Boston, MA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

L. Chapter 40C) and Chapter 772 of the Acts of 1975. 3 creates a five-member Historic District Commission, plus three alternates, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, drawing nominees from the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, the Boston Society of Architects, the Boston Landmarks Commission, the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, and district residents. 4 bars construction, demolition, moving, or exterior alteration of any building, property, or structure in the district, and bars the Building Commissioner from issuing a permit, unless the Commission first issues a certificate.

6 sets the process: within eight business days of filing, the Commission identifies materially affected properties and, absent a written waiver, holds a public hearing on notice by mail; it must decide within 30 business days of filing (or a longer period the applicant allows in writing), weighing historical and architectural value, style, and compatibility with neighboring structures. 5 exempts temporary structures/signs, ordinary maintenance that changes nothing structurally, work the Building Commissioner certifies is required for public safety, and a specific Urban Renewal Parcel (R-7) under a 1980 developer's kit. 7 allows an aggrieved applicant to appeal a Commission determination to Suffolk Superior Court within 20 days of the City Clerk's notice filing.