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Why Claremont?

Claremont, New Hampshire
A Connecticut River Byway Waypoint Community

Claremont has a rich history centered on the banks of the Sugar River several miles upstream from its confluence with the Connecticut River. In the early 1800’s, sheep farming was a big industry in the valley and Jarvis Hill. By the mid 1800’s mills had sprung up in Claremont to produce textiles from the wool. The old textile mills still line the Sugar River and the city recently obtained approval for a pedestrian bridge from the mill district over the Sugar River connecting to the newly built Visitor Center. The new economy has brought industrial and office park opportunities in commercial parks in the River Road area.

Claremont today is a diverse community whose attractions range from concerts at the recently restored Claremont Opera House to stock car races at the Claremont Speedway. Kayaks launch at the park on the river, spring features the annual bike races, Arrowhead offers in-town skiing at the back door of the Claremont Middle School and Sugar River Vocational Technical School, the weekly farmer’s markets and the Fall Festival/Chili /Cookoff create opportunities for community.

Claremont is easily accessed by highway, rail or air. Just 6 miles from I-91, it is 11 miles to Ascutney Mountain Resort, 15 miles to Mt. Sunapee State Park and Ski Area, and 25 miles to Okemo. There is a rail station with daily Amtrak service. Claremont Municipal Airport offers a paved 3100’ runway with fuel and general aviation services.

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Economic Development

The primary focus of economic development is to promote vitality in community. This is comprised of a vibrant city center, diverse housing opportunities, the substantive re-use of historic buildings, and the expansion of retail and light industry to create a strong tax base, stable working economy and quality of life for the people of Claremont.

New or expanding businesses:

We are available to send information packets or to host a tour of the city and available sites with prospective businesses. We work with local commercial brokers and property owners to ensure that privately listed properties are exposed to those interested in entering the Claremont market. Our office is often the first point of contact for information about the city and commercial property, and we will assist buyers in familiarizing themselves with the community, workforce and existing businesses. Our goal is to help a business find property that suits their needs.

We also list and are the contact for City of Claremont and Claremont Development Authority (CDA) properties, and can send detailed information regarding those sites. The City requires that all city-owned property be publicly noticed with a Request for Development. Those who respond to these requests will be reviewed for appropriateness of use in the zone, financial ability to finish the project as presented, and in some cases, experience with the type of project. The City Council will then make a decision to grant a purchase and sale on the basis of the information provided and a recommendation from the Planning and Development staff.

The Claremont Development Authority (CDA) is comprised of volunteer community business leaders dedicated to fostering and encouraging the community’s economic development and wealth. They have historically acquired, developed, leased or sold property in the city to achieve this purpose. The CDA markets, leases and sells its own property in much the same way as a real estate office. Buyer brokers should contact the Planning and Development office for information on the commission structure for CDA properties.

Financial programs are sometimes available for business development in concert with the federal government, the CDA and our county finance partner, CRDC. Some businesses expanding or creating new jobs may also be eligible for state grants. Please contact the office for further information.

The Planning and Development Department, working with the Main Street program, also seeks to revitalize the downtown area as new commercial building expands on Washington Street.

To achieve a strong economy requires an outreach to private housing and business development opportunities, state and federal funding options, as well as regular contact with the existing business community in Claremont to assist long term success and growth. This is a critical part of the economic development component of the Planning and Development Department.

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The Planning Process

If you are going to build or expand a residence or business in Claremont, you must meet the local zoning, subdivision and site plan regulations. The Planning and Development Department can advise you if you need to file an application for your project, and will give you information on which application to file, and whether you will need to meet with the Planning and/or Zoning Boards or another board or commission. The Planning Board meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, and the Zoning Board meets on the 1 st Monday of the month.

Guide to the Planning Process

Step 1: Review the proposed project for its consistency with the Claremont local land use regulations. Identify any potential issues of concern early in the process.

Step 2: Before an applicant spends too much time and effort with the proposal, meet with the staff of the City Planning and Development office to review the proposal in general terms in order to receive preliminary staff comments and observations.

Step 3: Staff will determine if the application meets the City’s zoning requirements. Zoning issues include front, side and rear setbacks, building separation, lot coverage and minimum land area.

Step 4: Engage the services of a qualified licensed land surveyor or engineer who can assist the applicant in meeting the subdivision and site plan review regulations. Most, but not all proposals, require the assistance of a design professional such as a land surveyor or engineer.

Step 5: Meet with the City’s Technical Review Committee (TRC), which meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, to seek comments from City Department heads relative to a potential application. This is an opportunity to receive input before you meet with the Planning Board. The Planning Board requests that the applicant satisfactory address the TRC comments on the application.

