Painting a home in Harwich, MA

Do you need approval to paint a house in Harwich?

Before you hire a painter in Harwich, look at the fast colors: white, gray, charcoal gray, barn red and forest green get expedited review in the historic district.

Sources: Harwich Historic District Commission Guidelines Notebook (eff. 2003-06-27)

• A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for paint colors, including windows, doors, porches and storms. Source: Harwich Historic District Commission Guidelines Notebook (eff. 2003-06-27), p. 3
• White, gray, charcoal gray, antique or barn red and forest or camp green get expedited review without a public hearing, through a Certificate of Non-Applicability. Source: Harwich Historic District Commission Guidelines Notebook (eff. 2003-06-27), p. 23
• Same-color maintenance needs a Certificate of Non-Applicability. Source: Harwich Historic District Commission Guidelines Notebook (eff. 2003-06-27), p. 3
• There is no fee, a decision comes within 30 days, and fines run up to $500 per day. Source: Harwich Historic District Commission Guidelines Notebook (eff. 2003-06-27), p. 3, 5
• Opaque stains are acceptable, clapboards and cedar shingles are appropriate, and vinyl and aluminum siding are prohibited. Source: Harwich Historic District Commission Guidelines Notebook (eff. 2003-06-27), p. 9-10, 23
• The Board of Health and state law may require a permit for mechanical paint removal, and abrasive blasting is prohibited without a variance. Source: Harwich Historic District Commission Guidelines Notebook (eff. 2003-06-27), p. 23

Read more: Historic districts outside the Old King's Highway · Lead paint rules for pre-1978 homes