Laserfiche WebLink
1 ' <br /> MashM Historic District Manual Draft <br /> Mr_ Fudala explained that once these guidelines have met with agreement among the <br /> Commission,a public hearing will be scheduled to share the information with property owners in <br /> the District. Notice of the hearing will be sent by mail and Mr. Fudala will.check into placing an <br /> ad in the paper. <br /> The Commission was asked if color was a requirement for review, an example of a <br /> project that would not require a permit from the Building Department. The Commission <br /> indicated that it will consider color issues with commercial buildings only,not residential. <br /> Although there is limited commercial business within the District, it was pointed out that there <br /> may be home owned businesses that would need to be considered. <br /> It was discussed that there may be some discrepancies between code requirements for the <br /> Building Dept. and the regulations for the Historic District Commission. The intent of the <br /> guidelines is to encourage property owners of the District to maintain the character of their <br /> structure and find a solution that will allow them to meet code standards, i.e. single pane <br /> windows with the addition of a storm window. The state allows for more flexibility with historic <br /> properties. <br /> In addition, some projects being considered will also need approval from other town <br /> committees, such as signs which may be reviewed by both the Design Review Committee and <br /> the Historic District Commission. The applications will proceed to each appropriate committee <br /> and be reviewed at the first available meeting. <br /> Regarding ADA requirements,the question was raised as to how to get a variance for <br /> new construction. The goal of the Historic District manual is to offer suggestions such as <br /> locating an access ramp at the side or the back of a property,or screening the ramp with <br /> landscaping. Each property is unique and, as such,will be reviewed on a case by case basis. <br /> ADA requirements only apply for buildings that are open to the public,which may number only <br /> a dozen. <br /> A question was raised regarding enforcement. If an applicant does not receive a <br /> Certificate from the Commission,they will be ineligible to receive a Building Permit(if <br /> appropriate), or they may face a fine. The Commission has attempted to make the process user <br /> friendly, and wishes to educate property owners in advance to avoid conflict. The Manual is a <br /> guideline for property owners in the Historic District. Having reviewed other communities' <br /> guidelines,the Commission has drafted this document in an effort to make the process easier for <br /> residents. <br /> Once the Commission finalizes the regulations, a hearing will be scheduled on June 18 to <br /> share the information with the public. Once the regulations are formally adopted by the <br /> Commission,the map of the District will then be recorded in the Registry of Deeds and then sent <br /> to the State Historical Commission. At that point,the Historic District Commission will <br /> officially be open to conduct regulatory business. <br /> 2 <br />