infiltration
trenches, absorbent landscaping, or other stormwater
management practices.
• The use of water tolerant native or noninvasive plants is
encouraged.
• Design parking to increase the pedestrian orientation of
projects and to minimize the adverse environmental effects of
parking facilities.
• Locate all off-street parking facilities at the side or rear of
buildings, leaving building frontages and streetscapes free of
parking facilities.
• Provide bicycle and golf cart parking spaces equivalent to an
appropriate percentage of the total automobile parking on the
site.
NEW DEVELOPMENT should be
designed to maintain the street edge,
with internal parking and at least
20% of the site devoted to landscape
treatments.
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VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.9 Parking
• Locate and design parking areas to maintain the visual
continuity of the street so that they do not create vacant space
in the pattern of the street. Allow for both pedestrian and
vehicular circulation, and provide for a functional relationship
of parking to the principal building(s) on the site.
• Avoid placing parking lots on corners because the goal is to
have buildings be the dominant feature on the corner lots.
• Minimize the apparent width of parking lots, which are located
adjacent to the street by minimizing curb cuts, and through
landscaping and screening.
• Parking lots should be concrete and/or asphalt pavement with
continuous poured concrete curbing. A detailed parking lot
plan is required and must indicate all landscape and planting
locations. All planting islands should be of sufficient size to
accommodate canopy trees, shrubs, and other plantings. The
intent is to break up parking lots with adequate landscaping
and green areas. Capture stormwater runoff in landscape
swales or other green features.
• Maintain the building line by screening parking lots that
abut the street. Hedges, fences raised planters, and low walls
combined with plantings are possible solutions. However, these
cannot obscure vehicular sight lines as a safety requirement.
PARKING AREAS should be screened
from the street by a green median,
planted with salt-tolerant trees and
shrubs, and hardy groundcover plants.
VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
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PARKING LOTS should include
landscaped islands that capture
stormwater, absorb heat, and
provide shade. Attractive planters
and signage can also help to define
the boundaries of parking lots with
restricted access.
PARKING LOT EDGES should have
landscaping and fence treatments to
soften the view of parked cars and
create a safer and more attractive
experience for pedestrians. The visual
enhancement of parking lot edges
also helps define ownership and
discourages unwanted parking lot
use.
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VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
Section 3. RENOVATION, ALTERATIONS, & ADDITIONS
3.1 Historic considerations and restrictions
• Preserve significant stylistic and architectural features.
• Storefronts, cornices, porches, turned columns, brackets,
and trim are examples of architectural features that should
be preserved.
• Employ preventive maintenance measures such as rust
removal, caulking, and repainting.
• Do not remove or alter architectural details that are in good
condition or that can be repaired. Patch, piece-in, splice,
consolidate or otherwise upgrade existing materials, using
recognized preservation methods.
• When removing a historic feature, document its location so it
may be repositioned accurately.
• Use technical procedures for cleaning, refinishing, and
repairing an architectural detail that will maintain the original
finish. Use the gentlest means possible that will achieve the
desired results.
• The design should be substantiated by physical or pictorial
evidence to avoid creating a misrepresentation of the
building’s history.
• When reconstructing an element is impossible, develop a new
design that is a compatible interpretation of it.
HISTORIC CHARACTER must
be maintained in the downtown
district, even though no one
single style is dominant. Each
color in the drawing to the left
indicates a distinct style of
architecture along Delaware
Avenue.
derivera park
VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
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3.2 Commercial Storefront Buildings
• Retain and repair historic storefront elements bulkheads,
wood, or metal trim or window hardware, transom windows.
Such elements are part of the fabric of Put-in-Bay and
contribute to the community’s character and visual quality.
• Make sure that new windows and entries fit within the original
storefront openings that are defined by end piers or columns
and horizontal members.
• Leave existing piers or columns exposed rather than covering
them with new materials.
FEATURES of traditional commercial
architecture.
• Do not cover up, remove, or downsize storefront display
windows. Avoid making the storefront look like a residence
or office through the use of small or multi-paned windows.
If necessary, folding screens, blinds, or drapes can provide
privacy.
• Use only traditional materials when storefronts are
rehabilitated or reconstructed on older buildings. Bulkheads
should be of paneled wood for 19th century buildings; wood is
also appropriate for early 20th century buildings, but ceramic
tile was sometimes used, especially in the 1920s. Brick and
stucco were not typically used in the bulkhead area. Display
windows usually were supported by fairly light wood or metal
framing systems, leaving a maximum of glass area. Heavy
wood framing or masonry materials were not typically used in
display windows. Transom windows were commonly framed
in wood or metal. The glass was usually clear, to transmit
maximum natural light into the store.
• Do not remove columns, panels, or ornamentation that were
original storefront elements. These should be retained and
repaired, even if some are missing.
• Retain and repair older commercial building doors. Often all
that is needed is a good coat of paint, but a qualified carpenter
should be able to replace deteriorated elements without
having to throw out the entire door.
• Duplicate the original design and materials as closely as
possible when a door is extensively deteriorated and must be
replaced.
