ROYALSTON HISTORIC DISTRICT
HANDBOOK
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ROYALSTON HISTORIC DISTRICT
HANDBOOK
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Dear Resident,
Welcome to the Royalston Historic District. As a homeowner in the Historic District, you have an investment in the preservation and maintenance of our beautiful and historic village.
Joining a movement that began in the 1930s to ensure historic preservation throughout the country, the Royalston Historic District was laid out back in 1980 to include the center village and its environs. Volunteers are appointed by the Board of Selectmen to serve on the Historic District Commission that administers the Historic District. The goal is to protect our heritage by acting as stewards to oversee changes made to buildings and structures in the Historic District so that our village is passed on as a historic landmark to future generations.
The village we have inherited today is unique, not only because it is so pleasing to the eye, but also because it stands as a fine example of New England architecture in a mostly original setting.
Many have said that Royalston is picture perfect and should stay that way. But of course, time does not stand still. Our village continues to evolve through time. Even though families grow, needs change, styles change and technology advances, our village retains its nineteenth century character even as we begin the twenty first century.
To allow for change while keeping Royalston’s unique character is not easy. It is often a big nuisance for those who live in the district and a difficult job for commission members, but we can all make our best efforts to work together in this beautiful place.
In this handbook you will find some background information on the Historic District Commission and the requirements for preparing applications for changes you wish to make. Our web site at contains more material, including a collection of past applications.
If you have questions, send us an e-mail, contact a commission member or come to one of our meetings. Regular meetings are normally held the third Thursday of every month at 7:30 PM in the Royalston Town Hall. All meetings are open to the public. You are welcome to attend.
Your efforts to preserve the Historic District are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Royalston Historic District Commission
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Table of contents
Map of the Royalston Historic District
Application for certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Royalston Historic District Town Bylaw
MGL Chapter 40 C
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Detailed description
Application for Certificate
Instructions:
- Use separate applications for changes that are not related to each other.
- Include sketches or pictures showing design, sizes, colors, materials, etc. (a sketch is worth a thousand words).
- File five copies of the completed application at an HDC meeting; or mail, e-mail or give them to a commission member for filing at the next meeting.
- It is recommended that applicants attend the meeting or send an agent. Even well prepared applications generate questions and answering them quickly will avoid delays.
- Certificates expire a) after one year if the work was not started and pursued diligently, or b) in case of sale.
- If you have any questions, please contact the Commission.
Date
Address of Property
Owner's Name
Applicant’s Name
Applicant’s mailing address: Street/P.O. Box
City, State, Zip
Please check the certificate applied for:
Appropriateness Non-Applicability Hardship
Short description of the proposed changes. (Provide the details on page 2 and on additional sheets and exhibits as necessary).
Applicant ‘s Signature
For Office Use Only
Date Filed Received by Application Number
Date Accepted for consideration Public Hearing Notices mailing date(s)
Continuation date Applicant’s signature Date
Decision Chairperson’s signature Date
Comments or conditions
Frequently asked questions1
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
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Q: What is the Royalston Historic District bylaw?
A: The Royalston Historic District bylaw is a planning bylaw that controls adding, changing, or removing any features of a structure within the bounds of the Historic District that are visible from a public way. A structure is defined as any combination of materials which not only includes buildings, but also stonewalls, driveways, lampposts, etc. Features include design, materials, and color. The Historic District is administered by the Historic District Commission (HDC), which considers a public way to be a town road or the town common.
Q: Why is this bylaw necessary?
A: One visit to Royalston Common shows why the bylaw is important. Royalston Common is nearly unique in its wealth of early 19th Century New England architecture. There are few town centers left in New England without a mini-market or strip mall. The HDC bylaw protects changes to the Common and surrounding area in order to preserve history.
Q:So does the bylaw prevent change?
A: No. The bylaw is in existence to ensure that the historic significance of a change is considered, not to prevent changes. In Royalston HDC’s history, very few applications have been denied and those were often about changes effected without permission and that had to be undone. The HDC strives to work with homeowners to arrive at plans that are mutually satisfactory.
Q: What does the bylaw not cover?
A: The HDC does not oversee landscaping, interior changes, any changes that cannot be seen from a public way, television antennas, screen and storm windows and doors, temporary structures and signs. Landscaping cannot be used to hide changes without approval. Property owners should ask the HDC if there is any question.
Q: What types of approvals can I apply for?
A: There are 3 types of certificates that are issued by the HDC.
