The Massachusetts Attorney General has approved a new Edgartown bylaw that will require minimum maintenance on buildings in the town historic district. Last April Edgartown town meeting approved the new bylaw, which will require owners of buildings in the historic district to “keep such buildings from falling into a state of poor repair.” This applies to the exterior of buildings or interior portions of buildings that, if not adequately maintained, will affect the exterior.

Violators are subject to a fine of $300 per day. The town historic district commission may grant a waiver in cases of financial hardship or other circumstances.

The Oct. 24 letter from Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office notes that the bylaw is similar to one adopted and approved for Nantucket in 2004. The letter also notes that the bylaw will not take effect until the town has posted and published it.

The issue of minimum maintenance has been a topic of interest in other Island communities this year, with the town of Oak Bluffs considering a similar regulation. Selectmen in that town decided this week to withdraw a blight bylaw article on the November special town meeting warrant to allow more time for discussion on the issue.