Residents in parts of Scarborough are to be told what colours they can paint their own homes by the local council.
The council wants a colour scheme in keeping with the town's history
Garish exteriors are being outlawed in favour of a more neutral palette for properties in the Sandside area.
The council said the muted colours are critical to create an image in keeping with the history of the harbour, which is at the heart of a conservation area.
It follows a row over a chip shop which was painted bright yellow and sparked a planning row with the council.
The local authority has since won the right to force the owners to repaint the listed part of the building.
A spokesman for Scarborough Council said the new guidelines would mean anyone who wanted to change the exterior colour of property in the Sandside area would have to get planning permission to do so.
The government has backed the idea and officials are now creating a selection of pre-approved colours which will include shades of white, cream and beige, in keeping with the town's Georgian history.
A similar paint chart has been used to protect the character of the St Nicholas cliff area for the past 11 years.