Cambridge Historical Commission, City of Cambridge
831 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 Telephone: 617/349-4683
Fax: 617/349-3116; TTY: 617/349-6112; E-mail: histcomm@cambridgema.gov
URL: http://www.cambridgema.gov/~Historic

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE
  1. The undersigned hereby applies to the Cambridge Historical Commission for (check one): a Certificate of 
    (  ) Appropriateness, (  ) Nonapplicability, or (  ) Hardship in accordance with Chapter 40C of the Massachusetts
    General Laws and/or Chapter 2.78 of the Municipal Code.
  2. Address of property: _____________________________________, Cambridge, Massachusetts
  3. Describe the proposed alteration(s), construction or demolition in the space provided below:
    (An additional page can be attached, if necessary).

 

 

 

 

I certify that the information contained herein is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.
The undersigned also attests that he/she has read the statements printed on the reverse.

Name of Property Owner of Record: _____________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________________

Telephone: ______________________ Fax, if available: _____________________________________________

Signature of Property Owner of Record: __________________________________________________________
(Required field; application will not be considered complete without property owner's signature)
Name of Applicant if not record owner: ___________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________________

Telephone: _____________________________ Fax, if available: ______________________________________

 

(for office use only)
Date Application Received: _______________  Case Number: ____________   Hearing Date: _______________

Type of Certificate Issued: _______________________________________  Date Issued: __________________

(end of application form; instructions follow)

Instructions for Completing this Application:

An application must be filed with the Cambridge Historical Commission before work begins. It should be accompanied by sketches, scale drawings, a site plan, specifications, or photographs sufficient to enable the Commission to understand the details of the work proposed and to make a determination on the application. Plans no larger than 11" x 17" are preferred. Please submit a reduced copy of plans if originals are of a larger dimension. The applicant must provide at least one copy of the application and all supporting materials, and may provide 11 additional copies for distribution to Commission members. If this is not feasible, the Commission staff will photocopy the pertinent information for distribution to the Commission.  See our website or call the Commission office for a list of meeting dates and application deadlines.  Owners are urged to appear before the Commission in person or to designate an agent to act for them. The Commission will deem the agend to be authorized by the owner to make decisions regarding the extension or waiver of the period within which the Commission is otherwise required to make a determination on the application. All meetings are open to the public.

The Commission staff welcomes advance inquiries for interpretations or advice. Please call 617/349-4683.  An application is considered incomplete without accompanying plans and drawings.  INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE RETURNED TO THE APPLICANT AND WILL NOT BE SCHEDULED FOR COMMISSION REVIEW.

Administration of Historic Districts, Landmarks, and Protected Properties:

The administration of historic districts and landmarks is guided by the provisions of Chapter 40C of the Massachusetts General Laws and by Chapter 2.78 of the Code of the City Of Cambridge. Other properties may also be subject to Commission jurisdiction including properties with conditional variances and properties governed by individual preservation restrictions.

Any new construction, alteration of exterior architectural features, or demolition within an historic district or on the premises of a protected property or a designated landmark must be reviewed by the Cambridge Historical Commission. No building permit for such work on a protected property, designated landmark, or property within a historic district may be issued by the Inspectional Services Department until a certificate has been issued by the Commission. The Commission must approve the alteration or construction of all structures, including signs, fences, walls, terraces, walks, driveways, light fixtures and the like, which are "open to view from a public street, public way, public park or public body of water," whether or not a building permit is required, and must approve changes in exterior color for properties within a historic district or as otherwise agreed.

The Commission issues three types of certificates. A  Certificate of Appropriateness  will be issued when the Commission has determined that the construction or alteration will be appropriate for or compatible with the preservation or protection of the historic district, designated landmark, or other protected property. A  Certificate of Nonapplicability   may be issued when an application does not involve an exterior feature, or when the exterior feature is not then subject to Commission review. A Certificate of Hardship   may be issued when failure to approve an otherwise inappropriate project would involve substantial hardship to the applicant and the Commission determines that the project can be accomplished without substantial detriment to the purposes of the district, preservation restriction, or landmark designation.

The Commission considers each application on its own merits, and does not apply specific architectural guidelines. Landscaping with plant materials is not subject to Commission review unless it is planned in conjunction with alterations or new construction. The Commission must approve projects that are not incongruous with the historic aspects or the architectural characteristics of the protected property, landmark, or historic district.