HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULATIONS
Adopted July 2, 1992
Amended January 26, 1999
AUTHORITY
These regulations are adopted under the authority of New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, 1983, Chapter 675:6 and the Land Usage Bylaws of the Town of Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire.
REGULATIONS
Existing non-conforming structures may continue except as follows:
The use of a structure may not be altered or enlarged.
The use of a structure may not be changed to another nonconforming use or, if changed to a conforming use, revert to a nonconforming use.
2. New structures, changes in existing buildings and land, alterations and demolitions:
Shall require a permit. (No permit shall be required for remodeling or repairs where the exterior appearance of the structure is not changed.)
Must be completed within one (1) year from date of approved application. If construction is not completed, a new application must be made to the Commission.
Must be no more than 2 ½ stories.
Must conform to the general style of neighboring structures in the following categories:
Openings within the façade as a percentage of the façade, i.e., doors and windows.
Similarity of construction materials and surface texture, i.e., rough, smooth, wood, brick, etc.
Similarity of roofs, i.e., slopes and shapes.
Similarity of architectural details, i.e., doors and windows.
Similarity of landscaping and ground covering, to include outdoor equipment, i.e., grass, brick, granite, etc.
Similarity of color and structure.
MISCELLANEOUS
No mobile homes shall be allowed.
No travel trailers or trailers used as residences shall be allowed. (Travel trailers are defined as those allowed to be towed by vehicles without a special permit, not over 35 feet long or 8 feet wide.)
Any damaged structure or foundation shall be repaired within one (1) year or it shall be removed to ground level and left in a safe and sightly condition.
AMENDMENT
These regulations shall be amended in the following manner as required in RSA 675:6, I – IV.
The Commission shall hold a public hearing within the Historic District prior to amendment.
The Commission may amend the regulation upon completion of the public hearing by an affirmative vote of a majority of its members.
No regulation so amended shall be legal or have any force and effect until copies of it are certified by a majority of the Commission and filed with the Town Clerk.
SUGGESTED STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION
Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for a property which requires minimal alteration to the building, structure or site and its environment, or to use a property for its originally intended purpose.
The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure or site and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible.
All buildings, structures and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged.
Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a building, structure or site and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their own right and its significance shall be recognized and respected.
Distinctive stylish features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure or site shall be treated with sensitivity.
Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced, whenever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic, physical, or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other buildings or structures.
The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials shall not be undertaken.
Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archaeological resources affected by, or adjacent to, any project.
Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical architectural or cultural material and such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood or environment.
Wherever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure would be unimpaired.
APPLICATION
Each application submitted to the Commission shall be made on forms provided by the Commission and are obtainable in the Land Use Office or the Selectmen’s Office in the Fitzwilliam Town Hall. The completed application shall be presented to the Administrative Assistant at the Town Hall who shall record the date of receipt.
Appeals to the Board of Adjustment from an Administrative Decision made by the Commission taken under RSA 676:5 shall be filed within thirty (30) days of the decision.
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