HomeMy WebLinkAbout5D - Public hearing and adoption of General Design Guidelines for Local Historic Districts and IndivMemo to the Landmarks Preservatlon Advlsory Board
Re Generel Daslgrl Guidelines
MEMORANDUM
July 2, 2003
TO: Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board
FROM: Ruth McHeyser, Director of Long Range Planning
Bohdy Hedgcock, Planning Associate
SUBJECT: Public hearing and adoption of General Design Guidelines for Local Historic
Districts and Individual Landmarks as Adrtunistrauve Regulations pursuant to the
rulemaking procedures set forth in Chapter 1-4, B.R.C. 1981.
The General Design Guidelines are intended to provide owners of historic properties some
assistance in making decisions about maintenance and improvemanks and to provide the
Landmarks Board with a framework for evaluation of proposed improvements. The Ganeral
Guidelines will serve as the guiding document for present and future residendal historic districts
and individual landmarks, supplemented by district-specific guidelines where those have been
adopted. They will be available to tha public online on the city's website. They will also be
available in printed format for purchase from the Planning Department (approximately $3).
The project began in 1999 with work by a consultant, Preservation Partnership of Denver. The
current version integrates comments received from Boazd members, t6e City Attorney's Office
and the public. In general, these comments have been suggestions to help improve the clarity,
organization and graphics of the document. Only minor changes have been made since the last
draft provided at the 7une Boazd meeting.
Public comment will again be accepted at the July meeting. Additional suggeshons and/or
revisions to the document may be called out as conditional items of approval. This is the final
step in the rulemaking process (see Notice of Rulemaking in Attachment A).
ATTACHMENTS:
A: Notice of Rulemaking
B: General Design Guidelines: Draft 7/02/03
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVI50RY BOARD
CITY OI' BOULDLR COLORADO
General Design Guidelines
for Local Historic Districts and Individual Landmarks
The Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board hereby adopts the attached General Design
Guidelmes foi Loca] Historic Dislricls and Individual Landmarks pursuant to the rulemakmg
procedures set forth in Chapter 1-4, B R C 1981
APPROVED by the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board as a regulation this_ day
of , 2003.
Bohdy Hedgcock
Secretaiy to the Board
Proposed rule approved as to form and legality by the City Attorney's Office on July 2,
2003 by Sue Ellen Harrison, City Attorney.
Proposed rule approved as to substance by the Landmarks Preservahon Advisory Board
on July 2, 2003.
Three copies of the proposed rule filed wrth the City Clerk on May 2, 2003
Date of pubhcahon of noUce m the Daily Camera on May 10, 2003.
Approved by the Landmarks Preservahon Advisory Board after considermg pubhc
comment on 7uly 2, 2003 by Rory Salance, Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Advisory
Board.
Adopted rules filed with the City Clerk and effective on , 2003.
S~PLAN~datn\Comdev~EIIST\GEN~Gen Gu~delmes~Ivlemos & Agendas~Not~ce of Rule Makmg doc
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
FOR BOULDER'S HISTORIC DISTRICTS AND INDIVIDUAL LANDMARKS
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD JULY 2003
CITY OF BOULDER
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Landmarlcs Preservation Advisory Board
( I 998 - 2003)
I<athy Arnold Sharon Rosall
Leslie Dui gin Leland Rucker
Lisa Eggei Roiy Salancc
Michael Holleran Kent Stutsman
Consultant
Nancy Lyons, Preservation Paitnership
City of Boulder Staff
A numUer of cuireni and former city employees contributed to
this pio~ect, ulcluding Ruth McHeyser, Deon Wolfenbarger,
Neil Holthousei, Lara Ramsey and Bohdy Hedgcock
Photos and Graphics
Bohdy Hedgcock & Robui Madel, City of Bouldei
Winter & Company
Cainegtc Bianch Libiary for Local IIistoiy
Denver PuUlic Libraiy - Western History Collechon
Funding
This pro~ect was sponsoied by the City of Boulder Landmarks
Advisoiy Board and has been fmanced in part with Federal
funds from the Natronal Historic Preservahon Act,
admmistered by the National P~ik Servicc, U S Department of
the Interior and for the Colorado Historical Society I-Iowever,
the contents and opmions do not necessarily reflect the views or
policies of the U S Department of Hie Interior or the Soaely, nor
does the inentron of trade naines or commercial products
conshtute an endoisement or recommendahon by the
Depariment of the Interior or the Society.
This piogram receives Federal funds from the Nahonal Park
Service Regulations of the U S Department of the Interior
stricily piohibit unlawful discri~unation uz departmental
Federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, nahonal
origin, age or handicap Any person who believes he or she has
been discumulated agamst in any piogram, achvity, or facihty
operated by a recipient of Federal assistance should write to•
Du•ectar, Equal Oppoi turuty Prograrn, U S Department of the
Interior, 7849 C Street, N W, Washmgton, D C 20240
CITY OF BOULDER
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION AUVISORY BOARD
CONTENTS
~ ~ ' ~ I. INTRODUCTION
1 1 I-I~sto~ ic Prescrvahon Pi ogram
1 2 Pwpose of the Design Guidelmes
~ ~ ~ 1 3 A H~story of Boulder
~ ' 14 Architectural Styles In Bouldei
~ ~ „ 1 5 Review Piocess
~ ' ~ ~ 2. SITE DESIGN
~ 21 13uilc~~ng Ahgnment, Onentadon, and Spacmg
~ 2 2 Sheetscape and Landsc~pmg
~ ~ 2 3 Alleys
2 4 Parkmg, Drrveways
~ ~ ~ ~ 2 5 Stdewalks
~ ' ,' , ~ , 2 6 Fences
3. ALTERATIONS
3 1 Roofs, Skyhgltts, and Solar Panels
3 2 Roof Decks and Balwmes
~ ~ , ~ , ~ 3 3 Decks
, ~ ' 3 4 Porches
' 3 5 Dormers
3 6 Exteiior Matenals Walls, Sidmg, and Masonry
3 7 Windows, Stoim Windows, and Shutters
~ ~ ~ 3 8 Doors and Storm Doors
4. ADDITIONS TO HISTORIC STRUCTURES
~ 41 Protechon of Historic Structures and Sites
~ , 4 2 Distmchon from H~storic Struchzxes
4 3 CompahUility with H~storic Structures
4 4 Compahbdity wifli Histoxic Site and Setbng
, ',~ ' ~ 4 5 Key Budding Eleinents
5
6
8
10
13
18
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
35
38
39
41
41
42
h2
43
5. ADDITIONS TO NON-HISTORIC STRUCTURES 45
b. NEW PRIMARY STRUCTURES 47
61 Distinchon from Htstoric Structures 48
6 2 Site and Settrng 48
6 3 Mass and Scale 49
6 4 Matenals 50 ~
6 5 Kcy Buddmg Elemenis 50
7. GARAGES & OTHER ACCESSORY STRUCTURES 53
71 Existutg H~stor~c Accessory Stiuctures 54
7 2 New Accessary Slructuies 54
8. MISCELLANEOUS
57
S 1 Pamt and Pamt Colors 58
S 2 Energy Efficiency 59
S 3 Mecharucal and Uhhty Facilihes 59
8 4 Signs 60
8 5 Lighhng 61
8 6 Arrivork 6~
8 7 PuUhc Improvements 6z
8 8 Americans with D~saU~l~hes Act 62
9. DEFINITIONS 65
INTRODUCTION
CITY OF BOULDER
LANDMARKS PRESERVA710N ADVISORY BOARD
I . INTRODUCTION
1.1 Historic Preservation in Boulder
The early 1970's saw an ulcrease in fl~e demolihon of existulg
buildmgs with no thought as to their historical or architectural
value to Boulder's history Among those demolished was
Cenhal School, the first school to have a graduahng class m the
Colorado Territory. Today, at the wrner of Walnut and 15~~~ is a
plaque, embedded m rock, commemorahng the school Out of
the school's destruchon rose the demanci for a legal mechanism
for evaluatrng historic sites In 1974, the Boulder Landmarks
Ordmance was passed The ordmance sets out the procedures
far designatton, design review, and the appouttment and
powers of the Landmarks Preservahon Advisory Board (LPAB)
The purpose of the historic preservahon piogram as stated in
the Oidinance is as follows.
Over, I z5 properties have ~a) The pi~rpose of thts chapter is to promote the public }iealth,
been designated as local snfet~, a~id euelfxire b~ protechng, enhancnng, and perpetuatrng
landmarks, along with bualdings, srtes, and areas of the ethj remtniscent of past eras,
events, and persorts tmportant tn local, state, or national
thesehistoricdistr~cts• histon~orproaadtingsagnificaritexamplesofarcliitectitral
shjles of the past It is nlso ihe purpose of this cluipter to
Flor~al PaM'k (977 develop arad maantrzan apprapriate sethngs and envzronments
Chapxauqua 1978 for such bulldmgs, sttes, and areas to enhance properh~ values,
MapletOn 1982 stabiltze neighborhoods, prornote tourist frade and interest,
WesY Pearl 1994 nnd foster knozuledge of the eaty's livmg lieritage
Chamberlain 1495 (b) 77ie cih~ councnl does not intend by tlus chapter to preserve
Downtown 1999 ever~ old bualding in the c~t~j but znstead to drnzo a reasonnble
Grartdvi~w 2Qpp balance bet~ueen private properhj riglits and the piibltc 2nterest
Hillside 2001 in preserUmg the ctty's cultt~ral, historiq and nrchitectural
herttnge b~ ensurting thnt demohtton of butldtngs and
A torrlplete Iisting of stn~ctures importnnt to that /~eritnge euzll be carefi~lly zoeighed
zuitli otlter alternatives and that alteratcons to such buildengs
Individual lendmarks is r~nd structares and new constnACtton zurll respect flte character
available or1 the eit~s of each sucFi setting, not by lnntahng surroundtng stnictures,
website: but hy beirlg compatable math them
www.ci.boulder.co.us/ Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board Mission:
buildingservices/ To piotect, enhance, and perpetuate builchngs, sites, and areas of the
historicpr'es/ city remuliscent of past eras, evenls, and peisons unportant ut local,
boulderlandmarks.htmi s~te or nahonal hvstory or provide sigiuficant examples of architectural
styles of the past aLso to develop and mamiaul appropnate
sethngs and envuonments for sudi builduigs, sites, and areas to
enhance property values, stabil~ze neighborhoods, promote tounst
h~ade and ultei est, and foster knowledge of the c7ty's hving hentage
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
7
INTRODUCTION
CITY OF BOULDER LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS (2003)
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Purpose of the Design Guidelines
The ultent of the design review process is to ensure that
pioposed alteiahons of Landmark pioperties will not adveisely
affect or desh•oy their historic character or architectural ultegrity
and that all changes are consistent wifll the spirit and purpose
of the Landmark Preservahon Ordinance The Landmarks
Board adopted the Secretary of the [nterior's Standards far
Re}~nbilttahon as the basis foi guidance on rehabihtation desi~
for historic propert~es' These guidehnes expand fllose
Standards and brmg focus to Boulder's own historu context and
resources
The purpose of the design guidelines is to facihtate both the
applicahon and approval of alterahons proposed for design
ieview by
1) providing the owners of historic properhes some
assistance m makuzg decisions about mamtenance and
improvements, and
2) providing the Landmarks Board with a framewoik foi
evaluahon of pioposed improvements
The guidelmes reflect the Landmarks Board's philosophy that
underhes all its decisions to encourage the preservahon and
caieful treatment of the city's historically sigruhcant resources,
while recogruzing the need foi conhnuulg adaptahon and
improvements to these resources
i --T ~.~ .-, ~.. --,I
__ _e ~~ The General Destgn Guideknes serve as the guic~ng document for
present and futuie residenrial histoiic districts and mdividual
Survey sheets hke these document landmarks, supplemented by district-spec~fic guidehxtes whem
Boulder's histonc resources those have been adopted The dish~ict-spec~fic guidelules are
available from the Plaruung Deparhnent Call a Preseivahon
Planner at (303) 441-3270 for more informahon For mdividually
landmarked commercial builduigs and for the Downiown I-Iistoric
District, refer to the Downtown Design Guidelmes
Befoie you begul to formulate plans far any changes to your
bu~lduig, fuld out whether it is consideied indrvidually si~uficant,
conhibuhng, contribuhng-restorable, or non-contribuhng Tlus
uiformahon will help you to better understand these guidelmes as
thcy apply to your buildmg You can fmd tlus uiformahon on
historic surveys completed for all buildmgs m lustoric districts and
for landmark structures Surveys are available from the Plamung
~ Adopted by the Landmarks Board as admmistratrve regulanons, I I/7/ 1990
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Depaihnent at 17~9 Bioadway and at the Cainegie Bianch Libraiy
A searchable database of
far Local Histoiy,1125 Pme Street, Boulder Ii should be noted some mformation from
that the stahzs of buildulgs can change ovei hme, and noi all
surveys aie up to date The deterxrunalion of conhibuttng oi non- the surv~y sheets, along
conhiUuhng status is ulhmately made by the Landmarks Board m `Nith recent photos (2002
consuliahon wiUl staff - 2003) of individual
landmarks and buildings
The Secretary oi the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation wit~lln BoUlder S IoCal
h~stonc districts is now
I A property shall be used for ¢s historic pw pose or be placed m a new use avadable on the city's
that requires minimal change to the dcfmmg characteristics of the bwlding
website. You may also
and its site and enwronment retneve information by
2 The historic chai acrer of a pi operty shall be retained and preseived The select(ng properties from
i emoval of historic matenals or alteration of features and spaces that a map of Boulder's histone
characterize a properry shall be avoided
properties.
3 Each properry shall be recognrzed as a physic~l reca d of ¢s time, place, and
use Changes thac create a(alse sense of historical development, such as ~W ~i,boulder co.us/
adding con~ectural features oi arch¢ectw al elemena irom other budclings,
buildingservices/
shall not be undertal<en histor~~pres/Landmarl<s/
4 Most pi opei qes change over nme, those changes that have acquired historic histone.html
signdicance in theu own right shall be retamed and preserved
5 Distnutive featui es, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of
cra(~smanship that characterize a property shall be preserved
6 Deteriorated hiscoi ic features shail be repaired rather than replaced Whei e
the severiry of deterioranon requires replacement of a disnncnve feature, the
new feature shail match the old ui design, color, texture, and other wsual
qualities and, whei e possible, materials Replacement of missing featui es shall
be substannated 6y documentai y, physical, or pictorial evidence
7 Chemical oi physical treatments, such as sandbiascing, that cause damage to
hisroric mazei ials shall not be used The surface clearnng of sn uctures, d
appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible
S Significant archeological resources affected by a pro~ect shall 6e procected
and preserved if such resources must 6e disturbed, mitiganon measures shall
be imdertaken
9 New addwons, extei ior alteranons, oi related new consn uction shall not
destroy histonc materials that charactenze the property The new worl<shall
be diffei entiated from the old and shall be compatible with the inassing, size,
scale, and archaectw al ieatures to protect the histoi ic mtegrity of the
pi opei ry and its environment
I Q New additions and ad~acent or related new mnstruction shall 6e
undei eal<en in such a manner that d removed in the future, the essencial (orm
and integrity of the historic propei ry and its enwronment would be
unimpaued
INTRODUCTION
The defiruhons bclow help to explairt the different categoiies of
sigruficance
• Local Landmark Buildings:
Those buildings thlt are officially designated as
city of Boulder local landmarks These buildutgs
have a special character and historical,
architectural, or aestheric interest or value u1
Bouldci's local histoiy
^ Individually Significant Buildings:
Those buildings that are considered indiviciually
ehgible for the Nahonal Register of Histouc
Places or foi local landmark designahon
Contributing Buildings:
Those buildings built during the district's period
of sigruficance that ex~st ut compararively
origuial condirion, or thai have been
appropriatcly iestored, and clearly contr~ibute to
the histoiic sigruficance of the district Such
buildmgs may have compahble addihons
Contributing-Restorable Buildings:
Those buildings built during the district's period
of sigruficance that have original mateiial that
has been covered, or buildmgs that have
expeuenced some alterahon, but that shll convey
some sense of htstory These buildmgs would
more strongly conhibute, however, if ihey were
restared Such buildings may have less
compatrble addihons
^ Non-Contributing Buildings:
Those buildmgs built during the distiict's peiiod
of sigruficance khat have been altered to such an
extent that historic ulformahon is not
mterpiet~ble and restorarion is not possible This
mcludes buildings erected outside the period of
sigruficance that are not mdividually sigruficant.
