CRITERIA FOR THE REVIEW OF ALTERATIONS AND NEW CONSTRUCTION IN THE WILLIAMSON STREET BUILD STUDY AREA

Draft as of November 7, 2002

CRITERIA FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION

Criteria for the Review of New Construction on Williamson Street.  All new construction must be compatible with the historic character of the Third Lake Ridge Historic District.  The criteria listed below are intended to maintain an historically accurate appearance.  Modern materials that do not meet the exact requirements of the criteria but which duplicate the historic appearance may be considered on an individual basis under the variance procedure listed below.

1.            Maximum height. 

·600 block of Williamson Street, north side:   

Within 100 feet of the sidewalk, no higher than the height of Machinery Row plus two feet (this height should be determined for inclusion in the criteria).  Beyond a line 100 feet from the sidewalk on Williamson Street, 60 feet (five stories at a maximum height of 12 feet).  The set back from Williamson Street shall be no closer than the set back of Machinery Row (this measurement should be included in the report).

·700 block, north side:   

Fifty-four (54) feet.

·600 block of Williamson Street, south side, and south and north sides of the 800 through 1100 blocks:

For all but corner “bookend” buildings, the maximum height shall be 35 feet (2-1/2 stories) with a minimum height of 15 feet (1-1/2 stories). 

Corner “bookend” buildings shall be no higher than 40 feet (three stories) for flat roofed buildings and 35 feet (2-1/2 stories) for gabled or hipped roofed buildings.  Corner features, such as turrets and towers, may be permitted to extend above the maximum height provided that they enhance the design of the project and the character of the district as a whole.

The BUILD area has been divided into four zones with different height criteria (see map).  The maximum heights permitted are as follows:

a.            Zone I.            New buildings shall be no higher than 2-1/2 stories, except for the following: 

·“Book-end” buildings (flat-roofed structures of mixed use) may be located on the corners of these blocks and shall be no higher than three stories.

·On the north side of the 900 block of Williamson Street, flat-roofed three stories structures may be permitted.

·On the north side of the 600 block of Williamson Street, the height of new buildings shall not match the height of Machinery Row across the street, plus or minus two feet.

b.            Zone II.            The maximum height is three stories, with the following exception:

For projects that will include the equivalent of at least 20% of the total units for  affordable housing for people that earn no more than 60% of the median income in Dane County, one additional floor above the allowable maximum may be approved.  Such additional floor must be no closer than 60’ from the Williamson Street right-of-way. 

c.            Zone III.            The height of a new building shall not exceed 54 feet (five stories).

d.            Zone IV.            A new building shall be no higher than five stories, except for the following:            for projects that will include at least 20% of the  total number of units for affordable housing for people that earn no more than 60% of the median income in Dane County, one additional floor above the allowable maximum may be approved.  For projects that will also include an additional 20% of the total number of units for affordable housing for people that earn no more than to 50% of the median income in Dane County, one more additional floor above the maximum may be approved.  No new buildings, including those with affordable housing, shall exceed 85’ in height.

2.            Preservation Bonus.  For projects that include on the same site the restoration and preservation of one or more pre-1945 buildings built before World War II, an additional story may be permitted provided that the additional story enhances the design of the project and the character of the district as a whole. (Gary Tipler will present at our next meeting proposed verbiage for the  minimum requirements for “restoration and preservation”).

3.            Parking lots

Wherever feasible, parking lots shall be located behind the building(s), or underground.  If such locations are not feasible, parking lot(s) on the side may be approved provided that the lot(s) do not detract from the historic character of the district.

Access for parking shall be on side streets, rather than Williamson Street, wherever feasible.

Landscaping for parking lots shall include shade trees and three-season vegetation at a minimum.  Fencing and/or vegetation shall block the parking lot from view as completely as possible.

4.         Front Yard Setbacks on Williamson Street. 

·600 block: One foot from the property line. 

·Commercial and mixed use buildings in the 700 600 through 1100 blocks:  The setback of street facades for such buildings shall be two feet from the property line. 

