The purpose of the downtown historic overlay district is to recognize, preserve, enhance and perpetuate buildings, structures, and sites within the city having historic, architectural, cultural or design significance. This purpose will be safeguarded by:

(1)

Preserving the heritage of the city by providing for the protection of buildings, structures, and sites representing elements of its history;

(2)

Enhancing the visual character of the city by encouraging and regulating the compatibility of new construction and alterations to existing buildings, structures, and sites within the historic district to reflect the city's distinctive architectural identity, unique character, and prevailing scale;

(3)

Fostering public appreciation of and civic pride in the beauty of the city and the accomplishments of its past;

(4)

Strengthening the economy of the city by protecting and enhancing the attractiveness of the community to residents, tourists and visitors;

(5)

Stabilizing and improving property values within the city; and

(6)

Promoting the use of historic districts for the education, prosperity, and general welfare of the community.

(Ord. No. O-2004-12, § 102-1361, 10-7-2004)

Incorporated as part of this article, the downtown historic overlay district, as described in a map entitled "Downtown Historic Overlay District Amendment" dated September 1, 2009, is hereby adopted as an overlay to the official zoning map of the City of Keene.

(Ord. No. O-2004-12, § 102-1362, 10-7-2004; Ord. No. O-2009-14-A, 3-17-2011)

The minimum standards of the underlying zoning district(s) shall apply in the downtown historic overlay district. All uses permitted in the underlying zoning district(s) are permitted in the downtown historic district overlay.

(Ord. No. O-2004-12, § 102-1363, 10-7-2004)

Downtown Historic Overlay District