OR 91-500-A-409 Amending Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to replace Historic Overlay DistrictAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS
ORDINANCE NO. 91500-A-409
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS,
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING CHAPTER
12, COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE, SECTION 12-28A TO
REPLACE THE HISTORIC OVERLAY DISTRICT WITH THE
HISTORIC DISTRICT, TO ADOPT SPECIFIC USES AND
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS FOR A HISTORIC DISTRICT,
WHILE RETAINING THE DEVELOPMENT CONDITIONS OF THE
EXISTING PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS AND SPECIAL USE PERMITS,
TO ADD SECTION 12-30-13A TO ADD THE USES PERMITTED BY
SPECIAL USE PERMIT IN THE HISTORIC DISTRICT, TO ATTACH
THE DESIGN GUIDELINES AS AN APPENDIX, TO REPLACE
SECTION 12-3-1 HO, HISTORIC OVERLAY, WITH H, HISTORIC
DISTRICT, TO REPLACE SECTION 12-3-2 HISTORIC OVERLAY
DEFINITION AND PURPOSE TO THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
DEFINITION AND PURPOSE, TO DELETE SECTION 12-30-18 IN ITS
ENTIRETY, AND TO SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDE THE HISTORIC
DISTRICT FROM SECTION 12-30-14; PROVIDING A REPEALING
CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, City Council approved the rezoning of over 100 acres of property to replace
the existing HO prefix with the Historic District prefix to the existing Planned Developments and
Special Use Permits and to replace the zoning of properties that currently have the Historic
Overlay prefix with a Historic (H) zoning designation within the area of Bethel Road, Coppell
Road and Grapevine Springs Park; and
WHEREAS, the purpose and intent of the Historic District is to:
1. Provide special development standards compatible with the unique character of Old
Coppell, as defined herein.
2. Preserve and enhance the area's special historic, architectural and aesthetic features.
3. Ensure that new construction and alterations to existing structures are compatible
with the unique character of the area.
4. Provide an area for living, shopping, dining, working, recreation and entertainment.
5. Promote pedestrian activity within Old Coppell to encourage an atmosphere of a by-
gone era; and
WHEREAS, development standards and guidelines have been established for this unique
character of Old Coppell.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF COPPELL, TEXAS;
SECTION 1. That the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Coppell, Texas,
be, and the same is, hereby amended by amending the Section 12-28A, which shall read as
follows:
ARTICLE 28A. "H" HISTORIC DISTRICT
Sec. 12-28A-0. General purpose and description. The historic district "H" is intended to:
1. Provide special development standards compatible with the unique character of Old
Coppell, as defined herein.
2. Preserve and enhance the area's special historic, architectural and aesthetic features.
3. Ensure that new construction and alterations to existing structures are compatible with the
unique character of the area.
4. Provide an area for living, shopping, dining, working, recreation and entertainment.
5. Promote pedestrian activity within Old Coppell to encourage an atmosphere of a by-gone
era.
Sec. 12-28A-1. Use regulations.
A building or premise shall be used only for the following purposes:
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
2O
21
22
23
24
25
26.
27.
28.
Artisan' s Workshop.
Barber and beauty shop.
Building material sales. (no outside storage)
Bus/Transportation stop
Business or trade school.
Business support services.
Church, Synagogue, or other places of worship
Communications services (other than telecommunication towers and facilities).
Community centers (public or private).
Consumer repair services.
Drug store or pharmacy.
Dry cleaning and laundry.
Equipment sales.(no outside storage or display)
Film developing and printing.
Financial services.
Fix-it shops for such items as bicycles and lawn mowers (no outside storage).
Florist (no outside storage).
Fraternal club or lodge.
Furniture stores.
Hardware store.
Heating and air conditioner shop.
Hotel or motel, including Bed and Breakfast.
Incidental retail and service uses.
Jeweler, retail.
Laboratory: Scientific, research, testing, medical, dental, or optical so long as all
operations are conducted indoors.
Meat market (retail only).
Movie theater. (indoor)
Municipal buildings.
29. Museum.
30. Other general retail sales of similar nature and character provided that the business
establishment is subject to the following conditions; conducted wholly within an enclosed
building; required yards not be used for display, sale of storage or merchandise or for the
storage of vehicles, equipment, containers or waste material; all merchandise be first-
hand and be sold at retail on the premises; such use not be objectionable because of odor,
excessive light, smoke, dust, noise, vibration or similar nuisance.
31. Personal services.
32. Pet services.
33. Photography studio.
34. Postal facilities.
35. Printing shop or company (retail only).
36. Professional and administrative offices where services are provided only and no goods
are offered for sale on the premises, including but not limited to doctors, dentists,
attorneys, architects, engineers, urban planners, insurance, real estate, banks and similar
offices.
37. Public buildings.
38. Television studio.
39. Temporary buildings for use incidental to construction work on the premises, which said
building shall be removed. (no living quarters are permitted)
40. Veterinarian or animal hospital (no outside kennels).
41. Parks and Open Space.
42. Uses permitted by Special Use Permit according to Section 12-30-14.
Sec. 12-28A-2. Maximum height regulations. The maximum height regulations will be:
35 feet nor more than two and one-half stories high, not including architectural elements
such as cupolas, chimneys and steeples.
Sec. 12-28A-3. Area regulations.
The structure shall conform to the existing setback pattern along the same street. The size and
shape of new buildings -shall be consistent with the general massing of the existing "character
defining" buildings.
1. Size of yards:
(A) Front yard: To be measured from back of curb, generally, 15'-25' total on public
and private property comprising of:
(1) 7' wide area of street trees, landscaping and lighting.
(2) Minimum 5' wide concrete sidewalk with stamped concrete bands.
(3) 5' to 10' wide area with plants and other amenities (benches, trash receptacles,
bike racks, etc...) if appropriate.
(4) The front yard may also contain a patio (outside of the sidewalk) if a
restaurant or similar use is proposed. A larger front yard is permitted for
institutional uses.
(B) Side yard: 0' to 8' maximum unless:
(1) Adjacent to a roadway, then it shall be treated as a front yard (this shall follow
the same architectural guidelines as the primary faCade).
(2) Adjacent to a residential district, then it shall equal the side yard requirements
of that residential district.
(3) A fire lane or drive is included in the side yard, and then a side yard can
extend to the limits of such fire lane or drive.
(C) Rear yard: no rear yard is required unless adjacent to a residential zoning district,
then a 10' minimum landscape buffer is required in accordance with Section 12-
33-1. (Rear yards shall provide for parking.)
Minimum size of lot:
(A) Lot area: None.
(B) Lot width: None.
(C) Lot depth: None.
Maximum Building Size:
(A) Building footprint may not exceed 5,000 square feet without a Special Use
Permit.
Sec. 12-28A-4. Parking regulations.
Parking shall be in accordance with the off-street parking regulations of Article 31 of the
Zoning Ordinance. Special considerations and requirements specifically for the Historic district
are as follows:
1. No parking area shall be allowed within five feet of the rear property line, when abutting
a nonresidential district.
2. Parking is not permitted to be located in the front yard.
3. No property shall be converted to exclusive parking usage without being approved
through the Special Use Permit process.
4. Asphalt shall be permitted for parking areas within the Historic district.
5. Parking lots shall be screened through plantings of hedges, shrubs, trees, or fences at
edges and in medians within the parking area. The screening and landscaping of parking
areas shall be in accordance with Articles 33 and 12-34-8b, respectively.
6. Parking lots between buildings shall align edge screening with front faCades of adjacent
buildings.
7. Parking lots on comer lots shall have edge screening on both the front and side street.
8. On-street, valet and/or shared parking (Section 12-31-8) may be credited to the parking
requirements.
Sec. 12-28A-5. Standards of construction.
1. All on-site asphalt pavement shall comply with City design criteria and standards for parking
lots. (For City Design Criteria and Standards see Appendix C, Section I, paragraph E(1)(j), of
Ordinance No. 94643, Subdivision Regulations, as amended.)
2. Driveways:
(A) Shall not exceed 24' maximum width.
(B) Shall be located to the side with garages sited in the rear yards unless original garage was
located to the side.
(C) May be constructed of concrete, patterned concrete, brick or asphalt outside the public
right-of-way; patterned concrete within the public right-of-way.
(D) Shall have parking pads located in the rear yard and screened with hedges, shrubs, or
fences where visible from the street.
3. Building Materials and Paint Colors:
(A) Wood or other siding shall consist of or closely resemble painted horizontal clapboard,
horizontal shiplap, vertical tongue-in-groove or vertical board and batten siding.
Materials other than wood shall consist of masonite, metal or vinyl. Metal and vinyl
siding shall have a baked-on, non-glossy enamel surface or other factory finish which
requires no additional coat(s) of paint at time of installation.
(B)Aluminum or clad chimneys are prohibited.
(C) Commercial buildings shall have a minimum of 60% glazed area (window and door
openings) for ground floor primary faCades.
(D) Glass shall be transparent rather than tinted or reflective.
(E) Paint colors shall be compatible with the building' s style and design.
(F) Generally no more than 3 colors shall be applied per building.
(G) Brick, stone or other naturally unpainted materials shall not be painted unless the
material has been painted previously.
4. Roof form and pitch:
(A)The predominant roof form should be a gable. Gable ends fronting the street are
particularly appropriate based on historic precedents.
(B) Exceptions to the gable roof form are most appropriate for institutional buildings that
warrant distinction. Architectural features such as cupolas and steeples are appropriate
for institutional buildings.
(C) Roofs can be screened by parapet faCades.
(D)Dormers shall be traditional in design and compatible with the character and scale of the
structure.
5. Orientation to the street:
(A) Building faCades shall be parallel with the street.
(B)All buildings shall have the main entrance fronting the primary adjacent street, and
entrances shall be well articulated through design. Corner entrances are acceptable for
corner buildings.
(C) Commercial buildings shall be built in close proximity to the sidewalk, with the
exceptions being restaurants with front outdoor dining.
(D) Institutional buildings can be set back from the street to distinguish themselves as special
buildings.
6. Location and proportion of entrances, windows, columns, porches, and divisional bays:
(A) Buildings having faCades longer than those historically found in the district shall utilize
distinct vertically oriented bays to break up the massing.
(B) Massing shall be broken up through the use of faCade plane projections and recesses,
pilasters, roofline variations, color and material variations, and canopies.
(C) All window and door openings shall be vertically oriented and shall be vertically aligned
between floors.
7. Windows:
(A)Display window mullion or framing shall be of wood, copper, or bronze metal.
(B) Clear, rather than tinted glass shall be used for storefronts. If privacy or shade is required,
use interior shades or blinds.
(C) Window panes shall be vertically oriented.
8. Doors:
(A)Doors located on the primary faCade shall be traditional in design (stamped metal doors
are not appropriate).
(B) Screen doors shall be preserved and maintained if original, and constructed with wood
frame if new.
(C) Storm doors shall be full-view and baked-on enamel or anodized aluminum in compatible
colors. Silver Aluminum storm doors on the primary faCade are discouraged.
