In a previous column the term “design guidelines” was used.

As a follow-up comment, a reader suggested another column may be appropriate to discuss design guidelines specifically and to provide information as to what they are.

So, here goes.

Design guidelines (DGs) are, according to the Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture, “criteria developed by preservation commissions to identify design concerns in an area and help property owners ensure that rehabilitation and new construction respect the character of designated buildings or districts.”

This definition is, perhaps, a bit too confining.

Other design groups offer different definitions and provide the additional caveat that effective DGs should give helpful advice, in addition to regulations.

As to the confining definition above, Preservation commissions are not the only groups or entities which can impose DGs.

The covenants which some experience when moving into or building in new subdivisions are also examples of DGs, especially when such contracts limit the type of home which is acceptable or the species of trees which owners can plant or the types and sizes of outbuildings which are allowed.

Cities and counties can also produce DGs, which apply to limited areas with specific criteria such as the use of construction materials, lighting, signage, building sizes and heights, etc.

Counties typically encounter these DGs in areas which have historical significance.

Locally, the Historic Preservation Commission has or can adopt DGs to apply to the area in downtown which is designated a historic district.

When agencies desire to suggest either new or expanded DGs, they usually must present their request to the elected government agency, either the city commission or fiscal court, for approval and application by ordinance.

Many cities around the country have design guidelines, either in limited areas or universally.

Cities like Savannah, Georgia, Charleston, South Carolina, Washington, D.C. and many others have long-standing DGs which have proved to be enhancements for the living experiences there.

In past years, limited DGs have suggested here in Winchester, outside those already in force in the historic district, but have not been received well by governing bodies perhaps because those bodies erroneously believe imposing such guidelines will deter business development.

One modest proposal rejected was to require future businesses developed between the Bypass and Bullion Boulevard to design buildings so they would not present a “backside” to either street.

WinFirst Bank was successful in accomplishing this without DGs in place.

Another declined proposal was to require businesses to construct dumpster enclosures of the same material as the main building.

The new CVS store built its enclosure like that without being forced to do so but others constructing in the area could negate that effort without specific requirements.

But easy-to-understand and straightforward design guidelines can be conducive to new business and industry because savvy businessmen-and-women understand such guidelines will ensure, when they build by them, any new neighbors will be required to do so as well, and the county can easily maintain property values.

Virtually anyone could look around Winchester and see where DGs could be or would have been helpful.

Chuck Witt is a retired architect and a lifelong resident of Winchester. He can be reached at chuck740@bellsouth.net.