[MassHistPres] What constitutes demolition?

[David Temple]

In Medfield we handle 5 - 10 demolition permit applications each year under our demolition delay bylaw, which was first enacted in 1993. Most cases involve proposed demolition of entire structures or large portions thereof, but some are very small, such as removing a window or clapboards when the owner wants to put on a small addition. 
Each time a little one comes up, we wonder, is this really demolition? and do we really need to hold a hearing?  We don't want to abridge our right to review and hold hearings on applications, but where and how do you draw the line? 
Today, for example, a local person called. She wants to remove a chimney in a restored 1880 Italianate house so she can make the attic space more useful as a bedroom. She would fill in and shingle over the ensuing hole in the roof, slightly altering the external appearance of the building. (Her new heating system vents out the side of the building on the first floor.)  Would this call for an historic demolition hearing in your city?
I'm interested in what other commissions do, and I'll share the results with the group.  
In your reply, please include my original message. 

David Temple 
David F. Temple, Inc. 
300 South Street 
Medfield, MA 02052 
508-359-2915 
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