·600 through 1100 blocks, residential developments:            The front yard setback shall be no less than fifteen (15) feet, except that front porches may penetrate no more than six feet into the minimum setback.

5.         First Floor Elevation.  For commercial or mixed use buildings, the first floor of the street facades shall be at grade. For residential buildings, the first floor at the front facade shall be between 18” to 36 48” above grade.

6.         First floor storefronts on commercial and mixed use buildings.  First floor storefronts shall be broken up into bays of a similar width to those on existing pre-1945 commercial buildings.  The general historic pattern of large storefront windows, low kick panels, transom windows, side pilasters and a cornice shall be used in new construction.  Upper stories shall have double-hung windows proportioned and spaced to reflect the pattern of older commercial buildings on the street.  For corner buildings, angled corner entrances are encouraged.  For buildings with multiple commercial tenants, a sign band should be included in the design to maintain consistency in the building design.

7.         Side Yard Setbacks.  Side yards on non-corner lots less than 44 feet in width shall be a minimum of 5 4 feet in width, with the total of both side yards being no less than 9 feet in width.  On non-corner lots over 44 feet in width, side yards shall be no less than 6 feet in width with the total of both sides yards being no less than 16 feet in width except for side yards on a street face.  For residential side yards on a street face the minimum width shall be eight feet for residential properties and for commercial and mixed use side yards on a street face the width shall be two feet.

8.            Massing .  New buildings shall be designed to reflect the rhythm of masses and spaces within the visually related area.    

a.            Massing for Residential Buildings.  The street facades of residential buildings shall be articulated with dormers, bays, porches, and other architectural details to visually reduce the apparent mass of the new building and to blend with the details of older existing residential buildings within the visually related area.  Residential buildings shall have one or more porches and at least one entry door on the main street facade.  Larger residential buildings may be permitted, provided that the ratio of height to width of each section of the facade is more than 1:1 and provided that the building has varied setbacks and/or varied heights and rooflines or other major variations in the design sufficient to maintain the rhythm of masses and spaces of existing buildings in the visually related area.

b.             “Carriage house” units.  Carriage house units will be a permitted residential use on both sides of Williamson Street.  Residential units shall be above detached garages only and shall be between 450 and 680 square feet.            

c.            “Live and work units.”  Live and work units, in which between 500 and 1000 square feet is used for retail office, art gallery, crafts, etc. with access to the unit above for a residence, shall be a permitted use.

9.         Roof  pitch and type.  Residential buildings shall have either a moderate to steep pitch, to reflect the pitches of existing residential buildings in the district, or a flat roof.  Pitched roofs may be either gabled or hipped.  Commercial/mixed use buildings shall have a flat roof.  Other roof pitches and types may be approved provided that the design is compatible with the older buildings in the visually related area.

10.       Roof materials.  Roofing materials shall be asphalt shingles, fiberglass or other composition shingles similar in appearance to multi-layered architectural shingles or 3‑in‑1 tab or Dutch lap, French method or interlock shingles.  Sawn wood shingles may also be approved.  Thick wood shakes are prohibited.  Vents shall be located as inconspicuously as possible and shall be similar in color to the color of the roof.  Rolled roofing, tar‑and‑gravel, rubberized membranes and other similar roofing materials are prohibited except that such materials may be used on flat or slightly sloped roofs that are not visible from the ground.

11.       Siding Materials.  All new buildings may be sided with masonry, such as stone or brick, in sizes and textures to reflect the masonry on existing buildings in the district.  Stucco or stucco-like materials may also be permitted.  Stucco panels with visible dividing lines, pebble dash and split-faced concrete block are prohibited.  Residential buildings may also be sided with wood clapboards of a narrow gauge (5” or less), or artificial materials that duplicate the appearance of wood clapboards.   Wood shingles or modern materials that duplicate the appearance of original wood shingles within the district may be used for up to one-half of the siding on a residential building.  Combinations of the above materials may be permitted.

