HomeMy Public PortalAboutHDC Design Review Guidelines-7.11.2019 a
Design Review Guidelines
Watertown Historic District Commission
Watertown, Massachusetts
Adopted July 27, 2005
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Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................................................3
Background ................................................................................................3
What Changes Are Reviewed .....................................................................4
Certificate Process .....................................................................................5
Design Review Principles ..........................................................................6
General Design Guidelines ........................................................................7
Specific Design Guidelines .........................................................8
1.0 Doors .........................................................................8
2.0 Windows ................................................... .................8
3.0 Shutters ..................................................... .................9
4.0 Awnings .....................................................................9
5.0 Roofs .........................................................................9
6.0 Donners ....................................................................10
7.0 Chimneys ................................................... ..............10
8.0 Gutters .....................................................................10
9.0 Masonry and Stucco ......................................................11
10.0 Painting Wood Exteriors ................................................11
11.0 Siding ....................................................... ...............12
12.0 Steps, Stairways, Railings ...............................................12
13.0 Walkways .................................................................12
14.0 Stone and Masonry Walls ................................. .............13
15.0 Fences ...................................................... ...............13
16.0 Lighting ...................................................................14
17.0 Light Fixtures .............................................................14
18.0 Signs ........................................................................15
19.0 Fire Escapes ................................................ ..............15
20.0 Modern Equipment ....................................... ...............16
21.0 Outbuildings ..............................................................16
22.0 Additions and New Construction .....................................17
23.0 Demolition .................................................. ..............18
24.0 Amendments and Severability ........................... ..............18
Application and Instructions - Attachment A ..................................19
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Adopted July 27, 2005 • Watertown, Massachusetts
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Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
Introduction
Watertown has been a significant contributor to our country's political, economic and
social history. Evidence of this rich past can be found in the buildings that continue to
survive, including those in the Mount Auburn Street Historic District,
The Historic District Commission works with property owners when changes to buildings
are being proposed, to ensure that our historic buildings continue to reveal our past, while
meeting our present needs and allowing us to plan for the future.
Background
The Mount Auburn Street Historic District was established in accordance with
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40C, the Historic District Act.
The Act has three purposes:
1) To promote public welfare through the preservation and protection of the distinct
characteristics of buildings and places of historic or architectural significance;
2) To maintain and improve the settings for such buildings and places; and
3) To encourage compatible design.
Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40C and Watertown Ordinance 16 of 2002,
the Watertown Historic District Commission ("the Commission") is required to review
the architectural appropriateness of most proposed exterior changes, whether they be a
minor alteration,new additions, or removal of trim or structures. Property owners in an
Historic District are required to obtain a certificate from the Commission prior to starting
any exterior work on buildings or strictures. Please note that, by Town Ordinance, the
Building Department cannot issue a building permit for exterior work or demolition
without the necessary certificate from the Commission. Anyone contemplating exterior
work should contact the Commission and property owners are encouraged to present
preliminary plans to individual Commissioners or at informal Commission meetings to
better understand Commission requirements.
These Design Guidelines are, as their name implies, guidelines intended to encourage
appropriate design by applicants and foster predictability in Commission actions. While
the Commission has the authority, in the exercise of its discretion, to permit applicants to
depart from the Guidelines, applicants are encouraged to follow them to the greatest
extent possible and should not expect that the Commission will permit applicants to
depart from them in most circumstances. The Commission does not anticipate departing
from certain of the Guidelines, such as that regarding artificial siding. Moreover, it
should be understood that certain properties, and the specific features of certain
properties, may have greater than usual architectural or historic significance.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 - Watertown, Massachusetts
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Watertown Historic District Commission - Design Review Guidelines
What Changes are Reviewed
All alterations (changes) to the exterior of a building that are subject to public view,
whether from a public street, a public way, a public park, or a public body of water, must
be reviewed and approved by the Commission. Such changes include, but are not limited
to, repairs, replacements and alterations to windows, doors, roofs, gutters, building
materials, new construction, additions, fences, walls and changes in grade. For the
purposes of determining visibility, existing and proposed wooden fences and landscaping
are deemed not to block sight lines from public view. If there is a question regarding
visibility, the final determination will be made by the Chair of the Commission or the
Chair's Designee.
