No subject

Tue Oct 27 07:32:57 EDT 2009

ppear to be contradictory. I would like to get other local historic distric=
t commissioner's opinions on the matter of how they handle applications of =
non-applicability, as well as whose law trumps the other. It appears the ci=
ty has narrowed its view only during relevant work, but shouldn't all non-r=
elevant work be considered non-applicable and get a certificate? This whole=
 issue rises out of due-diligence of wanting to ensure the commission follo=
ws proper procedure.

Let me know! If you need additional information to gauge the situation, ple=
ase let me know! I'll be happy to share what I can!

Please feel free to contact me on or off the Massserv list!

Ryan Hayward
Medford Historic District Commission

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<font color=3D'black' size=3D'2' face=3D'arial'>Hi Folks,<br>
<font color=3D"black" face=3D"arial" size=3D"2">
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<br>

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We had an issue come up and I am looking to get opinions.<br>

<br>

The City of Medford has two local historic districts which are administered=
 by the local Historic District Commission. We have established a working r=
elationship with the building department, whom now contact us on a regular =
basis for work which goes on. All of our work in the past three plus years =
(within my time as a commissioner) has been in our jurisdiction per our byl=
aw.

<br>

Recently, we had a non-profit whom is within the district apply for an inte=
rior only work building permit. The building department mentioned they woul=
d have to go through us in regards to the work. According to our bylaw, our=
 review is only for exterior features visible from the public right of way =
(see below). Because it is not under our review, does this constitute the n=
eed to issue a Certificate of Non-Applicability?

<br>

MHC's Guidebook for Historic District Commission states:<br>

<br>

"A Certificate of No=
n-Applicability is for matters that are specifically excluded from review u=
nder your bylaw. Examples include interiors,
 exterior features not visible from public way, routine maintenance of=20
very minor replacements of architectural features which do not involve=20
change in material or design...."

<br>

In the end, they note:<br>

<br>

"Some communities have delegated the issuance of a Certificate of Non Appli=
cability to a municipal staff person."</font></font></font></font><br>

<br>

The Historic District Commission has not formally delegated power to any Me=
dford officer.The commission holds the power to decide if work is or is not=
 applicable. In the past, they have turned building permit applications awa=
y which are not under their review, not issuing any certificates (a precede=
nt I'd like to correct, if appropriate).

<font color=3D"black" face=3D"arial" size=3D"2"><font size=3D"2"><font face=
=3D"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">

<br>

MHC 40C states:<br>

<br>

</font></font></font>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">Section
6. Except as the ordinance or by-law may otherwise provide in accordance wi=
th
section eight or said section eight or nine, no building or structure withi=
n an
historic district shall be constructed or altered in any way that affects
exterior architectural features unless the commission shall first have issu=
ed a
certificate of appropriateness, a certificate of non-applicability or a
certificate of hardship with respect to such construction or alteration.</s=
pan></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><br>

<span style=3D"font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">Section 8(d):
Upon request the commission shall issue a certificate of non-applicability =
with
respect to construction or alteration in any category then not subject to
review by the commission in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a)=
,
(b) or (c).</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><br>

<span style=3D"font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">Neither sections a, b, or c state we have jurisdiction over i=
nterior work, so the non-applicability would apply to interior work in a di=
strict, correct?</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><br>

<span style=3D"font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">Local bylaw states:</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><font face=3D"Arial=
, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>

</font>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">Sec.
48-54.&nbsp; Duties and responsibilities.</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;"><br>

</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">It
shall be the duty and responsibility of the historic district commission to=
:</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;"><br>

</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issue
certificates of appropriateness, certificates of non applicability and
certificates of hardship with respect to construction or alteration of
buildings and structures within the historic district when such constructio=
n or
alteration affects exterior architectural features. Such certificates shall=
 be
issued as prescribed in M.G.L.A. c. 40C, =C2=A7 6.</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><br>

<span style=3D"font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">Interior work does not effect architectural features.<br>

</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;"><br>

</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">From my review of our bylaw and the state's interpretation wi=
th 40C, they appear to be contradictory. I would like to get other local hi=
storic district commissioner's opinions on the matter of how they handle ap=
plications of non-applicability, as well as whose law trumps the other. It =
appears the city has narrowed its view only during relevant work, but shoul=
dn't all non-relevant work be considered non-applicable and get a certifica=
te? This whole issue rises out of due-diligence of wanting to ensure the co=
mmission follows proper procedure.</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><br>

<span style=3D"font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">Let me know! If you need additional information to gauge the =
situation, please let me know! I'll be happy to share what I can!<br>

</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><br>

<span style=3D"font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">Please feel free to contact me on or off the Massserv list!</=
span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><br>

<span style=3D"font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">Ryan Hayward</span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;">Medford Historic District Commission<br>

</span></div>

<span style=3D"font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>

<div class=3D"MsoNormal" style=3D"text-align: justify;"><span style=3D"font=
-size: 10pt;"><br>

</span></div>

<br>

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