Chapter 20.65 (New)
NORTH SHELTONVILLE HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD
LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT
20.65.010
20.65.020
20.65.030
20.65.040
20.65.050
20.65.060
20.65.070
20.65.080
20.65.090
20.65.120
20.65.010
Sections:
Background.
Permitted uses.
Conditional uses.
Prohibited uses.
Lot, yard, and open space requirements.
Signs.
Parking.
Landscaping.
Traffic mitigation.
Design Standards.
Background.
The North Sheltonville Historic Neighborhood Local Historic District extends from
North 5th Street to North 8th Street and from Alder Street to alleyway north of Laurel
Street between North 5th Street and North 7th, including one parcel north of the
alleyway on North 5th Street and excluding six properties on Alder Street north to the
alleyway. (See Figure 20.65 A). The District consists of mostly single-family
residences built for some of the community’s founding members and influential
families. The neighborhood derives its title from the initial name given Shelton when
it was established in 1854.
Origins of the District date back to the turn of the century, when the adjacent
neighborhood, around the Peninsular Railway line, began to develop as a
commercial center for loggers and farmers. Most of the activity in the District was
agricultural until the development of the Reed, McCleary, and Rainer Mills by the
Simpson Logging Company on the shore adjacent Oakland Bay in the 1920’s.
Nearly one-half of the neighborhood’s existing structures date back to the era of local
prosperity in the1920’s associated with the mill activities. The industrial activity
resulted in the development of housing for mills executives, as well as those working
in the commercial and service endeavors related to the Shelton community. The
architecture of these housing were inspired by the popular design catalogs and
financed by a local savings and loan association. Shelton’s most prominent citizens,
such as Sol Simpson, Mark Reed, Frank Reed and Arthur Govey, built their homes in
and around this neighborhood at locations adjacent to Lower Canyon Creek. A
mixture of civic, religious, office and commercial uses established in the southerly
portion of the neighborhood closer to downtown.
The neighborhood today retains a pleasant mixture of structures that are rich in
heritage. A great diversity of architectural styles is represented among the
neighborhood’s structures. They include:
 Vernacular Residential – which represents a broad spectrum of designs and
design influences.
 Craftsman Revival – with its Arts and Crafts era influence.
 Colonial Revival – with the details of Colonial Americans.
 Bungalow – a cottage design popular in the 1930’s.
 Tudor Revival – with references to English country houses.
 Greek Revival – with its classical influences.
 Art Modern (Art Deco) – uncluttered modern design.
Insert Proposed Boundary Exhibit
These historic properties are tangible and significant reminders of Shelton’s past. Their
character defining features reflect the events and people that shaped a community. They
are among the city’s most valuable and irreplaceable commodities because they contribute
to the unique sense of place that is Shelton.
20.65.020
Permitted uses.
The Plan recommends a slight amendment to the list of permitted and conditionally
permitted uses within the historic district. The purpose is to prevent potentially intrusive
uses that can alter the unique character of this area.
20.65.030
Conditional uses.
Conditional uses as listed in the land use matrix, Section 20.06.030 of this title, shall require
a conditional use permit as provided in Chapter 20.44 of this title, and subject to applicable
conditions as found in that chapter.
20.65.040
Prohibited uses.
The following uses shall be prohibited within the district (these regulations supercede SMC
Table 20.06.030, Permitted and Conditional Land Uses, and the permitted uses, conditional
uses, and prohibited uses as described in Chapters 20.08, 20.12, and 20.13):
Drive through facilities (for eating and drinking establishments, photo processing, banking,
etc.)
Gas stations (retail sales of gasoline and related convenience items, vehicle service)
20.65.050
Lot, yard, and open space requirements.
A. Yard setbacks, size and shape of created lots, and minimum open space requirements for
development shall meet the requirements of the underlying land use zoning district,
except as follows:
1. New development of public facilities listed in SMC 20.16.020 and proposed within
the Public Facilities (PF) Overlay Zoning District shall develop in conformance with
SMC Section 20.16, the PF Overlay Zoning District development standards.
20.65.060
Signs.
A. Signs for conforming home occupations shall comply with SMC 20.44.180 G.
B. Signs for all other approved businesses shall conform to SMC Chapter 20.38, except as
follows:
1. Signs within the Professional Office/Residential Mixed Usage (PR-A) Zoning
District shall further comply with SMC Section 20.13.070.
20.65.070
Parking.
A. Parking facilities within the Sheltonville Local Historic District shall conform with SMC
Chapter 20.40, except as follows:
1. Parking within areas designated Commercial/Residential – Valley (CR-V) shall
further conform to SMC Section 20.12.090.
