What is a Local Historic District?

A Local Historic District allows a locally appointed Historic District Commission to review proposed changes to exterior architectural features visible from a public way within that district. When considering proposed exterior alterations, a Historic District Commission votes to grant or not grant a Certificate of Appropriateness to the applicant, which allows the proposed work to commence. Examples of alterations that may be reviewed by a local Historic District Commission include changes to paint color, window replacements, addition or removal of shutters, house additions, demolition of structures, and new construction. The list of features subject to review by the local Historic District Commission depends on how the local bylaw is drafted and approved by a Town Meeting vote. 

Following steps outlined in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40C, Local Historic Districts can be established by a two-thirds majority vote by Town Meeting. The Gleasondale Local Historic District Study Committee is tasked with providing a report on the architectural heritage of Gleasondale Village and the need to protect it from innappropriate alteration, as well as a draft bylaw that specifies which features would be subject to review. 

How is a Local Historic District different than a National Register District?

A National Register District is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Although listing in a National Register District encourages preservation and provides some tax incentive for rehabilitation, the listing does not limit an owner's handling of the property. Local Historic Districts are more effective at preventing innappropriate changes by requiring property owners to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness for many exterior alterations. 

The Massachusetts Historical Commission has provided a pamphlet that explains the differences between a Local Historic District and a National Register District: 

"There's a Difference!" Massachusetts Historical Commission Pamphlet