City of Newton, MA
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Local Historic Districts are areas of historic and/or architectural value in which historic buildings and their settings are protected by public review. A Local Historic District is established and administered by a community to protect the distinctive characteristics of historically important areas, and to encourage new designs that are compatible with the area's setting. Local Historic District ordinances are local laws that are adopted by communities under Chapter 40C of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, enacted in 1960. 40C and local ordinances define how Local Historic Districts operate. Inclusion in a Local Historic District does not affect use of buildings, but does subject exterior changes to review by a Historic District Commission. This design review process assures that changes will not detract from the district's historic character. Historic District Commissions do not necessarily prevent changes or new construction. They ensure that changes and additions are appropriate, and protect the architectural and historic values of the district. A Local Historic District is not intended to be burdensome to property owners, but is established by a community to manage changes and protect historic buildings, landscapes, and character of a district. For detailed project review information please see the application and forms page.
The City of Newton currently has four: Upper Falls, Chestnut Hill, Newtonville, and Auburndale. Combined, the districts consist of 887 properties. Each local historic district has its own commission comprised of Newton residents who volunteer to serve and are realtors, architects, attorneys, and citizens at large.
- Auburndale Local Historic District
- Chestnut Hill Local Historic District
- Newtonville Local Historic District
- Newton Upper Falls Local Historic District
My property is located in a local historic district. What does it mean for my property?
Inclusion in a Local Historic District does not affect the use of buildings, but does subject exterior changes to review by a historic district commission if there is a change in the proposed materials to be used. Maintenance is also not subject to local historic district review. This design review process assures that changes in form or materials of a historic building will not detract from the district's historic character. This law also takes into account the materials on your house at the time the local historic district goes into effect. No property owner will be required to restore their home to a more historical appearance.
Process
Before an applicant can undertake any work on a property in a historic district, the Commission must first issue a Certificate of Appropriateness, Hardship, or Non-Applicability. The Commission considers each application individually to determine whether the proposed changes are appropriate. The historic development patterns, architectural characteristics, and visual qualities of the district form the basis of the Commission's decision on what constitutes an appropriate change. All applications must be filed by 5:00pm 3 weeks before the scheduled meeting to be placed on the agenda.
Application Requirements: