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Council clarifies historic-preservation review for routine maintenance
Summary
Ordinance 2025-13C was introduced to clarify that routine maintenance such as roofing, siding and replacement windows still requires an HPAC certificate of appropriateness but may be handled via a simplified, phone-based tech review rather than a full application.
The borough introduced Ordinance 2025-13C to clarify which construction activities require a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (HPAC). Miss Snider, identified by the council as the borough’s HPAC expert, said state code changes require local HPAC review for certain maintenance work even if a building permit is not needed, and the ordinance is designed to make that process clearer and less burdensome.
Under the proposed change, routine maintenance (roofing, siding, replacement windows) would generally be eligible for abbreviated review — a short application and technical review by phone rather than a full HPAC meeting — unless materials fall outside the commission’s design guidelines. Miss Snider said the ordinance will not create new burdens but will produce better notice and a paper trail for homeowners.
Council members discussed outreach to homeowners and asked the borough attorney, Bruce Padulla, to draft a letter for distribution. The ordinance was introduced on first reading and approved by roll-call vote.
Next steps: staff will develop homeowner outreach materials and the ordinance will return for final reading per the council’s schedule.
