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“What Architectural Design Standard?”
I was retained to do Construction Management for a pool builder’s new headquarters. The structure was a simple rectangular steel building with a rather attractive street side façade. The permit was already in place when I was hired. About halfway through construction I was contacted by The Zoning Department that I was in violation of the Architectural Design Standards in the Zoning Overlay District. News to me...how was a permit obtained? No one seemed to know but compliance was required just the same. I read the ordinance and requested a meeting with the Zoning Official. This was refused and I was forced to deal with a subordinate. I proposed a solution that met the letter of the requirements. I was informed this was not good looking enough. I asked where it said good looking in the ordinance? I got my meeting with the Zoning Official. I proposed a new solution that was attractive and feasible considering the stage of construction. However it did not meet the letter of the rules. I was told by the Zoning Official that she did not have the power to grant this. I said, “Madame Zoning Official it says right here in your ordinance that you do.” She approved the solution and later complemented us on the finished
project. Always go to the source document.
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