9. Canopies/Awnings:
(A) Shall be individually located within major bays, not continuous.
(B) Shall not cover architectural features of the faCade.
(C) Shall be of colors to compliment the structure.
(D) Shall be made to fit opening and shall be of a style appropriate to the building.
(E) When adding to a building, use traditional designs, materials, and placement.
(F) Canopies shall be at least 8' above grade.
(G) Canopies shall be wooden and parallel with the sidewalk.
(H)Awnings shall be angled and made of fabric (canvas) or similar materials (sunbrella).
Plastic and metal are prohibited.
(I) Awnings shall not be internally lit.
10. Shutters
(A) Shall be of louvered wood construction, and shall fit the window opening (so that if
closed, they would cover the window opening).
11. Foundations
(A) Shall be raised and constructed of brick (Brick veneer is acceptable).
12. Gutters
(A) Shall be half-rounded.
13. Electrical and gas meters and other mechanical equipment
(A) Shall be located on the rear facades and shall be screened from view. Refer to Article 33
for additional screening regulations.
14. Skylights
(A) Shall not be located where visible from the street.
15. Staircases
(A) Shall be enclosed and not open to the street.
16. Additions
(A) Shall be of a compatible design in keeping with the original structure' s character, roof
shape, materials, color, and alignment of window, door, and cornice height, etc.
(B) Generally, shall be secondary (subordinate) to the original structure in scale, design, and
placement.
(C) Shall be attached to the rear faCade, not the front faCade or visible portions of secondary
faCades.
17. Accessory Structures:
(A) Shall conform to the setback standards of 12-28A-3.
(B) Shall be smaller in scale than the primary building.
(C) Shall be compatible in design, shape, materials, and roof shape and reflect the general
character of the primary building.
18. Fences and Walls:
(A)Wooden picket fences may be located in the front yard on private property and
constructed to a height of three-and-a-half feet; have pickets no wider than four inches
and set no further apart than three inches; and of a design compatible and appropriate
with the house.
(B) Wood board fences for privacy shall only be located in rear yards; generally no taller than
six feet; set back from the front faCade (wall plane) of the structure at least half-way back
from the front to the back walls, and shall be stained or painted to blend with the
structure; and of a design compatible with the structure.
(C)Walls of freestanding brick are not permitted in front yards but are acceptable at rear
yards and side yards not visible from the street.
(D)Fences of railroad ties or timbers, whether freestanding or as a retaining wall, are not
permitted.
19. All construction shall be in general conformance with the Old Coppell Design Guidelines, as
outlined in Appendix A.
Sec. 12-28A-6. Landscape requirements.
1. Landscaped areas shall be provided according to Article 34. Considerations for additional
streetscaping/hardscaping in lieu of required nonvehicular and/or perimeter landscaping
within Article 34 can be considered at time of the site plan approval process. All of the
interior landscaping (12-34-8(B)) requirements shall be met.
Trees shall be planted with similar species and patterns to the adjacent property, if applicable.
Landscaping shall be used to buffer parking areas from public view.
Sec. 12-28A-7. Signage requirements.
Article 29 is not applicable to the Historic district. All elements (board, bracket, posts,
mounting devises, etc...) of the sign must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission
and the City Council.
1. Signage shall not obscure the building's faCade or hide the building's character. Signage shall
reflect or compliment the architectural features of the structure.
2. Some examples of compatible signs are:
(A) Signs painted directly on window glass.
(B) Signs placed in the original sign board area.
(C) Individual letter signs incorporated in the primary faCade.
(D) Temporary and appropriate freestanding signs in yards.
(E) Projecting signs or hanging signs as approved through the site plan approval process.
3. Colors and materials:
(A) Colors shall compliment those used on the structure.
(B) Fluorescent colors and reflective paints or materials are specifically excluded.
4. Signs shall be pedestrian in scale.
5. Signs shall not use motion or flashing lights.
6. Signs shall be lit top-down style with the lighting well aimed with little or no spill over.
Sec. 12-28A-8. Lighting requirements.
Lighting in the Historic District shall provide an adequate level of safety while
illuminating buildings, signage, parking areas and walkways.
1. Fixtures to be added should be from the period of the structure, or if new, simple in design,
based on traditional designs of the early twentieth century, and mounted on porch ceilings or
on the exterior wall adjacent to the primary entrance.
2. Security lighting, such as floodlights, shall only be mounted on secondary and rear faCades.
3. Parking lot lighting shall be appropriate to the district and shall not exceed 20 feet in height.
4. Small walkway lights rather than freestanding post-mounted lights are more appropriate for
private sidewalks and driveways.
5. Signs shall be top lit down with the lighting well aimed having little or no spillover.
6. Streetlights shall be compatible with those previously approved within this district.
Sec. 12-28A-9. Refuse container (dumpster) requirements.
1. For institutional and commercial structures, refuse containers (dumpsters) shall be located in
the rear and screened from street view with screening/fencing and/or shrubbery.
2. For residential areas in the Historic District, it is not permitted for a single-family home to
have a permanent refuse container. If (as in the case of a multi-family residential building), a
refuse container is necessary, it shall be to the rear of the structure, or movable to the location
of garbage pickup, and screened from street view with screening/fencing and/or shrubbery.
3. If proposing a trash receptacle, then it shall be designed as outlined in Appendix A,
Subsection R - Streetscape Furnishings.
Sec. 12-28A-10. Demolition.
1. Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council approval is required.
Sec. 12-28A-11. Moving Buildings.
1. Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council approval is required for moving any
building in or out of the district.
SECTION 2. That the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Coppell, Texas,
be, and the same is, hereby amended by amending Section 12-30, (Uses permitted only by
Special Use Permit) to add Section 12-30-13A to read as follows:
Sec.
12-30-13A. "H" Historic
1. Auto Parking Lot.
2. Auto parts sales (new).
3. Broadcasting facilities, radio or television ~for towers see Sec. 12-32A Telecom.
Ordinance,~.
4. Carpentry, painting or, plumbing shops.
5. Cemetery.
6. College, university, or parochial school, private school and related facilities.
7. Day nursery or day care centers (children or adult).
8. Drive-in theater (outdoor)
9. Electric substation, transmission line or other public utilities.
10. Grocery and convenience stores.
11. Hospital.
12. Limited warehousing and distribution shall be limited to a maximum of 20 percent of
the floor area of the building.
13. Mortuary or ~uneral services.
14. Multi-story garage (commercial).
15. Nursing home, convalescent home, home for the aged, assisted living, etc.
16. Office warehouse - with less than 20% of the floor area being devoted to
warehousing.
17. Radio broadcasting towers.
18. Radio, television or microwave receiving dish (subject to screening regulations; see
section 12-33-1).
19. Sports, Recreation and Entertainment - indoor or outdoor
20. Office, Retail, or Commercial with Residential on second floor.
21. Residential development in general conformance with Old Coppell Concept Plan.
22. Building footprint exceeding 5,000 square feet.
SECTION 3. That the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Coppell, Texas,
be, and the same is, hereby amended by adding the Old Coppell Design Guidelines, as approved
by the City Council on March 8, 2005, as an Appendix,
SECTION 4. That the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Coppell, Texas,
be, and the same is, hereby amended by amending the Section 12-3-1, to replace HO, Historic
Overlay, with H, Historic District,
SECTION 5. That the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Coppell, Texas,
be, and the same is, hereby amended by amending the Section 12-3-2, to replace Historic
Overlay Definition and Purpose to read as follows:
H-Historic District. This district is intended to:
1. Provide special development standards compatible with the unique character of
Old Coppell, as defined herein.
2. Preserve and enhance the area's special historic, architectural and aesthetic
features.
3. Ensure that new construction and alterations to existing structures are compatible
with the unique character of the area.
4. Provide an area for living, shopping, dining, working, recreation and
entertainment.
5. Promote pedestrian activity within Old Coppell to encourage an atmosphere of a
by-gone era.
SECTION 6. That the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Coppell, Texas,
be, and the same is, hereby amended by deleting Section 12-30-18 in its entirety,
SECTION 7. That the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Coppell, Texas,
be, and the same is, hereby amended by revising Section 12-30-14.2 Business Use within a
Residential Structure to add "Within the H District, a business use within a residential structure
shall not require a Special Use Permit as specified herein.",
SECTION 8. That the property shall be used only in the manner and the purpose
provided in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City of Coppell, as heretofore amended,
and is amended herein.
SECTION 9. That all provisions of the Ordinances of the City of Coppell, Texas, in
conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be, and the same are hereby, repealed, and all other
provisions of the Ordinances of the City not in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance shall
remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 10. That should any word, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, clause,
phrase or section of this ordinance, or of the Code of ordinances, as mended hereby, be adjudged
or held to be void or uncor~fii~tionai; the same shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions
of said ordinance or the Code of Ordinances, as amended hereby, which shall remain in full force
SECTION 11. That this ordinance shall take effect immediately l~om and at~er its
passage as the law and charter in s~ch cases provide.
DULY PASSEl) by the City Council of the City of Coppell, Texas, this the _/_l~_ day of
ATFEST:
APPROVED~ FORM:
10 m22,
Old Coppell
Design Guidelines
Prepared by the
Planning Department
Revised: 5/2/05
Design Guidelines T.~LI~ or co~'rzh-rs
INTRODUCTION: ................................................................................................................................ 3
MAP OF DISTRICT: .............................................................................................. 3
PERMrI"rED USES: .............................................................................................................................. 4
A. TARGETED & P~M~ ~u~ usgs .................................................................................................... 4
B. EVENTS I~COUgAGED ................................................................................................................. 4
NEW CONSTRUCTION: ................................................................................ 5
A. N[w CCX~TgUC'nO~ ...................................................................................................................
ACCESSORY STRU~: ......................................................................................... 9
A. EXISTING STRUCYrcm~ ................................................................................................................ 9
B. NEW CONSTRUCTION OF SECOHDARY STRUCTURES .......................................................................
BEMOLITION: ......................................................................................................................... 9
MOVING BUILDINGS: .................................................................................................... 10
A. IdOVIN~ A BUILDING ~ THE HISTORIC DISTRICT ...................................................................... 10
B. NEW VOU~DATtO~ WALLS ......................................................................................................... 10
C. ]V~OVlN43 A BUILDING OUT OF THE DKqTRICT ................................................................................. 10
NON-HISTORIC BUILDINGS: .............................................................. 10
ON.-Sll'z (I~~'I'S iIOR NEW CONSTRUCTION, ADDITIONS AND
RENOVATIONS): ........................................................................................................................... 10
A. CURB C'ln's ............................................................................................................................... 10
B. DglVEWAY$ .............................................................................................................................. 10
C. F~NCES AND WALLS .................................................................................................................. 11
D. F~R~ SAFgTY .................................................................................................... 12
E. HANDICAP AocEss .................................................................................................................... 11
F. LANDSCAPe3 ........................................................................................................................... 1 1
G. L~tm~ .................................................................................................................................. 12
H. lVl~t4ANqCAL SYST~4S ............................................................................................................. 13
L PAgKmO & PARKING LOTS: ...................................................................................................... 14
J. PARKS/PLAYGROUNDS ............................................................................................................. 14
K. PAVING ..................................................................................................................................... 15
L. REFUSE CONTAn~F. gS ................................................................................................................ 15
M. Sn)gWAt~S ............................................................................................................................... 15
N. SIO~S ........................................................................................................................................ 15
O. ST~S & WALKS ....................................................................................................................... 16
P. ST~r~T Wtm~s/R~trrs~)~-W AY ............................................................................................. 17
Q STREETSCAPE FURNISHINOS ....................................................................................................... 16
APPENDIX A- ARCmTKCruRAL DESIGN DETAn.q: ....................................... A-I
City of Coppell 1 Historic Distdct
Design Guidelines TABLE 01~ CONTENTS
I. lA,fir F1XrUR~ O~ COMMERCIAL BUtLDE~GS ......................................................................... A-4
J. PORCHES ................................................................................................................................. A-3
K. ROOFS ....................................................................................................................................
