Signs, Marquees and Awnings in Residential and Commercial Areas of the Historic District

 Any new sign, marquee or awning should not detract from the essential form of the building nor obscure its architectural features.

For details of exactly what signs are allowed in the Historic district please see 5.7.6 Regulation for Signs in the Historic District found on page 5-21 of the Town Zoning Ordinance. 

Listed below are some additional considerations if you are planning to add a sign, marquee or awning to your historical structure

• Make the new feature consistent with the existing size and color of the building. Consider also that it should also be consistent with other signs along the street.   
• Attach new signs, marquees and awnings in such a way that they can be removed at a later date without damaging the material to which they are fastened. 
• Signs:
• • A display of date is encouraged when the date and historic name of a building can be documented.
  • Lettering forms or typeface on a sign may be contemporary or relate to the period of the building or its later contributing features.
  • Lighting of a sign should not dominate the illumination of the building. Additional information on lighting is available in the HDC Preservation guidelines.
  • Plastic signs are strongly discouraged.
  • Flashing signs are prohibited.
  • Temporary signs or banners, displayed within the districts for a period of less than 30 days, do not require an HDC Application.
• Awnings:
• • Canvas awnings are preferred.
  • Valances should be flexible, i.e., their bottom edges are free hanging. 

Please Contact the Planning Department in the Exeter Town Office for further information at 778-0591.