City of Newton, MA
Home MenuGovernment » Planning » Divisions » Historic Preservation
Submit an Application
We have four (4) main applications:
Click the image to take you to the respective application page
For work within the Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Newton Upper Falls, and Newtonville Historic Districts
For full and partial demolition and of buildings 50 years or older or listed on the National Register of Historic Places
For buildings with a Preservation Restriction on the deed
For properties designated as a Newton City Landmark
Start here. Use the City's Assessor's Database map and toggle on the Historic Districts Layer to check your property status before doing anything else.
I want to do work on my Newton property
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Check the Assessor's Map
Is my property in a Local Historic District?
Auburndale · Newtonville · Chestnut Hill · Newton Upper Falls
No: not in a Local Historic District
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Is the building or structure more than 50 years old?
No
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RESULT
No Historic Review Required
Proceed with standard City permitting only.
Yes
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NHC TRACK
Newton Historical Commission
Submit a Historical Review Application. See NHC flow chart for more information.
Yes: in a Local Historic District
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HDC TRACK
Historic District Commission
All exterior changes — including driveways, walkways, and hardscaping — require a Historic District Application. See HDC checklist and FAQs for more information.
ALSO CHECK:
Is the property a Local Landmark or subject to a Preservation Restriction? If yes, NHC review may also apply for exterior alterations. Plantings (trees and shrubs) are not reviewed.
When in doubt: Submit an application or email historicpreservation@newtonma.gov. Applications are free — no application fees are charged by the Historic Preservation office (other City departments may charge fees for associated permits).
For properties in one of Newton's four Local Historic Districts. Submit a Historic District Application via NewGov.
You are in a Local Historic District and want to make exterior changes.
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Are you exactly replicating (in-kind) something that currently exists — matching existing conditions precisely?
No: not in-kind
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Is the change visible from a public way?
No: not visible
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CERTIFICATE
Certificate of Non-Applicability
For excluded work, not visible from public way, or in-kind replication.
Yes: visible
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FULL REVIEW
Historic District Commission (HDC) Review
Proceed to full HDC hearing.
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Yes: In-kind replication
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STAFF REVIEW
Staff Review
In-kind repairs and ordinary maintenance may qualify for administrative (staff-level) approval. No full commission hearing needed.
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CERTIFICATE
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
Visible alteration found appropriate to the character of the property and district.
Commission Decision
↓ ↓
CERTIFICATE OF HARDSHIP
Certificate of Hardship (COH)
Granted if denial causes substantial hardship and work doesn't significantly harm the district. Also issued if Commission fails to decide within 45 days.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
Visible alteration found appropriate to the character of the property and district.
Already have a COA but need to change something? Submit a new application with updated photos and product/material specs (make/model, dimensions).
Total or Partial Demolition Path
You are demolishing or partially demolishing a 50+ year old structure
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Staff Completeness Review: Monitor your email and application portal — incomplete applications will not move forward and may eventually be rejected.
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What type of application are you submitting?
Total or Partial Demolition
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Preservation Planner evaluates historic significance
Not Historically Significant
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COMPLETE
No Further Historic Review
Proceed with standard City permitting only. Decision valid for 2 years.
Historically Significant
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NEXT STEP
Scheduled for Commission Meeting
Staff present the property; you have an opportunity to speak; Commission votes.
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Commission Vote: Is the property found Preferably Preserved?
No: Not Preferably Preserved
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Demolition Permitted
Valid 2 years from decision date.
Yes: Preferably Preserved
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DELAY APPLIED
Demolition Delay Applied
12 months: non-National Register
18 months: National Register properties
18 months: National Register properties
Waiver of Demolition Delay
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Waiver Requirements
- Allows demolition before the 12/18-month period ends
- For Total Demolitions: may be requested at least 4 months after the "Preferably Preserved" finding
- For Partial Demolitions: may be requested at the same meeting as the Preferably Preserved finding
- Commission must review and approve the waiver request
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OUTCOME
Commission Review of Waiver
If approved, demolition may proceed before the delay period expires.
