[MassHistPres] MHC preservation restrictions

[Steinitz, Michael (SEC)]

Hi Ralph,

Preservation Restrictions held by the Massachusetts Historical Commission usually include a Restriction Guidelines section that provides numerous examples of the types of building work considered major alterations requiring prior approval and minor alterations considered routine maintenance not requiring approval.  A roof replacement or any other wholesale exterior sheathing replacement is a major alteration and requires prior MHC review and approval.  The property owner should contact Paul Holtz at MHC early in the planning stage for any project for guidance on whether or not MHC review will be required under the preservation restriction.


Michael Steinitz

Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer

Director, Preservation Planning Division

Massachusetts Historical Commission

220 Morrissey Boulevard

Boston, Massachusetts 02125

617-727-8470

617-727-5128 (fax)

michael.steinitz at state.ma.us

________________________________
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of slater at alum.rpi.edu
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 4:01 PM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] MHC preservation restrictions

Can someone clarify the interpretation of "alteration" with respect to its frequent usage in MHC preservation restrictions?

For example, a restriction may say "no alteration shall be made unless clearly minor in nature.". Does this mean that a property with such a restriction may, say, replace a roof without consulting the MHC on the assumption that the new roof looks just like the old roof so there was no "alteration" because identical materials and design were used?

Is there any guidance available on this topic?

Thanks,

Ralph Slate
Springfield Historical Commission
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