12.            Windows and doors.  On commercial buildings, upper stories shall have double-hung windows proportioned and spaced to reflect the pattern of older commercial buildings on the street.  On residential buildings, windows shall be either double-hung, single-hung or casement units.  Other designs may be approved provided they are compatible with the older buildings in the visually related area.  Windows and doors shall be indented a similar amount to those on existing buildings to reflect the rhythm of existing fenestration and shall either be wood or a modern material that duplicates the appearance of wood windows and doors.

13.       Open space requirements.  70 square feet of open space is required for each bedroom in the new development.  Balconies built to a minimum size of 4 feet by 8 feet, common outdoor roof top space and half of any interior community space can be included as part of the open space requirement.

14.            Minimum parking requirements.  For residential developments, there shall be a minimum of one parking stall foe each three units.  For commercial use less than 800 square feet there is no minimum parking requirement.  For office use over 800 square feet there shall be one stall for each 1000 sq. ft.  For restaurant/entertainment use, there shall be at least one stall per eight seats; for other commercial uses there shall be one stall per 800 sq. ft.

            Off site and shared parking may be approved with written agreements with adjoining property owners to share parking spaces.  Shared parking spaces count towards the off-street parking requirements of all sharing parties.

15.            Accessory Buildings.  Accessory buildings, as defined in Section 28.03(2) of these ordinances, shall be compatible with the design of the existing building on the zoning lot, shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height and shall be as unobtrusive as possible.  Accessory buildings shall be located in the rear yard wherever possible.  Garage doors shall either be entirely flat or shall have approximately square panels; horizontally paneled doors are prohibited.  Windows shall be either double or single‑hung units of a similar proportion to the windows on the building or shall be six‑paned (three panes across and two panes high) units similar to those seen on 1920s era garages.  Siding may either match the siding on the building or be narrow‑gauge clapboard, vertical board‑and batten or a smooth stucco or stucco‑like applied material.  The roof shape shall have a pitch and style similar to the roof shape on the building.  The roof material shall match as closely as possible the material on the building.

REHABILITATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

Criteria for the Review of Additions, Exterior Alterations and Repairs to Residential

Buildings.  All additions, exterior alterations and repairs must be compatible with the historic character of the building and the Third Lake Ridge Historic District.  The criteria listed below are intended to maintain an historically accurate appearance.  Modern materials that do not meet the exact requirements of the criteria but which duplicate the historic appearance may be considered on an individual basis in the variance procedure listed in Section 33.01(15) below.

1.                  Alterations to Post-1945 Buildings. Alterations of buildings that post‑date 1945 shall be compatible with the original character of the building and shall not detract from the historic character of older buildings in the district.  Alterations that bring the building into compliance with the regulations of this section regarding siding, decks, foundations, porches, and the proportion of windows and doors, and proportion of solids to voids of the street facades of such buildings are encouraged. It is not the intent of this ordinance to create fake historic buildings, but to allow modern style buildings to retain their essential style while still blending with the appearance of historic buildings in the district.