The Commission does not review paint colors and will issue a Certificate of Non-
Applicability(defined below) for ordinary like-kind (exact duplicate)repairs and
replacements.
While landscaping is generally not subject to review by the Commission, the following
are subject to review and approval by the Commission: changes to grade, outside HVAC
equipment (excluding window units), and yard structures, including,but not limited to,
fences, swimming pools, play houses, etc.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 • Watertown, Massachusetts
Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
Certificate Process
Before beginning any work on an exterior element of a property or applying for a
building permit, an owner of property in the Historic District must submit an application,
to the Historic District Commission in order to obtain one of the following three
certificates:
Certificate of Non Applicability: If the Commission or its designee determines that the
proposed work is (i) not subject to public view or (ii) is a like-kind replacement of
existing conditions, then the Commission will issue a Certificate of Non-Applicability
and the applicant may apply for a building permit.
Certificate of Appropriateness: If the Commission determines that the proposed work is
not entitled to a Certificate of Non-Applicability and must, therefore, go to the
Commission for a hearing, then the applicant will be required to obtain a Certificate of
Appropriateness from the Commission to obtain approval of alterations, additions and
new construction before obtaining a building permit. For extremely minor work, the
Commission may give its tentative approval by issuing a "Ten Day Letter of Approval'.
If there are no objections from either abutters or Commissioners to the Ten Day Letter of
Approval, the Commission will issue a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Certificate of Hardship: If the Commission determines that the proposed work is not
entitled to a Certificate of Non-Applicability and must, therefore, be reviewed by the
Commission at a public hearing, then in certain rare cases the Commission may, in its
sole discretion, issue a Certificate of Hardship, if failure to approve the application would
involve a substantial hardship, or otherwise, to the applicant and the proposed work will
not result in a significant detriment to the Historic District.
A blank application and instructions are included on page 19 as Attachment A.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 • Watertown, Massachusetts
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Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
Design Review Principles
When reviewing individual applications, the Commission will be guided by the following
design principles, which have been adapted from the Secretary of the Interior's Standards
for the Treatment of Historic Properties:
A property shall be used for its historic pia pose or be placed in a new use that requires
minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site and
environment.
The historic character of a property should be retained and preserved. The removal of
distinctive materials or alteration of features, spaces and spatial relationships that
characterize a property should be avoided.
Changes to a property that have acquired historic significance in their own right should
be retained and preserved.
Distinctive features,finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship
that characterize a property shall be preserved.
Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity
of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match
the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials.
Replacement of missing features should be substantiated by documentary,physical, or
pictorial evidence.
New additions, exterior alterations or related new construction that destroys historic
materials,features and spatial relationships that characterize the property should be
avoided.
New work should be differentiated fr onn the old and should be compatible with the
historic materials,features, size, scale,proportion and massing to protect the integrity of
the property and its environment.
New additions and adjacent or related new construction which, if rennoved in the fixture,
would impair the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment
should be avoided.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 • Watertown, Massachusetts
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Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
General Design Guidelines
Although the points listed in these General Guidelines are covered in greater detail in the
Specific Design Guidelines that begin on the following page,nine general guidelines are
listed here to highlight their importance:
Ornamental and decorative detailing should not be removed.
Deteriorated ornamental, decorative and characteristic architectural features should be
repaired,rather than replaced.
No artificial siding should be installed.
Wood windows and metal casement windows should be retained
There should be no new openings on visible fagades, except to restore original or
preexisting openings.
Missing architectural features should be documented as authentic by photographic,
physical, or historical evidence before they are reproduced.
Historic carriage barns and automobile garages should be preserved. '
New fences should not act as visual barriers.
Traditional building materials should be used.
