Historic District Commission

Link to paper application form (.pdf)

At the Annual Town Meeting on May 5th, 2017, the Town voted to adopt a Historic District Bylaw.  The Historic District Commission was also created to administrate the new Historic District.  

        The purpose of this bylaw is to help property owners and the Town of Mendon in the preservation and protection of the distinctive characteristics and architecture of buildings and places significant in the history of the Town of Mendon, to encourage and support new and innovative building designs and techniques compatible with the existing architecture, and the promotion of those purposes as set forth in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40C. 

This page also features the minutes and agendas from the Local Historic District Study Committee.

The complete text of this bylaw can be seen by following the link at the top, left of this page. 

 

CLICK HERE to email the Commission

Historic District Application Process:

The applicant should review the District Guidelines, and Rules and Regulations (available here: http://mendonma.gov/hdc-design-guidelines) before submitting their application.  The Historic District Commission encourages each applicant to review their application with the Chairperson before submission to discuss the specific materials and requirements necessary to ensure an application is complete.

  1. Property owner or their agent should complete the application in full and submit electronically or return the paper form to the Town Clerk's office.
  1. Within 14 days after the filing of a completed application, the Commission shall determine if proposed work involves any exterior architectural features which are within the jurisdiction of the commission. 

Please note, ALL proposed exterior work within the Historic District should be preceded by an application.It is the sole purview of the Historic District Commission to determine if a proposal is within their jurisdiction.  Any applications for a building permit within the district will be flagged for review and may be delayed if it is determined the HDC has jurisdiction.

  1. If the Commission determines the application DOES NOT fall within their jurisdiction or the proposed work IS EXEMPT they shall issue a certificate of Non-Applicability.  The Applicant may then bring this certificate and proceed with their permit with the Building Department
  1. If the Commission determines the application DOES fall within their jurisdiction they shall hold a public hearing within 45 days from the date of filing of the completed application. At least 14 days prior to the hearing, notice shall be given on the Town’s website as well as a newspaper of general circulation.  Copies of this notice will be mailed to the applicant, abutting properties within a 100 ft radius, and additional relevant parties per the by-law.
  1. Within 60 days after the date of filing of a completed application, or within such further time as the applicant may allow in writing, the Commission shall issue a certificate of Appropriateness, Hardship or Disapproval. 

         In the case of Disapproval, the Commission shall outline the reasons for such disapproval and may include specific recommendations for changes in the proposal.  If, within 14 days, the applicant files a written modification of their application in conformity with the recommended changes of the Commission, the Commission shall issue a certificate of appropriateness.

  1. An appeals process is outlined in Section 7.13 of the by-law.

    Please feel free to contact us with any questions on the process or if your project will require review.

 Exclusions:

The Commission shall exclude from its purview the following:
  1. Temporary STRUCTURES or SIGNS the duration of use, location, lighting, removal and   
  2. Terraces, walks, driveways, sidewalks and similar STRUCTURES provided that any such STRUCTURE is substantially at grade level.
  3. Storm windows and doors, screens for windows and doors and window air conditioners.
  4. The color of paint.
  5. The color of materials used on roofs.
  6. Signs of not more than one (1) square foot in connection with use of a residence for a customary home occupation or for professional purposes and, if illuminated, is illuminated only indirectly; and one (1) sign in connection with the nonresidential use of each BUILDING or STRUCTURE which is not more that twelve (12) square feet in, consists of letters painted on wood without symbol or trademark and, if illuminated, is illuminated indirectly.
  7. The reconstruction, substantially similar in exterior design of a BUILDING, STRUCTURE, or EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE damaged by fire, storm or other disaster, provided such reconstruction is begun within one (1) year thereafter and carried forward with due diligence.
  8. Pools & Play Structures (pending town meeting approval 11/14/22)
Nothing in this Bylaw shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance, repair or replacement of any EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE within a DISTRICT which does not involve a change in design, material, color or the outward appearance thereof, nor to prevent landscaping with plants, trees or shrubs, nor construed to prevent the meeting of requirements certified by a duly authorized public officer to be necessary for public safety because of an unsafe or dangerous condition, nor construed to prevent any CONSTRUCTION or ALTERATION under a permit duly issued prior to the effective date of this Bylaw. 
 

Upon request, the COMMISSION shall issue a CERTIFICATE of NON-APPLICABILITY with respect to CONSTRUCTION or ALTERATION in any category not subject to review by the COMMISSION in accordance with the above provisions.

District application flow chart

Board Members

Name Title
Mark Bucchino Mendon Center District Property Owner Representative (Term Expires 6/30/23)
Jane Lowell Taft Homestead District Owner Representative (Term Expires 6/30/25)
Ruth O'Grady Historical Society Representative (Term Expires June 30, 2025)
Dan Byer (Vice-Chair) Member-At-Large ( June 2024)
Deborah Flanagan (Chair) Realtor Representative - Term expires June 30, 2024
ALTERNATE 1 (vacant) Alternate Member 1
ALTERNATE 2 (VACANT) Alternate Member 2
Vacancy 1 Term expires June 30, 2024 (Architect)
Kristina Campbell Historic Commission Representative (Term Expires June 30, 2025)