"Earth tone" corresponds to the meaning of earthen:  made of earth or of
baked clay.  Therefore, any of various earthen materials, or dirt,
heated to remove moisture; and their resultant color would be an "earth
tone."  N'est-ce pas?

Ilene

Dan Becker wrote:
>
> Here's a Q for you....  I'm also going to post this to the folks in the
> auditorium listening to the lecture over on P-L .  The contest is to see
> who comes up with the best answer for me to use first...them focused
> folks, or the garrulous individuals carrying on out in the lobby.
>
> The guidelines for our Moore Square Historic District (a largely
> commercial district, early 20th century) call for "earth tone" colors.
>  The guidelines note that earth tones in the natural colors of unpainted
> brick and stone surfaces are the predominant colors expressing the
> historic character of the area; further, that "wood trim pieces should be
> painted colors which harmonize with these natural earth tones."  We had
> someone paint a storefront primary yellow and primary red without a
> Certificate of Appropriateness.  These colors are not earth tones in the
> generally accepted understanding as recognized in historic architectural
> terms, however neither the guidelines nor the ordinance define "earth
> tone" any further than what is noted above.  It's sort of like the courts'
> view of pornography:  I know it when I see it.
>
> The applicant presented a definition drawn from an art text: In _A Manual
> of Painting Materials and Techniques_, earth tones are defined as:
>  "?colored by iron, but also by other metals, which are mined, washed,
> pulverized, and sometimes heated to produce different hues.  They are
> characterized by low chroma, low to moderate tinctural tinting strength,
> varying value ranges, and hues ranging from yellow to red, with some very
> dull red-purples and greens.  Natural deposits of white chalk can also be
> used as earths."
>
> Nobody is biting on this definition, especially since the colors used are
> neither "low chroma" or "low to moderate tinctural tinting strength," but
> I am seeking a definition that will better support the committee should it
> decide to deny the application.  I turn to you for assistance.
>
> The city code provides a hierarchy for establishing the meaning of
> provisions in the zoning code when they are not specifically defined by
> the code:
> 1) definition in an ordinary dictionary;
> 2) ordinance statements of purpose and intent, or reports and studies
> adopted or referred to in the ordinance;
> 3) minutes of discussions of legislative or advisory bodies considering
> adoption of the provision in question;
> 4) definitions of similar terms contained in federal and state statutes
> and regulations;
> 5) ordinary rules of grammar.
>
> Nothing is to be had in numbers 2, 3, or 5.  The dictionaries here at city
> hall are silent on the term "earth tone."  I am looking for a definition
> from category number 1, or number 4.  Anybody in possession of an ultra
> ordinary dictionary?  How about a federal code definition?  In the event
> of a tie, the first answer received is the winner.  However, a later
> answer higher in the hierarchy will be declared the winner, since it is
> more legally useful to me.
>
> Winner will receive a BP T-shirt funded by me, unless they are all sold
> out.  In that case, the winner will receive my grateful thanks.
> _____________________________________________________
> Dan Becker,  Executive Director            "What's this? Fan mail
> Raleigh Historic                                     from some flounder?"
> Districts Commission                             - Bullwinkle J. Moose
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