Ordinance 2019-14 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
KENDALL COUNTY, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. 2019-14
AN ORDINANCE OF THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE,ILLINOIS
APPROVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL FOR THE UNITED
CITY OF YORKVILLE TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD AREA
Passed by the City Council of the
United City of Yorkville,Kendall County,Illinois
This 261 day of February,2019
Published in pamphlet form by the
authority of the Mayor and City Council
of the United City of Yorkville,Kendall
County,Illinois on March 6,2019.
Ordinance No. 2019- t
AN ORDINANCE OF THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE,ILLINOIS
APPROVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL FOR THE UNITED
CITY OF YORKVILLE TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD AREA
WHEREAS, the United City of Yorkville (the "City") is a duly organized and
validly existing non home-rule municipality created in accordance with the constitution of
the State of Illinois of 1970 and the laws of the State of Illinois; and,
WHEREAS, Section 11-12-7 of the Illinois Municipal Code(65 ILCS 5/11-12-7)
authorizes the preparation and recommendation to the Mayor and City Council (the
"Corporate Authorities") of a comprehensive plan for the present and future development
or redevelopment of the City including recommendation of changes to the existing
Comprehensive Plan; and,
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 0)0 i(p 63 approved the 2016 Comprehensive Plan
that pursuant to Section 6 recommended the preparation of a neighborhood design manual
to retain and enhance the character and livability of the City's traditional neighborhoods;
and,
WHEREAS, the City has had prepared a design manual based on field surveys to
document the characteristics which will affect development policy decisions of existing
dwellings as supplemental guidance for new construction and major renovations; and,
WHEREAS, the design manual shall be used as an informational guide for the
implementation of the Comprehensive Plan; and,
WHEREAS,the Corporate Authorities have reviewed said design manual and find
its adoption to be in the best interest of the City.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and City Council of the
United City of Yorkville, Kendall County, State of Illinois, as follows:
Section 1: That the NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL FOR THE UNITED
CITY OF YORKVILLE TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD AREA dated February 20,
2019, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference as Exhibit A,
be and the same is hereby approved and shall be placed on file in the office of the City
Clerk.
Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage,
approval and publication according to law.
P,nas//s__ed by the City Council of the United City of Yorkville, Kendall County, Illinois this
oUw day of , 2019.
Ordinance No.2019--_-!_
Page 2
CITY CLERK
CARLO COLOSIMO KEN KOCH
JACKIE MILSCHEWSKI ARDEN JOE PLOCHER
CHRIS FUNKHOUSER JOEL FRIEDERS
SEAVER TARULIS JASON PETERSON
Approved by me, as Mayor of the United City of Yorkville, Kendall County, Illinois, this
day of M#P-C 1 , 2019.
R
M O
Ordinance No.2019-
Page 3
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Wil, 1
NEIGHBORHOOD
DESIGN MANUAL
EST. , 1 ,� 1836
For the United City of Yorkville
• `� Traditional Neighborhood Area
AL
o
County Seat
of
Kendall County,
7`
February 21, 2019
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Purpose of this Manual
This Neighborhood Design Manual was prepared in accordance with the Goals & Policies of the 2016
Update to the Yorkville Comprehensive Plan, specifically Section 6 —Yorkville Neighborhoods which
proposes "Strategy B: Prepare a Neighborhood Design Manual" to retain and enhance the character
and livability of Yorkville's traditional neighborhoods.
This manual was prepared between May and December of 2018 and included a field survey of the
traditional neighborhood areas to create a photographic record of the housing stock as well as to
collect and note key characteristics which may affect policy decisions.
This manual should be considered separately from the existing Design Guidelines which are primarily
concerned with Yorkville's developing areas. The strategies suggested here are intended primarily for
existing residents with supplemental guidance for new construction and major renovations.
The contents of this manual are for informational purposes only. All price figures are estimates
made at the time of this manual's issuance and are subject to change
What's Inside
Section 01. Neighborhood Overview
The Neighborhood Overview provides a brief background description of the traditional neighborhood
area as well as defining the study boundary and describing the nature of its relationship with the Fox
River.
Section 02. Guidelines for Home Maintenance & Repair
The Guidelines for Home Maintenance & Repair describe some common problems with traditional
homes, suggest potential solutions, and provides 6-month and 12-month maintenance checklists to
help with upkeep of existing residences. This section also provides a brief list of additional resources
and incentive programs for these homes.
Section 03. Guidelines for Renovation & New Construction
The Guidelines for Renovation & New Construction describe three key characteristics: scale, layout,
and orientation that new development should seek to emulate in order to blend into the fabric of the
surrounding neighborhood.
Section 04. Guidelines for Landscaping & Green Infrastructure.
The Guidelines for Landscaping & Green Infrastructure provide best practices for the landscape
and hardscape surrounding homes in the traditional neighborhood area. These sections discuss the
importance of native plants and provide guidance on simple green infrastructure practices which can
be implemented at home.