• In cases where a modern aluminum- and – glass storefront has
been substituted for an old one, a standard aluminum-andglass door may be compatible. Choose dark enamel rather than
a brushed metallic finish.
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VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
3.3 Windows
• Repair and retain original upper floor windows, because they
are important to a building’s overall architectural design. They
should be replaced only if they truly are beyond repair.
• Replace deteriorated windows with new ones that duplicate
the design and materials of the originals as closely as possible.
Window manufacturers produce high-quality windows with
true through-the-glass mullions at reasonable prices, but a
simple one-over-one design is the most appropriate and least
expensive.
• Improve energy efficiency by adding interior or exterior storm
windows to existing windows. Some window manufacturers
also provide interior energy panels that have a minimal effect
on the appearance of the window. Aluminum storm windows
today come in a variety of colors that can be matched to the
color of the window trim; they can also be painted. The storm
windows should fit exactly (that is, meeting rails at the center
of both windows should be lines up).
• Avoid removable or sandwiched mullions to create a multipaneled look for a window. These usually are not very
convincing and give the building a false look. A simple oneover-one design is preferred over sandwiched or stick-on
mullions.
• Do not alter upper floor window openings by bricking in
openings or downsizing them to accommodate lowered
ceilings or smaller replacement windows. Replacement
windows should fill the original size of each opening; lowered
ceilings should have a soffit at each window that allows
retention of the full window height and keeps the ceiling from
cutting across the window.
• Retain window opening trim and ornamentation. Like the
windows themselves, these elements are part of the building’s
design. Deteriorated elements should be repaired or replaced
in kind. For extensively deteriorated details such as hoodmolds,
replacement materials such as fiberglass may be appropriate.
VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
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3.4 Canopies and Awnings
• Maintain fabric awnings on a regular basis. Small tears should
be repaired before they grow larger; the awning should not be
stored when wet; and the awning should be washed once a year.
• Replace non-historic fixed canopies with fabric awnings
that would be more compatible with downtown Put-in-Bay’s
historic character.
• Think carefully about materials, color, pattern shape,
placement, size, number, and signage if you plan to add an
awning to your building.
• Use awnings made of materials that duplicate the appearance of
traditional heavy canvas. Modern materials help to avoid or slow
down the process of staining, mildewing, fading, and rotting.
• Use a separate awning for each window and door opening,
rather than a single awning across an entire façade. Separate
awnings are typical of historical practice.
• Avoid awning materials with a glossy or shiny plastic surface.
• Avoid awning patterns that are too busy, and avoid using too
many colors. A solid-color awning or one with two colors in
alternating stripes was typical of historic practice.
• Rounded or bullnose awnings were not generally used
historically.
• Design awnings that fit within the storefront window or door
opening and do not obscure other architectural details.
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VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
For most historic buildings. STANDARD
AWNINGS (top row) are preferrable to
rounded, domed, gabled or bullnose
awnings.
•
Awnings that are the wrong size or width for the storefront
should not be used.
• Awnings must be at least seven feet above the sidewalk. The
angle of the awning should be close to 45 degrees, which would
help to give the awning an appropriate and historically correct
amount of projection from the face of the building.
• Illuminated or backlit awnings are not an appropriate
treatment for a traditional downtown. Awnings can be used
effectively for signage as long as the design and message are
kept as simple as possible. The valance rather than the sloping
surface of the awning is the preferred location for any signage.
3.5 Cornices and Parapets
• Keep and maintain traditional cornices and parapets, which
are important parts of the building’s design.
• Pay close attention to cornices and parapets because they are
exposed to the weather and can deteriorate easily. Painted
elements must be kept well painted, and you should watch
for failing mortar, rust stains, growth of moss or mildew,
and stains or salt deposits resulting from excessive water
accumulation.
• Make repairs right away when you spot deterioration. Watch
for loose elements that need to be re-attached. Sheet metal
cornices are fairly easy to repair, and patches of like material
can be riveted or soldered on, and new replacement parts can
even be found in some building catalogues.
VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
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Section 4. SITE CONSIDERATIONS
4.1 Outdoor Plazas and Patios
• Community amenities such as patio/seating areas, water
features, art work and pedestrian plazas with park benches
or other features located adjacent to the primary entrance to
the building(s) are encouraged. Emphasis should be placed on
creating points of interest and a place of gathering.
• Outdoor restaurants and cafés are encouraged in the
downtown district because they contribute to an active, lively
environment. However, an adequate right-of-way width must be
maintained and that State liquor law requirements must be met.
• A six-foot wide unobstructed right-of-way must be maintained
for the passage of pedestrians.
• Outdoor restaurants must be at least six feet away from fire
hydrants, five feet away from driveways, and three feet away
from sidewalk handicap ramps.
• Where alcohol is served, an outdoor restaurant must be
completely enclosed with railings, planters, or other elements
to meet State liquor requirements. The enclosure must be
removable.
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VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
4.2 Landscaping
• Per the Village’s Zoning Code standards, 20% of a building site
should be set aside as green space.
• All site plans should include canopy trees (with a minimum
two (2) inch caliper, measured six (6) inches above grade, both
within the site and along all public rights of ways. All site plans
should include a minimum of eleven (11) canopy trees per acre
or equivalent, based upon the size of the site.
