AN ACT FURTHER REGULATING THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION IN THE TOWN OF SUDBURY
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 40 of the acts of 1963 is hereby amended by striking out section 12 and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
Section 12. Changes in Historic District — The district established by section 2 may be enlarged or reduced and new districts may be created by a 2/3 vote at any regular or special town meeting called for the purpose.
Prior to the establishment of any historic district, the commission shall conduct an investigation and prepare a report on the historical and architectural significance of the buildings, structures or sites to be included in the proposed historic district or districts. The report shall be completed within 90 days of the proposal being submitted to the town and upon completion, copies of the report shall be transmitted to the planning board for its consideration and recommendations. The report shall list all the properties to be included in the new or revised district and shall include reference to any existing surveys of the historical and architectural significance of each parcel in the proposed district or districts.
Within 60 days of the transmission of the report, the commission shall hold a public hearing on the report, duly advertised not less than 14 days prior to the date of the hearing, which shall include a written notice to be mailed, postage prepaid, to the owners of all properties to be included in the proposed district or districts, as appearing on the most recent real estate tax list of the board of assessors.
Within 30 days after the public hearing, the commission shall submit a final report with its recommendations to the select board, and, should the commission recommend enlarging or reducing any historic district or districts, or creating a new historic district or districts, the commission shall submit a map of the proposed district or districts and a draft of the revised bylaw for its consideration at the next town meeting.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Approved, January 5, 2023.