On Nantucket there is a zoning by-law (CH 139-26) called the Demolition Delay Zoning By-Law. The idea is to minimize the amount of demolition debris ending up in our landfill. A recent study estimates that construction and demolition (C&D) debris going to the landfill is in excess of 17,000 tons annually. Additionally, the by-law exists to create an incentive for the re-use of residential structures. Nantucket has a long history of moving and re-purposing buildings.
When someone applies to demolish a building, the application is subject to review by the Building Commissioner or inspector to determine whether the structure has re-use potential. They have 20 days to offer an opinion. If it is determined there is value in the building and there are no major physical barriers to moving it, the owner places an ad in the local paper for 30 days seeking interested parties. If there are no bona fide letters of interest received within the 30 days, then the demolition permit may be granted.