L. SCP.~NS ................................................................................................................................. A-5
M Sgcc~rrY DooRs & Wn~Dows ................................................................................................ A-5
N. SlID ~ ~ ~RS ...............................................................................................................................
O. SKVUeHTS ............................................................................................................................. A-
P. STAIRCASES ............................................................................................................................ h-~
Q. S~ov~q[ogrs o~ COMMgaCU~ Bmt~mes ............................................................................. A-6
R. WinDows ............................................................................................................................... A-6
APPENBIX B - RF_~A1R AND MAINTENANCE: ................................................................. B-1
A. AWNINGS ................................................................................................................................. B-I
B. BRICK AND I~,SONRY .............................................................................................................. B-1
C. C~'~¥S ............................................................................................................................... B-2
D. ENTRANCES ............................................................................................................................. B-2
E. FOLq~DAT[O~S .......................................................................................................................... B-2
F. C~H u~S A~D DOWgS~b'rS .................................................................................................... B-2
G. [~RCI-lgS & ~3CfERIOR ORNAMENTATION .................................................................................. B-2
H. ROOF, CO~CES ...................................................................................................................... B-3
I. Sn)]NO ..................................................................................................................................... B-3
$. S~,~s ....................................................................................................................................... B-4
K. WINDOWS ................................................................................................................................
L. WOOD ......................................................................................................................................
APPENDIX C - ]PROCEDURAL BEglNI'I'IONS .......................................... C-1
APPENDIX D- TECHNICAL DI;FINmONS ............................................................................. D-I
AI~ENDIX E - OLOSSARY OP' ARCm'i'I~CTURAL T~RMS ...........................................
APPf. NDIX F- BIE. LIOGRAPIIY .............................................................................................. F-I
City of Coppell 2 Historic Distdct
Design Guidelines ~rrnoouc'now
Introduction:
A. These guidelines are intended to be helpful in development and
redevelopment of the Historic District. These do not provide exact
formulas fo~ design. The desired results of the Histc~ic District are as
follows:
1. Provide special development standards compatible with the unique
character of Old Town Coppell, as defined herein.
2. Preserve and enhance the area's special historic, architectural and
aesthetic features.
3. Ensure that new construction and alterations to existing structures are
compatible with the unique character of the area.
4. Provide an area for living shopping, dining, working, recreation and
5. Promote pedestrian activity within Old Coppell to encourage an
atmosphere of a by-gone ara.
Map of District:
P~-I88-H
City of Coppell 3 Historic District
Design Guidelines ]'ER~u'~-r~D USES
Tar;leted & Permitted Uses:
A. As stated in the Old Coppell Master Plan, The proposed mechanism for
regulating land uses within the study area is mixed use zoning that will
accommodate a rich variety of uses. While this proposed land use plan
should remain flexible to adapt to changing market conditions, as the
proposed zoning will achieve, the following land uses are currently
considered optimal. A complete list of Permitted Uses is contained in Sec.
12-28A-1 of the Zoning Ordinance.
1. Artisan's Workshop
2. Bakery
3. Family Restaurant
4. Fine Dining Restaurant
5. Bookstore
6. Gift Shop
7. Coffee House
8. Antiques
9. Tneme Restaurant
10. Hobby/Craft Store
11. Florist
12. Bed-n-Breakfast
13. Hotel
14. Theater
15. Shoe Repair
16. Jewelry Shops
17. Retail on First Floor
18. Office and Residential on Second Floor and/or Rear
19. Institutional
20. Parks and Open Space
21. Residential
B. Events encouraged are:
1. Festivals/Parties
2. Concerts
3. Farmers Market Activities
4. Arts and Craft Shows
5. Children's Events (Puppet Shows, Easter Egg Hunts, etc...)
6. Book Signings...
City of Coppell 4 Histodc District
Design Guidelines Accessory Structures & Demolition
New Consb, uction (Plannin,q and Zoning. Commission and City
Council approval required):
A. New construction of primmy buildings shall maintain, not disrupt, the
existing pattern of surrounding historic buildings along the street by being
similar in the following:
1. Scale (height and w;Gi;,) - Maximum height is to be 35' or two and
one-half stories, no~ including architectural elements such es cupolas,
chimneys and steeples.
[~aptorc~x~ate cm~mericat h~fin:
lot coverage
2. Shape - The massing of new buildings should be consistent with the
general massing of the existing 'character defining' buildings, and shall
generally not exceed 5,000 square feet in size.
3. Roof form and pitch
a. The predominant roof form should be a gable. Gable ends fronting
the sb'ee{ are parliculady appropriate based on historic precedents.
b. Exceptions to the gable roof form are most appropriate for
institutional buildings that warrant distinction. Architectural features
such as cupolas and steeples are appropriate for institutional
c. Roofs can be screened by parapet fa(~edes
d. Dormers shall be traditional in design and compatible with the
character and scale of the structure.
4. Orientation to the stree{
a. Building facades should be parallel with the street.
b. All buildings should have the main entrance fronting the pdmary
adjacent street, and entrances should be well articulated through
deeign. Coiner entrances are acceplable for corner buildings.
c. Commercial bui~ngs should be built in close proximity to the
sidewalk, with the exceptions being restaurants with front outdoor
dining.
d. I~ buildings can be set back from the street to distinguish
themselves as special buildings.
e. Townhouses should front directly onto the sidewalk, although a
shallow lawn can be bddged with a front stoop.
5. Location and proportion of entrances, windows, columns, porches, and
divisional beys:
City of Coppell 5 Histodc District
Design Guidelines Accessory Structures & Demolition
a. Buildings having fagades longer than those historically found in the
district should utilize distinct vertically oriented bays to break up the
massing.
b. Massing should be broken up through the use of fagade plane
projections and recesses, pilasters, roofline variations, color and
material variations, and canopies.
c. All window and door openings should be vertically odented and
should be vertically aligned between floors.
6. W~dows:
a. Display window mullion or framing shall be of wood, copper, or
bronze metal.
b. Clear, rather than tinted glass shall be used for storefronts. If
privacy or shade is required, use interior shades or blinds.
c. V~s shall be vertically oriented..
7. Foundation/first floor height - Foundations should be raised and
constructed of brick (Bdck ver'~,cr is acceptable).
8. Porch height and deplh - Porches should encourage street activity.
9. Canopies/Awnings - VVhen adding canopies or awnings to a building,
use traditional designs, materials, and placement.
a. Shall be individually located within major bays, not continuous.
b. Shall not cover architectural features of the facade.
c. Shall be of colors to compliment the structure.
d. Shall be made to fit opening and shall be of a style appropriate
tothe building.
e. ~ adding to a building, use traditional designs, materials,
and placement.
f. Canopies shall be at least 8' above grade.
g. Canopies shall be wooden and parallel with the sidewalk.
h. Awnings shall be angled and made of fabric (canvas) or similar
materials (sunbrella). Plastic and metal are prohibited.
i. Awnings shall not be internally lit.
10. Material, Material Color and Texture
a. Commercial buildings should have a minimum of 60% glazed area
(window and door openings) for ground floor primary fagades.
b. Glass should be transparent rather than tinted or reflective.
c. Exterior fa~;ade material should be wood siding or other siding
consisting of or closely resembling painted horizontal clapboard,
horizontal shiplap, vertical tongue-in-groove or vertical board and
batten siding. Materials used for siding other than wood shall
consist of masonry, metal or vinyl. Matai and vinyl siding shall have
a baked-on, non-glossy enamel surface or other factory finish,
which requires no additional coat(s) of paint at time of installation.
d. Aluminum if clad chimneys are prohibited.
e. Paint Colors
1. Paint colors should highlight architectural details based on
historic tradition for the building's type and style.
City of Coppell 6 Histohc District
Design Guidelines Accessory Structures & Demolition
2. Keep colors compatible with the building's style and design.
3. Loud, garish, or harsh colors, and bdght hues are prohibited.
4.. Generally no more than 3 colors are applied per building
5. Brick, stone or other naturally unpainted materials shall not be
painted unless the material has been painted previously.
6. Color determination should be based on historic schemes
appropriate for the style of Ihe building. Reference materials and
Texas Historical Commission in determining appropriate paint
colors.
7. Oil based paints are recommended for exterior siding.
11. Placement on the Lol (Setbacks)
The structure shall conform to the existing setback pattern along
the same str~e, t.
Too close to roadway Too far from roadway
Too close to ex~t~ slzactam
Front Yard
1. To be measured from back of curb.
2. Generally, 15'-25' total comprising of:
a. 7' wide area of street trees, landscaping and lighting.
b. Minimum 5' concrete sidewalk with stamped concrete bands.
c. 5' to 10' wide area with plants area other amenities
(benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, etc...) if appropriate.
3. The front yard may also contain a patio if a restaurant or similar
use is proposed. A larger front yard is permitted for institutional
uses.
Fm~t yard w~tlmat
City of Coppell 7 Historic District
Design Guidelines Accessory Structures & Demolition
c. Side Yard - 0' to 8' unless:
1. Adjacent to a roadway, then it shall be treated as a front yard
(this shall follow the same architectural guidelines as the
primary fm;;ade).
2. ~t to a residential district, then it shall equal the side yard
requirements of that residential district.
3. A fire lane or ddve is included in the side yard, then a side yard
can extend to the limits of such fire lane or ddve.
d. Rear Yard - no rear yard is required unless adjacent to a residential
zoning district, then a 10' minimum landscape buffer is required in
accordance with Section 12-33-1 of the Zoning Ordinance. Rear
B. Additions
1. Additions shall be of a compatible design in keeping with the odginal
structure's character, roof shape, materials, color, and alignment of
window, door, and cornice height, etc.
2. Generally, additions should be secondary (subordinate) to the original
structure in scale, design, and placement.
3. Additions should be attached to the rear fac~ade, not on front fa~de er
visible portions of secon(tary fac.,ades.
