WESTBROOK - With adoption of new architectural design guidelines last week, the Planning Commission has given developers, builders, and architects a road map to follow to meet town land use regulators' expectations.

Town Planner Meg Parulis summarizes the purpose and content of the new design guidelines:

"The Architectural Design Guidelines are an attempt to highlight the details of the building that lend character such as roof lines, dormers, windows, trim, main entrances, and of course materials (natural looking such as stone, brick, wood clapboards, and cedar shingles). Trademarked architectural styles (for chain stores) that are not in harmony with the surrounding neighborhood are specifically discouraged. Lengthy, unbroken facades are discouraged as well.

"Duplex housing should have the appearance of large, single family homes and townhouses should have the appearance of individual units through the use of a variety of compatible colors, patterns, and roof pitches. With regard to multi-family housing, there is also attention given to the 'visitability' of the individual units, with a list of features to consider for all units such as handicapped-accessible entrances, first floor bathrooms, and accessible walkways."

Copies of the new design guidelines are available in the Land Use Department and will soon be posted on the town's website.