Historic Architectural Review Board
Check out the newly updated Bellefonte Borough Historic District Design Guidelines, adopted in January 2025.
Have a project for HARB review? Click here to get started.
Attention: property owners of income-producing historic structures
The National Park Service (NPS) administers the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and in partnership with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs). The tax incentives promote the rehabilitation of income-producing historic structures of every period, size, style, and type. Through this program, underutilized or vacant schools, warehouses, factories, retail stores, apartments, hotels, houses, offices, and other buildings across the country have been returned to useful life in a manner that maintains their historic character. The program supports economic development, community revitalization, affordable housing, job creation, sustainability, and resilience. It helps preserve the nation’s heritage and the historic places that give our cities, town, and rural areas their special character.
National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC) is the preferred source for tax credit investments and expertise. Find out more here: https://ntcic.com/about-ntcic/
Meetings
The HARB’s regularly scheduled meetings are at 8:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month unless circumstances warrant a cancelation. Cancelation of meetings will be noted on the Borough calendar. The Board currently meets in-person in the large meeting room at 301 North Spring Street, 1st floor.
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available the Friday prior to the meetings. If not posted online, please email gthompson@bellefontepa.gov for the upcoming agenda. Minutes are available following approval.
View Agendas and Presentations
View Minutes
History of HARB
The Bellefonte Historic District ordinance was adopted in 1970 to protect the historical character of the borough. The Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) was established to review the alteration of buildings In the Historic District.
HARB is an advisory board and makes recommendations, based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, to borough council for approval on any exterior changes. By encouraging appropriate alterations and new construction that fits in with existing buildings, design review in a local historic district helps protect and enhance property values.
In addition to being a locally designated and regulated historic district, Bellefonte’s historic district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This designation assists in preserving historic properties by recognizing their significance and providing honor to the community.
Purpose
The purpose of HARB is to make recommendations to Bellefonte Borough Council concerning the erection, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, demolition or razing of all or any part of a building or structure located within the boundaries of the Historic District and visible from a public right-of-way. The HARB is composed of seven members and at least one alternate member, with each member serving a four-year term. Of the seven members, one shall be a registered architect, one a licensed real estate broker, one the Borough building official, one a business person whose principal place of business is located within the HARB-regulated historic district, and three additional persons with a knowledge of and interest in historic preservation. Residency is preferred but not required.
Have a HARB question? Email Gina Thompson, HARB Administrator, at gthompson@bellefontepa.gov or call (814) 355-1501 ext. 216.