Significant Newer Buildings:
Those buildmgs that have not yet achieved
historic sign~ficance but have achieved
architecrixral sign~ficance as excellent examples of
ttieir pcriod
10
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
I.3 A History of Boulder
The Boulder valley was first the home of American Indians,
piimar~ly the Southein Arapaho hibe that mauitauled a village
near Haystack Mountaul Utes, Cheyennes, Comanches, and
Sioux were occasional visitors to the ai ea
Gold seekeis estabhshed the first non-nahve settlement m
Boulder County on October 17,1858 ai Red Rocks near the
entrance to Boulder Canyon Less than a year later, on Febiuaiy
10, 1859, the Boulder City Town Company was orgaruzed Uy
A.A Brookfield, farty-four lots weie laid out at a puichase price
of $1,000 each; a price that was later lowered in order to attract
more residents
Part of ihe NeUiaska Territoiy unhl FeUruary 29, - - -- - --T"
1861, wlten the U S Congiess created tlle Teriitoiy of ~ ~~/~y~~, , ~
~"
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Colorado, Boulder City grew slowly It developed as ~
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a supply base far mmcis gomg ulto the mountauls u1 ,~
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search of gold and silvei Boulder City iesidents '~~^-~~;:
piovided mu~ers with equipment, agiicultuial „ .~•_
pioducts, housmg and transport seivices, and '^° "~ '~"'
µ
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gamblulg and drmkmg estabhshments ,~=',~`A
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Compehhon among Bouldci County settlements for ~x "-
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new res~dents and busmesses was mtense As a `"~,'' *
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minmg supply town, Boulder residents were more °~ 4"'"° ;";~~+~ ~
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settled than in the mlxung camps Econoxruc stabihty Bird's Eye View of Boulder Gry, 1876
was a necessity and residents encouiaged the establishment of Camegie Branch Library (o~ Local History,
railroad service, hospital and school buildulgs, and a slable town Boulder Histoncal5oaety Collecnon
goveinment.
Boulder's fiist schoolhouse was built m 1860 at the southwest
comei of Wahlut and 15th Street, fl1e first m the territory Also in
1860 a group of Boulder residenis began lobbymg to have the
Uruversity located u1 Boulder By 1874 Boulder had won dle
designarion, secured a donated 44 9-acre site and razsed $15,000
to match a similar grant by the stlte legislature Construction of
Old Mam signaled the operung of the Uruversity with
classrooms, offices, an auditorium and the President's livmg
quariers all located there
'I'ransportatron was improved in 1873 with raihoad service
coming to Boulder Gradually tracks were built to provide
service to Golden and Denver and to the muling camps to the
west In 189Q the railroad depot was consriucted on Water Street
(now Canyon Boulevard) and 14th Street
INTRODUCTION
CAy government was formahzed uz November 1871, when the
town of Boulder was mcorporated Designahon of Bouldei as the
county seat occuired m 1867 and led to the construchon of the
first courthouse at its present site m 1883 It burned to the
ground in 1932 and was replaced by lhe current courthouse in
1934
Ameruries and health services werc developed, even in periods of
little growth The firsi Post Offlce was estabhshed m 1860, a
hospital was built m 1873; 1874 saw the arrival of the telegraph, a
water system and the fii et banlc
The uuhal residenhal area was located in what is now downtown
and m some paris of ihe Goss/Giove, Whtther and Mapleton Hill
neighborhoods As commercial expansion took over downtown
housin~, the surrounding neighborhoods remained primarily
residenhal areas At ihe turn of the century growth of the
Uruversity led to the development of Uruversity Hill One maik
of elegance for iesidents was the flagstone sidewalks, first
mstalled duimg the 1880's
The hist pnvate school m Boulder, Mt St Gerriudc
u„ ~~~ '~,;, ,' Academy, was opened u~ 1592 Boulder, by then
,
~ ]~,~~;~~}"'~;ff
`
~~',~, t,,,,
~b. accessible to visitois b railroad, was kn w
y o n as a
,it
,e
;;,~~~~'aF;;`~u,~*~';#~;;',~'_~~knt_~ =~~~~a,y~~° commuruty with a piosperous economy, a
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~~~( comprehensroe educahonal system, and well-
,
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,;,s ~S; , mamtained residenhal neighborhoods It was no
iin d~~$i~S 9'nf,r..,i„
°~' n~,; ~~t `'~ ~
=~,°A~
wonder that the railroad recommended Boulder as a
~ x ~. ,' site for a Chautauqua u1 1897 Boulder residenis
~^r ~' passed a bond issue to buy the 1and, and the now
~,
~'
'~
~
fanuhai Chautauqua Paik is listed both on the
~:t'~' ''~~ ~
~ Natronal Register and as a locally designated
"~ ~ ~ landmark
View of the Flatirons and Boulder, 1920
Denvei Pu61ic Library - Western History By 1905 the economy was faltering and Boulder counted heavily
Collec[ion on tourisrn to boost its fortunes, however, Boulder had no fiist
class hotel to attract summer visitors and group meehngs By
1906, a subscriphon drroe had raised money to begm
construct~on The first event at the new Hotel Boulderado was a
recept~on for Boulderites on December 30,1908 The hotel opened
to the pubhc for busmess on January 1,1909
Touiism conhnued to domuiate the Boulder economy for the
next forty years Each summer shopkeepers, transport firms, and
lodgmg managers eagerly awaited the ulflux of Chautauqua
residents (primarily from Texas) and other visitors By World
12
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Wai II, when touiism declmed, the Uruversily had unknowingly
provided another oppoituruty for giowth With the location of
the U S Navy's Japanese language school at CU young men and
women fiom around the country became acquamted with the
city and liked it
Pollowulg Woilci War II many of ihe5e hamees reLuined as
students, piofessionals and bixsiness people, ~o~rung veterans
aitendmg the Uruvcisity on H1e G I Bill Bouldei's population
had not mcreased sign~ficanlly snzce the 1920's The 1920 census
showed 11,006 residents while the 1940 count was 12,958 Afler
ihe fiist udlux of new res~dents u1 the latc 1940's, the count
soared to 20,000 m 1950.
New iesidents meanl Uoth new opportururies and
new cl~allenges Although ~oUs weie needed,
townspcople wantea to pieseive the Ueauriful natuial
selhng and ainemhes developed over the years By
1950, Bou]dei leaders weic achvely iecruihng new
°clean" mdustry and itnproved transpoitation,
secunng a new highway, the Boulder-Denver
Tmnpike, and the Narional Bureau of Standards in
1952 Other iescarch and development ~ndustries
soonfollowed
The houstng shorlage and need foi addihonal
busmess and pubhc buildmgs attracted young and
talented aichitecLs New suUdivisions were planned
mcludmg the Highland Park-Martm Acres
neighborhood located on the historic Maihn Farm
and the Nmth Boulder developments from Balsam
north, origulally part of the 'I'yler Farm New
neighborhoods brought the city's first two shoppmg
centers, Noith Broadway and Basemai With the
completed turnpike to downtown Denver, Boulder
contulued to expand Fiom 1950 to 1972 thc
populahon giew fiom 20,000 to 72,000
_<,
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Boulder-Denver Turnpike, 1952
Camegie Brnnch Libiary (or Local Msrory,
Boulder Histoncal Society Collectmn
With the purchase of thousands of acres of open space begulrung
m 1967, the adoptron of the Boulder V~lley Comprehensrve Plan
ul 1970, passage of the buildmg height resirichon ordmance m
1972, and the residenhal growth management ordmance u11977,
Boulder began a peiiod of u~fill and re-use of its past architechxral
development that conhnues to the present The Historic
Pieservation Code was passed m SeptemUer 1974 The
oidinance is instrumental ~n preseiving sigmficant porhons of
our past while encouragmg rehabihtation of historic buildulgs
13
INTRODUCTION
1.4 Architectural Styles in Boulder
Illustrations in this section Undeistanding the styhshc trends, the design uttent, and the
are of locally designated ti'lditronal use of buildmg materials is important to the
Indiwdual landmarl<s evaluahon of a shucture's historic ultegrity and consequently to
rehabihtarion des~gn 4Vlule a large porhon of Boulder's hrstonc
A complete listing of residenrial piopeihes are pioperly ideniYfied as "vernacular°,
mdividual landmarks is they also mclude examples of a broad range of architectural
auadable on the city's styles that reflect the evoluhon ot Colorado architecture daring
'
website froin the 1880
s The followuig styles aie found m Boulder The
desciiphons a~ e excerpted from a 1983 publicahon of the
Coloxado Historical Society, A Gutde to Colorndo Arcliitecture
Greenman House
Mapleton Avenue
Vernacular Wood Frame (late 1860-present)
By fai the most common style of architecture, Veinacular Wood
Frame struchzres have been built throughout Colorado since
1860 The Veinacular is an mdigenous style generally
constructed with locally available materials accordmg to
tradihonal buildulg piactice They are simple uz form and detail
and gencrally void of ornamentatron These simple, modest
homes are divided uito foui types according to floor plan and
ioof shape the GaUled 'Z", the Fiont Gable, flze Hipped Gable,
and the Side Gable These buildings are wood fi•ame
conshuction and aie usually sided with clapboard or wood
shulgles or a combulahon of the two
Vernacular Masonry (late I 860-present)
Veinaculai Masonry is another very common form of
architectuie found all over Colorado and dates fiom the late
1860's. Although not as common as Vernacular Wood
shuctures, these unpretenrious buildulg aie numeious enough
to warrant a separate category. They are generally composed of
brick, stone, or concrete block and am similar u1 massing to
their wood counterparts As wifll Vernacular Wood structures,
these builduigs are simple m detail and are designated
accordutg to roof shape and floor plan mto four categories the
Gabled "L", the Front Gable, the Hipped Box, and the Side
Gable
Italianate (1870-1910)
Like many Victonan styles, the Itahanate emphasized verrical
proparhons and richly decorahve detailmg. It was found on
residenhal, commercial, and instrturional structures throughout
Colorado from about 1870 up unhl the turn of the century and
is either wood or masonry construchon The Itahanate style is
characterized by a low pitched, hip roof, wicje overhangs,
brlcketed cornice, a vanety of fenestrahon (usually very tall,
14
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Vernacular Wood Frame
Vernacular Masonry
Buckingham House
Mapleton Avenue
Itahanate
Austin House
Pine Street
thm, doublc-hung, one-over-one wulnows), molded wmdow
suiiounds, and occasionally a cupola oi balushaded balcony.
Simple Itahanale sirucluies have a hipped rooE, biacketed
eaves, and molded surrounds A more elaUorate or High Style
example may featuie arcaded porches, corner quoms, towers,
and oinatc detailmg
Second Empire (1870-1910)
The Second Empire style is most easily identified by the use of a
Mansard roof form, a double-pitched roof with a steep lower
slope The roof is usually picrced with dormer windows
allowmg hght to this second ar tlurd floar Decoratrve elements
on the facades include triangulai pediments ovei windows and
porches and pilastcis and columns at buildulg corncrs
Queen Anne ( I 880-1910)
Queen Anne is peihaps the most ornate style of the Victorian
Period evident in Coloiacio, and was popular between 1880 and
1910 The style varies from highly decoiahve commeicial
examples to more restramed veision found m many residentral
neighborhoods
General characterishcs mclude a venc~al orientahon,
asymmehical m~ssmg, cornei toweis and bays, prorrunent
decoiahve porches, pro~echng gables, and contrashng materials
Pirst stories are often brick oi stone with wood fi ~me upper
stories fmished with wood shmgles or clapboards Roof forms
are often complex with gaUled or hip dormers and tower
elements Wide front or wrap-around poiehes are typically
found on front and side elevations with elaborate trim and
turned posts The ~~egrec of ornamentat~on usually
distrnguishes the High Style from the veinacular
Ornamentahon is emphasized on a High Style Queen Anne
through the use of scalloped and paulted shulgles m the gablc
ends, and decorarive bargeboards, sunburst detailing, and
turned spuldles on porches and balconies The corner towei is
promment, but not uruveisally present
The Vernacular Queen Anne is generally less ornate, but
usually features the shuigled gables, asymmetrical massulg and
some decorarive detaihng The vernacular examples have
enough decorahon to distinguish them from the categories that
are strictly veinacular
15
INTRODUCTION
Second Emp~re
Chauncey Stokes House
Pine Sireet
Queen Anne
McAllister House
Pme Street
Queen Anne
Temple-Bowron House
Pme S[reet
Edwardian Vernacular (1900-1920)
~dwardian Vernacular structures are basically Post-Victorian
residences sitrular to the Queen Anne style in foim and
m~ssmg, but lacking ornamentarion Somehmes called
"Prmcess Anne;' these buildings feature multi-gabled roofs,
asymmetrical massing, simple suifaces, and occasionally wrap-
around porches, short towers, and some cl~ssual details
Spruce Street
Terrace(1880-1920)
The Tenace is considered to be somewhat uruque m Colorado
and dates fiom the late 1880's through 1920 These structuies
are basically one or two-story brick building with a flat roof and
corUelled corruce The style is evident in a few single-family
homes, but most common as duplexes or larger mulh-family
homes Many have mdroidual porches ai each enhance While
the most common corruce heahnent is biick corbellmg,
occasionally a separate corruce with Uiackets or parapets at the
roofhne are evident Styhshc elements such as Richardsoruan
arches or Itahanate bracketed corruces aie used occasionally,
but the basic flat-roofed Rect~ngular form pi edonunates
Foursquare(1900-1930)
One of the most commonly found styles m Colorado after 1900,
the Poursquare is easily recogruzed by its square plan and
overall simplicity The ma~onty of these homes werc built
dunng the first thiee decades of flte 20~h century The typical
Foursquare is a two-stoiy, hipped roof structure with central
front dormer, mu~imal decorarion, broad overhanging eaves
with brackets or modilhons, classical frieze with denhls, and a
porch with hipped roof supported bu simple, Doric columns or
squaie posts Occasionally, a Foursquare will feature a shaped
gable or will be considerably larger with more elaborate
oinamentatron, but, m each case, the basu square plan is
predommant
Classic Cottage (1910-1930)
The Classic Cottage is basically a one-story version of the
Foursquare It features an elongated lupped roof with central fiont
dormer, a front porch with tluck poich posts or round, s~mpl~fied
Doric columns supporfing the porch roof Popular between 1910
and 1930, the style was most commonly used in residenhal
arctutecture, although occasionally it was used for schoolhouses,
haui depots, or small uishtuhonal buildmgs Bu~lding materials
were almosi always masonry, panc~ularly brick, with a few rare
fiame examples Ornamentat~on ~s generally I~ruted to wuldow
surrounds and flared eaves on the dormei
16
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Edwardian Vernacular
Lamb House
Terrace
fohnson-Betasso Terrace
Pearl Street
Foursquare
Mayall-Picl<ett House
Highland Avenue
Classic Cottage
Jaroso, Colorado
Colonial Revival (1900-1930)
Classical oi Colorual Revival Uuildings constructed m the e~ily
twenheth century generally have classical detaihng Buildu~gs
in this style vaiy widely ui size, may be of wood oi masonry
construcrion, and have details such as pediments, dentiled
coimces and mulii-paned wmdows Front doors aie usually
accented with pediments or fanhghts and porches are typically
small wrih slender columns Roof forms can be hipped or
gabled, but aie usually simple in massmg
Mission (1900-1930)
The Mission style is most easily identrfied by the cuivilmear
shaped gable and simphcity of form Also chaiacteristic is a
stucco oi plaster firush, arcades, hle roof, and, occasionally,
arched windows There is usually a small iound wmdow or
round ornament located in the center of ihe shaped gable
Toweis ancl iion balcomes aie evident on largei buildings
Tudor Revival (1910-1930)
The most dominant features of the'1'udor Revival style are the
half-hmbeimg that coveis the uppei story, and ihe vciy steeply
pitched toof The extenor is lextuied, using biick, stone, or
stucco, and, together wiQ~ the hmUermg, give ff~e house a
picturesque compositron Conshucted in Colorado dunng Hze
1910s and 1920s, these homes also featured gabled or hipped
roofs covered with tile, slate, or shake shingles, and decorated
chimney detailing Windows are generally mullioned
casements, with an occasional bay wmdow
Mediterranean (1920-1930)
The key to dishnguishing the Mediterr~nean style is the trle roof
and resri~auied ornamentahon (as opposed to the elaborate
details on a Sparush Colorual Revival structure) Built in
Colorado duimg the 1920's, these structures are generally
stucco or bnck, often pamted white to conirast the bngh~ly
colored roof tiles Roofs are low-pitched gable ar flat wifli a
parapet on smaller homes, they are low pitched hipped on some
largei homes Another chaiacterisric featuie ts the extension of
a side oi front wall to form an aicaded entrance oi porch
Wmdows are somehmes casements, framed by wooden or
wrought uon grills or small second story balconies
The Mediteuanean style was used for churches, schools, and
residences, both on a grand scale ~nd on more modest homes
The heavy rile roof is generally the dommant chaiacteristic
~7
INTRODUCTION
Colonial Revrval
Henrietta Somers House
8aseline Road
Mission
Wahlstrom Mission(Terrace
19`" Street
Tudor Revival
Ekeley House
I I `h Street
Mediterranean
Dawd H Holmes Hause
I I `~ Street
Bungalow ( I 920- I 940)
The Bungalow stylc mcorporates a widc range of styles fiom
Ciaftsman to Prairie and Mission style buildings Often
categoiized as modest one or one and one half-story buildings,
definmg features mclude large coveied poiches, low
overhangulg roof forms and large scale buildmg elements
Porch wlumns tend to be squared and tapeied and often sit on
pedestals Bungalows can be wood or masonry, but share ihese
common elements
Modern (1920 - present)
Architecture associated with the Modein movement is
idenrified by an emphasis on design that was clearly of the
Machine Age, with standardizatron of parts, absence of non-
funchonal decoiahon, and structural "honesty" as hallmarks
Flat roofs ~nd smoofli wall sur(aces were favored Both thc
Modernishc style (1920 - 40) and the Internarional style (1925 -
present) are pioducts of this more austere moderrusm
18
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Bungalow
Blystad-Laeser House
Pine $treet
Modern
Thornton House
I 3`~ Street
1.5 Review Process
What is Subject to Review?