For properties designated as a Local Landmark or subject to a Preservation Restriction. All applications are submitted online via NewGov. Click for a PDF version of this flow chart.
ALTERING A LOCAL LANDMARK OR PRESERVATION RESTRICTED PROPERTY PATH
Are you altering a Landmark or a Preservation Restricted property?
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Staff Completeness Review
Monitor your email and application portal — incomplete applications will not move forward and may eventually be rejected.
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Preservation Planner reviews the application and determines whether Commission review is needed
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No Commission Review needed
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Staff-Issued
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
The Preservation Planner issues a staff-level COA. Visible alteration found appropriate to the character of the property.
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Commission Review needed
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Newton Historical Commission Hearing
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Commission-Issued
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
Visible alteration found appropriate to the character of the property.
HDC
Historic District Commission Checklist
For properties in Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Newton Upper Falls, and Newtonville
Click for a PDF version of the Historic District Commission Checklist
Note: Commissions may require additional information and details depending on the scope and complexity of the proposed project. Always include clear photos and product/material specs (make/model, dimensions, photographs).
Repair / Replacement
Photos of building sides
Photos relevant to application
MHC Form B
Product and material specifications (include specific make/model, dimensions, and photographs)
Window Replacement
Photos of building sides
Photos relevant to application
MHC Form B
Proposed window details (jamb, sill, and head with comparison to existing)
Architectural details of existing windows
Product and material specifications (include specific make/model, dimensions, and photographs)
Optional: Detailed project description
Demolition
Detailed project description
Photographs of building sides
MHC Form C
Historic photos
Proposed demolition
Minor Alteration
Photos of building sides
Photos of existing architectural details
MHC Form B
Optional: Detailed project description, existing building elevation drawings, existing roof plan drawings, photographs of existing architectural details, historic photographs, proposed building elevation drawings, product and material specifications (include specific make/model, dimensions, and photographs)
Addition
Detailed project description
Proposed building elevation drawings
Site plan
Proposed roof plan drawings
Property survey (topography, spot elevations)
Architectural detail drawings
Photos of building sides
Proposed demolition plan
Existing building elevation drawings
MHC Form B
Existing roof plan drawings
Photos of existing architectural details
Product and material specifications (include specific make/model, dimensions, and photographs)
Optional: Landscape plan, proposed building section drawings, renderings of proposal, and product and material samples
New Construction
Detailed project description
Proposed building elevation drawings
Site plan
Proposed roof plan drawings
Property survey (topography, spot elevations)
Architectural detail drawings
Landscape plan
Proposed demolition plan
Photos of building sides
Proposed building section drawings
MHC Form C
Renderings of proposal
Product and material specifications (include specific make/model, dimensions, and photographs)
Site or Hardscaping
Site plan
Property survey (topography, spot elevations)
Landscape plan
MHC Form B
Product and material specifications (include specific make/model, dimensions, and photographs)
Optional: Detailed project description, historic photographs, renderings of proposed work, and product and material samples
NHC Checklist
NHC
Newton Historical Commission Checklist
For demolition of any 50+ year old structure, including garages and sheds
Who needs to submit? Any owner proposing to demolish (totally or partially) any building or structure 50+ years old — including garages, sheds, etc. Submit via NewGov.
Total Demolition
of any type of structure including garages, sheds, etc.
Photos of affected structure
Photos of neighborhood
Assessor's map
Proof of ownership record (deed)
If owned by an LLC, Trust, or similar — proof of membership information
If application is submitted by a 3rd party — signed Property Owners Authorization Form
Partial Demolition
of any type of structure including garages, sheds, etc.
