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Philadelphia Historical Commission

What we do

As part of the Department of Planning and Development, the Philadelphia Historical Commission protects the City’s historic resources. Together with its advisory committees, the commission:

The commission staff reviews building permit applications and nominations to the register. When needed, they forward applications to the appropriate committee. The staff:

  • Approves over 90% of building permit applications without referral to a committee.
  • Informs the public about the commission’s rules and processes.
  • Gives advice on preservation techniques.
  • Helps the public research the history of their properties.

Connect

Address
1515 Arch St.
13th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Email preservation@phila.gov
Phone
TTY: (215) 683-0286
Social

Get updates from the Historical Commission

Sign up to receive email updates from the Historical Commission.

Events

  • Jan
    9
    Historical Commission monthly meeting
    9:00 am to 2:00 pm
    1515 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA and Zoom

    Historical Commission monthly meeting

    January 9, 2026
    9:00 am to 2:00 pm, 5 hours
    1515 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA and Zoom
    map
    Applicants, property owners, and the public may participate in the Historical Commission’s meeting in person or remotely on Zoom. The Commissioners and their staff will attend the meeting in person. The Historical Commission’s meeting will be held in Room 18-029 on the 18th floor of 1515 Arch Street, also called the One Parkway Building, at the northeast corner of 16th and Arch Streets, across Arch Street from Love Park. 

    Applicants, property owners, and the public may participate in the Historical Commission’s meeting remotely in three ways: live with a computer, tablet, or smartphone; live with a telephone; and in advance by email.

    To join with a device, go to this link or scan the QR code on 9 January 2026.
    Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86843848979?pwd=9CUJnaJws8zjMv7PusaOcnmbLkgEII.1
    Passcode: 437042

    To join by telephone, call this number on 9 January 2026.
    Telephone Number: 267-831-0333
    Meeting ID: 868 4384 8979#
    Participant ID: #
    Passcode: 437042#

    To email comments, send them to preservation@phila.gov by noon on 8 January 2026.

    The meeting materials are available on the Historical Commission’s website. Please note that the meeting will be recorded. By participating in the meeting, you are consenting to be recorded. A link to the recording of the meeting will be placed here on the website after the meeting.
  • Jan
    21
    Historical Commission Committee on Historic Designation meeting
    9:30 am to 2:00 pm
    Zoom

    Historical Commission Committee on Historic Designation meeting

    January 21, 2026
    9:30 am to 2:00 pm, 5 hours
    Zoom
    map
  • Jan
    27
    Historical Commission Architectural Committee meeting
    9:00 am to 12:00 pm
    Online via Zoom

    Historical Commission Architectural Committee meeting

    January 27, 2026
    9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 3 hours
    Online via Zoom
    map

Resources


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