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Northampton Historical Commission recommends ordinance to allow residential conversions of nonconforming historic outbuildings
Summary
The commission voted 6–1 to recommend a proposed ordinance that would allow owners to convert pre‑1976 nonconforming accessory structures (carriage houses, barns, garages) into residences with guardrails on parking and minimum footprints, while urging advisory review to protect character-defining features.
The Northampton Historical Commission voted 6–1 on Sept. 29 to send a positive recommendation to the City Council and Planning Department for a proposed ordinance that would permit residential conversion of nonconforming historic accessory structures, including carriage houses, barns and similar outbuildings.
Councilor Garrett, who introduced the ordinance with Councilor Marissa Elkins, said the measure has a “dual purpose” — to preserve historic structures and increase housing supply. “One is the preservation of historic structures, as it’s an established goal of our sustainable Northampton plan,” he said, adding that allowing an additional lawful use could provide revenue that helps owners maintain vulnerable outbuildings.
Under the proposal, conversions under 1,000 square feet would not trigger an additional parking requirement; conversions over 1,000 square feet would be subject to the city’s usual one‑space‑per‑unit standard. Staff explained the ordinance sets a 200‑square‑foot minimum original footprint and that expansions would be limited to areas that meet residential setback rules. The ordinance would relax setback rules for existing pre‑1976 structures but would not change other regulatory requirements such as septic (Title 5) or building‑code permits.
Commissioners raised several concerns during discussion. Commissioner Douglas warned the provision could be used to effectively create new, larger buildings from deteriorated garages and other post‑war outbuildings, saying it “feels more about infill, not about historic preservation of structure.” Commissioners pressed for clarity on who would judge whether character‑defining features were being preserved.
Staff and Councilor Garrett said conversions using the ordinance would trigger Planning Board site‑plan review, which would examine entrances, orientation, tree removal and parking, and that the ordinance includes language that “key character‑defining features shall be preserved to the extent feasible.” Several commissioners recommended the Historic Commission be provided with submitted applications on an advisory basis so it can comment on historic integrity during Planning Board review.
The measure was referred to two council committees and the housing partnership; the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. The commission’s recommendation is advisory and the Planning Board’s formal review and subsequent council actions will determine any final changes to zoning.
The commission’s next step is to provide advisory comments when applications arrive and to follow the Planning Board’s review and the advertised public hearings.
