Frequently Asked Questions

No building permit may be issued in the William Street Historic District until the Building Inspector receives a certificate of appropriateness, non-applicability, or hardship from the William Street Historic District Commission.

A by-law can be changed by a two thirds vote of a Town Meeting.

By the Selectmen, to include nominees from the local historical society, American Institute of Architects, and board or realtors, and one or more residents or owners of property in the William Street Historic District.

By the Dukes County Superior Court, which may issue injunctions, impose fines, and order compliance.

The William Street Historic District can be enlarged or reduced by following a procedure, including public hearings, similar to that used to establish the District originally.

The Historic District is administered by a commission consisting of seven members and up to seven alternate members.

1. Terraces, walks, driveways, sidewalks, pools, and other similar structures
2. Walls and/or fences
3. Paint color other than white
4. Color of roof material other than black or approved natural shingles
5. Size and frequency of signs
6. Demolition of buildings
7. Reconstruction
8. New structures
9. Additions
10. Light Fixtures

Within twenty days after the adverse decision, the applicant may appeal to the Dukes County Superior Court which has the power to overrule decisions of the William Street Historic District Commission.

1. 14 days to decide if the application involves exterior features subject to approval.
2. At least 14 days to announce a public hearing.
3. 60 days after the filing of an application to make a determination.

1. Temporary structures or signs.
2. Storm doors and windows, screens, window air conditioners, antennae, and similar appurtenances.
3. Additional features as may be determined by the William Street Historic District Commission from time to time after a public hearing.
4. Ordinary maintenance, repair, or replacement (not involving changes), certain landscaping or requirements certified by a public officer as necessary for public safety.

The applicant must be notified in writing of the reasons for disapproval, and the decision filed with the Town Clerk and appropriate offices.

The prime concern of the William Street Historic District Commission is the exterior architectural features of building and structures.

The properties included in the William Street Historic District are the properties facing on William Street and some contiguous streets beginning at Woodlawn Avenue and extending along William Street short of Look Street.

When a proposed effect affecting the exterior architectural feature(s) of a structure has been determined by the Commission to be appropriate for or compatible with the preservation or protection of the William Street Historic District.

If owing to conditions especially affecting the structure but not generally affecting the William Street Historic District, and if failure to approve an application will involve substantial hardship, financial or otherwise, an application may be approved providing there is not substantial detriment to the public welfare and substantial derogation from the intent and purpose of the By-law. A public hearing is required. However, if a decision is not made within 60 days from the application, the approval of the certificate of hardship is deemed to have been granted.

If the proposed work does not involve any exterior architectural feature or involves an exterior architectural feature not subject to review, a certificate of non-applicability is issued upon request.