Accessories to buildings such as the installation of ATMs, satellite dishes and antennas, utility boxes, and vending machines can impact the District's streetscape and create visual clutter. Individually, the impact of these items can be relatively small. However, when viewed collectively, these inappropriate additions to the buildings in the Historic District can erode the overall historic and architectural cohesiveness that make the District unique.

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
The HDC reviews exterior work to all buildings, any portion of which is visible from the public way. In other words, those ATMs proposed for the exterior of a building will require prior HDC approval. Those located inside a building lobby do not require HDC review. In general, these devices are incompatible with the character of the Historic District. However, the HDC recognizes their necessity and has approved their use in several locations in the District.

  • Efforts should be taken to install an ATM in the least visually prominent or architecturally important building façade. The HDC encourages their installation in building recesses and entryways.
  • The machine should be installed is such a manner as to cause the least amount of destruction or damage to the building's architectural elements.
  • ATMs should be as small in scale as possible while meeting the necessary banking needs.
  • The machines should be lit using the least obtrusive fixtures and lowest light levels possible while ensuring customer safety.
  • Litter receptacles are required in the design of all ATMs.

Satellite Antennas
All satellite antennas and dishes require prior HDC approval before they can be installed. Such additions are incompatible with the District's character. For this reason, the Commission strongly recommends that they be installed in the least obtrusive fashion possible.

  • Antennas or dishes should be located on the least visually prominent area of a structure.
  • The Commission encourages the smallest size possible consistent with the requirements for reception and transmission.
42