Includes all Total Demolition documents above, plus:
Existing and proposed evaluation drawings
Proposed site plan
Material information
Waiver of Demolition Delay
4 months after delay put on
Proposed elevation drawings
Proposed site plan
3-D rendering of design
Material information
Photos of affected structure
Proof of ownership record (deed)
If owned by an LLC, Trust, or similar — proof of membership information
If application is submitted by a 3rd party — signed Property Owners Authorization Form
📸
Obtaining Final Sign-Off
Attach photos of the completed work to the historic or building permit and leave a comment alerting the preservation planner that you are ready for final sign-off. If the work matches the approved plans, staff will issue a final sign-off.
Please note: Not every building permit requires a historic sign-off. Confirm with staff if you are unsure.
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Validity of Decisions & Certificates
HDC — Historic District Commission
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
Valid for a defined period from the date of approval. If your COA has expired, submit a new application — the Commission will need to review and approve again.
Certificate of Non-Applicability (CNA)
Issued for in-kind work, changes not visible from a public way, or excluded work. Confirm validity period with staff.
Certificate of Hardship (COH)
Granted if denial causes substantial hardship and work doesn't significantly harm the district, or if the Commission fails to decide within 60 days of filing.
NHC — Newton Historical Commission
Not Historically Significant
Decision valid for 2 years from the decision date. After 2 years a new application is required and the Commission will conduct a new review.
Not Preferably Preserved
Decision valid for 2 years from the decision date. After 2 years a new application is required and the Commission will conduct a new review.
Demolition Delay Applied
Decision valid for 2 years after the delay period ends. A new demolition delay may be placed on the property if reviewed again.
🏠 Property sold during or after review? If the property is under a demolition delay and ownership changes, the delay period restarts under the new owner. If the delay period has expired and the property is sold, the new owner must submit a new application. If the property was found Not Historically Significant or Not Preferably Preserved, the decision remains valid for the new owner as long as it has not expired.
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Demolition Delay Timeline at a Glance
Non–National Register Properties (12-month delay)
Month 0 — "Preferably Preserved" finding
Delay ends → Month 12
Month 0
↑ Month 4
Waiver eligible* Month 12 — demolition permitted
Waiver eligible* Month 12 — demolition permitted
National Register–Listed Properties (18-month delay)
Month 0 — "Preferably Preserved" finding
Delay ends → Month 18
Month 0
↑ Month 4
Waiver eligible* Month 18 — demolition permitted
Waiver eligible* Month 18 — demolition permitted
* Waiver of Demolition Delay: For full demolitions, a waiver may be requested at least 4 months after the "Preferably Preserved" finding. For partial demolitions, a waiver may be requested at the same meeting as the Preferably Preserved finding. The Commission must review and approve all waiver requests.
12-month delay (non-NR)
18-month delay (National Register)
Waiver eligibility point (Month 4)
Resources
As you consider submitting an application, please take advantage of our resources. These resources can both help direct your project towards approval and answer any questions you have about the process. You can also find more specific resources on each Local Historic District Commission page as well. See available resources below:
Historical Review Resource Packet
General Preservation FAQs
Is this property historic?
Any property greater than 50 years old in Newton is subject to Historic Review for any proposed exterior alterations. Review by the Newton Historical Commission (NHC) is required for any proposed total or partial demolition of such a building. Any property located in one of our four Local Historic Districts (Auburndale, Chestnut Hill, Newtonville, Newton Upper Falls) is subject to review by the respective Historic District Commission (HDC) for any exterior alterations and site changes.
Does my project require Historic District Commission (HDC) or Newton Historical Commission (NHC) review?
HDC Review is required for:
- Any exterior changes (including driveways, walkways, or other hardscaping) to properties within Newton's four (4) local historic districts.
NHC review is required for:
- Partial or total demolition of any building over 50 years old, and
- Exterior alterations to Local Landmarks or properties with a Preservation Restriction.
How do I apply for Historic District Commission (HDC) or Newton Historical Commission (NHC) review?
All applications are submitted online through NewGov (Planning & Development Department). Choose the application that matches your project type:
- Historic District Application – for properties in Newton's four historic districts.
