Architectural Preservation District Commission


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The Architectural Preservation District Commission (APDC) is charged with preserving and protecting historically and/or architecturally significant buildings and the characteristics of their neighborhoods that are important to the town's architectural, cultural, economic, political and social history; fostering wider public knowledge and appreciation of such neighborhoods and buildings; limiting the detrimental effect of alterations, additions, demolitions and new construction on the character of such buildings and their neighborhood settings; reviewing proposed alterations, which include demolition, substantial additions, and new construction, of or to any buildings located within the Architectural Preservation District (APD), for appropriateness and compatibility with the existing buildings, setting and neighborhood character; and facilitating the protection of the APD through a combination of binding and voluntary non-binding regulatory review.

To learn whether your project lies within the APD, refer to the APD map, below. Properties located within the APD cannot be significantly altered or demolished without a public hearing and the review and permission of the Ipswich Architectural Preservation District Commission. 

For questions about the APDC's role with your project, consult the APD bylaw below, or communicate with the Planning Office at 978-356-6607 x2.

For agendas and minutes for APDC meetings, click here.

APDC Application Form
APDC Process Flow Diagram
Architectural Preservation District Bylaw

Architectural Preservation District Map

APDC Rules and Regulations
APDC Guidelines

Painting Your Historic House: A Guide to Colors and Color Schemes
Part 1: Colonial and Federal, 1640-1840
Part 2: Victorian, 1840-1900

Members

APDC Members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen
  • Nancy Carlisle, Chair (2023)
  • Peter Bubriski (2022)
  • Dwight W. Thompson (2022)
  • Christopher Morse (2025)
  • Henri (Joe) Bourneuf (2024)
  • Susan Hill Dolan, Alternate (2021)

UNLESS OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED, PLEASE PROVIDE 2 FULL SIZE PLAN SHEETS AND 7 SETS OF ALL APPLICATION MATERIAL ON MAXIMUM 11X17 INCH PAPER. ELECTRONIC VERSIONS OF ALL MATERIALS MUST BE PROVIDED TO THE PLANNING DIVISION.

Please contact the Planning and Development Department Office for more information.  978-356-6607