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Architect recommends 50% cap on additions to protect Historic District massing
Summary
The Village Architect proposed that additions not exceed 50% of a principal building’s gross floor area and remain subordinate in height, massing and visual prominence; commissioners asked staff to clarify calculation methods and map applicability.
Village Architect Scott D. Wallenhorst proposed in his June 17 memorandum a numerical threshold to limit additions: "The gross floor area of an addition including all additions constructed after shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the gross floor area of the principal structure." The change is intended to prevent future massing issues where additions could visually dominate historic buildings.
Commissioner Denise Ready and other members pressed staff on how the 50% would be measured and whether lot size or coverage rules would also apply. Director Brian Frantz explained the Code contains coverage and ground-floor living area factors that influence permissible expansion. The commission supported further refinement and examples to handle special cases such as reconstruction after a disaster.
