Renovating in a Massachusetts Historic District
If your home is in a designated historic district, any visible exterior change goes through a Historic District Commission (HDC) review.
This is in addition to the normal building permit process.
Common MA Historic Districts
- Cambridge: Old Cambridge, Avon Hill, Mid-Cambridge, and others
Check your town's planning website to confirm if your specific property is in a historic district.
What the HDC Reviews
Any change visible from a public way:
- Siding type and color (and changing colors!)
Interior changes are usually NOT reviewed.
What HDCs Often Require
Materials: Wood siding instead of vinyl. James Hardie may or may not be allowed depending on the district. Cedar shake or clapboard often required.
Windows: Traditional double-hung. True divided lite (real muntins between two panes) preferred over snap-in grids.
Siding profile: Specific reveal (the exposed face) often specified. Modern wide vinyl boards rejected.
Roof material: Asphalt usually allowed. Metal often rejected unless original to the structure.
Color: Approved palette from the district. Bright modern colors often rejected.
The Review Process
1. Initial conversation: Call the HDC office. They will tell you what level of review your project needs.
2. Application: Submit drawings, photos, material samples, specifications.
3. Public hearing: HDC meets monthly. Your application is reviewed. You present, neighbors can comment. Decision rendered.
4. Certificate of Appropriateness: If approved, you get a certificate to take to the Building Department for your standard permit.
5. Appeals: If denied, appeals go to the local zoning board or sometimes to state.
Typical Timeline
Add 2-4 months for HDC review on top of normal permit timeline. Plan ahead.
How to Improve Your Approval Odds
✅ Use historically appropriate materials ✅ Consult HDC staff BEFORE submitting (they will tell you what works) ✅ Look at recent approvals in your district for guidance ✅ Hire a contractor familiar with historic work ✅ Be patient with the public hearing process ✅ Address neighbor concerns proactively
What Does NOT Need HDC Review
- Repairs in kind (replacing damaged clapboards with same material)
How We Handle Historic Work
We have done historic restorations across Cambridge, Brookline, Concord, and Lexington. We know the materials, the review process, and the contractors who do the specialty work (slate roofing, custom millwork, traditional joinery).
✅ Pre-application HDC consultation ✅ Drawings and materials prep for HDC submission ✅ Attend public hearings on your behalf ✅ Sourcing of period-appropriate materials ✅ Construction to historic standards
Free Historic Property Assessment
If you own in a historic district and are planning work, the right contractor matters. Free site visit and review of options.
📞 (774) 512-3176 📧 info@rs-developmentgroup.com
In the trade since 2008. Latino-owned.
