Input sought on rules for roadside buildup

AIKEN --- Public input is being sought for some proposed design guidelines for development along major thoroughfares leading into Aiken.

"This is just to make sure everybody knows what's going on," said City Planner Susan French. She said the latest proposed guidelines have been posted on the city's Web site, www.aiken.net.

The plan, called the Aiken Highway Overlay District, would prohibit certain building materials for new construction and would dictate roof designs and even color preferences.

The affected roads could include Richland Avenue, Whiskey Road, Silver Bluff Road, Laurens Street, York Street, Pine Log Road, University Parkway, Hitchcock Parkway and Rutland Drive.

The overlay district would include areas outside some existing boundaries where design guidelines apply, including the Old Aiken Overlay District, which includes parts of the immediate downtown and an area east along Richland.

By mid-June, after public input is gathered, planners could adjust the highway guidelines. They would then go to the Design Review Board, Planning Commission and the City Council, where more public comment would be allowed.

City officials say the new district will apply to multifamily and commercial developments extending 500 feet from a highway's right-of-way.

New construction or an alteration that exceeds 50 percent of the building's appraised value would fall under the new rule.

No specific architectural style will be required, but half of a building's facade must be brick, wood, stucco or stone, and materials such as vinyl, aluminum or steel siding would be prohibited.

There are also provisions for pitched roofs and columns.

"You just want to make it attractive and yet not be overburdening to a business owner," Ms. French said.

Reach Preston Sparks at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.