The purpose of this chapter is the preservation and protection
of significant buildings within the Town which constitute or reflect
distinctive features of the architectural, cultural, political, economic,
and/or social history of the Town; to encourage owners of such buildings
to seek out persons who might be willing to purchase, preserve, rehabilitate,
or restore such buildings rather than demolish them; and by furthering
these purposes, to promote the public welfare, to protect the resources
of the Town, and to preserve the Town as an attractive and desirable
place in which to live. To achieve these purposes, the Ipswich Historical
Commission (the "Commission") is empowered to advise the Building
Inspector with respect to the issuance of permits for demolition of
significant buildings. The issuance of demolition permits for significant
buildings is regulated as provided in this bylaw.
Nothing in this bylaw shall be construed to prevent the ordinary
maintenance, repair, or replacement of any exterior architectural
feature.
Nothing in this bylaw shall be construed to prevent the demolition
of those portions of Significant Buildings which are not in themselves
Significant. In such cases, the Historical Commission shall notify
the Building Inspector within 20 business days of the date of application
that a demolition permit may be issued.
If any section, paragraph, or part of this bylaw is for any
reason declared invalid or unconstitutional by any court, every other
section, paragraph, and part shall continue in full force and effect.
The Historical Commission authority as established in this bylaw shall not supersede or interfere with the regulatory authority of the Ipswich Architectural Preservation District Commission according to Chapter
113 of the Ipswich General Bylaw.