Historic Preservation in Massachusetts (2026)
8 rules on the books across Massachusetts, 8 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Historic-Cultural Monuments
How buildings, sites, and trees are nominated and designated as Historic-Cultural Monuments, the protections that follow, and the demolition-stay process.
Boston
Significant RestrictionsBoston's Bay Village Historic District, created by ordinance under M.G.L. Chapter 40C, requires a Certificate of…
Read full rule →Brockton
Significant RestrictionsBrockton's five-member Historical Commission must issue a certificate of appropriateness before the city can grant a…
Read full rule →Cambridge
Significant RestrictionsCambridge designates individual landmarks under Code of Ordinances Chapter 2.78, Article III, protecting properties…
Read full rule →Framingham
Significant RestrictionsFramingham's Historical Commission keeps a Cultural Resources Inventory of historically or architecturally significant…
Read full rule →Lawrence
Significant RestrictionsLawrence imposes a nine-month demolition delay on buildings and sites that reflect the city's cultural, artistic and…
Read full rule →Springfield
Significant RestrictionsBefore tearing down a building 75 years or older, or one listed on the National Register, Springfield owners face a…
Read full rule →Taunton
Significant RestrictionsTaunton protects historically and culturally significant buildings through the Taunton Historic District Ordinance…
Read full rule →Revere
Some RestrictionsRevere commemorates deceased service members with memorial poles installed along public ways under Chapter 12.22 of the…
Read full rule →