Synthetic or imitation materials (such as vinyl, and in some cases, aluminum, etc.) are not
appropriate and will normally not be approved.As new materials are developed that are
indistinguishable from natural or traditional products, the Commission will consider their
use on a case-by-case basis.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 • Watertown,Massachusetts
Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
1.0 Doors
1.1 In general, existing original or later appropriate doors visible from a public way
should be retained and repaired wherever possible, including fanlights, sidelights,
surrounds, canopies, transoms, and other features which the doorway comprises.
The original entrance design and arrangement of door openings should be
retained. Enlarging or reducing entrance/door openings for the purpose of fitting
stock doors (larger or smaller) will not generally be approved.
1.2 If an applicant concludes that an existing door cannot be repaired or is an
inappropriate door, the proposed replacement door should be made of wood and,
if glazed with muntin bars,have true divided lights.
1.3 Original hardware should be maintained, including locks,hinges, door knockers,
mail slots, etc.
2.0 Windows
2.1 Original or later windows, trim and features should be retained and repaired except
in cases when they are beyond repair. The complete replacement of all windows
in a building in which only some are in disrepair will not generally be approved.
Retrofitting original window sashes with weather-stripping and/or insulated glass
is encouraged.
2.2 When a determination has been made that the window is beyond repair, the
replacement must be based on physical,photographic, or documentary evidence.
The replacement window shall be all wood, and of the same dimensions for
muntin and frame, same design, and same number of panes as the original or
existing window. For new construction, windows should be wood, true divided
light. Single-paned, historically accurate, true divided light wood windows are
most appropriate,but simulated divided light windows may be considered
depending on age, significance, and prominence of stricture. Windows with snap-
in or removable muntins not supporting glass will not ordinarily be approved.
Vinyl, aluminum or metal replacement sash, (including metal-clad or vinyl-clad)
are not generally appropriate. No vinyl or clad windows shall replace wood
windows. The number of lights within a window(e.g., 616, or 2/2) should be
consistent with the original units, if present, or with the number of lights
historically used in the period.The style of the window should be consistent with
the architectural style of the building or addition.
2.3 Stained glass or decorative windows should be retained.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 • Watertown, Massachusetts
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Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
3.0 Shutters
3.1 If appropriate for the building, existing shutters and hardware shall be retained and
repaired whenever possible. Shutter removal requires approval. Where
replacement is necessary, new shutters shall match original or be of an
appropriate type for the building, Shutters shall be made of wood. Vinyl,
aluminum or metal shutters are not permitted.
3.2 Shutters should reflect their original use. Their size should be such that they cover
the entire window when closed(arched windows should have arched shutters,
etc.). Base shutter dimensions on window dimensions. Hang shutters so as to
appear operable. The slats should point up when shutters are open, and down
when closed over the window.
4.0 Awnings
4.1 Awnings may be allowed if appropriate for the style of the building.
5.0 Roofs ,
5.1 The roof shape and slope shall be preserved as integral to the period of the
building.
5.2 In new construction, harmonious roof pitches are a major consideration. The roof
shape, slope, and materials should be appropriate to the style of building or
structure.
5.3 Slate is an important historical material. Its maintenance and repair is encouraged.
5.4 All roofing should be repaired or replicated in kind, including decorative patterns
and style.
5.5 All decorative metal, such as iron cresting, finials and weathervanes should be
retained.
5.6 Roof top HVAC and other mechanical elements,including soundproofing
elements, should be placed out of view.
5.7 Skylights should be placed out of view. Skylights, if approved, should be
minimized in both number and size. In no case will a"bubble-type" skylight be
approved.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 • Watertown, Massachusetts
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Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
6.0 Dormers
6.1 Dormers are an important element contributing to the total architectural look and
style of the structure. Changes should be undertaken carefully. Dormers that were
part of the original design should not be altered in scale or form. New dormers
should match existing ones and should correspond in style with the architectural
features of the building. Dormers should be small in scale, and facades visible
from the public way should not appear as though an additional story has been
added. The original proportions of the roof should be retained.
