[MassHistPres] Demolitions

[rcsmitharch at verizon.net]

In Swampscott it is defined in the demo delay bylaw as follows:


9. DEMOLITION - Any act of pulling down, destroying, removing, dismantling
or razing a building or any part thereof, including but not necessarily
limited to commencing the work of total or substantial destruction with the
intent of completion of the same.  Demolition shall also include
significantly altering the shape of the roof, or removal of significantly
integral components of the building or structure such as a turret.  For
purposes of this section, the term "demolition" shall not include the
ordinary maintenance or repair of any building or structure, interior
renovations, or removal or demolition of any ancillary portion of a
structure such as porches, decks, windows, etc.provided that in the instance
of demolition of said ancillary portions for the purpose of repair or
replacement, said repair or replacement shall be 38 done using like-kind or
better materials which determination shall be made by the Inspector of
Buildings.

 

We are currently reviewing the wording, as it may be too broad to for the HC
to review the number of projects that window replacement in particular could
generate.   This gets very tricky for buildings over 75 years old in areas
outside designated historic districts that the community sees as having
historic value.

 

Richard Smith

Swampscott Historical Commission

 

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of Sullivan,
Charles M. via MassHistPres
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2026 1:14 PM
To: jakerox at comcast.net; MHC MHC listserve <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Demolitions

 

The short answer is that demolition is not defined in state law or in the
Massachusetts Building Code. The operational definition is the
responsibility of the local Building Commissioner/Inspector.

 

___________________________

Charles Sullivan, Executive Director

Cambridge Historical Commission

831 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, Mass.  02139

617 349-4684

 

 

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
<mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> > On Behalf Of jakerox--- via
MassHistPres
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2026 9:16 AM
To: MHC MHC listserve <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
<mailto:masshistpres at cs.umb.edu> >
Subject: [MassHistPres] Demolitions

 

Hello all, I remember a presentation a while back that stated changing a
roofline constitutes a demolition.  I have been unable to find the
Massachusetts General Law that supports this.  Does anyone know the specific
MGL number that states this?

 

Thank you

 

Mark Ferencik
Foxborough  Historical Commission

 <mailto:jakerox at comcast.net> jakerox at comcast.net

 

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