Use, Construction and Restoration Standards
The objective of this standard is to establish a system of quality control over the general appearance of all construction within the established geographical area of the Visitation Park Historic District. Application of these standards should insure the residents of the area that the distinctive character, quality of construction and integrity of their own and neighboring structures will be maintained. As an increasing number of properties are restored, improved or redeveloped, the viability of the area will continue to increase.

In areas of consistently similar dwellings, renovations or new construction must follow the established standard for that particular block. New dwellings on Enright, Clemens or Windermere are to be similar to the neighboring dwellings on the block in which the construction is undertaken. New dwellings on Cabanne must be at least two-stories in height. It is not the intention of these regulations to in any way discourage contemporary design which through careful attention to scale, materials, siting and landscaping is harmonious with the historic, existing structures. Any proposed construction or extensively altered structures will be considered in comparison to the existing structures on the street.

The scale, proportion, geometry and material types of new construction or extensively altered residences must conform with that of the immediate neighboring buildings on that particular block.

The following are specific standards to control the use of structures and establish criteria by which alterations to existing structures as well as new construction can be reviewed. Some of the guidelines are precise whereas others are, by necessity, more general, allowing a range of alternative solutions all of which are compatible with the existing neighborhood. In order for these criteria to best become working tools for the developer, architect, and client, they should be studied thoroughly before design work begins.

RESIDENTIAL (Proposed "A" and "C" Zoning Districts)

1. Use:
   A building or premises shall be utilized only for the uses permitted in the zoning district within which the building or premises is located.

2. Structures: New Construction or Alterations to existing structures:
   
   1. Height
      New buildings including all appurtenances must be constructed within 15 percent of the average height of existing residential buildings on the block.
   2. Location
      New or moved structures shall be positioned on their lot so that any existing rhythm of recurrent building masses to spaces is continued as well as the pattern of setback from the street.
   3. Exterior Materials
      Exterior materials when visible from the street or Visitation Park are to be similar to the materials now is use such as brick, natural stone, stucco, wood and wrought iron. Artificial masonry is not permissible. A submission of all building material samples including mortar may be required prior to approval.
   4. Details
      Architectural details on existing structures shall be maintained in a similar size, shape, detail and material. Where they are badly deteriorated, similar details salvaged from other buildings may be substituted provided they are in keeping with the character of the building. All new windows and storm sashes shall be limited to wood or factory finished color aluminum. Raw or unfinished aluminum is not acceptable. Canvas awnings only are acceptable.
   5. Roof Shapes
      Roof shapes and angles are to be similar to buildings within the block.
   6. Roof Materials
      Roof materials shall be slate, tile, copper or asphalt shingles where the roof is visible from the street. Shiny metal or brightly colored asphalt shingles are not appropriate.
   7. Walls, Fences and Enclosures
      Fences in the front yards or along any street may not exceed forty-eight (48) inches in height and may be built of wood, stone, brick, brick faced concrete block but may not be built using wire or wire fabric. All walls visible from a street or Visitation Park are to be faced with brick, natural stone, or brick faced concrete block.
   8. Landscaping
      If there is a predominance of particular types or qualities of landscape materials, any new planting should be compatible by considering massing and continuity. The installation of street trees is encouraged and in some instances may be required.
   9. Paving or Ground Cover Materials
      Where there is a predominant use of a particular ground cover or paving material, any new or added material should be compatible with the streetscape. Crushed rock is not acceptable for paving. Asphalt is not acceptable for walkways.
   10. Street Furniture and Utilities All free-standing light standards placed in the front yard of any structure or premises shall be either authentic period styling or high quality contemporary design. The design and location of all items of street furniture must be approved prior to placement. Special permits must be obtained if street furniture is to be located within public right-of-way. Where possible, all new utility lines shall be underground.

