Design review committee narrows guideline language; agrees checklist should reference bylaws and include mechanical‑screening and parking links

At its Dec. 12 meeting the Town of Northborough Design Review Committee reviewed a near‑final check sheet intended to match the updated design review guidelines and agreed on several language clarifications and structural changes.

Members asked for clearer references to the town code related to parking and landscape requirements so reviewers will not miss the 10% paved-area open‑space requirement and the tree-trunk-size specification. One member suggested linking the checklist item to bylaw section 709030 (C) so applicants and reviewers can access the full text quickly.

On design vocabulary the committee preferred the term 'compatible' for building scale language rather than 'consistent,' because 'compatible' allows design measures that reduce an apparent scale difference between adjacent buildings. For historic resources they agreed to use 'historical significance' alongside 'architectural value' to keep the wording consistent across the guidelines.

Storefront elements drew extended discussion: the group agreed shutters and awnings should be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis and revised guideline wording should require that shutters, if used, 'appear authentic' and be appropriate in scale and placement. For awnings the committee favored removing lengthy prescriptive paragraphs from the checklist and planting the idea in the guidelines — encouraging awnings where appropriate while reserving a one‑page sign checklist for permit applicants and sign contractors.

Other checklist additions and clarifications: a reminder that flat roofs are discouraged in the guidelines but the checklist should flag whether a flat roof includes an appropriate cornice or parapet; and a checklist entry that mechanical equipment and rooftop systems be screened from view. Committee members asked staff to prepare the sign guidance as a standalone one‑page checklist, include photos or examples in the guidelines, and to circulate a revised version before the next meeting.

The committee scheduled additional sign discussion for its January meeting and noted a filing for a new industrial building (30 Barefoot Road) was expected soon.