The Boulder Revised Code's Historic Preservarion Ordmance
(10-13-18, B R C,1981) outlmes the process and cnteria far
reviewulg changes to individual landmaiks and buildings in
historic districts Any alterahon to the exteuor of a buildmg or
site in a locally designated histoiic district or on a Landmark
site requues a Lanc~mark Alterahon Cerhficate Items such as
changmg the pamt color, ma~oi landscaping pro~ects and the
addition of storm windows do not requne a buildmg permit,
but they do iequire a Landmark Alterahon Cert~ficate
What is the Process for Review?
There are threc levels of review.
Staff Level Review The followmg alteratrons can usually be
reviewed withm a few days by callulg a city Preservahon
Planner at 441-3270 re-ioofmg, pauit, landscapmg, and iear
or side yard fences lower than 5 feet ut height with a
mirumum of 1" spacmg betcveen the pickets For pro~ects m
downtown, staff may also review signs, awnmgs and
railutgs If such a pioposal clearly meets the cnteria
outhned Uy the pmservahon code (see sidebar), a
Preservation Plaiuiei will issue a Landmark Alterahon
Cerhficate, and you can commence your pio~ect (You will
also need a fence permit for fences and a buildmg permit far
re-roohng prior to beguuung any work, however)
Landmarks Design Review Committee All ofller pro~ects
will be reviewed by ihe Landmarks Design Review
Comnuttee, which meets weekly and consists of rivo
members of the Landmarks Board and one memUei of the
city Planrung Depai tment (a city Preservatron Planner) Call
a Preservahon Pl~nnei to schedule your review with the
Comxruttee. The mee~ings are mlahvely mformal, and you
are encour~ged to brmg your proposal early m the design
process for a conceptual review As the pro~ect Uecomes
fmahzed, the Cosrumttee determines whethei it meets the
guidelmes set forth m this document and m the Bouldei
Historic Preservation Code If it does, the Comiruttee will
issue an Alteiahon Cerhficate, and you can commence with
your pro~ect after gethng the necessaiy permits If the voie
of the Committee is divided, ihe apphcarion goes forwaid
for review by the five-member Landmarks Board at a pubhc
hearmg unless you choose to withdraw the applicahon for
revisioil and resubmittal
19
Section 10-13-18 of the
Boulder Revised Code
estabhshes critena for the
approval of Landmarl<
Alteration Certificates:
I Tho proposed woYk
preserves, enhances, or
restores and does not
damage or destroy the
exterior architeccural
features of the landmark or
the sub~ect property within
an hlstonc distnct,
2 The proposed work does not
adversely affect the special
character or special hisCorical,
architectural, or aestheeic
interest or value of the
landmark and its site or the
district,
3 The architectural style,
arrangement, texture, color,
arrangement of color, and
matenals used on existmg and
proposed structures are
mmpanble with [he
character of the existing
landmark and its site or the
historic district, and
With respect to a proposal to
demohsh a budding in an
historic district, the proposed
new construction to replace
the building meets
reqwrements 2 and 3 above
The complete histonc
preservation ordmance is
available online at:
www.ci. bou Ider.co. us/
cao/brc/ I 0- I 3.html
INTRODUCTION
Incentives for ' Landmarks Board Public Hearing In addihon to pio~ects
Landmarleing referied to the Board by the Design Review Comtruttee, the
full Landmarks Board reviews all demohhon and new
constructron apphcahons Sheds ixnder 60 squaie feet in
As a way to encourage siz.e and one-story smgle car garages under 340 square feet
landmark designation of are excephons, and c~n be reviewed by the Design Review
the city's ehgible historlc Commiltee Landmarks Board pubhc heaiulgs are held
resources, the city and monthly, and agendas are publ~shed ui thc newspaper 10
state offer a variety of days m advance Decisions are based on the ma~oiity vote
incent~ves to property of the froe-member Boaid and standards m the Code
ownErs includmg•
Call Up by City Council
• State income tax credit for The decision of the Landmarks Board is sub~ect to call up by the
20% of approv~d City Council If a ma~ority of Council votes to call up ihe
rehabilitation costs (up to Board's decision, it is re-considered at a subsequent City
$50,000 per property) for Council public heaiing If council does not call it up, the
Iocal Iandmarl<s and Board's decision is fmal
contribunng bwldmgs
wrthm histonc districts p~r permit Requiremerrts and Canpli~uxe with City Cocles
Please note that obtaining a Landmark Alterahon Cerhficate
• Federal Investment Tax does noi mclude review of your pro~ect for all city
Credit for National
Register properties used lEquiiements In addihon to meering the guidelules, design and
for commercial purposes buildmg plans must meet all requuements of the City of
gouldei Revised Code, ulcluding, without limitahon, the Land
• Eligibility for Colorado Use and Structure Regularions of Titles 9 and 10, B R C 1981
Historical Fund granCs The land use regularions include hmitatrons on buildmg
setbacks fiom property lmes, maximum buildmg heights, and
• The waiver of sales tax on ~nlmum solar access requirements. Buildmg, fire, mecharucal
constructlon materials at ~nd plumbing requirements are coverecl in the Structure sechon
the time of building permit ~f these regularions The sign code uicludes httutarions on the
apphcation size and placement of signs. Please contact the Development
Informahon Office m the Planrung Deparhnent at 441-3290 with
• The potential for quesrions regardmg the Land Use Regularions For direct
exemptions or variances to questrons regardulg the buildmg requirements, call
a variety of building code Development and Inspechon Seivices at 441-3280
ahd zoni~g requirements.
Submittal Requirements
For compfete mformation The tnformarion you subrrut with your applicarion is the only
on these benefits contact a descriphon the Landmarks Design Review CoTturuttee will have
Preservation Planner by of your design It therefore should illustrate, as precisely as
callmg (303) 441-3270. possible, what you have m mmd.
For further informarion ar to schedule a review by the
Landmarks Design Review Committee, please contact the
Planrung Deparhnent,1739 Broadway, Suite 300, (303) 441-3270
20
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
The following are required for review:
I. Application.
2. Photographs. Show all the views of the exisring
buildmg and at least a poihon of the neighboiutg
buildings
3. Scaled Site Plan Show the propcity boundaiies,
exishng buildings, sigruficant hees and landscape
feltums, and your proposed changes Include a noith
arrow and the location of ad~acent buildtngs, streets and
allcys
4. Elevations Illustrate elevarions of all relevant vicws of
the alterahon at the same ecale to which the floor plans
are drawn Accurately 1aUe1 them, and mclude the
existrng buildu2g with as much detail as necessary to
show how the old and flie new relate to each other
5. Floor Plans Include flooi plans drawn at a scale of not
less than 1/8" = 1'0" Tnclude a north aiiow and show lhe
exisring buildulg and how your alteiarion relates to it It
should be complete enough to show any exterioi stairs,
porches, decks, etc , and should mclude a roof plan
6. Materials List the visible extenor matenals and
descriUe them as fully as possible Samples of these
materials are always helpful
7. Color If youi plans ulclude pamt or stam, descube lhe
color and mclude a sample of the colors A good w~y to
show the color scheme is to coloi one oi more of the
elevahons
S. Models Por new buildulgs or far proposals that alter
the scele and/oi mass of the oiigulal building, a scaled
model may be iequued Note that models need not be
expensive. a simple massmg model can be made by
tracmg each elevahon onto cardboard, glumg all sides
togethei, and adcimg ioofs and appurtenances such as
doimcrs
21
INTRODUCTION
PRESERVATION APPROACHES &
APpROPRIATE TECHNIQUES INAPPROPRIATE
techniques for roofs techniques for roofs
While every histoiic pio~ectis d~fferent,the
Identifymg, retaining, and Secretary of the Interior has oudmed four Altenng the roof and
preserving roofs that are basic approaches to responsible roofing materials which are
important in definmg the pieseivatron prachces Deternunmg which important in definmg the
overall histonc character of 1ppr~ach is most appropriate for any overall historic charaeter of
the building pro~ect iequires considering a number of the building so that, as a
factors, mcludmg the building's histoiical result, the character is
Protecting and maintaining a significance and its existmg physical dimmished
roof by cleaning the gutters condirion
and downspouts and Failing to stabilize a
replaang deterioraked preservation places a high prerruum on
• deteriorated or damaged
flashing the ietentron of all historic fabiic roof until additional work is
Stabihzing detenorated or
through conseivahon, mamtenance and undertaken, thus allowing
further damage to accur to
damaged roofs as a iepair the historic budding
prehminary measure, when
necessary, priar to • Rehabilitation emphasizes the retenrion Replacing historic roofing
undertaking appropnate and repair of historic mateiials, but matenal instead of repainng
preservat~on worlc. more lahinde is providecl foi nr replaang only the
replacement because it is assumed the detenorated matenal
Repairing a roof by property is mare cieteriorated prior to
reinforcing the histonc work Fading to reuse mtact slate
materials, Repairs may or tile when only the
generally include the hmited • Restoration focuses on the retenhon of roofing substrate ~eeds
replacement in kind--or matenals from the most sign~ficant hme replacement.
wrth cornpatible substitute m a property's history, while peiituthng
matenal--of extensroely the removal of materials from other Replacmg an entire roof
detenorated or missmg penods feature such az a cupola or
features. dormer when IimiYed ~
• Reconstruction estabhshes hmited replacement of deteriorated
Replacing in land a roof opporturuties to re-cieate a non- and missing parts is
feature, such as a dormer or survivmg site, landscape, buildulg, appropriate
cupola that is too structuie, or ob~ect uz all new materials
deteriorated to repair - if Applying paint or other
the overall form and
The Secretary of the Interior's website coatings to roofing materia)
detading are stdl ewdent -
using the physical evidence outlmes these approaches and suggests `~`~hich has been historically
uncoated.
as a rnodel to reproduce the recommended techruques for a variety of
feature common buildmg materials and elements ~ntroduang a new roof
An example of appropriate and feature that is incompatible
Recreating the documented inappropri~te techruques for roofs is in size, scale, matenal and
design of exterior features plovided in the sidebars Addihonal color
such as the roof shape and lnformahon is available from preservahon
covenngs. staff and the Secretary's website at
www cr nps gov/hps/tps/standguide/index htm
22
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
SITE DESIGN
C;ITY OF BOULDER
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
2. SITE DESIGN
Site design ulcludes a variety of character-defirung elements of
our historic districts and buildings Indroidual structures are
located withul a framewark of sh~eets and pubhc spaces that set
the context for the neighborhood How structures occupy their
site, in terms of alignment, arientahon, and spacutg, creates
much of the context of the neighboihood In combinahon with
pubhc and private walks, fences, tree lawns, landscapmg, and
retaming walls, the site design featuies help to define mdrvidual
sites and the relationship between public and private space in a
neighboihood
2. I Building Alignment, Orientation, and Spacing
~ ~ The pattern of setbaeks as an important element m defimng
I
neigliborhood rharacter Fl front ynrd setbacic serves as a transitwnal
~ spaee bet2oeen the public sidezonik nnd the private building entrij
~ When repeated along the street, these ~nrds enhniace tl~e chnracter of
the c~rea The relahvel~ un~form alignment of buTlding fronts, as eoell
~ as samtilnr spacmg betmeen prirr~an/ biiildmgs, contributes to a seiise of
~ aisual conhnuit~j
' Tradihonally, the priman,/ entrance of a buildang faced the street and,
I depending on the architectural sh~le of the house, zuas ofteii sheltered
~ b~ a one-ston~ porcli Thls feature provided an addihonal transition
from tlie pubhe to the priz~ate space and helped establash n sense of
~ seale to the neighborhood
2 I.I /2.IJ
The marked buddmg is butlt outside the
range o( typical setbacks and occupies a
much larger percentage o( the back
yard area than typical
The praman~ structure generally "stepped dozun" to one story at the
renr of the lot This, and smaller accesson~ structures nlang the alley,
helped franie the rear yard
GUIDELINES
Locate structures withm the range of ahgnments seen
tradirionally m the area, mamtairung tradihonal setbacks
ai the fiont, side and rear of the property
I .2
212
In areas characterized by vertically
proportioned (acades, bwldings with a
horizontal emphasis are inappropriate
Building proporrions should iespect tradihonal pattems m
the district For example, many areas are characterized by
relahvely narrow lots and venc~ally proporrioned front
facades, taller than they are wide In such an area, it
would be inappropriate to introduce horizontally
proporhonedfrontfacades
24
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
.3 Oricnt thc pnmary buildmg entrance to the street
.4 Pieseive the oiiginal locahon of die maui entry and walk
.5 A new porch may encroach ulto the exishng ahgnment
only if it is designed accordmg to the guidehnes and if it is
appropriate to the architectuial style of the house
.6 In neighborhoods with alleys, g~rages should be located at
the iear of the lot and accessed from the alley
.7 Preserve a backyaid area betcveen lhe house and the
garage, maintammg the geneial pioportion of built mass to
open space found withul the area
2.2 Streetscape and Landscape
The oveiall character of the historzc dzstricts is defined inj more thnn
the biitlclings I nndsenpe feahtres of the streetscape, such as the
pattern of sheet trees and planhng strips bet~tueen the stdeevalk nnd the
curb, forni n sigraficant part of the histonc character of an nrea
Samtlnrly, trnditiotinl landscnpe designs help to unifij tke dtistrtct
v~sually I.azuns and locu plnntings rlefine open spnces bet~ueen the
street nnd the hoatses Trnditionally, feeo front ~ard fences or
landscnptng rnatenals obscured the vtem of the buildtng from Nte
street Those tradtttonal patterns sl~ould be mnznfnined as tHe
c~istricts conhnue to evolve
GUIDELINES
. I Mamtam the estabhshed spacm~ pattein of street hees
.2 Pieseive street tices whenever possible
.3 When a tree must be iemoved, or where there is a gap m
the rhythm of stxeet trees, install new street trees in
locations fllat conrinue to express the estabhshed rhythm
.4 Mamtam the ireo-planhng strip as a lawn aiea The
plantulg strip (the area between the curb or street and the
sidewalk) is tradirionally simple, consishng of grass or low
ground cover along with regularly spaced street hees.