COMMERCIAL(Proposed "F" and "G")

1. Use:
   A building or premises shall be utilized only for the uses permitted in the zoning district within which the building or premises is located, except that none of the following shall be permit:
   • Drive-In Restaurants
   • Service Stations

2. Structures
   
   1. Height
      New buildings must be constructed within 15 percent of the average height of existing commercial buildings on the block. In no case shall a commercial structure of less than two-stories be permissible.
   2. Location
      New or moved commercial structures shall be positioned on the lot to enhance the character of the commercial location.
   3. Exterior Materials
      In Visitation Park brick masonry, stone masonry or stucco are dominant with terra cotta and wood used for trim and other architectural features. All new building materials shall be compatible in type and texture with the dominant materials of adjacent buildings. Artificial masonry such as "Permastone" is not permitted. A submission of all building material samples including mortar shall be required prior to approval.
   4. Details
      Architectural details on existing structures shall be maintained in a similar size, detail and material. Where they are badly deteriorated, similar details salvaged from other buildings may be substituted. Both new and replacement window and door frames shall be limited to wood or color finished aluminum. Raw or unfinished aluminum is not acceptable. Awnings of canvas only are acceptable.
   5. Roof Shapes
      When there is a strong, dominant roof shape in a block, any proposed new construction or alteration should be viewed with respect to its compatibility with the existing adjacent buildings.
   6. Roof Materials
      Roof materials shall be slate, tile, copper or asphalt shingles where the roof is visible from the street. Brightly colored asphalt shingles are not appropriate.
   7. Walls, Fences and Enclosures
      Walls and fences form an important part of the overall streetscape. These should be of brick, stone or stucco, wood, wrought iron or evergreen hedge when visible from the street, as is consistent with existing dominant materials. Concrete walls are also acceptable when a part of the overall building design.
   8. Parking
      All off-street parking shall be located behind or to the side of commercial structures. Where visible from the street, screening with visually opaque landscaping or 5 foot minimum high masonry or concrete wall shall be necessary.
   9. Paving Materials
      The use of masonry units compatible with adjacent building materials is discouraged. Pedestrian walks, courts, sitting areas, etc., shall be surfaced by a permanent material including textured concrete, brick pavers, cobblestone or street pavers or any other material consistent with adjacent surfaces. Asphalt paving shall not be acceptable on any areas for pedestrian use, exclusively, and acceptable on vehicular use areas only.
   10. Signs
       Signs within the commercial district shall be in accordance with the zoning ordinance except that in no case will the following be allowed:
       1. Non-appurtenant advertising sings.
       2. Pylon signs in excess of 25 feet in height.
       3. Wall signs above the second floor window sill level. Wall signs should be designed to complement the existing building and never cover windows or other architectural elements. Where more than one sign exists on a single structure or a series of related structures, all signs should be basically similar in character and placement. Office buildings without first floor retail establishments shall have no more than one wall sign per facade located below the second floor window sill line designating only the name and address of the building.
       4. Roof top signs.
       5. Projecting signs are not acceptable if they obstruct the view of adjacent signs, obstruct windows or other architectural elements or extend above the second floor window sill level. Only one projecting sign is allowed per street frontage for each establishment.
       6. Flashing or rotating elements.
       7. Painted wall signs.
   11. Landscaping
       If there is a predominance of particular types of qualities of landscape materials, any new planting should be compatible by considering massing and continuity. The installation of street trees by request to the City is encouraged and in some instances may be required.
   12. Street Furniture and Utilities
       All free-standing light standards placed in the front yard of any structure or premises shall be either authentic period styling or high quality contemporary design. The design and location of all items of street furniture must be approved prior to placement. Special permits must be obtained if street furniture is to be located within public rights-of-way. Where possible, all new utility lines shall be underground.

These standards shall not be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior feature in the Historic District which does not involve a change in design, material, color our outward appearance, nor to prevent the demolition of any structure or detail which the building inspector certifies as dangerous and unsafe. Any building feature or detail so removed shall be replaced by a material simulating the original appearance. No building or structure within the Historic District shall be demolished, and no permit shall be issued for the demolition of any such building or structure, unless the Landmarks and Urban Design Commission and the Community Development Agency shall find that the building or structure is in such a state of deterioration and disrepair or is so unsound structurally as to make rehabilitation impracticable. In the event an element of these proposed uses, construction and restoration standards is not consistent with the zoning ordinance for the City of St. Louis, or other City codes or ordinances, the more restrictive shall apply.