2. Parking within areas designated PR-A shall further conform to SMC Section
20.13.080.
20.65.080
Landscaping.
A. Landscaping and screening within the Sheltonville Local Historic District shall be provided
in compliance with SMC Chapter 20.60, except as follows:
1. Landscaping and screening shall conform to Section 20.62.120.
20.65.090
Traffic mitigation.
A. Traffic mitigation for new development within areas designated PR-A may be required in
conformance with SMC Section 20.13.110.
(New Section)
20.65.120
Design standards.
The development review process provides the essential tool to enforce land use codes and
design guidelines. Building permit applications within Shelton are reviewed by Community
Development staff for compliance with standard building and safety codes, siting
requirements, design guidelines, and land use codes (which are applicable to the particular
zoning district where a property is located). Permits for new construction as well as
alterations, additions, or demolitions of structures within the overlay district shall require
additional review by Shelton’s Historic Preservation Board. The intent of the Preservation
Board in this process is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate negative impacts to historic
resources. Project review for compliance with these standards shall conform to Section
20.64.
A. Use modulation and articulation in a clear rhythm to reduce the perceived size of all
large buildings. Residential buildings shall be divided and given human scale by using
articulation a building to divide up its mass and reduce its apparent size. Some are
listed here and should be combined for the best results:
1. Façade modulation- stepping back or extending forward a portion of the façade at
least 6 feet (measured perpendicular to the front faced) for each interval.
2. Fenestration patterns that repeat at intervals at least equal to the articulation
interval.
3. Articulating each interval with architectural elements like a porch, balcony, bay
windows, and/or covered entry.
4. Articulating the roofline within each interval by emphasizing dormers, chimneys,
gables, stepped roofs, or other roof elements.
5. Providing a ground- or wall-mounted light fixture, a trellis, a tree, or other site
feature within each interval.
B. Provide building facades that feature traditional building elements and details, such as
gable roofs, porches, dormers and cornice lines, that add visual interest and reduce
apparent bulk and scale. Residential building Facades must feature at least three of
the following building elements, while commercial building facades must feature at
least two of the following elements. Trim elements can be of any materials except
vinyl, aluminum, or pressed board (medium density fiberboard or similar).
1. Gable or hipped roof
2. Porches
3. Roof brackets or rooflets
4. Dormers or fascia boards (at least 9-1/4 inches wide)
5. Bay windows
6. Entry enhancement (overhang, sidelight, etc.)
7. Trellis
8. Arcade
9. Cornice line or similar building element
C. All buildings should have a principle entry visible from the street (or marked, paved,
and well-lit pathway). All entries shall be convenient from the sidewalk.
D. Most ground floor residential units should directly accessible from the street.
E. Entries should be highlighted by building elements (like stairs, roofs, special
fenestration, etc.).
F. All new residential structures shall provide a recess, port, or other protected exterior
area that encourages human activity (resting, meeting, waiting, etc.).
G. Entry areas shall be highlighted with pedestrian-scaled lighting and distinctive
architectural elements and details.
H. Historic homes typically have carefully crafted front doors. Certain styles of homes
have distinct types of doors, which were fashionable at the time the house was built
and which balance with other detailing. Modern flush doors do not reflect the
handcrafted detailing of historic homes and should be avoided. Traditional-character
doors that balance with a structure’s detailing are encouraged.
I. Windows are a vital element of historic home and are typically highlighted or accented.
They are the “eyes” of a house and, when facing a street, lend a degree of safety and
security to those walking by. There are a wide variety of windows in Shelton.
Typically, the window frames are wood, surrounded by a thick sash that accent and
celebrates the window wile protecting it from the wind and rain. In some instances,
original windows have been replaced with aluminum frame windows, which are less in
keeping with the character of the house. New or replacement windows should provide
traditional-oriented styling that highlight and accent a structure, and meet the following
critieria:
1. When replacing deteriorated windows or adding new windows to existing building,
a window which matches the existing window shall be used if the window is visible
from the sidewalk.
2. New construction should reflect the fenestration patterns of the neighborhood.
Openings should indicate floor levels and should not occur between floors.
3. Retain vertically proportioned windows. Horizontally proportioned windows
4. Are not in character with the historic neighborhood and shall not be used.
5. Several windows can be grouped horizontally to accent a bay or interior room.
6. Horizontal sliding windows are generally inappropriate at the building front.
7. The use of metal window frames is discouraged. When they are used, they shall
be recessed and wood window trim constructed around the frame to provide depth
of fenestration consistent with the architectural character of the historic
neighborhood.