4. Additions should nol attempt to imitate an earlier historic style or
architectural period than that of the existing structure.
5. Additions should be constructed in a manner that avoids extensive
removal or loss of historic materials, and which does not damage or
destroy character-defining features.
6. It is recommended that the exterior walls of the original structure be
kept intact and existing openings utilized for connecting an addition
with the o~ginal structure.
7. Additions should nof be created through enclosure of a front porch or
architecturally important prominent side porch.
8. Excavation adjacent to historic foundations should take care to avoid
undermining the structural stability of the historic building.
Kitchen addilion on left side of boilding
(Good example of an addition being subordinate to main slmcture)
City of Coppell 8 Historic District
Design Guidelines Accessory Structures & Demolition
Accessory Structures (Administrative approval available):
Includes garages, storage buildings and outbuildings.
A. Existing stnJctums:
1. Should be maintained in good condition.
2. If visible from street should maintain original style and scale.
B. New construction of secondary structures such as garages, storage
buildings and other outbuildings:
1. Should be smaller in scale than the primary building.
2. Should be compatible in design, shape, materials, and roof shape and
reflect the general character of the primary building (wood allowed).
3. Should be located where such a structure would have historically been
located (near the alley, not close to or attached to the primary
building).
4. Shall conform to the setback standards of Section 12-28A-3 of the
Zoning Ordinance.
Demolition (Planninf], and Zoninq Commission and City
Council approval required):
A. Demolition of any original feature er part of a historic building should be
avoided.
B. Demolition of a building which contributes to the historic or architectural
integrity of the Historic District should not occur, unless:
1. Public safely and welfare requires lhe removal of a building or
structure due to severe structural instability, deterioration er other
factors as determined by the building code inspector and concurring
reports acceptable to the Planning and Zoning Commission from an
engineer, architect, er olher person experl in historic preservation.
2. The buit(fmg has lost its original architectural integrity and no longer
contributes to the district.
3. No other reasonable alternative is feasible, including relocation.
C. Demolition of pre-1945 secondary (accessory) buildings (garages, storage
sheds, etc.) may be appropriate if substantially deteriorated (requiring well
over 50% replacement of exterior siding, roof rafters, surface material, and
structural members).
City of Coppell 9 Historic District
Design Guidelines ON-SITE REQUIReMeNTS Ii'OR N~W CONSTRU~'FION
Movinfl. Buildin.qs (Plannin,q and ZoninR Commission and City
Council approval required):
A. It may be appropriate to move a building into the historic district if that
building is compatible with the district architectural character through style,
use, period, height, scale, materials, setting, and placement on the lot.
B. New found~ion wails should be compatible with the architectural style of
the building.
C. Moving exLslJng buildings out of the district that contribute to the historic
and architectural character should be avoided unless demolition is the
only alternative.
Non-Historic Buildin,qs:
Although a building may not be historic at this time, some day it will be (it is
generally accepted that a building is considered "historiC" when it reaches r~y
years of a~e). Each building period has its own details and characteristics,
which conlribute towards its uniqueness. Non-historic buildings should be
maintained as close to their original design as possible.
On-Site (Requirements for New ConstnJc~on, Additions and
Renovations):
A. Curb Cuts
1. Curb cuts should generally be avoided unless necessary to access
new pmking for commercial and in~k~ional structures.
2. Curb cuts should be constructed to match the curb cuts of the district in
size, color, materials, and configuration.
3. Curb cuts should conform to the City of Coppell standards for
allowable locations.
B. Driveways
1. Generally, no more than one ddveway should exist per building.
2. Maximum driveway widths should not exceed 24'.
3. Shared driveways are encouraged.
4. The original design, materials and placement of driveways should be
preserved.
5. Drivew'~s shall be located to Ihe side with garages sited in the rear
yards unless original garage was located to the side.
6. Concrete, patterned concrete, bdck or asphalt are permitted for
driveways outside of the public right-of-way, patterned concrete within
the public right-of-way.
7. Driveways should have their parking pads located in the rear yard
nearer the alley than Ihe structure and screened with hedges, shrubs,
or fences where visible from the street.
8. Front yards should nof be paved, covered with gravel, or used es a
City of Coppell 10 Historic District
Design Guidelines ON-SI'YE RE(}UII~M~NTS FOR N~W C'~NSTRUCTION
C. Fences and Wells
1. Wooden picket fences in the front yard may be constructed to a height
of three-and-a-half feat; have pickets no wider than four inches and set
no further apart lhan threa inches; and of a design compatible and
appropriate design with the house.
2. Wood board fences for pdvacy shell only be located in rear yards;
generally no taller than six feat; set beck from the front fa~;ade (wall
plane) of the structt~'e at least half-way back from the front to the back
walls, and should be stained or painted to blend with the structure; and
of a design compatible with the structure.
3. Walls of freastanding brick are not permitted in front yards but are
4. Fences of railroad lies or limbers, whether freastanding or as a
retaining wall, are not permitted.
W~hin nonresidential zones of the historic district, alternative fencing and
fence materials, aside from vinyl, may be acceptable providing these types
of fences are nof easily visible from the streat. This shall be determined
on a case by case basis.
D. Fire Safety
1. Fire Lanes
a. Required if any portion of a building is in excess of 150' from
dedicated fire lane or street.
2. Coverage Requirements
a. Fire hydrants required to be spaced every 300 linear feet along the
right-of-way (street and/or fire lane).
b. Automatic fire sprinkler system is required if building size excccds
5,000 square feet. ~ of wooden (combustible) canopies are
included within the building size.
c. Fire Department connection shall be located at a minimum distance
of 1.5 x height of building, unless ~ deemed accept~hle by
the Fire Marshal.
3. Fire escapes are not permitted unless required by the Fire Marshal,
and no other means of fire escape is reasonably feasible. Fire escapes
are required to be located where not readily visible from the streat.
E. Handicap Access
1. Ramps should be located on secondary or rear fa~:ades.
~. Ramps are encouraged to be of stained or painted wood construction.
· Ramps should be screened with landscaping or Iow shrubbery to
soften their appearance.
4. Shall comply with the Texas Accessibility Standards.
F. Landscaping
1. ~ areas shall be provided according to Article 34 of the
Zoning Ordinance. Considerations for additional
streatscaping/hardscaping in lieu of required nonvehicular and/or
perimeter landscaping within Article 34 can be considered at time of
City of Coppell 11 Histodc Dislfict
Design Guidelines ON-SrrZ REOu~MENTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION
the site plan approval process. All of the intedor landscaping (12-34-
8(B)) requirements shall be met.
2. Landscaping should not overwhelm a dwelling or conceal or obscure
its primary fa(;ade. It is important to maintain large trees which line
streets of the Historic District through regular pruning. Missing trees
should be replaced when possible in similar patterns to the original.
Trees should be planted in similar patterns to the adjacent property if
applicable.
3. Landscaping must conform to the requirements of the City of Coppell
governing tree preservation, tree removal, and site clearing.
4. Landscaping should be considered an important part of any site
planling slfip of lrees at the slreet edge, use of landscaping to buffer
parking, and landscaping to accent the scale, proportion, and massing
of a building is encouraged.
5. Features that are original such as side~valks, planned green space,
rataining walls, curbs, sfef)ping blocks, etc. should be preserved.
6. Plant beds of railroad ties, cut wood, concrete, or any other structural
matedal should be avoided unless appropriate to the architectural style
7. Trees shall be planted with similar species and patters to the adjacent
property, if applicable.
8. Landscaping shall be used to buffer parking areas from public view.
Nole: Maintain, do no~ remove, historic or early landscaping, especially
trees. Prune and regularly maintain mature shade trees. Keep new
landscaping patterns to those traditional to the neighborhood and avoid
concealing architectural features of the historic building.
Lighting shall provide adequate level of safely while illuminating buildings,
signage, parking areas and walkways.
1. Lighting fixtures original to the building should be preserved.
2. Fixtures to be added should be from the period of the ~bucture, or if
new, simple in design, based on trad~ designs of the early
twentieth cenlury, and mounted on porch ceilings or on the extedor
wall adjacent to the primary entrance.
3. Secudty lighting, such as floodlights, should be mounted on secondary
and rear fagades.
4. Small walkway lights rather lhan freestanding post-mounted lights are
more appropriate for pdvate sidewalks and driveways.
5. Fixtures to be avoided are carriage lamps or any fixtures evocative of a
period earlier than the buil~ng. Refer to historical photographs and
research for light fixtures appropriate to the period of the building.
6. Street lighting in a residential district should provide effective security
for the neighborhood without compromising the trees lining the ~i~ets.
7. Parking Iol lighting shall be appropriate to the district and shall not
exceed 20 feat in height.
City of Coppell 12 Histodc District
Design Guidelines ON-.~I'I'E I~IJ[E~MENTS FOR hEW ~ONSTEUCTION
8. Signs shall be lit top-down style with the lighting well aimed having
very little or no spill over.
9. Street Lights shall be representative of the Victorian lighting styles
often found in historic downtowns. The street light shown below has
been approved within the Old Coppell historic district and is
appropriate for the area.
Typical St~"t Ligh~
H. Mechanical Systems
1. Mechanical equipment shall be constructed, located and screened so
as not to interfere with the peace, comfort and repose of the
occupant(s) of any adjacent building or residence.
2. Window air-conditioners should be located in windows on the rear or
side facades and should not result in the removal or replacement of the
original window sash or surround,
3. Electrical and gas meters and other mechanical equipment shall be
located on the rear ~e and screened from view.
4. Refer to Article 33 of the Zoning Ordinance for additional scrccning
regulations.
from the Sccrc~ of the Interior's S~andards for re~'flitafion)
City of Coppell 13 Histodc District
Design Guidelines oN-s[r~ RE~UIREMENT~ I~OR N~W CONSTRUK.-I'ION
I. Parking & Parking Lots:
Parking shall be in accordance with the off-street parking regulations of Article
31 of the Zoning Ordinance. Special considerations and requirements
specifically for the Historic District are as follows:
1. No parking area shall be allowed within five feet of the rear property line,
when abutting a nonresidential district.
2. Parking is not permitted to be located in the front yard.
3. No properly shall be converted to exclusive parking usage without being
approved through ~he Special Use Permit Process.
4. Asphalt shall be permitted for parking areas within the Historic District.
5. Parking lots shall be screened through plantings of hedges, shrubs, trees,
or fences at edges and in medians within the parking area. The screening
and ~ of parking areas shall be in accordance with Articles 33
and 12-34-8b, respectively.
6. Parking lots between buildings shall align edge screening with front
7. Parking lots on comer lots shall have edge screening on both the front and
side street.
8. On street, valet and/or shared parking (Section 12-31-8) may be counted
towards the parking requirements.
Iaal~ol~fiale alleralion of a site for imfldng (Taken from the
Secreta~ of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation)
Parks / Playgrounds
1. In an existing park (Grapevine Spdngs Park), odginal pre-1945
elements, site features (such as benches, walls, etc.) and park layout
should be preserved, if possible.
