Address

Newton City Hall
1000 Commonwealth Ave
Newton Centre, MA 02459

617-796-1000
TDD/TTY 617-796-1089

Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30am-5:00pm

Tuesday
8:30am- 8:00pm

Contact the WebTeam

Newton Historical Commission

Newton's Demolition Review Policy

Newton Demolition Review and Post World War II Housing Study

Demolition Ordinance-Application for Property Review

Discover Historic Newton Brochures

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Commission Members

Newton's Local Landmarks

Local Landmark Review Application

Historical Resources

Newton's Demolition Review Policy

    Adopted in 1985, the City of Newton's Demolition Review Ordinance provides opportunities for preserving historic structures through a review process and the potential delay of demolition for historic properties.

Are approvals needed to demolish or partially demolish an old building?

    Yes. In Newton, demolition or partial demolition of any building that is 50 years old or older requires the approval of the City's Historical Commission. If the structure is determined to be historically significant AND preferably preserved, a one-year delay of demolition can be imposed.

What does "historically significant" mean?

    A property is historically significant if it is 50 years old or older and meets one or more of the following:

  •  is listed on the National and/or State Register of Historic Places

  •  is associated with historic person(s) or event(s)

  •  is associated 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

  •  is within 150 feet of an historic district and shares contextual similarity with that district

What does "preferably preserved" mean?

    An historically significant building, structure or architectural feature is considered to be preferably preserved if its demolition would be a detriment to the City's historic resources. The Newton Historical Commission determines the status of the property at a public hearing based on the degree of historical significance of the property or feature. If a building, structure, or feature is determined to be preferably preserved, a one-year delay is placed on its demolition.

What is the purpose of a one-year delay of demolition?

    The intent of delaying demolition is to provide time to seek alternative preservation solutions for historically significant properties or important features.

What is the process for demolition?

1) Complete an application for a building permit that describes the proposed demolition. Applications are available in the Inspectional Services Department.

2) Bring a copy of the completed application to the Preservation Planner in the Planning Department for the Historical Commission.

3) Within 15 days of receipt of the building permit application, the Historical Commission or its staff will determine whether the building is historically significant.

4) If historically significant, the Historical Commission will hold a public hearing within 45 days to review the application and determine whether the property is preferably preserved. This decision will be sent to the Commissioner of the Inspectional Services.

5) The demolition delay begins on the date of the Historical Commission's decision that the property, structure, or feature is found to be preferably preserved and is in effect for one year.

Can I do anything after demolition has been delayed?

    Yes, present your plans for redevelopment of the site, including elevations, which the Commission will review for consistency of neighborhood scale and character, in order to consider waiving the one-year delay.

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

    The process usually takes 15 to 45 days to complete. The Historical Commission meets regularly on the fourth Thursday of each month and meeting agendas are posted 10 days to two weeks in advance. Provided that the applicant has submitted the necessary information before the agenda is posted, the Commission will make a decision at the next scheduled meeting.

What information should be provided to the Commission for review?

    A completed application includes:

  • a signed building permit application

  • photographs of the property and the features to be demolished

  • a site plan or locating map

  • reasons for demolition

    It is the applicant's responsibility to submit this information.

Who should attend the meeting?

    Attendance by the applicant or the applicant's agent is recommended. In discussing the property, the Commission may have questions or suggestions for the applicant which could impact the final decision.

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

    Partial demolition can include removing a roof structure, a porch, a rear or side ell, or a projecting bay. The removal of an exterior wall to accommodate an addition also constitutes partial demolition.

For more information, contact the Preservation Planner at 617-796-1120