8. For lower maintenance and the depth and solidness of wood windows, vinylcovered windows are recommended.
J. On historic homes, the roof- pitched and pronounced- is important to the style of the
house and lends a distinct visual character to Shelton streetscapes. Roof overhangs
and deep cornices provide architectural interest and building variation, while other
elements, like dormers, fascia, and brackets, are used to creatively enhance the roof.
K. Expansions and alteration to buildings listed on the Shelton Register shall:
1. Retain the forms of the existing front roof unless the character of the original roof is
not consistent with the type or style roof of neighboring buildings. In general,
pitched, hipped, or gabled roofs are the predominant roof forms of the
neighborhood. Flat roofs shall not be used for additions visible from the street
unless the original building was predominantly a flat-roofed building.
2. Any alteration to the rooflines should be sensitive to the form, pitch, and symmetry
of the existing roof.
3. New roof dormers shall reflect the architectural style and details of the existing
home. In general, shed-roofed dormers are only found on Craftsman and certain
Colonial Revival styles. Gabled dormers are found on Craftsman, Colonial Revival,
Western Stick, Queen Anne, and Tudor homes. Hipped dormers are typically
unique to the Classic Box and Shingle styles.
4. New buildings should add visual interest to a street and complement neighboring
structures by providing prominent roofs. New residential and commercial buildings
should:
5. Feature prominent pitched roofs that slope a minimum 6:12 vertical to horizontal
ratio and maximum 12:12 ratio. Roofs with a slope pitch of less than 6:12 may be
appropriate if associated with local historical architectural styles.
6. The roof can contain living space with dormers providing light and air.
7. Porches and additions under 200 square feet in footprint may have roofs, which
slope a minimum of 4:12 if they do not detract from the rhythm of the house.
8. Detached garages and building additions not visible from the street are not
required to have pitched roofs.
L. Use traditional materials consistent with the character of the neighborhood. Typical
materials and methods of construction found in the neighborhood – wood siding or brick
– are encouraged for all construction. Generally, stucco and other troweled materials
are not appropriate materials unless framed or trimmed in wood. Aluminum or plastic
imitations of wood siding are not encouraged but allowed on new construction or
additions to existing noncontributing structures, as long as the detailing of the siding trim
reflects the highest of industry standards, and is not vinyl, aluminum, or pressed board
(medium density fiberboard or similar).
M. Stucco, used as a predominant exterior finish material, should be made to recede
visually by combining it with robust detailing, including framing it in wood brick.
N. In the construction of garages, use materials compatible with the neighborhood and
existing home, like horizontal wood siding or brick, in the construction and sheathing of
garages. Avoid incompatible finish materials like concrete and especially concrete
block. Siding materials should cover concrete block construction to within 8 inches of
the ground.
O. Mirrored glass, corrugated siding, exposed concrete block, and plywood or T-111 siding
are not in keeping with the historic character of the neighborhood and are not
permitted.
P. The following Landscape Design Guidelines are intended to provide shade and improve
environmental conditions, retain existing street trees, and to upgrade the visual quality of
neighborhoods and create a superior residential setting. In striving to achieve these
objectives, the following guidelines shall be utilized:
1. Preserve and enhance the neighborhood’s aesthetic character by preventing
indiscriminate removal or unsightly pruning of significant trees.
2. Unless a tree has been determined to be unhealthy or a threat to property or
human safety, maintaining significant trees on private property is strongly
encouraged.
3. Removal of street trees in the public right-of-way is prohibited unless
approved by the Shelton Historic Preservation Board.
4. Street trees removed for health or safety reasons should be replaced with new
street trees of a minimum 2 ½-inch caliper, whose sum equals the caliper of the
removed tree, planted on the same block or on an adjacent block. Where no
trees exist along the street-front planting strip or front yard, the Insulation of
new street trees, one 2½-inch tree for every 30 feet of lot Frontage (Species
and location as approved by the Shelton Historic Preservation Board) is a
requirement for the construction of additional residential units or a new
building.
5. The front yard of all new multifamily buildings shall be landscaped with lawn,
shrubs, and trees consistent with neighborhood planting patterns. The
applicant shall submit a landscape plan to the City for approval during the
permit review process.
6. Fences and Hedges should be constructed in a manner that prevents the
installation of intrusive, nontraditional fences, or prevents tall hedges that cut
structures off completely from the street and detract from the character of the
neighborhood. Fences in front yards shall not be more than 3 feet 6 inches
high and no more than 70% solid unless brick. Fence materials in front yards or
flanking street yards should be traditional, either wrought iron, wood picket, or
brick if integrated into the architecture of the building. Use of chain-link fencing
in these areas is prohibited.