This ordinance broadens the use of historic buildings by allowing residential and mixed‑use redevelopment in key zoning districts, with flexible density rules and a strong emphasis on historic preservation standards. It also imposes affordable-housing requirements for larger projects and sets design and site standards.
This ordinance amends the Amesbury Zoning Ordinance's Historic Preservation - Special Permit provisions to encourage the adaptive reuse of historic structures for residential and mixed-use projects in the Commercial, Office Park, Central Business District, and Central Industrial districts. It authorizes the Planning Board to adjust dimensional and density requirements to support redevelopment that preserves the historic character while ensuring proper open space, parking, frontage, and access. It directs adherence to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and related design guidelines, and establishes affordable-housing obligations for larger projects, with potential waivers under certain conditions. Additional provisions address open space retention, parking, multiple buildings on a lot, and design considerations to maintain historic integrity throughout redevelopment.