| Why do we have a
Demolition Ordinance? |
In 1974 the oldest active YMCA
building in the world was lost to the wrecking ball. There was no review of its
historical significance, no notice to the abutting property owners or general
public that the building was coming down. Within a matter of days, the building
was gone. That historic YMCA building was in New Bedford.
The devistating loss of the old YMCA and other historic structures led to the
creation of the Demolition of Builidngs Ordinance in the City Code.
The purpose of this ordinance is to establish clear review policy and criteria
for buildings and structures that may be historically significant and to have
that review process open to the public.
The ordinance was written to allow for a streamlined review of buildings that
may meet the age requirement (75 years or older) but are not found to be
historic, allowing a project to continue through the permiting process without
added delay.
The ordinance also was written to allow for a fair review process for buildings
that may be historically significant. Adaquate time is given to examine the
building and the reasons why its demolition is being requested by the applicant
and the potential effects on the neighborhood.
Finally, this process has been designed to allow property owners and neighbors
to be notified when a request has been made to demolish a historic building in
their neighborhood, giving citizens the opportunity to be aware of, and
involved in, changes in thier community.
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What are
the steps in applying for a Demolition Permit?
 |
An applicant files
for a demolition permit at the Department of Inspectional Services (DIS)
located at City Hall. |
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The DIS certifies the
age of the building or structure. |
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If the building is
not 75 years old or older, there is no historic review and the DIS may issue a
permit once the application has been approved. |
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If the building or
structure is 75 years old or older, a Form E-1 is sent to the New Bedford
Historical Commission (NBHC) for review. |
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The NBHC determines
if the builing is historically significant. A public hearing is only required
if a building is historically significant. |
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The NBHC forwards its
findings to the New Bedford City Council. |
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The City Council
then makes the determination to approve or delay the application for
demolition. If the application is approved the DIS may, subject to building
codes and other laws, issue the demolition permit. If delayed, no demolition permit may be issued for a minimum period of six months, not to exceed twelve months. |
| Who can assist me with the Demolition Permit
Process? |
Department of Inspectional Services
508-979-1540 |
New
Bedford Historical Commission
508-996-4095 ext. 6104 |
Office of
City Planning
508-979-1488 |
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