The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) recently amended the demolition permit ordinance.
Effective Aug. 27, the demolition delay period has been extended from 90 to 180 days. This delay applies to all structures 500 square feet or larger and 50 years of age or older. The purpose of the increased delay period is to allow the Historic District Commission and other interested parties to consider and put forth alternatives to demolition.
“Westport leads the state in per capita number of teardowns with a significant loss of architecturally and historically significant properties,” said Maggie Feczko, acting chairman of the Historic District Commission.
Feczko said, “In fulfilling its responsibility to suggest pertinent legislation to protect and preserve Town of Westport’s historic resources, the HDC requested the amendment.”
The commission takes into consideration the historic, architectural and cultural significance of the structure when deciding on whether or not to waive the balance of the waiting period. A public hearing to consider waiving the balance is held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.
The demolition applicant is required to notify the abutting neighbors by mail of the demolition and post signage on the property pending demolition.
This will serve to inform neighbors and the community in general of the proposed demolition and allow interested parties to come forward in a public forum to express their objections.
The approved RTM ordinance may be downloaded at the link to the right. Demolition permit applications are available at the Building Department and will be posted online following revision.
The Historic District Commission staff administrator is available to answer questions regarding the ordinance as it applies to historic properties, in addition to being available for assistance with the demolition process. The Historic District Commission Office is located in Town Hall, Room 108, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by phone at 341-1184.