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NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 01. Neighborhood Overview 4
Section 02. Guidelines for Home Repair& Maintenance 9
Section 03. Guidelines for Renovation & New Construction 15
Section 04. Guidelines for Landscaping& Green Infrastructure 21
Section 05. References 27
List of Figures
Figure A. Traditional Neighborhood Area (Map) 5
Figure B. Residence Breakdown by Age (Table) 6
Figure C. Residence Breakdown by Age (Map) 7
Figure D. 1939 Aerial Photography Courtesy of Kendall Township 6
Figure E. Where Stormwater Goes 8
Figure F. LID Diagram 8
Figure G. Pipe Material vs. Expected Lifespan (Table) 11
Figure H. Roof Material vs. Expected Lifespan (Table) 11
Figure I. 6-Month Maintenance Checklist 13
Figure J. 12-Month Maintenance Checklist 13
Figure K. How a Rain Garden Works 23
Figure L. Pavement Materials, Cost vs. Lifespan (Table) 24
Figure M. Permeable Pavements, Cost vs. Lifespan (Table) 25
Figure N. How Permeable Pavements Work 25
Figure O. Different Types of Permeable Pavement 25
Figure P. How a Rain Barrel Works 26
Figure Q. Key Elements of a Rain Barrel System 26
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3 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL
•
0.1 Nn; crbborhood
t
Image 1: A Home on the South Introduction
side of the Fox River Yorkville's traditional neighborhoods This neighborhood is defined by
are located around Downtown, both homes dating from the original
north and south of the Fox River settlement of Yorkville and Bristol
(Figure A).The study area for this in the mid-1800s through the post-
manual includes those areas with War period in the 1960s and includes
the highest concentration of vintage a huge variety of home types and
homes and irregular lots, consisting architectural styles.
of the area running from Somonauk
Street on the north side of the Fox
River to Orange Street to the south
and extending two to three blocks
east and west from Bridge Street.
Figure A:Traditional.Neighborhood Area
................... ..............
NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL 4
Neighborhood Overview
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16 . .
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W Van Emmon St
N mmon St
f■loaf
W Madison
W Ridge S
10
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W Fox St N _
�- EFox St
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W Washington St
E Washington St
R4 _ 657
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19
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` W Dolph St
PROJECT AREA & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
R
Project Area Boundary
® Residential Properties
...........................................................:......................................................................:.....................................................................:....................................................
5 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL
Neighborhood Overview
History
The first permanent structure in what would come to be the United City of Yorkville was built in 1833 by Earl Adams,
located south of the Fox River, atop of the hill which is now home to the Kendall County Courthouse.Around the same
time, Lyman and Burr Bristol began to develop property on the north side of the Fox River. Between 1834 and 1836 the
community of Bristol was platted north of the Fox River and in 1836 Rulief Duryea laid out the village of Yorkville on the
south side.The designation of Yorkville as the Kendall County seat in 1859 would guarantee future development of Bristol
and Yorkville and they would be incorporated by 1861 and 1887 respectively.
The coming of the railroad located south of the river along Hydraulic Street would spur the development of downtown
Yorkville making it the business and industrial center of this growing region and leaving Bristol on the north banks of the
river as a more residential area.The impacts of this can still be seen today.The area with the highest concentration of pre-
1900 homes is overlooking the river on the north bank of the Fox River in what used to be Bristol.
Image 2:A Home along Bridge Street,
tucked behind old growth trees on
the North Bank of the River.(Left)
Figure B(Table)&C(Map):
Breakdown b,Age
Pre 1900 125 30%
1901-1949 85 20%
1950-1974 89 21%
1975-1999 69 16%
2000-Present 27 6%
Unknown 26 6%
Total 421 100%
Figure D: 1939 Aerial Photography
courtesy of Kendall Township
CAMA Sales Viewer(Below)
By 1940,downtown Yorkville and
Bristol had grown up and away from
the River to define the boundaries
of what we consider the Traditional �-
Neighborhood area today.
In the years following the Second #
World War, the population of Yorkville
would explode leading to the
consolidation of the Yorkville-Bristol
governments in 1957.This period '= �.
would be marked by the prevalence of
American suburban tract style housing .f
in previously undeveloped areas but
the area around downtown Yorkville
would see new infill development as
� r
well, particularly in the areas south of _ Downtown
Fox St and in the cul-de-sacs West of ' Yorkville&
Morgan and East of Mill Street. Bristol in 1939
Source:Kendall Township
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NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL 6
Neighborhood Overview
ark St
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au St EE
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\\ in W Spring St
~ m Prin St
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W Center St in
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\R��ergt W Main St
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ad'son
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W Rid a St
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W Fox St
' E Fox St
W Washingto" n St f
E Washington St
m
9
I,
AGE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Project Area Boundary 1901 to 1949 ® 2000 to Present
Unknown Age _ 1950 to 1974
CL
Before 1900 3 1975 to 1999
... ...................................................................
7 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL
Neighborhood Overview
The Fox River
Built above the banks of the Fox River,the water has played an important
role in the history of Yorkville as well as in its present-day appeal, making the
protection and enhancement of the river in the interest of every resident.
Anything that happens in the Fox River basin has an impact on the river,and
urbanization and development can be especially harmful. Storm water runoff
from urbanized areas like roofs, lawns, and pavements can carry pollutants such
as oil,debris, or sediment into the river and runoff from roofs or paved surfaces
can raise the temperature of water several degrees!
4,
While waste water from your home is treated at a municipal water treatment
plant, storm water runoff is typically collected in curb inlets and drains and r^ .
conveyed underground before being discharged directly into the River.This e A,;:
means that it is up to each and every home owner, especially those nearest to
the River to take the protection of this resource into their own hands.
