This bylaw is adopted for the purpose of protecting and preserving
significant buildings and structures, which constitute or reflect
distinctive features of the history, architecture, landscape, and/or
the character of the Town of Stoughton. Through this bylaw the Town
desires to encourage owners, and others, to preserve, rehabilitate,
or restore such significant buildings and structures rather than demolishing,
removing or relocating them. To achieve these purposes, the Stoughton
Historical Commission is empowered to advise the Stoughton Building
Inspector concerning the issuance for demolition, removal, or relocation
of significant buildings and structures as provided in this bylaw.
For the purpose of this bylaw, the following words and phrases
shall have the following meanings:
BUILDING
Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering
any use or occupancy.
DEMOLITION
The act of substantially or totally pulling down, destroying,
removing, or razing a building or structure, or commencing the work
of total or substantial destruction with the intent of completing
same.
DEMOLITION PERMIT
The permit issued by the Building Commissioner as required
by the State Building Code for the demolition, or partial demolition
or removal of a building or structure from its lot, or the moving
of the building or structure on its lot.
HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
Any building or structure which 1) is associated with one
or more historic/prominent persons or events; 2) is associated with
the architectural, cultural, economic, political or social history
of the Town of Stoughton, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and/or
the United States of America; 3) embodies the distinctive characteristics
of a type, period, style and method of building construction, or represents
the work of a particular architect or building, either by itself or
in the context of a group of buildings or structures.
REMOVAL
To transfer a structure from its existing location.
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or maintained at a fixed location and placed permanently or
temporarily in or on the ground.
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The provisions of this bylaw shall apply only to the following
buildings and structures:
A. Any building(s) or structure(s) listed on, or which is the subject
of a pending application for inclusion on, the National Register of
Historic Places or the Massachusetts State Register of Historic Places;
or
B. Any building or structure which, in whole or part, was built in the
calendar year 75 years prior to the calendar year in which demolition
permit is requested. The age of the buildings shall first be determined
by poll tax records and/or property tax records.
Nothing in this bylaw, §
77-4, shall be inconsistent with the procedures for the emergency demolition and/or securing of building(s) or structure(s) established by General Laws Chapter 143, Sections 6 through 10.
The Commission may adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary
to administer the terms of this bylaw. The Commission is authorized
to adopt a schedule of reasonable fees to cover the costs associated
with the administration of this bylaw.
Should any section, paragraph, or part of this bylaw be declared
invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction,
every other section, paragraph, or part of such ordinance shall continue
in full force and effect.