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.”

Preservation Plan

The Historical Commission, through its Office of Planning and Sustainability and in cooperation with the Planning Board, is undergoing work a new Historic Preservation Plan (HPP) element of the City’s Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan. 

Draft Preservation Plan Element Sections

Introduction Powerpoint from Barrett Planning Group

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 all principal structures constructed from 1901 - 1945. Permits for demolition originate in the Building Department.

• Community development projects
• Placemaking, History and Related websites
• Historic Window Information

Permits Issued by the Commission

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