Ward 3 Alderman David Little’s attempt to set basic design standards for metal buildings in Starkville could find traction in future discussions after few public comments against the proposal emerged Tuesday.
The first-term Republican alderman previously tasked city staff to develop a list of rudimentary requirements for future developments in Starkville. The resulting one page document Little introduced this week would require metal buildings in certain buffer (B-1), commercial (C-1 and C-2) and multi-family residential (R-5) zones visible from public right of ways or adjacent residential lots to have either brick; wood; fiber cement siding; stucco; natural stone or spilt-faced, concrete masonry units that are tented and textured.
The proposal bans the following facades: smooth-faced, concrete masonry units; vinyl siding; tilt-up, concrete panels; prefabricated steel panels and exterior insulation and finish systems – EIFS are permitted, however, for trim and architectural accents.
Parking lots adjacent to public right of way areas also come under the proposal’s microscope. The modified rule states those areas should be paved either entirely or with a combination of asphalt, concreate, porous pavement, concrete pavers or brick pavers.
If approved, gravel parking lots can be temporarily used for up to a year upon the approval of Community Development Director Buddy Sanders.
All future parking lots must provide Americans with Disabilities Act-mandated access and spaces.
Pre-existing, pre-fabricated buildings in Starkville would be grandfathered in, Sanders said, but structures rebuilt after natural disasters or those that undergo major renovations would have to adhere to the new rules.
Parcels of various zoning comprise the Innovation District, an upcoming manufacturing park in west Starkville. Those parcels would not fall under the proposal’s guidelines once they are zoned industrial, meaning investors can erect more bare-bones structures for manufacturing.
Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins previously said the Innovation District will serve as a showcase area for manufacturing, while the LINK will market Cornerstone Park for “shade-and-shelter” buildings.
Little’s proposal found mixed reviews at the table. Ward 1 Alderman Ben Carver said he could, at the very least, support the parking lot requirement, while Ward 4 Alderman Jason Walker hailed the new guidelines as a smart step for a city looking for better future growth.
Vice Mayor Roy A. Perkins asked Little if the 12-month limit for gravel parking lots could be removed, but when the conversation moved back to Sanders for clarity, he said he included the time allotment since most developments are done in phases. If a developer must first pave a parking lot, he said, future heavy machinery could then damage the new surface.
“This is just a small step forward. Many communities go as far as having an architectural review committee where you have to bring in plans. None of that will be a part of this. This is a very simplified version with the intent of making things look nicer,” Little said after listing a number of developments that are actually metal buildings with aesthetically pleasing facades, including Fire Station No. 4 and a small shopping center on Academy Drive.
“I think the citizens of Starkville are conscious and have a desire for the community to look nice,” he added. “We get one chance of making a first impression and putting our best foot forward. (The proposal) is concise; it’s one page; it’s simple. You’re not going to have to hire an attorney to interpret it.”
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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