City of Haverhill, MA
Essex County
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Chapter 54: HISTORIC DISTRICTS
Article II: Bradford Common
[Adopted 12-2-1975 by Doc. 267 (Ch. 39, Art. II, of the 1980 Code)]

§ 54-14 Title; authority.

This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Historic Districts Ordinance" under authority of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40C, as amended.

§ 54-15 Purpose.

The purpose of this article is to promote the educational, cultural, physical, economic and general welfare of the public through the preservation and protection of the historical assets of the Bradford Common area, including buildings, sites and districts of historical and architectural interest, through the maintenance of such landmarks of the history of the Bradford Common area, the commonwealth and the nation and through the development of appropriate uses and settings for such buildings and places.

§ 54-16 District boundaries.

The boundaries of the Bradford Common Historic District are hereby established as shown on a map entitled "Boundaries of the Bradford Common Historic District" dated July 1975, which accompanies and is hereby declared to be a part of this article. Editor's Note: The map in on file in the office of the City Clerk.

§ 54-17 Bradford Common Historic District Commission.

A. The Bradford Common Historic District Commission, herein referred to as the "District Commission," shall consist of seven members and three alternates appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council.
B. Requirements.
[Amended 7-10-2007 by Doc. 76]
(1) All nominees for membership shall be residents of, business owners or employed within the City of Haverhill.
[Amended 1-22-2013 by Doc. 6]
(2) Four or more members shall be residents or owners of real estate in the Bradford Common Historic District.
C. When the District Commission is first established, two members shall be appointed for one-year terms, two members shall be appointed for two-year terms and the remaining three members and the three alternates shall be appointed for three-year terms, and all members shall serve until a successor is appointed and confirmed. At the expiration of their respective terms, the Mayor shall appoint successors for three-year terms in the manner described in the preceding subsections. Vacancies for any unexpired term shall be filled in the same manner as in the original appointment.
D. The District Commission shall elect annually a Chairman and Vice Chairman from its own number and a Secretary from within or without its number.
E. Alternates shall have all the powers and duties of regular members when called to serve by the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Commission.
F. All members and alternates shall serve without compensation.

§ 54-18 Admission of Historic Districts.

[Amended 7-10-2007 by Doc. 76]
No building or structure within a Historic District shall be constructed, demolished, moved or altered in any way that affects exterior architectural features, and no building shall be moved into a Historic District unless the Commission shall first have issued a certificate of appropriateness, a certificate of hardship or a certificate of nonapplicability with respect to such construction, alteration or movement. The Building Inspector shall not issue a permit within a Historic District unless one of the certificates noted above has first been issued by the District Commission or the proposed improvement is exempted from these provisions by § 54-19. If the Commission fails to reach a final decision on an application for such a certificate within 60 days of the filing of an application, unless the applicant consents to an extension of time, the application shall be deemed to be approved.

§ 54-19 Exemptions to review.

The authority of the District Commission is not extended to the review of the following:
A. Temporary structures or signs, subject, however, to such conditions as to duration of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission may reasonably specify.
B. Terraces or landscaping that does not substantially change the grade level.
C. Storm doors, storm windows, screens, window air conditioners and television antennas.
D. Color and type of paint.
E. Repairs that do not alter the character of the structure.

§ 54-20 Powers of District Commission.

[Amended 8-10-1976 by Doc. 130]
The District Commission shall have all the powers and responsibilities of a Historic District Commission as described in Chapter 40C of the Massachusetts General Laws.

§ 54-21 Appropriations, gifts and grants.

The District Commission may receive and accept appropriations, grants and gifts for the furthering of the purposes of this article, to establish a historic marker program, publish guides, maps and other appropriate publications to illustrate historical and architectural resources of Bradford and to acquire and maintain historic properties.

§ 54-22 Advisory capacity of Commission.

[Amended 7-10-2007 by Doc. 76]
The District Commission shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor, the City Council, the Planning Board, the Massachusetts Historical Commission and any other public agency on matters pertaining to or affecting any historic structures or sites in the Bradford Common Historic District.

§ 54-23 Technical advisor.

The Planning Director or his designee shall act as technical advisor to the District Commission and shall cooperate with the District Commission in the fulfillment of the District Commission's responsibilities under the General Laws of Massachusetts and shall perform any and all functions of the Commission which it may lawfully delegate to him.

§ 54-24 District boundary changes.

The District Commission shall propose changes in the Bradford Common Historic District boundaries as it deems appropriate. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40C, will guide the procedures for these activities.

§ 54-25 Duties of the District Commission.

A. The District Commission shall coordinate historic preservation activities and oversee the preparation and implementation of historic preservation plans of the Bradford Common area.
B. The District Commission shall provide assistance to owners of historic structures on matters pertaining to preservation of those structures in the Bradford Common area.

§ 54-26 Rules and regulations; consideration of resident's needs.

A. The District Commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business not inconsistent with Chapter 40C of the General Laws or with the purpose of this article.
B. The District Commission shall act at all times with a clear understanding of the need of the residents of the Bradford Common Historic District to enjoy the amenities of modern life in the use of their home and properties.