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The Historic Districts Act, MGL Chapter 40C was created to protect and preserve the historic resources of the Commonwealth through a local review system that encourages and ensures compatible improvement and development. Over 100 communities across the Commonwealth have enacted local historic districts to protect their historic resources and ensure the preservation of the character of their community.
Arlington has seven established local historic districts that include over 300 properties that the community has recognized as unique resources worthy of protection. The seven districts are: Avon Place, Broadway, Central Street, Jason/Gray, Mount Gilboa/Crescent Hill, Pleasant Street, and Russell. The Arlington Historic District Commissions are required by law to review the architectural appropriateness of most proposed exterior design changes, whether they be a minor alteration, new additions, or removal of trim or structures. The commissions consist of qualified volunteers appointed by the Board of Selectmen and include a property owner or resident of each district, an architect, a real estate professional, and a representative from the Arlington Historical Society.
Please note that the AHDC has jurisdiction of all properties located within a designated local historic district. In addition to the seven local historic districts, a number of individual properties outside of the districts have been designated by Arlington as being historically and/or architecturally significant. These individual properties outside the historic districts are overseen by the Arlington Historical Commission, not the Historic Districts Commissions.
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