What are Design Guidelines?

One subject that has been brought up to me from time to time by readers is the subject of design guidelines. Also referred to as architectural guidelines or design standards, design guidelines can have a notable impact on your community if implemented consistently.

What Are They?

Design guidelines are a set of rules and recommendations that are enacted to ensure the overall quality, functionality, and aesthetics of a development. Design review processes typically review building form, material durability and aesthetics, colors, site layout, landscaping, and sustainability.

The concept of design guidelines rose in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s as communities started desiring greater control over the look and feel of new developments. The effective use of guidelines is one way of achieving this goal and the number of communities that use design guidelines grows each year.

Why Have Them?

Protect Property Values

Much of what zoning is designed for is to protect nearby property owners from the actions and land uses of those adjoining or nearby. Many times this includes NIMBYs claiming about the impact of land use on their property values. Often these claims are overblown and without viable evidence. However, the overall condition of a neighborhood does play into property values and design guidelines help to maintain the condition of the neighborhood. The design of a building and the surrounding site increases the value of the property.

Durability of Materials and therefore Taxes

Also, the durability of materials used helps to slow the deterioration of the property, retaining property value longer as well. Sometimes just the prohibition of certain materials, like corrugated steel roofing, is enough to make a difference. Even something as simple as requiring a TENEMIC paint, or an allowed equivalent, on all exterior painted surfaces can have a long-term positive impact. An entire subdivision with design guidelines is more likely to retain its value longer than one that doesn’t. The longer that the structures retain their value, the more stable your tax base is.

Longer Viability

Requiring higher durability of materials also helps to increase the likelihood of longer economic viability of the structure. Durable materials slow deterioration and delay the need for reinvestment online the exterior aspects of the structure, allowing for more financial concentration on the maintenance of the rest of the building over the years. This lengthens the overall economic viability of the structure.

Match a Theme for the Community

Some communities that like to market their cultural heritage utilize design guidelines in commercial areas to further that push. Architectural aspects unique to a specific culture can be integrated to build upon a theme for the community. This is sometimes the case in nature-related communities as well. Whether it is a Gateway Community on the edge of a national park or a seaside town that is rich in boating history, towns are creating guidelines that further the look and feel they are trying to convey.

Should Your Community Have Design Guidelines?

Design guidelines may sound good, but are they right for your community? Poorly drafted and implemented guidelines have little effect, making the effort a waste of time. Be prepared to commit fully to implementing the guidelines in order to have the desired impact on your community.