About a month ago, I said Lancaster was still, in my opinion, one development code behind the curve.
I wasn’t specific that I was talking primarily about design standards, not zoning classifications or similar.
With that said, then, here’s some of my suggestions for design ideas to incorporate in the next development code, from big to small.
1. Insulation — let’s say all new houses have to have R-13 minimum in the walls and R-25 in the roofs; that’s not too much to ask. I’d actually prefer something like R-19/R-30, but am being lenient.
2. Windows — must be at least double-paned; preferably glazed to boot
3. Some sort of “Energy Star” type rating, if this is legally allowable. Just like you have a sticker on the new fridge that says, “This model will take $$X per month to operate,” put that on new houses.
4. Developments of 50 or more houses have to use at least 2 percent recycled material.
5. Soffits MUST have at least 18 inches of overhang on sides and 24 inches front and back. I have NEVER gotten this idea of building houses without eaves, especially when every extra bit of shade in the summer keeps the body of the house cooler.
6. To riff on The Preserve, for standard zoning, not PDs, let’s then have a “take two” list of other design elements, at least two of which would have to be included with each new house. And, please don’t count chinzy items such as brick mailboxes.
Anyway, that should be enough to get the ball rolling. I have no doubt other people can offer additional ideas.
Complaint point, related to No. 5 — what’s with houses being built without screen/storm doors on the front?
No comments:
Post a Comment