Historic Preservation
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Historic Architectural Review Board

Bellefonte Borough is seeking to fill two vacancies on the HARB board:

  • Licensed Real Estate Broker (Five-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2027)
  • Alternative (Five-year term: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2027)

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 Historical 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.

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 postponement.

Have a project for HARB review? Click here. 

 
 

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 postponement. The Board currently meets virtually via Zoom. Please email [email protected] for the link. 

*** HARB will not meet on August 12, 2022. HARB will meet again on August 26, 2022

 

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available the Friday prior to the meetings. If not posted online, please email [email protected] 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 [email protected] or call (814) 355-1501 ext. 216.