57 Low Street

1. Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay

   Built c. 1822, 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) ↗

2. Holder of the preservation restriction consents

   The state inventory records a preservation restriction on this building. Whatever the recorded restriction covers, exterior and sometimes interior and site, needs the holder’s consent, separately from every other review. The City lists the restrictions it holds and links each document.

   M.G.L. c. 184 §§31–33 ↗

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 →