Historic Atchison Style, Front Porches, Walkable

Home Design Guidelines and Examples

You can work with your builder to create an entirely new home design that meets the neighborhood design guidelines, or you can use one of the beautiful home designs below, all of which meet the requirements and are preapproved for use in Raven Hills.

Note that some lots have specific requirements for home size and design, and you will need to understand the requirements of your lot before selecting a design for your home.

Preapproved Designs

 Ambrose
Catherine
Maria
Matthew

Design Guidelines and Requirements

Architectural Style of Houses Between 1860-1930 in Atchison, Kansas

The following architectural types were used in Atchison in the 1860-1930 time period and are required in the planned district:

These design standards are required to be met for all new dwellings in the planned district. It's agreed that approval for the Single Family Home with an ADU Above the Garage will require site plan approval from the Planning Commission. If prospective homeowners/builders and city staff are unable to reach a mutually acceptable agreement regarding these design standards, an architectural committee appointed by the developer will provide guidance to both parties. If the homeowners/builders are not satisfied following the architectural committee review, they may submit a site plan application for consideration by the Planning Commission.

General Requirements

  • Building shall reflect color schemes of historic Atchison. No bright colors not in use prior to the 1930's to be allowed. Garage paint color to match primary home color.
  • If a fireplace is utilized, exterior must be made from brick or stone.
  • Unless noted below building materials shall be authentic with the building materials on the front used on all sides: traditional brick and stone, LP Smart Lap siding, Stucco, Wood.
  • AC units and trash can storage must be screened from front and side facing adjacent residence or street.
  • Roofs will be covered with modern composition or slate.
  • Driveways for homes facing 1st Street between Laramie and Riley will be rear loaded from the alley. Homes facing Laramie, Riley or Washington Streets may have front or rear loaded driveways.

Street Facing

  • Porches are required, unless provided by exception. Alternate covered areas to be allowed are shown on attached home pictures.
  • Columns, trim and exposed wood shall be painted. Stone, brick, custom carpentry or stucco to be utilized as design feature for columnar bases.
  • Stair and porch railings/spindles to be painted.
  • Fences must comply with the currently adopted fence code of the City of Atchison.
  • A gable or hip roof design feature shall be incorporated to breakup the roof appearance. Corbels are encouraged as appropriate to fit the architectural style.
  • 2” caliper street tree (selected from City of Atchison approved list) and a minimum of 25 lineal feet of landscaping in front of home to be required.
  • Architecturally appropriate 'gingerbread' trim work under eaves and dormers.
  • Brick edged stairs.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

  • Accessory Dwelling Units are only allowed above detached garage.
  • ADU shall have a minimum net floor area of 310 square feet and shall not exceed a maximum net floor area of 600 square feet.
  • ADU shall have a maximum of 1' bedroom.
  • Height is maximum of 25', 2 stories with first floor being garage.
  • A dedicated parking stall is required for ADU.

Materials Not Allowed

  • Vinyl and metal siding
  • EIFS/other than trim and moldings
  • Thin brick veneer and brick panels except on sidewalks/porch stairs
  • Chain link fencing

Home Styles Not Allowed

  • Container homes
  • Mobile homes
  • Split level homes
  • Modern homes
  • Ranches

Each lot is required to have landscaping

Any part of the lot not used for building, structures, parking or sidewalk is to be landscaped with a mixture of grass, trees and shrubs. Street trees shall be minimum 2” caliper and selected from City of Atchison approved list. The front of the home is required to have a minimum of 25 lineal feet of landscaping. See design guidelines for additional details.