Appropriate
• Grass or low ground cover and trees
Inappropriate
• Extensive areas of haid sixrface
• Elevated plantulg borders and bushes
25
SITE DESIGN
2.1.3
Traditionally, the primary 6wldmg
entrance (aced the street The lack of
a(ront entrance on this home disrupts
the character of the street
z 2.4
Grus, low ground cover, and evenly
spaced street trees are appropriate for
the area between the street and the
sidewalk
• Edging materials such as hmber, railroad hes or
inasoruy, except wheie theie is historic precedent
.5 Provide a front yard that is landscaped in a tradihonal
maruter with iraditronal materials
^ Avoid replacmg sod with concrete or any haid surface
^ Edge areas with natural materials such as stonc
^ Locate plantmg beds in tradihonal areas such as
around foundarions and along walkways
• The use of railroad hes u1l~ndscaping is a recent
design approach that is not peimitted
.6 Avoid landscapmg th~t has the potentral for damaging a
histoiic stiucture, such as clunbmg roy or trees planted too
close to a building
.7 Wheie existing ietaming walls aie impoitant to the
chai acter of the site they should be preserved and
mcoiporated utto new landscape featuies
• Tall, plam concrete retaulmg walls are ulappropriate
^ Regrading and the uttroduchon of new retau~ulg walls
is inappxopriate
2.3
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2.3.2
Typical alleys are unpaved and
characterized by a vanety of small-scale
accessory structures and access to
parking
Alleys
The alle~s in histonc distncts zuere tradihonaU~ iised for secondan~
nccess to tlte )touses, for deliveries, and as storage places for horses and
buggres, and later, far cars A viezu of the bacln~ards from the alleys
zuas mamtained Whtle toda~'s allei~s yiave evolved into use as
pedestruin paths for~oggnlg, bac~clmg and dog iuallnng, they sriU
contribute to the historic character of the neighborhood Tl~e~ are
hjpically rmn2mally paved
Along the alleys are htstoric accessory buildings of various shapes and
s~zes ancludmg barns, chacken coops, sheds and small garages Thes
variehj contributes to the general feelang of human scale zn the alle~js
GUIDELINES
I Maintaul alley access foi parking and retam the character
of alleys as clearly secondary access to pioperhes
.2 Retam and preserve the vanety and character found m the
exishng histouc accessary buildmgs along the alleys
.3 The use of historically proporHoned materials for buildulg
new accessory buildmgs contributes to the human scale of
26
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
z 2.7
Retaining walls are typically stone or
brick Plam concrete is inappropriate
ihe alleys For example, nariowcr lap siding anc~ smaller
Uiick are appropriate
.4 Structuies that weie consh•ucted after the period of
sign~ficance but are st111 more than 50 years old and
contribute to the variety and chaiactei of the alleyway
should be rntamed
.5 Mamtam adequate spacmg between accessory buildmgs so
that the view of the main housc is not obscixred, and the
alley does not evolve mto a tunnel-hke passage
.6 Generally, pavmg alleys m histors districts alters the
historic character and is inappropriate
^ If pavmg is necessaiy, a pavmg matenal that prescrves
the utilitarian character of ihe alley is appiopriate
^ The prefciied surface is a pcrmeable, soft-edged
matenal such as recycled asphalt, that will conh•ol
drauzage ~nd dust
^ In problem areas with peisistent potholes and/oi
diamage problems, soluhons such as regiadulg and
addmg pca gravel should be used
J Lightmg in allcys should be low wattage and focused
downward See also, Sechon 8 4 Ltghhr~g
2.4 Parking and Driveways
HletorecaU~, pnvnte parlang mas lirmted to the renr of the lot zuith
access fi'om the alley There are instnnces eohere curb cuts have been
added in tHe front ~ards, hut tl~ese are generall~ lnter nlterahons mid
do not represent tradtttonal park~ng patterns
GUIDELINES
.1 Maintain the tradirional pattein of parkmg at the rear of
the lot
.2 Access to parkmg should be fiom the alleys whenever
possiUle
.3 Paik~ng m the front yaid is mappiopiiate
ALLEY
r - - - - ~ - - - - ,
I I ~
it i ~
.4 New cuib cuts fiom the sheet are inappropriate When 2.4.1 / 2.4s
addmg a garage or sigruficantly alteung an existmg garagc Parking should be provided at the rear
on the alley any front curb cut should be vacated and of the lot and accessed by an alley
CIOSeCl whenever ooss~hle
27
SITE DESIGN
.5 The visual impact of paiking for mulh-fatruly and
commeicial uses should be rruruiruzed Common
appioaches uiclude separahng paiking mto small clusteis,
screenmg with buildings or landscapmg, and the usc of
small accessory structures
.6 Historically appropri~te pavmg matenals, such as
flagstone or biick, can be used to visually break up larger
parkmg aieas
.7 Pavmg dnveways or garage access aieas with asphalt or
concrete groes a modern look and is generally
mappropiiate, pai ticularly when ad~acent to unpaved
alleys Flagstone oi brick wheel strips aie the prefened
alternahve
2.5 Sidewall<s
Many of 6oulder's older netghborlwods ~oere origmally paved zoith
flngstone or aggregate concrete These origmal zualkzoa~ matenals are
important elemetits nnd co~itribute to flie histonc chnracter of t}ie
neagkborhoocl The traditional pattern of zvalkeon~s perpendicular from
the public stdezunlh to the front porches or mnin entnes of the hauses
provides umhj to the streetscape New sideeoalks must meet the
Amencnns euith Disabihhes Act requirements
GUIDELINES
Retam and preserve arigmal sidewalk materials where
they exist If replacement of a deteriorated sechon is
necessaiy, matdi the origmal sechon or element m
locahon, pattern, spacmg, dimensions, mateiials and color
• Replace flagstonc with flagstone
• Replace concrete with concrete. However, if the block-
face is predonunantly paved with flagstone, replacing
concrete portions with flagstone ~s appropriate
.2 New walkways should be designed to be compahble m
location, pattern, spacmg, dimensions, materials and color
with exishng walkways that contribute to the overall
histoiic character of the aiea.
• Walk design should be simple and tradihonal,
reflectmg the neighbarhood and period of
construction
~ Flagstone or iradihonal aggregate concrete is
encouraged
28
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
247
This new garage is accessed by
(lagstane wheel str~ps
25t
Typical sidewalks are concrete or
Oagstone and simple in design
.3 Provide a walkway from the strect to the priineiy fiont
enhance of the building The walkway should generally
be peipendiculai to the sidewalk
2.6 Fences
The a~~penrance of tlie house frorri the sidezoalk, street, and nlle~
conh•abutes to an nrea's character Iiistorically, fei2ces zuere not
coninion in Boulder W{iere they eznsted the~ zuere very open, lozq
and used to clekneate spnce rnther than to create mnlled-off privac~/
c+rens Renr and sicie yard fences eoere built lozu enor~gh so neiglibors
could tnik to each other over thein The fences could be ensil~ seen
tlirough aiad zoere built of zuoven eorre (not cltatn-link), zurouglit iron,
or patnted or apnque stained iuood packets Elnborate zuroti~ght iron
and cast iron fences eoere hjpicall~ found only on lots euith large ar
granrl liomes
GUIDELINES
Retam and preseive lustoiic fences ihat conhibute ro the
histoiic character of the site or district whenever possible
Repaii deteiiorated fence components rather than replace
them
.2 Where fences weic not traditionally found in the front
yard ~nd where the streetscape character is defined by
open front yards, the ulhoduction of new fences m the
fiont yaid is inappropriate
.3 Inrioduce compahUle new fences of tiadirional materials
only m locahons and configurahons that are characterisric
of the historic distrst. New fencmg should ieflect the
character of historic fences in height, openness, maleiials,
and firush
.4 Geneially, historic fences weie constructed of wrought
iron, wood pickets, oi woven wu•e with an open
appeaiance and a scale lhat related lo the mam building.
Cedar stockade fences or block walls are mappropnate
.5 Generally, historic wood fences weie pamied or opaque
stamed. Transparent stains and unfmished wood aie
geneially mappropiiate. The side of the fence facmg the
street, alley, and/ or siclewalk must be fuushed
.6 Front and rear fences should have some degree of
openness and spacmg of slats so that the mam structure on
29
SITE DESIGN
2.6.2
Many o( the histonc distncts are
characterized 6y open (ront yards
Adding new (ront yard fences in such
areu is generally inappropriate
2.6.4
Wrought iron and cast iron fences
were rypically tound only on lots with
large or grand homes
ihe site is visible fi•om the street or alley. Solid wood
fencmg along the rear of a lot obscures much of the
u~regularity and variahon that defines the essential
character of an alley and creates an mappiopriate "tunnel"
effect Rear and side yard fences Uelow 5 feet m height
with a mirumum of 1" spacing betcveen the pickets can be
ieviewed at staff level
openness
2 6.8
This side yard (ence gradually
transitions from the rear to the (ront
7 Wheie appropriate, fences in the front yard should be no
more than 36 ulches high. This low height should be
maintained along the side yard as far as necessary to
mamtam an unoUstructed view of the buildmg's mam
aichitectuial features, at least to the front elevarion of the
house and/or porch At that pomt, the fence may become
gradually higher ancl less open
.8 Side yard fences were typically located behmd the mam
house, not m the front yard Where side yard fences do
extend mto the front yard, they should Ue low and open
with a gradual transihon in height toward thc rear yard
T'he portron of the side fence that extends beyond the fiont
elevation of the buildmg should not exceed a maximum of
36 inches u1 height
30
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
2.6 6
This front yard fence is inappropriate
(or both its height and lack of
267
This is an appropriately open and low
front yard tence
ALTERATIONS
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CITY OF BOULDER
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
3. ALTERATIONS
The difference between "alterarion" and °additron° (sechon 4)
is m the magrutude of change to the ongmal structum
Typically, an alteration is on a smaller scale than an addihon It
usually mvolves elements such as adding dormers, decks, and
wmdows An addirion usually means addulg more square
footage and/or external walls
As with an addiiion, an alterahon should preseive and
compleinent the historic character of the structure It should not
iephcate but should be dishnguishable from and simpler ni
design than any histonc element For example, an added
wmdow would not have the elegantly caived frames of ~
histoiic wmdow In general, simpler designs are the most
successful
3. I Roofs, Slqlights, and Solar Panels
TYPICAL ROOF FORMS Z~he roof ts one of the primnry character-defimng features of a htstorzc
building, and tlie repetrt~on of sirntlar roof hjpes creates part of the
vasUal conststency Phat defines a litstoric area Alterahons or
additions to roofs must be given careful consaderahon to ensure tkat
1 the~ do not compromase the mtegrihj of the yaistoric structitre T~ical
roof shapes are gabled or lupped Shed roofs somehmes occuv on
htstonc additions c~nd rtecessory sEruetures Buildtngs zuathm a
clistrict ma~ have n combmahon of these roof t~es
HIPPED GUIDELINES
. I Retatn and preseive the origmal roof form of a historic
- structuie
^ Maintam the roof form, slope, height, and orientarion
to the street.
^ Preseive the origmal depth of the overhang along the
eaves.
GABLE ^ Any alterarions to a roof should be cornpahble with the
form, pitch, plate height and massmg of the historic
~------- ~, rooE
~~~`~~G ~ ^ Raising the ioof to accommodate a full or parhal uppei
~` I ~~~~ story addihon is mappropriate - considei the addirion
~ ~ of a darmer mstead
~~r
SHED •2 Preseive the character of the origmal roofmg and its
details
^ Although histarical accuracy m roofmg materials is not
w~ncer & compony i equired, attempt to preserve the type, urut scale, and
32
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
texhxre of the origmal ioofmg In some circumstances,
the roofulg material is an important architectuial
feature that should be preseived For example, metal
roofs should remain metal, tYled roofs should iemain
tiled
Boulder has an ardmance that requires the phasing out
wood shmgle roofs Dimensional, composihon
shingles aie an appropriate ieplacement
Avoid removing historically important roofing or
wood trim that is in salvageable condihon Retaut and
iepau• roof detailmg such as brackets, cormces,
parapets, baigeboards and gable-end shingles
.3 Skyltghts that aie mstalled on a historic roof should be as
Lmobtrusive as possible and not visible from a pubhc
street Flat skyhghts that blend with the roof aie most
appropnate Sculptural or bubble-type skyhghts are not
appiopiiate Also see Guidehne 8 3 4
.4 Mimmize the visual impact of solai colleclors Also see
Guidehne 8 3 4
The use of eneigy-efficient and energy-conservmg
materials is encouraged, but they should not
compioiruse the historic integnty of ihe building
Solar collectois should not alter the exisring piofile of
the roof noi bc highly visible, panc~ularly from the
front of the house They should Ue mounted flush on
rear-facing roofs, or placed on the ground m an
mconspicuous locahon
.5 Roof appuitenances such as swamp coolers, TV antennas,
and satelhte dishes should be mstalled so that they arc not
visible from the strcet and do not damage or obscum
hisioric features Also see Guidelme 8 3.4
3.2 Roof Decks and Balconies
Roof dedcs are deck arens above the first floor tliat nre contained
completely or partially in a roof mass Balcomes are rmled or
bnlustraded platforms thnt pro~ect from t{1e building Second ston/ roof
decks or bnlcomes are cliarncteristic of only a fezu archtitectural st~les
faund in Boulder They rna~~ be compatible addihons, hozoever, af
located on the rear and tf they nre mtegrated anto the priniary
struchire Second ston/ roof decks or baleon~es are not nppropriate for
free-standtng accessory butldtngs and garnges An~ decks or balcontes
aboae the second stor~ are mapproprtnte unless bnsed on htstoric
precedent
33
ALTERATIONS
3.1.3
Bubble-type skylights are inappropriate,
espeaally when visible from the street
3 I.5
Mechanical equipment, such as coolers,
should not be visible (rom the street
GUIDELINES
I Locate roof decks or balcorues on the rear, not on the front,
of the buildmg Fiont roof decks or balcorues aie
appropriate only if reci eatrng a documented historic
element
.2 Integrate the roof deck or balcony mto the structure either
by sethng rt mto the Uuildmg or by mcorporahng it mto
the roof structure
.3 Avoid canhlevered pro~echons from the building, and use
appiopriately scaled brackets or supports
3 Z Z .4 While curient code iequirements must be met, new
This rear roof deck is appropriately Y1111ttgs should be as close as posslble to hl5torlc helghts
inregrated inro the roof In addihon, sensirive design may give the appearlnce of
the lower raihng heights found on lustonc sh~uctures.
