Town officials in Provincetown, MA are considering asking voters to approve harsh penalties for any illegal demolition of buildings in the historic district.

A proposed bylaw is currently being drafted by the Provincetown Historic District Commission that would require a contractor to restore a partially or completely demolished building to its original condition. In addition, HDC members are considering imposing a fine of the entire assessed value of the property, a penalty that could potentially amount to millions of dollars on large, waterfront structures.

Carol Neal, HDC vice chair, said the proposed bylaw would be submitted for inclusion on the April Town Meeting warrant. While the final wording is still being determined, the purpose will be to stop the increasing number of illegal partial and full demolitions HDC members said have proliferated in town over the past few years.