WHEN A LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT CERTIFICATE IS NEEDED

1. When a building permit or demolition permit is required, a Local Historic District Certificate is required.

2. When exterior architectural features will be permanently removed even if a building permit is not required, a Local Historic District Certificate is required.

TYPES OF LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT CERTIFICATES

1. Certificate of Non-Applicability - Will be granted in cases that do not involve any exterior architectural feature or that involve exterior architectural features not subject to review by the Commission (e.g., because the feature is not visible from the public way or because they fit one of the exclusions listed on the next page). The Building Commissioner will issue these certificates within 5 days of the filing of the application.

2. Certificate of Appropriateness - Issued when the Commission approves an application after full review, including a hearing. . Decisions to be made within 60 days of the filing of the applications.

3. Certificate of Hardship - Issued when the Commission determines that disapproval of an application would cause substantial hardship, financial or otherwise.

4. Disapproval of an Application - When the Commission determines not to approve an application, it issues a disapproval. In cases of disapproval, the Commission must give the reasons for such disapproval, and it may include in its disapproval specific recommendations for changes in the applicant's proposal with respect to the appropriateness of design, arrangement, texture, material and similar features which, if made and filed with the Commission in a subsequent application, would make the application acceptable to the Commission.

HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

1. Fill out Application Form - Applications can submitted online or on a paper form 

2. Pay Application Fee -  $50 paid online or with a check made out to Town of Amherst

3. Pre-application meeting: Discuss project over the phone or in-person with Town staff. 

4. Submit - Applications can be submitted via email to mullinsj[at]amherstma.gov and bregerb[at]amherstma.gov or in-person on the second floor of Town Hall.

Dickinson 

Local Historic District

Dickinson Local Historic District Final Report

North Prospect Lincoln Sunset 

Local Historic District

Overview

Encompassing over 194 properties, the proposed local historic district is a significant local historic resource, graced with dozens of architectural gems that span the late 1700s to the early 1900s in a striking and intact blend of original examples of Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Neoclassical, Craftsman and Tudor Revival Styles.

Beyond its architectural merits, perhaps more than any other neighborhood in Amherst, the proposed LHD reflects and encapsulates the communities intellectual, cultural, and economic development between the end of the Civil War to the beginning of World War II (1865-1940). Laborers, artisans and domestic workers lived among their more affluent neighbors and generations of African American and Irish made this area their home. 

Final Study Report

Research each home within the neighborhood

Original Study Committee Website

Notable Residence of the Area

A Sample of Some of the Homes 

20 Cosby Avenue

26 Elm Street

149 Sunset Avenue

154 Lincoln Avenue

Home of Robert Frost, 43 Sunset Avenue

8 Sunset Avenue

15 Sunset Avenue

26 Beston Street

20 Beston Street

41-43 Fearing Street

85 Fearing Street

Home of Moses and Anna Goodwin, 43 McClellan Street

52 North Prospect

Helpful Links

Historic District Bylaw

Rules and Regulations

Amherst Preservation Plan

Amherst Master Plan Supporting Preservation

Lost Amherst

Establishing Local Historic Districts

Frequently Asked Questions

If my house is included in the local historic district, do I have to make it look more historic?

No, you can maintain the current look of your house.

What will happen to the value of my property?

Studies of other local historic districts show that property values stay the same or increase faster in local historic districts compared to similar, non-designated areas.

Is a vacant lot subject to review?

The development of a vacant lot would be subject to review of the Historic District Commission.

What if changes are made without obtaining the appropriate certificate?

Changes would be a violation of the bylaw and a fine of $300 may be imposed. A new fine will be imposed each day as long as the violation in remains.

Why is a historic district necessary when most of the homeowners are already good stewards of their property?

Architects and contractors, unfamiliar or unsympathetic with historic structure renovation may recommend extensive removal of historic architectural features and may propose incompatible additions. A new owner may be unfamiliar with Amherst's history and the character of the district. The Local Historic District can help inform the new property owners and their renovation team how to renovate their property.

Would an innovative development be allowed in the Local Historic District?

New development is permitted in a local historic district. It need not replicate historic styles, and contemporary architecture which blends with the current historic streetscapes would be encouraged. Section 1 of the Bylaw states that a purpose of the Bylaw is to “encourage and support new and innovative building designs and techniques compatible with the existing architecture.”

Would a local historic district make it more difficult for owners with limited incomes in live in their homes?

A local historic district cannot force homeowners to maintain their properties. In addition, homeowners are not required to improve the historic character of their properties by, for example, removing vinyl siding. The Commission will encourage non-profit organizations to provide energy-saving renovations to owners with limited means. Effective restoration does not necessarily require the most expensive materials or construction.