3.3 Declcs
Decks are inodern expressions of porches thnt zvere not foaind on
histaric bu~ldangs. Great care needs to be taken tn destgntng decks to
fit into the historic chnracter of t}ie liouse The design elements rnust
respect the histortic character as ta s~ze, materials, railing detnll,
tntrusion mto spaces bet2ueen buildmgs, and nuatertals Because decks
are not traditwnall~ foitnd on laistorte structures, they should be
avoaded or thelr appearance shoaild be rnmimazed Decks should be
subordinate to the houae in ternas of seale and detatling
GUIDELINES
For second story decks, see 3 2 Roof Decks nnd Bnlcomes
. I First floor decks are inappropriate m the front of a house
Locate a first floor deck to the iear of a building
.2 While current code requirements must Ue met, new
railmgs should be as close as possible to historic heights
In addihon, sensitroe design may give the appearance of
the lower railing heights found on historic shuctures
.3 Unpaznted redwood is ulappropriate, decks should be
painted or stained to match the exishng buildmg
.4 Materials with a synkhehc look and/or feel should be
avoided
34
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
3.4 Porches
Front porclies nre n cottnnon and important vasunl element af mnriy
historic binld~ng shjles The porch roof is generqlly supported b~
freestandarg columns or by colurnns resting on n masonrt/ zuall Wood
rmlrngs nre anehored zoith rnnsonri~ or zoood balustrades A po~~ch is
genernlly open zuith the facade of tlie house plmnly visihle
GUIDELINES
.I Origmal porches should be piroseived
.2 Deterioiated origmal poiches and porch elements, such as
razlmgs, balusters and columns, should be repau•ed oi
replaced, followmg recogruzed pieservahon methods so
that the character of the poich is not compromised
.3 Maultaul the hcight, detail and spacin~ of the origtnal
b~lustiade ~f replacing, extending or adding balustrades
.4 Enclosuig a fiont poich negahvcly impacts thc visual
chaiactei of both ihe mdividual house and the streeiscape
and is mappropriate
.5 If a rear ar side poich is to be enclosed, the followmg
guidelines apply
• Mamtam the sense of openness, scale, proporhon, and
separahon from the sh~uctuie of the house The
endosure should not obscure the main architectuzal
details of the poich or house
• Keep the design and materials as simple as possible
rather than trymg to match the buildulg facade
.6 Rebuilding a irussmg original front porch is encouraged if
evidence of the origmal porch can be documented
J The inhoducrion of new parches that were not present
histoiically is inappropriate on individual landmarks and
buildulgs that am conh~iburing to a historic dish•ict.
.8 Porches on new Uuildmgs or on non-contribuhng
buildings should be compahble with the architecture of the
building, mcorporahng hadihonal scale and proporhons
with updated design details
9 Large, two-story tall porches are mappropriate for front
facades unless present historically
35
ALTERATIONS
Front porches are key character-
deflning features of both mdividual
buddmgs and the streetscape
3.5 Dormers
~~;
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~ Wmce~ & Company
3.5.4
Dormer (orms should match roof
forms, e g gabled roofs should have
gabled dormers and hipped roofs
should have hipped dormers
Dorn~ers are tradettonnl roof elentents thnt erther extend fl~e space
under the matti roof or serve as decornhz~e elen2ents to tHz rnain roof
The~ genernll~ follozu the pttch nnd form of the matn roof ancl are
nleuays secondan/ to the main roof mnssmg The mtroduchon of
dormers may dramattcally change the buildmg's nppearance, n~ad
tlierefore ma~ not be appropriate m all circumstances
GUIDELINES
1 Existrng dormers are impoi tant character-defmmg features
of a buildmg and should be pmserved, partrcularly those
that aie most visible from the street
.2 Deteuorated elements should be repaued or mplaced,
followulg iecogmzed preservahon methods
.3 Exisring dormers should not be enlarged or altered m any
way that changes theu• secondary relahonship to the mam
YOOE
.4 The size, scale, and style of new darmers should be
comparible with exisring dormers on the structuie The
form of roof dormers should be compahble with the mam
roof form
.5 Dormer wmdows should be similar m praporrion to first
and second floor wmdows but smaller
.6 New dormers must be subordmate to the mam roof m
terms of mass, scale and height Noiwithstandmg the fact
that one large dormer may give the greatest usable space
within ihe roof form, smaller dormers are usually the most
appropriate Often two small dormers are more
appropriate than one large dormer
7 Dormer ridgelines must be lower than the mam roof.
36
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
3 5 6 / 3.5.7
The size of these dormers overwhelms
the mam roof and the ndgelmes are
even with, rather than below, the main
roof
3.6 Exterior Materials: Walls, Siding, and Masonry
Brick, stone, liortzontal euood-Inpped s~daiig, stucco, n~id zuood shingles
nre comnion fimsh ~~~aterinls found m histonc distr~cts and on histortc
structures Over the ~enrs, tl~e rriaterinls titsed tn residentrnl
constnichon hnz~e not c{innged dramnfically, hut the scnle of materials
has become larger Narrozoer lap siding, smaller bi ick anct sh~ngles
atsed alone or m vanous eombtnattons often distanguish older homes
fron~ neiuer ones Brick and stone nu~sonry zuere haditionally left
nntural euhtle ~oood surfnces zuere pninted
GUIDELINES
Original historic firush materials should Uc pieseived and
i epaii ed
~ Unpamtecl masonry surfaces, panc~ulaily those wiH1
histoucal sigruhcance, should not be painted
^ When feasible, remove newei matertals that have Uecn
applied over historic fuzishes and that have not
achieved lustoiic significance m their own iight
Removal of non-histouc matenals such as stucco or
permastone must be tested to assum ihat the ongmal
matexial will not be damaged m the piocess
• When iepairing masoruy use appiopriate moitai, i c,
one that is softei than the suriounding masoniy
.2 New fuiish matenals should be comparible with, but not
seek to rephcate, origm~l firush materials
^ Use materials that are similar m scale, proporhon,
texlure and firush to those used historically
^ Use authenhc materials - inateiials made to look hke
other matenals, such as concrete d~at is scored to look
like brick, are not appiopriate
3.7 Windows, Storm Windows, and Shutters
Wmdorus, t}ie elements that surround them, and t~ieir relahonslttp to
one anotlier are one of the most importnnt character-definang elernents
of n hastoric strncture and slioaild be preseroed Irrtproper or
tnsensihve treatment of the zutndo~us mi n htstoric striicture can
seriously detraet from its architect~iral chnrncter Windozus on fncndes
visible from pi~blic streets, pnrticidarly the fvont fa~ade, nre especially
important
Repau~ ofhistorac w~ndows rs ulways preferred wathin a rehabilUakon
pro~ect Rep[acement ,shou[d be considered only as a last resort
37
Historic ma[erials such as wood siding,
stone, brick and dimensional shingles
help establish human scale
ALTERATIONS
GUIDELINES
Protection of Historic Windows
Rctain and preseive exishng histoiic windows, utcluding
their funchonal and decorarive features, such as frames,
sashes, muntms, sills, hcads, moldmgs, surrounds and
hardware Because windows near the fi ont fa~ade are
pairicularly ciitical to the character of historic buildings,
their protecrion may supercede the proteciion of historic
wu~dows elsewhere. In some cases, it may be appropriate
to use window elements from rear or side elevarions to
repair those on the front
3.7.8
True-diwded hght windows have
indrvidual panes o(glazs separated by
munnns While some high-quality
simulated-drvided light windows may
be acceptable as replacements in some
cases, true-divided light windows are
most appropriate
.2 I'reserve origulal wmdow locahons, do not move wmdows
from theu historic placement
.3 Repair rathei than ieplace the funcrional and decoratroe
featuics of origin~l wmdows through iecogruzed
preservahon methods If replacement of a feahxi e is
necessary, replace only the deteriorated feature ut kuid
rather than the enhie urut, matching the materials, design
and dimensions of the original
Window Replacement
.4 If window sashes are too deteriorated to repau but thc
wmdow frames are salvageable, then sashes only should
be replaced to match the original Such custom-sized
replacement sash systems are available from several ma~or
wmdow manufacturers
.5 If repair is not feasible, and the wmdow must be replaced,
match fl1e exishng window m terms of size, materials,
method of operarion and detailmg
.6 The window operung itself should be carefully pieserved
It should not be made lai ger ar smaller to accommodate a
differently sized wuldow
7 Replacmg a wood wuzdow with a wood wmdow is most
appropriate, however, other materials m~y be considered
if the operarion, dimension, profile and fmish are similar
.S If a wmdow that is droided mto sevcral panes of glass
must be replaced, a similar true-divided-light wuldow that
matches the dimensions, profile and detaihng of the
original is most appropriate High quahty simulated-
divided-hght windows may be allowed if ihey mamtain
38
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
the munhn size of the origulal wuldow Snap-m munhns
ar othci mauthentic ~rchitectural details are mappropriate.
.9 Historic steel wuldows are character-dehrung features on
some bu~ldings in lustaric districts Because wmdows
manufacluied from other m~~tenals geneially carulot match
the flun piofiles of steel, replacement may not be appropriate
Windows in New Construction
.10 Windows in addihons and new structuies should reflect
the window patterns and pioporrions of the exishng
sh'ucture and the district and uhlize sirrular mateiials. For
elevarions visible from public streets, the ielarionship of
solids to voids should also be comparible
.I 1 Windows should be trimmed with mateiials sinular u1
scale, piopoihon, firush, and character to those used
traditionally
.12 Openulgs should indicate floor levels, and should not
occur between flooi s
.13 Symmetry or asymmetry of opexungs should be maultvned
14 Odd wmdow shapes such as octagons, hiangles, and
diamonds ate generally inappropriate
Shutters and Storm Windows
. I S Use shutters only if appropriate to the style of the house
.16 Remtroduculg missing shutters is encouraged if evidence
of the oiiginal shutters can be documented.
17 While shutters necd not be operable, they should be sized
to maintain the appearance of operability
18 Improving the energy efficiency of older windows can
often Ue addressed through simple repairs Storm
wuldows or interior energy panels are alternahves to
wmdow replacement Wood storm wmdows are
preferred Metal storm wutdows may be appropriate i[ the
frames match the pioporhons and prohle of the original
wmdows and if the frames are anodized or patnted so that
raw metal is not visible Interior mstallahon is prefeired
39
a.~.io/s.zia
The relationship between the amount
o( window and wall in this home is out
o( proportion with traditional designs
The odd shaped wmdows at the roof
peak are also incompatible with historic
nyM[~rnc
ALTERATIONS
3.8 Doors and Storm Doors
Front cloors and primary entrances are among the ntost tmportant
elements of historic buildings The orrganal stze and proportton of a
front door, tlte detnils of the door, the doar survouncl, and t6ie
placement of the door all contribute to the character of the entrance
GUIDELINES
.I Retam and preserve all original doors and door operungs
.2 Retain and preserve the fixnchonal, proporhonal and
decoratrve features of 1 pumary entrance These features
mclude the door and its frame, sill, head, ~amb, moldmgs,
and any flanking windows
.3 Histoiic hardware, hmges, locksets, and knoUs are door
features that are sign~ficant and should be preserved
.4 Repair damaged origutal doors and door assembhes
whenever possible followmg recogruzed preservahon
methods
.5 If an origmal door must be replaced, the replacement door
should match the oiigmal as closely as possible If
documentahon of the oi igmal door is not available, then
the appearance of the replacement door should be based
on oiigmal doars on similar histors structuies
.b Replace wood doois with wood doors Although good
synthehc matenals are available, the use of histaric
materials is recomrnended
If energy conseivalion and heat loss are a concern,
consider usmg a starm door mstead of replacmg a historic
entry door Generally, wood storm doors aie most
appropriate A metal storm door may be appiopriate ~f it is
simple u1 design and if the frame is anodized or pamted so
that raw metal is oUscured
.8 Doors m addirions and new struclures should reflect the
proporhons (height and width) of doors in the existrng
shucture and/or the district
9 Doors shou]d be trimmed with materials sirrular in scale,
proporhon, fuzish, and character to those used
tr adihonally
40
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
An appropriate door m terms oi srze,
propordon and detadmg
3.8.5
The modern detailing on this door
would be inappropriate (or most
homes in Boulder's historic districts
ADDITIONS TO HISTORIC
STRUCTURES
CITY OF BOULDER
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
4. ADDITIONS TO HISTORIC
STRUCTURES
This sechon apphes to buildulgs that aie mdividual landmarks
oi are within a historic district and have been idenhfied as
Contriburing, Contributmg-Restorable, or Sigruficant Newer
(see p 7 and Glossary) Addihons to non-historic structuies am
considered m Sechon 5 While the guidelmes u1 this seciion do
not specifically apply to those properties, they do iepresent
design prmciples that should be considered m any addirion
It is normal for buildings to evolve over hme as additional
space is needed or uses are accommodated New addirions
withm the historic districts are appropriate as long as they do
not desrioy historic features, materials, and sparial relationships
that aic sigruficant to the oiiginal building and site They also
must be distulguishable from the histoiic architechiie
New additions should not comproxruse the ultegrity of the
original structure or site, whether through direct destruchon of
histoiic features and materials oi indirectly throixgh their
locahon, size, height or scale
Additions should be compahUle with, but disceiruble from, the
historic architecture When the original design is duplicated the
addirion is uldishnguishable and the histoiic evoluhon of the
buildu-ig becomes unclear Conversely, when design elements
contrast too strongly with the original structure the addirion
will appear visually ulcompahble
The appropriate locahon of an adciihon to an exishng buildmg
will depend on the character of the existrng builduig and its site,
ad~acent buildmgs, and the area as a whole While every site is
uruque, generally addihons are most appropnate at the rear of
the structure The addition should be designed and located so
that sigruficant site features, mcluding mature h~ees, are not lost
An addihon should not overpower the site oi dramarically alter
its historic character, and should be subordmate to the exishng
structure
The primary focus in reviewing addirions will be on aspects of
new construcrion that are visible from public sheets. The
guidelmes will be apphed most strmgently to these pubhcly
visible areas. More flexibihty will be allowed far rear elevarions
and other areas largely screened from pubhc view
42
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
4. I Protection of Historic Structures and Sites
The primnn~ concern of the Landrnarks Board m rea~ezumg addahons
to historic structures ~s t{ie pratechon of t{ie exishng structaire nnrl t{ie
c{iaracter of the srte and distrrct.
GUIDELINES
I Construct new additions so that there is the least possible
loss of historic fabiic and so thai the charactei-definulg
featuies of the historic building aic not destroyed,
damaged, or obscured
.2 New addihons should be consh~ucted so that they may be
removed in the future without damagulg the histoiic
s truc hu e
.3 It is not appropriate to consriuct an addihon that will
detxaci from the overall kustoric charactei of ihe prmcipal
buildu~g and/ or the site, or if it will require the mmoval of
sigruficant buildutg elements or site featui es
4.2 Distinction from Historic Structures
All ndctitions shoa~ld be discerrable from t}~e historic structure When
the arigmal design is diiplicated the historic evolaition of the b~~ildrng
becomes unclear Instend, addafaons shotild be compahble zutth the
histor~c nrchitecture but clearly recognizable as neev constraichon
GUIDELINES
. I Dishnguish an addition from the historic structure, Uut
maintain visual conrinuity between the tcvo One common
method is to step the addirion back and/or set it m shghtly
from the histoiic struchzie Eveiy pro~ect is d~fferent and
successful designs may mcorporate a vaiiety of
approaches
.2 Do not directly copy historic elements Instead, mterpret
historic elements m simplei ways m the addition
.3 Additrons should be simpler m detail ihan the ongmal
siructuie An addihon that exhibits a moie ornate style oi
imphes an earher period of architecture than that of the
origmal is inappiopriate
.4 The architectuial style of additions should not irrutate the
43
4.2.1
Addiqons can be distmguished from the
origmal buddmg by being set in,
allowing the corners of the historic
building ro be visible
ADDITIONS TO HISTORIC STRUCTURES
4 2.2
The upper photo shows a historic
window The lower photo shows a
simplifed interpretation o( the design
on an addition to the home
histoiic style bixt must be compahble with it Coniemporary
style addihons are possible, but iequn•e the utmost
attenhon to ihese guidelmes to be successful The use of
two disrinct historic styles, such as addutg Tudor-style
half-rimbering to a Classic Cottage, is utappropiiate
4.3 Compatibility with Historic Structures
Introduezng neeu cmistruehoii tliat contrasts sharply evtth an existang
hestonc stvucture ar site detracts from the vasual conhm~ihj that
marks o~ir historic districts Wliile additions should be dtshnguisltable
from the hastorm structure, tl~e~ n~iist not contrast so sharpl~ as to
deEract from the origznnl bttalclztig and/or tlie site Addetrons should
never ovenuhelrn hisYonc strttctures or the site, in mass, scale or
detailaiig
GUIDELINES
I An addirion should Ue subordmate to the historic building,
hmited in size and scale so that it does not duturush or
visually overpower the building
.2 Design an addirion to be compatible with the lustaric
buildmg m mass, scale, materials and color. For elevatrons
visible from pubhc sheets, the relarionship of sohds to
voids in the exterior walls should also be compahble
.3 Addmg a parhal oi full story to the histaric porhon of a
historic buildmg is rarely appiopriate
.4 Reflect the ongmal symmetry or asymmetry of the historic
builduig.