1. Certificate of Appropriateness: This is by far the most used. It is to request approval for changes.
2. Certificate of Non-Applicability: This is to identify a project as not within the control of the HDC. It may be required by other government agencies before they issue permits. It is mandatory for solar energy systems even when not visible from public ways and it’s also a good idea to apply for one if there is doubt about the scope of a project. Certificates of Non-Applicability are usually issued quickly, without hearing.
3. Certificate of Hardship: If material, color, or design must be changed because of financial or other hardship. This might be used by someone to request permission to build a handicapped access ramp, or by someone on a fixed income to patch a roof with different color shingles. It cannot be used by an owner wishing to build an addition, claiming that it is a financial hardship to comply with the HDC bylaw.
Q: I am making repairs. Do I need to apply?
A: Repairs that return the structure to its original appearance using the same materials, color, and design do not need to be approved, although the Building Inspector may require a Certificate of Non-Applicability before issuing a building permit. Repairs that modify material, color, or design must submit an application. Repairs should be completed within 1 year or the HDC will request a new application. This prevents permanent removal of features under the “repair” clause.
Q: What is the application process?
A: 1.Applicants should prepare dimensioned drawings, color samples, material lists, and supporting documentation before filling out an application. Drawings help enormously in understanding the scope of work. The application need only summarize the scope of work shown in the supporting documentation. These documents not only help the Commission make its decision but preserve the information for future generations.
2. File the application by coming to a meeting, or by giving it to a Commission member who will file it on your behalf at the next meeting. Call if you have questions. A member will be happy to help.
3. The Commission will review the application for all the necessary information needed to make a decision. It is helpful for applicants to appear with their application before the Commission. Even well prepared applications generate questions. Delays in the process can be avoided by being present to answer questions and clarify the application on the spot.
4. The Commission will send notices of the application to abutters of the affected property and hold a public hearing on the application. The Commission has 60 days in which to render a decision.
Q:What does the HDC use as a guide for considering approval?
A: The answer to the question, “What is appropriate,” is very subjective. The HDC tries to use existing features elsewhere in the district or historical information. Very often, homeowners provide historical information about the previous color or feature that had been removed. Example: An owner wants to remove a very decorative window that is original to the house. The HDC will consider if that window is the only example of that type in the district, or if there is a window like it in half of the other houses.
Q:Am I required to paint my house white?
A: No. There is no requirement in the bylaw that specifies that the buildings must be white. However, you must continue with the same color you have unless you apply and receive approval to change it. Many of the houses in the district started out as other colors than white. There appear to be two camps on this subject. One thought is that the village should be multi-colored to appear more historically accurate. The other declares the unity that is obvious by all the houses being white.
Q:Does the HDC bylaw require all structures to be of early 19th century architecture?
A: No. The bylaw is a preservation document which means that current architectural styles of the buildings in the district should be preserved. The bylaw preserves all the changes that have been made to the buildings over time. This preserves the entire history of the building – not just its initial design. The HDC approves changes which it thinks are sympathetic to this mix of styles and periods.
Q: When does the HDC meet?
A: The HDC meets once per month on the 3rd Thursday at 7:30pm at the Royalston Town Hall. This is subject to change. Changes are posted on
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Royalston Historic District Town Bylaw1
ROYALSTON HISTORIC DISTRICT
TOWN BYLAW
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HISTORIC DISTRICT BYLAW
ROYALSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
SECTION I
PURPOSES AND VALIDITY
The purpose of this by-law is to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the public through the preservation and protection of the distinctive characteristics of buildings and places significant in the history of Royalston, or significant for their architecture, and the maintenance and improvement of settings for such buildings and places and the encouragement of design compatible therewith.
For the purposes and reasons as set forth in the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40C, as most recently amended, hereinafter cited as the HISTORIC DISTRICTS ACT; except for the ordinary maintenance, repair or replacement of any exterior architectural feature which does not involve a change in design, material, color or the outward appearance thereof, landscaping with plants, trees, or shrubs, or meeting requirements certified by a duly authorized public officer to be necessary for public safety because of unsafe or dangerous condition, no building or structure within the historic district shall be constructed or altered in any way that affects its exterior features unless the Royalston Historic District Commission shall first have issued a certificate of appropriateness, a certificate of non-applicability or a certificate of hardship with respect to such construction or alteration.
The provisions of this by-law shall be deemed to be severable. If any of its provisions shall be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
In case of any conflict between the wording of this text and the Massachusetts General Laws, the Massachusetts General Laws shall govern.