2. New park space should conform to its location. If in a residential area,
a Iow-impact park with playground equipment and benches is
appropriate. Landscaping should conform to the surrounding area with
as many original shade trees as possible.
City of Coppell 14 Histodc District
Design Guidelines oN-srr~ I~_~U]]~I~h'I'S FOR h'~W CONS1'I~Ue'rION
The Parks & Recreation Department shall review proposed playground
equipment.
K. Paving
1. All on-site pavement shall comply with city design criteda and
standards for perking lots. (For City Design Criteda and Standards see
Appendix C, Section I, paragraph E (1)(j), of Ordinance No. 94643,
Subdivision Regulations, as amended.)
L. Refuse Containers
1. For institutional and commercial structures, refuse containers
(dumpsters) should be located in the rear and screened from street
view with screening/fencing and/or shrubbery.
2. For residential areas in the historic disfrict, it is not permitted for a
single family home to have a permanent refuse container. If (as in the
case of a multi-family residential building), a refuse container is
necessary, it should be to the rear of the structure, or movable to the
location of garbage pickup.
3. In no case should bagged, boxed or any other garbage other than in
permanent garbage collectors be placed on the street before regular
pickup days longer than 24 hours. Refer to Article 3-5 of the Coppell
4. If proposing a trash receptacle, then it shall be designed as outlined in
Subsection R - Streetscape Furnishings.
M. Sidewalks
1. Refer to Section VIII of Appendix C of the City of Coppell Subdivision
Regulations for sidewalk requirements. A wider sidewalk may be
nccded if abutting on-street parking or an existing wider sidewalk
system.
2. Concrete texturing is encouraged within the Historic District.
N. Signs
Article 29 is not applicable to the Historic District. All elements (board,
bracket, posts, mounting devises, etc... ) of the sign must be approved by
the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council.
1. Signage should not obscure the building's fa(;~acle or hide the building's
character. Signage should reflect or compliment the architectural
features of the structure.
2. The placement of new signage in the same location as early 20~
century signage on a particular structure is encouraged. This may be
determined Eom histodc photographs.
3. Some examples of compatible signs are:
a. Signs peinted directly on window glass.
b. Signs placed in the odginal sign board area.
c. Individual letter signs incorporated in the primary fac,,ade.
d. Temporary and appropriate freestanding signs in yards.
e. Projecting signs or hanging signs as approved through the site plan
approval process
City of Coppell 15 Historic District
Design Guidelines ON-Srl'[ I~J~IJ]EEMEh'T~ FOR h'~W CONSTRIJCTION
Appropriate Inappropriate
3. ~?',~_ ~ 8. Wiacbw s-J~ mo ]azl~
4. Signal, ~i~ ~s su~lly int~rat~ into the building's design,
~ ~ ~r~ a hist~c ~ia~ and ~y ~ retai~ as a historic
e~t.
5. Col~s and materials.
a. Co~ ~ld ~pli~nt ~o~ u~ on t~ stm~ure.
b. Fl~nt ~l~s a~ r~e~ive ~ints ~ materials am sp~ifi~lly
exalt.
c. Gold and ~tal le~ is ap~op~ate for le~e~ng and design ele~nts
~ ~t ~ a ~~ ~ mawr suff~.
6. S~ ~ld ~ ~es~an in s~le.
7. Signs may not u~ ~tion or flashing lights.
8. ~e sh~ of signs, design elements and s~le ~ leffedng should ~
~i~ to t~ s~um.
9. S~ ~ ~ Iff t~ s~ with t~ li~ti~ ~11 ai~ with liffie or
no s~ll over.
Steps & Walks
Steps and ~lks ~ginal to a pr~ should ~ r~in~ a~ maintainS.
Strut ~ight~-Way
~t ~ ~ ~y ~11 ~ in ~ ~ t~ Su~ivisi~
~ ~e~ ~ive ~s am ~ appr~Hate by t~ Ci~
Engi~r.
Str~t~ Fumi~ings
1. Shall ~ I~t~ in a~an~ with the Old C~II Ma~ Plan.
2. Ben,es - Shall ~ ~nstm~ ~ ~ a~ simple in design and
~ible ~h the ~it~um.
City of Coppell 16 Historic District
Design Guidelines ON-~i1'[ R1E~[IEI[E~NTS FOR N~W CONs'r~I)~-rlON
Typical Wooden Bench
3. Trash Receptacles - The receptacle should be a dark color (black or
dark green). It is recommended that the same color be used for the
trash receptacles and the street lights in order to achieve some level of
uniformity.
Typical Trash Receptacle
4. Street Lights- Shall be representative of the Victorian lighting styles
often found in historic downtowns. The street light shown below has
been approved within the Old Coppell Histodc District and is
appropriate for the area.
City of Coppell 17 Histodc District
Design Guidelines Aee~r~c~s
Appendices:
A- Architectural Design Details
B - Repair and Maintenance
C - Procedural Definitions
D - Technical Definitions
E - Glossary of Architectural Terms
City of Coppell Historic District
Design Guidelines
Appendix A - Architectural Desi,qn Details:
A. Architectural Details and Features (Eaves, brackets, dentils, cornices,
molding, trimwork, shingles, columns, pilasters, balustrades, or any
decorative or character-defining features)
1. In new construction, all details and features shall be traditional in
design.
2. It is preferable to repair rather than replace an original architectural
detail or feature.
3. Substituting original materials in making repairs or in replacing missing
features should be avoided.
4. Saving deteriorated parts that must be replaced may later assist in
matching reconstructed features. Items ,such as wood siding, soffits,
fascias, brackets, ornamental shingles, wooden sash windows and
doors can often be restored or duplicated.
5. It is not appropriate to add details unless original and authentic to the
structure and accurately based oo physical, pictorial, or historical
evidence (not conjecture) in materials, scale, location, proportions,
form and detailing.
6. Original details should not be removed or changed.
B. Awnings/Canopies
1. Canopies shall be at least 8' above grade.
2. Canopies shall be wooden and parallel with the sidewalk.
3. Shall be individually located within major bays, not continuous.
4. Shall not cover architectural features.
~,w]3~ sbou~ ~ei~'~zce ope~, ~ot co,er fe~u~e~
5. Shall be of colors to compliment the structure.
6. When adding to a building, use traditional designs, materials and
placement.
7. Shall be made to fit opening and shall be of a style appropriate to the
building.
City of Coppell A-1 Historic Oistdct
Design Guidelines
8. Fabric awnings (canvas or sunbrella type) are most appropriate in the
Historic District.
Note: Awnings have traditionally been used more for function (shade) than
for decoration, in terms of decoration, awnings have fellah in end out of
favor over the years. If too many awnings are used on a structure or if
awnings are used on too many dwellings in an area, the result can be
visual clutter. For commercial buildings, historic storefronts often have
awnings and a row of commercial buildings with storeh'oot awnings is
appropriate.
C. Chimneys
1.
2.
Awning reed to nxluce heat gain Craken from the Secretmy
of the Ia~:~ior's Standards for Rehabilitation)
In new construction, chimneys shall be traditional in design.
Chimneys that are prominent features of the structure should not be
removed or changed, if original. Non-functional chimneys should be
maintained and not removed above the roofline. It may be appropriate
to remove nonfunctional secondary chimneys.
3. Chimneys should be repointed and cleaned according to brick and
masonry guidelines (outlined in Appendix B) to match original
materials, colors, shape, brick pattern and tooling.
4. If reconstruction of a chimney is necessary due to structural instability
or deterioration, it should be rebuilt in the original cont-~}uration.
5. Aluminum or clad chimneys are prohibited.
City of Coppell A-2 Histodc Distric~
Design Guidelines ~_~m]'~cTu~ D~SIGN DETAll.g
D. Decks
1. Decks should be located on the rear and he screened from street view
with fencing and/or plants and shrubs where visible.
2. Decks should be stained or painted to match or blend with the house if
visible from street view.
3. The style of the deck and its balusters and railing should match the
style of the house.
4. Decks should be kept to a minimum and subordinate to house and
yard in size and scale.
Inappropriate decks shall be made compatible with the building or must be
removed prior to the approval of any new decks.
E. Doors
1. Doors located on the primary fa~Kle should be traditional in design
(stamped metal doors are not appropriate).
2. Original doors and/or their entranceway surrounds, sidelights,
transoms, and detailing shall not be removed or changed.
3. Replacement of missing odginal doors should be like or very similar to
the original in style, materials, glazing (glass area) and lights (pane
configuration)
4. E,,dra doors shoutd not be added to the primary fagacle or to secondary
fa;Fades where readily visible from the street.
5. Doors, if added where inconspicuous on secondary or rear fagades,
should be similar to the original doors, net of a style or period earlier
6. Scrc, cn doors should be preserved and maintained if original, and
constructed with wood frame if new.
7. Storm doors should be full-view and baked-on enamel or anodized
aluminum in compatible colors. Silver aluminum storm doors on the
primary facade are discouraged.
8. Security doors should be simple, without excessively ornate or
decorative grillwork.
F. Fences and Walls
1. Iron, wood, stone, or brick fences or walls that are original to the
structure should be preserved, or if missing, may be reconstructed
based on physical or pictorial evidence.
2. For new construction, refer to On Site Requirements for New
Construction- Subsection C.
G. Foundations
1. Foundations should be preserved in the original design and with
original materials and detailing.
2. Foundation alterations, if required, shall not be made at the primary
fac,,ade or readily visible side fa(Fades.
3. Foundations should be raised and constructed of brick (no concrete,
plywood, corrugated metal, or shingles).
City of Coppell A-3 Historic District
Design Guidelines ~u~m-~'~.~ DESIGN DETAILS
4. Foundations should be cleaned, repaired, or repainted according to the
brick and masonry guidelines outlined in Appendix B - Repair and
Maintenance.
H. Gutters
1. New gutters shall be half-rounded and traditional in design.
2. Boxed or built-in type gutters should be repaired rather than replaced if
possible.
3. Downspouts should be located away from significant architectural
features on the front of the house.
4. Gutters should provide proper drainage through use of downspouts
and flashing if nccded to avoid water damage to the building.
I. Light Fixtures on Commercial Buildings
1. Preserve, maintain, or repair exterior historic light fixtures. If histodc
light fixtures do not exist or require replacement use concealed light
fixtures, fixtures of simple design, or fixtures appropriate to the period
of the building.
2. For new construction, refer to On Site Requirements for New
Construction- Subsection G.
Porches
1. Porches on front and side fac~,ades should be maintained in their
original configuration and with original materials and detailing.
2. 'rhe porch in its original design was intended as a focal point for the
entrance to the house and should not be removed if original. Enclosure
of a porch changes the overall character of a house and should be
avoided.
3. Enclosure or removal of a porch can make a building fa(;acle seem fiat.
Without a porch there is no transition from sidewalk to house. If a
porch must be enclosed, the manner of the enclosure should not
destroy the original openr,--,=ss, focus and transition from outside to
inside. The use of materials and details compatible with the odginal
character of the house is important in any necessary porch enclosure.
