Historical Commission

Mission

Established by city ordinance in 1973 and updated in 2013 with the merger with the Historic District Commission, the Northampton Historical Commission (NHC) is charged the “preservation, promotion and development of the historical assets of the city.”

Commission Responsibilities

The seven-member Historical Commission is concerned with the preservation, promotion and development of the city's historical assets. The commission also oversees the Elm Street Local Historic District, and works with the Department of Public Works to preserve and protect the City's four historic cemeteries.

Historic District

The Historical Commission administers requests for work proposed in the Elm Street Historic District, which includes portions of both Elm Street and Round Hill.

Historic District Information

Demolition Review

Northampton’s "Demolition Review" is a prerequisite review process prior to the issuance of a demolition permit. The ordinance protects properties from total demolition up to twelve months from the initial demolition request if, in the view of the commission, the property is historically significant or has architectural or cultural merit.

The ordinance covers all properties built in 1900 and earlier and properties constructed from 1901 - 1939. If they are listed on an inventory compiled by the commission. The list of subject properties from 1901-1939 is available in the Building Department and Office of Planning and Sustainability. Permits for demolition originate in the Building Department.

• Community development projects
• Related websites

Permits Issued by the Commission

• Certain work within the Elm Street Historic District
• Demolition of certain historical buildings citywide