[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Springfield
as Title 2, Ch. 2.46, of the 1986 Code. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 1-9-1989; 3-21-2005]
A.
There is established under the provisions of the Historic Districts
Act, MGL c. 40C, as amended by Chapter 359 of the Acts of 1971,
and MGL c. 40, § 8D, a Springfield Historical Commission,
to be governed by and operated in accordance with the provisions relative
thereto of the General Laws or any special act or amendment thereto.
B.
The Commission shall consist of seven regular members to be appointed
by the Mayor subject to the confirmation of the City Council, including
one member from two nominees submitted by the Springfield Historical
Society or, in absence thereof, from the Society for the Preservation
of New England Antiquities; one member from two nominees submitted
by the chapter of the American Institute of Architects covering the
City; one member from two nominees submitted by the City Board of
Realtors; and one member from two nominees submitted by the Springfield
Preservation Trust, Inc.
C.
It is recommended that the remaining three members be selected from
among the following professions: a lawyer, a landscape architect,
a banker, and a public relations specialist or, in the absence of
any one or more of the aforementioned, a person or persons interested
in historic preservation.
D.
Each such member of said Commission shall be a resident of the City
and any such member removing his residence from said City shall be
considered thereby to have resigned his membership in the Springfield
Historical Commission. The members of said Commission shall also include
one or more residents of or owners of property in an historic district
administered by said Commission. When the Commission is first established,
two members shall be appointed for a term of one year; two shall be
appointed for a term of two years; and three shall be appointed for
a term of three years. At the expiration of the respective terms of
the first appointees, the Mayor shall appoint a successor for each
office for a term of three years or until a successor is appointed
and qualified. In the event a vacancy occurs, it shall be filled in
the same manner as that of an original appointment for the unexpired
term.
E.
There shall also be four alternate members to be appointed by the
Mayor subject to confirmation by the City Council, who need not be
from nominees of organizations entitled to nominate members, but shall
be residents of the City. In case of the absence, inability to act
or unwillingness to act because of conflict of interest or self-interest
on the part of a member of the Commission, his place shall be taken
by an alternate member designated by the Chairman.
F.
Each member
and alternate shall continue in office after the expiration of his
term until his successor is duly appointed and qualified. All members
shall serve without compensation. The Commission shall elect annually
a Chairman and Vice Chairman from its own number and a Secretary from
within or without its number.
A.
The Commission shall have the power, subject to appropriation or
receipt of money:
(1)
To conduct a survey of buildings and sites in the City to determine
which are historically significant, and revise detailed listings of
historic sites and buildings in said City;
(2)
To devise a system of markers for historic sites and buildings, to
arrange for the manufacture and installation of such markers, and
to arrange care for such markers; and
(3)
To arrange for the preparation and publication of printed matter
relating to historic sites and structures of said City, whether for
walking tours, general public information or otherwise.
B.
The Commission shall also have the power, in accordance with the
provision of the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in
this chapter, to:
A.
The Springfield Historical Commission shall hold its meetings twice
a month at a regularly scheduled time and place.
B.
The Commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the conduct
of its business, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Historic
Districts Act, so-called, as aforementioned, or with the provisions
of this chapter. The original copy of all such rules and regulations,
and all amendments, deletions or additions thereto, shall be filed
with the City Clerk and shall be typewritten on standard 8 1/2
inch by eleven-inch three-hole-punched paper.
The Commission shall take action within 60 days of the filing
of an application for a certificate of appropriateness, a certificate
of nonapplicability or a certificate of hardship, as the case may
be, in accordance with the provisions of Section 11 of the Historic
Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter, or any section
relative thereto or in amendment thereof.
[Amended 10-18-2005; 12-30-2009; 5-4-2010]
[1]
Editor's Note: The historic district maps noted in this article
are on file in the City offices.
[Amended 10-5-2020; 10-8-2021; 9-18-2023]
There is established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Quadrangle-Mattoon Street Historic District as shown on the map
labeled Exhibit 27-2A, entitled “Quadrangle-Mattoon Street Historic
District”; said map to be considered a part of this chapter.
In accordance with Section 8, Paragraph b of said Historic Districts
Act, so-called, the authority of said Commission shall, however, be
limited so as not to extend to any buildings, structures or properties
located within the district however owned or controlled by the Springfield
Library and Museum Association and Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese
of Springfield. Notwithstanding the above, the limitation set forth
herein shall not apply to 220 State Street (also known as the “Springfield
Science Museum”), 222 State Street (also known as the “George
Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum”) or 49 Chestnut Street (also
known as the “D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts”).
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as aforesaid, the Forest
Park Heights Historic District as shown on the map labeled Exhibit
27-2B, amended 1979, entitled "Forest Park Heights Historic District";
said map to be considered a part hereof.
B.
Exemptions from controls:
(1)
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.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks; provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners, antennas and similar
appurtenances.
(4)
The color of paint.
(5)
The color of materials used on roofs.
(6)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and if illuminated is only illuminated indirectly.
(7)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure, or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the McKnight Historic District as shown on the map labeled Exhibit
27-7C, entitled "McKnight Historic District"; said map to be considered
a part of this chapter.
B.
Exemptions from controls:
(1)
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.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks; provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners, antennas and similar
appurtenances.
(4)
The color of materials used on roofs.
(5)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and if illuminated is only illuminated indirectly.
(6)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure, or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Lower Maple Historic District as shown on the map, labeled Exhibit
27-2D, as amended 2004, entitled "Lower Maple Historic District";
said map to be considered a part of this chapter.
B.
Exemptions from controls:
(1)
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.
(2)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners, antennas and similar
appurtenances.
(3)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and if illuminated is only illuminated indirectly.
