I am pretty certain that the Masonic Temple on Beach Street is registered as a historical site. If the Feds recognize this building in their historical register how can the City's Building Dept. issue a permit allowing the building to be vinyl sided? Aren't there pretty strict rules when it comes to renovating or repairing a historical site?

I guess it is true: rules don't apply in Revere.

The Church of Christ (also known as Revere Masonic Temple) is a historic church building at 265 Beach Street in Revere, Massachusetts, United States.
The building was built in 1888 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, at which time it was vacant.

FEDERAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION LAWS

Any new construction projects or renovations to existing buildings that require funding, licenses, or permits from any state or federal governmental agencies must be reviewed by the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) for impacts to historic and archaeological properties. It is the nature of the federal or state agency involvement that triggers MHC review, not listing in the National or State Registers of Historic Places. A listing in either register does not necessarily require review and likewise, lack of listing does not eliminate the need for review.

So I will simply ask-How are they getting away with this? Doesn't the Revere Historical Society, the City Planner, and others have to approve this?

According to the state historical society by way of the National Park Service: Unless state or federal funding is being used or it requires the use of state of federal permits owners have the right to alter their property any way they want to. The only real stumbling block is local or county ordinances- but there are always ways around that if the right palms are greased.

I was wondering about 281 Beach St. It used to house a law office. I always thought that it was on the National Historic Registry. I see now that it has been sold and used as a residence. I'm surprised there is no plaque to indicate that this property is over 200 years old. It would be nice to keep some historical culture in Revere. You make a very good point.