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What
is the Architectual Preservation & Review Board?
The Village of Pittsford has a distinctive
architectural charm. The broad range of styles set in a closley-knit
mix of commercial and residential structures serves to constantly
attract tourists, merchants and new residents. Because of this,
the Village remains the vital heart of the Town. In 1971, the
Trustees of the Village, recognizing this, established the Historic
and Architectural Design District, which includes the entire
Village, and passed local ordinances to protect and preserve
this District. They also established the Architectural Preservation
& Review Board to help educate the community on the value
of the historical design of the District as well as to help
guide the course of further development in the community. The
five appointed members of the APRB review applications once
a month to review the appropraiteness of proposed changes but
are also available as a resource to find both economical and
architecturally appropriate options for additions and alterations.
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What
kinds of projects require prior Architectual Review Board approval?
Any new construction or any change in the
apppearance of the exterior of an existing structure that can
be seen from a front or side street from the canal requires
APRB approval prior to the commencement of the project. Such
changes require a permit. APRB approval must be obtained before
the permit can be issued. Since applications for permits and
APRB approval are made through the Village Office, you are
urged to contact the Village Clerk early in your planning process
for assitance.
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How
do I apply for APRB approval?
Applications are available from the Clerk
in the Village Office, 21 North Main Street. Included on the
application is a list of items that should be accompany your
application to facilitate review. You are encouraged to meet
with the APRB at the time of review of your application. It
is helpful if your completed application is on file at the Village
Office at least one week before the APRB meeting date.
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What
are some of the things the APRB might look at in its review?
It would be impossible to list every point
of review, as every application is unique. However, it is the
duty of the APRB to exercise aesthetic judgement and maintain
the desirable character of the Village. The APRB looks at proposed
changes and construction to see if they are in harmony with
the existing buildings and in keeping with their era and
surroundings in sofar as style, material, line and detail
are concerned. Decisions are made upon both precedent and
the criteria outlined in the Village ordinance.
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I plan
to remove an unused porch from my home. Do I need APRB approval?
Yes, because the proposal represents a a change
in style from the original.
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The
paint on my old house keeps peeling, especially on two sides,
and I'm tired of the constant upkeep. I'm considering having vinyl
siding applied instead. Do I need prior APRB approval?
Yes, because a change in materials is involved.
The APRB has collected some reading material in the Village
Office regarding artificial siding, and Villagers considering
such a change are encouraged to read these materials. In general,
the guidelines that the APRB must follow do not allow the introduction
of any material that is not consistent with the era of the original
structure's construction.
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My neighbor's
house has vinyl siding. Why can't I?
Some homes were sided prior to the passage
of the Village Ordinace or it may have been deemed allowable
on a newer house. In the past some projects have may have occured
without the knowledge of the APRB or the Building Inspector.
However, it could be a costly mistake to act without APRB approval.
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The
windows on the upper floor of our house need to be replaced, and
a vinyl-clad window would not be seen as different from the street.
Do I need APRB approval?
Yes, because the replacement windows will
be a different material from the original ones. The Village
ordinace establishes what comes before the APRB as being any
change on a visible side of the structure as seen
from the public street or waterway. In other words, the APRB
determines the appropriateness of any alterations to a visible
side of a structure - not whether the change can be seen as
different.
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I want
to replace windows that are beyond repair with identical wood
windows. Do I need prior APRB approval?
Perhaps not, because the replacement windows
would not be of the same size, material and style as the orginal.
However, it is still best to review a proposed change with
the Village Office first. There may be differences that
you do not initially recognize (i.e. does the new window have
true divided lites, as did the original?).
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I live
in a newer house in the Village and I want to make some exterior
changes, including an addition. Do I need APRB approval?
Yes, every stucture in the Village, was at
one time, a new one. Each structure contributes to that special
character of our entire community.
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I want
to change the sign and illumination at my business. Do I need
prior APRB approval?
Yes, because this represents a change in the
appearance of the structure. APRB approval is required for commercial
as well as residential. The character of our commercial area
is vital to the character of the Village as a whole.
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How
do I find out more about my house and about what might be appropriate
in terms of changes?
The Village Office has available for your
reference a photographic survey of every structure within the
district. Other reading materials are also available there,
including several dealing with repair and maintenance of older
structures. The Pittsford Community Library is another valuable
resource. In addition, the APRB is happy to meet with you on
an informal basis to assist and offer other resources.
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I have
obtained APRB approval for my project, but I want to modify my
plans. Do I need to reapply?
Yes, changes in approved projects require
prior APRB approval before they can be incorporated into your
project.
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*The information presented here is only
introductory and is not intended to cover all aspects of the Architectural
Review Ordinance. Copies of the Ordinace area available at the
Village Office, 21 North Main Street, and the clerk will be happy
to help you with any questions you may have.
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Copyright
©2006, Village of Pittsford