Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION

Intent of the Design Guidelines

II. HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE

A. A Brief History of the Borough of West Chester
B. West Chester Architecture

III. QUALITIES OF HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE

A. Massing
B. Scale
C. Proportion
D. Order
E. Rhythm
F. Building Materials

IV. DESIGN GUIDELINES

A. General Guidelines

1. Preserving Architectural Character
2. Building Changes
3. Primary Facades and Secondary Facades
4. Repair and Restoration versus Replacement
5. Reversibility
6. Deteriorated and Missing Components
7. Precedent
8. Anchoring Devices

B. Guidelines to Preserve and Protect Historic Buildings

1. Cleaning Historic Structures
2. Historic Masonry

2.1 Repointing
2.2 Paint Removal

3. Stucco (Cement/Lime Plaster)

3.1 Simulated Brick and Stone Facings

4. Exterior Colors and Color Schemes
5. Historic Roofing Systems

5.1 Slate Shingle Roofing
5.2 Metal Roofing
5.3 Substitute Materials
5.4 Asphalt Shingles
5.5 Gutters and Downspouts

6. Preserving Historic Roof Features

6.1 Chimneys
6.2 Dormers and Cupolas
6.3 Skylights

7. Mechanical, Electrical, and Communications Equipment
8. Wall Siding and Trim
9. Historic Windows and Doors

9.1 Replacement Windows
9.2 Window and Door Hardware

10. Storm Windows and Doors

10.1 Triple-track Storm Windows
10.2 Interior Storm Windows
10.3 Storm and Screen Doors

11. Shutters and Blinds
12. Street-Address Numerals
13. New Openings in Existing Walls
14. Historic Storefronts

14.1 Preserving Historic Storefronts
14.2 New Storefronts in Existing Buildings

15. Historic Porches and Stoops
16. Building Accessibility
17. Signage
18. Awnings
19. Hardware, Electrical, and Mechanical Devices
20. Lighting

C. Guidelines for New Construction

1. Visual Relationship Between the Old and New
2. Scale and Massing of Large Buildings
3. Replicating Historic Buildings
4. Relationship of Additions to Historic Building
5. Building Placement and Setbacks

5.1 Setbacks for New Construction
5.2 Setbacks for Additions
5.3 Setbacks for Secondary Structures

6. Building Height and Form

6.1 Additions
6.2 New Construction

7. Building Width and Rhythm
8. Relationship of the Facade Parts to the Whole
9. Roof Form, Materials, and Features

9.1 Form
9.2 Materials
9.3 Features

10. Exterior Wall Materials

10.1 Additions
10.2 New Construction

11. Windows and Doors

11.1 Additions
11.2 New Construction

12. Shutters and Blinds
13. Porches and Stoops
14. Building Accessibility

14.1 Additions
14.2 New Construction

15. Hardware, Mechanical, and Electrical Devices
16. Lighting
17. Relationship of New Outbuildings to Their Historic Context

D. Guidelines for Protecting Historic Streetscapes

1. Fences
2. Retaining Walls
3. Sidewalk Paving
4. Curb Cuts, Driveways, and Off-Street Parking
5. Plant Materials
6. Decks and Patios
7. Landscape Planters and Window Boxes
8. Street Furniture

V. THE DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS

A. Pre-Application Review
B. Application Submission
C. HARB Review
D. Borough Council Review

APPENDIXES

A. Glossary of Architectural Terms
B. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
C. West Chester Zoning Code: Historic District
D. West Chester Zoning Code: Sign Regulations
E. Bibliography

Copyright © Frens and Frens, LLC 2002. Visit the 'About this Site' page for other information. Visit the 'Acknowledgements' page for other important notes about contributions to this project.