Planning Questions

1. What if I live within the Historic District?
Answer: It is unlawful for any person to construct, alter, modify, repair, move or demolish any building, structure, sign or improvement which lies within the historic district without first obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Commission.
1. Activities Requiring Certificate of Appropriateness (the following activities shall be reviewed by the Historic District Commission whether or not such activity requires the issuance of a permit):
1. Erection, construction, alteration, major repair or rising of a building structure.
2. Erection, alteration or removal of any exterior, visible feature of a building structure.
3. Alteration (including grading), excavating, tree removal, and/or paving a site.
4. Erection, or alteration of a sign affixed to a building, painted on a building or window, or hanging inside a window. Temporary signs shall not be in place for more than three months.
5. Addition or alteration of exterior siding (e.g. vinyl, aluminum, stucco, wood, glass, etc.) of a building or structure.
6. Painting in part or whole of an unpainted stone or masonry building.
7. Method of paint removal.
2. Exceptions (do not require Certificate of Appropriateness); the Historic District is NOT required to review the following activities:
1. Ordinary maintenance and repair of any architectural features which do not involve removal of and/or a change in design, materials or outer appearance.
2. Painting or repainting of a wood surface and/or an already painted masonry surface.
3. Roofing or re-roofing (with the same material) of a building or structure providing the roof plane remains the same.
4. Storm doors and storm windows providing that the original architectural features are not removed or destroyed.
3. Review Criteria (In making a determination on an application, the Historic District Commission shall give consideration to the following):
1. The historical, architectural, or cultural value of the building or structure and its relationship and contribution to the setting.
2. The compatibility of the exterior design, arrangement, texture, and materials proposed to be used in relationship to the existing buildings or structures and their setting, or if new construction, to the surrounding use.
3. The scale and general size of buildings or structures in relationship to existing surroundings including consideration of such factors as the building's overall height, width street frontage, number of stories, roof type, façade openings (windows, doors, etc.) and architectural details.
4. Other factors, including yards, off-street parking, screening, fencing, entrance drives, sidewalks, signs, lights, and/or landscaping which may affect the character of any building or structure within the district, and similar factors which relate to the setting for such structure or grouping of structures.
5. The impact that the applicant's proposal will have on the setting and the extent to which it will preserve and enhance historic, architectural, and cultural qualities of the district and community.
6. To include the adoption of the criteria and guidelines set forth in the "Secretary of Interior's Guidelines for Rehabilitation".
2. What Building Codes does Claremont abide by, and where can I see copies?
Answer: The City of Claremont enforces the following building codes:
1. International Building Code 2006
2. International Plumbing Code 2000
3. International Mechanical Code 2000
4. International Energy Conservation Code 2000
5. National Electric Code 2002
Copies of the codes are available for review by contacting the Building Inspector at 603-542-7030 for an appointment.
3. How long will it take to acquire my permit?
Answer: You should allow at least one week for your permit.
4. How will I receive my permit?
Answer: You will be called when the permit has been approved and prepared. The individual will call and advise the amount of the permit fee and that it is available to be picked up at the office. If you have paid for the permit at the time of application, you can request that the permit will be mailed to the individual who has applied for the permit.
5. What fees are involved?
Answer: You can find the fees on the Fee Schedule located on the Forms page.