Homeowners can help protect the Fox River in a number of ways including
.vam
everyday practices such as making sure to pick up after your dog or
sweeping rather than hosing your driveway and sidewalk,to more permanent
improvements such as installing permeable pavers in your driveway or }fit
transitioning to a native plant garden over a traditional lawn.The last section
of this manual contains a number of best practices for Green Infrastructure to
preserve and protect the Fox River. Oki
;z,;
WATER RUNOFF
Figure E:Where Stormwater
Goes.(Right)
Low Impact Development Credit:NCDENR
Low Impact Development, or LID, is an alternative to traditional development
patterns with an emphasis on minimizing the impact on the natural Figure F:An LID Diagram
environment.With LID, development should minimize the amount of impervious Showing Runoff being routed
surfaces(like roofs and pavement) and maximize the amount of stormwater from impervious surfaces to a
runoff that is infiltrated into the ground on site through the use of permeable Rain Garden in the rear. (Below)
pavements, rain gardens, rain barrels, and other Green Infrastructure Practices
(GIP). Green Infrastructure is most effective when it's small scale and distributed Credit:Doug Adamson,RDG
around a watershed, giving every homeowner an important part to play. Planning&Design,Image Courtesy
of USDA-NRCS in Des Moines,Iowa
f
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NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL 8
Guidelines for Home
Re-oair Maintenance 02
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Image 3: Faded whitewashing Introduction
reveals the original masonry The homes around downtown While owning one of these homes
on a 100+year old Home on the Yorkville are part of what makes this is an appealing prospect for many
North side of the River(Above) district so appealing and unique. people, it comes with a number of
specific challenges which owners
Since vintage homes were typically should be aware of.
made out of natural materials and
often used more durable building
practices, a 100 year old home could
still be in good shape today, if it was
well maintained.
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9 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL
Home Repair Guidelines
Common Problems
Hazardous Materials
Lead and asbestos are two hazardous materials commonly found in older
homes. Lead can be found in exterior and interior paint made before 1978, as
well as plumbing systems from prior to World War 2.Asbestos is a naturally
occurring fibrous material that can cause serious lung and respiratory problems,
including cancer. It was commonly used for insulation and fireproofing until it
was banned by the EPA in the late 1980s. a `
ESTOS-11 Lead can be most hazardous for those with children, as it can lead to
developmental issues. If you're concerned about lead in your house, it may
be worthwhile to contact a professional lead paint removal service. If your - ---'-- =--�-- i--''
plumbing system is very old, it could still contain measurable amounts of lead.
A water filtration system for the entire home can cost between $1,000 and Image 4.
$3,000.A system for the kitchen tap alone may cost more than $200. However, if Credit:Michael Coghlan
your pipes contain lead,the only way to ensure that your water is lead free is to
replace your home's entire piping system which can cost upwards of$5,000.
While direct, prolonged exposure to asbestos can be a serious health hazard,
insulation tucked away in walls or attics is not likely to pose a direct risk. -
However, removal and the fulfillment of special EPA criteria are required if you
plan on knocking down walls,expanding your home's footprint,or attempting �"�
other expansive projects likely to uncover asbestos-laden material.
More info can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/
Mold &Mildew Damage
Over time, homes exposed to excessive moisture can develop mold and
mildew problems.Although particularly common in basements and bathrooms,
moisture-related damage can occur anywhere and since infestations can
start inside walls, it is possible to walk through a mold-infested home without _
realizing there's a problem.
While small amounts of mold or mildew are permissible and nearly inevitable,
when left unchecked they can cause serious issues. Oftentimes the first sign can
be a persistent cough or unseasonal allergies. Since mold eats away at its host
surface it can also manifest in structural or foundational problems.
Image 5:Mold&Mildew prefer
The best solution for mold and mildew are prevention. Ensuring proper places that are damp such as
ventilation in interior spaces or purchasing a dehumidifier can have a significant basements,crawlspaces,foundations,
impact at low cost. Small infestations of mold or mildew can be treated by as well as on building faces that
hand with store-bought sprays and an abrasive sponge or brush, but larger receive minimal sun(Above)
infestations may require professional assistance. Before buying an home, ensure
that your homeowners insurance policy covers mold cleanup.
Foundation & Structural Problems
As homes age,they become prone to a variety of foundational and structural
issues including settling or damage to structural elements. Signs of structural
damage can range from doors which jam or fail to latch, cracked tile or concrete
floors,visible wall cracks that grow over time, or floors that are clearly off-level.
Any apparent foundation or structural issue requires the opinion of a structural
engineer.Catching an issue sooner rather than later can make a big impact on
your wallet.While addressing minor issues can cost between $300 to $800,
wholesale replacement can be in excess of$20,000 to $30,000. Homeowners
insurance often doesn't cover the costs of structural repairs so you should Image 6:Dangerous Settling
expect these costs to be out of pocket. around the Foundation
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NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL 10
Home Repair Guidelines
Plumbing Expiration &Failure
Figure G:Pipe Material vs.
All plumbing systems have an effective lifetime, so its important to know when Expected Lifespan
the current plumbing system was installed when buying an old home. Pipe Material TvpicalLifespan
Homes with large trees in their front yard should be particularly aware, due Copper or Brass Up to 50 Years
to the possibility of root and line failure.Tree roots tend to grow toward Steel 20 Years
underground water lines and can cause failure outside of the home. Replacing PEX or HDPE 40 - 50 Years
a root-infested main pipe can cost between $5,000 and $20,000, but periodic Polybutylene Replace Immediately
maintenance of problem roots can cost as little as $300 every few years.
Pipes made out of polybutylene, a grayish,flexible material common in the
1970s to 1990s should be replaced as soon as practicable. Chlorine,which is
used to treat municipal water and is found in many household cleaners reacts
with polybutylene, corroding the pipe and can lead to spontaneous failure.
Septic System Maintenance
While most homes in the traditional neighborhood area do not use septic
systems, it is a common feature among many traditional homes or homes that
were originally outside of the main town center.The US EPA identifies four
key elements to maintain your home septic system. First, inspect and pump
frequently.The average household septic system should be inspected every 3 to
5 years.Alternative systems with mechanical components should be inspected
more frequently. Secondly, use water efficiently.The vast majority of water used
in your home will eventually find its way to your septic system. Conserving
water improves the performance and reduces risk of failure with a septic system.
