Design Guidelines & Standards
March 2017
What are design guidelines?
- an agreed upon set of design objectives that reflect the historical resources in your community
- an clear and concise document that is separate from the preservation ordinance
- a useful tool to assist property owners and the general public in navigating the regulations set forth in the ordinance
a basis for fair decisions and consistency in local design review
How is a standard different from a guidelines?
Typically, a design guideline is an advisory recommendation. Guidelines are not laws. The ordinance is the law and the guidelines are used to illustrate the "best practices" that support that law.
Standards are regulatory. They are created as part of the ordinance and compliance is required.
For further explanation on the purpose of design guidelines, please visit the following resources:
- Creating and Using Design Guidelines - National Park Service - https://www.nps.gov/tps/education/workingonthepast/roletheyplay.htm
- The Benefits of Design Review by Nore Winter - http://www.winterandcompany.net/pdf/pub_benefits_of_design_review.pdf
Example Guidelines
- Elgin
- Georgetown
- Killeen - considers both prominent architectural styles in the downtown district, Victorian and Mid-Century
- Palestine Preservation Program Handbook and Guidelines
- San Antonio
- Waxahachie