[MassHistPres] Demo Delay Definition of Demolition

[George Triantaris]

We are in the process of drafting a demolition delay bylaw for Harvard Mass
and I wonder if any towns have included a definition of "substantial
demolition" which is referenced but not defined in the boilerplate sample
bylaw supplied by the Commonwealth.

DEMOLITION - Any act of pulling down, destroying, removing, moving,
dismantling or razing a building or commencing the work of total or
substantial destruction with the intent of completing the same.

I am worried that without a definition of substantial demolition,
developers will simply leave a small portion of the building such as the
facade and argue that they have not "demolished" the structure in order to
get around the bylaw.   Any advice would be most welcome.

-- 
Many thanks,

George Triantaris, Chair
Harvard Historical Commission
https://www.harvard-ma.gov/historical-commission
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