Design Guidelines

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As stated in the Urban Renewal Plan approved by the city of Fitchburg in June 2000, any property that is located in the Urban Renewal Area is subject to Design Review by the Design Review Board.  All property owners or tenants who are looking to make changes to their facade or signage are to contact the Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority.  To determine if your property falls within the Urban Renewal Area, click here or contact the FRA.

Downtown Fitchburg has served as the City's commercial and industrial core for more than a century.  The Nashua River was the City's first source of industrial power, fueling development and contributing to rapid urban growth in the late nineteenth century.  The paper mills and other industries that thrived in Fitchburg generated tremendous wealth, which is still reflected in the City's outstanding civic, commercial, and residential architecture.  In addition to its industrial and commercial vitality, downtown Fitchburg was historically defined by its beautiful public open spaces, including Crocker Field, designed by the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted in the late nineteenth century, and Monument Park, dedicated in 1874.

The City's industrial base was transformed in the twentieth century with the emergence of new technologies.  The manufacturing of plastics and medical supplies are now the dominant industries, with facilities located throughout the city and surrounding region.  Education has also become an important component of the local economy; Fitchburg State College, founded in 1894, recently became the City's single largest employer.  The College, located approximately one-half mile north of Main Street, now plays a key role in downtown development.

How the Guidelines Work

Conformance with these Design Guidelines is required for any property owner, business owner or developer seeking building permits (new construction or rehabilitation), demolition permits, approvals for changes in use and approvals for new signs.  The activities that require these permits include new construction, substantial rehabilitation, changing a building's use, demolishing a building, requesting a curb cut, changing an existing sign or installing a new one.

In order to receive a permit, the applicant must first file an application with the Downtown Design Review Board.  Upon issuance of a Certificate of Design Approval from the Board, the applicant may proceed with other permit applications.

The Guidelines contain two types of regulations:  Those that are required by the zoning code, including building height, setback, and parking; and those that are at the discretion of the Design Review Board.  The zoning requirements are incorporated into the Guidelines, so that any project receiving design approval should automatically meet the zoning criteria.  This does not mean, however, that other permits are guaranteed once design approval has been granted.

How the Guidelines are Organized

The Guidelines are organized by district to facilitate easy reference, with all of the relevant guidelines contained in each section.  For each district, the Guidelines include streetscape, facade improvements, new construction and signage.  The four districts covered by the Guidelines are Main Street, Boulder Drive / Broad Street, North Street, and the Route 12 Corridor.  Under each subject, a description of the requirements is followed by a bulleted list highlighting key points.

Intent of Design Guidelines

The Design Guidelines are intended to direct streetscape and building improvements and new construction, with the aim of creating a high-quality public environment that promotes economic development.  As part of this mission, the guidelines have five key objectives:

In many downtown areas across the country, design guidelines have proven to be a critical tool for economic development.  Design-coordinated rehabilitation and new construction improve the image and marketability of a district.  Guidelines also encourage investment by creating greater certainty about the quality and character of future development.  Finally, guidelines provide a framework for the objective evaluation of development proposals.  By documenting standards, guidelines allow property owners and developers to design projects that are in accordance with the City's vision for downtown.

These guidelines were developed as part of the Nashua River Corridor Revitalization Plan, under the jurisdiction of the Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority.  The guidelines apply to all properties located in the Fitchburg Urban Renewal Area that share a boundary with one or more of the following streets:  Main Street, Boulder Drive / Broad Street, North Street, and Route 12 / Water Street.  The guidelines are to be followed by all property owners, business owners and developers seeking building permits (new construction or rehabilitation), demolition permits, approvals for changes in use and approvals for new signs.

For individual area guidelines, please contact the Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority.

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