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 Exploring Design Standards:Village of Spring Lake
There are two arenas in which the Village can influence community design; 1) the design of structures and, 2) the design of the space outside of structures. This piece provides a brief explanation of some of the concepts surrounding community design so the Village can begin to determine at what level it wishes to engage in community design control.
Ø Enact design standards for historic structures via an historic district ordinance; Ø Adopt building design standards as part of the zoning ordinance, or; Ø Use a combination of all of the above. Usually a community promotes building design standards when it is protecting or promoting a traditional main street concept, it has a marketing theme (e.g., like Frankenmuth) and/or it has significant historic structures and wants to protect them and have new development blend with old development. 
Typically, building design standards would address the use of such things as cement board and sheet metal on the fronts of buildings. While these building materials have a certain utility, they are not generally very attractive, especially for historic areas.  Design regulations for downtown areas often require a certain balance between windowed areas and wall areas on a building. Sometimes a minimum height of at least two-stories is required to maintain a "street wall". These concepts promote development that mimics traditional main street retail areas. As a side note: sometimes zoning requires first floor retail and permits second floor apartments and offices. The idea of requiring first floor retail is to create a "critical mass" of stores that collectively have more attraction power than one or two businesses operating in isolation. A concentration of retail businesses also creates synergy among establishments. 
Design standards may require certain building materials like wood siding, brick, and stone or colored, split face block. Tinted windows are often discouraged because it prevents passer bys from viewing the inside of buildings. II. Site Design Site design is evaluated as part of the site plan review process, which is regulated in the zoning ordinance. Site plan review standards are used to ensure such things as adequate building setbacks and parking, but the standards may also address other elements of site design. 1 
2  The site plan review process may require such things as barriers between parking areas and sidewalks (1), or the developer providing bike racks on their property (2). 1 
2  In addition to developing design standards, Village policies can encourage amenities that enhance the community like beautification efforts (1) and outdoor or roof seating (2). 1 
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