It is clear to anyone driving through the Town of Weston today that this community is experiencing a groundswell of residential construction. Tear-down activity in Weston has accelerated dramatically in recent years as a result. Prior to the enactment of the Demolition Delay By-Law, many of Weston’s historical structures were razed without warning, leaving no trace of their heritage or contribution to the town.
449 North Avenue - demolished in the 1990's
The Demolition Delay ordinance was voted into law at Town Meeting in May of 1998 to impose a waiting period of six months before all or part of "significant" buildings can be destroyed. Buildings qualifying for a demolition delay must have been constructed by 1945 and deemed "significant" by the Weston Historical Commission. Factors which contribute to a building's significance are its architectural integrity, its importance to Weston's history, and its presence in a local historical area or National Register historical area.
The ordinance itself does not prevent destruction of any building in Weston; however, it does provide the Historical Commission with a brief time period to explore preservation solutions for threatened properties. It also encourages owners to seek out buyers who might be more willing to preserve and restore Weston’s architectural heritage.
46 Love Lane - demolished 1990's
To obtain permission to tear down all or part of a building built in Weston, the owner must fill out an application with the Town Building Inspector. If the building was constructed prior to 1945, the Historical Commission is notified of the demolition application. Within 21 days of receipt of this notice, a meeting is held by the Commission to determine whether the building falls into one of the categories listed above.
If the Commission determines at this meeting that the building is historically significant, a public hearing is held within thirty days with the goal of reaching agreement with the applicant on the disposition of the building. Typically an agreement is reached quickly, but the By-Law allows up to six months for the negotiation process and prohibits demolition during this time if agreement is not reached. If there is no agreement by the end of the six-month period, demolition may proceed without restriction by the Commission.
Although it cannot ultimately prevent a building’s demolition, the Demolition Delay By-Law gives the Historical Commission an opportunity to work proactively and creatively to preserve the most important examples of Weston’s valuable historical legacy. Demolition delays are seldom imposed, and when they are imposed rarely last the full six months permitted under the by-law.
Outline
of the Demolition Delay Process
Text
of the Demolition Delay By-Law
Demolition
Application (best printed in landscape format)
Replacing Windows and Siding
Please go to the Window and Siding link to read the Commission's recommendations on replacement of windows and exterior siding on older homes.
Town of Weston
Historical Commission
P.O.
Box 378, Weston, MA 02493
Email
the Commission