.5 Preseive the venc~al and horizontal pioporhon of a
burldmg's mass
4.4 Compatibility with Historic Site and Setting
Acldihons sliould be designed c~nd loented so that sigmficant stte
features, mcludang mature trees, are not lost or obscured The size of
tlie addition shmild not overpazuer the site or dramaticc~lly alter rts
hastoric character
GUIDELINES
I Design new adciirions so that the overall character of the
44
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
4.3.4 / 4.3.5
This addition, while subordinate to the
historic bwlding, skews the bwlding's
original symmetry and vercical
proportion
4.5
site, site topography, character-defirung site featuies and
hees are ietauied.
.2 Locate new additrons on an utconspicuous elevahon of the
historic building, generally the rear one Locahng an
~ddition to the front of a structure is inappropriate because
it obscures the historic facade of a buildmg
.3 Respect the estabhshed orientahon of ihe onginal buildmg
and typical alignments in the area
.4 Preserve a backyard area between the house and the
gaiage, maultauting the general propartron of built mass to
open space found withm the area See GuidelLne 211
Key Building Elements
Roofs, porches, dormers, zumdozus and doors nie some of the rnost
important charncter-defiriing elements nf an~ baiilding As such, the~
i•eqiuie estrn nttentwn to assure that t}ie~ cornpkment tke histonc
archatechtre Ln addihon to the guidehnes beloio, refer also to Section
3 0lllteratwns for relnted siiggestions
GUIDELINES
Roofs
. I Maultam the dommant rooflme and orientahon of the roof
form to the street
.2 Rooflines on additions should bc lower than and
secondary to the rooflme of the origmal Uuildmg.
.3 The existing roof form, pitch, eave depfll, and matenals
should be used foi all addirions
Dormers
.4 If consistent with the architectural style of a historic
shucture and appropriately sized and located, doimers
may Ue an appropnate way to uhlize upper story space
Windows
.5 Maintain the proporiion, general style, and symmehy or
asymmetry of the exishng wmdow patterns
.6 Usc wmdow shapes that are found on the historic
shucturc Do not mh•odum odd-shaped wmdows such as
octagonal, triangulai, or di~mond-shaped.
45
ADDITIONS TO HISTORIC STRUCTURES
A series o( inappropriate additions to
this histonc buildmg have completely
obscured the (ront fa4ade and
destroyed histonc (abnc
4. I .1 / 4.4.2
4.5.1
The roo( (orm of an addition should
generally be the same as the form of
the original roof
Do not add divided hght wmdows to structures that
histoiically did not have divided hght windows
.8 Use materials ancl construchon similar to historic
windows Do not use snap-m mulhons.
46
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
ADDITIONS TO NON-HISTORIC
STRUCTURES
CITY OF BOULDER
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
5. ADDITIONS TO NON-HISTORIC
STRUCTURES IN HISTORIC DISTRICTS
This sechon contams guidehnes far addihons to buildmgs that
havc been determined to be non-conh~ibuhng to a historic
district Non-Contributulg buildmgs ulclude those that,
although constructed dunng the districYs period of sigiuficance,
have been altered to such an extent that the histaric integrity is
lost and iestorahon is not possible Buildulgs conshucted
outside the period of sigruficance and that are not individually
sigruficant (Individual Landmarks or Sign~ficant Newer) are
also considered Non-Conhibuhng
In general, the guidehnes for additrons to non-contributrng
buildmgs aie more flexible than those for historic Uuildulgs,
with the excephon of site design guidelmes (Seckon 2,0 Stte
llesign) and the respect for the mass and scale of the disirict
Pro~ects will be evaluated based on these issues and the overall
impact on the charactei of the district
While non-contriburing buildulgs are not requiied to follow the
guidehnes in Sechon 4 0 Addihons to Historic Structures, such
pro~ects may benefit from the design pruiciples suggested by
them
For substanhal alterahons to a non-histonc buildmg, see Sechon
6 0 Nezu Structures Substanhal alterahons are those that would
require issuance of a demohhon permit ~f the build~ng weie
over 50 years of age
GUIDELINES
I Follow the guidelmes m Sechon 2 0 Stte Design
.2 It is not appropnate to construct an addit~on that will
detract fiom the overall historic chaiacter of the district by
overwhelmuig existing buildings uz mass and scale
.3 Alterahons to non-contriburing buildmgs built m a
recogruzable architectural style should preseive and
respect that style
48
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
NEW PRIMARY STRUCTURES
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CITY OF BOULDER
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
6.
New construcrion within a lustoric district can enhance the
exishng district chaiacter if the pioposed design and its situlg
reflect an understanding of and a compahbihty wiih the
dishncrive character of the district While new constructron
should ht ulto the historic character of the district or site, it
should not rephcate historic siyles Instead, new Uuildmgs
should relate to the fundamental characterishcs of the histoiic
disirict ar landmark site while also conveymg a contemporary
style. New buildmgs should not overshadow exishng hislonc
structures Fundamental charactenshcs to be consideied m
designmg compahble new structures mclude~ site and setting,
Uuildmg size and proparhons, mateiials, and the placement and
style of doors and wmdows
6.1
NEW PRIMARY STRUCTURES
The primary focus m reviewmg new structures will be on
aspects that are visible fiom pubhc streets The guidelmes will
be apphed most stringently to these pubhcly visible areas
More flexibility will be allowed for rear elevarions and othcr
aieas largely screened from pubhc view
Distinction from Historic Structures
The replicatton of hrstorie nreluteeture in neeu construction as
tn~ppropnate, as tt can create a false hzstonc context and bla~r the
dishnchon bet~oeen old and nezu buildings While nezu structures
must be compatible emtk the historic coritext, tl~e~ m~~st also be
recognizuble ns ne2u construct~on
GUIDELINES
New constructron should be a product of its own time
Create compatible contemparary interpretahons of historic
elements
Neiu striictures sltould be designed and loented so thnt stgnificc~nt site
features, including mattiire trees, are not lost or obscured The size of
tlle ~1eeu stnictures should not overpoeuer the site or drafnahcnlly alter
its historac character Bialdings evrthrn historac distrlcts genernlly
display a consistenc~~ m setbaclc, orrentation, spacmg and distnnce
50
.2 Interpretarions of histonc styles may be appioprtate if they
are distuzguishable as new
6.2 Site and Setting
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
6.1.1
A contemporary interpretation of a
historic element
benoeen ad~acent huildings Therefore, the conipattbtlth/ of proposed
nezo constructcon zurll he revieeved to e~isure tliat these elements are
n~nrntmned
GUIDELINES
6.3 Mass and Scale
In eonsidenng the overall eompatibihhj of nezu eonstruction, its
height, forrn, massing, size and scale will all be rea~eeved The over~ll
proportion of the builclmg's front fa~ade is espeeially miportnnt to
consider smce it will have the most impact on the streetscape Wliile
nezo cnnstruchon tends to be larger thnn hastor~c buildings, reflectmg
the needs aiid ciestres of the modern homeoeoner, nezn structuves
sh~i~ld not be so oiit-of-scnle zuith the surrotiindtng buildings as to
loam over t}~em
GUIDELINES
I Design new builclmgs to be comparible with surroundmg
buildmgs that contribute to the oveiall character of the
histaric district m terms of height, size, scale, massmg, and
proporhons
51
NEW PRIMARY STRUCTURES
.2 The mass and scale of new construction should respect
neighbormg buildings and the streetscape as a whole
.3 Histaric heights and widths as well as thcir rahos should
be mamtamed The proporhons of thc front fa~ade are
panc~ularly important and should be compahble to those
of surroundulg historic buildings
.4 A new house constructed behmd an exishng historic house
should be of lesser mass and scale than the origmal
structui e
6.4 Materials
GUIDELINES
Materials should be similar in scale, pioporhon, texture,
firush, and color to those found on ncarby historic
str~uctuies
.2 Maintam a human scale by avoidulg large, featureless
suifaces and by usulg hadihonally sized buildmg
components and mateuals
6.5 Key Building Elements
Raofs, porches, dormers, zvindoeos and doors are some of the most
trrtportant character-defimng elements of an~ butldtng As such, tliey
reqcure extra nttenhon to nssure that the~ compkn~ent the historac
architechire In addahon to the guidelines belozv, refe~• also to Sechon
3 0 Alternhons for related siiggestwns
GUIDELINES
Design the spacmg, placemeni, scale, orientahon,
proporrion, and size of wuldow and door openings m new
structures to be compalible with the surrounding
buildulgs that contribute to the historic district, while
reflechng flie undeilyutg design of the new builduig
.2 Select wmdows and doors for new structures that are
compatible m material, subdivision, proporhon, paitern
and detail with the wmdows and doors of surrounding
buildmgs that contribute to the historic district
.3 New structures should use a roof form found ut the dis~rict
52
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
oi on ihe landmaik site
.4 Porches should be compat~ble in massing and details to
historic porches m the districi, and should be appropiiate
to the style of the house
.5 Dormeis should be secondary to the mam ioof and should
be lower than the rooflme Oversized dormers are
u~appiopitiate
53
NEW PRIMARY STRUCTURES
GARAGES & OTHER ACCESSORY
STRUCTURES
CITY OF BOULDER
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
7. GARAGES & OTHER ACCESSORY
STRUCTURES
Accessoiy struchxres include bams, sheds, garages, and
outbuildmgs Origutally accessory shuctures were used for
starage of equipment, animals, or carriages Generally, these
structures have been adapted for the storage of cars In most
cases, accessory buildulgs were located to the rear of the lot and
accessed by alleys They were subordmate u1 size and detaihng
to the primaiy house Over hme they have emerged as
important elements of many lots and alleys m the district
Effarts shoulcl be made to protect the eclechc character of alleys
Both addihons to exishng accessory buildutgs and new
accessory buildulgs will be evaluated in terms of how they
affect the histoiic character of the mdroidual site and the dismct
as a whole In the past, larger accessory structures have been
allowed than may be appropriate today
7. I Existing Historic Accessory Structures
A priniary concern of the Landmnrks Boarcl m reviezuing proposed
changes m hzstortic distnets is tke protection ofexishng htistonc
accessory structures and the character of the site and dlstrict
I Retain and preserve garages and accessory buildmgs that
contribute to the overall historic character of the mdividual
Uuildulg site or the district
.2 Retain and pieseive the character-defirung materials,
feahxres, and architectural details of historic garages and
accessory buildmgs, ulcluding roofs, exterioi mateiials,
wmdows, and doors
7.2 New Accessory Buildings
Neeu accesson~ buildmgs slwaild follozv the character and pattern of
hlstoric accessor~ structures Wlule they should takr. deslgn cues from
the primnn~ structure, tl~e~ must be subordanate to the priman~
strtiet~~re an size, massrng, and detailang Alley butldings should
marntarn a scale that is pleasant to iunik nlong nnd contforYable for
pedestrians
Location and Orientation
I It is mappropriate to mtroduce a new garage ar accessoiy
buildmg if doing so will detract from the overall historic
54
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
.9 Materials for new garages and accessoiy structures should
be compattble with ihose found on flie primaiy sh•uctuie
and in lhc distr~ict Vinyl siding and prefabricated
structures are ulappropriate
10 Windows, hke all elements of accessoiy structures, should
Ue simplei in detaihng and smaller m scale than surular
elements on primary sh•uctures See Secttons 3 7 and 4 5 for
addihonal duechon
i I If consistent wtth the aichitectuial style and appropriately
sized and located, dormers may be an appropriate way to
mcrease stoiage space m garages See Sectton 3 5 and 4 5
for additional direction
55
GARAGES & OTHER ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
I 2 Garage doors should be consistent with the historic scale
and mateiials of haditional accessoiy structures Wood is
the most appiopriate mateiial, and tcvo smallei doois may
Ue more appropriate Qian one large door
13 It is mappropriate to ultroduce features or details to a
garage or an accessory buildmg in an attempt to create a
false historical appearance
14 C~rports am mappropriate m districts where their fo~ m
has no histars precedent
56
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
MISCELLANEOUS
CITY OF BOULDER
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
8. MISCELLANEOUS
8. I Paint and Paint Colors
When renovat~ng a historic biuldrng, first consider using the oragznal
color scheme The onginal pnmt can often be discovered b~ carefiil
analysts of snmples of original materials If it ~s not possible to discern
ortgtnnl paint colors, n color sckeme should be bnsed on h2stonc
precedent zaathin the aren The mulhple, bnght colors ~ASecl in San
Francisca, for insfnnce, zvere not used rn Botiilder
Hastarur~lly, pamt colors zuere more muted tones than fltose used
todny because tkey depended iapon a far n2ore linzited source of
pigments Most euood-elad buildings zvere painted entirely, generally
wath one base rolor and one or tzoo acldlhonal nccent colors on details
and tnm For masonn~ structures, the natural color of the brick or
stone was dominant, parnt zoas appked to euood tnm e.leme~its nrouncl
claors nttd eotndozus and an gable ends
As a practtcal matter, at is satggested tltat qtinrt samples of the eolor
scheme should be applied to n sechon of building as a test befare
makang final selection A color on a 1" x 1" paint diap will look
different on n whole house
GUIDELINES
Preserve and protect original exteiior buildmg suifaces
and site features dlat were painted by maintamuzg a sonnd
paint film on them
.2 Original materials such as brick and stone that are
unpamted should not be pamted
.3 When repainhng, select paint colors appropriate to the
histonc buildmg and district 4Vhen possible, recreate
historic pamt schemes based on samples of origmal
materials
• When selechng pault schemes, a good rule of thumb is
to use a suzgle body color with a hghter and/or
bnghter accent colar
• Historic pault colors m Boulder are conservahve,
emphasizmg muted shades or tones rather than pure
hues New pamt colors should not be bright ar garish
58
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
8.2 Energy Efficiency
Er~ergy coresemation is a gvoeuing concern for properhj ozuners todn~
In the {nstoric dtstrtcts tt is importarit to ensuve thnt such concerns me
nddressed rn eunys that do not dmm~ge or dtmtmsit t11e )ustoric
cltaracter of t}te bullding, stite or dtstrtet
I1t )nstonc dtstrrcts, a vnrtehj of energy-conserving sate and bualding
features ~llustrate ihe sens~bilit~ of nn earlier era to clininte a~id energy
efficiency Thoughtfull~ locnted shncle hees buffer residences nnd
s~dezoniks from flie surnrner siin Pro~echng porcl~es proz~ade shaded
otiitdoor space and lessen the im~nct of the harsh samlight on the
binlding's anteraor Opernhle zuindows and shutters nlloeu oce~ipnrits
to control the mtroduction of sunhghtnnd breezes zuithar tlie
biAildarigs An ttnderstnnding of hozo sucli I2istonc feat~ires enhnnce
energy efficiency 1s crittcnl to maz~rntztng the energy effic~enc~ of
lustoric buildmgs
GUIDELINES
Retain and pieserve the u~herent energy-conseiving
feaiures of histouc buildings and their sites, including
shadc hees, porches, and operable wmdows, transoms,
shutters and Ulmds.
