[MassHistPres] Harvard Historical Commission Question regarding Demolition Delay Bylaw

[George Triantaris]

The town of Harvard is exploring adopting a demolition delay bylaw similar to the one suggested by the Mass. Historical Commission (with a few additions from examples we reviewed from surrounding towns).  One question that has come up is whether any towns have adopted a provision whereby a property owner could request that the commission rule on whether a property is significant outside of the demolition process.  We know that some towns have proactively determined all properties that are significant but we are not prepared to do that at this point.  The thinking is that a seller might want to do this in a case where it is likely that the existing structure would be torn down in advance of a sale.  In a case where the structure is not significant it might help with the sale to know that in advance (and would suggest that determination would only be binding for a year or two so that the property would not be bound by that for all time).  If the structure were determined to be significant the owner would have to then wait for a demolition permit to learn if it is preferably preserved.


We are wondering if this has come up in other towns.  If so we would appreciate further information.

Many thanks,

George Triantaris, Secretary HCC

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