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Downtown To Get Style Guidance

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By JO-ANN JOHNSTON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 13, 2007

DADE CITY - This small community prides itself on its pretty, pedestrian-friendly downtown. City leaders are wondering how to make sure downtown stays appealing, in spite of construction and renovation projects.

With no ordinances regulating building design, any type of construction - metal, concrete or glass - can proceed, as long as it conforms to state building codes. That lack of regulation could open the door for ugly, tacky stores or office buildings.

So, the city commission is about to consider two ordinances - thought to be the first of their kind in Pasco County - to help protect the city's "architectural integrity." The first public hearing is slated for today's commission meeting, which starts at 5:30 p.m. at 14150 Fifth St.

The ordinances would deal strictly with commercial buildings and have nothing to do with homes. Here's an overview:

BASIC PARAMETERS

From awnings to walls, the ordinances detail what works and what doesn't. Generic, cookie-cutter buildings with plain walls or horizontal rooftops would get a thumbs-down. Exteriors that face the street would have to be made appealing and mesh with their surroundings. No particular style would be promoted or required. Spanish Mission and Colonial would enjoy equal rights. The regulations would stop at the front door.

WHERE RULES WOULD APPLY

It's a substantial area, radiating from the historical downtown shopping district to 10th Street on the west and U.S. 98 on the east. Howard Avenue would mark the southern boundary. The northern boundary would be White House Avenue, plus a small residential area north of White House Avenue, between 10th and Eighth streets.

RENOVATIONS

They would be covered, as well as new construction. Any time a building is substantially altered through an addition, renovation, exterior painting or a major sign change, the plans would be reviewed.

THE DECISION-MAKERS

A new Architectural Review Board to be appointed by the city commission would enforce rules. Building owners couldn't get permits until the board approved their plans, but owners could appeal rejections to the city commission.

LEARN MORE

Call city hall at (352) 523-5050, or read the material on the city's Web site. Go to www.dadecityfl.com and look under "agendas." Call up the agenda documents for the Oct. 23 meeting, and consult pages 8 to 24.

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