Historical Commission

The Historical Commission is responsible for the preservation of Weston's historic and architectural heritage by:

• Creating and maintaining an inventory of historic assets, including:
  • Barns and outbuildings
  • Cemeteries
  • Commercial buildings
  • Historic districts
  • Houses
  • Monuments
  • Neighborhoods
• Protecting the above-named assets from neglect, deterioration, demolition, and development
• Imposing a 12-month delay of demolition if proposed work is deemed detrimental to a significant historic structure
• Reviewing applications for demolition of any pre-1945 buildings
• Reviewing and overseeing preservation restrictions
• Recommending historical preservation projects to be funded from the Community Preservation Act Fund
• Applying for property listings on the National Register of Historic Places
• Approving applications for historic plaques

Preferably Preserved Buildings:
Classified Structures Proposed for Demolition

In reviewing a house proposed for demolition and subject to the Demolition Delay By-law (pre-1945 listed on the Cultural Inventory), the Historical Commission will make a determination if a structure should be preserved. 

If the Commission determines a house should be preserved, it will impose a delay in the issuance of a building permit in order to work with the homeowner to explore alternatives to demolition. When the demolition delay has been imposed, the house is classified as "Preferably Preserved." See the Demolition Delay By-law for further information.

• Properties with Demolition Delays (PDF)

Members of the Historical Commission are appointed by the Select Board for three-year terms. Staff support is provided through the Land Use Department.