7.0 Chimneys
7.1 Chimneys are distinctive roof features and should be retained in most cases.
Chimneys should not be altered, shortened, or removed, but rather, repaired as
necessary. Even if an interior fireplace is to be removed, every effort should be
made to retain the existing exterior stack. Bricks and mortar should match the
existing materials. Details of chimney work, to scale, and samples of brick and
mortar must be submitted. The retention of original historic brick materials is
encouraged.
8.0 Gutters
8.1 The preference is to replace like with like, such as wood gutters with wood.
However, if gutters are being replaced it is preferred that the gutters be replaced
with the material that would have been present when the structure was first built.
8.2 Gutters maybe of wood, copper,painted aluminum, or galvanized steel. Unpainted
mill-finished aluminum is generally not appropriate for flashing, gutters and
downspouts.
8.3 In older buildings, gutters were often designed as part of the cave profile. In these
cases, the gutters become a particularly important architectural feature and should
be repaired whenever possible; if they are beyond repair, they should be replaced
with like materials and design. Hung gutters (those not designed as part of the
cave) should be as unobtrusive as possible. Downspouts should not obstruct the
view of the structure's corner wall elements.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 • Watertown, Massachusetts
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Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
9.0 Masonry and Stucco
9.1 Original masonry and mortar should be retained, wherever possible, without the
application of any surface treatment. Old mortar should be duplicated in
composition, color, and texture. New mortar should reproduce original in joint
profile and size.
9.2 Care must be taken in repointing to match the existing joint width and to avoid
overcutting of the joints. Joints should not be overfilled with mortar onto the face
of brick.
9.3 Replacement brick and mortar should be carefully matched in size and color to the
originals, and follow traditional brick coursing if visible from a public way.
9.4 Foundations should be repaired or extended with the materials of the existing
foundation.
9.5 Existing stucco should be repaired with stucco mixture that duplicates the original
in appearance, i.e., color and texture.
9.6 The applicant will be required to provide a sample of proposed masonry materials.
9.7 Sandblasting should not be used to clean brick because of the resulting "pitting"of
the brick surface and potential other damage. Gentler cleaning methods shall be
used.
10.0 Paintine Wood Exteriors
10.1 A public hearing before the Commission is not required to repaint a wooden
building or structure. We encourage you to consider color and finish
compatibility with adjacent structures in choosing your colors and finish to
promote visual harmony of the streetscape.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 • Watertown, Massachusetts
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Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
11.0 Siding
11.1 Appropriate siding materials are clapboard,brick, stucco, and on certain historical
styles, wood shingles.
11.2 Original siding material should be retained whenever possible and deteriorated
material repaired or replaced with new material that duplicates the original as
closely as possible.
11.3 The removal of non-original siding materials, trim and imitation wood clapboards
such as vinyl and aluminum is encouraged.
11.4 Artificial siding, including,but not limited to, vinyl, aluminum, asphalt, and
artificial brick and stone, are not appropriate in the historic district.
11.5 Trim and detailing should not be removed.
11.6 Replacement wood siding or shingles should replicate the materials, dimensions,
detailing and patterns of the original.
12.0 Steps, Stairways. Railings
12.1 Steps, stairways and railings are important features of entryways and porches.
Where possible, original features and detailing should be retained or repaired in
the same design and material. When existing features are not original,
replacement design and materials should be appropriate to the style of the
building.
12.2 Deteriorated or missing elements and decorative ornamentation shall be replaced
with materials and elements to match original, or be appropriate to the original.
12.3 Stonework maybe repaired, replaced or extended using the existing type of stone
or brick. New work should be appropriate to the period and character of the
building.
12.4 Railings may be wood or wrought iron. A drawing of railing design must be
provided.
13.0 Walkways
13.1 The Commission recommends that brick, stone, gravel, plain concrete or exposed
aggregate concrete are appropriate materials in most cases for walkways.
Asphalt is discouraged and concrete and asphalt made to simulate other material
is not acceptable. Although walkways at grade level do not require a public
hearing, the Commission encourages you to follow the guidelines set forth above.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 • Watertown, Massachusetts
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Watertown Historic District Commission• Design Review Guidelines
14.0 Stone and Masonry Walls
14.1 Stone and masonry walls are distinctive features of historic homes and should be
maintained.