Third, properly dispose of waste.Think carefully before dumping something
into your septic system.Avoid flushing anything besides toilet paper and human
waste into your septic system and avoid dumping chemicals in your sink.And
finally, maintain your drainfield.Your drainfield is responsible for removing
contaminants from water after it is released from your septic tank.Avoid
parking on your drainfield and speak with a professional regarding suitable
distances for plants.
More info at: https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system
Figure H:Roof Material
Roof Problems vs.Expected Lifes an
Like plumbing systems, roofs have a natural lifespan as well. RootMaterial Lifespan!
Sloping Roofs
Compromised roofs can lead to a number of issues including water damage, Asphalt Shingles 15-40 Years
poor insulation, or pest infestations.Warning signs of potential roof issues Treated Wood Shingles 30 Years
include missing or damaged shingles, crumbing roof cement, bowed or sagging Fiberglass Shingles 50+Years
Steel 40-60 Years
gutters, and persistent moisture in the upper stories of the house. Copper 100+Years
Clay Tiles 40-60 Years
Special care should be taken on historic homes to match the existing shingling Stone or Concrete Tiles 60-100 Years
or the pattern as these are often key architectural elements that define the Flat Roofs
structure's appearance. Asphalt-Gravel 10-15 Years
Rubber-Coated Up to 50 Years
Thermoplastic Olefin Membrane 50Years
,.
Image 7:Traditional Homes often
feature intricate shingling,made
of clay tiles and placed by hand.
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11 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL
Home Repair Guidelines
Energy Efficiency Improvements
The most common point of failure for your home's HVAC system is the window. Many vintage homes have single-coated
or leaky windows which can add $125 to$465 to your annual energy bill depending on where you live.While replacing
older windows with more modern double or triple-plane windows can make a huge impact on your energy bill,other
small improvements can see significant benefits as well. Passive heating and cooling methods, such as shutting windows
and blinds on hot days and opening them at night, and by using plastic film to seal leaks during the winter can have a
major impact.
In addition to sealing your windows, many homes sit on stone, brick,or concrete foundations that may have settled over
time allowing gaps to form. Before addressing any large air leaks with caulk,trowel these gaps closed with mortar.
Warm air rises,and during the winter uninsulated attics or leaky chimneys may lose a lot of heat. Most fireplaces built
since 1900 have dampers just above the firebox to close off the flue to limit heat loss when it's not in use. Make sure the
damper is not damaged by age and is not stuck open or shut. Consider closing off chimneys permanently that see no
use. Sealing off attic penetrations and installing additional insulation can prevent air and moisture migration which can
saturate and freeze insulation and turn to frost.Close off large penetrations with plywood or wallboard,then seal all
joints and cracks with clear caulk.
Replacing old or out of date mechanical equipment can also have a significant impact on energy usage. Consider the
lifespan of current equipment,the cost of a replacement, and the savings in energy cost to determine if an upgrade is
right for you.
Inefficient of Failing Electrical &Mechanical Systems
Electrical problems in homes come in two categories: convenience and safety.
Unless your home has been updated,the electrical system is likely not equipped with the number of outlets to meet
modern needs. In addition, older wiring has a lifespan of 70— 100 years and can increase the risk of electrical shocks or
fires. Other mechanical equipment in your home typically has a much shorter lifespan, between 10 to 20 years.
Research the type of appliances in your home to determine how much longer they can be expected to last. It is better to
replace your furnace during the summer than to have it unexpectedly go out during the cold Illinois Winter.
Image 8:New Windows on an
traditional Home can make a big
impact when it comes to your heating
and cooling bill.The size and shape
of the windows is an important
aspect of many architectural styles
so make sure that matching the
design on the rest of the house
is taken into consideration
r
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NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL "2
Home Repair Guidelines
Home Maintenance
When it comes to traditional homes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.While the natural materials used
in homes lend themselves to do-it-yourself maintenance, responding to an unforeseen emergency can result in repairs
that damage the integrity, character,and appeal of an old home. Before removing or demolishing any elements of your
old home, STOP and do a little research.You may be removing an important piece critical to the structural integrity or
architectural appeal of your home. If you're unsure,call a professional or contact the Community Development department.
6-Month Maintenance Checklist Annual Maintenance Checklist
Ar Clean debris from all gutters &downspouts. ti Look for loose bricks, weak mortar, and
flashing damage like rust at chimney tops.
ti Clean debris and remove standing leaves from Inspect the inside of the chimney for leaks or
all flashings &valleys. Check for any stand- hidden mortar damages.
ing water, rust, or damaged flashings &
roofing materials. Ar Pitted &decaying masonry, cracks, or scaling
should all be noted.
Check for any cracks, loose mortar, or dam-
aged bricks around chimney bases and home Inspect all mortar joints, especially those on
foundations. the sunniest (SW) and wettest (NE)side of
the house for cracks, loose pieces, or scaling
ti Apply any caulk or silicone as needed prior to mortar.
painting any finished wood.
Check for any air leaks, water damage, loose
panes, or crumbling glazing putty around
Figure I(Above)&Figure J(Right):6& windows and doors. Paint windows and doors
12-Month Maintenance Checklists that are faded to prevent future damage from
sun, wind, and rain.
