[MassHistPres] Historic Districts and Zoning

[Skelly, Christopher (SEC)]

Lara, this is an interesting question and I'll be interested to hear any responses.

I'm also curious how the language in MGL Chapter 40C and Concord's Special Act legislation compare and contrast in dealing with things like setbacks and zoning.  MGL Chapter 40C has this language:

In the case of new construction or additions to existing buildings or structures the commission shall consider the appropriateness of the size and shape of the building or structure both in relation to the land area upon which the building or structure is situated and to buildings and structures in the vicinity, and the commission may in appropriate cases impose dimensional and set-back requirements in addition to those required by applicable ordinance or by-law.

Chris.

Christopher C. Skelly
Director of Local Government Programs
Massachusetts Historical Commission
220 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us<mailto:Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us>
________________________________
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] on behalf of Lara Kritzer [lkritzer at concordma.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 4:49 PM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Historic Districts and Zoning

Good afternoon,

Our local historic districts have recently been dealing with new development on open lots that were previously somewhat forgotten open space within out districts.  This development is dramatically different from much of the existing landscape and has raised questions about whether there are ways that we can use zoning to better protect the character of our historic districts – both in the subdivision of lots and their development.  I was wondering if anyone knows of any examples where separate zoning districts/overlay districts have been established to further protect local historic districts or other historic areas and any information on how well they have worked.  Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Lara Kritzer
Senior Planner
Town of Concord
978-318-3293

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