20 Fruit Street

1. Fruit Street Historic District Commission decides

   Any construction or alteration that changes an exterior feature visible from the street, including demolition, signs and fences, needs a certificate of appropriateness, non-applicability or hardship before a building or demolition permit. Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners and paint color are exempt.

   Code of Ordinances ch. 16, §§16-6–16-9 ↗

2. Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay

   Built c. 1801, so 75 or more years old: removing more than 25% of its exterior walls, changing the roofline (pitch, towers, cupolas, anything projecting above the roof), moving it, or adding a dormer that misses the setback and pitch rules is "demolition" under the demolition delay ordinance. The Commission holds a hearing within 30 days and may impose a delay of up to 18 months. Parts of the building documented as younger than 75 years are excluded on a written determination by the Zoning Administrator.

   Code of Ordinances ch. 5 art. X, §§5-307–5-308 (June 2026) ↗

3. Zoning Administrator first stop

   Every project starts with a zoning determination from the Zoning Administrator, which says which of these reviews apply and whether the work also needs zoning relief (a special permit for a non-conformity, or a variance). Fees, forms and filing deadlines are on the City’s site.

   City flowchart, June 2026 ↗

Not legal advice, not an official City publication, and not the position of the Historical Commission or any board. Says what the ordinances say as of September 30, 2026; the Zoning Administrator decides what applies. Boundaries: Merrimack Valley Planning Commission / City of Newburyport GIS (MIMAP); 1984 status from the National Register nomination's district data sheets. City's quick guide to the DCOD and demolition delay ↗ · Do I need approval? Project by project →