Image 9:Vintage Homes can have beautifully intricate ti Inspect siding for peeling paint &sun damage
styling and detailing which can require a lot of which can be easily repaired with a new coat
maintenance to keep looking good.Staying on top of of paint. Cupping, splitting, or loose nails are
maintenance can save time and money, while making all signs that professional help may be
sure that small issues don't spiral into big problems. required.
m a .
r
k
13 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL
Old & Historic Home Programs
Home Restoration Incentive Programs&Resources
The Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for preserving, rehabilitating, restoring,
and reconstructing historic buildings - Published by the US Secretary of the Interior
The "Standards" are a great resource and starting point when it comes to working on your old home.While the
"Standards" only apply to properties seeking registered "Historic Building"status,the guidelines are a good aid on any
project.The guidelines break treatment into four types: preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction, and
have specific guidance for interiors, exteriors, cultural landscapes, and different material types.
They can be found online at: https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/treatment-guidelines-2017.pdf
Landmarks Illinois
Landmarks Illinois is a membership-based non-profit organization for the preservation of historic spaces and landmarks
across Illinois.They are a mix of professional preservationists and dedicated activists which offer a wide range of grants
and incentive programs.Their Illinois Restoration Resources Directory can point homeowners in the right direction for
anyjob. More information at:www.landmarks.org
Illinois Restoration Resources Directory: http://www.landmarks.org/resources/i Ili nois-restorati on-resource-di rectory/
The Illinois Weatherization Assistance Program
The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) is designed to help low income residents save fuel and
money,while increasing the comfort of their homes. Its mission is to help update and insulate the dwellings of low-
income persons, particularly the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families with children.To qualify, participants must
be a resident of the State of Illinois and earn below a set income level. If you receive Supplemental Security Income or Aid
to Families with Dependent Children,you are automatically eligible to receive weatherization services.
More information at: https://www.illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/HomeWeatherization/
Property Tax Assessment Freeze for Historic Residences
The Property Tax Assessment Freeze for Historic Residences freezes property taxes over a 12-year period after
rehabilitation of the property.There is a minimum 2S%investment of the property's market value,the building must be
owner-occupied,and a certified historic structure.
More information at: https://www.illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/HomeWeatherization/
Online Resources
There are a number of great resources for historic home preservation, restoration, and maintenance available online.
Advice blogs and forums can help to answer specific questions about your home, inspire new ideas, or serve as a starting
point for learning about the history of your building.
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NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL ' ��
Guidelines for Renovation
New Construction 03
4�
Introduction
Image 11 (Above):A Newer Although it's usually preferable to keep or preserve a vintage house wherever
home in Old Bristol which possible, certain conditions can make a home unusable or undesirable in the
blends seemlessly with the older present day.When this is the case, it's important to blend the new home into
neighborhood around it. the fabric of the neighborhood so the newer building doesn't seem out of place.
While part of what makes the traditional downtown neighborhoods so special
is the diversity of housing styles,there are a few key elements that will help
a home feel like it is part of the neighborhood.These are scale, layout, and
orientation.
Image 10(Opposite):A Property on
the North bank of the Fox River
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15 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL
Renovations & New Construction
Scale
Nothing makes new construction
seem more immediately out of place
than being out of scale with the
surrounding buildings.
r
A home built to the maximum
allowable height will often seem
out of place when surrounded by
traditional single story homes.
The maximum allowable building
height in the R-1 & R-2 Zoning District
is 30' (2.5 Stories).
Where new homes are built taller
or larger than their neighbors, THE ROOF STEPS UP&AWAY FROM THE STREET&THE
architectural consideration should be NEIGHBORING PROPERTY TO CREATE A SMOOTH TRANSITION
taken to maintain the existing roof-
line when seen by a pedestrian from THE ROOF-LINE OF THE GARAGE IS A SINGLE-STORY
the public right of way.This could TO MATCH THE NEIGHBORING BUILDINGS
be achieved through screening with
existing trees, stepping the roof so Image 11:A New Home in Old Bristol uses a stepped-roof to transition from a
that additional stories are set back, or Single-Story near the property line to the full 2.5 stories further back on the lot.
through other means on a case-by-
case basis.
Layout
The traditional neighborhoods of A . .
Yorkville & Bristol have a much higher #
concentration of irregular&legally
non-conforming lots than the rest of
k..
the city.
Front and side setbacks vary
drastically throughout the traditional _
downtown neighborhoods and an "
articulating street wall contributes I� q
k
significantly to its character.As with ~'
scale,the layout of the property
should be considered to match the
surrounding fabric. ,,
Many homes are set closer to
the street than the minimum 30' Image 12:An Example of What Not to Do:The massing of the new home
Front Yard requirement.Where the provides no opportunity to transition to the single-story home next door.
surrounding homes are set nearer or
further from the property line than
is standard, new constructions and
renovations should aim to be within
10'of the surrounding properties.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL 16
Renovations & New Construction
Orientation
Homes in the traditional
neighborhood should be oriented to x..
address the street.
In general, a street-facing wall of a
building should not be completely
blank or consist entirely of a garage
door.
Most homes in this area were
constructed before garage doors
became a must-have part of the
house, so many of them were added r
later as accessory structures.This
means that the garage is often set in
back of the house or to the side of � >
the main building.The garage door
should not be the focal point of the
building when viewed from the street.
Image 13:A home with an attached garage added
after the date of original construction.
Renovations
.gRy
:.
Despite all the benefits and appeal
of living in a vintage home, the
accumulated damage to key structural
features or simply the passage of time
can make it no longer suitable for
present-day use.
When this is the case, consider
contacting an architect or architectural
historian before beginning any work
and make sure to carefully document
any pieces of the original building
that you wish to maintain after the
renovation.
