ABSTRACT
Towns and cities have taken tentative steps toward aesthetic control of new development through the adoption of landscaping ordinances or parking lot design regulations. Single-family uses usually are exempt from appearance regulation, although they may be covered by some other architectural regulation in the community. The typical appearance code is divided into several sections. First, there generally is an introductory comment stating the intent and purpose of the code. The code also usually includes a section that describes the geographic area involved. Most codes include all zoning districts except single-family residential. A third section of an appearance code usually is devoted to definitions. The appearance codes of the many communities are basically similar. Appearance code requirements that must be met are performance standards, not specific requirements. The communities that have adopted appearance codes have been gathering experience in successful administration and enforcement of aesthetic legislation.
