Developers of new buildings in the Sewickley Village might have to start with new design regulations, beginning this summer.

On Monday, council will make a motion to advertise an ordinance for design standards in the Village Overlay District.

Joan Miles, a member of the planning commission, attended Tuesday night's Sewickley Committee of the Whole meeting to answer questions and discuss with council some of the key points included in the proposed ordinance.

Miles explained that the ordinance is divided into two parts; enforceable standards and guidelines that are encouraged, but not mandatory.

Miles discussed new setback requirements where new developments are required to be built to the sidewalk.

She did say, however, that there would be a bit of leeway.

"If the building next to it is set back further they can average that distance. However, it can't be any further back than five feet," she said.

This requirement will prevent buildings which begin farther back, such as the Rite Aid located on Beaver Street, from being built. Parking was made available in the front, pushing the building back.

The ordinance will also address transparency.

"It's been well-documented that in a pedestrian-oriented shopping district like ours that if you have these blank surfaces it's kind of a deterrent. People kind of lose interest."

Miles said it is important for Village shoppers to see what's going on in the business and see goods for sale from the street.

Another key point of the ordinance will prohibit building materials such as vinyl and aluminum siding and concrete block.

Attached to the ordinance will be a manual with a set of guidelines that are not mandatory, but suggested and encouraged. Design standards will apply to new development and renovations that would alter 25 percent or more of the building's facade.

A public hearing on the ordinance will be held on July 21 to allow time for business and property owners and county officials to review it.