Mission

To identify, evaluate, and protect historic resources, which contribute to an understanding of the development of Newton.

Newton’s heritage exists in numerous historic resources including archaeological sites, buildings, structures, objects, and landscapes. These resources span in age from thousands of years to post-World War II developments and modern architecture. The Newton Historical Commission, created in 1975, is charged with promoting the preservation of these assets as City’s advisory body on historic preservation issues and through the administration of the Demolition Delay Ordinance. The Newton Historical Commission also designates City Landmarks, and manages Preservation Restrictions on historic properties.

Newton also has four local historic districts: Newton Upper Falls; Chestnut Hill; Newtonville; and Auburndale. Each district is served by its own commission. Property owners in these districts submit applications to their specific commission for review of their proposed projects. Regular commission meetings occur monthly and are typically held via Zoom. When contemplating changes applicants are encouraged to consult the City of Newton Historic Preservation Design Guidelines.

The Planning Department provides staff support for the commissions and manages the City’s preservation efforts. Staff responsibilities include reviewing proposed projects, providing preservation recommendations, surveying historic properties, and writing nominations for properties eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. For further information please contact the appropriate staff person.

City of Newton Planning Application Process

The City of Newton is moving online to a new system, NewGov (hosted by OpenGov).  NewGov is an interdepartmental software that allows increased efficiency across departments and for the public.

What does this mean?

The process for submitting all planning applications has changed. The Planning Department will stop accepting e-mailed and paper applications (except for 5 paper copies of plans for special permits). NewGov will be how an applicant submits all applications (zoning review, special permits, rezonings, administrative site plan review, variances, ZBA appeals, sign review, historic district review, demolition review, local landmark review, preservation restriction review, wetlands permitting, comprehensive permits, and fence appeals, along with building permits).  You can access the NewGov storefront to submit applications here: https://newtonma.viewpointcloud.com/

How does it work?

NewGov functions like many other online application systems and mirrors the current application requirements and process, however everything will be submitted online.  NewGov allows the applicant and City Staff to communicate within the system at each step of their application and allows applicants to easily track all their applications. Information about creating an account and applying can be found here: https://stories.opengov.com/newtonma/published/aCNzPz4zv

Preservation Resources

• City of Newton GIS Browser (provides property information including zoning and historic designations)
• City of Newton Historic Properties Map (in PDF form)
• Massachusetts Cultural Resource (MACRIS) Map
• Design Guidelines
• Online Application Portal