The Town has an appointed Historic and Architectural Review Board (HARB) in accordance with the State Act which enables the designation of Historic Districts in Pennsylvania. The Town has an official Historic District which is “overlayed” on the Zoning District map. The HARB reviews all exterior building changes, additions, new construction, demolition, and signs, within the designated Historic District. The Board does not regulate the repainting or color of buildings as long as no other construction is planned.
Download a map of the Historic District here
BOARD MEMBERS:
Ed Sabo, Jr., Chair (resident property owner in historic district) Ralph Magill (Code Enforcement Officer) Vince DeMelfi (licensed real estate broker) Vacant Position (registered architect needed) Kimberly Morris (knowledge of & interest in preservation of historical structures) VACANCY (knowledge of & interest in preservation of historical structures) Liz Witting (resident property owner in historic district)Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at Town Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m. on second floor in Council Chambers. Application Deadline: 25th of the month prior to the meeting.
HARB History and Purpose
In 1961 The Historic District Act authorized the establishment of local Historic Districts and Historic Architectural Review Boards. The Historic District within the Town and the Town Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) were established in 1980 reflecting the commitment of the citizens of the Town of Bloomsburg to preserving and protecting the cultural heritage of the community.
The Town of Bloomsburg Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) consists of seven (7) members appointed by Town Council to serve four-year overlapping terms. HARB provides counsel and recommendations to property owners and business owners seeking Certificates of Appropriateness, as well as making recommendations to Town Council on the advisability of issuing Certificates of Appropriateness, for all exterior building changes, additions, new construction, demolition, and signs, within the designated Historic District.
In considering whether or not to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness, HARB and Council consider the general design, arrangement, texture, material, and color of the building or structures and the relation of such factors to similar features of buildings and structures in the Historic District. The issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness demonstrates that the property owner, HARB and Council have agreed that a proposed change to the exterior of a building will be consistent with, and preserve the general historic and architectural features of the Historic District.
The jurisdiction of HARB and Council is limited to exterior architectural features of buildings and structures (including fences, signs, retaining walls, etc.). Modifications to the interior of a structure are exempt from HARB requirements, although construction permits may be required before such work can proceed. HARB does not regulate painting.
Procedure For Obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness
Determine if your property is located in the Town of Bloomsburg Historic District. You may examine a map at Town Hall or click here to see one. You can also call the Code Enforcement Department at (570) 784-7123 ext. 135.
Bring the completed application package and copies to the Town of Bloomsburg Code Enforcement Office at 301 E. Second Street Bloomsburg, PA. Staff will not accept incomplete applications.
Completed applications must be submitted a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the monthly HARB meeting. HARB meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Town Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m. on second floor in Council Chambers. HARB will discuss your application with you at the meeting and may provide recommendations, stipulations or conditions for approval. If your application is denied the reason for the denial will be explained at the meeting. Written decisions are mailed to all applicants. The process of obtaining construction permits begins after Council issues a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Your application will be reviewed by HARB. Note – You must be present at the HARB meeting for your application to be reviewed. HARB normally meets the 4th Wednesday of each month, be sure to check the meeting date and time when you submit your application.
Do not begin work or order a sign until your application has been approved; you have applied for other necessary permits and have an issued permit in your hand.
Useful Information
Application for Certificate of Appropriateness Page 1 (PDF) Page 2 (PDF)
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings
The information provided in this guide is intended only to assist individuals in understanding the code requirements. It is not a complete recitation of the code. Property owners should consult the Town of Bloomsburg Code of Ordinances for answers to specific questions.
