As part of the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the offices of the Historical Commission are closed until further notice. Accordingly, meetings of the Historical Commission and its advisory committees scheduled for April 2020 have been postponed. Although the offices are closed, the Historical Commission’s staff is working remotely. Please see the instructions to submit inquiries, complaints, nominations, and some applications electronically.
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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| Social |
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