Step 6: The City staff will review the application checklist in order to determine if the potential application is complete. In larger, more complicated projects, the City may require that the applicant provide sufficient funds for the City to conduct an engineering review of the application.

Step 7: Submit a formal application to the Planning and Development office at least 17 days prior to the next scheduled Planning Board meeting. The Boards and Commissions Coordinator will schedule a public hearing for the application.

Step 8: The applicant or agent will present the plan before the Planning Board. The Planning Board will act to either approve the application or continue the hearing on the application to a certain date and time.

Step 9: Incorporate comments from the Planning Board into an updated version of the plan.

Step 10: The applicant can request an extension. The application is not considered to be approved and cannot be recorded at the Sullivan County Register of Deeds until all conditions of approval have been met.

Step 11: Larger projects may require site inspections as improvements are being completed. Work with the City staff to coordinate site inspections.

Continue to coordinate with the Planning and Development department on a case by case basis. We are here to help you with any of your questions and work with you to achieve your goals.

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Building Inspection & Code Enforcement

The Claremont Building Code has changed

The State of NH Building code has been amended per RSA 155-A:1

2009 International Residential Code Update - Presentation from Public Meeting 3/30/10

As of April 1, 2009 the City of Claremont is using the following

New Hampshire Building Code or State Building Code which means:
International Building Code 2009
International Plumbing Code 2009
International Mechanical Code 2009
International Energy Conservation Code 2009
International Residential Code 2009
National Electric Code 2008

And any amendments, revisions and re-adoptions, hereby adopted by reference,

in accordance with amendments adopted by the State Building Code

Informative Websites

www.claremontnh.com
www.iccsafe.org (free ecodes)
http://publicecodes.citation.com/icod/ic-p-2009-000019.htm (direct links to codes)
www.stairways.org (2006 IRC Version)
http://www.toolbase.org/pdf/designguides/revisedFPSfguide.pdf (Frost protected Shallow Foundation)
www/gypsum.org

Note: The City of Claremont is also using the International Property Maintenance Code 2009, and any amendments, revisions and re-adoptions thereto, is hereby adopted by reference.

Copies of the codes are available for review at the Planning and Development office, located on the lower level of the Claremont Visitors Center at 14 North Street, the Tax Collectors Office and the Fiske Free Library .

Swimming Pool Regulations

RESIDENTIAL

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXEMPTIONS

2006 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE – SECTION R105

WORK REQUIRING A PERMIT

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done,

shall first make application by submitting ALL required documentation to the building official and obtain the required permit.

BUILDING EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 sq. ft.
Fences not over 6 feet high.
Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finishing work.
Pre-fabricated swimming pools which are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
Swings, and other playground equipment.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

ELECTRICAL EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

GAS EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

Portable heating appliances, portable ventilation appliances, and portable cooling units.
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

MECHANICAL EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

Portable heating appliance, portable ventilation equipment or portable cooling units (including evaporative cooler).
Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.
Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

PLUMBING EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

EMERGENCY REPAIRS

Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the

permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day to the building official.

REPAIRS NOT EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

The cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof
The removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support
The removal or change of any required means of egress or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting its exit way requirements
The addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping; electrical wiring; or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.

Prior to applying for a building permit, all necessary subdivision, land development or site plan approval must be obtained. In addition, the proposed construction must comply with all applicable building and Zoning Codes.

** NON-RESIDENTIAL **

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXEMPTIONS

2006 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE – SECTION 105

WORK REQUIRING A PERMIT

shall first make application by submitting ALL required documentation to the building official and obtain the required permit.

BUILDING EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 sq. ft.
Fences not over 6 feet high.
Oil derricks
Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below and which are not part of an accessible route.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finishing work.
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
Pre-fabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy, as applicable in Section 101.2, which are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems.
Swings, and other playground equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R-3, as applicable in Section 101.2, and Group U occupancies, which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.

ELECTRICAL EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
Electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, except for equipment and wiring for power supply, the installation of towers and antennas.
Installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.

GAS EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

Portable heating appliance.
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

MECHANICAL EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

Portable heating appliance, portable ventilation equipment or portable cooling unit (including evaporative cooler).
Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
Replacement of any part which does not alter its approval or make unsafe.
Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.

PLUMBING EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

EMERGENCY REPAIRS

Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the

permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day to the building official.

REPAIRS NOT EXEMPT FROM PERMIT

The cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof
The removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support
The removal or change of any required means of egress or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting its exit way requirements
The addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping; electrical wiring; or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.

Initial Access Form

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