2.                  Porches. Porches that are original to the building, or that pre‑date 1945 and blend with the historic character of the building, shall be retained, rehabilitated or rebuilt to match the original or historic architectural details. Porches on street facades may be enclosed with wood-framed screens on the condition that the railing must be retained or restored in a design compatible with the historic character of the building.  Porches on street facades shall not be otherwise enclosed.  If a porch is on a street facade and the owner can demonstrate to the Commission that it is beyond repair, then a new porch must be constructed in its place.  Construction of new porches to approximate the dimensions of original porches is encouraged. All porches shall present a finished appearance, e.g., all floor joists shall be hidden from view and all porches shall be finished with ceilings and frieze boards.  Porch ceilings shall have the appearance of narrow beaded boards, unless another original material is approved by the Commission.  First floor porch flooring shall be tongue‑in‑groove boards; carpeting and  two‑by‑four decking are prohibited.  All wood on exterior porches, except flooring and stair treads, shall be painted or opaque stained.  All railings on porches shall be constructed of wood, or another material that duplicates the appearance of wood, with top and bottom rails.  Bottom rails shall be raised above the floor level and shall be no higher than 3.5" from the floor.  All balusters on porch railings shall be square posts, unless the owner can demonstrate to the Commission that a different design is original to the building, in which case it will be approved.  If applicable codes require increasing the height of the rail, a two-part rail may be permitted if the bottom part of the rail matches the original architectural details of the railing. Railings on stairways may be either wood to match the railings on the porch or wrought iron with one‑by‑one plain vertical balusters.  Twisted or other decorative wrought iron is prohibited.   All balusters shall be constructed such that a 4" ball may not pass through the railing at any point.   All balusters shall be located in between the top and bottom rail and shall not extend across the face of either.  Siding on porch rails is prohibited unless the existing rail is sided.  Porch posts shall be trimmed with decorative molding at the top and bottom of the posts.  All porches and stairways shall be enclosed between the frieze under the first floor and the ground with a framed lattice of criss‑cross design, narrow vertical boards or other openwork design.  The lattice shall be designed such that a 3" ball could not pass through any portion of the lattice.  All stairways shall have solid wood risers.

3.                  Decks. Decks in rear yards will be permitted provided that the design complies with Subdivision (1.) above (porches), except that tongue‑in‑groove flooring is not required.  Decks in front and side yards may be permitted if they are not replacing an entrance porch, if they do not detract from the historic character of the building and neighborhood and if they comply with Subdivision 1. above.

4.                  Accessibility Ramps. It is the intent of this section to permit accessibility ramps wherever possible, especially when required by ADA guidelines. Accessibility ramps will be permitted provided they are as inconspicuous as possible. Landscape screening shall be provided where possible. The details of such ramps shall not detract from the architectural character of the building.  Metal rails with square vertical balusters shall be permitted.

5.                  Windows. On the front facade and on the side facades within ten feet of the front facade, all original windows or pre‑1945 windows that are compatible with the historic character of the building shall retain their existing historic size, appearance and trim detail. If any of the original windows or pre‑1945 windows that are compatible with the historic character of the building have true divided lights (i.e., with small panes of glass between muntin bars), replacement sash shall duplicate the existing appearance and have either true divided lights, applied exterior muntins or muntins between the panes of a double-glazed window.  If windows have been altered in the past, restoration to the original appearance is encouraged.  Original bay windows shall be retained and preserved to match the original appearance.  On the sides of wood frame buildings not within ten feet of the front facade, and on rear facades of the building, the sills of windows may be raised to serve bathrooms and kitchens, but in other respects the design shall duplicate the original appearance of the existing window and surrounding wall.  On the sides of the building beyond ten feet of the front facade and on rear facades of the building, new windows in locations where no window previously existed may be approved provided they retain a similar ratio of height to width as original windows on the building, are the same type of window as others on the building (e.g., double‑hung or casement) and are trimmed and finished to match the appearance of the other windows.

6.                  Entrance Doors. If the entrance door is original or is pre‑1945 and blends with the historic character of the building, it should be retained unless the owner can demonstrate to the Commission that it is beyond repair. Wood replacement doors may be approved provided they blend with the historic appearance of the building; unpaneled, modern‑style doors, and doors with a fake wood grain are prohibited.  All doors shall be painted or varnished.

7.                  Double or Multiple Doors. Double or multiple doors, such as doors leading onto patios or decks, may be permitted provided they have frames similar to full view doors. Raw aluminum or other metallic finishes are prohibited.  Patio doors shall be painted or finished with a material that resembles a painted finish.  Such doors on street facades shall be hinged doors, rather than sliding doors, and conform to the requirements for entrance doors above.