.2 Increase the theimal efficmncy of histonc Uuildmgs by
observing tradihonal practrces, such as weather-stripping
and caulking, and by mtroducmg appropuate energy-
efficient features, such as stoiin wuidows ancl doois See
Guidelines 3.7.18 and 3 8 7 foi additional directron
.3 Replace detenorated or mtssmg wooden bhnds and
shuttcrs with matchulg new uruts sized to fit the operung
See Guideline 3 716 foi addirional direchon
8.3 Mechanical and Utility Facilities
GUIDELINES
If a new mecharucal system is needed, ulstall it so that it
causes the least amount of alterahon to fl1e building's
exterior fa~ades, materials, and site features
.2 I.ocate new mech~ucal eqtupment and uhlihes, uuluchng heahng
and au~ conditrcmu~g uruts, u1 flle most inconspicuous area, usually
along a budci~ng's reai facade Sa~een them from view
59
MISCELLANEOUS
.3 Where possible, locate portable wmdow au•-condihorung
uruts on iear facades or u-imnspicuous side facades
Considei noise impacts to neighbors when selecring sites
.4 It is not appropriate to mstall ventrlatois, solar collectors,
antennas, skyhghts, satelhte dishes or other mechanical
equipment m locarions that compiomise charactei-
defming roofs, or on roof slopes that are promuzently
visible from the street
.5 Mirumize the visual impacts of trash storage and service
ai eas by screcnmg them from the street
8.4 Signs
A sign h~picnlly serz~es tzuo fitnctions to attract attenhon and to
conve~ informntron Signs designed for a htstortc hulldtng should not
detrnct from important design features of the building All nezo signs
sltoitld be developed zarth H~e overall eantext of the butldmg and
distr~ctin mind
GUIDELINES
I Retam and preserve exishng historic signs that contribute
to die overall lustoiic charactei of the bu~ldmg or the district
.2 New signs should be compahble m matenal, size, color,
scale, and character with the buildmg
.3 Signs should be subordinate to dle oveiall building
compositron and m scale with the fa~ade
.4 Locate a sign on a buildu~g so that it emphasizes design
elements of the fa~ade itself In no case should a sign
obscure or damage architectur~l details or features
.5 Simple letter styles and graphic designs aie most
appropnate
.6 A hangmg entryway sign may be located on a porch, or
du~ectly above the steps leadmg to the primary entrance of
a shucture
60
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
8.5 Lighting
Trndihonall~, site hghtmg wns very ltrntted tn residenhal destricts
While tociay tl~ere ts t~picnlly n need for rnore lighhng n~td lugher
lez~els of ill~unmatton, both butlclutg lighting and site hgltting should
respect the qualrt~ of hglrting that characterizes l~istonc ~esidenhal
distvicts When selechng spectfic fixtures nnd locations, it is nlso
rmportnnt to conslder the impact of site lightrng on nd~ncent
properttes
GUIDELINES
Retaui and pieserve exteiior lighring fixtuies that
conriibute to the overall histoiic character of a building,
silc or district
.2 It is u~lppropri~te to utiroduce oi ehminate exterioi
lightmg fixtuies ~f doing so will deri•act fiom the overall
histonc character of the buildulg, site, or streetscape
.3 Lighting should be funcrional- not ~ust decorarive
.4 Lighhng m alleys should be low wattage and focused
downward
.5 It is mappiopiiate to illuminate ihe facades of houses in
residenhal disiricts
~.6 Artworic
Arhoork mcludes, euithout hmatahons, parnhngs and sculptures,
euliether attnched to a bualding or freestanditig
GUIDELINES
I Reta~n and pieseive artwork that contriUutes to the overall
historic chaiacter of a building, site or ciish~ict
.2 Artwork should be subordmate to the overall buildmg
.3 Artcvork should not obscure or damage buildulg elements
or detafls For uistancq a mural should not cover windows
.4 Ai twork should not permanently alter the buildmg or site,
such as paint on unpau~ted masoruy
.5 Ai twork should not detract from the histaric charactei of
61
MISCELLANEOUS
the buildmg, site or district, noi should it confuse the
puUlic regarduzg the period of sigruficance of the building
or district through anachrorushc images or details
8.7 Public Improvements
Publac improvement features such as street lighhng, street and alley
paving, tree planhng, parks, niid sidezualks all eontribute to the
kistor~c ckarncter of n histortc district or site Any publtc
improvement imdertnken by tke City of Boulder shall he rez~teeued by
the Desagn Reaieeo Committee of the Landmnrks Preseronhon
Advtson~ Bonrd See Sectrons 2 3~llle~s and 2 5 Sidezualks for
addrtional direction
GUIDELINES
I Any pubhc improvement should maintam and reinforce
the character of the historic disri~ict
8.8 Americans with Disabilities Act
Places of qublic nccontmodatron nve re~ti~ired to provide access to the~r
services and prograrns under provistons of tj~e Americniis ~uith
Disnbihhes llet In the case of historac buildulgs, some provision for
usrng nlter~iahz~e n~easures extists if the property zs Instoricnlly or
architecturall~ sigarficant enough to merit such treatment Wl~en
changes to a bualding or site nre necessnn/, careful consadernhon must
he given to Iweu the clianges enn be incorporated zuithoa~t
comprotntsang the lntegrihj of the histonc btiulding, rts character-
definmg features, or rts site
GUIDELINES
Provide barrier-free access that promotes mdependence for
the disabled to ihe highest degree prachcable, while
pieservmg sigruficant histoiic features
.2 The appearance of accessiUihty ramps or elevatars should
not sigruficantly detract from the lnstoric character of the
structure.
.3 If the addihon of accessibility improvements negarively
impacts sigmficant historic elements, these improvements
should be designed to be ieversible
62
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
DEFINITIONS
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CITY OF BOULDER
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
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9. DEFINITIONS
Alignment The arrangement of ob~ects along a str~aight line
Baleony A railed pro~echng platform found above ground
level on a buildmg.
Arch A shucture built to support the weight above an
openmg. A true arch is curved It consists of
wedge-shaped stones oi bricks called voussoirs
(vu-swar'), put together to make a curved biidge
which spans the openmg
Baluster A shoit, upright column or uin-shaped support
of a raihng
Balustrade A row of balusters and the raihng connechng
them Used as a stair rail and also above the
corruce on lhe outside of a buildmg
Bargeboard A pro~eci7ng board, often decorated, that acts as
tnm to cover the ends of the shucture where a
pitched roof overhangs a gable.
Braclcet A supporring member foi a pro~echng element or
shelf, somehmes m the shape of an inverted L
and somehmes as a sohd piece or a triangular
h uss
Cantilever A pro~echng beam, girder or other shuctuial
membei supported only at one end, used to
support a balcony, corruce, extended eaves or
any other extension to a buildmg oi structure
Column A slender upright struchxre, generally consisring
of a cyhndiical shaft, base, capital, and pillar It is
usually a supportrng or oinamental member m a
buildmg
Contributing Buildings
Those buildmgs built durmg the district's period
of sigruficance that exist m comparahvely
original condition, or that have Ueen
appropriately restored, and clearly contribute to
the historic sigruficance of the district Such
buildmgs may have comparible addirions
66
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Contributing-Restorable Buildings
Those Uuildings Uuilt dunng d1e distrut's pciiod
of sigruficance that have original mateiial that
has been covered, or buildmgs that have
expenenced some alterarion, Uut that shll convey
some sense of histoiy These buildings would
more strongly contribute, however, if they were
restoied Such Uuildulgs may havc less
compahble addirions
Cornice A pro~echon at the top of a wall or the top couise
or moldmg of a wall when it serves as a
crowrung membcr
Deck An uncovered platform, usually with wood
decking and railmgs, that extends from out from
the mam face of a building
Dormer A window set upnght m a slopmg roof. The term
is also used to refei to the roofed pro~echon m
which tlus wmdow is set
Eave The underside of a slopulg ioof pro~echng
Ueyond the wall of a Uuilding
Elevation A mecharucally accurate, "head-on" drawing of a
face of a buildmg or ob~ect, without any
allowance for the effect of the laws of
perspechve Any mcasuieinent on an elevahon is
m a fixed pioporhon, or scale, to ihe
correspondutg measuiement of the real building
Facade The front ar prmcipal face of a buildmg, or any
side of a buildmg that faces a street or other open
space
Gable Buildmg ends above eave level of a pitchecl or
gambiel roof In the case of a pitched roof this
takes the form of an angle The term is also used
sometimes to iefer to the wholc end wall
Historic Context
An orgaruzmg structure for mterprehng history
fllat gioups informatron about historic properties
that shaie a common theme, common
geographical area, and a common hme peiiod
67
GLOSSARY OFTERMS
Thc development of historic contexts is a
foundarion for decisions about the plannmg,
ident~ficatron, evaluation, ie gistrahon, and treat-
ment of historic properhes, based upon
compararive histoiic sigmficance
Historic Integrity
The degree to which a building has ietamed its
origmal elements
Human Scale
Human scale refeis to the relahonship between
the dimensions of a buildmg, street, streetscape
ar outdoor space to the average dimensions of a
human body
Individually Significant Buildings
Those Umldings that are considered individually
ehgible for the Narional Register of Historic
Places or for local landmark designarion These
buildmgs have a special characlei and historical,
aichitectural, or aesthehc mterest or value m
Boulder's local histoxy.
Interior Energy Panel
Interior energy panels are smgle pane glass
panels affixed to the utterior of historic wuldows
m oider to reduce conducrive heai loss and
prevent the infiltrahon of cold air from outdoois
They are an oprion for ulcieasing energy
efficiency without full wmdow replacement
Landmarks Board
The City of Boulder's Landmarks Board consists
of five volunteer city residents appomted by the
City Council to consider apphcahons and make
recommendahons to Coixncil for landmark and
historic distrut designarions and to ieview
proposed exterior alterahons to Landmarks or
withm landmark disri~icts
Landmarks Board Design Review Committee
A Coinmittee that consists of two members of the
Landmarks Board and one member of the
Planrung Department staff and meets weekly to
review ~lterahon cerhficate apphcarions
68
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Molding A decorative band oi stiip of mateiial with a
constant piofile oi section designed to cast
mtereshng shadows Geneially used in corruces
and trim around wmdow and dooi opennlgs
Mullion A laige vcrtical memUer separatulg two
casements, Qze vertrcal bar Uetween coupled
wmdows or mulhple wuldows, tlle cenlral
venc~al inember of a double-dooi operung
Muntin One of the thm stnps of wood used for holdmg
panes of glass within a wmdow, also call
murution, bar, sash bar, munion bai Also, ihe
central veihc~l membei of a door
Non-Contributing Buildings:
Those Uuildmgs built durmg the districNs period
of sigruficanm that have Ueen allered to such an
extent fflat oiigulal lustaric elements are not
inteipretaUle, and restoi~hon is not possiblc, also
buildmgs erected outside the period of
sigm[icance that aie not mdroidually sigruEicant
Parapet A low wall or piotechve iailing, often usecl
around a balcony ar balconet, oi along ihe edge
of a ioof
Period of Sigmficance
The time penod duiuzg wluch the ina~onty of
contribuhng Uuilduigs u1 a historic dishict weie
constructed Th~ period of sigruhcance is
generally esLablished by the designahng
oidutance for a district.
Piteh The slope of a building element, typically
expressed as the raho of venc~al rise per
hoiizontal run, e g, a 3/12 pitch uldicates a rise
of 3° foi eveiy 12" of hoiizontal run
Plate Height The distance between the foundation or the
topmost hori~ontal piece of framulg at the top of
a wall and where the next flooi franung beguts oi
where ihe xoof form stai ts
Post A piece of wood, metal, etc , usually long and
squaie oi cyluidiical, set upiight to suppoii a
buxlcimg, sign, g~lte, etc , pillar, pole
69
GLOSSARY OFTERMS
Protection The act or process of applymg measures
designed to affect the physical condihon of a
properiy be defending or guai ding it from
deteiioiation, loss oi attack oi to wver oi shicld
the propeity fiom danger of in~uiy In, the case of
builduigs and structures, such treatment is
generally of a temporary nature and anlYCipates
future historic preservation treatment, in the case
of archaeological sites, the piotectrve measure
may be temporary or permanent.
Roof The top coveru-ig of a buildmg Some types
Gahle ~oof has a pitched xoof with ridge and
vcrLical ends
Gambrel roofis a variatioil of a gable roof, each
stde of which has a shallower slope aUove a
steeper one
Htp roof has sloped ends instead of venc~al encls
Slted roof (lean-to) has one slope only and is built
agamst a higher wall.
Jerktn-head (clipped gable oi hipped gable) is
similar to gaUle but with the end clipped
Sash A wmdow component see w~ndow parts
Siding The narrow hortzontal or vertical wood bolids
ihat forin the outei face of the walls in a
traditronal wood frame house Horizontal wood
sidmg is also referred to as clapboards The term
"sidmg" is also more loosely used to describe any
material that can be apphed to the outside of a
buildmg as a firush
Sill The lowest harizontal member ut a frame or
openmg for a wuldow, door, or fiamed wall or
partihon
Simulated Divided Light Window
Wmdows that have muntms affixed to the mside
and outside of the panes of glass to simulate the
look of a true divided hght window
Soffit The underside of a shuctural part, as of a beam,
arch, etc.