14.2 The design of new walls, including retaining walls, should be appropriate in scale,
architectural style, and material, to the building, its site, and the surrounding
properties. Walls should not prevent or restrict public views of buildings. Brick
walls should use historically appropriate brick. Bricks and mortar joints should be
compatible with the building in color, aggregate and joint profile. Stone walls
may be dry laid or set in a mortar that is historically appropriate in color,
aggregate and joint profile.
15.0 Fences
15.1 Architecturally significant fences should be maintained and repaired or restored
whenever possible. Iron fences, and original omate wooden fences should be
maintained. Traditional materials (wood, cast or wrought iron, granite and stone)
are recommended.
15.2 The following are not appropriate in the historic district when visible from a public
way: (i) plastic or vinyl fences, (ii) chain link fences, (iii) split rail fences, (iv)
stockade fences, (v) lattice fences, except as a side or rear yard garden element.
15.3 The design offences should be appropriate in scale and architectural style to the
building, its site, and the surrounding properties. New fences should not prevent
or restrict public views of buildings.
15.4 Fences, which are subject to review and must have a Certificate of Appropriateness
to be erected, should not obscure the view of the house from the street. New front
fences and the front yard portion of side fences should be open in character so as
not to create visual barriers.
15.5 When a fence is proposed in front of a building, it should be open and low so as not
to block the public view. Fences should be compatible with the existing building
in material, proportion, style and historic period and should enhance the
streetscape.
15.6 More solid,taller fences maybe appropriate to provide privacy or safety but should
be located where they have minimal visual impact from public streets, ways or
places.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 • Watertown, Massachusetts
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Watertown Historic District Commission •Design Review Guidelines
15.7 Where privacy is an issue,we suggest a"living"fence or hedge. Plantings are not
subject to review by the Commission.
16.0 Liehtine
16.1 All lighting and lighting fixture changes visible from a public street, way or place
are subject to review, including but not limited to:
a)Lighting fixtures as an appurtenance to the structure (such as on a building
exterior,porch, deck,pathway, driveway,post, and any area visible to the public),
as elements of the landscape, and elements of architectural ornamentation;
b) Quality of illumination on the site and on building exteriors;
c) The intensity and distribution of light is also taken into account, particularly as it
affects neighboring properties and the ambience of the district; and
d) Illumination of signs.
16.2 Any lighting plan and its total effect on the property should be carefully
considered. Give thought to the task or activity that requires illumination and to
the minimum amount of light needed.
16.3 Up-lighting, such as for facades, signs, fountains, and landscaping, are generally
not appropriate.
16.4 Lighting of entire building facades is limited to special cases of buildings that are
considered community landmarks. Lighting of the landscape or"wash"lighting of
buildings or trees is not permitted. Planned"on-all-night"lighting is not
appropriate in the historic district.
17.0 Lieht Fixtures
17.1 Original light fixtures,where they survive, can be important and rare architectural
features, contributing significantly to the structure's historic resource value.For
this reason, original or later appropriate light fixtures should be retained, and if
possible,repaired using recognized preservation methods.Deteriorated or missing
elements should be replaced, if possible, with like materials. Replacement should
be based,if possible, on physical or documentary evidence.
17.2 New light fixtures should be of a design and scale that is appropriate to the style
and period of the building rather than imitate styles earlier than the building or
structure. Historical style lighting fixtures may appear appropriate in the daylight,
but many of these authentic-looking fixtures are among the worst in creating
nighttime glare from their unshielded lamps or bulbs.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 Watertown,Massachusetts
Watertown Historic District Commission - Design Review Guidelines
17.3 Lamps (light bulbs), in general, should be fully shielded inside the fixture so that
the lamp is not visible from adjacent buildings,pedestrians, and motorists. It may
be appropriate in some cases to have a low lumen lamp (25 watts incandescent) as
an alternative. Many historic-style(non-original) fixtures can be easily altered to
shield the lamp. In the best case, light is ordinarily directed below the horizontal
plane of the fixture (typically referred to as a"full cut-off' fixture). Light should
be maintained on the property, not spilling beyond the bounds of the property
line.