8.                  Storm Windows and Doors. Storm windows and doors shall be enameled, painted or otherwise coated with a colored surface to resemble a painted surface; raw aluminum or other metallic finishes on storm windows and doors is prohibited.  Painted or varnished storm doors of wood and glass to match the original design on the building or on similar buildings in the district is encouraged.  Storm doors of simple design with no stylistic references may be used.  Full view storm doors will be permitted.  Storm doors with metal grills are prohibited.

9.                  Skylights. Skylights may be permitted on roof slopes provided that the skylight is not so obtrusive as to detract from the general appearance of the building and its location does not clash with the layout of the architectural features of the building.  Skylights on any roof area not visible from the ground will be permitted.  The design of new skylights shall be as simple as possible, of the flat (not bubble) type, and finished to blend with the color of the roof.

10.              Roof Materials. Reroofing shall be done with asphalt shingles, fiberglass or other composition shingles similar in appearance to multi-layered architectural shingles, 3‑in‑1‑ tab asphalt shingles or Dutch lap, French method or interlock shingles. Thick wood shakes are prohibited.  Vents shall be located as inconspicuously as possible and shall be similar in color to the color of the roof.  Rolled roofing, tar‑and‑gravel, rubberized membranes and other similar roofing materials are prohibited except that such materials may be used on flat or slightly sloped roofs which are not visible from the ground.  HVAC or other equipment that must be placed on the roof shall be as unobtrusive as possible, and screened from view as necessary. 

11.              Dormers and Other Roof Alterations. New dormers shall match the appearance of original dormers on the building in roof shape and material, width of overhang, siding, window design and trim details whenever feasible.  If the original roof shape is not practical, another shape may be approved provided that it does not detract from the historic character of the building or the neighborhood. The ridge line of a new dormer shall not extend above the ridge line of the main roof of the building unless such higher roof line is not visible from the ground. Shed dormers behind existing dormers or gables on non‑street sides of the building may be approved provided that the roof material, siding, window design and trim details match the original features of the building.  Other roof alterations shall be compatible with the roof shape and other historic features of the building, such as siding and trim details, and shall not extend above the ridge line of the building unless such extension is not visible from the ground.

12.              Chimneys. The exterior appearance of original or pre‑1945 chimneys visible from the street shall be maintained in good repair.  The removal of the exterior portions of chimneys visible below the roofline and chimneys that retain important architectural decoration are prohibited.  Chimneys not visible from the street may be removed.  New chimneys shall be constructed of brick, stone, stucco or other compatible material. Installation of metal chimneys and wooden boxed chimneys, visible from the street, are prohibited.

13.              Siding. Restoration of original wood siding and decorative wall details is encouraged.  Residing with aluminum or vinyl that replaces or covers clapboards or non-original siding on buildings originally sided with clapboards will be approved by the Landmarks Commission provided that the new siding imitates the width of the original clapboard siding and provided further that all architectural details, including, but not limited to, window trim, cornices, barge boards, fascia, moldings, brackets and decorative shingles or other decorative siding, shall either remain uncovered or shall be duplicated exactly in appearance, including matching the dimensions and shape of existing details, such as decorative shingles.  This includes original elements found during the removal of later siding.  Where more than one layer of siding exists on the building, all layers except the first must be removed before new siding is applied, except that asbestos siding shall be permitted to be retained.  In such cases and/or if insulation is applied under the new siding, all trim must be built up so that it projects from the new siding to the same extent it did with the original siding. Soffits may be replaced or sided with wood or artificial materials provided the appearance of the proposed material matches as closely as possible the original appearance.  Original brick, stone and stucco siding shall be retained.  Unpainted masonry shall not be painted.  Installation of artificial siding on such buildings is prohibited. Painting of unpainted brick is prohibited.  Mortar and other materials used in brick repair shall match the original in color, hardness and appearance.

14.              Foundations. All original foundation masonry, such as brick, stone or rusticated concrete block, shall be retained unless the owner can demonstrate to the Commission that significant repairs are required, in which case replacement with materials to duplicate the original appearance is encouraged.  If duplicating the original appearance is not practical, other materials may be approved provided they blend with the historic character of the building and the district.

