A new “beachy” look will be coming to the Des Moines Marina District and downtown buildings.

The City Council voted 5-2 on March 22 to set guidelines for building design in the downtown and marina areas of the city. The style the council chose to model is commonly known as “Cape Cod” style.

“It’s a way to help people understand what our community is about,” Denis Lathrop, planning manager said.

The “Cape Cod” style was chosen after feedback from the community.

“Having guidelines makes sense … this discussion has been in committee for the last couple of years,” Mayor Dave Kaplan said.

In April and May of last year a random, a survey was taken in Des Moines. The sense of the survey was that Des Moines residents like a historical feel and use of wood, and like public gathering places, such as outdoor cafes and seating.

The “Cape Cod” styles were of particular interest to most people who took part in the survey. Some comments from the public in regard to the “Cape Cod” photos during the survey were: “It looks Des Moinesy,” “the most welcoming,” and, “it’s beachy.”

Councilmember Bob Sheckler said the term “Cape Cod” is a relatable term to the general public and thinks that most people identify it as a welcoming beach town style.

This particular style is known for pitched roofs, clapboard siding, white trim and window shudders among other features. Picture Nantucket Island or Mystic, Connecticut.

Some opposition was felt from Council members Carmen Scott and Jeanette Burrage. They both voted against the item.

“I was on the council 20 years ago and we had a very restrictive design code,” Scott said. She is concerned that using the term “Cape Cod” is too prescriptive.

“I see no reason, what-so-ever to restrict builders,” she added.

Burrage also noted that there have been no new buildings since the previous guidelines were put in place a couple of years ago. She stated the guidelines are counterproductive to the city’s goal of attracting developers.

The current design guidelines say “you should,” not “required” as is the intention and basis for the new guidelines, City Manager Tony Piasecki said.

The possibility of incentives to encourage existing building owners and new developers to conform and maintain the city’s chosen theme will be discussed in the coming months.

The council agreed that Des Moines would like to be recognized as a beach city and emphasize its historic maritime past. The council also agreed that Des Moines is a unique community with a unique history and landscape compared to other cities in the area.

“We’re not going to be the next Leavenworth,” Councilwoman Melissa Musser said.

“It’s a concept identifier, not instructions. They’re guidelines,” added Mayor Pro Tem Matt Pina.