[MassHistPres] Demo Delay Bylaw

[Fletcher, Susan]

As those of you who have demolition delay by-laws are well aware, they can be a very frustrating and, in the end, do not often provide for a happy ending.  That being said, our Preservation Commission is currently reviewing the language of our By-Law in order to correct some flaws that we have discovered.

The main concern is establishing a firm line as to when 'remodeling' becomes demolition.  We recently lost a mid 1800's structure because the Building Department viewed the application to add an addition to the front and the rear as a 'remodel' and not a demo.  The whole building ended up coming down with only the foundation remaining.  Obviously some building owners are circumventing the intent of our By-Law in order to avoid the public process and public discussion.

Do any of you have demo delay by-laws/ordinances that establish clearer lines between renovation/remodel and demolition?  Would it make sense to establish a percentage of demolition that could occur as a result of a remodel that could not be exceeded without applying to our Preservation Commission?   Should we require all additions to submit an application under our Demolition Delay By-Law?

I would appreciate any and all input

Thank you

Susan Fletcher
Asst. Director of Planning and Human Services
(978) 777-0001 ext. 3027
Fax (978) 762-0215
email:  sfletcher at mail.danvers-ma.org

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