18.0 Sims
18.1 New and additional signs are subject to review by the Commission. The basic
design,color,size and scale of a sign will be reviewed to determine whether it
integrates with the architectural character of a building and the streetscape.
Wooden signs are appropriate in the historic districts. Synthetic signs are
generally not appropriate. Sign lighting is rarely appropriate. If proposed,the
lighting should be in keeping with the style of the sign and appropriate to the
business it represents. Lighting should illuminate the sign with as little�spillage as
possible.
18.2 Signage for commercial properties is also subject to review by the Commission in
addition to any other permitting requirements.
19.0 Fire Escapes
19.1 Fire escapes should be designed and constructed with the same attention required
for other major alterations. The Commission recommends that to the extent
possible, fire escapes be placed where least visible from a public way, and as
necessary, landscaping be added for screening purposes.
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Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
20.0 Modern Eauinment
20.1 Modem equipment includes utility and other mechanical equipment located outside
a building and visible from a public way, including but not limited to, antennas,
cellular towers, satellite dishes,propane and other tanks, dumpsters,utility
meters, alarm systems, HVAC equipment(including but not limited to air
conditioners,heating units, ducts, fans, and solar collectors) and associated
mounting devices, strapping, fasteners, cables, and related equipment.
20.2 Modem equipment should, in general, be as small and inconspicuous as possible.
20.3 All modern equipment should be installed in locations which (a) create the least
disturbance to the historical appearance of the building, (b) involve the least
additional structural alterations, and (c) are screened, hidden or otherwise shielded
from view to the extent possible.
20.4 Modern equipment placed on the ground should be sited in the rear of the building
and may be screened by vegetation, walls or fences. Front yard locations are
strongly discouraged. If modem equipment is mounted on a roof, it should be
located behind chimneys, sloped roofs and parapets or placed in the central
portion of flat roofs behind sight lines as seen from ground level or other portions
of the roof not visible from any public way. Flues and vents should be Foncealed
in chimneys or cupolas. Electrical wires and other cables should be run inside the
building, underground, or along the foundation.
20.5 Modern equipment should be painted to blend in with the building and
surroundings, when possible.
20.6 Utilities should be underground, where possible.
20.7 Seasonal air-conditioning units do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness,but
the Commission encourages discreet placement at the rear or sides of the building.
20.9 Applications to the Commission for approval of modern equipment shall specify
the location, dimensions, and describe outward appearance of all such equipment.
21.0 Outbuildings
21.1 Outbuildings, including but not limited to garages, sheds, greenhouses, gazebos
and swimming pools, are subject to approval if they are visible from a public way
or place. Visually filling the lot from side to side with house and outbuildings
detracts from the landscape component of the historic streetscape, and is not
appropriate. The Commission will consider size, scale and placement of the
outbuilding(s) itself, as well as its/their relation to the lot size and other structures
on the lot and adjacent and nearby lots.
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Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
22.0 Additions and New Construction
22.1 The Commission will review all proposed alterations of, and additions to, existing
structures and all new construction.
22.2 The Commission will consider the appropriateness of the size, massing, scale,
height, and shape of the building or structure both in relation to the land area upon
which the building or structure is situated and to buildings and structures in the
vicinity. The Commission may impose dimensional and set-back requirements in
addition to those required by Watertown's Zoning Ordinance.
22.3 Individual features such as doors and windows should be compatible in proportion,
size, shape, location, and pattern with similar features on other contributing
structures in the District.
Additions
22.4 Alterations and additions should be compatible with the character of the building
and earlier additions in terms of size, scale, massing, material, location and detail.
22.5 New additions should be designed in a manner that makes clear what is historic and
what is new. The original portion of the building and additions should continue to
be recognizable. Additions should be designed so that the character of the
existing building is not radically changed, obscured, damaged, destroyed, or
rendered subordinate to the addition. Additions should be subservient to the
original structure; be differentiated from the existing building(i.e.,set back from
the existing wall plane); not obstruct the visual integrity of the original structure;
be in harmony with the original in size, scale, style and materials; and be located
where least visible from public view, The streetscape should also be considered
in the design of additions.
