[Ord. 16, passed 4-23-2002]
(A)
There is hereby established a Watertown Historic District Commission
(HDC), consisting of seven members and vested with all the authority
and responsibility under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 40C. The HDC shall be
appointed by the City Manager, approved by the City Council and shall
include one member from two nominees submitted by the local Historical
Society or, in the absence thereof, by 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
area and one member from two nominees of the Board of Realtors, if
any, covering the area, and one or more members sought through public
solicitation of residents and/or owners of property in an historic
district to be administered by the Commission.
(B)
If within 30 days after submission of a written request for nominees
to any of the organizations herein named no nominations have been
made, the appointing body may proceed to appoint the HDC without nominations
by the organization.
(C)
The initial appointments as Commissioners shall be two members for
a term of one year, two members for a term of two years, and three
members for a term of three years. Successive appointments shall be
for three years. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the
original appointment for the unexpired term. Each member shall continue
in office after the expiration of his or her term until his or her
successor is duly appointed and qualified. All members shall serve
without compensation. The commission shall elect annually a Chairperson
and Vice-Chairperson from its own number and a Secretary from within
its number.
[Ord. 16, passed 4-23-2002]
Meetings of the Commission shall be held at the call of the
Chairperson or shall be called at the request of two members of the
Commission or in any other manner as the Commission shall determine
in its rules. All regularly scheduled meetings shall be held on weekday
evenings. A majority of the members of a Commission shall constitute
a quorum. The concurring vote of a majority of the members of the
Commission shall be necessary to issue a certificate of appropriateness,
a certificate of non-applicability or a certificate of hardship.
[Ord. 16, passed 4-23-2002]
(A)
Notwithstanding any provision contained in this chapter to the contrary,
the authority of the HDC shall not extend to the review of the following
categories, structures or architectural features:
(1)
Terraces, walks, sidewalks, driveways, street lighting and traffic
lighting provided that any structure is substantially at grade level;
(2)
Storm doors and windows, screens, and window air conditioners;
(3)
The color of paint;
(4)
The color of materials used on roofs;
(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 the reconstruction
is begun within one year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence;
(6)
The ordinary maintenance, repair or replacement of any exterior
architectural feature which does not involve a change in design, material,
or the outward appearance thereof or landscaping with plants, trees
or shrubs.
(B)
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent meeting the
requirements certified by a duly authorized public officer to be necessary
for the public safety, nor construed to prevent any construction or
alteration under a permit issued prior to the effective date of this
chapter.
[Ord. 16, passed 4-23-2002]
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of §§ 152.01 through 152.17 of this chapter shall be fined not less than $10 or more than $100 for each day during which violation occurs or continues. Any person charged with a violation may petition the HDC to withdraw or lessen the fine based on whether the violation is a substantial violation of this chapter. Starting work without a permit is a violation of this chapter.
