The intent and purpose of this chapter is to protect the historic
and aesthetic qualities of the Town of Lunenburg by preserving, rehabilitating
or restoring, whenever possible, significant buildings or structures
which constitute or reflect distinct features of architectural or
historical resources of the Town, by promoting continued private ownership
and utilization of such buildings and by providing owners of significant
structures with time to consider alternatives to demolition, thereby
promoting the public welfare and preserving the cultural heritage
of the community.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
APPLICATION
An application for a permit for the demolition of a building,
which shall include a photograph of the building taken within the
past year.
DEMOLITION
The act of pulling down, destroying, removing or razing a
building or structure.
PERMIT
A permit issued by the Building Commissioner for demolition
of a building pursuant to an application.
SIGNIFICANT BUILDING
Any building or structure that the Historical Commission
determines, in conjunction with the Building Commissioner and Fire
Chief, meets one of the following conditions:
A.
Listed on the National or State Registry of Historic Places
or is the subject of a previously submitted application for listing
of historic places on said registries; or
B.
Included in a local Registry of Historic Places or is on a current
or previously submitted inventory prepared by the local Historical
Commission; or
C.
Importantly associated with one or more historic persons or
events, or with the broad architectural, cultural, political, economic
or social history of the Town of Lunenburg or the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts; or
D.
Historically or architecturally important in terms of period,
style, or method of building construction; or
E.
Seventy-five years old or more.
An application for a demolition permit will be made to the Building
Commissioner, who shall, within five days, forward a copy of the demolition
permit application to the Historical Commission. The Historical Commission
shall, within five business days of receiving said application, determine
whether a demolition plan review is required. If a demolition plan
review is required, the applicant will supply to the Historical Commission
a written narrative that includes the following:
A. Sketch showing the location of the building or structure with reference
to neighboring properties.
B. Photographs of said structure.
C. Description of the age, architectural style, historical association
and importance of the building to be demolished.
[Amended 11-16-2021 STM by Art. 14]
Nothing in this bylaw shall restrict the Building Commissioner
or the Fire Chief from ordering the demolition of a significant building
determined to present a clear and present danger to the safety of
the public, which only demolition can prevent. The Commission shall
be promptly notified of the decision.