The Commission may utilize the standards outlined in the “Handbook for Connecticut District and Historic Properties Commissions” as a guide in evaluating proposals in addition to the requirements of these regulations and the Connecticut General Statutes.
In determining appropriateness as to exterior architectural features, buildings, or structures, the Commission shall consider, in addition to any other pertinent factors:
A. 
Historical and architectural value.
B. 
Architectural style.
C. 
Scale.
D. 
General design.
E. 
Arrangement.
F. 
Texture and material of the architectural features.
G. 
Type and style of exterior windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, aboveground utility structures, mechanical appurtenances, and type and texture of building materials.
H. 
The relationship thereof to the exterior architectural style and pertinent features of other buildings and structures in the immediate neighborhood.
In passing upon appropriateness as to parking the Commission shall consider the size of such parking area, the visibility of cars parked therein, the closeness of such areas to adjacent buildings, and other relevant factors.
In passing upon the appropriateness of alteration to earthworks or sites of historic or archeological importance, the Commission shall consider, in addition to any other pertinent factors, their value and significance, size, design, arrangement, texture and materials.
A. 
New fences and walls should be compatible with the building's style and character. Concrete walls and chain link fences are not recommended.
B. 
New signs are subject to zoning regulations and review by the Historic District Commission. As a rule, signs simple in shape and color are most effective, easiest to read and usually appropriate for any building. The sign should relate to and not obscure its surroundings. Furthermore, it should be compatible in design, material, and details to the building and its style.
C. 
No application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for an exterior architectural feature, such as solar energy system, designed for the utilization of renewable resources shall be denied unless the Commission finds that the feature cannot be installed without substantially impairing the historic character and appearance of the property. A Certificate of Appropriateness for such a feature may include stipulations requiring design modifications and limitations on the location of the feature which do not significantly impair its effectiveness.
The Commission may modify or vary compliance with any provision of these regulations, where, by reason of topography, district borderline situations or because of other unusual circumstances solely with respect to a certain parcel of land, strict adherence of these regulations would impose exceptional practical difficulty or undue hardship on the applicant. No modification or variance will be granted until after a written request, documented to the Commission's satisfaction in form and amount of information, detailing the basis of the claim or hardship, has been made to the Commission by the person seeking modification or variance. Also, a public hearing shall be held within the time period stipulated by these regulations.
A. 
Additionally, the Commission must find that any such modification or variance shall remain in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the varied section(s) so that the general character of the Historic District shall be conserved and substantial justice done. In granting variances or modifications, the Commission may impose such reasonable and additional stipulations and conditions as will, in its judgment, better fulfill the purpose of the varied sections. Construction may not begin before the Commission has held a public hearing and acted upon a Certificate of Appropriateness or the request for a modification or variance.
B. 
The Commission shall, for each variance or modification granted, place upon its records and in it the Notice to the Applicant the reasons for its determinations.
When an applicant so desires, he or she may present evidence of economic hardship to the Commission. When an applicant raises the issue of economic hardship, the Chairperson may appoint a Committee to review the applicant's evidence of economic hardship. Factors that the Commission may consider when evaluating an applicant's claim of economic hardship may include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. 
The estimated cost of proposed construction, alteration, demolition, or removal.
B. 
The estimated cost necessary to comply with the Commission's standards required for issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness.
C. 
The estimated market value of the Property in its current condition.
D. 
The estimated market value of the property after completion of the proposed construction, alteration, demolition, or removal.
E. 
The estimated market value of the property after the changes required by the Commission.
F. 
The most recent assessed value of the property including the date on which said assessment was made.
G. 
The amount paid for the property.
H. 
The date purchased.
I. 
In the case of income-producing property, the gross annual income from the property for the previous two years, including an itemization of operating and maintenance expenses, and depreciation deduction and annual cash flow before and after debt service, if any, during the same period.
J. 
The remaining balance on any mortgage or other financing secured by the property.
K. 
Real estate taxes for the previous two years.
L. 
All appraisals obtained within the previous two years by the owner or applicant in connection with the purchase, financing, or ownership of the property.
M. 
The applicant's personal income taxes for the previous three years.
N. 
Form of ownership or operation of the property-whether sole proprietorship; for profit or non profit organizations; limited partnership; joint venture; or other.
O. 
The age of the existing structure on the property.
P. 
The historic significance of the structures on the property, including any designations or recognition of historic character.
Q. 
The alternatives explored and investigated by the applicant in an effort to maintain historical integrity of the property without causing economic hardship.
R. 
A report from a licensed engineer or architect experienced in rehabilitation regarding the structural boundaries and rehabilitation of any structure proposed, particularly any structure proposed for demolition on the property.
S. 
An estimate from an architect, developer, real estate consultant, appraiser or other real estate professional experienced in rehabilitation regarding the economic feasibility of rehabilitation or reuse of an existing structure proposed for demolition.
T. 
The Commission may solicit expert testimony and may require the applicant to submit, by affidavit, any or all of the above information.