New Construction
22.6 New construction should respect the existing historic streetscape. The historic
relationship of buildings to the street and to other properties in the District,
including setbacks and open spaces, should be maintained.
22.7 The style of architecture, materials, the composition and the architectural details of
new construction will be reviewed by the Commission.
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Watertown Historic District Commission • Design Review Guidelines
23.0 Demolition
23.1 There is a presumption in favor of retaining all existing buildings and structures.
Demolition or removal of a building or structure located in the Historic District
(whether or not the structure is subject to public view) requires approval from the
Commission prior to the issuance of a demolition permit. The Commission will
consider approval only if the building or structure to be demolished has no
historic or architectural merit or historic relationship to the Historic District.
Removal and relocation shall be considered only as an alternative to demolition.
23.2 If an application for a demolition permit is based upon structural instability or
deterioration,the applicant shall provide a technical report prepared by an _
architect or engineer registered in Massachusetts detailing the nature and extent of
the problems and a reasonably adequate estimate of the cost to correct them.
23.3 Where a new building or structure will replace a building or structure to be
demolished or removed, approval of the new structure by the Commission is
required as a condition to demolition approval. In addition to the plans and
specifications ordinarily required for a new building or structure,the applicant
shall submit a timetable and such other guarantees and assurances for t}te
completion and replacement of the building or structure as the Commission may
require.
24.0 Amendments and Severabilitv
24.1 The Commission reserves the right to amend these Guidelines.
24.2 If any part of these guidelines is deemed to be invalid, illegal or unconstitutional,
then that part shall be severed from the text and the remaining section of the
Guidelines shall continue to be in full force and effect.
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Adopted July 27, 2005 • Watertown, Massachusetts
1630 Town of Watertown
<< Administration Building
:.` 149 Main Street
Watertown, Massachusetts 02472
Historic District Commission
Tel: (617) 972-6426• Fax: (617) 972-6484
Filing Number:
As owner or authorized trustee of the property at
in Watertown,Massachusetts,I hereby make application to the Watertown Historic District Commission for issuance of a
Certificate of(check one): ( )Appropriateness,( )Nonapplicability,or( )Hardship for the alteration,construction,or
demolition described below:
If this is an application for a fence and/or a sign,please obtain review and sign-off from:
Zoning Enforcement Officer Inspector of Building
Name of Property Owner or Condo Trust of Record:
Mailing Address:
Telephone: Fax:
Email:
Signature of Property Owner or Authorized Condo Trustee of Record(Required):
Name of Applicant,if not Record Owner:
Mailing Address:
Telephone: Fax:
Email:
O:\Clerk Files\Historic District%MC Forms for Filing an Action\HDC Application-2014.doc
Instructions for Completing this Application
You live in the Mount Auburn Street Historic District. A Certificate is required before obtaining any building permit or
before proceeding with alteration or construction projects affecting the exterior of the property open to view from a public
street,public way,public park or public body of water. This application must be filed with the Watertown Historic District
Commission(c/o Watertown Historic District Commission office,Town of Watertown Administration Building, 149 Main
Street,Watertown,MA 02472).
The following information is required for ALL applications:
❑ Written description of the work to be done,including any anticipated repair or replacement for related
rehabilitation(use application form provided).
❑ Photographs of existing conditions as seen from a public way.
❑ Schedule of materials and colors(may be described on plans and elevations).
❑ Manufacturer's brochures with illustrations and specifications for new materials.
❑ Information in sufficient detail for the Commission to visualize and understand the scope of work of all
proposed construction,alteration,or demolition.When applicable,include detailed,dimensioned elevations
and/or plans. Please submit plans no larger than 11"x 17"format.
In addition,the following are also required for applications for new structures and for additions:
❑ Certified plot plan of existing site,including a dimensioned footprint of all existing buildings,parking areas,
and driveways.