Many of the homes in the traditional
downtown neighborhood are image 14: Even on newer homes where the garage is an integral
considered legally conconforming and part of the building it should not be the focal point.The building
are grandfathered in due to their age. addresses the street and the garage is offset to one side.
Contact the Community Development
Department before beginning any
work to determine the best way to
renovate the structure for present-day
use while maintaining its architectural
appeal and the overall character of the
neighborhood.
The following section outlines some
key elements that are common to a
variety of homes within the traditional
neighborhood area.
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17 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL
Key Elements
Porches
For most people,the front porch is the
element of your home that they'll see
the most. In addition to providing curb
appeal, the front porch can be a great '
r.. M
place to relax and enjoy the breeze on
a cool summer evening.
For safety reasons, porches with a
floor height more than 30" aboveera
the exterior grade require some sort
of protective railing.The railing may
consist of a solid wall as shown to the
right or balusters between two rails.
In general,the railing height should
never be higher than the bottom of
the window sill.
In addition to the railing, many
porches feature columns which Image 16:A well proportioned and maintained porch.
frame the front entrance and act as
architectural guideposts in addition to
providing structural support.The style
of column can vary greatly from home
to home and is dependent on the
design of the rest of the house.When
renovating an old home, care should
be taken to preserve or replicate the
styling of historic elements to be
incorporated into the new design.
Image 17:The stone columns here frame the front door and complement
the stone used throughout the rest of the porch and building design.
_ i
Image 18:Columns that are
a key element of one home
may seem out of place when
implemented somewhere else.
Image 1.5: A porch with
balustrade railing On porches less than 30"
above the surrounding grade,
no railing is required.
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NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL 18
Key Elements
Windows& Doors
Replacing the windows and doors
on your old home can be appealing
because of the gains in energy
efficiency that a modern replacement
would entail. However, like most
architecturally significant home
elements,care should be taken to
preserve existing elements where
possible and to match historic styling
when replacement is necessary. y
In many cases,adding an exterior
storm window to an existing historic
window can provide the same energy -------
efficiency improvements as a modern
replacement while preserving the ;.
historic element and architectural
character.
Many homes in the traditional x
neighborhood area use wooden X
shutters to accent their windows and
provide an element of architectural
pop. Light colored homes use dark
colored shutters to accent the window
frame and set it off from the rest of
the building face. On homes with a
dark fa4ade,white window trim itself
is often enough to draw the eye and
make the window stand out.
Image 20:Dark shutters help the white windows stand out and provide
Unlike with windows,the front door an interesting splash of color to an otherwise uniform building face
itself is typically designed to stand out
from the rest of the building fa4ade.
Complementary colors and white
trim serve to highlight the doorway
and mark it as a key element of the
building.
111111�1
Image 19:These same principles can 1 11
be applied to garage doors to integrate
them into the rest of the home design.
Image 21:Complementary colors can highlight a doorway
and make it stand out from the rest of the facade
..................................................................................................................................................................................-N**" I'G**'...........,H**"... 'D"'*5",*S**i'..N***** *A**'."'U'**'...
19 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL
Key Elements
Siding
The great debate when it comes
to vintage homes is whether to
preserve the existing wood siding and
accept the maintenance burden that
comes along with it or to replace or
cover it with vinyl and sacrifice the
architectural detail and character.
While some purists argue that vinyl
siding will ruin a neighborhood by
giving it a "cheap"or"plastic"feel, the
effect of wood siding that hasn't been
maintained over time can often look
much worse by making things look
run-down. Before deciding whether
to preserve or restore the wood
siding on your home,think carefully
about whether or not you're willing
to continue investing the time and
money necessary to keep it looking Image 22:Covering up wood siding can obscure or erase completely
sharp. architectural elements that help make your home unique.
The biggest drawback of replacing
original wood siding with vinyl is that
you will often cover up significant
architectural elements that can define
a building's character.Vinyl siding
typically has a larger clapboard
with than wood which can have a
significant impact on the shadows
it creates as well as distorting or
obscuring other key elements such
as windows.Oftentimes when
homeowners remove vinyl siding that
had been installed at an earlier time
they'll uncover significant elements },
that they never knew existed! A
While original materials should be
preserved wherever possible, routine
care and maintenance is critical to
maintain the appearance and extend
the life of wooden elements.Wooden
siding often needs repainting every
3-6 years. Fresh paint helps to keep Image 23:Narrower clapboards allow for more intricate detailing.
the house looking fresh and helps to However,the finer the detail the greater the burden for upkeeep
protect interior spaces by creating a
barrier that stops moisture before it
can penetrate the wood.
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NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL 20
Guidelines for Landscaping
& Grei Infrastructure 04
.R
n
t
a
r .
Image 24: A Native Plant Garden Introduction
The landscaping and hardscaping In addition to enhancing the character
around your house is oftentimes and improving the appeal of the
the easiest and most affordable way neighborhood,the landscaping and
for your home to contribute to the hardscaping around your house plays
character and environment of the an important role in reducing the
downtown neighborhoods. pollution and runoff that makes its
way into the river when it rains.
Built on the banks of the Fox River,
the neighborhoods around downtown
play an important role in its vitality.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
21 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL
Landscaping & Green Infrastructure
Go Native!
The use of native plants is at the Image 25:
core of environmentally friendly Milkweed is the
landscaping. Native plants are those State Wildflower
species that were present locally of Illinois.
when the first colonists arrived after
evolving over thousands of years to
thrive in local conditions. Native plants t
can live off of rainwater alone without
adding fertilizer, and their deep roots `
help infiltrate rain where it falls and
carry moisture deep into the ground
to replenish our aquifers, cleaning as
it goes.