Where this by-law imposes a greater control upon setback, signs and other external features than is imposed by other by-laws of the Town of Royalston, the provisions of this by-law shall govern.
SECTION II
HISTORIC DISTRICT BOUNDARIES
The location and boundaries of this district are hereby established as shown on a map entitled "Historic District Map of the Town of Royalston" dated January 1979. (on file in Town Clerk's Office)
SECTION III
MEMBERSHIP
There is hereby established under Chapter 40C of the General Laws an Historic District Commission consisting of seven members and three alternate members, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, including one member, where possible, from two nominees submitted by the Royalston Historical Society, one member, where possible, from two nominees, one of whom shall be submitted by the Massachusetts State Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and one member, where possible, from two nominees of the Board of Realtors covering Royalston. Where possible one or more of the members shall be a resident of an Historic District established in Royalston pursuant to the Historic Districts Act.* When the Commission is first established, two members and one alternate shall be appointed for one year, two members and one alternate shall be appointed for two years, and three members and one alternate shall be appointed for three years. Successors shall each be appointed for a term of three years. Vacancies shall be filled within 60 days by the Board of Selectmen by appointment for the unexpired term. In the case of absence, inability to act, or unwillingness to act because of self-interest by a member, the Chairman shall designate an alternate member of the Commission to act for a specified time. All members shall serve without compensation. The Commission shall elect annually a Chairman and Vice-Chairman from its own number and a Secretary from within or without its number.
* Additional membership suggestions: Lawyer, professional historian, additional residents of district, member of Planning Board, member of Conservation Commission, individuals interested in historic preservation.
MEETINGS
Meetings of the Commission shall be held at the call of the Chairman or shall be called at the request of two (2) members of the Commission or in such other manner as the Commission shall determine in its rules. A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. The concurring vote of a majority of the members of the Commission shall be necessary to issue a certificate of appropriateness, a certificate of non-applicability or a certificate of hardship.
POWERS AND DUTIES
In passing upon matters before it, the Commission shall consider, among other things, the historic and architectural value and significance of the site, building or structure, the general design, arrangement, texture, material and color of the features involved, and the relation of such features to similar features of buildings and structures in the surrounding area. In the case of new construction or additions to existing buildings or structures, the Commission shall consider the appropriateness of the size, scale and shape of the same in relation to the land area upon which the building or structure is situated, to adjacent buildings and structures and to buildings and structures and to buildings and structures in the surrounding area.
The Commission may, in appropriate cases, impose dimensional and setback requirements in addition to those required by applicable by-law.
The reconstruction, substantially similar in design of a building, structure or external architectural feature damaged or destroyed by fire, storm or other disaster, must be begun within one year and carried forward with due diligence. If any of the exterior architectural features are changed in the reconstruction plans, then a certificate of appropriateness must be obtained from the Commission. If the structure is damaged beyond repair then the owner will clear area of all debris and complete landscaping to conform with surrounding area within one year.
The Commission may determine from time to time after public hearing that certain categories of exterior architectural features, colors, structures or signs, may be constructed or altered without review by the Commission without causing substantial derogation from the intent and purposes of this chapter.
The Commission may, after public nearing, set forth in such manner as it may determine the various designs of certain appurtenances, such as light fixtures, which will meet the requirements of a historic district and a roster of certain colors of paint and roofing materials which will meet the requirements of a historic district, but no such determination shall limit the right of an applicant to present other designs or colors to the Commission for its approval.
The Commission shall require appropriate drawings to show the nature and extent of proposed construction or alterations. The drawings need not be prepared by an architect.
The Commission may, subject to appropriations, employ clerical and technical assistants or consultants and incur other expenses appropriate to the carrying out of its work, and may accept money gifts and expend same for such purposes. The Commission may administer on behalf of the town any properties or easements, restrictions or other interests in real property which the town may have or may accept as gifts or otherwise and which the town may designate the Commission as the administrator thereof.
The Commission shall have, in addition to the powers, authority and duties granted to it by this bylaw, such other powers, authority and duties as may be delegated or assigned to it from time to time by vote of a town meeting.
The Commission shall keep a permanent record of its resolutions, transactions and determinations and of the vote of each member participating therein, and may adopt and amend such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of the Historic District Act and prescribe such forms as it shall deem desirable and necessary for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business. The Commission shall file a copy of any such rules and regulations with the Town Clerk.
The Commission should, when it feels a property is being neglected to the detriment of the architectural features of the building, meet with the owner of said property to discuss what steps can be taken.