By statue, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has as its basic purpose the preservation of sites, structures, and districts of historical, cultural, archaeological, architectural significance together with their appurtenances and environmental settings. It is charged with implementing Cambridge's Historic Overlay Zoning (adopted as Ordinance 814 and amended to the Zoning Code in 2003 per Article IX, Part VI, Section 185-196).
The Commission's mandate is to safeguard Cambridge's heritage and its broadly visible waterfront within the Historic District. To accomplish this task the HPC is required to review and issue Certificates of Appropriateness (COA's) for all exterior alterations to property in the historic district, including alterations that cannot be seen from the street or water based on Guidelines adopted by the City. This includes restoration, rehabilitation, new construction, renovations, and major landscaping as well as replacing building components, such as roofs, doors, windows, porches, railings, and curb cuts. The Commission does not review paint color.
The Historic Preservation Commission consists of five members and one alternate appointed by the City Council. A majority of the members shall be City residents. Appointees must possess professional or academic qualifications or, have a demonstrated special interest in historic preservation through training, education, employment, experience or membership in a related organization.
The current commission members are:
|
Commissioner
|
Term Expiration
|
| Brian Roche, Chairmen | August 31, 2014 |
| Dormaim Bromwell-Green | August 31, 2015 |
| Kathleen Clendaniel | August 31, 2013 |
| Farrell McCoy | August 31, 2013 |
| William Dennehy, Vice Chair | August 31, 2014 |
The Commission meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00PM in the City Council Chambers located at 305 Gay Street.Notice for Historic Preservation Commission Workshops.
NOTICE:
Over the next several weeks, the Historic Preservation Commission and staff from the Planning and Zoning Department will be working on updating the Historic District Design Guidelines. These meetings will be scheduled on the 1st Thursday of every month at the Council Chambers, 305 Gay Street. The HPC will continue to meet on a regular basis on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00PM at the Council Chambers.
Historic Preservation Commission and Citizen Workshops Sessions.
Thursday, May 2nd, 2013 6:00-8:00PM
Thursday, June 6th, 2013 6:00-8:00PM
"Citizens are encouraged to complete and return this HPC Questionnaire"
Draft material under review by the Historic Preservation Commission
Cambridge HPC Draft "Rules of Procedures (ROP)
Cambridge HPC Draft "By-Laws"
Citizen Input Session "Summary Notes to Date"
Cambridge HPC Draft "By-Laws"
Citizen Input Session "Summary Notes to Date"
Historic Preservation Commission FY 2013 Meeting Schedule:
|
Meeting Date
|
Submission Date
|
| April 18th, 2013 | March 18th, 2013 |
| May 16th, 2013 | April 16th, 2013 |
| June 20th, 2013 | May 20th, 2012 |
| July 18th, 2013 | June 18th, 2012 |
| August 15th, 2013 | July 15th, 2012 |
| Sept. 19th, 2013 | August 19th, 2012 |
| October 17th, 2013 | September 17th, 2013 |
| November 21st, 2013 | October 21st, 2013 |
| December 19th, 2013 | November 19th, 2013 |
| January 16th, 2014 | December 16th, 2014 |
| February 20th, 2014 | January 20th, 2014 |
All dates are subject to change when necessary.
The Department of Public Works provides staff support to the Commission and can assist property owners within the District for the application of COA's. In addition, staff administers and enforces Historic Overlay zoning, issues building permits and responds to property code violations.
For information on the application process and deadlines for submission or meeting schedules, call the Cambridge Planning Office.
For information on the application process and deadlines for submission or meeting schedules, call the Cambridge Planning Office.
Staff: Dan Brandewie, Planner II
