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Commission flags demolition-by-neglect enforcement gaps and maritime exemptions
Summary
Members discussed whether the commission can act on historic buildings in industrial/maritime zones and concluded maritime properties are exempt from HDC guidelines; commissioners called for town-code language to give demolition-by-neglect teeth rather than relying on committee policy.
Commissioners revisited the question of whether historic buildings on industrial or maritime-zoned properties fall under the Historic Commission's purview. Staff clarified that maritime properties are exempt from the commission's design guidelines but that the town can offer notification and guidance; members said a lack of clear town-code process limits enforcement of demolition-by-neglect and suggested legal review and adoption of a townwide code provision rather than a committee policy alone.
Staff summarized: "Demolition by neglect can be any property in any zone because there's property maintenance standards for the town," adding that the historic aspect applies specifically to certain residential and commercial zoning. Commissioners said they prefer a full town-code approach with legal authority rather than an internal policy. The group asked legal counsel to review draft versions and said any final approach would likely wait until after the July fiscal-year work of other town bodies.
