7 Dove Street

1. Zoning Board of Appeals decides

   Listed as contributing in 1984, so removing more than 25% of its exterior walls, counted cumulatively since 2014 and including walls enclosed by an addition or openings filled in, needs a DCOD special permit; the Board may grant one only if the building retains no substantial remaining market value or reasonable use. The Historical Commission sends an advisory report. Replacing siding, or windows and doors in their openings, does not count.

   Zoning Ordinance §XXVIII ↗

2. Newburyport Historical Commission usually not involved

   Built Date not recorded (date not recorded), so its age is unknown; the ordinance applies at 75 years. The demolition delay ordinance applies only if part of the building is 75 or more years old (100 for an accessory structure), it is listed on the National Register, or the Commission has designated it significant.

   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 →