Established in 1993 under City Ordinance Chapter 22, Sections 22-60 through 22-75, Newton’s Local Landmark Ordinance authorizes the Newton Historical Commission to designate individual properties as Newton Landmark Preservation Sites. The Landmarks Ordinance in the City of Newton provides the highest level of protection for properties determined to be the most architecturally or historically significant in the city. Under the Landmarks program, the Newton Historical Commission identifies buildings, structures, landscapes, and places, which define the historic character of the city and have, over time, helped to establish a sense of place.

Landmarks are designated at a public hearing of the Newton Historical Commission after a 3/4 vote of the Commission.  All buildings, structures, landscapes and places are eligible to be nominated or landmark designation if such property:

1. Is individually listed on or formally listed as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places;
2. Is listed on or formally listed as eligible for listing the National Register of Historic Places as part of an historic district; or
3. Has been determined by the Newton Historical Commission or its designee to be historically significant.

Petitions for nomination for consideration of designation as a local landmark may only be submitted by any of the following:

1. All record owners of the nominated property;
2. A member of the City Council, provided that at least (1) member of the Newton Historical Commission must co-petition the nomination; or
3. The Mayor, the Director of the Planning and Development Department, or the Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department, provided that at least (1) member of the Newton Historical Commission must co-petition the nomination.

Nomination forms can be obtained from the Department of Planning and Development.

The Newton Historical Commission reviews proposed changes to landmarked properties as if they were included in a local historic district. This means that any alterations to the exterior of a building or structure, or any part of the property, such as demolition, additions, renovations, landscape elements, deterioration by neglect, or new construction, must be reviewed and approved by the Newton Historical Commission.

Landmark Ordinance

Landmark reports for all of Newton’s designated City Landmarks are listed below and available for download.