4. Porch details should be retained intact with repair work and
replacement of missing paris, such as columns, posts, railings,
balusters, decorative molding and tdmwork, to match the original in
design, materials, scale, and placement.
5. Porch columns and rails should not be replaced by decorative wrought
iron.
l~ Roofs
1. The original shape and pitch of the roof with odginal features (such as
cresting, chimneys, finials, dormers, etc.) should be preserved and if
previou~ altered, replaced with original form and detailing.
2. The use of fiberglass shingles is appropriate if the use of original
material is not economically feasible. Dark colors are best for historic
buildings.
City of Coppell A-4 Histodc District
Design Guidelines A~m'r[C~ DF.~IGN D]~TAII~
3. Unless odginal to the house, dormers should not be placed in front
rooflines. The addition of dormers to secondary and rear fa(;ades is
appropriate if in keeping with the character and scale of the house.
4. Skylights, decks, or balconies should not be added to a roof where
visible from the street.
5. For new constrtmfion, refer to New Construction - Subsection A3.
L. Screens
1. Scrc, cning of front porches is not appropriate.
2. Side and rear porches may be screened, although discouraged, if the
structural framework for the screen panels is minimal and the open
appearance of the porch is maintained.
3. Screen doors should be preserved and maintained if original.
4. Scrccn doors if new, should be wood and full-view or with structural
members aligned with those of the original door.
5. Window screens should be wood or baked-on or anodized aluminum
and fit within the window frames, not overlap the frames.
M. Security Doors & Windows
1. Security doors located on primary fac,,ades should be simple and
without excessively ornate or decorative grillwork.
2. '[he use of secu~ty bars on primary fa0ade windows is discouraged,
but if necessary, consider internal bars.
N. Shutters
Shutters shall be of Iouvered wood construction, and shall fit the window
opening (so that if closed, they would cover the window opening).
Appropriate (Shutters fit window)
l~r,~lOpul~ial~ (S~atas do ~o{ fit)
O. Skylights
Skylights should not located where visible from the street.
City of Coppell A-5 Historic Distdct
Design Guidelines ~J~(;mr[~ DF. SIGN DETA]].,S
P. Staircases
Staircases should be enclosed and not open to the street.
Q. Storefronts on Commercial Buildings
1. Commemial buildings shell heve a minimum of 60% glazed area
(window and door openings) for ground floor primary facades.
2. Storefronts should be traditional in design. For new construction, refer
to the section entitled - New Construction.
3. Mutli-paned storefmnts are encouraged.
4. Preserve (maintain or restore, not remove or alter) existing odginal
storefronts.
5. Storefront features that are deteriorated should be repaired rather than
replaced.
6. If replacement of the original storefront is necessary due to significant
deterioration, replace with features to match the odginal in design and
materials.
7. Slorefronts that were remodeled after the 1940's should be rebuilt
based on pictorial or physical evidence of the original design. If the
original storefront design and features cannot be determined, install a
traditional storefront arrangement with features, materials, and
~ typical of similar buildings of the same style or pealed.
8. Original storefront doors should be preserved and maintained.
Traditional entrance arrangements such as recessed or flush with the
sidewalk should be maintained.
9. If the original door design is unknown, replace with a single light (glass
area) door design, not solid paneled door, decorative doors, or any
kind of door based on a different historical period or style.
10. Preserve, maintain, or repair odginal display windows. If a storefront is
missing display windows, new windows should match the original in
kx:afion, design, size, and materials.
11. Display window mullion or framing should be of wood, copper, or
bronze matal.
12. Clear, rather than tinted glass should be used for storefronts. If pdvacy
or shade is required, use intedor shades or blinds.
13. Preserve, maintain, or repair bulkheads (Idckplates) where they exist.
Original bulkhead panels should not be removed.
14. Paint color on commercial buildings should conform to original color
and general slreetscapa. Unpainted brick should not be painted.
R. Windows
1. Display window mullion or framing shall be of wood, copper, or bronze
metal.
2. Clear, rather than tinted glass shall be used for storefronts. If privacy
or shade is required, use intedor shades or blinds.
3. In new construction, windows and window treatments shall be
traditional in design.
4. Windowpanes shall be oriented vertically.
City of Coppall A-6 Historic District
Design Guidelines A~cm'VZCTUgA~ D~IGN DI~TAIL~
5. All window openings shall be vertically oriented and should be
vertically aligned between floors. Vertically oriented windows may be
ganged (grouped side-by-side) in a manner that has a collective
horizontal orientation.
6. Windows should be preserved in their original location, size, and
design and with their original materials and numbers of panes.
7. Window sashes should be preserved, maintained, or repaired including
size, number and an'angement of lights, materials, and decorative
de~ailing. Windows should no~ be concealed, enclosed or covered.
8. Non-original windows should not be added to primary fa~des or to
secondary fac~ades where readily visible.
9. Windows should be repaired rather than replaced, but if replacement is
necessary due to severe deterioration, the replacement should, as
close as possible, match the original in material and design.
Inavv,~v, iate Window change ~aken from the Secretmy
of the Interior's Stamdards for Rehabilitation)
10. The use of jalousie windows, awning windows or picture windows on
houses within the historic distdct is inappropriate. Glass block should
only be used on buildings where it may have originally existed.
11.Storm windows should be wood or aluminum with baked-on or
anodized finish and fit in the window frames, not overlap the frames.
12. Security bars that are visible from the street are discouraged.
City of Coppell A-7 Historic District
Design Guidelines
Appendix B - Repair and Maintenance:
A. Awnings
1. Should be washed periodically and kept in good repair.
2. Hardware should be regularly checked for rust or loose mechanisms.
3. Torn or deteriorated awnings should be replaced.
B. Brick and Masonry
1. Materials odginal to the building should be preserved.
2. Brick and masonry should not be sandblasted or subjected to any kind
of abrasive cleaning. Do not clean with high-pressure water, which
exceeds 450 pounds per square inch. These processes damage brick
surfaces and erode mortar joints.
Brick d~mag~d by sandblasting (Taken from ta~ Secr~tmy
of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation)
3. Brick and Masonry should be cleaned with detergent cleansers or
chemical agents.
4. To avoid nc,~,dlessly introducing moisture or chemicals into the
building, brick and masonry should be cleaned only when necessary to
remove heavy soiling and to stop deterioration.
5. Paint removal should not be done if the paint is firmly adhered to, and
therefore protecting the masonry surface.
6. Water-repellent coatings should not he added u~less masonry repairs
have failed to stop water penetration problems.
7. As a general rule, brick and masonry should not be painted unless in
the case of brick, the brick is extremely mismatched from earlier
altorations or cannot withstand weather. (Stone shell not be painted.)
8. Keep exterior brick clean of mildew, efflorescence and dirt. Also keep
extedor brick clean of vines, ivy, and other plant material.
9. Repointing of historic mortar should be with a mortar, which matches
the original in appearance and composition. The use of Portland
cement is generally not appropriate due to the hardness of the mortar
versus the softness of the bdck. Most mortar prior to 1900 was
composed of lime and sand. Mortar with similar content should be
appr~ed on buildings of that era.
10. Repointing should be done with original compounds, if it can be
determined, or with a historic compound such as one part lime and two
City of coppell B-1 Histodc Distdct
Design Guidelines ~y~J~ AND NIAINI~NAN~r~
parts sand. Original type mortar compounds allow for expansion and
contraction while hard mortar or cement prevents the expansion and
contraction process.
11. Repointing should match original width, depth, color, raking profile,
composition and texture.
12. Most silicone based or waterproof coatings have limited effectiveness
and may actually add to moisture problems by not allowing the brick to
13. Brick and masonry should not be stuccoed.
14. Mortar should be removed by hand tools, not electric power saws, for
repairs. Electric tools can damage older brick.
15. Features that are missing may be replaced where extensive
deterioration requires, if it is accurately duplicated.
16. Repair existing stucco and stucco texture. It is inappropriate to remove
stucco from any originally stuccoed surface or to add stucco as a ma]or
dominen~ exterior wall material.
Chimneys
1. Chimneys should be regularly checked for cracking, leaning, spallJng,
and infestation by birds and insects. The use of chimney caps over
chimneys or flue openings is recommended to keep out moisture.
Entrances
1. Doors, transoms, and sidelights should be kept clean and the glass
2. Original locks ~ hardware should be kept oiled and in good repair. If
original hardware is missing or is deteriorated, the use of reproduction
locks and hardware suitable for the building is recommended.
3. Doors ~ stained wood f~'~ish should be kept varnished and paint
over the wood f'~'~ish is not recommended.
Foundations
1. All water should drain away from a building and should not enter the
foundation.
2. Trees, shrubs and olher plants should be kept well away from the
foundation to prevent damage from moisture and root movement.
Gutters and Downspouts
1.
Keep gutters and downspouts in good repair. Make sure they are
properly connected, are clean of leaves and other debris, and channel
water away from the building. Seal all cracks in downspouts with
silicone caulk or sealants.
The use of splash blocks to keep water away from the foundation is
recommended.
Gutters and downspouts that are deteriorated should be replaced with
new gutters and downspouts. Half-round gutters and round
downspouts ere preferable to corrugated designs.
G. Porches & Exterior Ornamentation
1. Use pressure treated wood for exterior repairs and replacement.
City of Coppell B-2 Historic Distdct
Design Guidelines ]~,P,MR AND MAINT~NANC~
2. Keep all porch and trim elements painted.
H. Roof, Cornices
1. Check the roof regularly for leaks, deterioration of flashing, and worn
roof surfaces such as rolled asphalt shingles. An inspection of the
upper floor or attic space dudng or following a rainstorm can also
assist in detection of water related problems.
2. Know what metals are used in cornice or roof's flashing and use only
similar metals dudng replacement or repair. Different metals should not
tooch ~ other or a galvanic reaction may occur leading to corrosion.
3. Metal roofs and cornices should be kept painted to prevent rust and
deterioration. Appropriate paints include those with an iron oxide oil
base. Asphalt based paints and aluminum paints should not be use on
historic metals as they could accelerate the rusting process.
I. Siding
1. Siding original to the building should be repaired and maintained.
Replacement is permitted only when necessary due to deterioration.
of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation)
2. V~3ere extedor siding has to be replaced, the use of pressure treated
wood is recommended to prevent deterioration. Replacement siding
should match the profile of the existing siding.
3. When original flashing materials are replaced, the new siding should
match the original as closely as possible, espedally with respect to
board size. Original comer boards should be duplicated to their full
4. Repairs for wood si(~ng such as cracks can be mede through the use
of waterproof glue or plastic wood. Large cracks may be filled with
caulk followed by putty or plastic wood. The surface should then be
sanded, allowed to dry, and painted.
City of Coppell B-3 Histodc Distdct
Design Guidelines
5. Oil based paints are recommended for extedor siding.
6. Prevent water from making contact with exterior wood siding. Keep all
gutters and downspouts in good repair to keep water from infiltrating
the wood-surface.
7. Siding of artificial or substitute materials such as steel, vinyl or
aluminum is discouraged unless the board width, comer boards,
cornice and window trim are of the same proportion as the original. If
artificial sitting is used, retention of original wood window trim, rafter
tails, and ornamental wood detailing is encouraged.
8. Application of such uncharacteristic matedal as steel siding, aluminum
siding, vinyl siding, imitation stucco, and metal frame windows
obscures the original character of the building and of the
neighbon'xx~. This should be avoided.
Note: The application of synthetic wall material such as aluminum and
vinyl siding has long bccn discouraged by preservationists due to the fact
that the placement of these materials may seal the wall and cause the
wood to rot. In many cases, existing rotted wood is not removed and the
structural integrity of the house is at dsk due to unseen progressive decay.
of the Interior's St~l.m~ls for l~e. hahilita~ea)
Signs
1. Abandoned signs and sign hardware should be removed from a
building, unless historic.
2. Signs should be kept painted and mounting bolts should bo checked
periodically to make sure they are secure.
3. Light fixtures, conduits, and wiring for signs should be inspected and
replaced when necessary.
City of Coppell B-4 Historic Distdct
Design Guidelines R~eAm AND MA1NTENANC~
K. Windows 1. Windows should be kept clean and free of dirt and grime. Wood sash
surfaces should be painted regularly.
2. Windows should be kept caulked and sealed to aid in energy
conservation.
3. Shutters should be kept painted and in good repair.
4. Old or deteriorated curtains or shades behind house windows should
be removed or replaced.
1. Wood and wood details original to a building should be repaired rather
than replaced.
2. Exposed structural elements such as beams and rafter rails should be
retained and maintained.
3. Replacement of wood features and details should match the odginal in
dimension, size and profile.
4. Wood should always be treated and kept in good order (including
paint, stain, nailing, etc.).
Wood feattu, es on porch ~ anti lm~served dating rehabilitation
(Taken fi'om the Secretary of th~ Int~ior's Standards for Rehabilitation)
City of Coppell B-5 Historic District
Design Guidelines PRO(~DI.II~L[, ])[IiINI'IIONS
Appendix C - Procedural Definitions
Certified Local Govemment: Any city, county, padsh, township, municipality, or
other general purpose sub division enacted by the National Preservation Act
Amendments of 1980 to further delegate responsibilities and funding to the local
level.
Due Process: The established procedure by which legal action is carried out.
Non. ally Required: Actions, summarized in the guidelines, whose compliance
is enforced by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council.
Planning and Zoning Commission: A recommending body to the City Council
on planning issues including zoning, platting, site plan review, Zoning Ordinance
Amendments, and related planning matters.
City Council: The legislative and governing body of the city consisting of a
mayor and seven councilmembers. The mayor and councilmembers are the
ultimate authority of Old Coppell in granting approval of new construction,
renovation, demolition, and moving buildings.
Public Notice: The advertisement of an event, such as a Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting, that is published in the local newspaper and posted in the
city government building in order to notify the general public of the upcoming
event.
Recommended: Suggested, but not mandatory actions summarized in these
guidelines.
City of Coppell C-1 Histodc District
Design Guidelines
ADDendix D - Technical Definitions
Adaptive Use: Rehabilitation of a historic structure for use other than its original
use such as a residence converted into offices.
Addition: New construction added to an existing building or structure.
Alteration: Work which impacts any exterior architectural feature including
construction, reconstruction, repair, or removal of any building element.
Appropriate: Especially suitable or compatible.
Building: A structure used to house human activity such as a dwelling, office, or
garage.
Character:. The qualities and attributes of any structure, site, street or district.
Commission: The Planning and Zoning Commission.
Configuration: The arrangement of element and details on a building or
structure which help to define its character.
Contemporary: Reflecting characteristics of the current period. Contemporary
denotes characteristics which illustrate that a building, structure, or detail was
constructed in the present or recent past rather then being imitative or reflective
of a historic design.
Compatible: In harmony with location and surroundings.
Context: The existing in which a historic element, site, structure, street or distdct
exists.
Demolition: Any act which destroys in whole or in part a building or structure.
Demolition by Neglect: The destruction of a building or structure through
abandonment or lack of maintenance.
Design: The creation and organization of formal elements in a work of art.
Design Guidelines: Criteda developed to identify design concerns in an area
and to help property owners ensure that rehabilitation and new construction
respect the character of designated buildings and structures.
Element: A material part or detail of a site, structure, street or district.
Bevation: Any one of the external faces or faGades of a building.
Fabric: The physical material of a building, structure, or community, connoting
an interweaving of component parts.
Harmony: Pleasing or congruent arrangements.
CityofCoppell D-1 HistodcDistdct
Design Guidelines T~CHNICAL D~FINITIONS
Height: The distance from the bottom to the top of a building or structure.
Historic District: A geographically definable area with a significant concentration
of buildings, structures, sites, spaces, or objects unified by past events, physical
development, desist, setting, materials, workmanship, sense of cohesiveness or
related historical aesthetic associations. The significance of a district may be
recognized through listing in a local, state, or national landmarks register and
may be protected legally through enactment of a local histodc district ordinance
administered by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Historic Imitation: New construction or rehabilitation where elements or
components mimic an architectural style but are not of the same historic period
as the existing building (historic replica).
Infill: New construction in historic districts on vacant lots or to replace existing
buildings.
Integrity: of sound being.
Landmark: A building, structure, object or site which is identified as an historic
resource of particular significance.
Maintain: To keep in an existing state of preservation or repair.
Material Change: A change that will affect either the extedor architectural or
environmental features of an historic properbj or any structure, site or work of art
within ar~ historic district.
New Construction: Construction which is characterized by the introduction of
new elements, sites, buildings, or structures or additions to existing buildings and
Obscured: Covered, concealed, or hidden from view.
Period: A specified division of time.
Preservation: Generally, saving from destruction or deterioration old and historic
Buildings, sites, strdctures, and objects and providing for their continued use by
means of restoration, rehabilitation, or adaptive use.
Primary: Main or principal part
Proportion: Harmonious relation of parts to one another or to the whole.
Reconstruction: The act or process of reproducing by new construction the
exact form and detail of a vanished building, structure, or object, or a part
thereof, as it appeared at a specific period of time.
Rehabilitation: The act or process of returning a property or building to usable
condition through repair, alteration, and/or preservation of its features which are
significant to its historical, architectural, and cultural values.
City of Coppell D-2 Historic District
Design Guidelines l~ctth~c~ DEFIN~'rlONS
Restoration: The act or process of accurately taking a building's appearance
back to a specific pedod of time by removing later work and by replacing missing
eadier features to match the original.
Retain: To keep secure and intact. In the guidelines, "retain" and "maintain"
describe the act of keeping an element, detail, or structure and continuing the
same level of repair to aid in the preservation of elements, sites and structures.
Ik,-use: To use again. An element, detail, or structure might be reused in the
historic district.
Rhythm: Movement or fluctuations marked by the regular occurrence or natural
flow of related elements.
Scale: Proportional elements that demonstrate the size, materials, and style of
building.
Secondary: Subordinate, not primary.
Setting: The sum of attributes of a locality, neighborhood, or property that
defines its character.
Shape: The outline or sudace conf'~uration of a particular form or figure. While
form usually refers to the principle that gives unity to a whole, and often includes
a sense of mass or volume, shape suggests an outline with some emphasis on
Significant: Having particularly important associations within the contexts of
architecture, history and culture.
Stabilization: The act or process of applying measures essential to the
maintenance of deteriorated building es it exists at present, establishing
structural stability and a water resistant enclosure.
Streetscape: The distinguishing character of a particular street as created by its
width, degree of curvature, paving materials, destiny of the sl~eet, and rooms of
Style: A type of architecture distinguished by special characteristics of structure
and ornament and olten related in tima; also a general quality of a distinctive
City of Coppell D-3 Histodc District
Design Guidelines
Appendix E - Glossaw of Architectural Terms
Addition: New construction added to an existing building or structure.
Alteration: Work which impacts any exterior architectural feature including
construction, reconstruction, or removal of any building or building element.
Apron: A decorative, horizontal trim piece on the lower portion of an architectural
element.
Arch: A curved construction of wedge-shaped stones or brick which spans an
opening and supports the weight above it. See net arch, jack arch, segmental
Attic: The upper level of a building, not of full ceiling height, directly beneath the
roof
Awning Window: A window having one or more sashes swinging outward on
hinges generally attached to the top of the frame.
Baluster. One of a sedes of short, vertical, often vase-shaped members used to
support a stairs or porch handrail, forming a balustrade.
Balustrade: An entire rail system with top rail and balusters.
Bargeboa~: A board which hangs Eom the projecting end of a gable roof,
covedng the end rafters, and often sawn into a decorative pattern.
Bay: The portion of a facade between columns of piers providing regular
divisions and usually marked by windows.
Bay Window: A projecting window that forms an extension to the floor space of
the internal room; usually extending to the ground level.
Belt Course: A horizontal band usually marking the floor levels of the exterior
fac,,ade of a building.
Board and Batten: Siding fashioned of boards set vertically and covered where
their edges join by narrow strips called battens.
Bond: A term used to describe the various pattern in which bdck, or stone is laid,
such as "common bond" or "Flemish bonds".
Bracket: A projecting element of wood, stone or metal which spans between
horizontal and vertical surfaces (eaves, shelves, overhangs) as decorative
support.
Bulkhead: The structural panels just below display windows on storefronts.
Bulkheads can be both supportive and decorative in design. Nineteenth century
bulkheads are often of wood constn~'tion with rectangular raised panels.
City of Coppell E-1 Historic District
Design Guidelines ,~Rcm'r~C'TU~ T~m~S
Twentieth century bulkheads may be of wood, brick, tile, or marble construction.
Bulkheads are also referred to as kickplates.
Bungalow: Common house form of the early 20th century distinguished by
horizontal emphasis, wide eaves, large porches and multi-light doors and
windows.
Capital: The head of a column or pilaster.
Casement Window: A window with one or two sashes which are hinged at the
sides and usually open outward.
Certified Local Government: Any city, county, padsh, township, municipality, or
borough or any other general purpose subdivision enacted by the National
Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 to further delegate responsibilities and
funding to the local level.
Clapboards: Horizontal wooden boards, thinner at the top edge, which are
overlapped to provide a weatherproof extedor wall surface.
Classical Order:. Dedved from Greek and Roman architecture, a column with its
base, shaft, capital and entablature, having standardized details and proportions,
according to one of the five canonized modes; Doric, Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian,
or Composite.
Chol)ped Gable: A gable roof where the ends of the ddge are terminated in a
small, diagonal roof surface.
Colonial Revival: Style of the early 20th century based on interpretations of
architectural forms of the Amedcan colonies pdor to the Revolutionary War.
Column: A circular or square vertical structural member.
Common bond: A brickwork pattern where most courses are laid fiat, with the
long "stretche~" edge exposed, but every ~th to eighth course is laid
perpendicularly with the small "header" end exposed, to structurally tie the wall
together.