4.3Lighting
Light levels should be sufficient to ensure easy vision and a sense
of security within parking areas and should not shine or glare onto
adjacent property or streets. Neon lighting, if used, will require
additional review. All light fixtures should be designed in such a way
that the lens is parallel to the ground and the lens should be flush
with the fixture. Light fixtures and poles should have a dark finish.
4.4 Bicycle and Golf Cart Storage and Parking
• Areas for bicycle parking should be prominent and convenient,
to encourage bicycling as an environmentally friendly means
of transportation on the island.
• The visual impact of large golf cart storage and parking areas
should be minimized.
• Locate a bike and golf cart parking areas to the rear or to the
side of a site or to the interior of the block when feasible.
• Do not use the front yard of a property for parking an excessive
number of golf carts or bicycles.
• Provide a visual buffer where a large golf cart or bicycle parking
or storage area abuts a public sidewalk. This may be a landscaped
strip or planter. A combination of trees and shrubs can be used
to create a landscape buffer. The design should complement the
existing natural character and context of the site.
4.5 Fences and Edge Treatments
Fences and walls should be built of durable materials such as masonry,
stone, wood or decorative metal. Chain link fences are discouraged.
4.6 Access
• A continuous pedestrian walkway should be provided from the
primary frontage sidewalk to access building entrances.
• Walkways should incorporate a combination of landscaping,
benches, drop-off bays and bicycle facilities.
• Walkways should provide access from the parking areas to the
entrances of the building(s).
• Walkways should have a minimum width of 5 feet without car
overhang or other obstruction(s).
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4.7 Screening for Building Equipment and Trash Dumpsters
Mechanical equipment and service areas should be located in
recesses in the building footprint or be appropriately screened with
visual barriers from adjacent property and public right of way. Any
dumpster or trash collection area should be enclosed using the same
material and color as the main building. The enclosure will be at
least one foot higher than the enclosed container.
4.8 Buffering noise and nuisance uses
On commercially zoned parcels adjacent to residential areas, a 6
foot brick wall and a 20 foot wide buffer strip should be provided.
The buffer strip may contain a variety of plant materials, but must
be adequate to provide a visual and sound barrier and must be
approved prior to installation.
Section 5. SIGNAGE
A comprehensive signage plan should be provided showing all signage
(existing and proposed) for the property or business.
TRASH DUMPSTERS should be
screened with masonry or wood
enclosures and landscaping.
5.1 Scale
Signage should be geared toward pedestrians, as well as drivers,
bicyclists, and golf cart occupants. Small scale, richly detailed
signage works well at the pedestrian level. Projecting signs,
window signs, and awnings can all be used to enhance the
pedestrian environment, while larger scale signs and banners may
be used for a more dramatic or artistic effect.
5.2 Orientation
Pedestrians and drivers typically view downtown blocks as an
assemblage from an oblique angle, rather than one building at a
time, head-on. Because of this, blade signs hung at right angles to a
facade are especially effective.
5.3 Wall signs
Wall signs should be designed to integrate into the overall
architectural style of the building.
5.4 Size limits
Total wall signage cannot exceed one and one half (1- ½) square
feet per linear foot of tenant frontage up to a maximum sign area
or 100 square feet per tenant frontage.
COMPREHENSIVE SIGNAGE PLAN
provides a consistent identity for all
signs on a property.
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5.5 Sign Bands
Business identification signs should be designed to fit into a sign
band, transom or fascia if any of these elements exist on the building.
VILLAGE OF PUT-IN-BAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
5.6 Multiple tenants
• Multiple tenants in a single building should have coordinated,
but not necessarily matching signage. Fonts, colors, and
materials can vary but multiple signs should relate to each
other and all should be illuminated in the same way.
• Freestanding signage for multi-tenant buildings that exceed
three businesses should be limited to the name of anchor
tenant, building or plaza.
5.7 Window signs
Window signs can supplement main signage, adding color and
excitement to building facades at the pedestrian level. Customdesigned neon signs and painted window signs are encouraged.
Window signs should not obscure views into or out of a business.
5.8 Temporary window signs
Temporary signs, if used, should receive the same attention to
design, quality of lettering and color as permanent signage.
5.9 Freestanding signs
Freestanding signs should be of a ground mounted monument style.
5.10 Sign bases
Sign bases should be constructed of materials compatible with
the architecture of the building(s) located on the premises. The
background of internally illuminated signs/reader boards should
be opaque (so as to conceal, background illumination).
5.11 Materials and Color
• Use appropriate materials and colors for signage. Traditional
materials, such as painted wood, and traditional lighting,
such as incandescent gooseneck fixtures, work well in the
downtown district.
• Colors should blend with those of the storefront and building
where the sign is mounted.
5.12 Interior-lighted plastic signs
Interior-lighted plastic signs are inappropriate in the downtown area.
5.13 Historic Signage
Retain historic signage that is part of the building’s character.
5.15 Façade Considerations
Do not obscure storefronts or upper floor windows with large signs.
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