[Adopted 1983 (Ch. 18 of the 1968 Bylaws)]
A.
The Historic District Commission shall consist of seven members,
all of whom (1) when possible should be residents of the Town and
(2) should have demonstrated interest and ability to understand, appreciate,
and promote the purpose of the bylaw. The Commission shall be appointed
by the Select Board.
B.
The seven members shall be comprised of the following:
(1)
One from two nominees submitted by the Sherborn Historical Commission.
(2)
One from two nominees submitted by the chapter of the American Institute
of Architects covering the area.
(3)
Three residents or property owners of a property within a Sherborn
historic district.
(4)
Two Sherborn residents, including preferably a registered landscape
architect, building trades contractor, a realtor, or an attorney.
[Amended 4-25-2023 ATM
by Art. 22]
C.
It shall be the duty of the Select Board to request nominees from
the organizations listed above. If, after 30 days, a nomination requested
has not been made, then the appointment shall be made without the
nomination.
[Amended 4-25-2023 ATM
by Art. 22]
Historic District Commission members shall be appointed for
three years. However, the initial appointment shall be staggered so
that three members shall be appointed for three years, two members
for two years, and two members for one year. Members shall serve no
more than two successive terms. In the event of a vacancy, interim
appointments may be made by the appointing authority to complete the
unexpired term.
The Commission shall hold regular meetings and may hold special
meetings at the call of the Chair provided that public notice requirements
are met.
The Historic District Commission shall have all the powers and
duties of an Historic District Commission as described in the Historic
District Act, Chapter 40C General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
and as set forth in this article and not inconsistent with said Chapter
40C. The Historic District Commission:
A.
Shall establish and amend rules, regulations, and forms for the conduct
of business which are consistent with the purpose of this article.
B.
Shall keep accurate records of meetings, applications, findings,
and determinations, all of which shall be part of the public record.
C.
May, subject to appropriation, employ consultants or obtain other
assistance and incur expenses appropriate to performing its duties,
and may accept money gifts and expend the same for such purposes.
The Commission may administer on behalf of the Town any properties
or easements, restrictions, or other interests in real property which
the Town may have or may accept as gifts or otherwise as the Town
may designate.
D.
May determine a fee schedule for certificates of appropriateness,
certificates of nonapplicability, and certificates of hardship for
the purpose of reimbursing the Town for expenses for notices to abutters,
legal advertising, and administrative costs of the Commission.
[Amended 4-25-2023 ATM
by Art. 22]
E.
Shall have, in addition to the powers, authority and duties granted
to it by this article, such other powers, authority, and duties as
the Town Meeting may, from time to time, delegate.
F.
Shall provide its assistance to all property owners in the historic
districts by making available its expertise, experience, standards,
and policies regarding the preservation of the historic districts,
and shall assist owners, when requested, to make applications for
the appropriate certificate of appropriateness, nonapplicability,
or hardship in the most expeditious way.
[Amended 4-25-2023 ATM
by Art. 22]
G.
Shall review all proposed new construction or alterations to buildings
or structures within the historic district which add to or alter the
exterior architectural features visible from the public ways, excepting
only the buildings, structures, and exterior architectural features
specifically exempted from consideration of the Historic District
Commission by the Zoning Bylaw.
H.
Shall, upon application by an owner or an owner's agent in such form
and with such information as the Commission shall reasonably require,
determine the appropriateness of any proposed construction or alteration
under its jurisdiction and issue the appropriate certificate of appropriateness,
nonapplicability, or hardship or determination of disapproval after
giving public notice and holding public hearings as required by this
article and the Zoning Bylaw.
[Amended 4-25-2023 ATM
by Art. 22]
I.
Shall advise the Building Inspector whether each and any application
for a building permit within the historic district requires a certificate
of appropriateness, nonapplicability, or hardship prior to the issuance
of a building permit, and such building permit shall not be issued
prior to issuance of such certificate except for work explicitly exempt
from the jurisdiction of the Commission.
J.
May adopt from time to time, after the required hearings and consistent
with the intent of this article, rules exempting additional architectural
features within the historic district from the jurisdiction of the
Commission, and may rescind such rules.
[Amended 4-25-2023 ATM
by Art. 22]