15.              Additions. New additions on the front of the building are prohibited, except for open porches.  Additions on the sides or rear shall be permitted if they are compatible with the building in architectural design, scale, color, texture, proportion of solids to voids and proportion of widths to heights of doors and windows.  Additions and exterior alterations that exactly duplicate the original materials in composition are encouraged.  Additions or exterior alterations that destroy significant architectural features are prohibited.  Side additions shall not detract from the design composition of the main facade.  Siding on new additions shall be the same as the building, unless the building is masonry, in which case narrow‑gauge clapboards will be permitted.  Foundation material on new additions shall duplicate the original foundation material whenever practical.  Other foundation materials may also be permitted provided they do not detract from the historic character of the building.

16.              Fire Escapes and Rescue Platforms. Fire escapes and rescue platforms shall be located such that they are as unobtrusive from the street as possible.  No fire escapes or rescue platforms shall be permitted on the front facade of a building unless the owner can demonstrate to the Landmarks Commission that no other location is practical.  The design of fire escapes and rescue platforms shall comply with the requirements of Subdivision 1. above (porches), except that balusters on fire escapes and second exit platforms may be metal with one‑by‑one plain vertical balusters, painted to blend with the colors of the house.  Twisted or other decorative wrought iron is prohibited.

17.              Lighting Fixtures. Lighting fixtures that are visible from the street shall be of a design that is compatible with the historic appearance of the building.

18.              Permanently Installed Air Conditioners. Permanently installed air conditioners shall be as inconspicuous as possible. Ground air conditioners shall be screened with landscaping where possible.

19.              Shutters. The installation of new shutters requires approval of the Landmarks Commission.  Shutters will be permitted provided that they are compatible with the historic character of the building and provided they are of a size and placement that, if the shutters were workable, would cover the window opening.

20.              Repairs. Repairs to buildings shall either match the existing or the original appearance.  Restoration to the original appearance is encouraged.

Criteria for the Review of Additions, Exterior Alterations and Repairs to Commercial, Industrial and Mixed Use Buildings.  All additions, exterior alterations and repairs to commercial, industrial and mixed use buildings must comply with the regulations listed above for existing buildings erected for residential use.  In addition, the following criteria shall also apply.

1.         First floor storefronts.  The first floor storefront elevation of buildings erected in whole or part for commercial use shall retain its basic composition of  low kick panels and large shop windows surmounted by transom windows.  All glass used shall be clear and untinted.  Pilasters of the main material of the building about a foot or so in width shall be retained.  Kick panels should be no higher than 30” and shall have a raised frame around inset rectangular panels.  Original or modern materials may be used.  Transoms shall retain or replace the look of the original sash framing.  Retention of glass in transoms is encouraged wherever feasible, although in certain conditions the use of another material may be permitted, provided it blends with the historic appearance of the storefront.  Transom areas shall not be used for signage, except for signage that is installed on the inside of a glass transom.  If such storefronts have been altered previously the current configuration may be retained unless a major remodeling of the first floor is proposed, in which case it should be designed to reflect the original basic design configuration.  Doors that enter onto the first story of the building shall be full view doors that are of wood or of a material that resembles wood.  Other historic storefront door designs may also be permitted.  Doors to second story stairways may either match the storefront door or may be of a more closed design to resemble wood paneled doors.  Original storefront configurations or materials that differ from the basic scheme may also be retained or reintroduced.

If original, decorative cornices above the first floor fenestration shall be retained; if not original, such a cornice may be installed at the owner’s discretion. 

2.            Signage.  Signs should typically be placed in the wide panel extending across the storefront under the cornice. Other signage that meets Sec. 28.___ of the Madison General ordinances (sign code)), such as hanging signs and signs on side walls, may be permitted provided that the signs do not cover architectural details or detract from the historic character of the building.  Canvas awnings of the standard triangular shape shall be permitted.  If signage is placed upon the awning, it shall not be so intrusive as to detract from the historic character of the building.  Neon lighting may be approved, provided it does not detract from the historic character of the building.  Interior illuminated signs and/or vinyl awnings are not permitted.  Lighting for signs shall be with small unobtrusive fixtures or goose-neck lamps.