- Local Landmark Review – for exterior work on designated Local Landmarks.
- Preservation Restriction Review – for exterior work on properties with Preservation Restrictions.
- Historical Review Application – for partial or full demolitions and alterations to National Register–listed properties (you can confirm National Register status via MACRIS).
How much does it cost to submit an application?
Historic Preservation does not charge application fees. However, other City departments or divisions may charge fees depending on the proposed work.
How can I obtain final sign-off for my building permit or historic district application?
Attach photos of the completed work to the historic or building permit and leave a comment alerting the preservation planner that you are ready for final sign-off. If the work matches the approved plans, staff will issue a final sign-off. Please note: not every building permit requires a historic sign-off.
What is the difference between a full and partial demolition?
Full Demolition is the pulling down, razing, or destruction of the entire building or structure which is above ground. Partial Demolition is the removal, alteration, or envelopment of 50% or more of any single elevation or roof surface.
How do I submit a public comment about a property?
You can email comments on applications to historicpreservation@newtonma.gov before the meeting. Comments written in will be shared with the Commissioners in advance. At the meeting, the Chair will open time for public comment. Please state your name for the record and share your remarks. To keep meetings efficient, avoid repeating points already made by others.
How can I find information about the history of a property or neighborhood?
There are many places! Start with the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System (MACRIS), which provides research forms searchable by address, architect, or town. You can also use the MACRIS Map for visual searches. Keep in mind: not every listing has a regulation — sometimes just research was done. Properties within a National Register (NR), Preservation Restriction (PR), Local Landmark, or Local Historic District have additional regulations. Another great source is Historic Newton, located in the Jackson Homestead, or accessed online at newtonma.gov/historicnewton. Historic Newton is a good source for historic photos and information about Newton's unique local history!
Pre Submission Process
Start here. Use the City's Assessor's Database map and toggle on the Historic Districts Layer to check your property status before doing anything else.
I want to do work on my Newton property
↓
Check the Assessor's Map
Is my property in a Local Historic District?
Auburndale · Newtonville · Chestnut Hill · Newton Upper Falls
No: not in a Local Historic District
↓
Is the building or structure more than 50 years old?
No
↓
RESULT
No Historic Review Required
Proceed with standard City permitting only.
Yes
↓
NHC TRACK
Newton Historical Commission
Submit a Historical Review Application. See NHC flow chart for more information.
Yes: in a Local Historic District
↓
HDC TRACK
Historic District Commission
All exterior changes — including driveways, walkways, and hardscaping — require a Historic District Application. See HDC checklist and FAQs for more information.
ALSO CHECK:
Is the property a Local Landmark or subject to a Preservation Restriction? If yes, NHC review may also apply for exterior alterations. Plantings (trees and shrubs) are not reviewed.
When in doubt: Submit an application or email historicpreservation@newtonma.gov. Applications are free — no application fees are charged by the Historic Preservation office (other City departments may charge fees for associated permits).
Historic Design Guidelines
The Newton Historic Preservation Design Guidelines
Completed in 2012, the Design Guidelines were created through CPA and Massachusetts Historical Commission grants and are intended to assist property owners with caring for their historic buildings and properties. When contemplating changes to historic buildings and properties, applicants are encouraged to consult the guidelines.
Click to access the Design Guidelines
Newton Archaeology Report:
Completed in 2011, this report discusses archaeological sites in Newton and provides preservation guidance for the protection of these historic resources.
Click to access the Newton Archaeology Report
Newton's Heritage Landscapes: A Community-Based Reconnaissance Report
Completed in 2010, this report highlights landscapes within the City that have historic significance based upon community input at public meetings.
Click to access the Newton Heritage Landscape Report
Newton's 19th Century Architecture Booklets:
Written in the 1970s and 1980s these booklets highlight the City's 19th Century Architecture.
Maps
Newton Demolition Review & Post World War II Housing Study