Corbel: In masonry, a projection, or one of a sedes of projections, each stepped
progressively farther forward with height and articulating a comice or supporting
an overhanging member.
C~inlhiaa Order:. Most ornate classical order characterized by a capital with
ornamental acanthus leaves and curled fern shoots.
Comice: The uppermost, projecting part of an entablature, or feature resembling
it. Any projection ornament molding along the top of a wall, building, etc.
Cresting: A decorated ornamental finish along the top of a wall or roof, often
made of ornamental metal.
City of Coppetl E-2 Historic District
Design Guidelines
Cross-gable: A secondary gable roof which meets the primary roof at right
angles.
Cupolas: A dome-shaped ornamental structure placed on the top of a larger roof
or dome. In some cases, the entire main roof of a tower or spire can be a cupola.
More frequently, however, the cupola is a smaller structure which sets on top of
the main roof.
Dentils: A row of small tooth-like blocks in a classical cornice.
Doric Order:. A classical order with simple, unadorned capitals, and with no
base.
Dormer Window: A window that projects from a roof.
Double-hung Window: A window with two sashes, one sliding vertically over the
other.
Eaves: The edge of a roof that projects beyond the face of a wall.
aeration: Any of the external faces of a building.
Eli: The rear wing of a house, generally one room wide and running
perpendicular to the principal building.
Engaged Column: A round column attached to a wall.
Entablature: A part of a building of classical order resting on the column capital;
consists of an architrave, frieze, and cornice.
Fa~,~ade: The face or front elevation of a building.
Fanlight: A semi-circular window usually over a door with radiating muntins
suggesting a fan.
Fascia: A projecting fiat horizontal member or molding; forms the trim of a fiat
roof or a pitched roof; also part of a classical entablature.
Fenestration: The arrangement of windows on a building.
Rnial: A projecting decorative element, usually of metal, at the top of a roof
turret or gable.
Fishscale Shingles: A decorative pattern of wall shingles composed of
staggered horizontal rows of wooden shingles with haft-round ends.
Flashing: Thin metal sheets used to prevent moisture infiltration at joints of roof
planes and between the roof and vertical surfaces.
Flat Arch: An arch whose wedge-shaped stones or bdcks are set in a straight
line; also called a jack arch.
City of Coppell E-3 Historic District
Design Guidelines
Flemish Bond: A brickwork pattern where the long "stretcher" edge of the brick
is alternated with the small "header" end for decorative as well as structural
effectiveness.
Fluting: Shallow, concave grooves running vertically on the shaft of a column,
pilaster, or other surfaco.
Forn~: The shape and slnx~ of something as distinguished from its substance
or material.
Foundation: The lowest exposed portion of the building wall, which supports the
structure above.
Frieze: The middle p(xtion of a classical comico; also applied decorative
elements on an entablature er parapet wall.
Front Facade: means one of the following:
(A) The fa~a~ (as defined herein) which faces the public street, where
(B)
(c)
the lot on which the facade is located adjoins only one public street
right-of-way;
The combination of fac, ades (as defined herein) each of which facos
a public street, where the lot on which the fagades are located
adjoins more than one public street right-of-way; or
The fac,,ades (as defined herein) which contain one or more doors
open to the public dudng conduct of business, where no fa~;ade
faces a public street.
Gable: The triangular section of a wall to carry a pitched roof.
Gable Roof: A pitched roof with one downward slope on either side of a central,
horizontal ridge.
Gambrel Roof: A ridge roof with two slopes on either side.
Ghosts: Outlines or profiles of missing buildings or building details. These
outlines may be visible through stains, paint, weathering, or other residue on a
building's ~.
Greek Revival Style: Mid-nineteenth century revival of forms and ornament of
architecture of ancient Greece.
Hipped Roof: A roof with uniform slopes on all sides.
Hood Molding: A projecting molding above an arch, doorway, or window,
originally designed to direct water away from the opening; also called a drip
mold.
Ionic Order:. One of the five classical orders used to describe decorative scroll
capitals.
City of Coppell E-4 Histodc District
Design Guidelines
Infill: New construction where there had been an opening before, such as a new
building between two older structures; or block inflll between porch piers or in an
original window opening.
Inlaid Brick: brick set into a surface, usually at the same level.
Jack Arch: See fiat arch
Jalousie Window. A window having horizontal glass or wood louvers which
pivot simultaneously in a common frame, used primarily in mild climates to
control ventilation and to cut off visibility from the outside.
Keystone: The wedge-shaped top or center member of an arch.
Kick Plate: A protective metal plate fastened to the bottom of a door to resist
blows and scratches.
element.
Lattice: An open work grill of interlacing wood stdps used as screening.
Entel: 'l'he horizontal top member of a window, door or other opening.
Mansard Roof: A roof with a double slope on all four sides, with the lower slope
being almost vertical and the upper almost horizontal.
ll~: Exterior wall ~ of brick, stone or adobe laid up in small
units.
Massing: The thrccdimensional form of a building.
~ Standing Seam Roof: A roof composed of overlapping sections of metal
such as copper-bearing steel or iron coated with a teme alloy of lead and tin.
These roofs were attached or crimped together in various raised seams for which
the roof is named.
~lodillion: A horizontal bracket, often in the form of a plain block, ornamenting,
or sometimes supporting, the underside of a cornice.
Molding: Any of various long, narrow, ornamental surfaces with uniform cross
sections and a profile shaped to produce modulations of light, shade, and
shadow.
Mortar: A mixture of sand, lime, cement, and water used as a binding agent in
masonry construction.
Bullion: A heavy vertical divider between windows or doors.
I~ulti4ight W~ndow: A window sash composed of more than one pane of glass.
City of Coppe~l E-5 Historic Distric~
Design Guidelines
I~untin: A secondary framing member to divide and hold the panes of glass in
multilight window or glazed door.
Neo-Classical Revival: Early 20th Century style which combines features of
ancient, Renaissance, and Colonial architecture; characterized by imposing
buildings with large columned porches.
Oriel Window: A bay window which emerges above the ground floor level.
Paired Columns: Two columns supported by one pier, as on a porch.
Palladian Window: A window with three openings, the central one arched and
wider than the ranking ones.
Paneled Door:. A door composed of solid panels (either raised or recessed) held
within a framework of rails and stiles.
Parapet: A Iow horizontal wall at the edge of a roof.
Pediment: A triangular crowning element forming the gable of a roof; any similar
triangular element used over windows, doors, etc.
Pier:. A vertical structural element, square or rectangular in cross-section.
Pilasts~. A square pillar attached, but projecting from a wall, resembling a
Pitch: The degree of the slope of a roof.
Porlico: A roofed space, open or partly enclosed, forming the entrance and
centerpiece of the facade of a building, often with columns and a pediment.
Portland Cement: A strong, inflexible hydraulic cement used to bind mortar.
Mortar or patching materials with a high Portland cement content should not be
used on old buildings. The Pcrfland cement is harder than the masonry, thereby
causing serious damage over annual freeze-thaw cycles.
Posts: A stiff vertical support.
Presewation: The act of maintaining the original form and character of a
building. Presarvation stops de{edoration and stabilizes structures.
Pressed Tin: Decorative and functional metalwork made of molded tin used to
sheath roofs, bays, and cornices.
Pyramidal Roof:. A roof with four identical sides dsing to a central peak.
Queen Anne Style: Popular late 19th century revival style of early 18th century
English architecture, characterized by irregularity of plan and massing add a
variety of texture.
City of Coppell E-6 Historic District
Design Guidelines
Quotas: A series of stone, bricks, or wood panels ornamenting the outside of a
wall.
Rafter Tails: The lower, sometimes exposed, end of a rafter that overhangs a
wall.
Railing: A ban~er composed of one or mom horizontal mils supported by spaced
uprights or balusters.
Rear Far,~ade: The face of a building seen from the rear of the lot.
Reconstruction: The accurate recreation of a vanished, or irreplaceably
damaged structure, or part thereof; the new construction recreates the building's
exact form and details as they appeared at some point in history.
Rehabilitalion: The act of returning a building to usable condition through repair,
alteration, and/or preservation of its features.
Restoration: The process of accurately taking a building's appearance beck to a
specific period of time by removing later work and by replacing missing earlier
features to match the original.
Ridge: The top horizontal member of a roof where the sloping surfaces meet.
Ruslicated: Roughening of stonework of concrete blocks to give great
articulation to each block.
Sash: The moveable framework containing the glass in a window.
Secondary: Subordinate, not primary.
Segmental Arch: An arch whose profile or radius is less than a semicircle.
Semi-circular Arch: An arch whose profile or radius is a half-circle the diameter
of which equals the opening width.
Sheathing: An exterior covedng of boards or other surface applied to the frame
of the structure. (see Siding)
Shed Roof: A gently pitched, almost fiat roof with only one slope.
Sidelight: A vertical ama of fixed glass on either side of a door or window.
Siding: The exterior wall cevedng or sheathing of a structure.
Sill: The bottom crosspiece of a window frame.
sofr~ The underside of an architectural element, as an arch, beam, cornice, or
staircase.
Spalling: Chipping or flaking.
City of Coppell E-7 Histodc District
Design Guidelines
Spindles: Slender, elaborately turned wood dowels or rods often used in
screens and porch tdm.
Stabilization: The essential maintenance of a deteriorated building as it exists at
present, establishing structural stability and a weather-resistant enclosure.
Steeple: A tall ornamental structure, usually ending in a spire and surmounting
the tower of a church or other public building.
Streetscape: The over fagade, not of a single structure, but of the many
buildings which define the street.
Surround: An encircling border or decorative frame, usually at windows or
doors.
Swag: Carved ornament in the form of a cloth draped over supports, or in the
form of a garland of fruits and flowers.
Transom: A horizontal opening (or bar) over a door or window.
Trim: The decorative framing of an opening and other features on a far~ade.
Turret: A small slender tower.
Veranda: A covered porch or balcony on a building's exterior.
Vergeboard: The vertical face board following and sat under the roof edge of a
gable, sometimes decorated by carving.
Vemacular:. A regional form or adaptation of an architectural style.
Wall don~ner: Dormer oreated by the upward extension of a wall and a brealdng
of the roofline.
Water Table: A projecting horizontal ledge, intended to prevent water from
running down the face of walls lower section.
Weathedx)ard: Wood siding, consisting of overlapping boards usually thicker at
one edge than the other.
City of Coppell E-8 Histodc Disl~ict
Design Guidelines
ADoendix F - Sources used:
Sources used for the drafting of the design guidelines for Old Coppell were
the Old Coppell Master Plan, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for
Rehabilitation, Tra(ffiional Construction Patterns, and the following cities'
guidelines:
Ames, IA
Blacksburg, VA
· Boston, MA
· Chicago, IL
· Denver, CO
· Eureka Springs, AK
· Iowa City, IA
· Washington, NC
· Wichita, KA
City of Coppell F-1 Historic District