What is the Cottage City Historic District (CCHD)?
The Cottage City Historic District is a local historic district established by a two-thirds vote at an annual town meeting and provided for under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40c. Oak Bluffs is one of some 200 towns in the state with at least 1 local historic district. A 7 member Cottage City Historic District Commission is responsible for its operation.

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1. What is the Cottage City Historic District (CCHD)?
2. What do the CCHDC rules require of a property owner?
3. Do I need to get a certificate to repair or maintain my home as it is?
4. If my home is not Victorian and I want to build an addition, must it be in the Victorian style?
5. Does the by-law cover just homes?
6. Does the by-law cover changes to the interior of my house?
7. Will the CCHDC tell me what color to paint my house?
8. Does the by-law cover landscaping?
9. How do members of the Commission decide on what's "appropriate?" Are they acting on their personal opinions? What makes them qualified to do this?
10. Instead of applying for a Certificate, and going to a meeting, can the chairman or a member of the commission give me verbal approval?
11. How does the CCHDC application process relate to getting a building permit?