[Massplanners] Properties in a Historic District

[James Walsh]

In a town where I formerly worked, if a property was located in Historic
District, it was noted on the Assessor's property cards.  MLS usually draws
property data from the assessors records.

Jim Walsh
508-208-6217

On Thu, Nov 10, 2022 at 11:02 AM Doherty, Jennifer (SEC) via MassPlanners <
massplanners at masscptc.org> wrote:

> Hi Paige,
>
> As part of the legal process for establishing a local historic district,
> the districts must be recorded at the Registry of Deeds. However, for older
> districts these were often simply maps in the plans department, and they
> were often not indexed to all the properties by address, or noted in the
> deed section. For new districts we now recommend communities also record a
> list of properties in the deed section, so the district is more fully
> indexed by property.
>
>
>
> Some communities do yearly mailings to remind property owners, but I have
> heard concerns about doing that – “oh we didn’t receive the notice, how
> were we supposed to know?!” Plus, you presumably don’t mail something to
> owners in all land use zones reminding them of their zoning district every
> year! Signage, educating realtors, and making the information prominent on
> your Town website/GIS are often the best ways to go. Some communities will
> also keep an eye on Zillow, or if there is a realtor on the HDC, MLS, to
> flag when properties come up for sale and reach out to the agents.
>
>
>
> Thank you,
> Jenn
>
>
>
>
>
> *Jennifer B. Doherty*
>
> Local Government Programs Coordinator
>
> Massachusetts Historical Commission
>
> 220 Morrissey Boulevard
>
> Boston, MA 02125-3314
>
> Office: (617) 727-8470
>
> Remote: (617) 807-0685
>
> Jennifer.Doherty at sec.state.ma.us
>
>
>
> Sign up for the MassHistPres email listserv
> <https://mailman.cs.umb.edu/listinfo/masshistpres>  |  Register for virtual
> workshops <https://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcotr/otridx.htm>
>
>
>
> *From:* MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> *On Behalf Of *Paige
> via MassPlanners
> *Sent:* Thursday, November 10, 2022 10:52 AM
> *To:* Massplanners Listserv (MassPlanners at masscptc.org) <
> MassPlanners at masscptc.org>
> *Subject:* [Massplanners] Properties in a Historic District
>
>
>
> All,
>
>
>
> Looking to see if anyone has suggestions regarding properties in a
> Historic District. Basically a property in our District was sold and the
> owners were unaware it was in a HD. Through a series of errors, they were
> allowed to build a structure without review by the HD Commission.
>
>
>
> We know the Building Dept needs to catch these things but by the time they
> would have gone to Building, they already owned the property in a HD. We
> are hoping to make sure folks are notified during the pre-sale due
> diligence (or to make sure out of town realtors are aware and disclose).
>
>
>
> I have been asked to see if there are any ways to ensure folks are
> informed a property is in a HD up front. I know sign posting is one way but
> beyond that ...
>
>
>
> Does anyone know of a way to do a single filing at the registry that would
> flag the properties in the HD when deed research is being done?  Any other
> ideas or techniques?
>
>
>
> The other issue is making sure residents are reminded every so often. We
> will likely recommend the HD Commission send out an annual mailing covering
> the key points of being in a HD but wonder if other communities have come
> up against this issue and if they have any ideas or thoughts.
>
>
> Thank you in advance for any advice/input.
>
>
>
> ~Paige
>
>
>
> --
>
>
>
> *****************************
> Paige E. Duncan, AICP, Director of Land Use and Economic Development
> Foxborough Town Hall, 40 South Street
> Foxborough, Massachusetts 02035
> Ph: 508-543-1250
>
> pduncan at foxboroughma.gov
> --
> MassPlanners mailing list
> MassPlanners at masscptc.org
> http://masscptc.org/mailman/listinfo/massplanners_masscptc.org
>
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