70
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
True Divided Light Window
Windows Hiat use muntms to form mulhplc
individual panes of glass u1 the sash
Vernacular Buildings m mdigenous styles constructed from
locally available materials followmg haditional
buildmg practice and patteins and not
architect-designed
Visual Continuity
A sense o[ ixmly or Uelonging together exhibited
Uy elements of the built environment Uecause of
similanhes among them
Window Parts
The inovutg uruis of a wmdow are known as
Sashes and move withm the fixed Frn~ne The Snslt
may consist of onc large Pnne of glass or may be
suUdrvided mto smallei panes by thin members
called Munhns or Glnzing Bars. Somehmes u1
nmetcenth-century houses wuldows wem
arianged side-Uy-side and divided by heavy
verL~cal wood meinbers called Miilhons
Head Jamb
Intenor
Casing
Upper Sash
Parhng Stop
Check Rail
Lower Sash
Stool
Apron
Sill
71
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
cmould
I Stop
or Slop
Jamb
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CITY OF BOULDER
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD
News Release Boulder Columbia cemetery
News Release
`~~.:
~ ~~rr ~
2
Attachment B
News Release
Wednesday, March 26, 2003
Contact Lisa Bondi, Parks & Recreation, (303)
413-7239
Jodie Cairoll, Media RelaCions, (303) 441-3155
City Web site• www.ci bouldei co us
Unstable Columbia Cemetery grave markers to be set down
Over Che next tew months, nearly 300 unstable grave markers m Columbia Cemeteiy , located at
Nmth and Pleasant Stieets, will be placed on the ground to reduce the potential for topphng The
markers are unstable primarily as a result of age, ground settling and vandalism. They will be
carefully removed from their bases/toundations, and placed on softeruno and/or 3-by- ~ lumbei
pieces The markers will remain on the ground or m protecuve storage until fundmg permits theii
proper stabilizatio~ and/or repair
Euch of the nearly 3,000 grave markers in Columbia Cemetery was mdividually assessed by city ot
Boulder staff and tra~ned volunteers foi stability and safery The nearly 300 markers that were
deteinnned to be potent~ally unstable weie documented and marked with tape. For the safety of
visitors and to ieduce the potential of damage to Yhe histonc giavestones, Parks and Recieation ytaff
members, volunteers and profeysionals will be settmg down the markers over the next few months
Most of the markers will require the services of professional monument conservators for appropnate
iesettmg, drilling, pmnmg and mortar repairs Significant fundmg from the State Historical Fund,
the city of Boulder and Histortc Bouldei Inc has perautted the profess~onal repair and conservation
of dozens of grave markers since 1998 The Columbia Cemetery Conservltron Coips volunteers
have performed work on over Z50 grave marhers smce their establishment m 1999. Addttionnl
fundmg will be necessary to secure and stabilize the markers that will be placed on the ground It i5
estimated that it will cost approximately $350,000 to complete the approprtate grave marker
stabilization and repa~rs Contribuuons are welcome, and may be sent to Columbta Cemetery
Preservauon Pro~ect, c/o Boulder Parks and Recreauon Department, 3198 N Broadway, Boulder,
CO 80304
Columbia Cemetery was founded m 1870 and was the first permanent cemetery m the city of
Boulder It contams the remams of promment commumty leaders and a cioss-section of people of
AGENDA ITEM # l~1 , PAGE, ~~ _
http.//www ci bouldei co us/comm/pressteleatie/2003/0326 html
News Release Boulder Columbia cemetery
many cultures who settled m Boulder as farmers, nuners and trades people. The cemetery is a
lustoric, cultural and ar[ishc resource that is owned by the city of Boulder and managed by the Parks
and Recreation Department It is a Ciry landmark, and was placed on the Nattonal Register of
Historic Places in 1997 Nearly 6,~00 persons are buned m Columbia , although bunals are now
pernutted only by those farmlies who already own plots. The cemetery is the location ot two populat
pubhc events-the costumed "Meet the Spirits" program and the "Ghost Talk Ghost Wallc" tour
For more mformauon, contact Mary Reilly-MeNellan, Columbia Cemetery Preservation Pro~ect
Manager, at (303) 413-7232 or mcnell.inm@ci bc~ulder ~o us
--CITY--
Editor's note:
Columbia Cemetery Preservation Pro~ect Manager, Mary Reilly-McNellan, will be at the cemeteiy
on Nmth and Pleasant from 12 to 1 30 p.m Wednesday, March 26 for mterv~ews
Ne~vs_lte~e~ses
AGENDA ITEM #_~, PAGE~
http://www.ci.boulder co.us/comm/pressrelease/2003/0326 html
Nlemo to the Landmarks Preservat~on Ad~isory Board 2/>/97 2
RE Cofumbia Cemetery Preservauon Master Plan
C'O`iSiSTE~lCY W ITH THE HISTORIC PRESERV-~TIOV CODE
Staffbelieves tha[ the overall pfan, parucularly the Goals and Ob~ectives (Chapter 4) and ~ction
PIan (Chapter ~), ~s ~enerally conststent with the historic preservat~on code
S~at~behe~es that the Board shoufd conceptually discuss the idea of a six foot fence alonQ the
west property Ime (proposed on page ~--1, action item m2) and fuRher comment on the prtont~es
for ~mplementm~ the plan as outltned in Chapter 6
~1LTER-~TIOYS
Stat~belie~es that the proposed alteration and restoration plans and the Restoration and
Preszr~ation Guidelmes (~ppendi~ ,a) are ~enerally consistent with the histonc preservauon code
In general, scaffbelieves [hat the proposed alterations se[ forth m the plan are conceptually
appro~able and that tlnal des~gn de~aifs wtll be re~iewed and appro~ed at a later date However,
stat[ be!ie~es [he Board should Further discuss the fo(lo~~mg proposed alterauons
" ~izw 6' fence along west oroperty hne
M Toof house addrtion
In terms of identifym~ those proposed work items which reqwre a Landmark .~lterarion
Certihcate, staff has attempted to separate the work items mto three cate~ones, Iisted below
First, it seems dear which rtems detimtely require a Landmark ~.lterauon Certificata For other
work items where it is less clear and re~iew may not be le~aiy requ~red, starFrecommends that
the Parks and Recreation Department seek a courtesy re~iew with the Design Review Committee
pnor to commencmg work Th~s process has worked well m[he past wrth other c~ty departments,
such as public works when pa~tng alleys m historic distncts Fmally, staffbelieves that some of
the work items proposed m the plan coufd proceed wrthout review, so lon~ as the work is
cons~stent with the descript~on set fotth m the plan
Landmark .-~Iteration Cert~ficate Required
Tool shed addition
Fence and gate restoration
New fence along west property line
Benches
Trash receptacles and plast~c bag d~spensers
Bil;e racks
Bollard placement
Signa~re
Internal street identificauon markzrs
Lightin~
~(emo ro the Landmarks Preservahon Advisory Board 2/5/97
RE Columbia Cemetery Preservauon Master Plan
Couttesv Revtew with Landmarks Desisn Rev~e~v Committee
New plot walls
Irngarion system
Ne~v pathways
Ditch reconstructton
Bndse repfacement/ stabiLzation
Pavers
Tree removal/ replacement
Work items that could proceed m compliance with the nlan wtthout further revte~v bv
Landmarks Des~an Review Committee
LandscapmJ pfanllng
Grave stte and marker repatr/ restoranon
Low plot wal( restorat~on
Remstared medallions
RESTORaTiO~/ PR~SERV~TTOV GL'iDELI~IES
Staffbelie~es thac the proposed Rastoration and Preservauon Guidelmes (:~ppendir A) are
generally consistent with the historic preservauon code However, staffdoes not recommend that
the Board adopt the ~u~dehnes as Admmistrative Regulations Instead, staff recommends that the
gwdelmes be mformally referred to durm~ the design revtew process
If the Board is mterested m adoptmg the Quidehnes, the Board should schedule a future meetin~
to review the ,uidelmes m greater detail and ultimately adopt the guideltnes accordtng to the
rufemakm~ process If the Board wishes to adopt the guidelmes, those sections which szem most
relevant to its review are 2 0"Fences" and =t 0'`Site Furnrture, Signs, Lightme°
h `data\comdz~`~hi~t~gen\cemetery mem
CITY OF BOULDER
CITY COUNCTL AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: Apri115, 2003
(Agenda Item Preparation Date: April 8, 2003)
AGENDA TITLE: ContinuaUOn of a Second Readmg and consideratyon of Ordinance No
7268 amending Title 4, "Licenses and Periruts," B.R.C. 1981, by adding a Chapter 26,
"Cemetery Permits," and amendmg Title 8, "Parks, Open Space, Streets, and Pubhc Ways,"
B R C. 1981 by adding a new Chapter 8-7, "Cemeteries."
REQUESTING DEPARTMENT:
Jan Geden, CPRP, Director, Parks and Recreation Department
Douglas R. Hawthorne, CPRP, Pazks Superintendent, Parks and Recreation Department
FISCAL IMPACT: None
BACKGROUND:
Background mformation on th~s item can be found m the City Council packet of February 18,
2003 Dunng the second readmg, Council asked several questions. The Maich 4, 2003 agenda
packet with answers to the questio~s is mcluded w~th this memo as Attachment A
ANALYSIS:
During the March 4, 2003 Council Meetmg, the Mayor and two other Council members pulled
the Columbia Cemetery item off of the Consent calendar to ask additional questions about the
proposed Ordmance. The followmg is additional mformation for Council to constder as to why
certam restrictions are being proposed in this Ordinance
Proiectiles
The proposed restnctions on projectiles m the Columbia Cemetery were copied from the ban on
pro~ectiles on the Downtown Mall These restrictions, which include snowballs and sticks as
examples of the general category of pro~ectiles, have been m place on the Mall smce 1978. The
prmcipal difference for the cemetery ~s the addrtion of "food items," which is m response to an
incident at Columb~a Cemetery a few years ago The proposed ordinance also lists "paint balls"
as pro~ectiles, because several markers have been defaced by th~s activuy.
Final-CC_Apr15_2003-Second Readmg Columbia Cemetery Ordmance
AGENDA ITCM #' lh'AGE # 1
Concerns were raised regardmg the restriction on snowballs and sticks in the proposed
ordinance Durmg most Colorado snowstorms, the consistency of the snow is light and fluffy
and would probably not cause significant damages to grave markers if one were struck with a
ttuown snowball. However, snow of the heavy and wet consistency that fell durmg the March
11, 2003 snowfall would turn to ice ~f compacted as a snowball. Snow with this consistency
could cause sigmficant damages to certain grave mazkers Afrer considermg lhis issue internally
and takmg mto account the unusual nature of the March 11, 2003 snowfall, staff is
recommendmg that throwmg snowballs and sticks be considered a legal activity in Columbia
Cemetery, while still bannmg throwmg balls, rocks and other ob~ects.
Reeulations in the Cemete
Staff has approached the potential regulations on conduct m the Cemetery differently than those
that apply [o our other park areas (such as no alcohoi, no dogs off leash, and no vandalism or
lrttermg) Our reasons for these differences are twofold:
1 Cemeteries versus narks - Cemeteries aze not parks, and commonly there are restrictions on
behavior in cemeteries bacause of theu nature and role in human soc~ety which would not apply
m parks It is only by comc~dence that the Parks and Recreation Depaztment is mvolved m
managing and maintainmg Columbia Cemetery As wrth the Downtown Mall mamtenance,
Parks and Recreation was tasked with these responsibilrties because it has the equipment and
expertise to mow grass and maintam landscapes Columbia Cemetery was grven to the City
because the non-piofit private assoc~ation that owned it was not financ~ally capable of
mamtainmg the property. Permanent Parks and Recreation Fund dollars have never been
expended on Columbia Cemetery and it has never figured m the Departments mventoiy of pvks,
plans for pazks, or assessments of the park land needs of the neighborhood m which ~t is located
The fact that neighbors have trcated Columbia Cemetery as a neighborhood asset with diverse
recreat~onal uses was considered by staff m makmg its recommendations on this ordinance to
Counc~l Staff believes there are activrties of a passrve recreational nature that should be
wclcomed in the Cemetery Reading in Columbia Cemetery, quiet reflection, bud watchmg,
even picmcking are examples of activities that the Department would ]ike to see continued Stai'f
briefly considered banning dogs entuely Yrom Columbia Cemetery, a regulation often found m
cemeteries throughout the Country However, staff felt that such a ban would be unrealistic m
Columbia Cemetery despite the fact that dog related activ~ties in the Cemetery are ob~ectionable
to some and dog urine can cause damage to frag~le marble headstones.
Since Columbia Cemetery is not a park, it presents hazards to nocturnal strollers which aie less
prevalent in the developad urban parks Anyone walkmg off the mtertor cemetery road system
runs the risk of tripping over low headstones, and there is some danger to the more fragile
headstoues from people madvertently bumpmg into them Based on staffls research, a ttumber of
municipal cemeteries m Colarado aze not open to the publ~c at night, mcluding those m Fort
Collms, Greeley, Colorado Springs, and Loveland. The Columbia Cemetery Preservation
Master Plan identifies the need to develop some mternal illumination of Cemetery grounds The
Department sought State Historical Society Grant Funding for a project in 2002 to mstall a
Final-CC_Apr15_2003-Second Readmg Columbia Cemetery Ordmance
AGENDA ITEM #'~PAGE # 2
minimal levei of rught trme dlummation. The project for hghtmg m the Cemetery was not
approved by the State Historical Society because of a concern that illumination is not in the
histor~c character of Columb~a Cemetery Thus, fundmg for any type of illummahon will have to
be borne entirely from the dedicated .25% sales tax fundmg for historic preservation. Due to
l~mrted funding resources from the .25% sales tax fund, usmg matching grant fundmg for
headstone stabilization and preservation is a higher priority at this txme Therefore, staff has no
mtentions m the foreseeable future to illummate Columbia Cemetery
In August 2001, vandals, under cover of darkness, toppled 33 headstones m Columb~a Cemetery
This incident, and ot6er similar incidents of vandalism in the past, certamly tmpressed upon Lhe
Department the des~rability of reducmg the risks of further acts of that sort The Oregon
Cemeteries Association reports that Oregon's historic cemeteries face their greatest threat every
year durmg the month of October. As Hallowsen nears vandals begin to prey on graveyards.
The Oregon Historic Cemeteries Association (OHCA) reports that "the typical profile ~s a
Caucasian male between the ages of 12 and 22. He generally is accompanied by one or more
friends, is operating under the cover of darkness or in a secluded area, and frequently is using
drugs or alcohol."
Due to the contmued concerns about vandalism in Columbia Cemekery, especially consideimg
the precarious condit~on of the histor~c asset and its location m an area where the vandal profile,
as deternuned by the Oregon Historic Cemeteries Association, exists and due to conhnued
concerns about safety for people walking in or through an unlighted Columbia Cemetery after
dark, staff is contmuing to propose mghttime resCrichons m Columb~a Cemetery Staff felt that
neighboring citizens would be more apt to ieport activrties in the Cemetery ~f they knew the
Cemetery ~s closed to all after dark, rather than relymg on reportmg activities occurring after
dark if the Cemetery were not closed
___~
2. Protection of Cultural Resources - Columbia Cemetery not only has historic features but
also has a very severe problem with the stability of headstones. Staff is planning on laying down
approximately 300 headstones withm the next few months to prevent theu falhng over and
potentially breakmg or m~urmg someone. In November 2002, our headstone restoration
consultant, David Via, mformed the City of potential safety conceins with some of the
headstones and activrties he was observmg. Mr. V~a, a nationally noted headstone restorat~on
contractor, was concerned about the type of acUVities occurring m Columbia Cemetery and the
stabllity of headstones based on his experiences working in othei cemeteries throughout the
country Mr Via reported, "the number of dangerous monuments m total and those in proportion
to the whole is likely the largest m any cemetery that I have visited." Additionally, Mr Via
notified the Department that, "the subsidence of the soil over the graves seems to be greater than
many other locations that I have visited. Many of the monuments have tilted towards the graves
and have, or are ready to topple Many of the monuments have toppled multiple times and have
not been pmperly repaired or reset This is understandable, as monument repau- is a specialized
profession "
When the Parks and Recreation Department received notification of thts issue by Mr. Via, staff
contacted the City's Risk Manager and proceeded to mform the publ~c of the potential dangers
Final-CC_Apr15_2003-Second Readmg Columb~a Cemetery Ordmance
AGENDA ITEM #'V PAGE # 3
via signage in Columbia Cemetery, mventoried ail of the markers m the Cemetery, and identified
and placed survey tape around the most unstable markers
A press release on this subject was issued on March 26, 2003 which ~s mcluded as Attachment
B. Smce that t~me, staff has heard from some members of Council, as well as c~tizens with
concems about tlus proposal. The Department will be conductmg a public meetmg somet~me
durmg late April to discuss, with mterested citizens, the purposes oF laying down the grave
markers, as well as the process used to determine which markers will be lowered The Parks and
Recreat~o~ Department has also made application to the State Historic Fund for a new grant to
contmue with the restoraUon of approximately 90 markers. As restoration funds become
available from state and ot6er sources, these will be re-erected m a more stable manner but it
could take years to complete this work
Staffls imtial approach regarding headstone rubbmgs was to regulate this actrvity so that proper
materials and techniques could be used and precautions taken so the headstones would not be
damaged, rubbing materials would not stain the stones, and adhesives would not remam on the
surfaces of the slones. However, after reviewing the literature in the ficld and considering the
stab~l~ty problems that exist at Columbia Cemetery and the durabihty issues regardmg sandstone,
limestone, marble and other less durable stones or matenals, staff recommends that headstone
rubbings not be allowed. The interestmg features of various headstones can easily be captured
on film, or dtgital photography that allows image manipulation so that the appearance of a
rubbing can be easily produced. The Department has recently developed a new web site for
Columbia Cemetery which ~s accessibie from the Parks and Recreation Department's lmk on the
City's home web page The general public can now access general mformation about the history
of Columbia Cemetery, access bunal mformation and see digrtal photographs of the approximate
3,000 headstones The Department worked with the Carnegie Branch Library for Local History,
Mary MeRoberts, and the Boulder Genealogical Society m providmg histonc mformation for the
web srte
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
The conduct of visitors m cemetenes, the extent that the cultural tesources m Columbia
Cemetery should be protected from damage and m~ury by laws, and the mcremental value of
measures_like night ume closures in decreasmg vandalism at the expense of other values are
certamly cor[unumty value tssues. If Council believes that mght time visits should not be
banned, it could either amend the proposed Saction 8-7-3 to use a time frame other than sunset
and sunrise, or delete the section altogether Regarding grave rubbmgs, deletion of section 8-7-8
would leave that activrty legal, though ~f this is Council's determmation staff recommends
retuinmg to Council at a later date with a sepaiate ordinance regulating grave rubbmgs Staff
alrcady has provisions for grave rubbing regulations saved from previous drafts
Staff recommends makmg the followmg change to Section 8-7-5: Strilce "snowballs" from the
subsection (b), and add a subsection (c) to read~ "(c) Snowballs are not pro~ectiles withm the
meaning of this section." If Council chooses to exclude sticks from pro~ectiles, staft's
recommendation is to erther add the word "and sticks" after snowballs both to what should be
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AGENDA ITI:M #~UPAGE # 4
struck from subsechon (b) and mcluded m the new subsection (c), or strilce the words
"snowballs" and "sticks" from subsecuon (b) and move the word "and appropriately."
There is always tension between the theoretical value of many regulations and their practical
effect. Staff believes that posting the Cemetery rules will have a beneficial effect in educating
and infor~ung the public about this histor~c cultural resource. Staff recommends that City
Council adopt these Ordinances as written
Approved By~
ATTACHMENTS:
,
rank W. Bruno
City Manager
A. March 4, 2003 Council Agenda Memo
B March 26, 2003 Departmental Press Release about unstable markers
C Ordmance No. 7268
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AGENDA ITEM #~~PAGE # 5