Native prairie and woodland plants Image 26:
evolved in the climate of Northern Coneflowers
Illinois and can handle the cold attract a wide
deep freeze, the spring rains, and variety of
the drought conditions that we pollinator bees
experience in Yorkville. Once they are and butterflies
established (usually after one or two
growing seasons)they rarely need
to be watered and don't require any
fertilizer.Their deep roots hold the
soil, allow water to filter down deep
into the ground, and because they
evolved here,they attract dozens of
species of beautiful and beneficial
wildlife like butterflies and songbirds.
While native plant gardens are
generally preferable to traditional ,
lawns, not all native plants provide Image 27:The deep
the same benefits or are ideal in every
situation.While some native plants root systems of� i native prairie plants
have adapted to the sun-drenched ' help infiltrate water
prairies that make Illinois famous, Fa, through the earth deep
others are more accustomed to ,
the dappled sunlight of deciduous ,J underground as well
woodlands. Choosing the right native J a` as to hold the soil in
place when it rains
plants is key to a beautiful and healthy and prevent erosion.
garden. w} '
Many additional resources, including a
visual glossary of native plant species,
are available from the Conservation ;
@ Home project by the Conservation1
Foundation, as well as the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources, and
IllinoisWildflower.com to help you pick
the right native plants for your home.
r
Indian C+.mP+u rorcapur K"W rnirw Big 81- Pck N'Pk �.Jmd_
(:nss Picot Drax+ &se(: CaM Gras Mm Y'anaBawer
Bbift,%ft,
SugtKm+� Slp,4imn SAN' Y S,Iwrnou ,knr6ryx,gon E. a Liaa,a
mnva tarmiawn ywrtw t ' +u t"nT+a+k+ W.,A, p-M-1. }Ji uAvxr�
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL 22
Landscaping & Green Infrastructure
Rain Gardens
A rain garden may appear to be just
an attractive garden but beneath How a Rain Garden Operates
the surface it is so much more.
It may support habitat for birds
and butterflies, it may be a formal
landscape amenity, or it may be
incorporated into a larger garden as a
Rain Gardens should
border or entry feature.What makes " be planted in a shallow
it a rain garden is how it gets its water
depression,4"-6"deep F
and what happens to the water once it a- .
arrives. ,
A rain garden,or bioretention Y
basin, is a garden of native shrubs, Downspout sdirect
perennials, and flowers planted in SpecialAm runoff(romthe roof
across the ground.
Soils can speed up 'r yl,'
a small depression that is designed ,,.
the infiltration of /
to temporarily store and infiltrate runoff Stones around the
stormwater runoff from surroundin ter help to
g pbreak erimepflow and d
up flo
roofs, driveways, patios, and lawns. Root systems help prevent washout
puff water deep
Rain gardens are effective at removing underground
up to 90%of nutrient loading from
runoff and up to 80% of suspended
sediments and solids.
Rain gardens differ from wet gardens
in that they should typically infiltrate
runoff within 12-48 hours which
prevents the breeding of mosquitoes.
Often, amended soils are used in
places where the current soil type has
low permeability.An amended soil mix
will typically contain about 60%sand,
15-20%topsoil, and 20%-25%organic
compost. '
In addition to providing an attractive
burst of color to your lawn, native
plants provide habitat for birds and
butterflies, and their deeper root
system is more resilient and hardy
removing the need for fertilizer and
requiring minimal maintenance after ~
the first year.
Resources to help make a Rain
Garden can be found at the Fox River
Conservation Foundation, the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources, or
Groundwater.org.
Figure K: How a Rain
Garden Works(Top)
Image 28: A Rain Garden
with Native Prairie Plants
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23 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL
Landscaping & Green Infrastructure
Hardscape
In addition to the natural landscaping
around your home,the impervious
hardscape has a significant effect
on the environmental impact and
curb appeal of your home. Green
Infrastructure such as rainwater
harvesting or a permeable pavement
driveway can significantly reduce
runoff from your property and lower
water costs.
Simple maintenance can make a
significant impact on the quality of
the hardscaping around your home.A
curb along the side of your driveway,
either concrete or wood can make
a significant improvement in the
lifespan of the surface.
In areas with steep terrain a retaining
wall can level your property and create
a useable lawn or garden where there
wasn't one before.A retaining wall
can also be useful where storm water
runoff has led to erosion between
properties.
New driveways can be made out of
asphalt, concrete,or interlocking
pavers. Each of these is also available
in a permeable alternative which
allows storm water to filter through
the pavement and be absorbed into
the ground underneath.
Figure L:Pavement Cost vs.
Lifespll for various materials
Pavement Material Cost Lifespan
Gravel* $ 5 - 10 Years
Asphalt $$ 15 -20 Years �t
Concrete $$$ 20 -30 Years
Interlocking Pavers $$$$ 30 -40 Years
*Existing Driveways Only
Images 29,30,&31 (Top to Bottom):
Paving Stones or Retaining Walls can
improve the aesthetics as well as the
longevity of outdoor hardscape areas.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL 24
Landscaping & Green Infrastructure
Permeable Pavements
Permeable pavements are a
sustainable alternative to traditional
pavements that reduce stormwater How Permeable Pavement Works
runoff and improve downstream water
quality by infiltrating rainfall through
the pavement surface into underlying Gaps in the
pavement surface
soils promoting pollutant removal and allow storm water to
groundwater recharge. penetrate and begin !r
e
to soak into the
Permeable pavements include porous ground. � � r
asphalt and concrete as well as block
pavers and vegetated grid systems.
