Page 62 - State College, PA Design Guidelines

06.28.2018 •

APPROPRIATE FRONT Building Placement
YARD SETBACKS Where and how a new main structure is sited on a lot plays a significant role
The placement of a new structure in its compatibility with the historic district. The two primary components
should be compatible with the of siting that should be considered are setbacks and spacing. Setbacks
pattern of front yard setbacks refer to the distance between the street and a building. Spacing refers to
along the block as illustrated the distance between the building and property lines and the building and
below. New structures are shown structures on adjacent properties. Setbacks and spacing associated with new
in the diagram in yellow. Note that construction should be consistent with setbacks and spacing of adjacent
setbacks must comply with the historic structures. However, building setbacks must also comply with the
requirements of the zoning code. requirements established in the zoning code.

CONSISTENT SETBACK 5.1 Maintain the visual pattern created by the fronts of
CONTEXT buildings along a street.
On most blocks, front facades are
generally aligned with one another, a. Place a new structure such that its front wall is in general
and front yards have consistent alignment with its neighbors.
depths. In this context, a new b. Where front yard depths vary, place a new structure within the
building should be built at the established range of front yard setbacks on a block.
same front yard setback as the 5.2 Maintain the side yard spacing pattern on the block.
existing structures on the block, as
illustrated below. a. Locate a structure to preserve the general side yard spacing
pattern on the block as seen from the street.

b. Where alley access is not available, provide sufficient side setbacks
to allow needed parking to occur behind the front wall of the
house.

Building Orientation

Traditionally, the primary entrance of a building faced the street and was
often sheltered by a porch. This traditional development pattern should be
continued.
VARIED SETBACK CONTEXT
On some blocks, the historic 5.3 Maintain the traditional orientation of a building to the
street.
front yard setback pattern is
varied and additional flexibility is a. Locate the primary entrance to face the street.
appropriate in the placement of a b. Where it is not feasible to orient a primary entrance towards the
new building. In this context, a new street, clearly define the entry with a walkway, porch or stoop.
structure should be built within
the established range of front yard
setbacks as illustrated below.

Maintain the visual line created by the fronts of buildings along a street. (Pittsburgh, PA)

56 STATE COLLEGE, PA • HERITAGE STATE COLLEGE DESIGN GUIDELINES