Demolition Review Policy

• Are approvals needed to demolish an old building?

  YES. In Newton, demolition or partial demolition of any building or structure that is 50 years old or older requires the approval of the Preservation Planner and/or the Newton Historical Commission (NHC). If the building or structure is determined to be historically significant AND preferably preserved, a delay of demolition can be imposed.

  A delay of 18-months can be imposed for properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. A delay of 12-months can be imposed for all other properties.

• What are some examples of partial demolition that must be reviewed by the Newton Historical Commission?

  Partial demolition can include the removal of 50% or more of the roof structure, the removal or enveloping of 50% or more of a single exterior wall, or the removal of architectural elements which define or contribute to the historic character of the building or structure.

  When contemplating changes applicants are encouraged to consult the City of Newton Historic Preservation Design Guidelines available.

• What does "historically significant" mean?

  A building or structure triggered for review is historically significant if it meets one or more of the following:

  • Is located in a local historic district and not visible from a public way, park or body of water;
  • is listed on the National and/or State Register of Historic Places, either individually or as part of a district;
  • is importantly associated with historic person(s) or event(s) or with the architectural, cultural, political, economic, or social history of the City
  • is historically or architecturally important for its period, style, method of construction, or association with a particular architect or builder, either by itself or in the context of a group of buildings or structures

  
  

• What does "preferably preserved" mean?

  A historically significant building or structure is considered to be preferably preserved if its demolition would be detrimental to the historical or architectural heritage of the City. The Newton Historical Commission determines the status of the property at a public hearing based on the degree of historic value and significance of the building or structure, the architectural value and significance of the building or structure, the general design, arrangement, texture and materials of the features and the relation to those features to similar buildings and structures in the nearby area, and the extent of historic fabric remaining in the building or structure.

  If a building or structure is determined to be preferably preserved, a delay of demolition is imposed.

• What is the purpose of the delay of demolition?

  The intent of delaying demolition is to provide time to seek alternative preservation solutions for historically significant buildings or structures. Applicants with properties found to be preferably preserved are encouraged to pursue alternatives to demolition during the delay period. Possible alternatives include altering and reusing the building or structure through a renovation or addition project or moving it to another location. Such projects are often granted a waiver of the remainder of the demolition delay by the Newton Historical Commission.

• What is the process for demolition review?

  • Submit the necessary documents and a complete application for demolition review that describes the proposed demolition to the Preservation Planner. Applications are available online as of May 2, 2022 via https://newtonma.viewpointcloud.com/
  • Within 15 business days of receipt of a completed application, the Newton Historical Commission and/or the Preservation Planner will determine whether the building is historically significant.
  • If the alteration, addition or demolition is approved, the applicant will be notified. Otherwise, for full demolition the Newton Historical Commission will hold a public hearing within 45 days of the determination of historical significance. For partial demolition, the Newton Historical Commission will hold a public hearing within 45 days of receipt of all the required documents. At the public hearing, the Newton Historical Commission will review the application and determine whether the building or structure is preferably preserved. This decision will be sent to the Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department and applicant.

  The demolition delay begins on the date of the Newton Historical Commission's decision that the building or structure is found to be preferably preserved and is in effect until it expires or a waiver is granted

• Can I do anything after demolition has been delayed?

  Yes, a number of situations are possible for granting a waiver of the delay. A waiver of delay may be granted if: a building or structure is saved by being moved to a new location; the applicant has demonstrated a reasonable and unsuccessful effort to locate a purchaser who would preserve the building or structure; the applicant has accepted specific conditions from the Commission regarding the demolition; or the applicant has presented plans for redevelopment of the site, including elevations, which the Commission reviewed and approved.

  Waivers for partial demolition of buildings may be granted at any meeting assuming the filing for a waiver submitted by the deadline. Waivers for full demolition of buildings will not be entertained within the first four months of the demolition delay. Applicants are strongly encouraged to preserve, renovate and/or add additions to historic buildings rather than demolish them. When contemplating changes applicants are encouraged to consult the City of Newton Historic Preservation Design Guidelines available.

• How much time should be allotted for the demolition review process?

  The process usually takes 15 to 45 days to complete. The Newton Historical Commission meets regularly on the fourth Thursday of each month (with exceptions due to holidays) and meeting agendas are posted two weeks in advance. Provided that the applicant has submitted the necessary information before the 5:00pm deadline three weeks before the next scheduled meeting, the Commission will likely make a decision at the next meeting.

• What information should be provided to the Commission for review?

  A completed application includes:

  • an application be submitted via the City's online permitting portal: https://newtonma.viewpointcloud.com/ as of May 2, 2022
  • proof of ownership
  • color photographs of the property and the building / structure to be demolished
  • color photographs of surrounding buildings
  • a site plan or Assessor’s map, available on the City website HERE
  • reasons for demolition

  
  

  Recommended and applicable additional information listed on the application may also be helpful in making a determination. It is the applicant's responsibility to submit this information on time.

• Who should attend the meeting?

  Attendance by the applicant or the applicant's agent is recommended but not required. In discussing the property, the Commission may have questions or suggestions for the applicant, which could impact the final decision.