[Amended 11-15-2010 STM
by Art. 5]
A. The Town of Easton hereby establishes a Local Historic District,
to be administered by the Easton Historical Commission as provided
for under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40C, as amended.
B. The purpose of this chapter is to aid in the preservation and protection
of the distinctive characteristics and architecture of buildings and
places significant in the history of the Town of Easton, the maintenance
and improvement of their settings and the encouragement of new building
designs compatible with the existing architecture in the district.
[Amended 11-15-2010 STM
by Art. 5]
The terms defined in this section shall be capitalized throughout
this chapter. Where a defined term has not been capitalized, it is
intended that the meaning of the term be the same as the meaning ascribed
to it in this section unless another meaning is clearly intended by
its context. As used in this chapter the following terms shall have
the following meaning:
ALTERATION, TO ALTER
The act or the fact of rebuilding, reconstruction, restoration,
replication, removal, demolition, and other similar activities.
BUILDING
A combination of materials forming a shelter for persons,
animals or property.
CERTIFICATE
A Certificate of Appropriateness, a Certificate of Non-Applicability,
or a Certificate of Hardship as set forth in this chapter.
COMMISSION
The Historical Commission as established in this chapter.
DISPLAY AREA
The total surface area of a sign, including all lettering,
wording, designs, symbols, background and frame, but not including
any support structure or bracing incidental to the sign. The display
area of an individual letter sign or irregular shaped sign shall be
the area of the smallest rectangle into which the letters or shape
will fit. Where sign faces are placed back to back and face in opposite
directions, the display area shall be defined as the area of one face
of the sign.
DISTRICT
The Local Historic District as established in this chapter
consisting of one or more District areas.
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE
Such portion of the exterior of a building or structure as
is open to view from a public way or ways, including but not limited
to architectural style and general arrangement and setting thereof,
the kind and texture of exterior building materials, and the type
and style of windows, doors, lights, signs and other appurtenant exterior
fixtures.
PERSON AGGRIEVED
The applicant; an owner of adjoining property; an owner of
property within the same District area; an owner of property within
100 feet of said District area; and any charitable corporation in
which one of its purposes is the preservation of historic places,
structures, buildings or districts.
SIGNS
Any symbol, design or device used to identify or advertise
any place of business, product, activity or person.
STRUCTURE
A combination of materials other than a building, including
but not limited to a sign, fence, wall, terrace, walk or driveway.
TEMPORARY STRUCTURE OR BUILDING
A building not to be in existence for a period of more than
two years. A structure not to be in existence for a period of more
than one year. The Commission may further limit the time periods set
forth herein as it deems appropriate.
The District shall consist of one or more District areas as listed in §
152-13 (Appendices) of this chapter.
[Amended 11-15-2010 STM
by Art. 5; 11-16-2015 STM by Art.
14]
A. The District shall be overseen by a Commission consisting of five
members, to be appointed by the Select Board, each for a three-year
term. For transitional purposes, as of the effective date of this
chapter, any members over the number of five shall not be reappointed
upon expiration of their term but may be considered for reappointment
for other members' terms, upon expiration of the same.
[Amended 5-20-2019 ATM by Art. 21]
B. The Commission shall include, if possible, one member from two nominees
solicited from the Easton Historical Society, one member from two
nominees solicited from the chapter of the American Institute of Architects
covering Easton; one member from two nominees of the Board of Realtors
covering Easton; and one property owner or resident from within each
of the District areas. If within 30 days of written solicitation insufficient
nominations have been received, the Select Board may proceed to make
appointments as it desires.
[Amended 5-20-2019 ATM by Art. 21]
C. The Select Board shall appoint up to two alternate members to the
Commission. Each alternate member shall have the right to act and
vote in the place of one regular member should such regular member
be absent from a meeting or be unwilling or unable to act or vote.
Said alternate members shall initially be appointed for terms of two
or three years, and for three year terms thereafter.
[Amended 5-20-2019 ATM by Art. 21]
D. Each member and alternate member shall continue to serve in office
after the expiration date of his or her term until a successor is
duly appointed. Meetings of the Commission shall be held at the call
of the Chairman, at the request of two members and in such other manner
as the Commission shall determine in its Rules and Regulations.
E. Three members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum.
F. The Easton Historical Commission established hereunder will also
function as the local Historical Commission with all of the powers
set forth in MGL c. 40, § 8D.
[Amended 5-17-2021 ATM by Art. 11]
The Commission may determine from time to time after a public
hearing, duly advertised and posted at least 14 days in advance in
a conspicuous place in Town Offices, that certain categories of Exterior
Architectural Features, Structures or Buildings under certain conditions
may be Constructed or Altered without review by the Commission without
causing substantial derogation from the intent and purpose of this
chapter.
The provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be separable.
If any of its provisions, sections, subsections, sentences or clauses
shall be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent
jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter shall continue to be in
full force and effect.