Is your home or building older than 50 years? It may be an Acton Cultural Resource.
Recognizing the importance of its architectural history, Massachusetts maintains a list of homes, buildings, and structures that are culturally significant to each town. Acton has over 800 properties on its Cultural Resource List (CRL), and these are entered on the State’s Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS). A structure may be included because it is unique or because it represents a particular time period or architectural style. It may also be included as a site key to a historical event or person. Properties may or may not be located within one of Acton’s three Historic Districts. Find out if your property is a cultural resource clicking here.
What does inclusion mean? The Acton Historical Commission (AHC) oversees properties on the Cultural Resource List through the Demolition Delay Bylaw when projects propose changes to significant architectural features. The Commission works to balance the value of Acton’s cultural resources with the owner’s needs and to assist owners with adaptive re-use of their historic properties. Full demolitions of a building on the Cultural Resource List are generally discouraged.
What if I want to add on or remodel my home? If your home is in one Acton’s three Local Historic Districts, any proposed exterior changes are reviewed by the Historic District Commission - a similar name to the Historical Commission, but a different Town Commission with more stringent oversight. If your property is a Cultural Resource outside of the Local Historic Districts, then most proposed additions and exterior renovations will be subject to Historical Commission review.
How will I know if I need Historical Commission review for my project? Review by the AHC is flagged when you apply for a building permit. The Building Dept. will review the plans and alert the Historical Commission if it appears that more than 25% of any single façade will be affected and/or if the plans call for the removal of a significant architectural element, such as an original chimney, porch, or bay window, to name a few common architectural features. A proposed complete demolition of a building will automatically be reviewed by the Historical Commission.
Changes not subject to Historical Commission review can include new window replacements (keeping the same window con-figuration on the façade), siding replacement, and new roofs. The Acton Historical usually reviews proposed additions be-cause they typically will alter more than 25% of a facade, BUT know that they are allowed and often approved, with the understanding that older buildings need to meet current needs.
Will review by the Historical Commission delay my project? The application for a building permit is the trigger for review by the Historical Commission, and the Commission has 65 days from this notification to conduct a public hearing if required. To save time and to ensure that your proposed project runs smoothly, the AHC encourages owners to come informally before the Commission with proposed plans before applying for a building permit. Architects and builders serve on this Commission and can offer guidance so that when the formal AHC review is scheduled, there are no surprises and less unforeseen delays.
