Historic and Conservation Districts

There are two special districts in the City of Bethlehem where a Certificate of Appropriateness is required prior to issuance of a building permit. These districts include areas of the central business districts found on each side of the Lehigh River. Contact the Bureau of Code Enforcement to find out if a particular property is within a designated Historic District.

North of the Lehigh River, the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) reviews building alteration plans for exteriors that are visible from a public right-of-way. The HARB meets once each month; completed applications received by 12:00 noon on the last Wednesday of the month will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. Applications for Certificate of Appropriateness can be obtained by contacting the Bureau, or downloaded by clicking here.

South of the Lehigh River, the South Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission (SBHCC) reviews building alteration plans for exteriors that are visible from a public right-of-way. Completed applications received by 12:00 noon on the second Monday of the month will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

Ultimately it is Bethlehem City Council that either issues or denies a Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations of historic structures. Once a Certificate of Appropriateness is issued, a Building Permit can be issued for a construction project provided all other conditions are met.

The Bureau of Code Enforcement has design guidelines available to refer to when making plans for rehabilitation of historic district structures. Applications for Certificate of Appropriateness can be obtained by contacting the Bureau, or downloaded by clicking here.

The South Bethlehem Historic Conservation District has a distinct character and a unique architectural and cultural heritage. The District serves to protect significant buildings and structures that are indicative of South Bethlehem’s history and its architectural styles. The South Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission (SBHCC) works with applicants to maintain neighborhood character and protect resources from demolition through the review of proposed changes to properties visible from a public street or sidewalk. Guidelines have been established to assist applicants with compliance of standards for new construction, alterations and demolition. View the design guidelines and additional information on the SBHCC by clicking here.

Guidelines for signage have also been established to provide applicants with design assistance for commercial signs and awnings in the Historic Conservation District by encouraging continuity and visual connections amongst the buildings. The South Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission (SBHCC) reviews sign and awning installation and design in relation to the proposed site with importance placed on materials, location, size, and illumination. Information on the design guidelines can be downloaded by clicking here.

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