[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Wenham 3-18-1972; amended in its entirety 4-6-2019 ATM by Art. 13 (former Ch. XXV). Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 - Historic District Map
The purpose of this bylaw is to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the public through the preservation and protection of the distinctive characteristics of buildings and places significant in the history of the Town of Wenham or their architecture within the historic district(s), and through the maintenance and improvement of settings for such buildings and places and the encouragement of design compatible therewith.
There is hereby established under the provisions of MGL c. 40C a historic district to be known as the "Wenham Historic District 1972" attached to and made part of this bylaw.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See the map included as an attachment to this chapter.
There is hereby established under MGL c. 40C the Wenham Historic District Commission with all the powers and duties provided for by statute consisting of seven members to be appointed for terms of three years in accordance with the provisions of such statute; provided, however, that in addition to the organizations which § 4 of such statute designates, the Wenham Village Improvement Society may submit nominees for membership on the Commission. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.
Notwithstanding anything containing in this bylaw to the contrary, the authority of this Commission shall not extend to the review of the following categories of buildings or structures or exterior architectural features in the Wenham Historic District:
A. 
Terraces, walks, driveways and similar structures or any one or more of them, provided that any such structure is substantially at grade level.
B. 
Storm doors and windows, screens, window air conditioners, lighting fixtures, antennas and similar appurtenances, or any one or more of them.
C. 
The color of paint.
D. 
The color of materials used on roofs.
E. 
The reconstruction of substantially similar in exterior design of a building, structure or exterior architectural feature damaged or destroyed by fire or storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
In case any section, paragraph or part of this bylaw be for any reason declared invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, every other section, paragraph or part shall continue in full force and effect.
The purpose of this bylaw is for the preservation, protection and development of the historical or archaeological assets of the Town of Wenham.
The Wenham Historic District Commission established under § 155-3 shall act also as the Wenham Historical Commission under MGL c. 40, § 8D, and shall have all the powers and duties provided to historical commissions by said statute.
The Historical Commission shall make such recommendations as it shall deem appropriate to the Board of Selectmen on matters relating to the preservation, protection and development of historic areas, buildings, structures and sites. In addition, to further its objectives, the Commission may hold hearings and do and perform any and all acts that may be necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of MGL c. 40, § 8D. Further, it may acquire in the name of the Town by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, devise, and lease or otherwise the fee or lesser interest in real or personal property of significant historical value and may manage the same.
In case any section, paragraph or part of this bylaw be for any reason declared invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, every other section, paragraph or part shall continue in full force and effect.