196-103.1. The district shall consist of one or more district
areas as listed in § 196-201 of this bylaw and as delineated
in the map or maps identified in § 196-201 of this bylaw.
196-103.2. Prior to the establishment of additional districts,
an investigation and report on the historical and architectural significance
of the buildings, structures or sites to be included in the proposed
district shall be made by the existing district commission(s) acting
as an historic district study commission pursuant to the provisions
of Chapter 40C, Sections 3 and 4. The buildings, structures or sites
to be included in the proposed district may consist of one or more
parcels or lots of land, or one or more buildings or structures on
one or more parcels or lots of land. Copies of the report shall be
transmitted to the Planning Board and to the Massachusetts Historical
Commission for their respective consideration and recommendations.
Not less than 60 days after such transmittal, the study committee
shall hold a public hearing on the report after due notice given at
least fourteen days prior to the date thereof, which shall include
a written notice mailed postage prepaid, to the owners as they appear
on the most recent real estate tax list of the Board of Assessors
of all properties to be included in such district or districts. The
committee shall submit a final report with its recommendations, a
map of the proposed district or districts and a draft of the proposed
bylaw to the Town Meeting for its consideration. Adoption of such
bylaw shall require a 2/3 vote of the Town Meeting.
196-103.3. In the case of the enlargement or reduction of an
existing district, the investigation, report and hearing shall be
conducted by the historic district commission having jurisdiction
over such district. In the case of a creation of an additional historic
district, the investigation, report and hearing shall be conducted
by the existing historic district commission or commissions acting
jointly if there is more than one historic district commission, provided,
however, that the existing historic district commission(s) may relinquish
all power relative to the establishment of an additional district(s)
as permitted by Chapter 40C, Section 3, in which event an historic
district study committee shall be appointed by the Selectmen to perform
all acts required of historic district commission(s) for the establishment
of additional districts.
196-103.4. A district created pursuant to this bylaw or any
amendment to the boundaries of an existing district shall not become
effective until a map or maps setting forth the boundaries of the
new district, or the change in the boundaries of an existing district
has been filed with the Town Clerk and recorded in the Middlesex South
Registry of Deeds.