(4)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure, or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Ridgewood Historic District as shown on the map labeled Exhibit
27-2E, amended 1981, entitled "Ridgewood Historic District"; said
map to be considered a part of this chapter.
B.
Exemptions from controls:
(1)
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.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks; provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners, antennas and similar
appurtenances.
(4)
The color of materials used on roofs.
(5)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and if illuminated is only illuminated indirectly.
(6)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure, or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Maple Hill Historic District as shown on the map labeled Exhibit
27-2F, entitled "Maple Hill Historic District"; said map to be considered
a part of this chapter.
B.
Exemptions from controls:
(1)
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.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks; provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners, antennas and similar
appurtenances.
(4)
The color of materials used on roofs.
(5)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and if illuminated is only illuminated indirectly.
(6)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure, or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Our Lady of Hope Historic District as shown on the map labeled
Exhibit 27-2G, entitled "Our Lady of Hope District"; said map to be
considered part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls:
(1)
Temporary structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners, antennas (Satellite
dishes are regulated; please see Satellite Dish Guidelines.), and
similar appurtenances.
(4)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and if illuminated is illuminated only indirectly.
(5)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Immaculate Conception Historic District as shown on the map labeled
Exhibit 27-2H, entitled "Immaculate Conception Historic District";
said map to be considered part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls:
(1)
Temporary structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners, antennas, and similar
appurtenances as decided by the Commission.
(4)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and if illuminated is illuminated only indirectly.
(5)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 7-20-2015]
A.
There is established under the provisions of and in accordance with
the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Willys-Overland Block District as shown on the map, labeled Exhibit
27-21, entitled "Willys-Overland Block," said map to be considered
part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls.
(1)
Temporary structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners.
(4)
Color of paint.
(5)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and, if illuminated, is illuminated only indirectly.
(6)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 12-21-2015]
A.
There is established under the provisions of and in accordance with
the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Colony Hills Historic District as shown on the map, labeled Exhibit
27-2G, entitled "Colony Hills Local Historic District"; said map to
be considered a part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls.
(1)
Temporary structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners, antennas, and similar
appurtenances as decided by the Commission.
(4)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and, if illuminated, is illuminated only indirectly.
(5)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 4-4-2016]
A.
There is established under the provisions of and in accordance with
the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Bliss House District as shown on the map, labeled Exhibit 27-2K,
entitled "Bliss House," said map to be considered part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls.
(1)
Temporary structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners.
(4)
Color of paint.
(5)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and, if illuminated, is illuminated only indirectly.
(6)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 7-18-2016]
A.
There is established under the provisions of and in accordance with
the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Thomas Wason House District as shown on the map, labeled Exhibit
27-2J, entitled "Thomas Wason House," said map to be considered part
of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls.
(1)
Temporary structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners.
(4)
Color of paint.
(5)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and, if illuminated, is illuminated only indirectly.
(6)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 9-11-2017]
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Apremont Triangle Historic District as shown on the map, labeled
Exhibit 27-2K, entitled "Apremont Triangle Historic District"; said
map to be considered part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls:
(1)
Temporary structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 6-4-2018]
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Driscoll Block Historic District as shown on the map, labeled
Exhibit 27-2L, entitled "Driscoll Block Historic District"; said map
to be considered part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls:
(1)
Temporary structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 10-7-2019]
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Trinity Block Historic District as shown on the map labeled Exhibit
27-2M, entitled "Trinity Block Historic District"; said map to be
considered part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls:
(1)
Temporary structure or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 10-7-2019]
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Thurston Munson House Historic District as shown on the map labeled
Exhibit 27-2N, entitled "Thurston Munson House Historic District";
said map to be considered part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls:
(1)
Temporary structure or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners.
(4)
Color of paint.
(5)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and, if illuminated, are illuminated only indirectly.
(6)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 4-5-2021]
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the All Saints Church Local Historic District as shown on the map
labeled Exhibit 27-2Q, entitled "All Saints Church Local Historic
District"; said map to be considered part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls:
(1)
Temporary structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 5-3-2021]
A.
There is
further established under the provisions of and in accordance with
the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Gunn Block Local Historic District as shown on the map labeled
Exhibit 27-2R, entitled "Gunn Block Local Historic District"; said
map to be considered part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption
from controls:
(1)
Temporary
structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration of
use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces,
walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such structure
is substantially at grade level.
(3)
The
reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of a building,
structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or destroyed by
fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction is begun
within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 10-4-2021]
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Elias Brookings Local Historic District as shown on the map labeled
Exhibit 27-2S, entitled "Elias Brookings Local Historic District";
said map to be considered part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls:
(1)
Temporary structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 10-25-2021]
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Aunchman House Local Historic District as shown on the map labeled
Exhibit 27-2T, entitled "Aunchman House Local Historic District";
said map to be considered part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls:
(1)
Temporary structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
[Added 1-6-2022]
A.
There is further established under the provisions of and in accordance
with the Historic Districts Act, so-called, as mentioned in this chapter,
the Forest Park Trolley Barn Historic District as shown on the map
labeled Exhibit 27-2T, entitled "Forest Park Trolley Barn Historic
District"; said map to be considered part of this chapter.
B.
Exemption from controls:
(1)
Temporary structures or signs, subject to such conditions as to duration
of use, location, lighting, removal and similar matters as the Commission
may reasonably specify.
(2)
Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided that any such
structure is substantially at grade level.
(3)
Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners.
(4)
Color of paint on wood features.
(5)
Signs of not more than one square foot in area in connection with
use of a residence for a customary home occupation, or for professional
purposes, provided only one such sign is displayed in connection with
each residence and, if illuminated, is illuminated only indirectly.
(6)
The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design, of
a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or
destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