3.            Additions.  Additions to the sides of commercial buildings shall retain the basic composition of commercial buildings on Williamson Street (i.e., open glass storefronts, cornice, second story double-hung windows, top cornice, flat roof, etc.).  If the side addition is wide enough to have its own entrance, the addition should not duplicate the design of the existing building, but rather give the appearance of a different building, with the materials, architectural details, rhythm of voids (windows and doors) and solids (walls) reflecting with, but not necessarily copying, the design of the other commercial buildings on the street.

VARIANCES

In addition to the variances already permitted for landmarks and buildings in historic districts in the Landmarks Commission ordinance, it is recommended to add the following:

·To allow the use of  materials for new construction which use would be otherwise prohibited under Sec. 33.01(12)(f)l.b.(University Heights) and under Sec. 33.01(11) (Third Lake Ridge). 

·To allow for front yard set backs for new construction on Williamson Street otherwise prohibited under this chapter.

·To allow for massing for new construction on Williamson Street otherwise prohibited under this chapter.

·To allow for underground parking to encroach into minimum set backs to provide efficient space for parking dimensions, the height of the vertical encroachment cannot exceed three feet.

·To allow for higher foundation measurements for unusual grade conditions.

DEMOLITION CRITERIA

In addition to the demolition criteria in the Landmarks ordinance,  it is recommended to add the following criteria:

·Whether the building or structure is within a grouping of similar buildings or

 

structures that creates a distinctive historic rhythm of masses and spaces that would

 

be significantly altered by the removal of one or more of its parts.




Recommendations for Wilson Street

Note:    This wording will be included in the BUILD report for adoption as an amendment to the Marquette Neighborhood Plan.  This area is outside of the current boundaries for the Third Lake Ridge historic district.

For the north half of the blocks on the north side of Williamson Street, the Wilson Street facade of the building (or the north facade where Wilson Street does not exist), will be considered a main facade, and the maximum height of a new building should be measured  on the Wilson Street side  as follows:

·700 block:                            five stories and no more than 60 feet

·800 - 1100 blocks:                        three stories and no more than 40 feet

Affordable Housing Bonus

In order to provide incentives for affordable housing, additional stories may be permitted on the north half of the blocks on the north side of Williamson Street, as follows:

·700 block:              For projects that will include the equivalent of at least one floor of affordable housing (in other words, one fourth of a four story building, one third of a three story building, etc.) for people that earn no more than 80% of the median income in Dane County, one additional floor above the allowable maximum may be approved.  For such projects that will also include the equivalent of at least one floor of affordable housing for people that earn no more than to 50% of the median income in Dane County, one more additional floor above the maximum may be approved.

 ·800 – 1100 blocks:              For projects that will include the equivalent of at least one floor of affordable housing (in other words, one third of a three story building, etc.) for people that earn no more than 80% of the median income in Dane County, one additional floor above the allowable maximum may be approved. 

Mid-block Alley system

For developments on the north half of the blocks on the north side of Williamson Street, driveway entrances on Williamson Street are discouraged.  Mid-block alleys or lanes are encouraged for access to the development. 

The City is encouraged to officially map an alley way system in the 700, 800 and 900 blocks of Wilson Street (and Wilson Street extended) for use as a public thoroughfare.  In the alternative, developers are encouraged to dedicate, along the same street and street extension, appropriate space for a  alley way system to remain either in private ownership with cross-property easements, or to become a public alley system for the use by residents and snowplows, garbage trucks and other public services only.

Design Standards

For the area along Wilson Street, which is outside of the Third Lake Ridge historic district, the design criteria proposed for the Third Lake Ridge historic district are recommended  to be used as guidelines by City staff and boards and commissions.