❑ Streetscape elevation at 1/8 h scale showing relative heights and distances of the surrounding buildings in
comparison with any proposed new construction.
An application is considered incomplete without sufficient accompanying plans and drawings. Incomplete applications will
be returned to the applicant and will not be scheduled for Commission review. Completed applications should be
returned to the Commission office by the application deadline(see filing schedule).
Public Notices
The Commission shall place public notices in a newspaper of general circulation at the expense of the Applicant. The
Applicant will be billed directly by the newspaper.
Certificates
A Certificate must be issued before a building permit can be obtained and before work can begin in the Mount
Auburn Street Historic District. The approved Certificate shall expire one year from the time of issuance unless otherwise
extended by the Commission.
Alterations Exempt from Full Commission Review
The following types of categories,structures or architectural features are exempt from full Commission review,but
nonetheless require a completed application and the issuance of a Certificate of Nonapplicability:
1. Terraces,walks,sidewalks,driveways,street lighting and traffic lighting provided that any such structure is
substantially at grade level;
2. Storm doors and storm windows, screens,and window air conditioners;
3. The color of paint;
4. The color of materials used on roofs;and
5. The reconstruction,substantially similar in exterior design,of a building,structure or exterior architectural feature
damaged or destroyed by fire,storm or other disaster,provided such reconstruction is begun within one year
thereafter and carried forward with due diligence;
0AClerk Files\Historic DistrictMC Forms for Filing an Action\HDC Application-2014.doc
6. The ordinary maintenance,repair or replacement of any exterior architectural feature which does not involve a
change in design,material,or the outward appearance thereof or landscaping with plants,trees or shrubs.
Definitions:
To alter, alteration: To rebuild,reconstruct,restore,remove,demolish or other similar activities,including a change in
exterior color.
Building:A combination of materials forming a shelter for persons,animals or property.
Certificate of Appropriateness: The certificate issued by a commission if it determines that the construction or alteration for
which an application for a certificate of appropriateness has been filed will be appropriate for or compatible with the
preservation or protection of the district.
Certificate of Non-applicability: The certificate issued by a commission if it determines that the construction or alteration for
which a certificate of appropriateness or a certificate of non-applicability has been filed does not involve any exterior
architectural feature or involves an exterior architectural feature which is not subject to review by the commission.
Certificate of Hardship:The certificate issued by a commission if it determines that owing to conditions especially affecting
the building or structure involved,but not affecting the historic district generally,failure to approve an application will
involve a substantial hardship,financial or otherwise,to the applicant and such application may be approved without
substantial detriment to the public welfare and without substantial derogation from the intent and purposes of this ordinance.
A certificate of hardship shall also be issued by the commission in the event that it fails to make a determination on an
application within sixty(60)days after the filing of an application,or such further time as has been allowed in writing by the
applicant.
Commission:The Watertown Historic District Commission.
To construct, construction:To build,erect,install,enlarge,move and other similar activities.
District: The Mount Auburn Street Historic District established pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws,Chapter 40C and
Historic District Ordinance 0-2002-16,which is described on a plan known as"Proposed Mount Auburn Street Area,
Watertown Historic District",dated March 1,2000,filed with the Town Clerk and the South Middlesex Registry of Deeds.
Exterior architectural features: Such portion of the exterior of a building or structure as is open to view from a public street,
public way,public park or public body of water,including but not limited to the architectural style and general arrangement
and setting thereof,the kind,color and texture of exterior building materials,the color of paint or other materials applied to
exterior surfaces and the type and style of windows,doors,lights, signs and other appurtenant exterior fixtures.
Sign:Any symbol,design,or device used to identify or advertise any place of business,product,activity or person.
Structure: A combination of materials other than a building,including a sign,fence,wall,terrace,walk or driveway,and all
supporting assemblies,supporting structures,equipment and facilities ancillary or accessory to antennae and wireless
communication equipment.
0AClerk Files\Historic DistrictMC Forms for Filing an Action\HDC Application-2014.doc