Philadelphia Historical Commission
Philadelphia Historical Commission is the city agency responsible for designating and protecting historic buildings and districts in Philadelphia, operating one of the nation's strongest municipal preservation programs. Established in 1955, the commission reviews proposed changes to designated properties, ensuring that alterations and demolitions do not compromise the city's architectural heritage. The commission maintains the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, which includes over 12,000 individually designated properties and numerous historic districts encompassing thousands of additional buildings. Through its regulatory authority and advocacy, the commission has helped preserve Philadelphia's position as one of America's most architecturally significant cities.[1]
History and Authority
[edit | edit source]The Philadelphia Historical Commission was established by city ordinance in 1955, making it one of America's earliest municipal preservation agencies. The commission's creation reflected growing concern about demolition of significant buildings and the recognition that voluntary preservation could not adequately protect architectural heritage. Early designations focused on colonial and Federal-era buildings in the historic core, though the commission's scope has since expanded to include buildings of all eras and types throughout the city.[2]
The commission derives its authority from the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter and implementing ordinances that establish designation criteria, review procedures, and enforcement mechanisms. This legal framework gives the commission regulatory power that advisory bodies lack, ensuring that property owners must obtain approval before altering designated buildings. The commission's authority extends to all exterior changes visible from public rights-of-way, covering alterations ranging from window replacement to complete demolition.[1]
Designation Process
[edit | edit source]The commission designates properties through a process that requires documentation of historical or architectural significance. Nominations may be submitted by property owners, community groups, the commission's staff, or any interested party. The staff evaluates nominations against established criteria, preparing reports that assess the property's significance and integrity. The commission holds public hearings where property owners and community members may present testimony before designation decisions are made by commission vote.[2]
Designation criteria require that properties possess significance in one or more categories: historical importance, architectural merit, association with significant persons or events, or contribution to a historic district. Properties must also retain sufficient integrity—meaning that original fabric survives—to convey their significance. Buildings that have been substantially altered may not qualify for designation even if they were historically significant, since the designation aims to protect the physical evidence of significance rather than the abstract fact of importance.[1]
Review Process
[edit | edit source]Property owners seeking to alter designated buildings must submit applications to the commission for review before work proceeds. Staff reviews applications against the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, nationally recognized guidelines that define appropriate preservation approaches. Staff may approve applications that clearly meet standards; applications raising questions proceed to the full commission for hearing and decision. The commission may approve applications as submitted, approve with conditions, or deny applications that would compromise historic character.[2]
Demolition requests face particularly rigorous review, reflecting the commission's mission to prevent loss of historic resources. Applicants seeking demolition must demonstrate that preservation is not economically viable or that the building poses an immediate threat to public safety. The commission may deny demolition even when applicants argue economic hardship if viable alternatives exist. This strong protection for designated buildings distinguishes Philadelphia's preservation program from weaker systems that allow demolition when owners desire it.[1]
Commission Composition
[edit | edit source]The commission comprises fifteen members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council, including architects, historians, realtors, attorneys, and community representatives. This diverse composition ensures that varied perspectives inform commission decisions, with professional expertise balanced by community knowledge. Members serve staggered terms, providing continuity while allowing periodic infusion of new perspectives. The commission meets monthly to consider designation nominations and permit applications.[2]
Professional staff support the commission's work, reviewing applications, preparing designation reports, providing technical assistance to property owners, and conducting enforcement activities. Staff expertise enables the commission to address the technical questions that preservation decisions require while handling the volume of applications that Philadelphia's large historic building inventory generates. The staff's guidance helps property owners understand requirements and identify appropriate approaches before submitting formal applications.[1]
Enforcement
[edit | edit source]The commission enforces preservation requirements through a system that combines education, negotiation, and legal action. Staff identify violations through inspections, complaint investigations, and monitoring of permit applications. Property owners who perform work without required approvals receive violation notices requiring correction. The commission works with property owners to achieve compliance through restoration of improperly altered buildings or after-the-fact approval of acceptable work. Persistent violators may face fines and liens that attach to properties.[2]
Enforcement capacity represents an ongoing challenge, with limited staff and budget constraining the commission's ability to identify and address all violations. Community members play important roles in identifying violations and reporting them to staff, extending the commission's reach beyond what limited resources would otherwise allow. The enforcement system's effectiveness depends on community engagement and political support for preservation, demonstrating that governmental programs require civic participation to achieve their purposes.[1]
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Philadelphia Register of Historic Places
- Historic Preservation in Philadelphia
- National Register of Historic Places
- Society Hill Restoration
- Preservation Alliance