COVID-19 update: The offices of the Historical Commission are closed until further notice. The Historical Commission, its advisory committees, and its staff are working remotely. Please see the instructions (PDF) for remote business and electronic submissions.
Public meetings notice: Meetings of the Historical Commission and its committees have moved online. The next meeting of the Historical Commission will be held on Friday, June 12, at 9:00 a.m. on the Webex platform. To learn how to participate, view the meeting agenda (PDF) and the FAQs (PDF). The next meeting of the Committee on Historic Designation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, at 9:30 a.m. on the Webex platform. To learn how to participate, view the meeting agenda (PDF) and the FAQs (PDF).
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:
- Identifies and designates historic landmarks.
- Maintains the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.
- Hosts public meetings about historic properties.
- Works with property owners to protect landmarks.
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 |
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preservation |
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Phone:
(215) 686-7660
TTY: (215) 683-0286
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