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1. What is a Historic District Commission?

Watertown’s Historic District is protected and overseen by a Historic District Commission. Historic District Commissions do not prevent changes from occurring, nor do they prevent new construction. Their purpose is to ensure that changes and additions to properties within the Historic District are harmonious with the aesthetic and historic values of the district.

The Commission is not intended to be burdensome to property owners within the Historic District, but rather, to be helpful in administering change and enhancing the value of the buildings and places within the Historic District.

2. Why do we have historic districts?

Historic district ordinances are local laws adopted by communities to protect historic areas using powers granted by the state. Watertown’s Historic District is governed by the provisions of Massachusetts’ enabling legislation for historic districts, Chapter 40C of the Massachusetts General Laws. Under Chapter 40C, historic districts have three major purposes:

• To preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics of buildings and places significant in the history of the Commonwealth and its cities and towns
• To maintain and improve the settings of those buildings and places
• To encourage design within the district that is compatible with existing buildings and places

3. What is the Mount Auburn Street Historic District?

The Mount Auburn Street Historic District was established by the Town of Watertown in 2002 under the Watertown Historic District Ordinance. The purpose of the Historic District is to preserve the distinctive architecture reflecting the character of Watertown’s rich cultural, social, economic, and political history which began on the banks of the Charles River in the early 1600s.

4. Who serves on the Historic District Commission and what do they regulate?

Seven members serve on Watertown’s Historic District Commission. The Commission is empowered to regulate only changes that affect the publicly visible features of properties within the Historic District.

The Commission is responsible for reviewing the appropriateness of exterior design changes and additions to existing buildings and structures, as well as new construction and demolition, within the Historic District.

Interior changes to properties within the Historic District are not subject to review by the Historic District Commission.

5. Where is the Mount Auburn Street Historic District?

The Historic District begins at the intersection of Summer and Mount Auburn Streets and extends east along Mount Auburn Street to Lincoln Street, and includes a portion of Marshall and Palfrey Streets.

If you would like to confirm whether your property falls within the boundaries of the Mount Auburn Street Historic District, contact the office of the Preservation Agent at (617) 972-6473.

6. What if I want to make changes to my home?

A property owner or resident within the Historic District contemplating exterior work on any part of his/her property that is visible from a public way or a public place must notify the Historic District Commission and get approval before any such work can begin.

Property owners contemplating interior alterations need not obtain Historic District Commission approval. For complete information please see the Watertown Historic District Ordinance below. Please note: Exterior and interior alterations may still need approval from the Building Inspector.

Although it may not be necessary to have the Historic District Commission review items excluded from the Commission’s responsibility, please feel free to present your ideas to the commission. Over time it would help everyone in the District plan for growth and change. Watertown Historic District Ordinance

7. How Do I File an Application?

Copies of the Watertown Historic District Guidelines and applications are available at the Office of the Preservation Agent in the Administration Building at:
149 Main St.
Watertown, MA 02472

The Commission recommends applications be submitted 60-90 days prior to the commencement of any work. Completed applications should be submitted to the Office of the Historic District Commission according to the schedule to have a hearing at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission. Applications must include photographs, material and color samples, manufacturers’ illustrations, and plans and plot plans, as necessary.

8. What if I have questions?

The Historic District Commission hopes you find the schedule of meetings and hearings helpful in planning. We believe in Watertown’s unique identity and are committed to helping property owners within the Historic District. If you have any questions about your property and the Mount Auburn Street Historic District, please call the office of the Preservation Agent at (617) 972-6473.