Henniker, New Hampshire
Town Code
Part I - General Legislation
Chapter 28
Buildings, Numbering OfHouse / Building Numbering and Symbolizing Ordinance
28-1. Purpose.
The purpose of this policy is to require the clear display of the proper assigned house or building numbers. It is to assist the general public and emergency services, public or private, in identifying any property in case of an emergency, and will support the enhanced 911 system.
28-2. Responsibility of owners.
It shall be the duty of every owner of a building to cause to be displayed thereon the street number of said building and at all times to maintain such number.
28-3. Numbering specifications.
A. This policy will not be enforced by imposing penalties and violations. However, a house or building number must be posted at the time of the final inspection for new construction. It is recommended that every household have their house number posted in the following manner:
(1) In Arabic numerals.
(2) A minimum height of three inches.
(3) Mounted in a secure fashion to the front wall or porch of the building or other fixed appurtenance on the front of the building so as to be clearly visible from the street.
(4) Sufficiently legible as to contrasting background, arrangement, spacing and uniformity so as to be clearly visible from the street
(5) If the house is not clearly visible from the street, the house number must be posted at the end of the driveway.
(6) At least 30 inches above ground level and so placed that trees, shrubs and other obstructions do not block the line of sight of the numbers from the street.
(7) If possible, the numbers should be placed alongside any existing lighting so as to be illuminated.
B. House/building numbers will be assigned by Town Office personnel only. The Tax Lot number may not correspond with the house number. The post office does not assign house numbers. Do not assume that the tax lot number is the house/building number.
28-4. Visibility.
A. If the numbers affixed to the front of the building are not visible from the street, an alternative is that the numbers can be upon a post, rod, mailbox or other type of fixture of substantial nature, on the same side of the street as the driveway leading to said building, so that the number may be conspicuous and visible from either direction when traveling on the road. The location should not be greater that 10 feet from the edge of the roadway. A mailbox, post or rod on the opposite side of the street that the building fronts on will not satisfy these requirements.
B. Numbers posted should be of reflective material or of sufficient visual contrast to the background material to be easily discernible with the aid of an emergency vehicle spotlight.
28-5. Fire Department connections.
All buildings with Fire Department hose connections will have a sign with the twelve-inch-high reflective letters "FDC" directly above the unobstructed connection.
28-6. Multiple entrances.
Where any improvement has more than one entrance serving separate occupants, a separate number should be posted to each separate entrance serving that occupant (e.g. 30A, 30B, etc). Apartments/condominiums should be numbered by building and apartment number (e.g. Building 1, Apt 1, Building 4, Apt 3B). The building number must be clearly visible on each building and each apartment or condominium sufficiently labeled.
28-7 Multiple Buildings
Where there are multiple buildings at the same address, each building shall have posted the building number. The number shall be at least three inches (3") in height and clearly visible from the entrance to the property. The assessing office will assist any property owner in the numbering system of each building.
28-7. Applicability.
A. If emergency personnel have a difficult time responding to a residence because of lack of visibility of numbers or lack of numbers, the Town shall notify the property owner to correct the situation.
B. The ordinance will be added to building permit and driveway applications.
Adoption Dates:
First Reading April 28, 1998
Second Reading May 5, 1998
Third Reading May 12, 1998
Public Hearing June 15, 2004
Revised/Approved by the Board of Selectmen June 15, 2004