Depending on the design, paving
material, and soil type, permeable
pavements can reduce annual runoff
by as much as 80%. It is critical that
permeable pavement projects are
maintained according to manufacturer ;
specifications which often include
sweeping or vacuuming sediments g.e
from permeable surfaces as well as -
replacement of drainage gravel in the The stone base is
packed with gaps The underlying soil
voids of permeable paver systems. and voids to allow should be uncompacted
the water to seep in order to maximize its
While initial costs for porous through infiltrative capacity
pavements are typically higher than An underdrain should
costs for conventional pavements, be installed at the
they are offset by eliminating the need lowest point to collect
for other stormwater infrastructure or excess runoff and route
by being used in conjunction with a it away
rainwater harvesting device such as a
cistern.
Pavement Material Cost per SF Lifespan
Porous Asphalt $0.50-$1.00 15-20 Years Figure M:Typical Costs&Lifecycles of Different Permeable
Concrete $2.00-$6.50 20-30 Years Pavements(Left),Figure N:How Permeable Pavements Work(Above),
Interlocking Pavers $5.00-$10.00 20-30 Years Figure O:Different Types of Permeable Pavement(Below)
Jr Porous asphalt is the same as regular asphalt Jr Permeable pavers are comprised of interlocking
except it is manufactured with the finest level of concrete bricks, separated by joints or gaps,
stones omitted, leaving open spaces that allow filled with small stones or sand laid over a bed
water to filter through to a 'recharge'or drainage of aggregate stones. Water is able to infiltrate
bed. through the joints in the pavers and is stored in
the voids of the aggregate below where it is
AF Porous concrete consists of cement, coarse aggre- slowly filtered back into the soil.
gate, and water, with little to no fine aggregates
(such as sand or clay) leaving up to 30% of the Vegetated grid systems are plastic or concrete
concrete as void spaces to filter water to the under- grids over a bed of drainage material and soil.
lying reservoir layer. The voids are then seeded with low mainte-
nance grass varieties.
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25 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL
Landscaping & Green Infrastructure
Rain Barrels & Rainwater Harvesting
Rain barrels are an affordable and
easy way to reduce the amount of
stormwater runoff from your property How a Rain Barrel Works iL—,c,,--en while saving money on your water bill.
overflow to yard, downspoutFor every inch of rain that falls on rain garden,or optional
1 sq ft of roof over half a gallon of second barrel ' (to keep mosquitoes from
rainwater can be harvested.That " breeding in barrel)
means a 10'x10' shed will yield
60 gallons of rainwater during a {
1" rain event.A 2,000 sq ft home
would generate over 1,200 gallons ;
from one inch of rain. During the
summer months, around 40%of total
household water usage is for watering
lawns and gardens. Rain water doesn't f°U`gt --
contain chlorine, lime, or calcium raised platform
which makes it ideal for watering
your flowers and vegetable garden or
washing your car or windows. hose
A typical rain barrel will vary in size —
from 45-55 gallons and can range in
cost from $20 for a do-it-yourself kit
to upwards of$200 for a premium
system.The Fox River Conservation
Foundation sells rain barrels through
their website year-round made of Key Elements of a Rain Barrel System Include:
recycled food-grade plastic and can
be ordered online and delivered to
your home for$65 plus tax. A 45 -55 gallon drum
If a rain barrel is more commitment A raised platform to aid in gravity flow and allow for a
than you're interested in, bucket to be placed under the spigot.
disconnecting downspouts can have
many of the same benefits.
A wire screen over the opening to keep mosquitoes from
If the gutters and downspouts on your breeding in the open barrel.
home drain across paved surfaces or
below ground,consider disconnecting A faucet&hose at the bottom of the barrel to use the water
or redirecting them across lawn or
garden areas to make a positive An overflow spout at the top of the barrel to direct runoff to
impact for stormwater management. your yard.
Disconnecting downspouts from the
storm sewer system and redirecting
them to lawns, gardens, or rain barrels
will reduce the amount of runoff that
enters a storm drain and ultimately Figure P:How a Rain Barrel Works(Top)
flows into nearby lakes, streams, and
rivers. Figure Q:Key Elements of a Rain Barrel System(Bottom)
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL 26
References In
The Conservation Foundation: http://www.theconservationfoundation.org/index.php
Kendall County GIS. (2018).Geographic Information Systems. Retrieved from CAMA Sales Viewer: http://gis.co.kendall.
il.us/GISViewer_Gallery.aspx
Landmarks Illinois. (2018). Landmarks Illinois. Retrieved from http://www.landmarks.org/
Martucci, B. (2015). Buying an Old House?—Common Problems, Hidden Costs& Benefits. Retrieved from Money
Crashers: https://www.moneycrashers.com/buying-old-house-problems-costs-benefits/
Old House Guy LLC. (2018).Old House Guy. Retrieved from https://www.oldhouseguy.com/
Rain Garden Plant List& Requirements. (2018). Retrieved from Illinois Department of Natural Resources: https://www.dnr.
illinois.gov/education/Pages/PlantListRainGarden.aspx
Secretary of the Interior. (2017). Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for preserving,
rehabilitating, restoring, and reconstructing historic buildings. Secretary of the Interior.
Sidler, S. (2013, May 20). Preventative Maintenance Checklist. Retrieved from The Craftsman Blog with Scott Sidler: https://
thecraftsmanblog.com/preventative-maintenance-checklist/
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. (2018).A Homeowner's Guide to Watershed Protection.Tip of the Mitt Watershed
Council.
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. (2011). Stormwater Design Specification No. 7 Permeable Pavement.
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27 NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN MANUAL