All building construction, renovation or change of a residential or commercial building or site shall be in general conformance to applicable Town and state regulations and statutes and shall, in addition, conform to the design and material utilized in other buildings and sites in the Historic District. Any demolition or construction residue must be removed from the site within 30 days except in unusual circumstances, including but not limited to hurricanes, fires, insurance investigations, etc.
A. 
The Historic District Commission is concerned with the exterior architecture design and construction of a building or site.
B. 
That portion of a building, as to facade, windows, doors, chimneys, etc., shall be designed and constructed so as to complement the main architectural style of the structure and/or other buildings within the District. Renovations may deviate from the main style in the event a secondary feature is of more historic significance, or upon determination of the District/owner that secondary features should be preserved. Exterior materials which will create an appearance consistent with the structure's architectural style are encouraged.
(1) 
Windows shall be constructed of wood or a simulation of wood and may be covered with storm or combination windows or similar permanent insulating material.
(2) 
Chimneys shall be constructed of brick or fieldstone and be constructed in conformance with existing fire regulations.
(3) 
Driveways shall be constructed so as to conform to the neighborhood of the District and shall be in proportion to the size of the lot.
A. 
General. Activities requiring changes to the external site of any property requiring an appearance before the Historic District Commission by the applicant are delineated in Article III.
B. 
Excavation.
(1) 
Excavations may be made only in conformance with Town of Bedford Excavation Regulations[1] pursuant to RSA 155-E.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 239, Streets and Sidewalks, Art. II, Street Openings.
(2) 
Within the Historic District, excavations shall be restored to original topography within 10 feet of a building, structure or parking area.
C. 
Flora.
(1) 
Clear cutting to 1/30 acre or more, or cutting down any single tree in excess of 15 inches in diameter, measured at a point three feet above existing grade, shall not be allowed without Commission approval unless an imminent hazard or diseased beyond repair and a danger to buildings, automobiles or people, evidence of which shall be the responsibility of the property owner and to be provided to the Town prior to cutting.
(2) 
Ordinary maintenance, replacement or additions of bushes, trees or herbs may be made if they enhance the look or value of the property and do not require Historic District Commission approval.
D. 
Other landscape features.
(1) 
Fences and other obstructions to view must not detract from the character of the District.
(a) 
Granite posts with wooden rails, picket fencing, and post-and-rail fences 48 inches or less in height are accepted styles and do not require an application to the Commission. Other styles shall require approval. Chain link fences are discouraged.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended during codification (upon enactment, adoption information will be inserted here).
(b) 
A variety of connecting fence along a property line is discouraged. Any fence along the front of a building should always continue with the same style of fencing on the property sides (lines) as far as visible.
(c) 
In choosing the proper fence the following should be considered:
[1] 
Architectural period of the house;
[2] 
Neighboring properties;
[3] 
Existing fences in the neighborhood;
[4] 
Height and style in relation to the house;
[5] 
Fences should not restrict the view of the neighbors;
[6] 
Plantings along flat fences are encouraged.
(2) 
Landscape structures such as arbors and pergolas must be complimentary to the predominant architectural style of the property.
(3) 
Visibility of the following may be required to be mitigated where the condition is found not to be in character with the Historic District: man-made decorative objects, large or obtrusive personal property, equipment and machinery such as earth moving and/or other heavy equipment, storage sheds or outbuildings, landscaping features, and swimming pools, tennis courts, antennas and satellite dishes, and trash receptacles.
E. 
Stockpiling. Stockpiling of fill, rubble, stone, building materials, logs or other material, unless permitted as part of a business use, in excess of that to be used in or on a site as part of the proposed work is prohibited.
A. 
The purpose of these sign regulations is to preserve the rural and historic nature and unique character of the District and to foster civic beauty. Although it is understood that the Route 101 section of the Historic District is primarily a business district, it is also an introduction to the Town of Bedford for persons traveling through the Town.
B. 
It is the desire of this Commission to strengthen Bedford's economy by protecting and enhancing the attractiveness of the community to residents, tourists and visitors by carefully reviewing proposed signs to ensure that said signs, in design, size, lighting, color, materials and visual impact, are consistent with the goals and standards of the Historic District as a whole.
C. 
All signs within the Historic District shall conform to the requirements of the Bedford Zoning Ordinance (Articles VII and IX) and the additional regulations listed below:
(1) 
Location. Roof signs are prohibited. Freestanding signs on permanent posts must meet Zoning Board regulations.
(2) 
Materials. Materials appropriate to the Historic District such as wood, simulated wood, stone, brick, metals such as copper, and glass are permitted. Plastic is discouraged except when it simulates wood.
(3) 
Trademark and product names. Such signs shall be discouraged in favor of names of proprietors, business owners and business names. If trademark and product names are desired, the Historic District Commission shall review them to ensure that said signs in design, size, colors, materials and visual impact are consistent with the goals and standards of the Historic District.
(4) 
Illumination. Signs shall be illuminated only externally by steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely on the sign without causing glare for motorists, pedestrians, or neighboring premises. Wires shall be buried underground. Neon shall not be permitted on any exterior sign within the Historic District. Illuminated signs within a building shall not be positioned for display onto any sidewalk, parking lot or roadway. Interior neon signs may not be visible from outside the building.
(5) 
Color. Reflective, fluorescent or similar paints shall not be permitted. Simply designed and rendered signs are encouraged. Sign shall consist of no more than four colors.
(6) 
Temporary signs and banners. Refer to Chapter 275, Zoning, and Chapter 216, Signs and Banners, of the Bedford Town Code.
D. 
General provisions.
(1) 
No off-premises signs shall be permitted within the Historic District;
(2) 
Any property owner, whether a person, persons, firm, or corporation, who erects or resurfaces a sign within the Historic District without a certificate of approval from the Historic District Commission and a sign permit from the Bedford Building Department shall be subject to the enforcement actions and civil penalties of the Chapter 275, Zoning (Article XI, Administration and Enforcement).